f Sir Thomas would eventually disclose a brighter
prospect. No jealousy had crossed his mind. Had Lady Bereford expressed
her opinion in his presence he might have formed a far different view of
the matter. At present all was tranquil. Maude's earnestness momentarily
affected him--nothing more.

Lord Bereford, the present incumbent, was a man of sterling integrity--a
firm friend of his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Seymour. Though a man of
high birth, distinguished, and sought by the great and learned, he was
gentle, unassuming, and benign.

From her father Maude Bereford inherited the quiet and unobtrusive
demeanor, so strongly in contrast to the haughty and obsequious bearing
of Lady Bereford. Gerald was a strange compound of both--a fact that
gave birth to the honest convictions of his nature.

Lord Bereford was an ardent admirer of Lady Rosamond--"a true
Bereford,"--the counterpart of her mother, Maria Bereford, whose beauty
had been the theme of unusual admiration. For hours could he gaze upon
his sister's child and recall the past, when a beautiful girl wandered
through the old familiar spots and looked to him for brotherly sympathy
when any annoyance rose before her. When the young girl grew to
womanhood and gave her affection to his boyhood friend, Sir Thomas
Seymour, he bestowed his blessing. Was he to repeat that blessing upon
the child? Many times did Lord Bereford dwell upon this subject. His was
a nature endowed with lasting qualities, true sympathy was the key note
to his heart. He loved Lady Rosamond with devout, tender solicitude as
his only daughter, and her happiness was his. If the love that Gerald
Bereford bore towards his niece was not entirely reciprocated, and at
the great sacrifice, would the true-hearted nobleman have urged upon Sir
Thomas the error of his conduct? Such liberalism upon his part provoked
the resentment of Lady Bereford, who could not brook any interference
with the strictly defined principles of conservatism so long entailed
upon every branch of her family. Sir Thomas Seymour was a staunch
worshipper of his sister-in-law's doctrine. He cherished every idea with
fondness, occasionally bringing them forth to view as opportunity
favored. While Lady Rosamond is sadly watching the days and months drag
slowly along within the bosom of Sir Howard Douglas' happy household,
such are the motives actuating each of those who endeavor to seek her
welfare; such is the state of their respective