heightening the effect of his handsome dark eyes by the deepening colour
of his cheeks. "Come, come, Mr. Trevelyan, reveal what is hidden behind
His Excellency's smile." "Pardon me, Mr. Howe," said Lady Douglas, "I am
pledged to relieve Mr. Trevelyan of any further parley. A truce was
effected until the compromise is paid this evening in the drawing room."
"I thank your Ladyship," said the Lieutenant, bowing. "Then, Your
Excellency, that theory falls to the ground at present," said Mr. Howe,
"I am not classified as an exception." The secretary smiled as he
thought of the cause of his tardiness, and the sport his revelation
would make for the gentlemen, when the ladies had withdrawn. "My Lady
Rosamond is rather demure," said Sir Howard, smiling upon that young
lady with his truthful smile. "Really Your Excellency cannot forget that
I have been studiously trying to avoid any pitfalls." "Ah, you cunning
rogue, you are amusing yourself with the shortcomings of the party,"
returned Sir Howard, "this is unjust. We will demand some concessions
from those members who have been drawing largely upon the resources of
others." Turning to Lady Douglas, he added, "Your Ladyship will please
bear that fact in mind, or rather make a note of it. Lady Rosamond
Seymour and Mr. James Douglas will make amende honourable for past
delinquencies, not forgetting Mr. Howe. Will add that the last clause be
conditional." A general flow of conversation follows as the dinner
progressed. Harmony prevailed throughout while humour and wit were
salient points in many topics. The most remarkable feature, perhaps, was
the absence of anything that could not be received by the most
fastidious. All practical jokes or questionable remarks were
discountenanced by the family of Sir Howard Douglas.

One of the members laying claim to your attention is the Lady Rosamond
Seymour, a distant cousin to Lady Douglas, descended from that
distinguished family of Seymours so conspicuous in the Tudor Period.