A SECRET EEVEALED. 115 



Malcolm, as was natural to suppose, rode over frequently to 

 Bampton, sometimes taking Blanche with him. On their 

 return one afternoon, when Blanche had left the room, Mrs. 

 Harcourt expressed her disapprobation of her niece accompany- 

 ing him so often to Bamjiton. 



" On what account, Mrs. Harcourt, do you object to her 

 visiting there 1 Constance and Blanche have always been like 

 sisters since childhood." 



" They are no longer children ; and I wish my niece to 

 make some higher acquaintances now, with persons moving in 

 that spliere to which I hope to see her soon elevated." 



" Oh, indeed ! that is joiiv reason, is it, Mrs. Harcourt 1 

 Then allow me to observe, tliat I do not think Blanche Douglas 

 will be ever in such a position as to feel degraded by or ashamed 

 of the society of Lady Malcolm." 



" I do not understand you, Charles." 



"Very likely, but when I state my hopes that Constance 

 Beauchamp will ere long become my wife, my meaning is 

 explicit enough." 



" Are you really serious. Lord Malcolm ? " 



" Never more so. Mr. Beauchamp, after a good deal of 

 opposition, gave his consent to our marriage, but only on the 

 condition that we spend half the year at Bampton during his 

 life." 



" In place of giving his daughter any fortune, I suppose 1" 

 rejDlied Mrs. Harcourt, with a sneer. 



" No, not exactly that, either, my dear madam, as, the day I 

 marry his daughter, he transfers into my name thirty thousand 

 pounds, which he showed by his banker's books are now in the 

 funds." 



"Beally, Malcolm, I did not think Mr. Beauchamp had any 

 money at all there, as people say he is very poor." 



" People say what they wish others to believe, out of spite, 

 envy, or malice," replied Malcolm ; " but as / am satisfied, that 

 is quite sufficient." 



" Oh, of course," rejoined Mrs. Harcourt ; " but since / do 

 not intend Blanche to marry a Beauchamp, I shall be obliged by 

 your not taking her to Bampton again." 



" "William Beauchamp," said Malcolm, " is of as high and 

 good connections, and of a prouder spirit than yourself, and you 

 may rest assured will never obtrude himself into any family 

 where he does not meet a welcome reception ; " with which he 

 rose^ and left the room. 



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