will be in a position to give you that ease and affluence your
birth demands. As Lady Bereford, Lady Rosamond Seymour will neither
compromise rank, wealth, nor dignity, and will be happy in the love
of a fond, devoted husband, and the blessing of a doting father. It
is my great love for you, my child, that urges this settlement. I
am certain that you will have no hesitation in giving your answer.
You are young, and have as yet formed no prior attachments, for
which circumstance thank heaven, and allow me to congratulate you
for being so fortunate as to secure the heart and hand of Gerald
Bereford. Do not imagine that it is our wish to shorten your stay
in New Brunswick. You are at liberty to enjoy the companionship of
your friend Mary till the years have expired, after which I think
that my daughter will be anxious to see her only parent, and to
form high opinions of her cousin Gerald. My dear, I do not wish to
hurry you, already knowing your answer. Wishing to be kindly
remembered to Sir Howard and Lady Douglas, and the family, with my
fondest love.

Remain, Your Father.

Such was the tenor of the epistle which had caused these feelings within
the bosom of Lady Rosamond. Sir Thomas Seymour was a man not to be
thwarted in his designs. He loved his child with deep tenderness, and,
as he said in the letter, this was the reason of his solicitude. It had
always been the secret pride of the Admiral's life that Gerald Bereford
should wed Lady Rosamond, but he kept his favorite plans closely guarded
until means were offered to aid him. Many times Sir Thomas fancied that
Gerald Bereford admired his lovely cousin, and had a faint hope in the
realization of his wishes. When the climax was reached, by those avowals
on the part of the suitor, the great joy of the solicitous parent knew