310 THE MASTER OP THE HOUNDS. 



me on this point shall be religiously observed to the letter, if I 

 am obliged to lock them up in their rooms the alternate three 

 nights. This being resolved on, your ladyship must make your 

 selection accordingly from that basket of cards, as the number 

 three per week, is not to be exceeded." 



" Well, Charles, upon the whole this is very agreeable news, 

 and I am delighted with the bright prospect opening to 

 William Beauchamp, which will also improve Constance's posi- 

 tion very materially ; but I fear Mrs. Harcourt will not be 

 pleased with Blanche's choice, although, from my great partiality 

 to William, she will find a most firm advocate in me." 



" That's right, my clear mother ; but bear in mind, this is to 

 be a secret still to all ; not a word to Mrs. Harcourt or a 

 breathing soul, until Beauchamp gives us permission to divulge 

 it." 



" Don't fear me, Charles ; it shall be strictly observed." 



Soon after, Mrs. Gordon and the girls returned, when Mal- 

 colm acquainted them, before they ascended to the drawing- 

 room, with the communication he had made to his mother by 

 Beauchamp' s desire. 



" William has acted most wisely and properly," replied Mrs. 

 Gordon • " and now, Charley, you see his confidence in you is 

 replaced." 



"All smooth again, aunty dear, with your hair-brained 

 nephew, and you shall see if I don't attend to orders about 

 those two girls." 



Lady Malcolm, although rather too much addicted to gaiety 

 and dissipation, was very warm-hearted, and almost foolishly 

 fond of her only son Charles, who had been a spoilt child (as 

 only children generally are, when left solely to a mother's care). 

 Being naturally attached to her own order, and her acquaint- 

 ance lying chiefly among the nobility, Lady Malcolm had at 

 first resisted her son's proposal of marriage with Miss Beau- 

 champ, in the hope of his forming a higher connection ; but 

 finding remonstrance unavailing, her consent was at last ob- 

 tained, and she had become every day since more convinced of 

 the wisdom of her son's choice, loving Constance as her own 

 daughter. Her delight, therefore, may be imagined, when so 

 unexpectedly informed of Mr. Beauchamp' s certain advance- 

 ment to the peerage, and William rose considerably in her 

 estimation as a desirable match for her niece ; the Earl of 

 Annandale being known as the possessor of very large landed 

 property which went with the title. 



