lowed by an anchor!" producing at
the same time a costly ornament in the form of an anchor. "Have no fear,
your cross is outweighed by the anchor Hope in the end. What a beautiful
encouraging omen!"

CHAPTER VI.

ST. JOHN'S EVE.

It was St. John's Eve; Government House was a scene of splendour; truly
every precinct was a blaze of dazzling light. Here was assembled the
distinguished, gay, beauty, and wit of the Province; the learned and
severe as well as the thoughtless. Hearts beat with throbbing and
exciting pulsation, fired by hope's fondest dreams. The spacious
drawing-room, already described in a preceding chapter, now assumed, if
possible, a more brilliant aspect--flooded with light, rendered more
effective by an additional chandelier, a gem of countless scintillations,
distracting in variety and prismatic design. The courtly reception,
high-born dignity and ease exhibited in every smile, gesture, word and
action of the distinguished occupants, might recall vivid conceptions of
the days when beauty and chivalry were conspicuous in homage to royalty
and grand pageantry.

Amidst the pressure and arrival of each guest no confusion was apparent.
Rank took precedence with studied regard. The many guests were attired
in a style and elegance becoming the occasion. Conspicuous was the
military rank of the large number of officers of His Majesty's
service--colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, ensigns, and all those
insignias of like distinction. Among these might be found hidden,
viscounts, lords, and baronets, and those aspiring to the proudest titles
and birth of family. To describe the most imposing and costly dresses
worn on this evening would be a difficult task. Ladies arrayed in the
most gorgeous and priceless brocade and satins ablaze with diamonds and
gems, snowy silks studded with pearls, velvet robes lined with costly
furs and covered with lace at a fabulous price and texture, coronets of
jewels, necklaces, bracelets, and beautiful trinkets, made the suggestion
to a beholder that Heaven had showered down her radiation of delight by
bestowing upon these jewels a reflection scarce less than that of her own
upon the scene above. Among the throng none were more eagerly sought than
Lady Rosamond; her quiet and easy dignity had won the regard and esteem
of all those with whom she mingled. Unassuming and retiring, Lady
Rosamond had excited no jealousy on the part of her less favored female
friends. On h