164 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



" Keally, William, yoii are so ridiculously romantic, and 

 particular also, I shall advise Blanche to give you up altogether." 



" Indeed, aunt, I only urge this from my deep love to her, 

 and the fear that she may be too hastily committed under her 

 present excited feelings." 



"Well, then, you and Blanche must settle these childish 

 objections between yourselves ; and when you have made up 

 your minds whether you are really in love or not, let me know. 

 For the present I shall say nothing to any other person on the 

 subject, not even to Malcolm and Constance, who would only 

 laugh at your folly ; but bear in mind, you have both my 

 free consent to marry when you please; and under present 

 circumstances, I do not consider it necessary to consult Mr. 

 Harcourt. There — that will do; so now be off and take a 

 short walk, while I finish -writing my letters ; but remember, 

 William must not go very far." 



On their return, Mrs. Gordon asked if they had made up 

 their first quarrel. " Nearly, if not quite, dear aunt ; although 

 Blanche was very indignant at being considered either so childish 

 or so fickle as not to know her own mind j but as she would 

 not consent either to marry or run away with me before this 

 day week, the matter remains in abeyance. Still, on one point 

 we are agreed, that it will be more prudent to make an effort 

 to obtain Mr. Harcourt's approbation before our engagement is 

 made knoAvn to any other person, or he might consider such 

 an act, without consulting him, a most serious and unpar- 

 donable offence." 



" Well, William, I think you are quite right in that view of 

 the case ; but, until this unfortunate trial is past, any appli- 

 cation to Mr. Harcoui-t would be perfectly fruitless on your 

 part, and in the meantime I will endeavour to smooth the way, 

 and call at Throseby ; as it is far better for us all to keep on 

 good terms with the Harcourts, if possible." 



The morning passed rapidly away to the two lovers, and 

 Blanche discarding further reserve, her usual cheerful buoyancy 

 of spirits once more gladdened the heart of William Beauchamp, 

 and her light, playful laugh rang through the old Hall, where 

 she was engaged at a game of billiards with him when Lord 

 Malcolm and Constance returned. 



" Ah, my pet," exclaimed her cousin, " so this is the way 

 you have been killing time, which, of course, has passed very 

 heavily since we left you ; but I need not ask who wins ?" 



"And win' not, Charles? " 



