r, and perhaps he is right. At least I hope so. Remember me
kindly to every one of the family, I shall mention none
particularly. Gerald expresses a wish not to be forgotten by you.
Now, dearest Mary, if this truly formidable missive weary you,
please deal gently with Gerald and

Your Loving Rosamond.

Lady Rosamond had given her friend some of the glimpses of her
experience in Rome, yet she had much more to relate on her arrival. Some
months would elapse before her husband would consider his health
sufficiently restored to return to his native land. At intervals he
seemed almost restored when a sudden relapse would cause a renewed
return of the symptoms attending his flattering disease. Still they were
hopeful that with the returning spring health would be restored the
patient invalid. Throughout the severe dispensation Gerald Bereford
manifested no irritation, no fretfulness, no complaining. He seemed to
be happy in appreciating the labors of his beautiful wife. On one
occasion, when she asked if he did not weary of his sickness, he quietly
replied:

"Darling Rosamond, it has shown that you are willing to sacrifice every
pleasure in devotion to one who can never fully repay such a debt of
gratitude. Do you think that I can try, my Rosamond?" exclaimed he,
pressing a fond kiss upon the lips of the pale but lovely woman, as she
sat beside him.

Ah! Gerald Bereford knew not that in these words there lay a hidden
meaning. Surely, and in a way unknown to both, will the debt be paid.

CHAPTER XXI.

LIGHT, SHADOW, AND DARKNESS.

The guests at Trevelyan Hall had departed, Maude Bereford alone
remaining. Captain Trevelyan applied himself to the duties devolving
upon him with a will. His hospitality was the comment of many. He had
begun life aright. His honest heart and upright principles were a sure
passport to prosperity and popularity. "The Hall" was a scene of much
gaiety and resort. Large gatherings were of frequent occurrence, to
which the families of the surrounding neighbourhood were cordially
invited. Fanny Trevelyan was idolized among her youthful companions and
associates. Her sweet face was welcomed as a delightful acquisition on
every occasion. Many sought to show their fond appreciation of her
retiring manners and graceful elegance. Flattery had no power over her.
She possessed a character of too much depth and penetration to harbor the
least feeling akin to vanity. Lady T