Many high-born maidens felt a tinge of jealousy as they listened to the brilliant preparations awaiting the marriage of the future Lord Bereford.

His courtly manners, pleasing graces, and handsome appearance, were the comment of many.

His proud privileges as peer of the realm, his princely castle and great wealth, furnished themes for eulogy.
While the great event was pending, and general curiosity was awakened in the course of proceedings, the Lady Rosamond alone remained passive.

She calmly listened to the different reports of those to whom was entrusted the management of affairs with an ease that was perplexing in its simplicity.

A genial smile repaid any effort to please.