Lady Rosamonds Secret | Page 5

usual dinner party. None but those who have passed much time in the
company of Sir Howard Douglas, and enjoyed his many gay and social
dinners and parties, can form any just conception of the true worth and
genuine goodness of this fine specimen of an English gentleman. The
flashes of wit and graceful repartees, mingled with sound judgment and
truthful dignity, characterized the nature of the gallant Sir Howard. He
was ever on the alert to minister to the wants of others. No one was
neglected within his knowledge or recollection. From his daughter
beside him to every guest around this festive board, none were allowed
to go forth without coming directly under his recognition. The stern
realities of military life through which he had passed, had in nowise
interfered with those social qualities which so endeared our hero to the
hearts of all. In Lady Douglas, Sir Howard found a faithful helpmate, a
loving wife and deeply affectionate and pious mother. Lady Douglas
never wearied in watching and caring for the welfare of her children.
No mother could be more amply rewarded in seeing her family grow up
loved and honoured; her sons true types of gentlemanly honour; her
daughters having all those graces which are desirable to beautify the
female characters, and make woman an ornament in her family and in
society. "Mr. Howe," exclaimed Sir Howard, glancing towards that
personage, "you escaped a severe ordeal by being tardy this afternoon.
You have proved that every rule has an exception, but I must be careful
not to introduce any comparisons;" thus saying, his Excellency directed

his smile towards Mr. Trevelyan. Seated beside Miss Douglas, the
young Lieutenant once more heightening the effect of his handsome
dark eyes by the deepening colour of his cheeks. "Come, come, Mr.
Trevelyan, reveal what is hidden behind His Excellency's smile."
"Pardon me, Mr. Howe," said Lady Douglas, "I am pledged to relieve
Mr. Trevelyan of any further parley. A truce was effected until the
compromise is paid this evening in the drawing room." "I thank your
Ladyship," said the Lieutenant, bowing. "Then, Your Excellency, that
theory falls to the ground at present," said Mr. Howe, "I am not
classified as an exception." The secretary smiled as he thought of the
cause of his tardiness, and the sport his revelation would make for the
gentlemen, when the ladies had withdrawn. "My Lady Rosamond is
rather demure," said Sir Howard, smiling upon that young lady with his
truthful smile. "Really Your Excellency cannot forget that I have been
studiously trying to avoid any pitfalls." "Ah, you cunning rogue, you
are amusing yourself with the shortcomings of the party," returned Sir
Howard, "this is unjust. We will demand some concessions from those
members who have been drawing largely upon the resources of others."
Turning to Lady Douglas, he added, "Your Ladyship will please bear
that fact in mind, or rather make a note of it. Lady Rosamond Seymour
and Mr. James Douglas will make amende honourable for past
delinquencies, not forgetting Mr. Howe. Will add that the last clause be
conditional." A general flow of conversation follows as the dinner
progressed. Harmony prevailed throughout while humour and wit were
salient points in many topics. The most remarkable feature, perhaps,
was the absence of anything that could not be received by the most
fastidious. All practical jokes or questionable remarks were
discountenanced by the family of Sir Howard Douglas.
One of the members laying claim to your attention is the Lady
Rosamond Seymour, a distant cousin to Lady Douglas, descended from
that distinguished family of Seymours so conspicuous in the Tudor
Period. Lady Rosamond was a character of rare distinction. Her Father,
Sir Thomas Seymour, an English Admiral, a man brave, honourable,
respected and admired. He had married Lady Maria Bereford, the
daughter of an English Baronet, who, dying at an early date, left two
sons and one daughter--the Lady Rosamond. Placed under the care of a

maiden aunt, the young lady had the benefit of learned instructions. Sir
Thomas was determined that his child should receive all possible pains
in her education. Though displaying no uncommon ability, Lady
Rosamond was studious and persevering, compensating for genius by
never failing application. She made considerable progress in classics,
literature and poetry. In mathematics she was deficient. "I will do my
best," she would often say to her tutor, "but you know I never was
expected to be a mathematician." Lady Rosamond was indeed beautiful.
The perfect features of her oval shaped face were lit by sparkling black
eyes, full, large and dreamy, sometimes bewildering one with their
variety of expression. While residing with her aunt, Lady Rosamond
had formed an intimacy with Mary Douglas, which increased as they
grew older. Together they spent many happy hours, and never