278 THE MASTEE OF THE HOUXDS. 



parties, operas, &c., with neither time nor inclination then, 

 j^erhaps, for reflection. Oh ! what a state of existence, dear 

 Blanche, for rational and immortal beings, in fruitless, senseless 

 pursuit of a phantom, which is ever eluding their grasp, 

 expending recklessly the freshness and strength of their youth- 

 ful minds and bodies on pleasures (if they can be called such) 

 which will entail upon them hereafter bitterness and reproach." 



" Oh, my dear William, do not believe your own Blanche 

 can ever forget so far her duty to God or to you, as to become 

 a reckless votary of fashion ; indeed, I have in this short time 

 seen enough of London life to know and feel it will never suit 

 me, and I shall be only too happy to return to the Priory." 



"There ought to be moderation in all our recreations and 

 amusements, dear girl, and there can be no great harm in your 

 seeing a little of the gay world, now you are here." 



"Without you, dear William, I have no enjoyment any- 

 where — but your presence gives me confidence ; and akeady I 

 feel quite a different being to what I have been since my arrival 

 here." 



" Well, lecture number one having lasted quite long enough, 

 we will join Constance and Malcolm." 



"Now, Beauchamp," exclaimed the latter; "we will sit 

 down on this bench, and you must tell us all about Mrs. Suin- 

 mertojy and Miss Honoria. Has the young lady proposed yet ? 

 ^ Blanche is exceedingly anxious to know." 



" They propose a visit to London, Malcolm, which I have 

 tried ineffectually to ward off; for Mrs. Winter, having heard 

 that Blanche and Constance are to be presented at the first 

 drawing-room, has taken it into her head that her daughter 

 must be presented also ; and, I am. grieved to add, she has 

 engaged a house in Albemarle Street, to be near her friends (as 

 she calls us) in Grosvenor Square." 



" The deuce she has ! " cried Malcolm. " Wliat fun ! But 

 not a word of this to her ladyship, Beauchamp. Just imagine 

 my lady mother's astonishment on hearing Mrs. and Miss 

 Winterbottom announced." 



" It is very provoking," remarked Constance, " and all the 

 Vlame will be laid on me, for inviting Miss Honoria to 

 ^amjDton," 



" Never mind, my dear," replied Malcolm ; " it will be as 

 good as a comedy. I only hope I may be at home wheu she 

 calls. My gracious ! what a scene it will be ! " 



'^ Really," said Blanche, " I must tell Aunt Gordon to pre- 



