oes, cascades,
mounts and precipices, seemed to steal away thought and quietly bear one
to sleep to the music and dreams of fairyland.

The interior of the castle was in keeping with the grounds. The great
hall which, in olden time, formed the most important part of the whole,
was somewhat reduced in its dimensions. The windows of stained glass
were emblazoned with the armorial bearings of the family, while the
walls were adorned with life-size portraits of their ancestors. The
richly carved roof, with its massive timbers and pillars supporting it;
the old relics, in the shape of banners, helmets, swords, shields, and
other implements of warfare, were arranged on every side. On each wing
of the main building were spacious, modern rooms, occupied by the family
as private apartments, viz: the drawing-room, dining-room, and sleeping
apartments.

But perhaps the most attractive feature of the castle is the extensive
library--an octagonal room in a small tower, apparently built at a
recent date. The stained glass of its oriel window is very beautiful;
the handsomely gilded ceiling and pannelled walls have a fine and
striking effect; the floor is paved in marble, with inlaid mosaic; the
shelves of rosewood and oak are filled with the most costly productions
of literature, ancient and modern. This ancient family had cherished a
fond taste for letters and science. The present lord, uncle of Lady
Rosamond, still found leisure to devote many hours in his favorite
resort--the library. Gerald Bereford cultivated a taste likewise. He was
a young man of strong literary preferences, showing a desire for
learning, with a keen appreciation of the pleasures and pastimes of
daily life.

The drawing-room of Bereford Castle was indeed a superb display of
taste, grace, wealth and classic design. Though firmly believing that a
description will dispel the charm lingering around those beautiful
rooms, I cannot resist the inclination to give one.

Lofty ceilings, frescoed and gilded, blazing in gold, with the arms of
the family in bold relief; walls with wainscoting, arras and gorgeous
tapestry. Furniture polished, carved and decorated; chairs embroidered
in crimson and gold; Turkey carpets of fabulous price and texture;
statuary, the work of ages; pictures, the work of a lifetime. Mediaeval
grandeur in every niche and corner. Add to this a view of the gardens
from the deep embayed windows, and you have a faint conception of the
drawing-roo