252 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



Under these circumstances, as they both suit each other so 

 exactly in disposition, temper, and habits (fox hunting ex- 

 cepted, and even so far I think the governor might get aunty 

 into the kennel, although the whole household couid not put 

 her on horseback), as houses cannot be joined together, the next 

 best thing to be thought of is to unite the owners — there 

 would then be one house for the old, and the other for the 

 young pair of birds." 



" Oh, William ! don't talk so foolishly ; Aunt Gordon would 

 never give up the Priory, and your father would never live 

 anywhere but at Bampton ; so your anticipations are very 

 unlikely to be realised \ but I suppose we must divide the year 

 between them." 



" No doubt, Blanche, that will be expected of us, as dutiful 

 children, although Malcolm and Constance have promised to 

 spend their winter at Bampton ; still, 1 cannot help thinking 

 the governor is bent on trying to persuade your aunt that 

 Beaumamp is a prettier name than Gordon ; and as she always 

 will call me ' her dear boy,' my idea is, that the squire will 

 assail her in this her weak poiilt, and make me a stepping-stone 

 to my promotion as her step-son. But, my gracious ! Blanche, 

 as Mrs. Winter says, don't hallude to this delicate torpech with 

 aunty, or I shall get my locks pulled and my ears boxed for 

 my imperance. Lorks, my dear, just observe how serious they 

 both look; depend upon it, the governor has popped the 

 question.'"' 



" What possesses you to-night, William, I cannot conceive, 

 to run on in this silly strain." 



" Why, my dear, the fact is, like Mrs. Summertop, I'm 

 rather swipey, I suspect." 



" Then you are fit company only for that lady, William." 



" Very well, my dear, if such is your opinion, I will go and 

 make love to her daughter forthwith, as Aunt Gordon tells me 

 I am a great favourite with the young lady. What say you to 

 that proposition ? " 



" Oh, go, by all means, if you prefer her society to mine," 

 replied Blanche, rather testily. 



" That not being exactly the case, you naughty child, I shall 

 keep your arm, and torment you until the supper hour ; never- 

 theless, I am not swipey, although intoxicated with delight at 

 seeing Lady Beauchamp, that is to be, in such buoyant spirits. 

 That's all, my dear ; so now we will just take a peep into the 

 dining-room, and see how things are arranged for the supper." 



