those talents committed to her keeping.  In after years we find the following:  “Her gifts were so varied that she was both a composer and musician, a novelist and poet.”  The friend of Lady Rosamond Bereford was not to be affected by the emotions of Lady Rosamond Seymour.  The past was a sealed casket, forever sacred to the intrusion of the present.  This was the state of feeling that existed between those noble women as they ministered to the wants of Gerald Bereford.

What fervent prayers were offered for the dutiful and self-sacrificing wife as she tried to win a smile from the patient invalid.  What grateful love went forth to her as she pressed the lips of her uncomplaining husband.  In sickness as in health she had never seen his frown.  His life had been a constant source of happiness.  Lady Rosamond had been the day-star which illuminated his path with undimmed lustre and brilliancy.  In her presence he felt not the weight of suffering that at intervals seized his exhausted frame.  As symptoms of the disease began to abate and recovery was expected, her ladyship, accompanied her husband to Italy, where they had intended to remove some time previous, but were prevented by a relapse of the invalid.

CHAPTER XVIII.

SIR HOWARD DOUGLAS.

In order to follow up the brilliant career of this great man while connected with the administration of New Brunswick, we will endeavor to give a few facts to prove the marvellous ability he displayed in carrying out his plans.

On the passage homeward Sir Howard and family encountered many dangers.  During the whole voyage there was kept up a constant gale, sometimes threatening the destruction of the rudely constructed brig of war named the Mutine.  Amidst these daily mishaps and perilous exposures the Douglas family maintained the utmost self-possession.  Sir Howard was always ready to offer advice and assistance with a coolness that nerved the whole crew, and gave fresh hopes at the darkest moments.  During the six weeks that elapsed, while braving the dangers of the deep, Mary Douglas never lost an opportunity to make the most of the occasion.  She became interested in the stormy elements, learning lessons that served her to breast the struggling conflicts of life.  Observation was largely developed in the mind of the gifted maiden.  Nothing was presented to her eye that did not afford food for study and reflection.

The joy with which they were received in England was boundless.  Friends gathered around with heartfelt demonstrations.  Sir Howard was once more surrounded by many of his former companions.  The Duke of Wellington gave him a hearty welcome, while statesmen could scarcely refrain emotion on beholding one who had taken such deep interest in the welfare of the nation and showed such firmness and decision in the boundary question.  But another more distinguished honor awaited him.  The University of Oxford were