HUMBLE GOOD WISHES. 161 



murmured Blanche, as she leaned out to pat their Jhonesi 

 heads. 



" Yes, dear girl, there is no flattery in their professions, but 

 genuine true affection ; and now, as the gentlemen are all 

 ready, I must close the window, and you will see them walk 

 reluctantly away with the whipper-in, casting many a long and 

 lingering look behind." 



The appearance of Beau champ with Miss Douglas, patting 

 and fondling the hounds together, could not foil to attract all 

 eyes towards them ; and many and sincere were the aspirations 

 breathed by their true friends, ; the farmers especially, for the 

 future happiness of the pair, who appeared formed for each 

 other. 



" Ah," muttered Stiles to young Hazel, as they rode away, 

 "what a sweet-tempered, beautiful young lady Miss Blanche is, 

 and I'll warrant the squire loves her as the apple of his eye — 

 how happy they both looked ! Blessings on 'em both, say I, and 

 may they soon become man and wife." 



The company had now taken their leave, as the bounds 

 disappeared from the scene, and Beauchamp remained with 

 Mrs. Gordon and Blanche, Constance having galloped off with 

 Malcolm and Conyers, promising, however, to return early 



"Well, dear aunt," said Beauchamp, "your presence at our 

 home meet was quite an unexpected honour, and to me a most 

 delightful surprise." 



" Why, William, to tell you the truth, I rather suspected 

 the temptation would be too great, and feared jou would be 

 rash enough to join the hounds, unless myself and Blanche drove 

 over in time to prevent you ; and another reason was, that if 

 you were a good boy, and kept your promise, I would reward 

 you for your dutiful conduct, by spending the day with yon; 

 — there, William, was not that very good and considerate in 

 me ! " 



"Yes, dear aunt, as you ever are to one who does not 

 deserve half your kindness." 



" Of that I suppose I may be the best judge, Mr. William ; 

 and now, having breakfasted very early on your account, I and 

 Blanche shall not object to another cup of tea or coffee, and a 

 slice of cold fowl, if there is such a thing left in the breakfast 

 room ; " to which they immediately repaired, but found few 

 eatables remaining, except part of a cold round of spiced beef 

 and a knuckle of ham, which had still held out against the 

 repeated attacks of the hungry fox-hunters ; all the more 



K 



