VAXCOURT FEELS HIS WAY. 113 



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 sible, that evening, to fkicl out how the case really stood 



between Lord Malcolm anil the heiress ; for which purpose, on 

 entering the drawing-room, he attached himself to Mrs. Har- 

 court, and soon after, observing Blanche in low and earnest 

 conversation with her cousin, apart from the company, he re- 

 marked upon their being so much interested in each other's 

 society, and said, in a low tone, " The report of their engage- 

 ment seems fully confirmed, Mrs. Harcourt." 



" There is no engagement between them, my lord," replied 

 that lady, "although both Mr. Harcourt and myself have long 

 indulged such hopes, from their estates in Scotland joining each 

 other, and also because we have the greatest regard for Lord 

 Malcolm." 



"I should judge from appearances," said Lord Vancourt, 

 " that they were most unquestionably attached to each other." 



" Merely cousinly affection," was the answer. " Malcolm 

 has expressed himself so unequivocally on the subject, that it 

 admits of no doubt." 



A triumphant smile played for a moment over the features 

 of Lord Vancourt at this announcement, but he immediately 

 turned the conversation into another channel. Malcolm main- 

 tained his position near Blanche the whole evening, accom- 

 panying her to the piano (when requested by Mrs. Harcourt to 

 sing), and Lord Vancourt, perceiving his intention to prevent 

 his advances that night, prudently gave way, and consoled him- 

 self with Mrs. Harcourt's society, in whose good opinion he had 

 already made rapid progress. 



The common topic of conversation was the annual ball 

 which was to take place at Cherrington on the thirty-first of 

 the month, now quickly approaching. 



" I shall certainly attend that ball," said Mrs. Gordon, who 

 had now joined Blanche and Malcolm, "to witness your intro- 

 duction to the world, my dear girl ; and you will find me always 

 ready to act as your chaperon, as Mrs. Harcourt, I dare say, 

 will be engaged with her numerous friends." 



"I am so happy to hear you will be there, dear aunt," 

 replied Blanche, " as your presence will give me confidence on 

 this trying occasion." 



"Not that you will see much more of your aunt," said 

 Malcolm, laughing, " than if she were at the Priory ; for, rest 

 assured, your numerous admirers will engage the heiress for 

 every dance." 



"She shall not dance more than she likes," replied Mrs. 



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