A spirit of inspiration seemed to shine upon the face of Mary Douglas as
she read her companion's future.

A smile lit up the features of Lady Rosamond.

"Thank heaven, darling, for that smile," said the gifted daughter of Sir
Howard, throwing her arms around the sorrowing girl and kissing her
affectionately.

Lady Rosamond felt happier and more encouraged from the fact of having
such consolation and hope.

Mary Douglas had shed a ray of comfort in one unhappy heart. She knew
not the load which was thus removed.

Lady Rosamond clung to those kind words with a fond pertinacity: not
only the _words_, but the manner in which they were uttered.

Some evenings after the preceding interview had taken place, Sir Howard,
Lady Douglas and family were assembled in the drawing room. Miss Douglas
was seated at the piano, while Miss Mary Douglas sang the song so dear
to every Scottish heart--Highland Mary. Lady Douglas listened to the
melodies of her native land with heartfelt admiration. She loved to
cultivate such taste on the part of her daughters. None could give a
more perfect rendition of Scotch music and poetry than they.

When Miss Douglas sang "The Winter is Past," another of Burn's melodies,
Mary Douglas fancied she saw the beautifully chiselled lips of Lady
Rosamond tremulous with emotion. The first verse ran thus: