50 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



" I can see nothing in Selina' s conduct to-night different to- 

 what it generally is," she answered, in rather an indignant tone. 



" Oh, indeed ! Then, I suppose, you are also not aware of 

 that which is the common topic of conversation in well-informed 

 circles — Mr. William Beauchamp's unequivocal attentions to 

 Miss Markham?" 



The colour rose suddenly to Blanche's face, and was as 

 suddenly succeeded by a death-like pallor, of which being her- 

 self aware, she seized a glass of wine in her right hand, being 

 scarcely conscious of what she did, and swallowed the con- 

 tents. Vernon watched her confusion with diabolical delight, 

 adding, " My abrupt revelation has caused quite an unexpected 

 exhibition of surprise on the part of Miss Douglas, but I 

 suppose the news has not travelled quite so far as Throseby 

 Hall." 



11 Nor anywhere else than through your own imagination,, 

 probably, Mr. Vernon;" with which she turned away, directing 

 some observation to Captain Markham, and would not again, 

 notice anything addressed to her by Vernon. 



On the retirement of the ladies to the drawing-room, Con- 

 stance, taking Blanche's arm, inquired what fresh impertinence 

 Vernon had been guilty of, having observed them sparring at 

 at dinner, which called up again the blush on her friend's 

 cheek. 



"My dear Constance, he told me that your brother was 

 seriously attached, if not engaged, to Selina Markham, and that 

 everybody knew it, except myself." 



" False, treacherous villain ! " indignantly exclaimed Con- 

 stance ; " how dare he utter such a libel on my dear William ? 

 He in love with Selina ! — heaven forefend ! " 



"But, perhaps, he may be attached to her, without entrust- 

 ing you with his secrets," added Blanche. 



" No, Blanche, that is impossible." 



" But why is it impossible, dear Constance ; can you tei L 

 me ? " 



Yes, dear girl, I can ; because I know he loves another — 

 the very opposite in every respect to Miss Markham." 



" Oh ! who can that happy person be 1 " inquired Blanche, 

 with a deep-drawn sigh. " Tell me, dear Constance, tell me her 

 name ! " 



_ " I fear I have already said too much, dear Blanche ; for 

 William's secret is known to me alone, and I dare not divulge 

 it." 



