154 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



thing, and openly expressed his hope that the watchers would 

 be severely punished for daring to leave their places on. 

 such an errand. This avowal he deemed necessary, to prove, 

 as he expected, his entire ignorance of Lord Vancourt's 

 intentions. 



The next morning, Mrs. Gordon, with Blanche and Con- 

 stance, drove over to Bampton, where they found Will Beau- 

 champ lying on the sofa in the library. "I am come over 

 on purpose to give you a severe lecture, William," said Aunt 

 Gordon, "for going yesterday to the magistrates' meeting, 

 which, Mr. Morgan tells me, was a very imprudent act, and has 

 increased the inflammation in your side. Indeed, if your 

 father cannot keep you at home, I shall insist on taking you 

 back to the Priory to see what I can do with such a wayward 

 hoy." 



"My dear aunt," replied Beauchamp, "my presence was 

 absolutely necessary yesterday, or I should not have ventured 

 out in so cold a day; but I will now be a good boy, and 

 remain in the house until my wound is healed." 



" Will you promise me to keep this resolution 1 " 



" Yes, certainly, dear aunt, if it will afford you any 

 satisfaction." 



" Very well, sir ; and now, Constance, we will take off our 

 bonnets, as I intend remaining here till after luncheon." 



As they were leaving the room, Beauchamp said, in what 

 was intended for an injured tone, "Blanche, you have not 

 shaken hands with me ; have I offended you 1 " 



" Oh, no," she replied, turning back and offering her hand ; 

 "how could you think so, William?" 



" Then I will not think so," still holding her hand, " if you 

 will shut the door and sit with me a few minutes till Aunt 

 Gordon returns." A deep blush mantled in her cheek, and her 

 eyes were cast towards the door, as if wishing to escape. " Go, 

 then, dear Blanche," said Beauchamp; " I read your thoughts — 

 you would leave me ; but why should you thus avoid me 1 

 Have I ever uttered one word in your presence offensive or 

 repulsive to your feelings ? " 



" Oh, no, William, never ; but I have been so nervous and 

 agitated ever since that dreadful night." 



"That you fear to be left alone even with William 

 Beauchamp ; but there is another cause of dread, Blanche, from 

 which I would release you, and if you will shut the door and sit 

 with me only a few moments, that cause shall be explained. 



