secret must remain a secret.  Were it known to Charles Douglas, he would have cherished it with a sanctity becoming him as one whose whole lifetime marked out the strait laid down by the great poet:  “where one but goes abreast.”  But the hospitable host was in his gayest mood.  Everything contributed to make the reception a flattering one.  Fanny Trevelyan was at ease among the old friends of her deeply beloved brother.  Mary Douglas was in ecstacies of delight upon thus meeting Guy Trevelyan.  On several occasions she was deeply sad when referring to the troubles of Lady Rosamond, but seemed to feel hopeful in the return of Gerald Bereford’s health and strength.  Maude Bereford was playful, entertaining and happy.  A more pleasant party were never gathered at “The Hall.”  Lady Trevelyan was a dignified and reserved woman, possessing much judgment and coolness of decision, but added to these were qualities which endeared her both to her family and all those who made her acquaintance.  It was with extreme pleasure that she contributed a share in the entertainment of those friends who had extended such kindness to her only son when placed among strangers in a distant land.  By every possible means within her power, Lady Trevelyan lavished both gratitude and affection upon the beautiful daughter of the distinguished family who had shared their hearts and home with the handsome young lieutenant when first deprived of the society of his own happy household.  Such was the disposition of Lady Trevelyan that these tokens of disinterested friendship could never be forgotten, but steadily shone as a bright light to cheer her daily path, undimmed by any darkening visions of disappointed hopes or vain delusions.

This happy family have realized their parents’ wishes.  Captain Trevelyan’s retirement was urged by an earnest entreaty on the part of his mother.  By it he could attend to the numerous requirements of the estate, which had lately become an onerous duty devolving upon Mrs. Trevelyan.  The faithful steward of the family had grown old in the service and not capable of managing the business as in the days of his prime.  Yet the fact only added to his reputation.  Captain Trevelyan advised in such a quiet and suggestive manner that the old servant scarcely felt his growing inability.  No discord prevailed.  Moderation was the true secret.  The family of Colonel Trevelyan treated their dependents with gentleness and kindness.  Lady Trevelyan often sought advice from them in such a way as both showed her confidence in their opinion, and gained unbounded respect towards the relationship thus existing between them.  Mary Douglas at first seemed inclined to shrink from the reserved demeanor of her ladyship, but further acquaintance made her feel comparatively at ease.  Really the present occasion afforded opportunity for what may, with due propriety, be termed a complication of plans, or more properly still, plans within plans.  Lady Trevelyan had formed her little plans.  To do justice to