In the midst of her group sat Lady Douglas occupied in some fancy netting, while each lady had some especial task.  “Miss Cheenick,” said Her Ladyship, “will you be so kind as to assist Miss Mary in the selection of suitable shades of silk for this piece of embroidery.  You will accompany her to-morrow after luncheon, as she is anxious to commence.”  “It is to be hoped that we will meet with success as, judging from the appearance of the stores in this city, there is not much to select from,” said Mary Douglas, “but, Miss Cheenick, only think, it will be our first attempt at shopping in Fredericton.”  “How much better and more convenient if there were exclusive dry goods stores as in England,” said Lady Rosamond.  “It is rather amusing to see all kinds of groceries and provisions on one side, and silks, satins and laces on the other.  Pardon me, mamma, if I use the expression of Mr. Howe, ‘everything from a needle to an anchor.’” “Well, my child, you will agree that both are useful,” said Her Ladyship, “but I am doubtful whether the last named article is to be obtained here.”

At the close of these remarks, the gentlemen were received.  Sir Howard, true to his obligation, had found a seat beside his daughter Mary.  “Papa,” she exclaimed, “my knight is true,—­’A good knight and true.’”

“At Lady Douglas’ suggestion, I am duly bound to disclose some views upon New Brunswick and its capital.  In the first place, I must plead ignorance, from want of sufficient time to note the general aspect, features and surroundings.  This is a primitive soil, populated and toiled by a primitive people.  Agriculture is yet in its infancy, and no prospect at hand for the furtherance of this important calling.  Well wooded land, fertile valley and pleasing variety, show that this should be the great and only resource of this country.  What facilities are afforded to the farmer for the importation of produce, were this noble river to be opened up with steam navigation.  In a year hence, if my life be spared, I shall be able to afford you some information on life in the back settlements, and the means resorted to by the settlers.  At present there are only five roads in the whole Province; three of which you have seen, as they lead from this city in different directions; the one to St. John; also, that passing our door to Quebec; and the third which I shewed you last week as leading to Miramichi.  The fourth leads to St. Andrews, a small seaport in the south-west; while the fifth leads to Halifax.”  “Pardon me, Your Excellency, I could not help observing that the condition of these roads pay small tribute to McAdam, or Telford, being a rapid and sudden succession of up hill and down dale.”  “One would need a vigorous constitution,” returned Sir Howard, “to make a practical test.  People do not have much traffic upon these roads, from the fact that the settlements are more numerous along the river, which holds out more advantages.”

“Papa,” exclaimed Sir Howard’s favourite daughter, “How much I should like to accompany you on an expedition through the forests of New Brunswick.”  “Perhaps you may, when the roads are more accessible, when there will be established comfortable inns where one can rest and be refreshed.  None will press me to give any further report of the country, when I make a guarantee to do so at some time in the future, when there will be, I trust, good progress made.”