Amidst the pressure and arrival of each guest no confusion was apparent.  Rank took precedence with studied regard.  The many guests were attired in a style and elegance becoming the occasion.  Conspicuous was the military rank of the large number of officers of His Majesty’s service—­colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, ensigns, and all those insignias of like distinction.  Among these might be found hidden, viscounts, lords, and baronets, and those aspiring to the proudest titles and birth of family.  To describe the most imposing and costly dresses worn on this evening would be a difficult task.  Ladies arrayed in the most gorgeous and priceless brocade and satins ablaze with diamonds and gems, snowy silks studded with pearls, velvet robes lined with costly furs and covered with lace at a fabulous price and texture, coronets of jewels, necklaces, bracelets, and beautiful trinkets, made the suggestion to a beholder that Heaven had showered down her radiation of delight by bestowing upon these jewels a reflection scarce less than that of her own upon the scene above.  Among the throng none were more eagerly sought than Lady Rosamond; her quiet and easy dignity had won the regard and esteem of all those with whom she mingled.  Unassuming and retiring, Lady Rosamond had excited no jealousy on the part of her less favored female friends.  On her they all united in bestowing kind and sisterly regard.  To gratify curiosity, and show our beautiful young friend as she appeared in the drawing-room, leaning on the arm of Captain Douglas, I will try describe her as nearly as possible:—­A white satin robe with court train, bordered with the purest lace, festooned with pearls, over a blue satin petticoat, formed a lovely costume, with bodice of white satin, showing the faultless waist of the wearer; white satin slippers, ornamented with pearls, encased the tiny feet of Lady Rosamond.  She was, indeed, worthy the name she bore—­a type of her lovely but unfortunate ancestress, who won, for a time, the fickle heart of Henry Eighth, and gave birth to the good and pious young Edward.

Many smiles of recognition were bestowed upon the Lady Rosamond, among whom were those of the old cavaliers and statesmen, the middle-aged and the young and gay gallants of the day.  If the latter showed any preference, as regards companionship, it was a strange preference for the more advanced in life.  Ladies in the declining stage of life were to her the greatest source of comfort.  To their varied experience of life the young girl would give the entire earnest of her truthful nature.  Nor was this fact unnoticed.  Lady Rosamond was the frequent partner of a revered grandfather, either at the whist table or in the quadrille, much to the secret annoyance of the young gentlemen present.

Mary Douglas was often at the side of her girl friend.  It frequently happened that they were vis-a-vis in a quadrille, when Lady Rosamond indulged in exchanging playful sallies of mirthful character.  In appearance, manners and companionship those lovely girls might be considered as sisters.  On more than one occasion had such a mistake been of concurrence, while Mary Douglas was recognized as Lady Rosamond.