A HAPPY DINNER PARTY. 165 



" Because you are as two to one against Beaucliamp, and 

 can at any time win more games with your eyes, dear girl, than 

 ever you will with your hands." 



" Well, Charles, since no spell of that kind will influence 

 you, I challenge you to a game when this is finished." 



" Not now, Blanche, as I must play first with my knife and 

 fork, and tell Will all about our day's sport." 



" You will find luncheon on the table," said Beaucliamp, 

 "and I will join you in a few minutes : but I wish vou would 

 persuade Mrs. Gordon to dine here ; the moon rises early, and 

 there is no fear of robbers." 



" With all my heart," said Malcolm, as he turned into the 

 drawing-room first ; when, having overcome Mrs. Gordon's 

 objections, he returned, saying he would send back his hunter 

 to the Priory, and go home in the carriage with the ladies. " Is 

 not this a delightful arrangement, Blanche ? " 



" Oh, yes, Charles ; I am so happy you have prevailed on 

 aunt to stop and dine here." 



u Well, then, after I have had some luncheon I will accept 

 your challenge at the billiard table, and leave the fox-hunting 

 tale for Bob Conyers to relate over his wine." 



Being rather disgusted with Charley's performances as 

 huntsman, that individual returned with the old squire about 

 five o'clock, and at half-past six this sociable, happy little party 

 sat down to their dinner, which was discussed with great gusto 

 and high glee ; the old squire keeping his guests alive with 

 merriment and good humour. 



"Well, Blanche," said he, "it makes my old heart glad to 

 •see your sweet, cheerful smile once more, and the colour again 

 in your cheeks. Poor child ! you had a narrow escape, and 

 Will too ; but there, I see it is a sore subject still, so we will 

 say no more about it — but have a glass of wine together instead. 

 Fill her a bumper, Will, and here" — raising his own glass — "is 

 long life and happiness to you, my dear girl, and confusion to all 

 your enemies ;" and the contents instantly disappeared. "Come, 

 Blanche," observing her sipping her wine, " don't make two 

 bites at a cherry — off with it, child — a bottle of this sort would 

 do you no harm. Don't look at Aunt Gordon : you are not 

 ■under petticoat government here ; and now, Malcolm, fill your 

 aunt's glass, as her turn comes next." 



" It's no use trying to refuse," said Malcolm, as she with- 

 drew her glass; "the governor will have his own way at 

 Bampton." 



