aid, but no response. Faint hope dawned in the form of appeal. She now
resolved to go to her dear companion with all her trials and tale of
suffering. At intervals this hope died away, but in the end gained the
mastery. It was this resolve that kept Lady Rosamond from joining in the
festive train that set off that morning. It was this resolve that
detained Mary Douglas as well. It was this resolve that bade Lady
Rosamond to seek the quiet of her chamber preparatory to the trying
disclosure.

Lady Douglas little divined the cause of those pale cheeks, as she
ascribed them to the recent fatigue of an evening.

With heavy heart Lady Rosamond prepared for the reception of her
confidante. A most beautiful picture is presented to the imagination in
those lovely girls sitting side by side the arm of Mary Douglas around
her companion.

"Mary, my love," began Lady Rosamond, "I have often longed for this
moment, but could not summon the courage which the occasion demands."

"Rosamond, you startle me by your earnestness," said the former with
deep surprise, dropping the title, as familiar companions, at the
suggestion of her ladyship.

"Have patience, my darling; you shall hear it only too soon."

Between sighs and sobs Lady Rosamond told the whole history of her
troubles--the letter and its stern proposal--not forgetting her father's
kindness and his great love for her; "but oh!" she continued, "he cannot
realize the depths of my misery."