an occasional splash of oars of the pleasure seekers, whose small white
boats dotted the silvery surface and were reflected in the calm depths
below.

On such an evening more than half a century ago when the present site of
Government House was occupied by the plain wooden structure known as
"Old Government House," a group of ladies was seated on the balcony
apparently occupied in watching the lingering rays descending behind the
hills. Suddenly the foremost one, a lovely and animated girl whose
beauty baffled description, espied a gentleman busily engaged in
admiring some choice specimens of flowers which were being carefully
cultivated by a skilful gardener. Bounding away with the elasticity of a
fawn, her graceful form was seen to advantage as she stood beside the
high-bred and distinguished botanist. The simple acts of pleasantry that
passed shewed their relationship as that of parent and child. Sir Howard
Douglas was proud of his beautiful and favorite daughter. He saw in her
the wondrous beauty of her mother blending with those graces and rare
qualities of the heart which won for Lady Douglas the deep admiration of
all classes. Beauty and amiability were not the entire gifts of Mary
Douglas. She was endowed with attainments of no ordinary stamp. Though
young, she displayed uncommon ability in many different branches of
education; shewing some skill as a composer and musician, also a talent
for composition and poetry. With simple earnestness she placed her hand
lovingly upon her father's shoulder, exclaiming "Papa, dear, I have come
to watch you arrange those lovely flowers." "Well, my dear, you are
welcome to remain. I am certainly complimented by such preference. You
must allow me to acknowledge it by this," saying which, the fond parent
plucked a white rosebud and fastened it in the snowy lace upon the bosom
of his child. "Papa, dearest, one act of love certainly deserves
another," exclaimed Mary, as she fondly pressed the lips of Sir Howard,