Lady Douglas had found an opportunity to form an estimate of the strength of character which sustained the apparently gentle and passive maiden.
At the dinner table of Government House everyone seemed to vie in good humored gaiety and flow of spirited, animating conversation.

Each tried to please.

All clouds of despondency vanished upon this occasion.

Sir Howard always set the example.

Pressing cares of state, perplexing questions, and endless grievances, took speedy and ignominous flight when he entered the family circle.