Lady Rosamonds Secret | Page 9

stir and
hurly-burly of to-night. I believe bedlam has broken loose." No wonder
that Trevelyan thought so; for, at that moment, several noisy songs
broke upon him--the barking of at least a score of dogs, the clatter of
steps upon the pavement, and the practising of fifes and drums. Such a
babel--a distraction of noises and shouts of hilarious impatience were
amusing in the extreme. At the appointed hour, the usual ceremonies of
introduction being passed, the company were at last seated. And such a
table! Such an array that one would only get into difficulty by
attempting to describe it. Captain Douglas occupied a seat to the right
of Lt. Col. Tilden and received that attention which characterizes Sir
Thomas. Mr. Howe, once more on friendly footing, was assigned a seat
beside the incorrigible Captain Hawley, whose choice epithets

produced such sensitive effects upon the ears of the secretary sometime
previous. Major McNair, a brusque, genial, stout-hearted soldier,
always ready to do the honors of the Regiment under his charge, had on
his right Captain Hawkins, an American officer; on his left an
American youth and nephew of the officer. The convivial resources of
these dinners were of a nature sometimes loud, boisterous, and
exhilarating. Though indulging in countless practical jokes, various
scenes of carousal, revels, mingling with toast upon toast, cards and
amusements, there was a general good feeling throughout the whole
proceedings. Misunderstandings sometimes led to sharp words, but the
intervention of a superior had a healing effect. In nowise did Lieutenant
Trevelyan receive so many taunts from his fellow officers as for habits
of moderation. They often dubbed him "Saint Guy, the cold water
man," which only served to amuse the young Lieutenant. The attention
of the American was often directed to Mr. Trevelyan, listening with
deep interest to the history of the young man and his distinguished
father. "Lieutenant Trevelyan is a gentleman in every sense of the
term," said the Major. "There is no need of that explanation, sir," said
the American; "it is written in bold outline upon his handsome boyish
face. His father will yet be proud of such a son." "The words of His
Excellency," returned the Major. In the flow of general conversation
that ensued many pretty speeches were made by the military and
responded by several citizens, gentlemen who were frequent guests at
dinner. Sir Thomas Tilden arose, complimenting Captain Douglas on
his success, hoping that they may meet soon on the same business. This
called from the gallant and handsome Captain one of his most witty and
humorous speeches, after which Captain Hawley sang Rule Britannia
with the entire company in a deafening chorus. After a short pause,
cries of "Howe! Howe!" Nothing short of an oration would satisfy. The
secretary rose and delivered something which would take some
investigation to classify either as an epic, oration, or burlesque. They
wanted variety and such it was. A puzzled expression rested on
Lieutenant Trevelyan's face as he tried to follow Mr. Howe in the
lengthy harangue.
The band afterwards played "Hail Columbia," which was the signal for
Captain Hawkins to respond. The American thanked the Commander

and Officers of H. M. 52nd Regt. for the marked hospitality and
courtesy extended to him during his stay. Alluding to the feeling of
dissatisfaction existing between the sister nations, he hoped to see a
firmer footing established between them; and all former animosities
wiped out forever. These and other like sentiments called forth loud
applause, the band playing "The Star Spangled Banner." Speech
followed toast and song until the hours wore on unheeded. Lest it might
be considered an absurdity, we will not say how many toasts were
actually made--not in water, either, on this occasion. The strongest
proof of this fact was found in the dozens of empty bottles lying
scattered in profusion upon sideboards, tables and floors, the following
morning, as servants looked on in dismay. The task of removal is no
slight task. Before the company breaks up let us take another glance at
Lieutenant Trevelyan. In respect to his superiors the young gentleman
still remained as one of the company. Though twenty-one years had
lightly passed over our young friend and favourite, one would not judge
that he was more than eighteen. His smooth and beardless face had the
delicate bloom of a young and pretty girl. Dimples nestled in his cheeks
playing hide and seek to the various emotions of the owner. Guy
Trevelyan had not mastered his feelings during the "hurly burly," as
firmly as was his wont. Relapsing into an existence half reality, half
dreamlike, he was striving to divine the true state of his thoughts when
called upon by Sir Thomas Tilden. "Here is Lieutenant Trevelyan, the
Adonis of our Regiment, whom we cannot accuse of