The rising blush on Lady Rosamond’s cheek showed the excitement that stirred the depths of her inward feelings.  She was carried back to the happy child days when no shade hovered near; when no bitter concealment lurked in the recesses of her joyous heart; when her fond plans were openly discussed before the sailor prince with intense merriment and glee.  Vainly she sighed as she thought of what might have been.  Though in the present the inference was distasteful, her ladyship could not dismiss the subject.  As she stands quietly awaiting her turn in the order of presentation, let us once more picture the beautiful face and form which have won our entire sympathy.

Lady Rosamond has lost none of the beauty hitherto depicted in her charms.  She is still lovely as when described while a guest at Government House.  Her cheek has lost none of its roundness; the outline is full, striking, fresh and interesting; the expressive dark eyes have lost not their usual brilliancy, save a mournful tenderness that is more often betrayed than formerly; the lustrous black hair is wantonly revelling in all the luxuriance of its former beauty.  Time nor experience has not the ruthless power to desecrate such sacred charms.  Lady Rosamond has yet to rejoice in these; she has yet to pluck the blossoms of happiness springing up from the soil of buried hope where seeds had been scattered by the unseen hand of Mercy.  Well might Gerald Bereford have been fond of his wife as she approached the “Sailor King,” in her train of white satin and velvet sparkling with diamonds, with a grace bespeaking ease, trust and dignified repose.  The announcement of Lady Rosamond Bereford afforded striking proof of the warm-heartedness of his majesty, showing he did not forget his former white rose of England.  His eagle eye detected the small jewelled gift almost concealed within the breast of her ladyship, as she lowly bent down to kiss the hand of her sovereign.  A beautiful blush overspread the features of Lady Rosamond as she felt the directed gaze.  “Your ladyship has not forgotten the sharer of her childhood joys,” exclaimed His Majesty with expressive smile.

A deep blush succeeded when the kneeling suppliant recovered sufficient self-possession to reply.  “Your Majesty will pardon this occasion to acknowledge the great honor conferred by this tender allusion to a loving and loyal subject.”

In her blushing loveliness, Lady Rosamond received a fragrant and beautiful white rose from the hand of her liege sovereign as expressive of the desired continuation of his former regard and endearment.  This was truly a remarkable moment in the life of her ladyship.  She felt the true force and depth of friendship.  If the favor of her monarch could give happiness, would she not exercise a large monopoly?  Yet there was happiness enjoined in the ceremony.  His Majesty was happy to meet his former friend and companion.  Her Majesty the Queen was happy to find one in whom her husband found so much to admire.  Gerald Bereford was truly happy in having such royal favour extended towards the lovely being upon whom he lavished his fond love.