her ladyship we will not say that she formed it, but that she would very agreeably and readily have acquiesced in the matter.  Reader, we are half inclined to keep her ladyship’s—­no, we will not say plan—­fond dream—­a secret.  Supposing that many of you are not considered temper-proof we dare not provoke the multiplied assaults of hitherto amiable and patient friends, therefore we will treat you fairly by taking you into our entire confidence at present.  Lady Trevelyan had soon learned to love Mary Douglas with a feeling akin to her nature.  She fondly watched every effort or action in the movement of her favorite guest.  Every playful or fond gesture was carefully hoarded up as a store of treasures in the mind of her ladyship.  Faithfully did she note each mark of favor shown at the hand of the genial young host.  Lady Trevelyan was only a woman as all others.  Do not chide if she had set her heart upon one fond thought—­if she secretly hoped that Guy Trevelyan would endeavor to secure for her another daughter in the beautiful Mary Douglas.  Is a devoted mother always rewarded for such anxiety towards her first-born and heir?  Do these respective heirs and highly-favored children strive to further the wishes of those deeply interested parents, especially mothers?  In a more particular sense, did Captain Trevelyan take any steps to advance the scheme which lay near her ladyship’s heart?

Fanny Trevelyan was also busily occupied in watching the daily progress of her fond projects.  She was not overjoyed in fond expectation, yet was contented to await the result of daily companionship for an indefinite period, as Maude Bereford was to remain until her presence was demanded at the castle.  Still the young hostess gave herself no uneasiness about her brother’s affairs.  If he would form an attachment to Maude Bereford it would be a source for much rejoicing and happiness.  She was altogether unconscious of the counter plots or schemes laid to thwart her own.  Mr. Howe was vastly entertaining in his endless variety of diverting moods, making himself by turn the especial cavalier of every lady in the company.  To Lady Trevelyan he was doubly considerate and devoted.  Captain Trevelyan knew the motive and warmly appreciated it.  He had many times wished for an opportunity to return such passing acts of kindness, yet in vain.  Captain Douglas fully sustained his former reputation for satirical jests and well-timed jokes at the expense of his friends.  Frequently those whom he regarded most received attacks in proportion to the value of such regard.  Formerly to Lieutenant Trevelyan and his friend Howe were daily administered doses of almost equal quantity and in double proportion to those outside the household.  Yet who did not admire the gifted, manly, and handsome son of Sir Howard Douglas?  Who was not ready to welcome him with heart and hand around the festive board or social circle?  Who has not become infected by his jovial, gay, happy, and generous nature?  Truly, Captain Charles Douglas was a worthy son of an honored race—­the royal house of Douglas.  In the midst of such a company of “tried friends and true,” the days and weeks must have flown rapidly away while enjoying the hospitality of Trevelyan Hall.