the features of the suffering girl. The silken ringlets of her raven
black hair were rearranged with bewildering profusion, while the
feverish blush added to her surpassing charms. A faint smile passed over
Lady Rosamond's features as she tried to appear gay and assumed those
girlish charms which made friends on every side, from Sir Howard to the
youngest member in the household. "Oh, dear, what shall I do?" escaped
the lips of the sufferer. "What will bring this matter to an end?" But
pride would not allow Lady Rosamond to reveal her feelings. She would be
a true Seymour. It were well that she possessed this spirit, being in
this instance an offset to injured delicacy.

Having remained in privacy longer than it was customary, she reluctantly
prepared to meet the family. Descending the upper stairway, she was met
by one of the children who had come to summon her to join them in a
walk.

Lady Rosamond was always a favorite with children and the family of Sir
Howard formed no exception. They loved to accompany her on long walks in
search of any thing the surrounding woods afforded. Scarce two months
had passed since their arrival and they were familiar with all the cosy
retreats, nooks and pretty spots to be found. Surrounded by her
followers, Lady Rosamond appeared as a naiad holding revel with her
sylvan subjects.

In her present mood the woods seemed to suggest calm. With her
companion, Mary Douglas, and the romping children, Lady Rosamond was
seemingly happy. A slight accident occurred which somewhat disturbed the
enjoyment of all, more especially those whom it most concerned.

In crossing a narrow brook by means of a small plank which, being