Lady Bereford had been a beauty in her day, and, judging from the skilful devices practised, wished yet to retain her passing glories.

Her fair complexion still showed a lingering bloom, the haughty eye still preserved a kindling glance, while her countenance and mien gave evidence of a stronger and more spirited cast of character than that of the young girl here mentioned.
"Maude," said her ladyship, "what news from Lady Rosamond ?" "Here is the letter, mamma, which you can read," said the young girl, at the same time placing a daintily folded letter in the lap of Lady Bereford.
With elevated eyebrows her ladyship looked over the contents of the letter.

An occasional frown showed the displeasure which some sentences gave to the reader.
"It does not seem to please you, mamma," ventured Maude.
"I cannot think that Lady Rosamond is very complimentary to her friends in England.

She makes no very kind allusions to her former companions here.

You certainly will admit that fact." "Oh, mamma, I am inclined to believe that you have formed mistaken opinions of dear Lady Rosamond.