heir friend, Lieutenant Trevelyan, stood on an
eminence bordered by woods. Here Sir Howard watched the afternoon's
sport with keen interest. He saw in the assembly many features to be
discountenanced. None admired a noble animal better than Sir Howard, and
none were more humane in their treatment. Captain Douglas entered more
into the sport of the proceedings. His whole mind for the present was
centered on the expectation of his noble little animal. In gaining the
race he was generous to the last degree. Honor was the password in all
his actions, while he gave his opponents that feeling which led them to
thank him for an honorable defeat.

The occasion of Lt. Col. Tilden's arrival was always hailed with a round
of festivities. This evening was the commencement, servants in livery
were at every footstep. An array of butlers and waiters was conspicuous
arranging the different tables. The grateful odors emitted from several
passages presaged the elaborate dishes to be served. The rattle of
dishes, clinking of glasses, and drawing of corks, hinted of the viands
in unlimited store. While the above were conducted in the mess-room,
many of the guests were as busy in their own private apartments making
the necessary toilet for the reception. In the foremost tier of rooms to
the left, facing the river, on the ground floor, is the one occupied by
Lieut. Guy Trevelyan. He is brushing out the waves of chestnut brown
hair which, though short, shows a tendency to assert its nature despite
the stern orders of military rule. A shade passes over the brow of the
youthful-looking soldier as he dons his scarlet uniform. His thoughts
are not at ease. Guy Trevelyan feels a vague and unaccountable
yearning--an undefined feeling which is impossible to shake off. "Well,
Trevelyan," soliloquized he; "you are a strange old fellow; such a state
as this must not be indulged amidst the stir and hurly-burly of
to-night. I believe bedlam has broken loose." No wonder that Trevelyan
thought so; for, at that moment, several noisy songs broke upon him--the
barking of at least a score of dogs, the clatter of steps upon the
pavement, and the practising of fifes and drums. Such a babel--a
distraction of noises and shouts of hilarious impatience were amusing in
the extreme. At the appointed hour, the usual ceremonies of introduction
being passed, the company were at last seated. And such a table! Such an
array that one would only get into difficulty by attempt