278 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



parties, operas, <fcc, with neither time nor inclination then, 

 perhaps, for reflection. Oh ! what a state of existence, dear 

 Blanche, for rational and immortal beings, in fruitless, senseless 

 pursuit of a phantom, which is ever eluding their grasp, 

 expending recklessly the freshness and strength of their youth- 

 ful minds and bodies on pleasures (if they can be called such) 

 which will entail upon them hereafter bitterness and reproach." 



" Oh, my dear William, do not believe your own Blanche 

 can ever forget so for her duty to God or to you, as to become 

 a reckless votary of fashion ; indeed, I have in this short time 

 seen enough of London life to know and feel it will never suit 

 me, and I shall be only too happy to return to the Priory." 



" There ought to be moderation in all our recreations and 

 amusements, dear girl, and there can be no great harm in your 

 seeing a little of the gay world, now you are here." 



"Without you, dear William, I have no enjoyment any- 

 where — but your presence gives me confidence ; and already I 

 feel quite a different being to what I have been since my arrival 

 here." 



"Well, lecture number one having lasted quite long enough, 

 we will join Constance and Malcolm." 



"Now, Beauchamp," exclaimed the latter; "we will sit 

 down on this bench, and you must tell us all about Mrs. Sum- 

 mertop and Miss Honoria. Has the young lady proposed yet ? 

 as Blanche is exceedingly anxious to know." 



" They propose a visit to London, Malcolm, which I have 

 tried ineffectually to ward off; for Mrs. Winter, having heard 

 that Blanche and Constance are to be presented at the first 

 drawing-room, has taken it into her head that her daughter 

 must be presented also; and, I am grieved to add, she has 

 engaged a house in Albemarle Street, to_ be near her friends (as 

 she calls us) in Grosvenor Square." 



" The deuce she has ! " cried Malcolm. " What fun ! But 

 not a word of this to her ladyship, Beauchamp. Just imagine 

 my lady mother's astonishment on hearing. Mrs. and Miss 

 Winterbottom announced." 



" It is very provoking," remarked Constance, " and all the 

 blame will be laid on me, for inviting Miss Honoria to 

 Bampton." 



" Never mind, my dear," replied Malcolm ; " it will be as 

 good as a comedy. I only hope I may be at home when she 

 •calls. My gracious ! what a scene it will be ! " 



" Really," said Blanche, " I must tell Aunt Gordon to pre- 



