102 THE MASTER OF THE H0UXD3. 



the room, for Lord Mervyn having observed there was some- 

 thing amiss between his protege^ Lord Vancourt, and Captain 

 Melville, proposed their joining the ladies very early, before 

 any unpleasantry could occur. 



Lord Vancourt, dreading some exposure from Melville, 

 avoided the heiress that evening, for fear of exciting his 

 remarks, devoting himself chiefly to Lady Mervyn, whilst 

 Melville endeavoured to do the agreeable to Miss Douglas. 

 The evening (with Lord Mer\"yn's dark looks, which exercised 

 a decided influence over the greater part of the company) 

 passed uncomfortably enough to all except Melville, who was 

 quite enchanted with Blanche, thinking her the most lovely, 

 unaffected girl he had ever been acquainted with. 



The next and three following days, Lord Yancourt paid 

 very assiduous attention to the heiress, for which every oppor- 

 tunity was afforded him by Lord and Lady Mervyn ; Mr. Harley 

 and his sister pursuing a like plan with Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt, 

 by always speaking of Lord Vancourt in the highest terms. 



Poor Blanche was much more frightened than gratified by 

 his lordship's close attendance upon her during the live-long 

 day ; but her timid, bashful manner, with downcast eyes and 

 blushing cheek, when his glance met hers, led his lordship to 

 the conclusion that he had made a most decided and favourable 

 impression upon the heart of the youthful heiress, and that the 

 game was now safe in his own hands. 



It is quite true that more facilities are afforded to love- 

 making in a quiet country house, during one week, than may 

 occur in a twelvemonth under different circumstances, with the 

 chance of meeting at a dinner party or a ball occasionally ; 

 which, with so many interruptions and lookers-on, is compara- 

 tively a tedious process, and must take a due allowance of time. 

 So prosperously had Vanccurb advanced already in the opinion 

 of the conspirators, Merv}'n, Vernon, and Harley, that they 

 considered the prize as nearly won, and that he had only now to 

 offer his hand to be accepted ; forgetting the old adage of 

 " there being many a slip betwixt the cup and the lip." 



Lord Vancourt objected, however, to such precipitancy; 

 avowing his belief that too much haste would spoil the whole 

 affair. 



" Strike while the iron is hot, is my advice," said Vernon. 



" You are mistaken," replied Vancourt ; " the iron is not half 

 hot yet, and that girl is so timid that I cannot get on with her 

 as I have done with other women, and see clearly I musl". take 



