in the closing
festivity celebrating St. John's Eve.

CHAPTER VII.

THE DISCLOSURE.

Winter had far advanced; its reign of severity and pitiless defiance was
near its end. Already the genial days of joyous spring were heralded by
a vigorous effort of the shrubs and plants to show themselves in
resistance to the tyrannizing sway of the ice-crowned monarch. An
occasional note from the returning songster was welcomed as the
brightest harbinger of the truly delightful season. Merry voices mingled
in tones of deep gratitude as they once more sallied forth to enjoy the
pleasure of the woods.

None were more exultant than the inmates of Government House. From Sir
Howard to the child at the feet of Lady Douglas, all shared alike in the
pleasure of anticipation. Foremost in gleeful demonstration was the
pioneer Johnnie, who danced and sang in the enjoyment of his native
element--light and sunshine. Every hour that could be laid aside for
this purpose was equal to a fortune.

But our young friend was no miser in this respect. Every available guest
must be in readiness to join the incorrigible Johnnie when bent on his
excursions. All stood on equal rights. Youth and age were all in the
same order of classification. It was a remarkable trait of Johnnie's
character that denials were not considered as sufficient excuse for
delinquency on the part of any favored with invitations, and, in
consequence, all made a point of being in readiness.

A bright Saturday morning had been arranged for one of those
expeditions. April showers had already been the means of bringing forth
flowers (if not May flowers), only to be found by the penetrating eyes
of "Trapper Johnnie," as some of the more mischievous urchins had dared
to designate their leader.

When, on the auspicious moment, at the marshalling of the clan, two had
dared to break the rules, so strictly laid down, surprise was
momentarily visible on many faces.

Lady Rosamond, the next in importance to Johnnie, had pleaded inability
to attend, with a desire to retain her friend and companion. There was
something in the pleading and beautiful eyes of Lady Rosamond that drove
vexation at a respectful distance, and welcomed, in its stead, a feeling
akin to sympathy within the heart of the manly boy. True chivalric
dignity asserted itself in every form when necessity demanded. Her
ladyship instantly received permission to remain, with a generous grace
that made Johnnie a true