revelyan had guarded her daughter's
education and trained her with a view to set a proper estimate upon those
qualities which ennoble and elevate the soul. Maude Bereford was a proper
companion for Fanny Trevelyan. Their minds were in harmony, while the
latter acted as a propelling power to force the aspirations of the other
above their common flight. Lady Trevelyan was pleased with this
companionship. Though she could not discern the brilliant genius and
powers which characterized the beautiful Mary Douglas, there was much
to admire in Maude Bereford. Captain Trevelyan was kind, amiable and
attentive. He paid every mark of respect towards his gentle and loveable
guest. Frequently they walked, chatted and rode together. Maude was
pleased with the gentlemanly attentions of the engaging officer, and
showed her appreciation in many ways. He enjoyed the society of those two
girls much as those of playful children. Fanny was truly happy in her
brother's company.

"Dear Guy, you must never love any one more than me," was a frequent
rejoinder as she received his many tender caresses.

One day, when seated upon the lower end of the balcony, Fanny laid her
hand lovingly upon her brother's shoulder and looking into his face,
exclaimed:

"Guy, I have often wondered about you."

"About me, pet," returned the latter, "what can it be about me that is
really worthy of so much attention from a young lady fair? Already I
feel as of some importance."

Guy Trevelyan was now a handsome man of twenty-seven. The effeminate
blush of youth had given place to an open and engaging animation that
made him doubly attractive. Turning his gaze upon his sister, he added:

"Come, little one, tell me this great wonder. I must not be kept in
suspense. Cannot Maude assist you? If so, I rely upon her in the present
dilemma," said Guy, turning in playful appeal to Maude Bereford.

"Your surmise is groundless, _mon frere_," returned Fanny, in childish
glee, "Maude is entirely in the dark, (pardon the vulgarism.)"

"I will pardon you in everything, provided you gratify my curiosity,"
said the other.

"Fanny, it is unjust to treat Guy in this way," said Maude, by way of
intercession.

"Two against one," cried Fanny, with a demure smile upon her face. "The
majority has it. I am placed in a difficult position," said she, turning
to her friend, adding, "Maude only for your suggestion I might have been
able to extricate myself. Well, I shall try my be