126 THE MASTER OF THE HOUXDS. 



CHAPTER XII. 



The following morning, Lords Mervyn and Vancourt, with 

 Vernon, held a consultation on the state of affairs ; and it was 

 determined that Vancourt should write a proposal to Mr. Har- 

 court, the next day, for his ward. 



" I think it would be best to call at Throseby," observed 

 Lord Yancourt. 



"No," said Vernon, "that will not answer the same purpose 

 as writing — litera scripta manet. Get Harcourt to give his 

 consent on black and white, and then vou are safe for anv 

 contingency." 



" You are quite right, Vernon," said Lord Mervyn, " and a 

 capital adviser in such matters." 



Accordingly, the next day, about the hour of luncheon, a 

 servant was sent over on horseback from the castle, with the 

 proposal in due form, and worded after the most approved 

 fashion, with the usual protestations of love and devotion to the 

 young lady. 



Mr. Harcourt was in the dining-room with Blanche, Mrs. 

 Harcourt, and Malcolm, when the letter was delivered to him : 

 and having glanced over the contents, he put it into his pocket. 



" My lord's servant is waiting for an answer, sir," said the 

 footman. 



"An answer shall be sent this afternoon," was the reply. 

 No further comment was made on the contents of the letter 

 until after luncheon, when Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt retired to 

 their own private sitting-room to deliberate. 



"I think, my dear," said the gentleman (after they had 

 decided to accept his lordship's offer), "you are the most proper 

 person to speak to Blanche on this subject, and of course can 

 explain our wishes much better than I can — pointing out the 

 many advantages, in point of title and connection, and pressing 

 Blanche not to refuse so flattering a proposal." 



"Indeed," replied the lady, "I cannot think my niece will 

 act so contrary to our advice and her own interests as to refuse 

 Lord Vancourt." 



No sooner had Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt left the dining-room 

 than Blanche, with the foreboding of evil, the influence of which 

 no mortal can either explain or escape, turning to her cousin, 

 said, " I wonder, Charles, what that letter from Lord Vancourt 

 contains ? " 



