LORD DANBY AT THE PRIORY. 209 



attentions ; but if you do not intend to give him encourage- 

 ment, you can plead fatigue, or other engagements." Beau- 

 champ, having thus expressed himself, consigned Blanche to 

 Mrs. Gordon's care, who was soon relieved of her charge by a 

 succession of applicants for the honour of her niece's hand, 

 which was not permitted to remain idle until the dawn of 

 morning put an end to further exertions. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



The next day, a grand muster of fox-hunters took place about 

 four miles from Cherrington, where the young squire made his 

 appearance about twelve o'clock ; and his usual good fortune 

 having attended him, resulting in a good day's sport, all retired 

 from the field well satisfied. The third morning, Beauchamp 

 rode over to the Priory, and remained until after luncheon ; 

 when, sitting with Blanche in the drawing-room, to his surprise 

 Captain Markham was announced, accompanied by Lord Danby. 



" Ah, Beauchamp, old fellow, good day's sport, yesterday — 

 'pon honour. Danby thinks first-rate. Called to inquire how 

 the ladies were after the ball. Capital band, Miss Douglas; 

 lots of partners ; grand affair — don't you think so ? " 



" Yes, Captain Markham ; everything was exceedingly well 

 arranged, and reflects great credit on fox-hunters." 



Lord Danby, although received rather iormally by Beau- 

 champ, was very courteous in his address to Blanche ; hoping 

 she did not feel over-fatigued by her great exertions, with many 

 other little speeches of this nature, usual on such occasions ; 

 soon after which the visitors took their leave. 



" Beauchamp again ! " remarked Lord Danby to his friend, 

 during their ride home ; " there must be something more in 

 his constant attentions to Miss Douglas than Mrs. Harcourt 



imagin 3S." 



" Can't say, Danby, 'pon honour — don't concern me — mind 

 my own business — every fellow must take care of himself; but 

 Harcourt is a crusty old customer — very, won't give in — swears 

 Beauchamp sha'n't have her — can't be had without his consent 

 — ward, and all that sort of thing." 



" "Well, I hardly know what to think, Markham. " 



" Take my advice, Danby — think nothing about it, but act 



