CHAPTER XIX.

TREVELYAN HALL—­THE ARRIVAL.

The fine old building, well known to the surrounding country as Trevelyan Hall, was indeed a true specimen of an English home.  Its present owner had, notwithstanding the fact of his being abroad in service, spent much means to make it a home-like and delightful residence.  Its situation added to the other resources in gaining for “The Hall” a wide-spread reputation.

The extensive park contained some of the best wooded ground in the county of Hampshire.  Its fine streams afforded means of enjoyment for those who devote their pastime in angling and other such health-giving recreation.  Its gardens were carefully cultivated, showing much neatness and elegance, though not affording a varied extent of scenery.

Captain Trevelyan’s return was now to be associated with new and varied interest in the interior and exterior management of this pleasant home.  Fanny Trevelyan was cheered by the hope of her brother’s presence.  Company would now be entertained in a manner creditable to the former hospitality which distinguished the Trevelyans.  The handsome and elegant apartments assigned to the daily use of the inmates in nowise deteriorated from the exterior prospect.  The extensive drawing-rooms, in which were arranged, with tasteful effect, rich furniture, gorgeous carpets, and all those beautiful collections of art, requisite to adorn the home of the great and refined.  The inviting library with its massive display of well-lined shelves, the cheerful breakfast room with its eastern aspect, the countless retreats, balconies, verandas, and summer houses, formed a pleasing feature in the every-day life, pursuits, and recreations of this affectionate family.  Home was the spirit-like influence which was infused in every feeling, thought, and action.  A sense of ease and comfort was enjoyed throughout the entire household.  Despite the difference of rank, wealth, and dignity, the poor dependents felt a warm and devoted confidence in their high-born superiors.  In the sweet and childlike Fanny Trevelyan there was a subtle magnetizing influence which compelled acknowledgment.  In her kind and loving heart was much room for the troubles and daily cares of the dependents surrounding the estate of Trevelyan Hall.  Many acts of kindness were performed in a quiet and childlike way that was indeed pretty to see.

The only daughter of Colonel Trevelyan was a maiden of a rare and striking character.  Her gentle disposition was sufficient to win admiration irrespective of the purity and noble qualities of her mind.  Though eighteen summers had lightly flown over the head of this lovely girl, her manner was that of a sweet, intelligent, lovable, and sensitive child.  Sweetness of disposition was truly the coloring most profusely portrayed in the character of Fanny Trevelyan.  In this fact lay her great delight upon Captain Trevelyan’s return.  Upon this fact was based the happy expectation of seeing the generous-hearted Mr. Howe.  From this source she found all that contributed to make life pleasant and enjoyable.