KESULTS OF THE CONFLICT. 131) 



wine, trembling still, and shaking so much that she spilt half of 

 it on the floor. 



" Drink it yourself, dear Blanche," said Beauchamp, springing 

 up, K and another, too, or I will not touch a drop. Sit down, 

 my dear girl. I am not much hurt." Saying which, he poured 

 her out a full glass, which he made her take, and then iilling 

 one himself, said, before raising it to his lips, " Here's health 

 and long life to Mark Rosier, the poacher, who has saved dear 

 Blanche from that rascally lord's clutches ! " 



" Now, dear child," said Mrs. Gordon, " run up-stairs, and 

 change your dress, whilst I order tea to be taken into the 

 drawing-room." 



CHAPTER XIV. 



As soon as she had left the room, Beauchamp was obliged to 

 take off his coat and waistcoat and submit to Mrs. Gordon's 

 inspection, who cutting a strip from under his arm, laid bare the 

 wound. "Indeed, William," she exclaimed, " it is a shocking 

 bad place. I must send for the surgeon." 



" Oh, pray don't, dear aunt ! I do not think there is any 

 occasion." 



" It must and shall be done instantly, and I will do what I 

 can in the meantime." 



Saying which, she rang the bell and gave orders accordingly ; 

 and, running from the room, soon returned with her maid, who 

 brought hot water and bandages, with which, after due fomenta- 

 tions, Beauchamp's side was carefully bound up. 



".Now, dear aunt," he said, " after all your kind care and 

 trouble, I feel quite refreshed and easy. Let us join Blanche 

 for a cup of tea, and you shall hear the whole story of this 

 night's adventures, as far as I know myself." 



Lying on the sofa, near the fire, by Aunt Gordon's directions, 

 Beauchamp was waited upon by Blanche, who placed a small 

 table by his side, and her attention was more than repaid by his 

 happy smile, when receiving these kind offices from her hands. 



All he knew was related to Mrs. Gordon, who frequently 

 interrupted him by exclamations of anger or surprise at this 

 most daring outrage. 



" And now, dear aunt," said Beauchamp, " if you will be 

 land enough to give me pen and paper, to write a few lines to 



