“Douglas, the younger Jonathan is a genuine specimen of Young America.  By Jove, to see him at good advantage he should have been seated beside Guy Trevelyan—­our Adonis.  Is not the old chap mighty complimentary?  Think it was rather hard on the vanity of Landon and Grey.  We must be sure give the toast to Trevelyan, when they are present, to have another skirmish.”  “Judging from your state of mind at the first, one would not deem it advisable to enter the lists a second time,” said Captain Douglas.  “Bear in mind the Major has too much on his hands already.”  “Constant practice only serves to sharpen his wits,” said Mr. Howe, with a vein of sarcasm in his tones.  “It grows late, or, I should say, early,” said Douglas, without taking notice of the last sentence.  “Howe, good morning, I shall retire.”  “Au revoir Douglas.”

“Oh, sleep!  Oh, gentle sleep!  Nature’s soft nurse,” murmured Captain Douglas, as he sought repose from the wearing and fatiguing rounds of the last evening and remaining part of the night.  Soon the “gentle sleep” was upon him, and, steeped in quiet forgetfulness, slept peacefully, regardless of toast, speeches and cousin Jonathan.

His friend in the adjoining room still puffed away at a cigar, drank another toast to cousin Jonathan, soliloquizing:  “By Jove, I shall watch him closely.  He is a clever youth, but I shall make a study of him.  If he would make me his confidante I should readily assist him.  Douglas has not the penetration to perceive it, but I can.  Can any young lady be mixed up in the affair?  If so, I may be at a loss to discover.”  In the meantime, the secretary, now thinking it time to follow Douglas to gentle sleep, commenced to prepare for retiring, further soliloquizing:  “That look puzzled me last night, I must make good my word.”  Here he stopped short and was soon enjoying sound sleep, in order to feel refreshed for the duties and social demands of another day.  The coming day intended to be almost a repetition of the past.  Morning, public parade; afternoon, on the race course; and evening in the mess-room.  Sir Thomas Tilden’s arrival was always hailed with joy, being marked with grand festive honours, balls, parties and suppers.  To these seasons the officers and many of the leading citizens looked forward with fond expectation.  Beautiful ladies met in their ball-room the gallantry and chivalry of Fredericton.  Nothing but gaiety on every hand.  Such events marked the order of society in the capital of New Brunswick over half a century ago.

CHAPTER IV.

Lady Rosamond’s reverie.