LORD DANBT SUES FOB BLANCHE'S HAND. 213 



escape the notice of Lord Danby, who felt his hopes rise at 

 what lie very natiu-ally concluded evinced a "warmer feeling 

 towards him than that of a mere acquaintance ; and thus 

 encouraged, he took advantage of the present opportunity to 

 press his suit and avow the feelings of love and affection, which 

 ever since his first introduction to her had been daily in- 

 creasino^. 



After a few oommon-place remarks, his lordship observed 

 that his visit to Barton Court was dra^ving to a close. " A 

 visit. Miss Douglas, which has been productive of more pleasure 

 to me than I can express, but from which the happiness or 

 misery of my future life \vill be dated ; need I say that on you 

 that happiness depends ? Wealth and rank I offer you (though 

 I feel these would have little weight), but what is far beyond 

 these, a heart deeply and devotedly your own, and which has 

 never been given to another. Say, dearest Miss Douglas," 

 taking her hand, "if I may hope to be fortunate enough to 

 possess this treasure 1 " 



Poor Blanche was quite overwhelmed with pain and con- 

 fusion at this unequivocal proposal, but, quickly recovering 

 herself, she withdrew her hand, saying, " Indeed, Lord Danby, 

 I very much regret this avowal of your sentiments towards 

 me." 



" Oh, recall that word — regret. Miss Douglas ; for though 

 our acquaintance has been short, let me still hope that in time 

 my devoted affection may induce you to give me a more favour- 

 able answer than that I now dread." 



" Pray cease, my lord ; indeed, you distress me ; I never 

 imagined your attentions were more than those of a friend." 



" Every one must have divined the nature of those atten- 

 tions but yourself; and now, dear Miss Douglas, listen, I 

 entreat, to one who has never known what love was till he 

 knew you, and whose whole happiness rests on your reply. 

 Give me ever so distant a hope that I may win that hand I 

 would give all I possess to obtain." 



" Indeed, Lord Danby, I cannot be ever more to you than a 

 friend, flattered as I feel by your preference for me. But it is 

 impossible ; my feelings will not change." 



" Then," cried he, turning very pale, "my worst forebodings 

 are verified ; you love another ? " 



Blanche blushed crimson, and rising, said, " I know not by 

 what right Lord Danby presumes to question my feelings." 



*' Oh, forgive me, Miss Douglas. I never meant to offend 



