ST. JOHN'S EVE.
It was St. John's Eve; Government House was a scene of splendour; truly
every precinct was a blaze of dazzling light. Here was assembled the
distinguished, gay, beauty, and wit of the Province; the learned and
severe as well as the thoughtless. Hearts beat with throbbing and
exciting pulsation, fired by hope's fondest dreams. The spacious
drawing-room, already described in a preceding chapter, now assumed, if
possible, a more brilliant aspect--flooded with light, rendered more
effective by an additional chandelier, a gem of countless scintillations,
distracting in variety and prismatic design. The courtly reception,
high-born dignity and ease exhibited in every smile, gesture, word and
action of the distinguished occupants, might recall vivid conceptions of
the days when beauty and chivalry were conspicuous in homage to royalty
and grand pageantry.
Amidst the pressure and arrival of each guest no confusion was apparent.
Rank took precedence with studied regard. The many guests were attired
in a style and elegance becoming the occasion. Conspicuous was the
military rank of the large number of officers of His Majesty's
service--colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, ensigns, and all those
insignias of like distinction. Among these might be found hidden,
viscounts, lords, and baronets, and those aspiring to the proudest titles
and birth of family. To describe the most imposing and costly dresses
worn on this evening would be a difficult task. Ladies arrayed in the
most gorgeous and priceless brocade and satins ablaze with diamonds and
gems, snowy silks studded with pearls, velvet robes lined with costly
furs and covered with lace at a fabulous price and texture, coronets of
jewels, necklaces, bracelets, and beautiful trinkets, made the suggestion
to a beholder that Heaven had showered down her radiation of delight by
bestowing upon these jewels a reflection scarce less than that of her own
upon the scene above. Among the throng none were more eagerly sought than
Lady Rosamond; her quiet and easy dignity had won the regard and esteem
of all those with whom she mingled. Unassuming and retiring, Lady
Rosamond had excited no jealousy on the part of her less favored female
friends. On her they all united in bestowing kind and sisterly regard. To
gratify curiosity, and show our beautiful young friend as she appeared in
the drawing-room, leaning on the arm of Captain Douglas, I will try
describe her as nearly as possible:--A white satin robe with court train,
bordered with the purest lace, festooned with pearls, over a blue satin
petticoat, formed a lovely costume, with bodice of white satin, showing
the faultless waist of the wearer; white satin slippers, ornamented with
pearls, encased the tiny feet of Lady Rosamond. She was, indeed, worthy
the name she bore--a type of her lovely but unfortunate ancestress, who
won, for a time, the fickle heart of Henry Eighth, and gave birth to the
good and pious young Edward.
Many smiles of recognition were bestowed upon the Lady Rosamond, among
whom were those of the old cavaliers and statesmen, the middle-aged and
the young and gay gallants of the day. If the latter showed any
preference, as regards companionship, it was a strange preference for
the more advanced in life. Ladies in the declining stage of life were to
her the greatest source of comfort. To their varied experience of life
the young girl would give the entire earnest of her truthful nature. Nor
was this fact unnoticed. Lady Rosamond was the frequent partner of a
revered grandfather, either at the whist table or in the quadrille, much
to the secret annoyance of the young gentlemen present.
Mary Douglas was often at the side of her girl friend. It frequently
happened that they were vis-a-vis in a quadrille, when Lady Rosamond
indulged in exchanging playful sallies of mirthful character. In
appearance, manners and companionship those lovely girls might be
considered as sisters. On more than one occasion had such a mistake been
of concurrence, while Mary Douglas was recognized as Lady Rosamond.
Colonel L----, an intimate friend of Sir Howard, remarked to a lady
beside him, "This is truly an enjoyable affair. I am doubtful if many
years hence some will not look back and say that this was one of the
happiest moments of their life."
In the midst of this speech a gay and dashing young officer stepped
forward, accosting a superior in command in a brotherly and familiar
way, shewing behind a tie of relationship. Aside, in quiet tones, the
younger exclaimed, "Cousin Charles, will you introduce me to the lady in
crimson velvet and white satin, with tiara of diamonds?" "Certainly,
Montague, whenever you wish. Do you not think her beautiful?" "Yes," was
the reply, "but not in effect with Lady Rosamond or Miss Mary. Does not
that lovely costume set off her ladyship's charms. How faultless her
form! It is a hard matter to decide between the beauty of those
companions."
This last remark caused a blush to suffuse the brow of a handsome youth
standing within hearing. Suddenly turning away, and musing as he went,
Lieutenant Trevelyan was half angry at himself for some slight betrayal
of feeling which fortunately had not been detected.
As Lady Douglas was sitting in a corner, whither some of her guests had
retired to rest from the fatigue of the evening, a lady near ventured to
exclaim, "What a noble looking young man is Lieutenant Trevelyan! He has
such a frank and honest face; besides, he is so kind and considerate.
Having heard so many kind allusions towards him from so many sources, I
have a great interest in his welfare. It is said that his father won
distinction in the army."
"Yes," returned Lady Douglas, "I can remember his father when he really
appeared not much older and wore the same blushing countenance as our
dear friend Guy."
"Ah, there he is," exclaimed one of the eager admirers.
At this moment the subject of their remarks led forth Lady Rosamond as
his partner in the dance.
"What a charming couple," said one. "How striking the contrast of their
dress," said another, as the bright scarlet of Lieutenant Trevelyan's
uniform reflected on the pure white satin of Lady Rosamond's bodice,
while the blue satin added a pretty effect.
"How happy he looks as he smiles upon his partner," said one of the
group.
"Who could be unhappy in the presence of Lady Rosamond?" replied Lady
Douglas.
"Pardon, your ladyship, but there are many here who feel the hidden pain
caused by one look or smile from her ladyship's lovely face." The
speaker here lowered her voice, continuing: "I cannot explain or account
for the feeling which prompts me, but I really think that Lieutenant
Trevelyan is under the influence of those beautiful eyes, and really it
would be the fondest of my dreams realized, having in both seen much to
admire."
"Mrs. B----," said Lady Douglas, in playful tones of reproof. "You
really would be tempted to become a match-maker?"
"Yes," replied the other, "if by any means I could further the present
scheme."
"Lady Rosamond is indeed amiable and loveable, and worthy of a true and
noble husband, while Lieutenant Trevelyan is in every sense a gentleman
worthy the fairest and best. It would grieve me to see him rejected,
yet, Lady Rosamond is not in a position to favor any suitor until she
returns to England."
While the preceding remarks were being made by the group in the corner,
the totally unconscious pair were apparently enjoying the music and
dancing.
Lady Rosamond seemed in a sweet and uninterrupted dream of happiness, as
she floated along in the mazes of the waltz, supported by the strong and
graceful arms of her admirable partner, the young lieutenant. He
likewise had his dreams, but of a different nature. He could not calmly
enjoy the present in firm defiance of the future. A hopeless uncertainty
lay before, which forbade approach. Lady Rosamond's reserve was a
subject he dare not analyze. But the frankness which won him friends and
passport had come to his relief just at the moment when his partner was
most likely to chide with friendly courtesy. Both could look back to
this evening during the course of after years.
When various amusements had succeeded, interspersed with dancing, the
climax was yet to be reached. A grand surprise awaited. A tableaux was
in preparation.
When the drawing-room was partially darkened the curtain rose, showing a
simple background, with two children of the family sleeping quietly in
the foreground. Standing over them was Helen Douglas; her hair fell over
her shoulders. She wore a black dress, while a black lace veil, spangled
with gold stars, covered her from head to foot. With her arms extended
she is in the act of covering the sleeping children. A band of black,
with silver crescent, on her forehead, and stars on the band, added to
the beauty of the lovely Helen, and formed a true conception of the
subject.
"Ah, the rogues," exclaimed Sir Howard; "how quietly they stole upon
us."
Few failed to detect the word, showing a deep appreciation of the grace
of Helen Douglas.
The second scene represented a parlor with a young girl in the
foreground, having on her head an old-fashioned hood. This character is
assumed by Arabella Farnham, the daughter of an officer retired from the
service. Near the young lady stands a gentleman in the act of pulling
off the hood to see her face. On the opposite side is another young girl
in the person of Mary Douglas, in full evening dress, pointing to the
hood, and laughing at its old and peculiar shape.
Much applause greeted the actors upon the success of these parts, but
the crowning scene was the third and last--the united terms of the
preceding ones. The effect was grand beyond description. The scene was
supposed to be the great hall of Kenilworth, hung with silken tapestry,
lit with numerous torches. The odor of choicest perfumes fell upon the
senses, while soft strains of music floated in the distance. In the
centre of the background forming this magnificent apartment was a chair
of state, with canopy in imitation of a throne, and covered with rich
drapery, on which is seated one personating Queen Elizabeth, whose smile
is resting upon the courtly form of Walter Raleigh, upon whom she is in
the act of conferring knighthood. Grouped around the throne are
characters representing the Earls of Leicester, Essex, Oxford,
Huntingdon, and a train of lords and ladies, conspicuous among whom was
the Duchess of Rutland, the favorite maid of honor in Her Majesty's
household. The character of Elizabeth was sustained by Lady Rosamond,
arrayed in queenly robes and blazing with jewels.
"She looks every inch a queen," exclaimed one of the spectators.
"The young knight's heart is in a dangerous situation," said another.
"Beware, Sir Walter," said a third; "Essex and Leicester are dangerous
rivals, especially the latter."
Kneeling with courtly grace was Lieutenant Trevelyan in the role of Sir
Walter Raleigh. The young officer had performed his part with that
graceful ease which had so won the affection of the great sovereign.
A slight shudder passed through the form of Lady Rosamond as she
remembered his sad fate. Thinking the present no time for boding
ill-starred events, she hastily turned her mind from the subject.
As the Earl of Leicester, Captain Douglas was apparelled in white. "His
shoes were of white velvet, with white silk stockings, the upper part of
white velvet lined with silver; his doublet, of cloth of silver; the
close jerkin, of white velvet embroidered with silver and seed pearls;
his girdle was of white velvet with buckles of gold. The scabbard of his
sword was of white velvet and gold; his poniard and sword belt mounted
with gold. Over he wore a loose robe of white satin with broad collar
richly embroidered in gold. Around his neck was the golden collar of the
garter, and around his knee the azure garter."[1] Truly was the costume
executed, and raised admiration warm and long sustained.
[Footnote 1: Leicester's description taken from Sir Walter Scott.]
Mr. Stanley, the son of an influential citizen, personated Sussex, who
wore a purple velvet doublet, lined with golden cloth, and a richly
embroidered jerkin of the same color with broad golden collar, black
silk stockings and shoes of purple velvet. A richly ornamented girdle
and gold mounted sword completed the costume, being rich and elegant and
next in splendour to that of Leicester. The remaining nobles were
dressed in courtly apparel and becoming the scene. Mary Douglas was, it
is needless to add, in the capacity of the favorite Duchess of Rutland,
the friend and confidante of Her Majesty. The whole had a beautiful
effect and gave additional eclat to the evening's series of
entertainments.
When Lady Rosamond again joined the dance, she was playfully advised to
act well the policy of the character, by preserving towards the rival
earls a well balanced line of judgment, and concealing any strong
attachment toward the knight of the cloak, to Squire Lack-Cloak, as
Raleigh was termed by the attendants at court.
Throughout the whole evening there was one who entered with heart and
hand into the spirit of such gaiety--one foremost in the dance, foremost
at the whist table, and foremost in gay and animating conversation.
Notwithstanding those demands, there was another subject foremost in the
mind of His Excellency's private secretary. Mr. Howe was a man of the
world, gay, fascinating and striving to please. He had some faults, (and
who has not?) but he had his good qualities full as well. He had a
generous nature--a heart that wished well to his fellow man, and above
all, his friends.
Since his arrival in New Brunswick, Mr. Howe had formed a strong
attachment to his "boy friend," as he often designated the young
lieutenant. Sir Howard was pleased with the fact and showed every
encouragement by allowing Guy Trevelyan full privilege in his household.
There were on several occasions within our notice, a troubled and half
defined expression on the hitherto radiant and joyous countenance of Guy
Trevelyan. This fact had given much food for the mind of the secretary.
After a scrutinizing search and untiring effort the hidden secret
revealed itself in the bosom of Mr. Howe. He now possessed a _secret_
that gave a _secret_ pleasure by which the true nature of human sympathy
could assert itself. Thus musing, and overjoyed at his recent success,
Mr. Howe being reminded of the last dance, participated in the closing
festivity celebrating St. John's Eve.