26 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



" Not much ; yet, the insinuation that I had married a girl 

 for her money would not be very agreeable." 



" But as a man of sense, knowing it to be false, you ought 

 not to care a rush about it." 



" Appearances would be against me, Sir Francis, and they 

 are everything in the eyes of the world ; irrespective of which, 

 I am not in love with Blanche Douglas. " 



" Then take my advice, Beauchamp, and fall in love with 

 her as soon as you conveniently can. So now go to your 

 breakfast, and send me up a cup of coffee." 



Preparations were made on a grand scale at Throseby Hall 

 (Mr. Harcourt's seat) for the company expected to grace the 

 dinner-table that evening, about five-and- twenty guests being 

 invited, including Sir Lionel and Lady Markham, with their 

 two eldest daughters, Selina and Caroline, and the Captain ; 

 Lord and Lady Mervyn and daughter, from Marston Castle ; 

 Colonel and Mrs. Bolleston, of Warley, and two daughters ; Mr. 

 and Mrs. Thornhill, of the Down House, with their daughter 

 Isabella ; Sir Lucius Gwynne, Bob Conyers, Vernon, Tyler, and 

 Fred Beauchamp, with his two cousins, William and Con- 

 stance. Mrs. Gordon, of the Priory, was also expected to make 

 one of the party. 



At a quarter before seven, the hour of dinner in fashionable 

 circles at that time (the greater part of the company having 

 assembled in the saloon), the door was thrown open, and Mr. 

 William and Miss Beauchamp were announced ; and many a 

 jealous glance was directed towards them, to scrutinise the 

 deportment of this fondly-attached brother and sister, who 

 quietly approached the mistress of the house, by whom they 

 were most courteously received, and then, turning to other 

 acquaintances, mixed among the company. 



Constance was most warmly greeted by her friend Blanche, 

 accepting a seat by her side on the sofa, from which she had 

 just risen. They were soon joined by the Cajjtain and Vernon, 

 who were both striving for the honour of handing the heiress 

 to the dinner-table. 



"Really, Miss Beauchamp," lisped the Captain, "you rode 

 quite bootifully yesterday — suppose you will take the lead 

 soon across country — quite a divinity, Miss Douglas, on horse- 

 back — I assure you, 'pon honour — hand and seat quite per- 

 fection. When shall I have the honour of charging a gate in 

 such delightful company 1 " 



" I never ride at gates, Captain Markham, and seldom over 



