Saying this the brave girl tried to force a smile, which, from its superficial nature, cost a great effort, adding: 

“Your ladyship will have nothing to fear; my father’s wishes are mine.”

From the spirit of determination, which left an impress on the beautiful features of Lady Rosamond, Lady Douglas apprehended no need of interference.  She knew that Lady Rosamond would fulfil her father’s wishes.  She was aware that the affectionate daughter would return his confidence, even at the greatest sacrifice a woman can make.  The noble nature of Lady Douglas felt deep sympathy for her gentle relative—­a vague uneasiness filled her mind.  Some moments later when Lady Rosamond appeared in a rich and elegant dinner costume not a trace of emotion was visible.  Its recent effects had entirely disappeared.  Lady Douglas had found an opportunity to form an estimate of the strength of character which sustained the apparently gentle and passive maiden.

At the dinner table of Government House everyone seemed to vie in good humored gaiety and flow of spirited, animating conversation.  Each tried to please.  All clouds of despondency vanished upon this occasion.  Sir Howard always set the example.  Pressing cares of state, perplexing questions, and endless grievances, took speedy and ignominous flight when he entered the family circle.  All was unrestrained pleasure and genial delight on this evening.  Lady Rosamond was seated beside the gay and attractive secretary, who was endeavoring to engage his companion as an ally against the more formidable onset of Captain Douglas.  She did fairly surprise the latter by the earnestness of her replies, her forcible expressions, and the weighty arguments upheld by superior judgment.  Lieutenant Trevelyan, as he converses with Lady Douglas, betrays no outward feeling.  He shows no preference for Lady Rosamond, being more frequently the companion and attendant of Mary Douglas, who, in trusting friendship, reposes in her young friend a happy confidence.  Despite this assumed ease on the part of Guy Trevelyan, the keen interest hitherto exhibited by Mr. Howe has lost none of its freshness.  The charm still lingers.  All hope has not fled, though the light is in the uncertain future.  In Lady Rosamond the well concerted plans of the secretary find no compromise.  Dreading an exposure of her weakness she has thrown around her a formidable barrier which the most deadly shafts cannot penetrate.  In the possession of this defence she can withstand the united efforts of a lengthy siege.  Upon all those operations she can look grimly on and bid defiance.  Mr. Howe felt this as he tried to force an entrance to the heart of this lovely maiden to wrest from her, if possible, a secret that would give a hopeful assurance to his projects.  An incident shortly afterwards occurred which forever banished those thoughts from his mind, leaving no further room for doubt; still the fact cannot be overlooked, that the spirit which pervaded the private secretary of Sir Howard Douglas, was fraught with generosity and true manliness.