OFF TO THE PRIORY. 389 



CHAPTER XL VIII. 



The next morning, after an early breakfast, as Beauchamp and 

 Blanche, equipped in travelling costume, were looking out of 

 the window of Lady Malcolm's house, a handsome barouche, with 

 postilions gaily dressed in jackets of the Beauchamp livery, and 

 four beautiful bay horses, drove up to the door. 



" Why, William," exclaimed Blanche, in surprise, " whose 

 is that gay equipage ? " 



" Yovirs, my dear girl ; the carriage and horses I have 

 bought expressly for your use." 



She raised her eyes filled with tears, to his, with a look of 

 grateful affection, without speaking — deep emotion preventing 

 her utterance, when they were interrupted by Malcolm's enter- 

 ing the room. " Is that your smart turn-out, Beauchamp % " 



" No, Malcolm," was the quiet reply, with a smile. 



" The lads have your uniform, my boy, at any rate ; but," 

 looking at Blanche, " oh, I see — they are my Lady Beauchamp' s. 

 By Jove ! old fellow, you have gob the start of me, as usual, 

 doing things in your silent, mysterious way. I have ordered a 

 carriage for Constance, also ; but it won't be finished this fort- 

 night. Where did you get yours % " 



" At Houlditeh's ; it was built for a gentleman, who was 

 obliged unexpectedly to leave England, and I took it off his 

 hands." 



" And the bays 1 " 



tl Picked them up here and there about town." 



" Egad ! they are fine, slashing, well-bred looking animals 

 — fit for hunting." 



"Yes, Malcolm, I looked them over, and have had them 

 tried several times together in harness, and am satisfied they 

 are quiet and good-tempered ; and you will see presently they 

 can go a pretty good pace, when we are clear of London." 



"Really, Blanche, Beauchamp is resolved, I see, that you 

 shall do things in style, and if you have not been a spoilt child, 

 there is every prospect of your being a spoilt wife, my love. 

 But here comes the other carriage, for the old pair ; so now 

 let us be off, as I have taken leave of my mother, who has not 

 yet left her room, but has promised to join us at the Priory, 

 within the month." 



Constance now appeared, saying her father and Aunt Gordor, 

 were ready, and waiting below. 



