156 THE, MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



generous candour ; and now run up and take off your bonnet, 

 and come sit by and comfort me. Will you, dear girl, without 

 fear and trembling '? " 



" Yes," she replied, with a sweet, radiant smile, " until you 

 are quite tired of my company." 



" That will never be, Blanche ; so make haste and return to 

 me again." 



The ladies now entered the room with Mr. Beauchamp, who 

 met them in the hall. " But where," he inquired, " is Malcolm ? " 



"He is gone over this morning to call on Mr. Conyers," 

 replied Mrs. Gordon, " but will be here presently to escort us 

 home after luncheon, as we intend, Mr. Beauchamp, to taste 

 some of your metheglin, which Constance says is equal to any 

 Frontignac." 



"Of course," said the old squire ; "you would not suppose 

 I should treat you and Blanche as morning visitors ; but sitting 

 within doors this fine day does not quite suit me ; what say 

 you to a walk instead ? " 



" Most willingly," replied Mrs. Gordon, " although we have 

 only just taken off our bonnets, with the intention of sitting 

 with William." 



" One at a time is more than enough for him, and the most 

 silent of the party the best, in his present state, whoever that 

 may be ; but on such a delicate point of distinction between 

 ladies I shall prudently forbear to hazard an opinion ; you must 

 settle it, therefore, among yourselves, or cast lots who shall be 

 the victim to listen to Will's complaints, while the rest are 

 enjoying themselves in the open air." 



" I think," said Constance, looking archly at her brother, 

 " Blanche is decidedly the most prudent and silent of our party, 

 and therefore I propose her remaining with William, only on 

 the condition that she does not allow him to speak on any 

 exciting subject ; do you both agree to this ? " 



" Most willingly and cheerfully do I submit to these condi- 

 tions, if Blanche will not think it too great a penance to sit by 

 a sick man's couch." 



" No, William, indeed I shall not ; so now, Constance, you 

 may run away as fast as you please with Aunt Gordon and 

 Mr. Beauchamp." 



"My dear, kind-hearted, and affectionate girl," said Beau- 

 champ, when the others had quitted the room, "and do you 

 think I would trespass on your gentle nature by detaining you 

 here, when Constance and Mrs. Gordon are enjoying this beau- 



