I feel angry with myself and everybody.”  “Then keep your distance, I beseech you,” returned Captain Douglas, in his usual jolly manner.  “Listen for a moment and hear my scrape,” said Howe.  “Down in the mess this afternoon we got talking,”—­“horse, of course,” said the Captain—­“yes, horse,” said the former, “and got mixed up into one of the greatest skirmishes ever heard of.  Captain Markham swore and raged like a wild beast Captain Hawley bit his lips with anger, and when I tried to conciliate matters, they turned on me like a set of vipers.  In fact, with two or three exceptions, they hung together and irated me in good round English, forward and backward with little regard to Johnson or any of the time-honoured lexicographers.  It was a hot encounter.  In spite of anger, I cannot help laughing, to think how they abused each other, and, in turn, united themselves into a general force, directing the fire of their battery upon me.  By St. George of England, it was too much.  Of Course this is only the beginning of a series of such demonstrations.”  “All’s well that ends well,” returned Captain Douglas, “a night’s sleep will restore all to a former footing.  Major McNair would frown upon any breach thus made.”

CHAPTER II.

AMID THE HOUSEHOLD

The spacious dining hall of Government House now assumed an aspect of studied splendour.  The tables groaned under the weight of tempting and delicious dishes.  The culinary intricacies of Sir Howard’s table were often under comment.  Viands of all kinds stood on every side, while the brilliant scintillations from chandeliers—­massive silver and sparkling glasses—­were of wondrous radiance.  Sir Howard, preceded by Mr. Howe and Lady Douglas, led his beautiful daughter to a seat at his side.  Captain Charles Douglas was the escort of Miss Cheenick, the family governess, and companion of Miss Douglas.  The remaining part of the company took their places in like order, thus completing the usual dinner party.  None but those who have passed much time in the company of Sir Howard Douglas, and enjoyed his many gay and social dinners and parties, can form any just conception of the true worth and genuine goodness of this fine specimen of an English gentleman.  The flashes of wit and graceful repartees, mingled with sound judgment and truthful dignity, characterized the nature of the gallant Sir Howard.  He was ever on the alert to minister to the wants of others.  No one was neglected within his knowledge or recollection.  From his daughter beside him to every guest around this festive board, none were allowed to go forth without coming directly under his recognition.  The stern realities of military life through which he had passed, had in nowise interfered with those social qualities which so endeared our hero to the hearts of all.  In Lady Douglas, Sir Howard found a faithful helpmate, a loving wife and deeply affectionate and pious mother.