302 THE MASTER OP THE HOUNDS. 



" And won't you wish me good-night ? " asked Malcolm, as 

 he was turning towards the door. 



" Yes, Malcolm," offering his hand, " I do wish you a good- 

 night, and regret I have been the cause of this unpleasant 

 difference between you and Conyers ; but I feel assured that no 

 man of feeling could act otherwise than I purpose to do." 



" Then I shall see you at twelve to-morrow 1 " added 

 Malcolm. 



" I shall call here at that hour," was the reply, as he ran 

 down- stairs to join his friend. 



Mrs. Gordon, overcome by emotion, had quietly left the 

 room ; and Lord Malcolm was pacing up and down, in no envi- 

 able mood, when his mother entered, and, observing her son's 

 disordered looks, asked what had annoyed him so dreadfully. 



"I am vexed to the soul, my dear mother, for having 

 quarrelled with Conyers about such a foolish piece of business 

 as going to this confounded ball — in short, he is right, and I am 

 wrong ; but I cannot bear the idea of being dictated to." 



" Of course not, Charles — no one likes that, even from their 

 oldest friends — yet there is no reason why you should go at 

 all, or Constance — Blanche and myself will be sufficient." 



" We are all in the same boat, my dear mother, according 

 to Bob Conyers' opinion; but as I wish to ascertain from 

 Danby whether he really did intend this omission of Beau- 

 champ as a meditated slight (which, in common fairness, I ought 

 to do before espousing his cause), I will accompany you there 

 for half an hour or so, being fully resolved, if the case is as I 

 now fear, to leave again directly." 



" Very well, Charles, then I shall do the same, and order the 

 carriage in an hour exactly from the time we are set down at 

 Castleton House." 



Meanwhile, Mrs. Gordon had communicated what had 

 passed to Constance and Blanche, which caused their tears to 

 fall fast. 



u Don't vex yourselves, my dears, any more, or you will 

 look wretched to-night, although it is very provoking in* Charles, 

 who might have given up one ball to oblige those friends who 

 have so often obliged him. But dry your tears, as my sister 

 has left her room ; and I will see William early to-morrow, and 

 prevent his leaving town." 



When the ladies descended to the drawing-room, Lord 

 Malcolm, observing his aunt's grave looks, said they had 

 resolved on going to the duchess's ball, chiefly to ascertain the 



