sh. Do you not think her beautiful?" "Yes," was
the reply, "but not in effect with Lady Rosamond or Miss Mary. Does not
that lovely costume set off her ladyship's charms. How faultless her
form! It is a hard matter to decide between the beauty of those
companions."

This last remark caused a blush to suffuse the brow of a handsome youth
standing within hearing. Suddenly turning away, and musing as he went,
Lieutenant Trevelyan was half angry at himself for some slight betrayal
of feeling which fortunately had not been detected.

As Lady Douglas was sitting in a corner, whither some of her guests had
retired to rest from the fatigue of the evening, a lady near ventured to
exclaim, "What a noble looking young man is Lieutenant Trevelyan! He has
such a frank and honest face; besides, he is so kind and considerate.
Having heard so many kind allusions towards him from so many sources, I
have a great interest in his welfare. It is said that his father won
distinction in the army."

"Yes," returned Lady Douglas, "I can remember his father when he really
appeared not much older and wore the same blushing countenance as our
dear friend Guy."

"Ah, there he is," exclaimed one of the eager admirers.

At this moment the subject of their remarks led forth Lady Rosamond as
his partner in the dance.

"What a charming couple," said one. "How striking the contrast of their
dress," said another, as the bright scarlet of Lieutenant Trevelyan's
uniform reflected on the pure white satin of Lady Rosamond's bodice,
while the blue satin added a pretty effect.

"How happy he looks as he smiles upon his partner," said one of the
group.

"Who could be unhappy in the presence of Lady Rosamond?" replied Lady
Douglas.

"Pardon, your ladyship, but there are many here who feel the hidden pain
caused by one look or smile from her ladyship's lovely face." The
speaker here lowered her voice, continuing: "I cannot explain or account
for the feeling which prompts me, but I really think that Lieutenant
Trevelyan is under the influence of those beautiful eyes, and really it
would be the fondest of my dreams realized, having in both seen much to
admire."

"Mrs. B----," said Lady Douglas, in playful tones of reproof. "You
really would be tempted to become a match-maker?"

"Yes," replied the other, "if by any means I could further the present
scheme."

"Lady Rosamond is indeed amiable and loveable, and worthy of a true and
noble husband, while