A LECTURE. 255 



pay or receive visits from three to five, then take your ride or 

 drive in the Park, and return home to dress for dinner about 

 seven. This, with some little variation, is the usual every-day 

 routine of life to those who move in the first circles of fashion- 

 able society. But there is one place of amusement, dear girl, 

 although quite the fashion to patronise, which is a disgrace to 

 any Christian country, and that is, without hesitation 1 say so, 

 the Opera House. Against the singing and music of the Opera, 

 which are, of course, of the very highest order, I have nothing 

 to urge; but the after-piece, or ballet, is an exhibition from 

 whioh every pure-minded woman must turn with shame and 

 disgust ; and I am quite sure that, if perforce obliged to witness 

 one scene of this kind, you will never be induced to be present 

 at another. Although I hope you may be safely trusted to 

 Malcolm's or Aunt Gordon's care, who will protect you from 

 witnessing all such objectionable exhibitions." 



"And yet, dear William, without you I shall feel desolate 

 and lonely ; and you know, but tor your promise of joining me 

 in town, I would never have accepted Lady Malcolm's invita- 

 tion. Tell me, then, when I may expect you there; and if you 

 love, do not disappoint me." 



" Will this day week, Blanche, satisfy you, giving time for a 

 few arrangements which I must make before leaving home ? " 



"Yes, William, I will be content, if you cannot name an 

 earlier day." 



" If possible, dear girl, I will leave home sooner ; but by 

 this day week, if living and well, you shall see me at this hour 

 in Grosvenor Square." 



" Thank you, my own dear William, for your kind compli- 

 ance with my wishes, which has made me quite happy; although 

 I now sincerely wish I had never consented to leave the Priory y 

 for I have no pleasure anywhere without you." 



" For which pretty little complimentary speech, my love, I 

 must reward you in my usual way. And now, recollect, I shall 

 expect every day a true and particular account of all your 

 thoughts and doings in London, until you are once more under 

 my individual espionnage" 



The promise being given, terminated the interview between 

 the lovers ; and Blanche returned to the house to complete her 

 preparations for the morrow, Beauchamp having agreed to dine 

 and sleep at the Priory that night, and see them off on their 

 journey early the next morning. 



Beauchamp, being of a very reflective and rather melancholy 



