356 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



Malcolm and Mrs. Gordon to effect your object, although I fear 

 there may be still one obstacle in our way." 



"And what is that, my dear sir ? " 



"The same that I mentioned before — some prior attachment." 



"That I do not think of much moment just now, as I 

 believe few men, if any, would marry Miss Douglas under her 

 present circumstances. Why, my dear sir, it would ruin any 

 man of moderate fortune, if her cause were lost. But to save 

 my credit in the fashionable world, I will take my chance, as I 

 never can endure to be beaten, Mr. Harcourt; and cost what it 

 may, I am resolved to many your ward, now that I have gone 

 so far." 



"Very well, my lord, then I think a little memorandum 

 may be as well drawn up between us, just a few lines." 



"Oh, certainly, my dear sir; pray write down what you 

 think necessary, and I will sign the paper." 



Mr. Harcourt, being what is called a shrewd man of busi- 

 ness (which means, in plain language, one who will take advan- 

 tage of any weakness or blindness in his neighbour to drive a 

 good bargain for himself), took care so to word this little docu- 

 ment, that all responsibilities, past, present, and to come, 

 incurred by himself, and the refunding of all rents received 

 since her father's death, on his ward's account, should devolve 

 on Lord Ayrshire's shoulders. 



The marquis having hastily scanned the contents, signed the 

 paper ; and rising, said, " Now, my dear sir, I rely entirely on 

 your honour to keep this arrangement a profound secret." 



" Of course, my lord ; on my own account only I should 

 never mention it, or our plans would at once be defeated." 



Mr. Harcourt had just carefully deposited this little docu- 

 ment in his writing-desk, when the servant entered with Lord 

 Beauchamp's card, saying his lordship, wished to see him a few 

 minutes alone. 



" Show Lord Beauchamp into my private room," was the 

 reply • and in a few moments Beauchamp was receiving the 

 -we.rni congratulations of his soi-disant friend, which were esti- 

 mated at their full value. Circumlocution or evasion being 

 equally distasteful to Beauchamp' s mind, the purport of his 

 visit was soon explained, and his intention avowed, of settling 

 the whole of Blanche's fortune on herself, as well as a very 

 handsome addition from his own. "In fact, Mr. Harcourt, you 

 must be aware that I am actuated by no mercenary motives 

 now, in asking for the hand of your ward." 



