410 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



committing havoc amongst the grouse, and send a supply to our 

 friends in England, that is, supposing you will allow me to be 

 absent a few hours occasionally from your presence ? " 



" Well, I suppose, for such a purpose, I may dispense with 

 your attendance sometimes ; so now to answer aunty's letter, 

 and I am then at your commands to set out en route for my 

 fatherland." 



By the 1st of September, Malcolm and Constance had 

 engaged to spend a week with Beauchamp and his bride at 

 Annandale Castle (before returning to Bampton), which they 

 reached the 31st of August, in time for the first day of part- 

 ridge shooting ; and as usual, Malcolm began joking Blanche 

 after dinner. 



"Well, my love, how many quarrels have you had with 

 Beauchamp since this day month 2 " 



"None at all, Charles, nor likely to have any, I hope." 



" 'Pon honour, Blanche — eh 1 " 



" Quite true, Charles." 



" Oh ! I see — Beauchamp gave in at once, poor fellow ! 

 anything for a quiet life — always was that sort of man — 

 couldn't stand that little temper of yours, my dear — so knocked 

 under without striking a blow — henpecked husband, and all 

 that sort of thing." 



" And pray, Charles, how did you fare with Constance ? " 



" All one way, my love — turned the bonnet-box out of 

 window at starting — fought like cat and dog for a week, till she 

 saw I would keep the upper hand, and now we go on swim- 

 mingly together, like the two old swans in the lake yonder. She 

 know's who's master now — don't you, Con 1 " appealing to his 

 wife. 



"Yes, Charles," she replied, laughing, "I rather think I 

 do," with a significant smile at her sister-in-law. 



"Well," remarked Malcolm, "this boxing up of two in- 

 dividuals in a travelling carriage, for I know not how long, is all 

 very well once in a man's life, and one degree better than 

 solitary confinement in a prison — but, by Jove, Beauchamp, 

 tete-a-tete breakfasts, with ditto dinners, don't suit my humour 

 at all ; so now I intend letting loose to-night — try every wine 

 in the cellar, and finish off with a bottle of port per head. 

 It's no use, my dears, sending to announce coffee, so go to your 

 rooms when you j)lease. We intend to have a jolly evening, 

 and stagger up-stairs about one o'clock in the morning." 



" You will do nothing of the kind, Charley dear," replied 

 Blanche ; "at least I am sure William will not." 



