y Rosamond
pleaded with her husband the more firmly did he resist, and, if
possible, the more ardent he became in his attention. Lady Rosamond felt
a strange and unaccountable desire to interfere with the plans laid down
by Gerald Bereford. Many times she urged upon Earl Grey the necessity of
moderation, and, with a vehemence foreign to her nature, strove to
impress him with prophetic visions of anxiety, doubt, and fear. Her
ladyship was somewhat reconciled by the resignation of the Premier, who,
in his joking manner, attributed his want of success to the hostile
attitude of the wife of his friend, Gerald Bereford.

But the conflict was kept up with renewed energy. The Reform party were
not to be thus easily outwitted. They were still sanguine. During the
period when the ministry vacillated between the Conservatives and Whigs,
the spirits of the latter never drooped. Victory was the watchword that
attached itself to the Reform party. Victory was the cry of Gerald
Bereford as he labored day and night with untiring zeal, utterly
regardless of the ravages thus made upon his hitherto robust
constitution. In this exciting struggle the young politician was
unconscious of the deadly and venomous growth taking root within
under the baneful effect of negligence and over-taxed powers.

CHAPTER XVI.

NEW BRUNSWICK.

The capital of New Brunswick was the scene of more than usual
excitement. Extensive preparations throughout the higher classes of
society indicated that some very important event or events were about to
take place. Extravagant purchases made in the several stores where were
displayed dry goods, intimated that the fair sex looked forward to the
approaching festivity with intense and joyous anticipation.

New-year's eve has arrived. Happiness expresses itself in rippling
smiles beaming upon all faces. Every citizen has cause for rejoicing.
The commodious structure planned under the supervision of His
Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, is now ready for the reception of a
numerous assemblage of guests. The family are reinstated in Government
House, happy in being once more able to extend their far-famed
hospitality as on former occasions.

Nothing was wanting to make the present reception one of the most
gorgeous in the social records of provincial life. Every window in the
entire building was brilliantly illuminated in the most beautiful colors
of every hue and in a charming variety of scenes. There were repre