Colonel L——­, an intimate friend of Sir Howard, remarked to a lady beside him, “This is truly an enjoyable affair.  I am doubtful if many years hence some will not look back and say that this was one of the happiest moments of their life.”

In the midst of this speech a gay and dashing young officer stepped forward, accosting a superior in command in a brotherly and familiar way, shewing behind a tie of relationship.  Aside, in quiet tones, the younger exclaimed, “Cousin Charles, will you introduce me to the lady in crimson velvet and white satin, with tiara of diamonds?” “Certainly, Montague, whenever you wish.  Do you not think her beautiful?” “Yes,” was the reply, “but not in effect with Lady Rosamond or Miss Mary.  Does not that lovely costume set off her ladyship’s charms.  How faultless her form!  It is a hard matter to decide between the beauty of those companions.”

This last remark caused a blush to suffuse the brow of a handsome youth standing within hearing.  Suddenly turning away, and musing as he went, Lieutenant Trevelyan was half angry at himself for some slight betrayal of feeling which fortunately had not been detected.

As Lady Douglas was sitting in a corner, whither some of her guests had retired to rest from the fatigue of the evening, a lady near ventured to exclaim, “What a noble looking young man is Lieutenant Trevelyan!  He has such a frank and honest face; besides, he is so kind and considerate.  Having heard so many kind allusions towards him from so many sources, I have a great interest in his welfare.  It is said that his father won distinction in the army.”

“Yes,” returned Lady Douglas, “I can remember his father when he really appeared not much older and wore the same blushing countenance as our dear friend Guy.”

“Ah, there he is,” exclaimed one of the eager admirers.

At this moment the subject of their remarks led forth Lady Rosamond as his partner in the dance.

“What a charming couple,” said one.  “How striking the contrast of their dress,” said another, as the bright scarlet of Lieutenant Trevelyan’s uniform reflected on the pure white satin of Lady Rosamond’s bodice, while the blue satin added a pretty effect.

“How happy he looks as he smiles upon his partner,” said one of the group.

“Who could be unhappy in the presence of Lady Rosamond?” replied Lady Douglas.

“Pardon, your ladyship, but there are many here who feel the hidden pain caused by one look or smile from her ladyship’s lovely face.”  The speaker here lowered her voice, continuing:  “I cannot explain or account for the feeling which prompts me, but I really think that Lieutenant Trevelyan is under the influence of those beautiful eyes, and really it would be the fondest of my dreams realized, having in both seen much to admire.”

“Mrs. B——­,” said Lady Douglas, in playful tones of reproof.  “You really would be tempted to become a match-maker?”