156 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



generous candour ; and now run up and take off your bonnet, 

 and come sit by and comfort me. Will you, dear girl, without 

 fear and trembling 1 " 



" Yes," she replied, with a sweet, radiant smile, " until you 

 are quite tired of my company." 



" That will never be, Blanche ; so make haste and return to 

 me again." 



The ladies now entered the room with Mr. Beauchamp, who 

 met them in the hall. " But where," he inquired, " is Malcolm 1 " 



"He is gone over this morning to call on Mr. Conyers," 

 replied Mrs. Gordon, " but will be here presently to escort us 

 home after luncheon, as we intend, Mr. Beauchamp, to taste 

 some of your metheglin, which Constance says is equal to any 

 Frontignac." 



" Of course," said the old squire ; " you would not suppose 

 I should treat you and Blanche as morning visitors ; but sitting 

 within doors this fine day does not quite suit me j what say 

 you to a walk instead 1 " 



" Most willingly," replied Mrs. Gordon, " although we have 

 only just taken off our bonnets, with the intention of sitting 

 with William." 



" One at a time is more than enough for him, and the most 

 silent of the party the best, in his present state, whoever that 

 may be ; but on such a delicate point of distinction between 

 ladies I shall prudently forbear to hazard an opinion ; you must 

 settle it, therefore, among yourselves, or cast lots who shall be 

 the victim to listen to Will's complaints, while the rest are 

 enjoying themselves in the open air." 



" I think," said Constance, looking archly at her brother 

 " Blanche is decidedly the most prudent and silent of our party 

 and therefore I propose her remaining with William, only on 

 the condition that she does not allow him to speak on any 

 exciting subject ; do you both agree to this 1 " 



" Most willingly and cheerfully do I submit to these condi- 

 tions, if Blanche will not think it too great a penance to sit by 

 a sick man's couch." 



" No, William, indeed I shall not ; so now, Constance, you 

 may run away as fast as you please with Aunt Gordon and 

 Mr. Beauchamp." 



^'My dear, kind-hearted, and affectionate girl," said Beau- 

 champ, when the others had quitted the room, " and do you 

 think I would trespass on your gentle nature by detaining you 

 here, when Constance and Mrs. Gordon are enjoying this beau- 



