hero in the estimation of his fair suppliant.

"Accept this favor, Sir Knight, as a token of the sincerity of your
lady," said Lady Rosamond, stepping forward with a knot of pale blue
silk in her hand.

With the brave gallantry of a Douglas, our hero knelt at the feet of her
ladyship, and, receiving the favor, in graceful recognition kissed the
fair hand that placed it there.

"Well done, my boy!" cried Sir Howard, who had been watching the
ceremony from an open window, whence he had heard all that passed, and
the circumstances which led to it; "you have already shown that spirit
which I hope will always characterize my children."

After the picnickers had departed Lady Rosamond and Mary Douglas
returned to the house, where they were met by Lady Douglas.

"My child, are you ill to-day?" said her ladyship; "you are unusually
pale, while your eyes have a wearied look."

"I do not feel quite well this morning," returned Lady Rosamond,
languidly.

"You need rest, my dear, after the fatigue of last evening; too much
gaiety does not bring a bloom to my Rosamond," said her ladyship,
kissing the pale cheek of the lovely girl, adding: "My dear, you must
retire to your room, while I prepare a gentle sedative."

Lady Rosamond did retire. She also received the cooling draught from the
fair hand of Lady Douglas, whose kindness shone in administering to the
wants of others.

Poor Lady Rosamond's rest could not be gained by the simple sedative.

Physical ailments are not the worst form of suffering that afflict
humanity. Lady Rosamond was enduring a mental conflict that was crushing
in its intensity. The more she tried to baffle its power the more
forcibly did it affect her. Vainly had she struggled within herself for
aid, but no response. Faint hope dawned in the form of appeal. She now
resolved to go to her dear companion with all her trials and tale of
suffering. At intervals this hope died away, but in the end gained the
mastery. It was this resolve that kept Lady Rosamond from joining in the
festive train that set off that morning. It was this resolve that
detained Mary Douglas as well. It was this resolve that bade Lady
Rosamond to seek the quiet of her chamber preparatory to the trying
disclosure.

Lady Douglas little divined the cause of those pale cheeks, as she
ascribed them to the recent fatigue of an evening.

With heavy heart Lady Rosamond prepared for the reception of her
confidante. A most beautiful pictu