BAMPTON HOUSE ONCE MORE. 413 



It were almost superfluous to relate the joy of the Countess 

 on hearing from her own lips the confession of Blanche's 

 happiness in her union with Beauchamp. 



" Then I have not over-rated him, my own dearest child 1 " 



" Oh, no, dear aunt — he is so kind, so affectionate, so anxious 

 about me, that I love him, if possible, more every day." 



"Thank heaven for this blessing, my darling girl," exclaimed 

 her aunt, pressing Blanche to her heart. 



" Indeed, I do," she replied, " every hour in the day." 



"And Constance, my love," turning to her, "I read in your 

 happy smiles that Charles also makes you a good husband." 



" Yes, dear aunt ; he is everything I could desire." 



The family-party at the dinner-table that evening was 

 the most joyous that can be imagined, all being in the highest 

 spirits from their happy re-union ; but Malcolm's mirth, as usual, 

 was most boisterous. The next day, Bob Conyers and Selina 

 rode over to congratulate their friends on returning to Bampton ; 

 and the latter, remarking on Blanche's improved looks and 

 vivacity of spirits, said, " Why, my dear girl, I was beginning 

 to think matrimony a very lugubrious affair, and have put off 

 that little ceremony with Bob as long as possible ; but, really, 

 my dear, whether from change of air or change of name, Lady 

 Beauchamp beats Blanche Douglas hollow, with those sparkling 

 eyes and blooming cheeks, which I never saw so brilliant 

 before." 



" Oh, Selina, I know what flattery from you means — but, as 

 long as William is satisfied with my looks, I do not regard the 

 opinions of others." 



" Indeed, my dearest Blanche, I am perfectly serious and 

 sincere ; for I never saw a girl so improved as you are since 

 your marriage." 



" Then, my dear Selina," said Bob, " the sooner you follow 

 her example the better — so let us name this day fortnight, and 

 I am sure all our friends here, old and young, will come over to 

 see the last of the old bachelor, Bob Conyers." 



All joyfully accepting this invitation, Selina added, " You 

 must ask mamma this question, Bob — the first, I answered for 

 myself." 



This point having been referred, accordingly, to Lady 

 Markham, she raised no objection ; being, like some other 

 mammas, of opinion that the marriage of their eldest daughter 

 opens the path of the other junior sisters to the hymeneal 

 altar. Sir Lionel gave a grand breakfast on the occasion, which 

 was attended by nearly all the neighbouring families, including 



