286 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



" I gave you a general invitation, Mr. Beauchainp, and I 

 meant that to include breakfast, luncheon, and dinner, every 

 day in the week, when not engaged myself from home, as long 

 as you remain in town." 



"I feel deeply indebted for your ladyship's most friendly 

 offer of hospitality, although I cannot think of obtruding myself 

 so unceremoniously, when my place at your table might be re- 

 quired for some distinguished guest." 



" Very well, Mr. William, then you will place me under the 

 necessity of writing a formal note every morning to request the 

 honour of Mr. Beauchamp's company at dinner. So you da 

 not approve of young ladies remaining to see the ballet, it 

 seems, by what Charles has told me ? " 



" Certainly not, Lady Malcolm," was the quiet though firm 

 response. 



" Will you state your reasons for holding this opinion ? " 



"With pleasure, to Lady Malcolm when alone, and I be- 

 lieve I may trust to her impartial judgment to decide whether 

 they are intrinsically right or wrong, without regard to fashion 

 or the world's verdict. ' Those who think seriously will not 

 follow a multitude to do evil.' " 



"Well, Mr. William, I believe I never have thought as- 

 seriously on this subject, or perhaps on many others, as I ought ; 

 but I respect your scruples and honour your principles ; and 

 you have my promise that your sister and Blanche shall never 

 again be condemned by me to witness another ballet ; will that 

 satisfy you ? " 



" Yes, indeed, dear Lady Malcolm," rising and taking her 

 hand ; " I do indeed thank you for this kind concession." 



" Then now, you foolish boy, will you make my house your 

 home 1 " 



" As far as I consistently can, with the greatest pleasure." 



" You will dine with us to-day, then, to begin ? " to which 

 a most willing assent was given. Malcolm now burst into the 

 room, exclaiming, " Why, Beauchamp, they told me at Long's 

 you were about to leave town immediately ; how is this, old 

 fellow 1 " offering his hand ; " surely you are not so mortally 

 offended with me as to leave us again in this abrupt manner? 

 On my word, Beauchamp, I did not intend to wound your feel- 

 ings by anything I said yesterday in the Park." 



" ISTo man, who acts from upright, conscientious principles,, 

 likes to hear his motives questioned, or his opinions ridiculed. 

 It has ever been my rule to speak and act according to the 



