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.
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.
Fanny Trevelyan was now busied in matters of great importance.
Preparations were being made for the reception of Maude Bereford, Mary
Douglas and Mr. Howe. Then she would hear still further of New Brunswick
life--its pleasures and its inconveniences. Gaily did she perform the
many little offices left to deft fingers and untiring patience. Maude
had availed herself of the temporary absence of her invalid brother and
his devoted wife. Three weeks were to be spent in the society of
Trevelyan Hall. Fanny Trevelyan had a little secret project in her mind
which gave much pleasure. She would be in a position to introduce Maude
Bereford to the notice of her brother Guy. With girlish glee she
anticipated much from the circumstance, wondering in what way her friend
might be received at the hand of the last named gentleman.
On the other hand Captain Trevelyan had _his_ plans to mature. Without
consulting his sister's opinion, he had a secret pleasure in the hope
that his ever true friend might find much to admire in the young girl
who was soon to be their guest. He had not the slightest wish to enter
on any schemes by which his loved sister might be complicated. Fanny
Trevelyan was fancy free. It was his fond hope that she remain so many
years to come. Bitter experience taught Captain Trevelyan a lesson from
which he could draw many useful hints and resolves. He was careful to
guard against any exposure to which his loved sister might be subjected.
Amid these doubly laid plans the inmates of the hall welcomed their
visitors, in whom were also included Captain Douglas. The sincerity of
the latter was expressive in the humorous and hearty congratulations
showered upon the genial host.
"Trevelyan, old boy, you are a mighty fine specimen of the old school!
Egad, what would the Frederictonians say could they look in upon you
now," exclaimed the incorrigible Charles, with the ruling passion
uppermost, while he threw himself upon an easy chair in a free and
jovial manner.
"I am inclined to think that they would not be favorably impressed with
such a wholesale exhibition were each one to repeat the same performance
as yourself," retorted Mr. Howe, assuming an air of nonchalance.
"Ah, I see how it is with my honored friend," once more ventured Captain
Douglas, "he already is maturing plans to place me at disadvantage
before I have fairly secured entrance to Trevelyan Hall; but," added the
speaker, with an air of playful menace, "old chap the tables may turn,
as they did many a time in Fredericton."
Much as Mr. Howe regarded his friend, Charles Douglas, he wished that
the last remark had not been made. Though it were said with the ease of
unconscious and humorous gaiety, the quick glance of the secretary saw
the instant effect. This was the only point on which he remained
reticent to his bosom friend. They had been together for years. They had
grown from childhood together, yet Captain Trevelyan's secret must
remain a secret. Were it known to Charles Douglas, he would have
cherished it with a sanctity becoming him as one whose whole lifetime
marked out the strait laid down by the great poet: "where one but goes
abreast." But the hospitable host was in his gayest mood. Everything
contributed to make the reception a flattering one. Fanny Trevelyan was
at ease among the old friends of her deeply beloved brother. Mary
Douglas was in ecstacies of delight upon thus meeting Guy Trevelyan. On
several occasions she was deeply sad when referring to the troubles of
Lady Rosamond, but seemed to feel hopeful in the return of Gerald
Bereford's health and strength. Maude Bereford was playful, entertaining
and happy. A more pleasant party were never gathered at "The Hall." Lady
Trevelyan was a dignified and reserved woman, possessing much judgment
and coolness of decision, but added to these were qualities which
endeared her both to her family and all those who made her acquaintance.
It was with extreme pleasure that she contributed a share in the
entertainment of those friends who had extended such kindness to her
only son when placed among strangers in a distant land. By every
possible means within her power, Lady Trevelyan lavished both gratitude
and affection upon the beautiful daughter of the distinguished family
who had shared their hearts and home with the handsome young lieutenant
when first deprived of the society of his own happy household. Such was
the disposition of Lady Trevelyan that these tokens of disinterested
friendship could never be forgotten, but steadily shone as a bright
light to cheer her daily path, undimmed by any darkening visions of
disappointed hopes or vain delusions.
This happy family have realized their parents' wishes. Captain
Trevelyan's retirement was urged by an earnest entreaty on the part of
his mother. By it he could attend to the numerous requirements of the
estate, which had lately become an onerous duty devolving upon Mrs.
Trevelyan. The faithful steward of the family had grown old in the
service and not capable of managing the business as in the days of his
prime. Yet the fact only added to his reputation. Captain Trevelyan
advised in such a quiet and suggestive manner that the old servant
scarcely felt his growing inability. No discord prevailed. Moderation
was the true secret. The family of Colonel Trevelyan treated their
dependents with gentleness and kindness. Lady Trevelyan often sought
advice from them in such a way as both showed her confidence in their
opinion, and gained unbounded respect towards the relationship thus
existing between them. Mary Douglas at first seemed inclined to shrink
from the reserved demeanor of her ladyship, but further acquaintance
made her feel comparatively at ease. Really the present occasion
afforded opportunity for what may, with due propriety, be termed a
complication of plans, or more properly still, plans within plans. Lady
Trevelyan had formed her little plans. To do justice to her ladyship we
will not say that she formed it, but that she would very agreeably and
readily have acquiesced in the matter. Reader, we are half inclined to
keep her ladyship's--no, we will not say plan--fond dream--a secret.
Supposing that many of you are not considered temper-proof we dare not
provoke the multiplied assaults of hitherto amiable and patient friends,
therefore we will treat you fairly by taking you into our entire
confidence at present. Lady Trevelyan had soon learned to love Mary
Douglas with a feeling akin to her nature. She fondly watched every
effort or action in the movement of her favorite guest. Every playful or
fond gesture was carefully hoarded up as a store of treasures in the
mind of her ladyship. Faithfully did she note each mark of favor shown
at the hand of the genial young host. Lady Trevelyan was _only a woman_
as all others. Do not chide if she had set her heart upon one fond
thought--if she secretly hoped that Guy Trevelyan would endeavor to
secure for her another daughter in the beautiful Mary Douglas. Is a
devoted mother always rewarded for such anxiety towards her first-born
and heir? Do these respective heirs and highly-favored children strive
to further the wishes of those deeply interested parents, especially
mothers? In a more particular sense, did Captain Trevelyan take any
steps to advance the scheme which lay near her ladyship's heart?
Fanny Trevelyan was also busily occupied in watching the daily progress
of her fond projects. She was not overjoyed in fond expectation, yet was
contented to await the result of daily companionship for an indefinite
period, as Maude Bereford was to remain until her presence was demanded
at the castle. Still the young hostess gave herself no uneasiness about
her brother's affairs. If he would form an attachment to Maude Bereford
it would be a source for much rejoicing and happiness. She was
altogether unconscious of the counter plots or schemes laid to thwart
her own. Mr. Howe was vastly entertaining in his endless variety of
diverting moods, making himself by turn the especial cavalier of every
lady in the company. To Lady Trevelyan he was doubly considerate and
devoted. Captain Trevelyan knew the motive and warmly appreciated it. He
had many times wished for an opportunity to return such passing acts of
kindness, yet in vain. Captain Douglas fully sustained his former
reputation for satirical jests and well-timed jokes at the expense of
his friends. Frequently those whom he regarded _most_ received attacks
in proportion to the value of such regard. Formerly to Lieutenant
Trevelyan and his friend Howe were daily administered doses of almost
equal quantity and in double proportion to those outside the household.
Yet who did not admire the gifted, manly, and handsome son of Sir Howard
Douglas? Who was not ready to welcome him with heart and hand around the
festive board or social circle? Who has not become infected by his
jovial, gay, happy, and generous nature? Truly, Captain Charles Douglas
was a worthy son of an honored race--the royal house of Douglas. In the
midst of such a company of "tried friends and true," the days and weeks
must have flown rapidly away while enjoying the hospitality of Trevelyan
Hall.
Fanny Trevelyan, admired, petted, and caressed, had still the same
childlike nature when friendship had been matured by daily
companionship. Mary Douglas was charmed with the sweet and engaging
manner which was at first attributed to a want of confidence. Frequently
she spoke to Captain Trevelyan concerning his "child sister," as she
playfully termed her once, exclaiming: "How beautiful if Fanny shall
always be a child woman."
"It shall be my earnest wish," returned Guy; "I would not have her
otherwise."