r with a feeling bordering on
idolatry. Together they spent much of their time, while Captain
Trevelyan was thrown upon the resources of Lady Rosamond. The constant
companionship of the man whom she loved cost many a bitter struggle to
her ladyship. The earnest gaze of Guy Trevelyan's soft eyes were indeed
hard to bear. If he only knew the power thus exercised upon the fair
being beside him. But Lady Rosamond had kept her secret from the eye of
any living creature save herself. Captain Trevelyan must not discover
the fatal knowledge. He must never know. Still they conversed together,
talked together, and spent many hours together, having much opportunity
to fathom the depths of each other's heart. Lady Rosamond seemed
cheerful, content, and happy. Captain Trevelyan was apparently
light-hearted, pleasing, agreeable, and attentive. Each guest endeavored
to make the most of this friendly meeting. Even Lady Bereford strove to
forget her feelings and rally her former spirits and dignified
stateliness. Bereford Castle enjoyed a season of delight.

One lovely evening afterwards several voices mingled in the shrubbery
adjoining the garden. Maude was conversing in animated tones with Fanny
Trevelyan. Geoffrey Seymour had played truant to his lady love by
gallant attention to Mary Douglas.

In a remote corner, almost beyond hearing of these, and scarcely visible
through the foliage, were the forms of a lady and gentleman seated
beneath the sheltering branches of a stately elm. A nearer approach shows
the rising color of the rose-tinted cheeks--the glorious light in those
lovely eyes--the bewitching and irresistible smile. A manly voice is
heard exclaiming in the tones of a rapturous lover, "Rosamond, my own
darling, I never expected to realize such happiness. In the possession of
such love I am a thousandfold rewarded for a lifetime of misery. Yes, my
peerless Rosamond, the last half hour has amply repaid the torturing
pangs of a forlorn and hopeless love which I have suffered since first
beholding you." At this avowal the speaker leaned towards Lady Rosamond
Bereford, revealing the features of Captain Trevelyan. In a moment of
passionate fervor he had confessed his undying attachment to the lovely
Rosamond, and had received the blissful assurance of reciprocated love.
He was in possession of a happiness beyond description as he told the oft
repeated tale to his betrothed wife, listening to her voice as it fell
like music upon h