Though in the present the inference was distasteful, her ladyship could not dismiss the subject.

As she stands quietly awaiting her turn in the order of presentation, let us once more picture the beautiful face and form which have won our entire sympathy.
Lady Rosamond has lost none of the beauty hitherto depicted in her charms.

She is still lovely as when described while a guest at Government House.

Her cheek has lost none of its roundness; the outline is full, striking, fresh and interesting; the expressive dark eyes have lost not their usual brilliancy, save a mournful tenderness that is more often betrayed than formerly; the lustrous black hair is wantonly revelling in all the luxuriance of its former beauty.

Time nor experience has not the ruthless power to desecrate such sacred charms.
Lady Rosamond has yet to rejoice in these; she has yet to pluck the blossoms of happiness springing up from the soil of buried hope where seeds had been scattered by the unseen hand of Mercy.