Let me read your horoscope:--dark clouds within the visible horizon, succeeded by bright stars in ascension--hope and joy without fail." A spirit of inspiration seemed to shine upon the face of Mary Douglas as she read her companion's future.
A smile lit up the features of Lady Rosamond.
"Thank heaven, darling, for that smile," said the gifted daughter of Sir Howard, throwing her arms around the sorrowing girl and kissing her affectionately.
Lady Rosamond felt happier and more encouraged from the fact of having such consolation and hope.
Mary Douglas had shed a ray of comfort in one unhappy heart.

She knew not the load which was thus removed.
Lady Rosamond clung to those kind words with a fond pertinacity: not only the _words_, but the manner in which they were uttered.
Some evenings after the preceding interview had taken place, Sir Howard, Lady Douglas and family were assembled in the drawing room.

Miss Douglas was seated at the piano, while Miss Mary Douglas sang the song so dear to every Scottish heart--Highland Mary.

Lady Douglas listened to the melodies of her native land with heartfelt admiration.

She loved to cultivate such taste on the part of her daughters.