l flights of her ladyship's fond imagination.

Sir Thomas was indeed happy in thus having his daughter once more to
brighten the home so long desolate and lonely. He enjoyed the perpetual
sunshine of her bright presence. He loved to caress his beautiful child
and admire her sweet and bewitching charms. Lady Rosamond seemed happy
when in her father's presence. She returned his tender endearments with
childish and playful gestures; she brought sunshine in her path in which
the flowers of affection bloomed with luxuriant beauty. She was esteemed
by the train of domestics and functionaries who performed the duties of
the household. This fact somewhat conciliated the young mistress of
Chesley Manor. Her grateful nature could not view these matters without
feeling their import.

Wandering through the exquisitely arranged suites of spacious rooms
which had been renovated with a desire to meet her approbation, Lady
Rosamond could not but experience a pang of heartfelt sorrow. Parental
love overcame her weakness. Sir Thomas alone possessed the key that
gained access to her feelings. He alone could turn aside the channel of
her resisting thoughts and mark the course for the tide of conflicting
torrents as they surge madly on.

Maude Bereford is once more cheered in the daily companionship of Lady
Rosamond. In their girlish and pretty ways those lovely girls form a
pleasing picture to grace the interior and surroundings of Chesley
Manor. Maude has a gentle and lovable disposition which wins the
admiration of both sexes. Though not a beauty, she is truly
beautiful--beautiful in heart, beautiful in soul. None see this mental
beauty more clearly than the young mistress of the manor. The gentle
nature and simple-minded heart of Maude Bereford sees in her cousin the
sweetness and worth which are so fondly adored by her brother Gerald.

That Lady Rosamond sees in her future husband all that can make the
heart truly happy is a source of constant delight to her loving cousin.
Maude has not the keen perception of the nature of the human heart.

Lady Bereford was sanguine over the result of her diplomatic tact. There
lay no obstruction in the path which she had marked out for Gerald
Bereford. No rivals had given cause for offence. Lady Rosamond had
readily encouraged the advances made by her suitor. It was now a settled
conclusion. The fact had been communicated throughout the country. Sir
Thomas had already received hearty congratulati