82 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



engaged for every dance this evening." When Melville, dis- 

 concerted at this unexpected damper to his highly wrought 

 expectations, bowed and withdrew, as Beauchamp, who had 

 dined that evening at Compton's and bespoke the first qua- 

 drille, approached and offered his arm. 



The heiress being the great attraction of the evening, many 

 inquisitive, and many more envious glances were directed 

 towards her and her partner, to scan every look and gesture 

 of each ; but both were too much occupied with their own 

 thoughts to think of others. Beauchamp's gentlemanly, quiet 

 attentions, with Ins peculiarly happy and cheerful smile, and 

 Blanche's radiant looks, were noticed by Melville's quick eye, 

 avIio inquired of Conyers the name of her partner. 



" Beauchamp,' ' was the reply, " our young Master of Fox- 

 hounds; but why do you ask, Melville V' 



" There's something so frank and manly in that fellow's face, 

 with such quiet, kind manners, that any girl might fall in love 

 with him ; and I'll bet a cool hundred, by her behaviour, the 

 heiress is booked already." 



" Oh, nonsense," replied Conyers ; " Will Beauchamp is one 

 of the kindest-hearted fellows in the world, and has known 

 Miss Douglas many years, but he is no fortune-hunter." 



" Perhaps not," replied Melville ; " but that girl thinks more 

 of him than you suppose." 



" Not that, I'll engage ; but now I will introduce you to 

 Miss Markham, the wittiest, if not the prettiest girl in the room." 



There was a very large conservatory at one end of the 

 saloon, the doors of which were thrown open to afford a pro- 

 menade to the dancers after their exertions, flower-stands occu- 

 pying the centre, with a wide walk round, and seats were 

 disposed at the lower end under magnificent orange trees. To 

 this Elysian retreat Beauchamp conducted his partner when 

 the dance was over ; and standing by her side, under the orange 

 tree, examining the buds and young oranges, he alluded to their 

 last meeting in Aunt Gordon's conservatory, which called the 

 crimson blush to her cheek. 



" Tell me, dear Blanche," he said, " have you quite forgiven 

 my presumption on that occasion?" 



" Oh ! yes, were it needed, your pardon has been long ago 

 assured." 



" Then, will you accept and wear this little trinket, which 

 may sometimes remind you of my undying regard, when we 

 may be separated for ever?" 



