"Constant practice only serves to sharpen his wits," said Mr. Howe, with
a vein of sarcasm in his tones. "It grows late, or, I should say,
early," said Douglas, without taking notice of the last sentence. "Howe,
good morning, I shall retire." "Au revoir Douglas."

"Oh, sleep! Oh, gentle sleep! Nature's soft nurse," murmured Captain
Douglas, as he sought repose from the wearing and fatiguing rounds of the
last evening and remaining part of the night. Soon the "gentle sleep" was
upon him, and, steeped in quiet forgetfulness, slept peacefully,
regardless of toast, speeches and cousin Jonathan.

His friend in the adjoining room still puffed away at a cigar, drank
another toast to cousin Jonathan, soliloquizing: "By Jove, I shall watch
him closely. He is a clever youth, but I shall make a study of him. If
he would make me his confidante I should readily assist him. Douglas has
not the penetration to perceive it, but I can. Can any young lady be
mixed up in the affair? If so, I may be at a loss to discover." In the
meantime, the secretary, now thinking it time to follow Douglas to
gentle sleep, commenced to prepare for retiring, further soliloquizing:
"That look puzzled me last night, I must make good my word." Here he
stopped short and was soon enjoying sound sleep, in order to feel
refreshed for the duties and social demands of another day. The coming
day intended to be almost a repetition of the past. Morning, public
parade; afternoon, on the race course; and evening in the mess-room. Sir
Thomas Tilden's arrival was always hailed with joy, being marked with
grand festive honours, balls, parties and suppers. To these seasons the
officers and many of the leading citizens looked forward with fond
expectation. Beautiful ladies met in their ball-room the gallantry and
chivalry of Fredericton. Nothing but gaiety on every hand. Such events
marked the order of society in the capital of New Brunswick over half a