132 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



" At present," replied Mrs. Harcourt, " Miss Douglas would, 

 I am quite sure, decline such an interview, although time may 

 possibly effect some change in her sentiments." 



" Am I to consider, then," inquired Lord Yancourt, " this 

 as my final answer, that Miss Douglas positively declines my 

 future addresses 1 " 



"Oh, dear, no!" replied Mrs. Harcourt (fearing she was 

 now verging on the other extreme, and taking Mrs. Gordon's 

 communications for granted) ; " we shall be most happy to re- 

 ceive you here as usual on my niece's return, although, from 

 her natural shyness of character, too much precipitation on your 

 lordship's part would produce the contrary effect to that which 

 you have our best wishes to accomplish." 



With many thanks for this friendly concession, Lord Van- 

 court politely took his leave, leaving Mrs. Harcourt in a most 

 unenviable state of mind, doubting whether she had said too 

 much or too little. On Mr. Harcourt's return, the occurrences 

 of the day were duly retailed, and that worthy gentleman began 

 to doubt his own want of proper precaution in not first investi- 

 gating Lord Vancourt's affairs, merely relying on Lord Mervyn's 

 representations. 



" We have been too hasty, my dear," observed Mr. Har- 

 court ; "and I now truly regret having penned that letter, 

 chiefly at your dictation." 



"Oh, it is of little consequence," returned his spouse; 

 "Blanche does not like him, and so ends the business, since 

 with her fortune there will be no lack of suitors." 



Poor Blanche, when safe at the Priory, felt like a bird 

 escaped from its cage, and her happiness was increased by the 

 arrival of Malcolm and Bob Conyers to dinner, the latter 

 dropping in quite unexpectedly. Great indignation was ex- 

 pressed (when the servants withdrew) by Malcolm and Con- 

 yers at the Harcourts' indelicate behaviour to Blanche, in 

 which Aunt Gordon heartily concurred ; and all three having 

 declared their resolution to prevent a repetition of such im- 

 proper influence being again exercised over her, the subject 

 was discontinued, and the events at the ball substituted. Leav- 

 ing this happy party by the fireside, we must now look in at 

 Marston Castle. 



