er they all united in bestowing kind and sisterly regard. To
gratify curiosity, and show our beautiful young friend as she appeared in
the drawing-room, leaning on the arm of Captain Douglas, I will try
describe her as nearly as possible:--A white satin robe with court train,
bordered with the purest lace, festooned with pearls, over a blue satin
petticoat, formed a lovely costume, with bodice of white satin, showing
the faultless waist of the wearer; white satin slippers, ornamented with
pearls, encased the tiny feet of Lady Rosamond. She was, indeed, worthy
the name she bore--a type of her lovely but unfortunate ancestress, who
won, for a time, the fickle heart of Henry Eighth, and gave birth to the
good and pious young Edward.
Many smiles of recognition were bestowed upon the Lady Rosamond, among
whom were those of the old cavaliers and statesmen, the middle-aged and
the young and gay gallants of the day. If the latter showed any
preference, as regards companionship, it was a strange preference for
the more advanced in life. Ladies in the declining stage of life were to
her the greatest source of comfort. To their varied experience of life
the young girl would give the entire earnest of her truthful nature. Nor
was this fact unnoticed. Lady Rosamond was the frequent partner of a
revered grandfather, either at the whist table or in the quadrille, much
to the secret annoyance of the young gentlemen present.
Mary Douglas was often at the side of her girl friend. It frequently
happened that they were vis-a-vis in a quadrille, when Lady Rosamond
indulged in exchanging playful sallies of mirthful character. In
appearance, manners and companionship those lovely girls might be
considered as sisters. On more than one occasion had such a mistake been
of concurrence, while Mary Douglas was recognized as Lady Rosamond.
Colonel L----, an intimate friend of Sir Howard, remarked to a lady
beside him, "This is truly an enjoyable affair. I am doubtful if many
years hence some will not look back and say that this was one of the
happiest moments of their life."
In the midst of this speech a gay and dashing young officer stepped
forward, accosting a superior in command in a brotherly and familiar
way, shewing behind a tie of relationship. Aside, in quiet tones, the
younger exclaimed, "Cousin Charles, will you introduce me to the lady in
crimson velvet and white satin, with tiara of diamonds?" "Certainly,
Montague, whenever you wi
|