“We can afford to laugh at the matter now, Howe,” said Captain Douglas, “to-morrow you will heap coals on their heads with a vengeance.”  The company enjoyed a hearty laugh, in which His Excellency joined.  “You may have cause to bless your stars that you were absent, Trevelyan,” said Mr. Douglas, “as you might have been pressed into service against Howe.”

Guy Trevelyan was indeed a young man of marked ability and much promise.  His father, Colonel Trevelyan, was a brother officer with Sir Howard during the Peninsula campaign.  For signal service he was rewarded by knighthood and the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.  Having obtained for his son, Guy, a commission in H. M. 52nd Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan hailed with delight the tidings of his friend’s appointment to the Governorship of New Brunswick.  The Regiment was then stationed in Fredericton and St. John—­headquarters at the former—­with Major McNair in command, while the companies stationed at St. John were in charge of Sir Thomas Tilden.  In His Excellency, Guy Trevelyan had a warm-hearted friend.  The son of Colonel Trevelyan was dear to him.  Many times Sir Howard looked upon his handsome boyish face, pleased with tracing the strong resemblance between father and son.  The open, generous and manly disposition of the young Lieutenant shone in every lineament of his countenance.  Guy Trevelyan was loved by every member of the Douglas family.  Lady Douglas showed him daily marks of favour, making him at ease in the bosom of her household.  Nor did our young officer abuse these acts of true kindness and personal privilege.  Unassuming, gentle and affable Guy Trevelyan was more eagerly sought than seeking.  Sir Howard admired his favorite, his diffidence and bashful coyness.  “He is one to make a mark,” said he.  “Give me the disposition of Guy in preference to those aping and patronizing airs assumed by the majority of young gentlemen on entering the army.”  Once, on addressing Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan, he wrote the following:  “Have no fear for Guy; he is a true scion of the old stock.  His nature is truthful, honourable and sincere, not being addicted to those vices which ruin our bravest soldiers.  He has endeared himself to our family, in fact, Lady Douglas would lament his absence almost the same as one of her own sons.”

Having made this digression, thus introducing the principal members of the company, we will now ask the reader to follow the ladies into the drawing room.  Government House drawing room was indeed an apartment of costly elegance.  Richly covered and gilded furniture was arranged in stately profusion.  Quaintly and gorgeously embroidered silken draperies were festooned with graceful effect.  Rare paintings adorned the frescoed walls.  Priceless cabinets, vases and statuary were grouped with artistic hand.  Turkey carpets of the most brilliant hues covered the floor, while the flashing and almost dazzling light radiating from the massive chandeliers, made the scene one of surpassing grandeur—­something almost incredible outside the lustre and surroundings of a kingly residence.  Such is a correct picture of old Government House over half a century ago.  Then it shone with true chivalric glory.  Now with its structure and surroundings a dream of the past.