Lady Douglas never wearied in watching and caring for the welfare of her children.  No mother could be more amply rewarded in seeing her family grow up loved and honoured; her sons true types of gentlemanly honour; her daughters having all those graces which are desirable to beautify the female characters, and make woman an ornament in her family and in society.  “Mr. Howe,” exclaimed Sir Howard, glancing towards that personage, “you escaped a severe ordeal by being tardy this afternoon.  You have proved that every rule has an exception, but I must be careful not to introduce any comparisons;” thus saying, his Excellency directed his smile towards Mr. Trevelyan.  Seated beside Miss Douglas, the young Lieutenant once more heightening the effect of his handsome dark eyes by the deepening colour of his cheeks.  “Come, come, Mr. Trevelyan, reveal what is hidden behind His Excellency’s smile.”  “Pardon me, Mr. Howe,” said Lady Douglas, “I am pledged to relieve Mr. Trevelyan of any further parley.  A truce was effected until the compromise is paid this evening in the drawing room.”  “I thank your Ladyship,” said the Lieutenant, bowing.  “Then, Your Excellency, that theory falls to the ground at present,” said Mr. Howe, “I am not classified as an exception.”  The secretary smiled as he thought of the cause of his tardiness, and the sport his revelation would make for the gentlemen, when the ladies had withdrawn.  “My Lady Rosamond is rather demure,” said Sir Howard, smiling upon that young lady with his truthful smile.  “Really Your Excellency cannot forget that I have been studiously trying to avoid any pitfalls.”  “Ah, you cunning rogue, you are amusing yourself with the shortcomings of the party,” returned Sir Howard, “this is unjust.  We will demand some concessions from those members who have been drawing largely upon the resources of others.”  Turning to Lady Douglas, he added, “Your Ladyship will please bear that fact in mind, or rather make a note of it.  Lady Rosamond Seymour and Mr. James Douglas will make amende honourable for past delinquencies, not forgetting Mr. Howe.  Will add that the last clause be conditional.”  A general flow of conversation follows as the dinner progressed.  Harmony prevailed throughout while humour and wit were salient points in many topics.  The most remarkable feature, perhaps, was the absence of anything that could not be received by the most fastidious.  All practical jokes or questionable remarks were discountenanced by the family of Sir Howard Douglas.

One of the members laying claim to your attention is the Lady Rosamond Seymour, a distant cousin to Lady Douglas, descended from that distinguished family of Seymours so conspicuous in the Tudor Period.  Lady Rosamond was a character of rare distinction.  Her Father, Sir Thomas Seymour, an English Admiral, a man brave, honourable, respected and admired.  He had married Lady Maria Bereford, the daughter of an English Baronet, who, dying at an early date, left