248 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



wish he'd take a fancy to our Honoria ; and a hundred thousand 

 pounds down aint to be sneered at." 



" That's more than I do," thought Blanche, as she rose t« 

 take the arm of Sir Lucius, to whom she was engaged for the 

 next quadrille. 



" Well, ma'am," continued Mrs. Winterbottom to Aunt Gor- 

 don, " that Sir Lucius seems a good sort of a body — looks and 

 speaks like a gentleman, but he is a plain piece of goods, and 

 won't do after the young squire. Lady Gwynne would sound 

 very well, no doubt, but then Honoria says she won't marry 

 any one she don't fall desperately in love with ; and I shouldn't 

 ''^ncy the baronet myself, even at my time of life." 



" Then/' asked Aunt Gordon, not a little amused, " what do 

 you think of Captain Markliam ? he is heir to a baronetcy, and 

 will succeed to a beautiful place and large fortune on Sir 

 Lionel's decease." 



"He's too much of a fop to please me, Mrs. Gordon, 

 although tolerably good-looking and gentleman-like ; but papa 

 can't endure dandies, and they would never agree, I'm sure. 

 No, ma'am, if I had the pick and choose of the room, the young 

 squire would come out first; and as you and he seem great 

 friends, can't you just give him a hint that we sha'n't be par- 

 ticular about a few odd thousands, if he fancies our Honor ?" 



" You may rest assured on one point," replied Mrs. Gordon, 

 " that Mr. William Beauchamp will never marry for money, 

 and any allusion to your daughter's large expectations would be 

 quite sufficient to keep him at a distance from her." 



" Oh, goodness me ! then pray don't mention the subject, 

 my dear madam," said Mrs. Winterbottom, " for here he comes 

 with Honoria." 



After addressing a few words to the mamma on resigning 

 her daughter, Beauchamp sat down by Mrs. Gordon, saying, 

 " You must not think me rude, dear aunt, if I do not remain 

 very long with you, since I have to enact the part of master 

 of the ceremonies to-night j but I shall come for you and 

 Blanche when supper is ready." 



" William," whispered Mrs. Gordon, " have you been lectur- 

 ing Blanche again 1 she looks very serious." 



" No, dear aunt ; but I told her a secret which she is to 

 reveal to yourself only, and that which made me feel very 

 happy has rendered her sad ; but now she is coming, and will 

 tell you herself — so I must be off." 



As Blanche resumed her seat, Mrs. Gordon inquired in a 



