COMING TO THE POINT. 109 



" Lord Mervyn there turned us all out into tlie road, and 

 seized everything we had, even to the bed to lie upon, and all 

 on account of the game, which has been our ruin ; but the 

 young squire stood our friend, and has given us a farm from 

 Lady- day next, rent free, stock and all, until we can get round 

 again. God bless him for it, and all belonging to him !" ended 

 Mark, as he wiped a stray tear from his cheek. 



" Here, then, Mark," said his lordship, putting a five-pound 

 note into his hand, "give that to your father from me, to keep 

 a merry Christmas;" and, touching his horse with the whip, he 

 and Blanche cantered off. 



" There, Blanche," he said, when they had left Mark behind,. 

 " that act at once explains the character of William Beauchamp ; 

 and now I expect a lecture from Mrs. Harcourt for keeping you 

 out late," as they entered the lodge gates. 



CHAPTER XL 



During the absence of Lord Malcolm and her niece, Mw, 

 Harcourt had been discussing his lordship rather more perti- 

 nently than he surmised ; in short, she had insisted on Mr, 

 Harcourt inquiring what his real intentions were towards his 

 cousin. " It is really high time to know whether Malcolm 

 seriously thinks of marrying Blanche or not," she remarked to 

 her husband, "as it is very evident Lord Vancourt is very 

 much taken with her ; and, in case of his proposing, we should 

 scarcely know what answer to give him." 



" Very well, my dear, I will take an opportunity of sounding 

 Malcolm the first time we are alone, although I am inclined to 

 think, from my own observation, theirs may be only cousinly 

 affection ; but as the family from the castle dines here to- 

 morrow, I will ascertain that point before their arrival, and 

 let you know." 



Accordingly, the next morning, after breakfast, when they 

 were alone, Mr. Harcourt led to the point by asking some 

 questions relative to Blanche's property in Scotland. 



" It is in a very flourishing condition," replied Lord 

 Malcolm ; " and the tenants are improving their farms by 

 draining, which will increase their own returns, as well as 

 improve the value of the estate." 



