er to desecrate such sacred charms.
Lady Rosamond has yet to rejoice in these; she has yet to pluck the
blossoms of happiness springing up from the soil of buried hope where
seeds had been scattered by the unseen hand of Mercy. Well might Gerald
Bereford have been fond of his wife as she approached the "Sailor King,"
in her train of white satin and velvet sparkling with diamonds, with a
grace bespeaking ease, trust and dignified repose. The announcement of
Lady Rosamond Bereford afforded striking proof of the warm-heartedness
of his majesty, showing he did not forget his former white rose of
England. His eagle eye detected the small jewelled gift almost concealed
within the breast of her ladyship, as she lowly bent down to kiss the
hand of her sovereign. A beautiful blush overspread the features of Lady
Rosamond as she felt the directed gaze. "Your ladyship has not forgotten
the sharer of her childhood joys," exclaimed His Majesty with expressive
smile.

A deep blush succeeded when the kneeling suppliant recovered sufficient
self-possession to reply. "Your Majesty will pardon this occasion to
acknowledge the great honor conferred by this tender allusion to a loving
and loyal subject."

In her blushing loveliness, Lady Rosamond received a fragrant and
beautiful white rose from the hand of her liege sovereign as expressive
of the desired continuation of his former regard and endearment. This
was truly a remarkable moment in the life of her ladyship. She felt the
true force and depth of friendship. If the favor of her monarch could
give happiness, would she not exercise a large monopoly? Yet there was
happiness enjoined in the ceremony. His Majesty was happy to meet his
former friend and companion. Her Majesty the Queen was happy to find one
in whom her husband found so much to admire. Gerald Bereford was truly
happy in having such royal favour extended towards the lovely being upon
whom he lavished his fond love.

These circumstances gave some relief to lady Rosamond and taught her
many lessons through suffering to which she could return with thankful
gratitude for the bitter trials so heavily imposed. Sometimes a feeling
of remorse took possession of her ladyship as she looked upon the face
of her husband and fancied that there rested a yearning, wistful look, a
lingering for her truer sympathy. She sometimes felt that her husband
also cherished his vain regrets, his moments of bitter conflicts when he
tried to smothe