A RECONCILIATION. 307 



" Let my future conduct prove the deep contrition I feel 

 for the injustice I have done my friends ; and now, aunt," ring- 

 ing the bell, " I will order up some wine and water for these 

 dear girls, who have been worried enough to-night, and then 

 we will all retire to rest." 



The next day Beauchamp kept his appointment with Mrs. 

 Gordon, and arriving in Grosvenor Square about twelve o'clock, 

 was ushered into the drawing-room, where Lady Malcolm was 

 sitting with her son, Mrs. Gordon, and the two girls. After 

 shaking hands with all, he approached Lady Malcolm again. 



" I could not leave London, dear Lady Malcolm, without 

 expressing in person my grateful thanks for your most friendly 

 and hospitable reception of myself, and your numerous acts of 

 kindness to my dear sister ; for which I am and ever shall feel, 

 most deeply obliged." 



"But what is the cause of your leaving us so suddenly, 

 William 1 " 



" I will save Beauchamp the necessity of an evasive or indi- 

 rect reply to your question, my dear mother," interposed Mal- 

 colm, ' l by stating candidly that I am the cause of his leaving 

 town so unexpectedly ; what has possessed me, I know not ; 

 but I am now fully sensible that my overbearing behaviour to 

 him, of late, has been such as to disgust any man of less com- 

 mand of temper, and less depth of feeling, than him to whose 

 friendship I have, by my fool-hardy bantering and obstinacy, 

 justly forfeited all claim." 



"From this hour," said Beauchamp, offering Malcolm his 

 hand, "let the past be buried in oblivion, and I trust, for the 

 future, we may be as before to each other." 



"Asa proof, then, of your forgiveness, Beauchamp, will you 

 consent to remain 1 Under my present bitter and reproachful 

 feelings, it would be the greatest consolation and favour you 

 can bestow." 



"You must not question the sincerity of my forgiveness, or 

 my willingness to oblige you, Malcolm; but after due con- 

 sideration last night, I have decided to leave London, and have 

 written to my father to tell him he may expect me to-morrow 

 evening." 



" Will nothing induce you to alter that determination, 

 Beauchamp 1 " 



" Nothing that you can now urge, my dear Malcolm ; it is 

 for our future happiness that I am thus resolved." 



" Enough ! " said Malcolm, rising, and scarcely able to sup- 



