260 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



of separation from Beauchamp (although, believing it to be of so 

 short a duration) was the most bitter she had ever experienced. 

 To her, Beauchamp had stood successively in the place of brother, 

 friend, and lover. She had regarded him first with the affection 

 of a sister ; then esteemed him as a friend, and now loved him, 

 with all the intensity of which her gentle, confiding nature was 

 susceptible, as her affianced husband. 



The shadows of evening were lengthening, as the heavy 

 double-bodied carriage, containing the late inmates of the Priory, 

 rattled through the streets of London, and drew up in Grosvenor 

 Square. The door of Lady Malcolm's mansion was immediately 

 thrown open by the expectant porter, and Malcolm leading the 

 way to the drawing-room, was soon folded in his mother's arms, 

 Mrs. Gordon, Blanche, and Constance following closely upon 

 his footsteps, and each greeted in turn by a warm embrace and 

 most cordial reception. 



" Really, Margaret," exclaimed Lady Malcolm, " I could 

 scarcely have recognised Blanche again, she is become such a 

 tall, handsome, stately girl ; well, I declare, my love," taking 

 her hand in hers, and earnestly scanning her features, " you 

 will create quite a sensation in the beau monde, and I shall 

 feel justly proud of my protegee. But now, my dears, you 

 must be greatly fatigued after your long journey, and I will 

 show you your rooms. Dinner will be ready at eight o'clock 

 precisely, and as we are quite enfamille this evening, you need 

 not bestow much time on your toilet." 



Lady Malcolm being Mrs. Gordon's eldest sister, resembled 

 her very much in personal appearance, and disposition also, 

 although taller, and more fashionable in manners, from her 

 constantly mixing in the first circles in London society ; and it 

 must be confessed, she was at heart rather a woman of the 

 world, deriving her chief enjoyment from its gaieties. 



Although much pleased with her niece's first appearance, 

 she was in raptures when Blanche entered the drawing-room 

 the second time, dressed for dinner. 



" Why, my dear girl," she exclaimed, " you are really quite 

 enchanting when divested of your travelling dress ; I had no 

 idea of that beautiful figure and graceful demeanour ; you will 

 be the belle of the season ; and with your fortune and position, 

 dukes and earls will be paying homage at your feet." 



" Indeed, I hope not, Aunt Malcolm," replied Blanche, 

 blushing deeply. 



" And why not, my dear 1 it is nothing more than your due, 



