d Sir Howard, "this is unjust. We will demand some concessions
from those members who have been drawing largely upon the resources of
others." Turning to Lady Douglas, he added, "Your Ladyship will please
bear that fact in mind, or rather make a note of it. Lady Rosamond
Seymour and Mr. James Douglas will make amende honourable for past
delinquencies, not forgetting Mr. Howe. Will add that the last clause be
conditional." A general flow of conversation follows as the dinner
progressed. Harmony prevailed throughout while humour and wit were
salient points in many topics. The most remarkable feature, perhaps, was
the absence of anything that could not be received by the most
fastidious. All practical jokes or questionable remarks were
discountenanced by the family of Sir Howard Douglas.

One of the members laying claim to your attention is the Lady Rosamond
Seymour, a distant cousin to Lady Douglas, descended from that
distinguished family of Seymours so conspicuous in the Tudor Period.
Lady Rosamond was a character of rare distinction. Her Father, Sir
Thomas Seymour, an English Admiral, a man brave, honourable, respected
and admired. He had married Lady Maria Bereford, the daughter of an
English Baronet, who, dying at an early date, left two sons and one
daughter--the Lady Rosamond. Placed under the care of a maiden aunt, the
young lady had the benefit of learned instructions. Sir Thomas was
determined that his child should receive all possible pains in her
education. Though displaying no uncommon ability, Lady Rosamond was
studious and persevering, compensating for genius by never failing
application. She made considerable progress in classics, literature and
poetry. In mathematics she was deficient. "I will do my best," she would
often say to her tutor, "but you know I never was expected to be a
mathematician." Lady Rosamond was indeed beautiful. The perfect features
of her oval shaped face were lit by sparkling black eyes, full, large
and dreamy, sometimes bewildering one with their variety of expression.
While residing with her aunt, Lady Rosamond had formed an intimacy with
Mary Douglas, which increased as they grew older. Together they spent
many happy hours, and never wearied in their bright day dreams thus
woven together. Nothing could exceed the grief of those companions when
it was announced that the family of Sir Howard Douglas was soon to
depart for New Brunswick. Lady Rosamond was inconsolable, and after
urg