118 THE MASTER OP THE HOUNDS. 



now thinking she had deprived him of his dance, at last resigned 

 her niece's arm. As Beauchamp walked away with her, he 

 said, rather indignantly — 



"Mrs. Harcourt has pnrposely prevented me enjoying this 

 dance with you, dear Blanche. I will not be disappointed, 

 however, in the next ; we are too late now to join in this set, 

 which, if I could, I would not." 



" But I have promised Charles the second." 



" Oh, never mind ; he will give that to me when he hears 

 how badly I have been treated — that is, unless you would prefer 

 dancing with him." 



" Oh, no," she replied, " if Charles will not be offended." 



" Now then, Blanche, I see Aunt Gordon looking towards 

 us. We must go and speak to her." 



Her surprise at seeing Blanche walking about, instead of 

 dancing, was increased to indignation when told by Beauchamp 

 of Mrs. Harcourt's behaviour. 



" Sit down here, my love, and I will be your chaperon for 

 the rest of the evening." 



" I must leave her a moment with you, dear aunt," said 

 Beauchamp, " whilst I speak a few words with Malcolm ; " 

 after which he immediately returned, and sat down by Blanche, 

 telling her Malcolm had kindly waived his claim to her hand 

 for the next dance. They were joined by Constance and her 

 partner soon after, when Malcolm said she must now dance the 

 third with him. 



" I am soriy to say, Charles, I am engaged for that to Lord 

 Yancourt." 



" Oh, indeed ! " said Malcolm, whilst his brow contracted 

 with anger ; " then the fourth, Blanche 1 " 



" Yes, Charles, with pleasure." 



" How provoking," said Malcolm to Constance, " that we 

 cannot have a dance together with Blanche and Beauchamp ; 

 but I won't be done in this manner, so you must stand up with 

 me again, Constance, as their vis-a-vis.''' 



" Oh," said Constance, laughing, " it is not etiquette, 

 Charles, to dance two quadrilles in succession with the same 

 person." 



" Nonsense about etiquette, Constance ! will you refuse me 

 for form's sake 1 " 



" Certainly not, if you particularly wish it." 



" That I do, dear girl, and mind we all four join again in 

 the last dance. Do you agree to this, Blanche ? " he inquired. 



