THE OPERA. 265 



at first and subsequent reserve, was almost puzzled how to 

 interpret her reception of him ; but, after several ineffectual 

 attempts to draw her into conversation, he thought it more 

 prudent to withdraw for the present ; and Blanche, leaning 

 back in the carriage, with her parasol before her face, resolved 

 thereby to exclude any further advances from other attendant 

 cavaliers. Lady Malcolm said — 



" I fear, my dear girl, you have not yet recovered from your 

 fatigue of yesterday ; we will therefore return home. But how 

 did you become acquainted with Lord Danby 1 " 



" I was introduced to him first at the Hunt ball, Aunt 

 Malcolm ; and met him often afterwards whilst he was staying 

 at Barton Court." 



" Well, my dear, being heir to a rich dukedom, he is very 

 much courted, and highly spoken of as a most agreeable, un- 

 affected young man ; and, of course, a most desirable acquaint- 

 ance." 



Blanche not appearing disposed to continue the con- 

 versation about Lord Danby, Constance interposed some other 

 remarks to save her friend ; and the carriage soon after set 

 them down in Grosvenor Square. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



Mrs. Gordon having her own carriage and horses in London, to 

 prevent interference with her sister s arrangements, the two 

 next days were chiefly devoted to calls on her particular friends, 

 shopping, sight-seeing, &c, in which she was accompanied by 

 Blanche and Constance, Lady Malcolm seldom going out until 

 three or four o'clock in the afternoon. But her ladyship, 

 after having conceded thus much to her sister, feelingly pardon- 

 ably proud of her niece, and ignorant of her attachment to 

 Beauchamp, now became anxious to exhibit her in public, as 

 well as among her own aristocratic set — hoping and believing 

 that Blanche would, from her personal charms and large fortune, 

 soon have an opportunity of forming some splendid alliance. 



The next night, therefore, found her sitting with Lady 

 Malcolm in the front row of her opera box, towards which many 

 inquisitive glances were directed from those on the opposite 



