200 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNUa 



ably one- third only of that number — the effects of which sooa 

 became perceptible on the brows of the country party. 



" Confound it, Beauchamp !" exclaimed Conyersj "the black 

 hole at Calcutta must have been a cool place in comparison to 

 tliis ; I am literally melting away — distilling from every pore of 

 my skin, and can hold out no longer, so come along." 



*' Stay here awhile then, Conyers, near the door, whilst I 

 say a word to Blanche before leaving. Have you seen her 

 lately?" 



" Yes, in the further room, surrounded by a host of admirers. 

 By Jove ! Beauchamp, her head will be turned with so much 

 adulation! I thought how it would be when she came to 

 London." 



" Wait a moment, Conyers, I will soon return," replied 

 Beauchamp, and he began to work his way through the crowd, 

 until he discovered the object of his search sitting at the extreme 

 end of the room, with Lords Ayrshire and Danby standing before 

 her, vying in their efforts to obtain the greatest share of her 

 smiles. Beauchamp stood for a short time behind them, unable 

 to approach nearer; but Danby turning, on observing her 

 change of colour and eyes directed beyond him, he gained a 

 nearer position, and was able to address her. 



" I think you will find it cooler and more agreeable in one 

 of the other rooms." 



"If Miss Douglas will be guided by my opinion," added 

 Lord Ayrshire, " she will not run the risk of losing her seat for 

 the chance of a more refreshing atmosphere, which is very 

 doubtful j and I really think this the coolest place in the whole 

 suite of apartments." 



" If Miss Douglas vnll trust to my escort," said Beauchamp, 

 advancing and offering his anu, " she will find my representation 

 correct." 



Blanche rose directly, and taking his arm, left Lord Ayr- 

 shire, who could scarcely suppress his mortification at Beau- 

 champ's coolness in leading her off. On elbowing his way 

 through the opposing masses, Beauchamp took Blanche to a 

 small back drawing-room, where they found Constance and 

 Malcolm. 



" Have I deceived you ? " inquired he, "or would you prefer 

 the heated atmosphere you have left, which perhaps the flatter- 

 ing speeches of Lord Ayrshire may liave compensated for ? " 



" Oh, no, William ; I am too delighted to escape both, and 

 pondered why you have kept so much aloof from me to-night.'* 



