her the greatest source of comfort. To their varied experience of life
the young girl would give the entire earnest of her truthful nature. Nor
was this fact unnoticed. Lady Rosamond was the frequent partner of a
revered grandfather, either at the whist table or in the quadrille, much
to the secret annoyance of the young gentlemen present.

Mary Douglas was often at the side of her girl friend. It frequently
happened that they were vis-a-vis in a quadrille, when Lady Rosamond
indulged in exchanging playful sallies of mirthful character. In
appearance, manners and companionship those lovely girls might be
considered as sisters. On more than one occasion had such a mistake been
of concurrence, while Mary Douglas was recognized as Lady Rosamond.

Colonel L----, an intimate friend of Sir Howard, remarked to a lady
beside him, "This is truly an enjoyable affair. I am doubtful if many
years hence some will not look back and say that this was one of the
happiest moments of their life."

In the midst of this speech a gay and dashing young officer stepped
forward, accosting a superior in command in a brotherly and familiar
way, shewing behind a tie of relationship. Aside, in quiet tones, the
younger exclaimed, "Cousin Charles, will you introduce me to the lady in
crimson velvet and white satin, with tiara of diamonds?" "Certainly,
Montague, whenever you wish. Do you not think her beautiful?" "Yes," was
the reply, "but not in effect with Lady Rosamond or Miss Mary. Does not
that lovely costume set off her ladyship's charms. How faultless her
form! It is a hard matter to decide between the beauty of those
companions."

This last remark caused a blush to suffuse the brow of a handsome youth