196 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



manner, who just then approached to claim Blanche for his 

 partner in the opening dance of the night. 



Lord Danby, being very much struck at first with Blanche's 

 entreme loveliness (enhanced that evening by her simple, unaf- 

 fected costume), begged the honour of dancing the next quad- 

 rille, which was acceded to. On leading his partner away, she 

 asked Beauchamp the name of the gentleman who had just 

 been introduced by Mrs. Harcourt, which she had imperfectly 

 heard. 



" The Marquis of Danby, Blanche, son of the Duke of Dela- 

 mere," was the reply. 



" You know him, William, I see." 



" Yes, dear girl, I have met him occasionally in the hunting 

 field, and his father and mine are old acquaintances ; but I am 

 at a loss to conceive how he can be staying at Throseby — that, 

 however, I will ascertain presently." 



Lord Danby, not seeing much fun in being paraded any 

 longer by Mrs. Harcourt, took the earliest opportunity of con- 

 signing her to a seat, and soon after encountered Captain 

 Markham. 



" Ah, Danby ! 'pon honour — quite astonished to find you 

 here— grand affair, eh !— well got up, and all that sort of thing. 

 But where are you staying, old fellow 2 " 



" At the Harcourts, Markham, with my friends, the Seatons, 

 who were invited to Throseby for this ball." 



" Ah ! ah ! I see. Old Harcourt is well enough in his way 

 — gives good spreads, and keeps a first-rate artist in the culi- 

 nary ; but. that match-making, haughty wife of his is my aver- 

 sion, 'pon honour." 



" Very likely," replied Danby ; " but I hear you have had 

 splendid sport in this part of the world." 



" Yaas, Danby, first-rate, and no mistake — such a run from 

 our wood — thirty miles at least — every horse beaten — some 

 killed — others can't show — Narcissus regularly floored." 



" Well, Markham, I feel inclined to send for my horses down 

 here, and have a week or two with you, if I can get good stabling 

 in the neighbourhood." 



" That you can, my lord, I will answer for ; at Barton Court 

 our stalls are not half filled, and you shall have a stable to your- 

 self, and a right good welcome from my governor." 



"No, no, Markham, I cannot do that." 



" And why not, Danby, eh 1 — oh, I see— Duke's son — won't 

 condescend — infra dig. — and all that sort of tiling." 



