THE LAST EVENING AT THE PRIORY. 257 



value beyond all price. Oh, Blanche ! that you may be restored 

 to me as you now leave me, is my constant, anxious prayer." 



u Dear, dear William, do not distress yourself by these fore- 

 bodings of evil, or doubt my constant, unfailing love, which 

 will strengthen and support me in every trial ; and knowing 

 how much your happiness depends on me, and is now confided 

 to my keeping, rest assured that consideration alone would be 

 sufficient, had I no stronger motives, to prevent that change 

 you dread ; but unless you are with me also, my fashionable 

 career in London will be short indeed ; and when you leave 

 town, Aunt Gordon and myself have resolved to return to the 

 Priory." 



Malcolm entering the room at this moment, exclaimed — 



" Ah, Beauchamp, at the old game again, lecturing Blanche, 

 I conclude, from those tearful eyes. Really, my dear fellow, 

 there is sometimes too much of a good thing ; but all your 

 advice will be thrown away after a month in town, by which 

 time you will find this country lassie converted into an aerified 

 town belle, receiving the homage of numerous slaves, attracted 

 by her beauty and grace, with the dignity of a princess. You 

 will get lectured yourself then, my boy, and ordered to the 

 right-about in double quick time." 



" Take care Constance does not serve you the same trick, 

 Malcolm." 



"Egad ! " I should not be marvellously astonished if she 

 did, Beauchamp, and therefore I shall keep a pretty sharp look 

 out ; but she shall have her run of gaiety — go everywhere, 

 and see everything, for it is far better to have it over before we 

 are married, and if so disposed to turn restive, the blow won't 

 fall so heavily upon me now as it would later, when we are 

 coupled together." 



" You can do as you please with Constance, who is strong 

 and able to take care of herself; but I must entreat, Malcolm, 

 Blanche may not be dragged here, there, and everywhere, for 

 her constitution will not endure much dissipation." 



" Well, Beauchamp, then come up and take care yourself of 

 the dear, precious little soul. Why, Blanche, he seems to think 

 you are made of barley-sugar. What a life you will lead when 

 married to such a fussy, prosy, particular old fellow. Take my 

 advice, child, and marry some dashing, high-spirited young 

 man about town." 



" Who would try to kill me with dissipation, Charles, that 

 he might spend my fortune on himself — that would be a cannie 



<4 



