She had given her heart to a true, honorable and affectionate lover.

Already she has woven bright dreams wherein are clearly portrayed outlines of two fond beings living in the sunshine of each other's love, surrounded by the comforts and ease of a bright and happy fireside.

Lady Bereford is within the privacy of her own apartments.

Grief and anxiety have left heavy marks upon her hitherto well preserved face.

The furrowed forehead, wrinkles and grey hairs, show full well the heavy blow which had been dealt her ladyship in the death of her first-born.