318 THE JtASTER OP THE ilOUNDS. 



distance, I have preserved a very decided antipathy to throw 

 myself at any young lady's feet. In short, before committing 

 myself the third time, which it is said pays for all, but how is not 

 sufficiently explained, I purpose advancing very cautiously, by 

 asking the third flame, as a preliminary to further proceedings, 

 whether I may fall in love with her or not." 



" You liave given me a very amusing account of yourself, 

 Mr. Beauchamp j and I can only wish you success in your next 

 adventure." 



" Thank you, Mrs. Fortescue j but will you assist me also, in 

 case I meet a lady here to-night, who takes my fancy % " 



" Oh, certainly," she replied, laughing ; "if I have any 

 influence with the fair one." 



" A thousand thanks," he replied, gaily. " I shall not forget 

 your promise ; and now, I conclude, our dance being ended, I 

 must thank you for the honour you have done me in accepting 

 my hand, and wish you good night." 



They thus parted, and it must be confessed that Fred's 

 handsome person and unaffected manners made a favourabla 

 impression on the young widow. 



CHAPTER XXXYIIL 



Beauchamp's sudden disappearance from London, coupled with 

 the unusual gravity of Blanche's demeanour since his departure, 

 gave weight to the rumour originating with Lord Ayrshire, 

 that he had been rejected by the heiress, which imparted fresh 

 impulse to his hopes, as well as to her other admirers — except 

 Lord Danby, who was puzzled how to account for Lord Mal- 

 colm's coolness to him since his mother's ball. 



"I cannot understand them," observed Lord Danby to 

 A-yrshire one day, when they were discussing the subject. 

 "Malcolm has certainly taken offence at my not inviting 

 Beauchamp ; and Miss Douglas, too, by her altered manner 

 when we meet — in fact, she will scarcely speak to me : how 

 then can Beauchamp be rejected?" 



" Simply enough, my dear fellow. Malcolm and his cousin 

 may both like Beauchamp well enough — too well to pass over any 

 slight offered to him ; but, depend upon it. Lady Ma,lcolm looks 

 higher for her niece, and therefore the young country squire has 



