presided over these mysteries, in the secret chamber, with the vigilance
of the dragon who guarded the golden apples in the classic shades of the
Hesperides. All busy little feet were turned towards the door, but
further entrance was barred by gentle admonition from her ladyship.

Lady Rosamond had been allowed the privacy of her own apartments without
interruption. She was preparing some tokens of regard for different
members of the family. Many chaste and valuable articles had been
received from home for this purpose, but she wished to make some choice
trinkets as her own work. Many times she had stolen a half-hour to
devote to this labor of love. An elegant silk purse had been netted for
Lady Douglas. For Mary Douglas she is engaged on a prettily-designed
portfolio. None were forgotten, not even Sir Howard, who was the
recipient of a neat dressing-case. As Lady Rosamond's deft fingers
wrought upon each article her mind was busy upon a far different, and,
to her, important matter. She longed for sympathy and advice. Her father
gave himself little concern regarding her ambiguously-written message.
He saw that his daughter was somewhat cold and indifferent to her
cousin's preference, but he expected that, on her return, she would
readily agree to anything which met his approval. Not wishing to repeat
the sentiment of the letter thus described, Sir Thomas Seymour had
considered moderation as the surest hope of success. Having thus
expressed his opinion to Lady Bereford, the Admiral was assured and
confident. On this Christmas season he had selected a costly locket,
studded with diamonds, as a gift to Lady Rosamond, and dwelt, with
loving pride, upon the many gentle qualities of the lovely girl; her
happy prospects as Lady Bereford, adored by a fond husband, beloved by
all.

Happy Lady Rosamond! in thy busy thoughts. Dared we venture for thee an