328 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



preparations. Beauchamp gave an account of their arrival at 

 the castle, and the affecting meeting of his father and the old 

 Earl, who had been great friends in early life. Then his scrutiny 

 of himself, to see if he could discover any family likeness — his 

 being made to sit down by his side and give a full description 

 of his sister, with the Earl's impatience to have her sent for 

 without delay ; " and now, my own dear girl," continued Beau- 

 champ, " I must finish this letter, reserving a description of 

 the place to another day, and, in conclusion, I only add that, 

 for your dear sake, I cannot forbear feeling elated at the 

 prospect of that barrier being removed to our union, which, 

 with your guardian's prejudices and worldly ideas, never could 

 have been passed by Mr. William Beauchamp, although, on his 

 own account, he would as soon remain plain Mr. Beauchamp to 

 the end of his life than by one ambitious or avaricious thought 

 do violence to his own feelings by desiring the death of the 

 poor old Earl. He appears, though eccentric, very warm-hearted, 

 and of a generous, noble mind, and it shall be my study to afford 

 him every comfort and consolation which a young man may 

 offer, during the short time which, I fear, remains to him of 

 his now fast waning mortal career." 



When Blanche descended to the drawing-room, Lady Malcolm 

 returned the letter with the remark, " Were anything, my 

 dear girl, wanting to confirm my high opinion of your lover's 

 worth, the beautiful sentiments there expressed would be more 

 than sufficient, and to convince me also that you cannot love him 

 more than he deserves." 



Malcolm, that evening, was more like a boy packing up on 

 leaving school for the holidays, and Aunt Gordon was obliged 

 several times to reprove him for his levity. 



" Well, but, aunty dear, who would not enjoy the prospect 

 of a two hundred- mile journey, with four posters rattling along 

 fourteen miles an hour, and all the expenses paid — the fresh 

 breezes fanning our faces as we whirl along 1 Oh ! it will be 

 quite delightful after the hot, dusty rides through the suburbs 

 of this mighty, smoky Babylon — and the handling of some of 

 those thundering big trout in the large lake before the castle ! 

 By Jove ! aunty, but that will be fine fun, and supply her lady- 

 ship's table without sending to the fishmongers." 



The next morning our travellers set out on their journey 

 at five o'clock, and reached their destination the second 

 evening. The old Earl was greatly pleased with Constance, 

 and received Mrs. Gordon and Malcolm in the most friendly 



