THE BARGAIN. 3^3 



CHAPTER XT.VII. 



The rjel-iglit of Blanclie on hearing from her lover tnat her rights 

 were now completely re-established, may be easily imagined, 

 when Malcolm said, '* Ay, ay, Blanche, this is all right, and very 

 capital news ; but Beanchamp has uot informed you that it has 

 cost him ten thousand pounds ;" and he then told her of their 

 agreement with Lord Henry, and his having the whole instead 

 of his proper share. 



" I would willingly have given as much more," replied Beau- 

 champ, " to relieve my dear Blanche of her apprehensions ; and 

 now the matter is settled, Malcolm, I beg you will never allude 

 to it again, as it ought to have been private between us." 



" So it would, Beauchamp, had you not served me the trick 

 you did, by paying all ; but I will be even with you, old fellow." 



" My dear, generous William," exclaimed Blanche, " how 

 can I ever repay you for all your kind, affectionate anxiety on 

 my behalf?" 



" Easily enough, my love," he replied ; and, placing his arm 

 round her waist, whispered, " by becoming my own dear Blanche 

 on or before the first of August." 



Her hand was placed in his, whilst a crimson hue suffused 

 her face and forehead ; but there was no reply. 



" Well, Blanche," interposed Malcolm, " I guess what the 

 reward is to be ; but Beauchamp is not so very generous, after 

 all ; and I think he has made a capital bargain by paying ten 

 thousand pounds for ten thousand a-year ; this is quite a la 

 Harcourt ; and you may depend upon it, my love. Will Beau- 

 champ is a long-headed, calculating fellow, and has got the 

 blind side of you ; stuff and nonsense about disinterested 

 affection ! He has been all the time looking to your money, 

 my dear." 



" Well, Charles, then I am most happy to find he has suc- 

 ceeded in getting it at last." 



" And he will make ducks and drakes of it before you are 

 maiTied a couple of years." 



" Ah, Charles, I don't regard your joking and bantering 

 now," she Implied, laughing ; " neither will William ; so good- 

 bye, Charley dear, as I must run and tell Aunt Gordon this 

 joyful news ;" saying which, she tripped lightly from the draw- 

 ing-room, like a second Hebe, radiant in smiles and beauty. 



" By Jove ! " cried Malcolm, " you are a lucky dog, Beau^ 



