THE SLIGHT TO BEAUCHAMP. 297 



though long known to Lord Danby, and meeting him constantly 

 at parties, was passed over. On the evening of this ball, he was 

 dining in Grosvenor Square, when Malcolm observed, " We 

 shall meet you, of course, to-night, Beauchamp, at Castleton 

 House ? " 



" I have not received an invitation," was the short reply. 



" How is this, Beauchamp ? I took it for granted Danby 

 had asked you long ago. Surely, then, he must have considered 

 you included in our party." 



" I think not, Malcolm ; Lord Danby has particular reasons, 

 no doubt" — casting a meaning look at Blanche — "for declining 

 the honour of my presence at his mother's ball." 



" Stuff and nonsense, Beauchamp ; it must be an oversight ; 

 so come with us, as I am quite sure Danby will be glad to see 

 you." 



" You must excuse me, Malcolm ; it is not my custom to 

 obtrude myself anywhere without being unmistakingly invited." 



" Biding the high horse again, my good fellow 1 " 



"Not in the least, Malcolm, unless proper self-respect is to 

 be so called. The slight was intended — as such it is accepted ; 

 and from this hour I shall decline the honour of his lordship's 

 acquaintance." 



" Really, my dear fellow, this is carrying things too far." 



" Not further than I deem it incumbent on me to do ; and 

 I hope I shall never be deficient in proper spirit to meet the 

 first approach to arrogance or insolence from any man, however 

 high in rank, with the most thorough contempt. But my in- 

 tended course with reference to Lord Danby need not influence 

 you or others, as I do not wish any one to take up cudgels in 

 my defence." 



"I understand, however, what is implied," replied Mal- 

 colm, " that your sister ought not to attend the duchess's ball 

 to-night." 



" Constance knows what is due to her brother, as well as to 

 herself," was the answer. 



" Then, I suppose, she is not to accept any invitations unless 

 you are included also % " retorted Lord Malcolm. 



" Such an idea is almost too absurd to need refutation," 

 added Beauchamp ; " she has frequently done so, and will do so 

 again, without any remark from me ; but having known Lord 

 Danby quite as long, if not longer, than your lordship has, and 

 coupling his late very distant behaviour (scarcely recognising me, 

 except by a stiff, formal bow) with the present exclusion from 



