HOBBIES IN THE DINING-ROOM. 31 



gratifications. But, my dear Blanche, you will believe me when 

 I add, that I never wish to interfere unnecessarily with your 

 inclinations, or dictate to you in the choice of a husband, although 

 you are too young yet to think of marrying." 



" Indeed, my dear aunt," replied Blanche, " I have really 

 never thought seriously of it, and nothing would ever induce 

 me to accept any person you disapproved of." 



" Thank you, my love ; and now I want you to come and stay 

 with me a few days next week, to help me in laying out my new 

 flower-beds ; but I promise you an exemption from any further 

 allusion to this subject." 



" Dearest aunty, I shall be too happy to come ; but you 

 must speak to my aunt Harcourt." 



" Of course, my love, that I shall do at once, and name 

 Monday." Mrs. Gordon rising, immediately approached Mrs. 

 Harcourt, and her request was most graciously complied with. 



We must now return to the dining-room, where we find the 

 gentlemen all riding their favourite hobbies ; of the elder por- 

 tion, some discussing politics, some agricultural, some magis- 

 terial topics ; others, again, literary and scientific matters : 

 the younger portion dilating on sporting, hunting, shooting, 

 wine, and women. Lord Mervyn, having the worst of a fight 

 with Sir Lionel Markham on the measures of the Government, 

 turned suddenly to William Beauchamp, with a sneer, inquiring, 

 " When are we to have the honour of a visit from you gentle- 

 men in scarlet, Mr. Beauchamp 1 " 



" Any day after next week your lordship may choose to 

 appoint," was the quiet reply. 



" And why not next week, Mr. Beauchamp ? It would suit 

 me better, as I have a large shooting party the following 

 week." 



"Our appointments, my lord, for next week are already 

 sent to the papers, and cannot now be altered without causing 

 dissatisfaction, and perhaps great inconvenience to many." 



" To a lot of tinkers and tailors, butchers and farmers, who, 

 the last time your hounds met at my coverts, sir, made the 

 drives resemble a ploughed field." 



"The most industrious, my lord, at that work, were your 

 two most staunch supporters at your son's election for the county, 

 Messrs. Barker and Bennet, the great brewers of Marston, whom 

 I must leave to your lordship to lecture on the subject, as all 

 my remonstrances were totally unheeded." 



"Well, sir," replied Lord Mervyn, "it is a great nuisance to 



