of artistic skill and design.  From a distance the sight was truly beautiful.  Many gazed with unwearied eyes anxious to behold a view which might never again be afforded them.  The incessant peals of merry sleigh bells seemed to harmonize with the merriment and gaiety of the guests as they hurried to their destination.  The array of rank, wealth, youth and beauty thus assembled are never again to be realized.  Every colony in His Majesty’s domains in America was represented.  Every one holding high rank or title was present.  Lady Douglas with kindling eye glanced through the different rooms and pronounced the affair a decided success.

Mary Douglas experienced a feeling of sadness while drawing a comparison between the present occasion and one in which Lady Rosamond was an honored guest.  She could not but feel a deep yearning towards her old friend—­a fond and tender longing to embrace the beautiful Lady Rosamond Bereford.

The drawing-rooms reflected credit upon those who assisted in the decorations.  Brilliant colors, banners, emblems, mottoes, flags, pennons, and coats of arms were intermingled with an eye to harmony and graceful effect.

The military precedence on every hand shewed the spirit which influenced Sir Howard and his distinguished family.  Nearly all the gentlemen of the household were distinguished by their uniform.  Every attendant was in uniform.  Soldiers lined the grounds; soldiers kept hourly patrol; soldiers executed every command.  The social atmosphere of Government House breathed of a true soldier-like element.  The ladies felt its influence as they took delight in listening to the chequered scenes amidst the lives of the many veterans who sat at their table.

The 81st now graced the evening by a numerous body of officers with the gallant Colonel Creagh foremost in the assembly.  The genial countenance of the old veteran, his sparkling eye and animated gestures found ready entrance into many hearts.  Conspicuous were Jasper Creagh, now attached to the regiment as holding a lieutenant’s commission, and his friend Trevelyan, now promoted to the rank of Captain, and still enjoying the unbounded good will and confidence of superiors and inferiors.

The faithful secretary still sustained his former resources for enjoyment and festivity.  He had made himself agreeable to many fair ladies, acting the part of a gallant attendant, but his heart remained unimpressed, often a source of keen enjoyment to Captain Douglas, who vainly tried to captivate his friend in many ways.  Mr. Howe was a distinguished and fine-looking gentleman, remarkably tall and straight, while the keen glance of his dark eye was sufficient to convince one of the powers of penetration forming such weighty proportion in the make-up of his character.  His olive skin formed a pleasing contrast to the pearl white complexion of the beautiful daughter of the household, as they mingled together in the dance.  The sparkle