Mr.Howe felt this as he tried to force an entrance to the heart of this lovely maiden to wrest from her, if possible, a secret that would give a hopeful assurance to his projects.
An incident shortly afterwards occurred which forever banished those thoughts from his mind, leaving no further room for doubt; still the fact cannot be overlooked, that the spirit which pervaded the private secretary of Sir Howard Douglas, was fraught with generosity and true manliness.
One evening as Captain Douglas and the latter were indulging in a quiet chat the conversation turned upon Lady Rosamond.
"She is indeed possessed of remarkable strength of character, which is the more surprising from the natural timidity and gentleness of her disposition," remarked Captain Douglas.
"I have greatly admired her of late, and have, on more than one occasion tried to study the depths of her nature," returned Mr.Howe, with sudden earnestness.

He was bent upon disclosing further plans to his friend when the latter exclaimed: "By jove! Gerald Bereford is a lucky fellow, to win the Lady Rosamond as his future bride." A look of startled surprise betrayed the excited feelings of Mr.Howe, leading Captain Douglas to remark: "Look here, old chap, one would be apt to imagine that _you_ were deeply smitten were they now to get a glimpse of your face." Mr.Howe smiled.
"Yes," continued Charles Douglas, "her ladyship is to marry her cousin, Gerald Bereford, shortly after her arrival in England." This was certainly a new aspect of affairs.

Mr.Howe now viewed the matter in another light, yet he could not heartily respond.

Vainly he strove to banish these thoughts, silently murmuring "poor Trevelyan!".