In Lady Rosamond, Maude Bereford could see no reason for such anxiety as was manifested by her mother, yet she would feel disappointed if her companion would form another attachment.  Maude loved her brother with all the tenderness of her nature, while Gerald Bereford returned this love with deep fervent gratitude.  His sister was to him the connecting link with Lady Rosamond.  He took pleasure in daily walks with Maude, whose playful childish ways often reminded him of the absent cousin.  The future lord of Bereford Castle was worthy the love of the fairest, purest and truest.  He possessed a spirit of independent manliness, and would brook no favor that was not warranted by honor.

When Gerald Bereford asked his uncle for a right to address the Lady Rosamond, it was from a spirit of honor.  He dearly loved the beautiful girl, though he had never avowed his feelings, and when she treated his advances with coolness, he still cherished the hope that in the end his love would be reciprocated.  On receiving the joyful assurance from Sir Thomas that the great object of both families was the consummation of these hopes, the ardent lover was happy beyond doubt.  Sir Thomas had led Gerald Bereford to believe that the Lady Rosamond had always favoured his suit, but in girlish caprice had refused him any encouragement until the expiration of her visit, when she would return home ready to receive the courtly attentions of her relative.

Cheered by these fond assurances, Gerald Bereford did anxiously look forward to Lady Rosamond’s return.  Sir Thomas had indeed communicated this matter to his nephew with a firm assurance of the realization on the part of both.  He doubted the true feelings of his child, but he was determined that the event should take place after sufficient time had elapsed.  Lady Bereford knew that Sir Thomas was really deceiving himself as well as his nephew; but with the keen perception of her nature, kept her own counsel.  She, as well as Sir Thomas, was determined to carry out her design, for which purpose she closely concealed part of her views from Maude upon the reading of Lady Rosamond’s letter, also her message to Sir Thomas, their interview, concessions and result.

Practical and calculating woman of the world as was Lady Bereford, might it be possible that she could heartlessly seal that daintily perfumed missive which was to become the source of such almost unendurable anguish?  Really, one would fain exculpate her ladyship of the great wrong—­a wrong which for years could not be obliterated from the hearts of those whose sufferings were borne silently and without reproach, each bearing the burden with a sickening heart, feeling that death would be a happy relief.