The possessor of those charms had no great claim to personal beauty, yet she might be called beautiful.  The regular features of her small and well formed face were devoid of any distinguishing lineaments, the deep blue eyes had a quiet, earnest light, which often shone with increasing brightness, when accompanied with the expressive smile so often bestowed upon those who dwelt within and around “The Hall.”

As sometimes one hears remarks paid to beauty called forth by blushes, surely in this instance we can fairly claim the compliment due Fanny Trevelyan, whose maiden blushes indeed made her appear in truth very beautiful—­of the beauty which shall last when all other shall fade—­of the beauty which flows from the heart, kept fresh in the daily performance of those duties that spring from the impulses of a beautiful soul.  Thus might be classified the type of beauty which adorned the sister of Captain Trevelyan—­beauty of disposition—­beauty of mind—­beauty of soul.

During the last two years a friendship had sprung up between Fanny Trevelyan and Maude Bereford.  They had studied for a short time under the same masters, from which fact arose the present attachment.  A striking similarity of disposition was noticeable between those friends, yet, in many respects they were widely different.  Though Fanny Trevelyan was so deeply sensitive, childish and engaging, there was a depth of character underlying these which found no comparison in Maude Bereford, the former possessing powers of thought and reflection, which were entire strangers to the mind of the latter.  In the preferment of Lady Rosamond, they were of the same mind.  While on a visit to the Castle, Fanny Trevelyan had received many proofs of affection from its beautiful young mistress.  She took much pleasure in the company of Maude Bereford in strolling amid the lovely gardens, but experienced keener delight in listening to Lady Rosamond’s description of scenes in New Brunswick rendered so dear by being associated with her brother who was still indeed her great regard.  Many times Fanny Trevelyan tried to form various conjectures concerning this beautiful woman, wondering why she had such an influence that was more powerful when removed from her presence.  She wondered if her brother Guy felt the same powerful influence as herself.  He had never expressed any decided opinion in favor of her ladyship, yet she did not consider the fact as of much importance; but he had not shown in any manner, nor by repeated inquiries, any betrayal that would lead one to suppose that he entertained any regard whatever for the lovely being.