288 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



positively in raptures with your cousin, and never felt so serious 

 in mv life." 



"Then take my advice, Ayrshire, and go no further', for 

 your attentions will be thrown away." 



" How so, Malcolm ? " 



" Simply because I believe her affections are engaged else- 

 where." 



" Is Danby, then, the happy man ? " 



" Not that I am aware of." 



"Who is, then, Malcolm?" 



" I can afford you no further information, Ayrshire ; so good 

 morning. A word to a wise man is enough." 



"But not enough for me," muttered the Marquis, as he 

 walked thoughtfully out of the yard. " It is evident Malcolm 

 does not favour my pretensions to his cousin — thinks I am 

 not in earnest, perhaps; but I shall not withdraw, although 

 from his peppery disposition much caution must be observed for 

 the future." 



When the gentlemen had left Grosvenor Square, Lady Mal- 

 colm remarked, "Lord Ayrshire's propensity to such decided 

 flirtation is very unfortunate, as he is a most agreeable, well- 

 informed person, and in other respects quite unexceptionable ; 

 but his sister being a particular favourite of 'mine, I had invited 

 both to dine with me to-morrow, to meet a few other friends, 

 before Charles and Beauchamp had expressed themselves so 

 warmly on his conduct, which I fear may lead to some un- 

 pleasantness." 



" Not on William's part, I will engage," replied Mrs. Gordon, 

 "from whom your guests will always receive every considera- 

 tion, and you can of course give Charles a hint, if you think one 

 necessary, which I do not, both so thoroughly appreciating the 

 rights of hospitality." 



After luncheon, Mrs. Gordon took Blanche and Constance 

 with her to a flower-show at Chiswick, Malcolm and Beauchamp 

 following on horseback ; and they had scarcely left the square, 

 when Mrs. Harcourt called on Lady Malcolm, and opened her 

 budget of grievances about Blanche, commenting severely on 

 her refusal of Lord Danby, and Mrs. Gordon's defence of her 

 conduct. Lady Malcolm upheld her sister, saying she was 

 quite right in allowing Blanche to exercise her own discretion, 

 as any attempt to coerce her feelings would be attended with 

 the usual result. "But I may tell you, Mrs. Harcourt, for 

 your satisfaction, that Lord Danby is still particularly attentive 



