ace after sufficient time had
elapsed. Lady Bereford knew that Sir Thomas was really deceiving himself
as well as his nephew; but with the keen perception of her nature, kept
her own counsel. She, as well as Sir Thomas, was determined to carry out
her design, for which purpose she closely concealed part of her views
from Maude upon the reading of Lady Rosamond's letter, also her message
to Sir Thomas, their interview, concessions and result.

Practical and calculating woman of the world as was Lady Bereford, might
it be possible that she could heartlessly seal that daintily perfumed
missive which was to become the source of such almost unendurable
anguish? Really, one would fain exculpate her ladyship of the great
wrong--a wrong which for years could not be obliterated from the hearts
of those whose sufferings were borne silently and without reproach, each
bearing the burden with a sickening heart, feeling that death would be a
happy relief.

What a world is ours. What a problem is life. Is there any word in the
English language more suggestive? Life--its surroundings, aspects, all
its outward associations. Is this the limit? Would to Heaven in some
instances it were so, that the end be thus. What a hollow mockery does
it impart to the heart of Lady Rosamond, whose cause of misery remains
as yet half told. Life--a troubled dream, a waking reality, yet we cling
to it with fond delusive hopes. What astute reasoner will solve, the
intricacies of this problem? Can one who has suffered? The muffled
throes of crushed hearts are the only response. God pity them!

CHAPTER XI.

FREDERICTON: ITS BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSES, AMUSEMENTS, ETC

The year following the great fire was marked by great progress
throughout the Province. Farmers were again in homes which they had
built upon the site of those destroyed by the devouring element. Fields
once more showed signs of cultivation. With Sir Howard Douglas to
stimulate the prosperity of his people, progress was the watchword--the
general impulse.

Fredericton, like the phoenix, had arisen from its ashes; buildings
arose in rapid succession. Wooden houses of moderate pretensions lined
Queen and King streets, from Westmorland to Carleton street, the limit
of the burnt district.

Business was carried on by a few upright and enterprising merchants,
foremost of whom stood Rankine & Co., the leading firm of the city. This
establishment was situated on Queen street, between Nort