CONCLUSION.
Reader, we will ask you to follow us as we pass over a period of two
years--two long years. The task imposed is an arduous one, yet, we
shrink not. All former friends must be searched out, and once more
introduced. Be not impatient if we do not succeed in the direct order of
your wishes. In the uncertain distance faint echoes are already heard
between intervals of solemn thoughts, while the name of Rosamond strikes
upon our ear and vibrates within us as though the influence of myriads
of spirits had woven around a deep subtle spell from which we cannot
force ourselves. In truth, you have won us--your point is gained.
Now to your relief. Bereford Castle stands in its grandeur and beauty
with not an object near to mar the effect. Its stoical exterior bears no
impress of the loss sustained in the heir and son. Menacingly it frowns
upon those scenes which recall the realities of life. Amid storm,
sunshine, sickness and death, its aspect is unchanged--true type of its
age, order and design. On entrance, the interior is calm, quiet and
inviting. Daily contact with the inmates has had a soothing effect. Look
around. In the spacious drawing room, opening upon the garden, is the
family occupied in different ways. Lord Bereford is seated beside the
familiar form of a beautiful woman dressed in robes of mourning. A
second glance is not necessary to aid recognition. The sweet pensive
smile is sufficient. Lady Rosamond has lost none of her charms. Time has
no grudge against her for personal wrongs, no retributive justice to be
meted out--instead, the quiet happiness of a contented mind is lavished
with true delight. A fond light beams in the lovely eyes as they turn
towards Maude Bereford--ever the same Maude that strolled around
Trevelyan Hall some time in the past. The same simplicity is attached to
every movement, action and speech--Maude still.
But a stranger is engrossing her attention. A tall, handsome and gallant
gentleman occupies a seat at her side, devoting his attentions to her,
occasionally addressing Lady Rosamond in terms of endearing familiarity.
There is not much difficulty in ascertaining the relationship. Geoffrey
Seymour had become a frequent visitor at the Castle. The blushes that
greeted him told the tale upon Maude Bereford. Yet, she cared not for
the eyes of the world. She had given her heart to a true, honorable and
affectionate lover. Already she has woven bright dreams wherein are
clearly portrayed outlines of two fond beings living in the sunshine of
each other's love, surrounded by the comforts and ease of a bright and
happy fireside. Lady Bereford is within the privacy of her own
apartments. Grief and anxiety have left heavy marks upon her hitherto
well preserved face. The furrowed forehead, wrinkles and grey hairs,
show full well the heavy blow which had been dealt her ladyship in the
death of her first-born. Time cannot eradicate the inroads made upon
this high-minded woman. Her failing health speaks of dissolution. The
mother's heart that beat so wildly as she dreamt of the glorious future
of her son, now feebly responded to the sluggish torpor of faded hopes.
Other friends are awaited at the Castle. Ere we have time to turn aside,
light steps are flying across the hall and a girlish figure is at our
elbow, and the next instant in the arms of Lady Rosamond and Maude. The
childish face of Fanny Trevelyan once seen is not soon to be forgotten.
Oh no, Fanny, you occupy an important niche within our memory! Two years
were only a myth--a dream to the young mistress of Trevelyan Hall, save
when some other's troubles aroused her sympathy and called forth the
fine feelings of her nature. The former playful glee is still alive in
Fanny's buoyant and lively manner. Her gaiety at times subsides to gaze
upon Lady Rosamond's thoughtful face. The heart of this maiden is still
fancy free. Guy Trevelyan is not disappointed in his sister, he being
yet the dearest object of her heart.
"Dearest Maude," cried Fanny, in rapturous delight, "will we not form a
happy family when Mary joins us."
"One would consider you a happy family already if happiness bears
comparison by merriment," ventured a well-known voice from the outside
apartment--a voice that had power to stir the soul of Lady Rosamond to
its lowest depths, and kindle the smouldering passion time had vainly
tried to smother into a fierce and steady flame. Strange that her
ladyship must pass another fiery ordeal--that she must add more sorrow
to her hitherto sad, eventful life.
No quivering lip or trembling form gave hope to Guy Trevelyan as he
pressed the small white hand of one whom he loved tenderly and
passionately--one whose image had been engraven upon his memory since he
had given his boyish affections to the lovely, high-born, gentle girl,
when a guest at Government House in Fredericton. Like the last moments
of a drowning man, scenes he had almost forgotten flashed before him in
countless array--scenes, varied and infinite, in which Lady Rosamond
formed the pleasing foreground.
Face to face with this beautiful woman Guy Trevelyan was ready to fall
down in adoration and pour out the tale of his sorrow with the ardor of
undying love. What is the tenor of his thoughts while engaged in quiet
and easy conversation with her ladyship and the other occupants of the
drawing-room? Guy Trevelyan is wondering if he dare avow his love--if by
any means he can find hope to approach Lady Rosamond on a subject which
engrosses his waking thoughts.
Mary Douglas completed the family circle. With her came love, joy, hope,
and happiness. Her lovely presence gave fresh impulse to every one
greeting her arrival. Lady Rosamond felt a ray of light shed upon her as
she caressed her true and constant friend. Maude was happier, if
possible, in the love of Geoffrey Seymour when listening to the sweet
silvery voice of this peerless woman. Fanny was overjoyed on the arrival
of Mary Douglas. She alone could open her heart before the gaze of a
companion. Her affections were untrammelled by false hopes or unrequited
love. She sought the society of the former with a feeling bordering on
idolatry. Together they spent much of their time, while Captain
Trevelyan was thrown upon the resources of Lady Rosamond. The constant
companionship of the man whom she loved cost many a bitter struggle to
her ladyship. The earnest gaze of Guy Trevelyan's soft eyes were indeed
hard to bear. If he only knew the power thus exercised upon the fair
being beside him. But Lady Rosamond had kept her secret from the eye of
any living creature save herself. Captain Trevelyan must not discover
the fatal knowledge. He must never know. Still they conversed together,
talked together, and spent many hours together, having much opportunity
to fathom the depths of each other's heart. Lady Rosamond seemed
cheerful, content, and happy. Captain Trevelyan was apparently
light-hearted, pleasing, agreeable, and attentive. Each guest endeavored
to make the most of this friendly meeting. Even Lady Bereford strove to
forget her feelings and rally her former spirits and dignified
stateliness. Bereford Castle enjoyed a season of delight.
One lovely evening afterwards several voices mingled in the shrubbery
adjoining the garden. Maude was conversing in animated tones with Fanny
Trevelyan. Geoffrey Seymour had played truant to his lady love by
gallant attention to Mary Douglas.
In a remote corner, almost beyond hearing of these, and scarcely visible
through the foliage, were the forms of a lady and gentleman seated
beneath the sheltering branches of a stately elm. A nearer approach shows
the rising color of the rose-tinted cheeks--the glorious light in those
lovely eyes--the bewitching and irresistible smile. A manly voice is
heard exclaiming in the tones of a rapturous lover, "Rosamond, my own
darling, I never expected to realize such happiness. In the possession of
such love I am a thousandfold rewarded for a lifetime of misery. Yes, my
peerless Rosamond, the last half hour has amply repaid the torturing
pangs of a forlorn and hopeless love which I have suffered since first
beholding you." At this avowal the speaker leaned towards Lady Rosamond
Bereford, revealing the features of Captain Trevelyan. In a moment of
passionate fervor he had confessed his undying attachment to the lovely
Rosamond, and had received the blissful assurance of reciprocated love.
He was in possession of a happiness beyond description as he told the oft
repeated tale to his betrothed wife, listening to her voice as it fell
like music upon his ear. The fond kiss which sealed their vows was more
precious than the mines of Golconda. Truly did Guy Trevelyan idolize the
beautiful woman who had now surrendered her heart to his keeping.
Did Lady Rosamond tell _her_ secret to her accepted lover? Did she also
confess the love which had been cherished towards the boyish lieutenant
when he became almost a daily visitor at Government House--the maddening
thoughts, that almost crushed her out of existence--the spirit of
rebellion against the designs of her loved parents--her resolution made
to Lady Douglas--her bitter struggle between duty and feeling--strength
of character--victory over self--devotion to her husband?
This is _our_ secret, and we will never reveal it. The reader must be
content to know that Captain Trevelyan was made happy beyond expectation
by whatever revelation or by what answer. Truly they were
"Two souls with but a single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one."
Let us assume the garb of the seer and step stealthily over the distance
dividing the future, and gently draw aside the veil! What meets our
gaze? A beautiful picture. The scene is now in Trevelyan Hall, where a
reception is being held to welcome the beautiful bride of Captain
Trevelyan--Lady Rosamond Trevelyan. Truly the peerless Rosamond. The
beauty of the latter never shone so resplendent. Love has brought its
unsurpassing charms. Love imparted life, brilliancy and soul to the face
of the bride. Captain Trevelyan gazed upon her as though such radiance
could scarcely be of earth. In the train of guests foremost stands Mary
Douglas, whose happiness is indeed great. She is certain of the love
existing between the newly-wedded pair, therefore reflects happiness
from the thought. Next in order follows Maude Bereford, whose smiling
face shows plainly the impress stamped upon her heart as she returns the
gaze of her handsome betrothed, whose love is entirely devoted to her,
save the tender attachment borne towards his sister Lady Rosamond
Trevelyan. And our little favorite Fanny? Yes. Fanny Trevelyan is there
in all her sweetness, engaging as ever, winning friends by every smile.
Her joy is great. Lady Trevelyan's matronly grace and beauty appears to
great advantage as she cast benign glances towards her daughter elect.
Lady Rosamond in her eyes is a woman worthy to be loved--worthy of a
mother's love. A group seated near, evidently in merry conversation,
attracts our attention. One is entertaining them with something of a
humorous character. The lively gestures and satirical smiles are
certainly those of Captain Douglas. Doubtless he is telling of
some sport which he enjoyed at the expense of Mr. Howe and Lieutenant
Trevelyan in the field, barracks, or drawing-room, when in Fredericton.
Charles Douglas, the handsome, brave, and generous son of Sir Howard,
still proudly wears his former reputation unsullied and undimmed. His
heart is ever ready to do an act of kindness for a fellow creature.
Beloved, honored, and respected, he is worthy of his distinguished sire.
Ah! we see another familiar form and face. Leaning beside an open window
is that of a dear old friend, apparently occupied in studying the varied
expressions of the happy bridegroom, and vainly trying to discover that
puzzled one which had given so much concern on former occasions. The
faithful friend of the young lieutenant of the 52nd has not forgotten to
pay his respects to the retired captain of the 81st and his lovely
bride. He had made a sacrifice to be present at an event which brought
such happiness to one in whom he had always taken such a deep interest.
Mr. Howe was indeed a happy, honored, and welcome guest. Many more are
to be observed standing, sitting, reclining, in groups and companies;
but as strange faces have no peculiar charm when feasting upon those of
our old acquaintances, we make no effort to introduce them. In our great
joy we had almost forgotten to recognize one of Lady Rosamond's warmest
adherents--one always in attendance upon her ladyship, ready to engage in
any fun, frolic, or excursion, in the direction of fields or woods--no
less a personage than John Douglas; no longer important Johnnie, but a
well-bred gentleman, hearty, jovial, merry, with bravery stamped upon
every lineament of his face. Some are missing. Sir Thomas Seymour has not
lived to see this. Lady Bereford is also among the number. She has paid
her last debt.
Having brought before you most of those in whom you have no doubt became
interested, we now bid them all a tender adieu. It is hard to part with
friends who have shared our sorrow, our sympathy, and our joy, but in so
doing may our prayers follow each throughout time, hallowed by fond
memories of the past.
A second thought to Lady Rosamond before turning forever from the light
of her lovely smile. In her great happiness there are moments when holy
thoughts arise, having a purifying influence upon her life. She never
can forget the past, while the present begets the consciousness of
having trodden the paths of duty and right with firm, unfaltering steps,
never looking back until the goal was reached--the reward gained.
"When life looks lone and dreary
What light can dispel the gloom?
When Time's swift wing grows weary
What charm can refresh his plume?
'Tis woman, whose sweetness beameth
O'er all that we feel or see;
And if man of heaven e'er dreameth
'Tis when he thinks purely of thee,
O woman!"