“Many thanks, Your Excellency,” said Mr. Howe, in response to Sir Howard, and, “in behalf of the company, may I express a hope that your wish be realized in the future of New Brunswick’s history.  May this province yet rise in commercial prosperity and national wealth, and may New Brunswick’s sons yet assume their proud position as Governors of the province.”  “Mr. Howe is growing eloquent,” remarked Lady Rosamond, to Mr. Trevelyan.—­“A conspiracy on foot,” exclaimed Miss Douglas, glancing towards Lady Rosamond.  “Now Mr. Trevelyan will play his part,” said Captain Douglas, with mock solemnity.

The young Lieutenant selected a passage from “Cymbeline,” receiving the gratitude and applause of the ladies, to whose repeated entreaties he also read an extract from “King Lear,” commencing with the line “No, I will be the pattern of all patience.”  Guy Trevelyan’s voice was full, soft and musical, having the power of soothing the listener; but when required for dramatic readings, could command a versatility that was surprising.  Miss Douglas archly proposed to Lady Douglas her wish to join in a game of whist.  Thus engaged, the remainder of the evening passed quickly away.  Mary Douglas still retaining her gallant partner, having secured the rubber against Mr. Howe and Miss Douglas, warmly congratulated Sir Howard on their success.  “Never despair, Miss Douglas,” said Mr. Howe, “we bide our time.”  The secretary’s carriage being announced, with smiles and bows he took leave, followed by Mr. Trevelyan, who accepted the proffered invitation.

CHAPTER III.

An evening in officers’ mess-room.

Many of our readers are familiar with the old building still standing, facing on Queen Street, known as the officers’ barracks.  At the time when this story opened, this was a scene of continual festivity—­life in its gayest aspect.  Here were quartered the noisy, the swaggering, the riotous, the vain, the gallant, the honourable, and all those different qualities which help to form the make-up of the many individuals comprising the officers of H. M. 52nd Regiment.  At no period, before or since, has Fredericton ever risen to such notoriety.  Several enterprising gentlemen of this body in connexion with a few of the leading citizens planned and laid the first regular and circular race course, near where the present now is situated, under the management of J. H. Reid, Esq., and the members of York County Agricultural Society.

On the old race course it was no unusual occurrence to witness as many as a dozen races during the space of two days.  Sons of gentlemen, both in military and private life, were the owners of thorough-bred horses, each claiming the highest distinctions regarding full-blooded pedigree.  These were Fredericton’s glorious days—­days of sport; days of chivalry; days of splendour and high life.  On the evening