Lady Rosamonds Secret | Page 3

with a like result." "I venture to say, your
Excellency, that in the present instance, we might too clearly prove the
old saying as regards comparisons," returned Lieut. Trevelyan, "and
would therefore enjoin silence." "Ah, no, Mr. Trevelyan," said Miss
Douglas, "we will not allow our claim to be set aside in this manner.
We must muster courage in our own self-defence as an offset to your
acquiescence, or else papa will wear his laurels very lightly."
"In the first instance," said she, "we were admiring the beautiful sunset,
the soft outline of the hills, and the beauty of the landscape. Is that not
worthy of describing, papa?" The eldest daughter of this distinguished
family made this appeal with a face beaming with the enthusiasm of her
deep appreciative nature. Anne Douglas possessed not the great beauty
of her sister Mary, yet was a lovely and loveable woman, capable of
inspiring deep regard. Sir Howard acknowledged by saying, that if she
continued, the comparison would turn the weight on the other side.
"Not yet, papa dear," said Miss Douglas, "you must hear further. We
were speaking freely of our warm reception from the citizens, of the
social resources of Fredericton, its commercial interests; and before
you joined us, were planning to ask your assistance, by giving your
views and opinion of Fredericton in its general aspect, as presented on
your arrival." "Mr. Trevelyan," ventured Sir Howard, "I am sorry to
acknowledge that the ladies have sufficient cause to charge you with
desertion of your colours; but the end may not justify the means." "Ah,

papa, your inference is indirect--you will not surely justify Mr.
Trevelyan." "In the present state of affairs," exclaimed Sir Howard, in
playful military tone, "the enemy is preparing for action. The only
chance of success is thus--retreat under cover of fire, or fall back on the
strength of defence." "Your Excellency has a stronghold in the enemy's
quarter," joined in Lady Rosamond, who had been seated at the side of
Captain Charles Douglas, their eldest son. "Before testing the strength
of our forces let there be a short truce, on condition that His Excellency
will give us the desired information this evening," said Mr. Trevelyan,
playfully endeavouring to conciliate Miss Douglas. At this moment
Lady Douglas formed an attractive feature to the group. Her graceful
form, dignity of gesture and gentle expression was a subject of
admiration. Her winning smile was greeted by recognitions of deep and
respectful courtesy on the part of the gentlemen.
"My Lady, fortune has at last condescended to favour me by your
appearance among us," said Mr. Trevelyan, rising and advancing
towards Her Ladyship, while a blush suffused his handsome face,
hastily making its way with deepening colour, showing the clear and
open hearted spirit of the young Lieutenant. "We now have hopes of a
speedy restoration." Mr. Trevelyan then related the foregoing sallies to
the fair arbitress, who listened with keen relish and enjoyment. "As I
have arrived at this unfavourable moment," said Her Ladyship, "I will
try to end the matter satisfactorily to all parties. His Excellency being
one of the chief actors, shall forfeit his liberty by devoting an hour in
satisfying the present demands of the company. Mr. Trevelyan also,
will only extricate himself from his present position by giving one of
his many excellent renditions from Shakespeare or any of the favorite
authors. Do you not all agree to this decision?" As Lady Douglas
glanced towards her daughter Mary, she read in those beautiful eyes a
mischievous flash directed towards Miss Douglas. "If I judge aright
there is yet another to be brought to hasty retribution," said the former.
"Pardon me, but I think your Ladyship is rather severe," said the
youthful lieutenant with a boyish flush of youth upon his brow. "I beg
that the penalty imposed upon Miss Douglas may be something which
rests upon her direct choice." "Treason within the camp," exclaimed
Captain Douglas, in his military tone. "Trevelyan, beware, you are

being caught in a pitfall." Lady Douglas smiled as she turned to Miss
Douglas, saying "Mr. Trevelyan's request shall be granted, you can
choose your own task of imposition, music, reading, or any other
pastime." "The matter is settled, thanks to her Ladyship," exclaimed Sir
Howard, "and I beg leave to withdraw to mature my views for the
coming lengthy topic of this evening." The hour being announced
warned the ladies to prepare for dinner, the group separated leaving the
verandah to the romps of two favorite hounds, a spaniel, and a pair of
tame rabbits.
While preparations are thus going on in the different apartments of
Government House, a carriage arrives with its occupant, Mr. Howe,
private secretary to Sir Howard. The carriage, a handsome one, is
driven by a span of