"Trevelyan, beware, you are being caught in a pitfall." Lady Douglas smiled as she turned to Miss Douglas, saying "Mr.Trevelyan's request shall be granted, you can choose your own task of imposition, music, reading, or any other pastime." "The matter is settled, thanks to her Ladyship," exclaimed Sir Howard, "and I beg leave to withdraw to mature my views for the coming lengthy topic of this evening." The hour being announced warned the ladies to prepare for dinner, the group separated leaving the verandah to the romps of two favorite hounds, a spaniel, and a pair of tame rabbits.
While preparations are thus going on in the different apartments of Government House, a carriage arrives with its occupant, Mr.Howe, private secretary to Sir Howard.

The carriage, a handsome one, is driven by a span of full-blooded Arabian horses; magnificent specimens of their species; proudly sits their owner in his costly equipage.

As a man of wealth, high family, Mr.Howe occupied a prominent position in the household of the Douglas family.

His coming is awaited with eagerness.
Captain Douglas, his friend and companion, is at his side in a moment addressing him with hearty familiarity, "Howe, you are late.

Has business been pressing?
Takes some time to get reconciled to the hum drum of life in New Brunswick! Well, old fellow, send around the horses and we will yet have time for a cigar before dinner.