A MISCHIEF-MAKER. 49 



and dishes and huge brandling candlesticks with wax lights, 

 the viands also being of the substantial order, and entirely of 

 home manufacture or produce of the Barton Court domain, 

 from the sirloin of beef to the two couples of woodcocks which 

 occupied one dish in the third course, with jellies, creams, tarts, 

 puddings (new college especially), and other kinds of con- 

 fectionery from the housekeeper's room. The wines (a choice 

 selection from the best vintages) were the product of foreign 

 and warmer climes ; but two large flagons of home-brewed ale 

 and home-pressed cider, of bright and sparkling amber hue, 

 graced the board, to which Newman Butler directed an in- 

 quiring look. " Ah, Butler ! ,: exclaimed his host, observing 

 his glance in that direction, "there is something there which 

 I think will suit your palate." 



" No doubt, Sir Lionel, some of the best." 



" Then taste and try, Newman, before you buy. John," turn- 

 ing to the old butler, " a tumbler of your old ale to Mr. Butler." 



" Yes, Sir Lionel ; " and the next moment a tall beaker, 

 frothed to the top, was handed by the old man, who stood by 

 Butler, salver in hand, to watch its effect. 



" Excellent, indeed," ejaculated Butler, as he returned the 

 emptied glass ; " sherry or madeira can't beat that, Sir Lionel." 



" Glad you like it, Newman." 



" He is a good judge of that beverage," remarked Conyers. 

 " And now, John, I'll trouble you for a glass of the same." 



Similar requests followed from other quarters, with which 

 the old butler was highly delighted. The dinner-hour was 

 passing pleasantly, though leisurely, away, Selina entertaining 

 her neighbour, William Beauchamp, with many witty remarks 

 in a low key, lest they might be overheard by her mamma, ot 

 whom alone she stood in some kind of awe. But Bichard 

 Vernon, who had seized upon the chair next Miss Douglas, 

 watching her glances across the table to Beauchamp and his 

 partner, resolved to have his revenge for her distant behaviour 

 to himself. 



" Miss Markham and Mr. Beauchamp appear mutually 

 pleased with each other," he remarked ; " in fact, her whisper- 

 ing speeches, and furtive glances towards Lady Markham, 

 betray the nature of their conversation ; don't you think so, 

 Miss Douglas % " 



" I really do not know to what you allude, Mr. Vernon." 



"None are so blind as those who will not see," was the 

 pointed reply. 



