ourself," retorted Mr. Howe, assuming an air of nonchalance.

"Ah, I see how it is with my honored friend," once more ventured Captain
Douglas, "he already is maturing plans to place me at disadvantage
before I have fairly secured entrance to Trevelyan Hall; but," added the
speaker, with an air of playful menace, "old chap the tables may turn,
as they did many a time in Fredericton."

Much as Mr. Howe regarded his friend, Charles Douglas, he wished that
the last remark had not been made. Though it were said with the ease of
unconscious and humorous gaiety, the quick glance of the secretary saw
the instant effect. This was the only point on which he remained
reticent to his bosom friend. They had been together for years. They had
grown from childhood together, yet Captain Trevelyan's secret must
remain a secret. Were it known to Charles Douglas, he would have
cherished it with a sanctity becoming him as one whose whole lifetime
marked out the strait laid down by the great poet: "where one but goes
abreast." But the hospitable host was in his gayest mood. Everything
contributed to make the reception a flattering one. Fanny Trevelyan was
at ease among the old friends of her deeply beloved brother. Mary
Douglas was in ecstacies of delight upon thus meeting Guy Trevelyan. On
several occasions she was deeply sad when referring to the troubles of
Lady Rosamond, but seemed to feel hopeful in the return of Gerald
Bereford's health and strength. Maude Bereford was playful, entertaining
and happy. A more pleasant party were never gathered at "The Hall." Lady
Trevelyan was a dignified and reserved woman, possessing much judgment
and coolness of decision, but added to these were qualities which
endeared her both to her family and all those who made her acquaintance.
It was with extreme pleasure that she contributed a share in the
entertainment of those friends who had extended such kindness to her
only son when placed among strangers in a distant land. By every
possible means within her power, Lady Trevelyan lavished both gratitude
and affection upon the beautiful daughter of the distinguished family
who had shared their hearts and home with the handsome young lieutenant
when first deprived of the society of his own happy household. Such was
the disposition of Lady Trevelyan that these tokens of disinterested
friendship could never be forgotten, but steadily shone as a bright
light to cheer her daily path, undimmed by any darkening