114 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



Gordon ; " and, when fatigued, she will find a seat by my 

 side." 



"By-the-bye, Blanche," said Malcolm, "I must claim the 

 privilege of trotting out my fair cousin on that auspicious occa- 

 sion, by dancing the first dance with her, as in duty bound." 



Blanche blushed deeply, and not replying, her cousin said, 

 " Then you decline my handsome offer, eh, Blanche 1 " 



" Mr. Beauchamp asked me the other day for the first, but 

 I shall be most happy to dance with you the second." 



"Well, dear girl, that will do equally well, and Constance 

 shall be my first partner, so that point is settled beforehand, 

 and you shall be our vis-d-vis with Will Beauchamp : there, 

 aunt, that will do nicely, and of course all eyes will be directed 

 towards the two handsomest couples in the room. Don't you 

 think, aunt, I am an uncommonly smart, good-looking fellow, 

 just as described in the old ballad 1 — 



' He's as tall and as straight as a poplar tree, 



And his cheeks are as red as the rose ; 

 And he looks like a squire of high degree, 

 When dressed in his Sunday's clothes ! ' " 



" My dear Charles," exclaimed Mrs. Gordon, " how can you 

 quote such trash ? you are a very boy still." 



" Yes, aunty dear, and I hope to continue so for some few 

 years to come, until arrived at years of discretion, when I 

 suppose I shall exclaim 



' Life's a farce, and all things show it ; 

 I thought so once, but now I know it.' 



"Well, thank goodness, the castle party are on the wing, and I 

 wish them joy of their drive home, with that vicious old Mervyn 

 boxed up with them, who is like a mad dog when things don't 

 suit him, snapping at every one in his way. That poor girl of 

 his must lead a happy life with such parents." 



" Hush, Charles, they are coming towards us." 



"To shake hands with Blanche, I suppose," whispered 

 Malcolm, " and try to get her over to the castle again." 



Lady Mervyn, who was leaning on Lord Yancourt's arm, 

 extended her hand most graciously to Blanche, who rose as 

 they aj)proached, and his lordship was about to make her a 

 similar offer of friendly greeting, which with a curtsey she 

 declined, and resumed her seat, soon after which all the other 

 guests took leave. 



A frost now set in, which put a stop to hunting, and Lord 



