AN ERRONEOUS SURMISE. 319 



had his dismissal — nothing more likely, and I am satisfied in 

 my own mind this is the fact." 



"Well, Ayrshire, I quite agree with you that this is a 

 very natiiral solution of the mystery ; and knowing before her 

 guardian's decided objection to this young pretender, I think 

 it more than probable that he has been ordered to the right- 

 about." 



Blanche's returning cheerfulness, after the receipt of Beau- 

 champ's letter, tended also to impress Lord Ayrshire (who had 

 joined them again in their ride that afternoon) with the idea 

 that the wound inflicted on the heart of Miss Douglas by her 

 lover's dismissal was one of a very superficial character, and he 

 argued with himself — 



" Ah, young girls brought up in the country have always 

 some bumpkin hankering about them, with whom they fancy 

 themselves terribly in love, until the delusion is dispelled by 

 their coming to London and meeting well-bred, polite men of the 

 world ; they then wonder at the absurdity of their first foolish, 

 romantic penchant for a fellow who has not two ideas in his 

 head, beyond the price of corn and cattle ; and whose fund of 

 entertainment consists of a few threadbare sporting anecdotes, 

 too coarse for a lady's ear. A few tears, of course, at parting ; 

 and, by the end of the first week, Colin is forgotten ! " 



There was another cause, also, for Blanche's cheerfulness — 

 Lady Malcolm's knowledge and full approval of her choice, 

 which she believed would carry great weight with her guardian ; 

 so that she felt comparatively at ease on that point, and in 

 good humour with every one and everything around her. On 

 this morning her pretty Arab obtained an unusual share of 

 caresses and pattings from the hand of his fair mistress, and Lord 

 Ayrshire's sparkling conversation elicited her approving smiles. 

 It was now the Harcourts' turn for a grand display — invita- 

 tions having been issued a month previously, to ensure a full 

 attendance for a ball to take place that night ; and it being 

 generally known by this time that Mr. Harcourt was Miss 

 Douglas's guardian, admittance to their party was eagerly 

 sought by all the fashionable young men about town. Mrs. 

 Harcourt, as may be supposed, derived no trifling satisfaction 

 from observing the crowd of aristocratic admirers pressing round 

 her niece, all anxious for a share of her smiles ; but Lord 

 Ayrshire, from his great wealth, and as leader of ton, had 

 become her especial favourite. 



After having met Mr. Harcourt at Lady Malcolm's, the 



