ngs of her nature. The former playful glee is still alive in
Fanny's buoyant and lively manner. Her gaiety at times subsides to gaze
upon Lady Rosamond's thoughtful face. The heart of this maiden is still
fancy free. Guy Trevelyan is not disappointed in his sister, he being
yet the dearest object of her heart.

"Dearest Maude," cried Fanny, in rapturous delight, "will we not form a
happy family when Mary joins us."

"One would consider you a happy family already if happiness bears
comparison by merriment," ventured a well-known voice from the outside
apartment--a voice that had power to stir the soul of Lady Rosamond to
its lowest depths, and kindle the smouldering passion time had vainly
tried to smother into a fierce and steady flame. Strange that her
ladyship must pass another fiery ordeal--that she must add more sorrow
to her hitherto sad, eventful life.

No quivering lip or trembling form gave hope to Guy Trevelyan as he
pressed the small white hand of one whom he loved tenderly and
passionately--one whose image had been engraven upon his memory since he
had given his boyish affections to the lovely, high-born, gentle girl,
when a guest at Government House in Fredericton. Like the last moments
of a drowning man, scenes he had almost forgotten flashed before him in
countless array--scenes, varied and infinite, in which Lady Rosamond
formed the pleasing foreground.

Face to face with this beautiful woman Guy Trevelyan was ready to fall
down in adoration and pour out the tale of his sorrow with the ardor of
undying love. What is the tenor of his thoughts while engaged in quiet
and easy conversation with her ladyship and the other occupants of the
drawing-room? Guy Trevelyan is wondering if he dare avow his love--if by
any means he can find hope to approach Lady Rosamond on a subject which
engrosses his waking thoughts.

Mary Douglas completed the family circle. With her came love, joy, hope,
and happiness. Her lovely presence gave fresh impulse to every one
greeting her arrival. Lady Rosamond felt a ray of light shed upon her as
she caressed her true and constant friend. Maude was happier, if
possible, in the love of Geoffrey Seymour when listening to the sweet
silvery voice of this peerless woman. Fanny was overjoyed on the arrival
of Mary Douglas. She alone could open her heart before the gaze of a
companion. Her affections were untrammelled by false hopes or unrequited
love. She sought the society of the forme