sympathizer and ruler was about to take
leave. Many mourned his departure as that of a father or brother. Their
friend in prosperity and dire adversity; he who had struggled with the
calamities and worked for the advancement of his people, their interests
and direct benefits, was now to embark for his native land.

Regret was depicted on every face as the colonists moved in large bodies
to return grateful recognition for the zealous labors spent in their
behalf. Every society took active measures in showing their mingled
regret. Tears rained thick and fast as many old friends grasped the hand
of Sir Howard, murmuring a last God bless you. The kind-hearted soldier
could not but feel deeply when he witnessed such hearty demonstrations,
yet he had hopes of returning to New Brunswick. He cheered the people
with such remarks and strove to make the least of the matter.

Nor was the family of Sir Howard less to be regretted. Their kind
hospitality, generous hearts, and unassuming dispositions, had made many
friends in Fredericton and throughout the Province.

Lady Douglas strove to conceal her regret with many well-timed remarks.
Mary Douglas lovingly lingered among the well-remembered walks and paths
where she had spent peaceful and happy days. The lovely spring-time
which she had looked forward to, with its songs of birds, bright
sunshine, lovely flowers, and green fields, had come again, but not for
her enjoyment. Other ears would listen to the warbling songster--other
forms would sit in her accustomed seats and enjoy the pleasing
sunshine--other hands would pluck the lonely flowers blooming in beauty
all around--other footsteps would roam over the soft green grass that
gently raised its head as she tripped lightly along in former years.
_These_ were the friends of Mary Douglas, truly the child of nature.
Birds, flowers, fields, sunshine, rain, and storm, were the constant
companions of the gifted and beautiful student. The warble of the birds
was to her of more worth than the most bewitching strains of an English
opera; flowers taught lessons more inspiring and sublime than the most
profound theological discussion. Verdant fields and bright sunshine were
constant reminders of Heaven's choicest blessings and never-failing
truth, while the stormy conflicts of nature's elements taught the heart a
wholesome lesson in the thought that life has its changing moods, its
bitter conflicts, its merciless storms.

Sad was the heart