but our love,

I remain your expectant

Fanny.

Fanny Trevelyan's letter had a double effect upon the mind of the
recipient. It involved both happiness and despondent gloom, and
unconsciously had struck a tender chord which vibrated with redoubled
sadness in its deep sympathy.

Why do the waking echoes of the past take cruel delight in presenting to
the mind visions which otherwise would be laid aside in a retired recess
or a secret chamber sacred to the relics of other days and other scenes?
Why are those realities to present themselves in merciless and mocking
array to gloat upon our sufferings with fiendish delight? These are
questions only to be answered when the causes which call them forth have
ceased to exist.

Captain Trevelyan's retirement was the subject of much concern for the
officers and men. Many discussions arose as to the motive. Lieutenant
Creagh remonstrated, but to no purpose. As the slow sailing ship bore
the gallant regiment across the Atlantic, hope reigned supreme in many
hearts. Friends and home greeted them on arrival. At Gosport, Captain
Trevelyan took formal leave, having received the strongest proofs of
sincere friendship existing between man and his fellowbeings.

Great was the joy that awaited Guy Trevelyan as he once more entered the
fine old park enclosing the grounds of "Trevelyan Hall." His mother, a
staid and stately English matron, forgot all dignity as she threw
herself fondly into his arms. Fanny, the pet of the household, clung to
her brother with tightening embrace, showering him with kisses pure as
her maiden heart. Nor was the dutiful son less tender in his expressions
of joy, as lovingly he gazed upon the fair girl seated with her arm upon
his shoulder. He could scarcely realize that the little girl of twelve
was now the lovely maiden of eighteen almost matured into a gentle and
loveable woman. In her sweet childish manner Guy Trevelyan found much to
admire. The firm, steady gaze of her deep blue eyes had a power to rivet
the attention of the beholder, that puzzled him. He knew from the calm
and earnest tenor of his sister's manner that her heart was unfettered
by any deeper attachment than those of family ties. In the bitterness of
his feelings he thanked Heaven for this fond assurance, fervently
praying that the love of his pet sister would never be given where it
would never be returned.

He now listened with eager curiosity to the affairs of Lady Rosamond.