160 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



tlie sound of their sweet voices may be borne on the beeeze to 

 Marston Castle." 



Whilst the old squire and Bob Conyers were doing the 

 honours at the breakfast table to a large party of visitors, Mark, 

 with the underlings about the place, was occupied in distributing 

 strong beer and stout to the assemblage on the lawn, making 

 every man who quaffed the contents of the black jack drink to 

 the health of the young squire. 



The drawing-room also was filled with ladies who had 

 driven over to see the generally large attendance when the 

 fixture was made for Bampton House, and, on this occasion, 

 many more attended from curiosity, to hear from Will Beau- 

 champ and Constance a true account of Lord Vancourt's 

 attempt on the heiress. As Beauchamp entered the room, 

 Selina Markham rushed forward to seize his hand, exclaiming, 

 " Will, Will, you are not such a sawney as I thought — and so 

 you gave my friend hooknose a good drubbing, I hear, and split 

 his beautiful beak for him 1 — this is charming news, 'pon honour ! 

 but eh ! aw ! the thief has paled your face, Will Beauchamp — 

 this is as bad as a fall over a five-barred gate, with a broken 

 rib." 



" Not quite, Selina ; I shall be all right again in a few days." 



*' Mind you are. Master Will, as we are to have a hop next 

 week to a fiddle and flute, and I shall parade you on that night 

 as the champion of the Light Weights. Ned says you are a 

 demmed plucky young fellow, and ought to be in the Life 

 Guards." 



" Much obliged for the compliment, Selina ; although in 

 time of peace, a fox-hunter*s life is more exciting and perilous 

 than a soldier's." 



The hounds now appeared, and were looking eagerly about, 

 in expectation of seeing their young master. "Oh, what a 

 beautiful sight," exclaimed Blanche, who was standing with 

 Mrs. Gordon and Beauchamp at one of the windows ; " what 

 handsome dogs ! " 



"Would you like to have them at the window, dear 

 Blanche 'i " whispered Beauchamp. 



" Oh, yes, William, pray let them come ! " 



The window was raised directly, and at their master's call, 

 the whole pack rushed to his summons, jumping up, and licking 

 his hand in exuberant delight, and ready to devour him with 

 caresses. 



" How these faithful hounds must love you. WiUiam ! " 



