Baker's release without any
effect. They had to treat with one whose character was marked by firm
determination. An American officer was also sent urging the necessity of
the release of the prisoner. He was not granted an interview, but was
kindly cared for in the mess-room of the 81st, where the officers gave
him a hearty reception by a grand dinner, ordered expressly for the
occasion. Despite the swaggering and menacing tone of this guest, the
evening was spent in successive rounds of mirth and exciting gaiety.
Songs, toasts and speeches greeted the ears of the envoy, and amidst
these he almost forgot the object of his mission. At last the fine was
paid. It was not until the matter was finally settled, by the decision
of the king of the Netherlands, that comparative peace was restored.

This chapter now ends, having described the principal events that marked
the year 1827.

CHAPTER XIII.

CHESLEY MANOR--MARRIAGE OF LADY ROSAMOND.

We are again introduced to Lady Rosamond, now reinstated in the home of
her childhood. A sense of gratitude is awakened within her as she fondly
gazes upon the old familiar scenes surrounding Chesley Manor. The quaint
old structure was an exact specimen of an English manor house in the
early part of the seventeenth century, having been designed by an
architect of the royal household in the reign of James the First, whence
it still continued in the possession of its illustrious descendants.

The style adapted to the above named structure was more strictly
domestic than defensive. It was built in quadrangular form, containing
only one large court, upon which opened the stately hall, chapel, and
principal apartments. Though not commanding the imposing aspect and
grandeur of Bereford Castle, Chesley Manor had an air of true gentility
in keeping with that of its owner. Lofty windows, reaching to the
ground, looked out upon the gardens, which were enclosed by a high wall.

The period in which the present edifice was constructed was that of the
best style of English architecture, contrasting the more elegant and
graceful manor house with the frowning keep and embattled walls of the
olden castle.

Surrey, with its old historic associations, was a fitting abode for the
dreamy and poetic nature of the lovely, high-born maiden. The adjoining
districts, with vale and meadow, had a pleasing effect. Long neglected
parks and straggling decayed mansions, afforded ample scope for the
fancifu