400 THJg MASTER OF THE HOinfDS. 



clireoted to the lowly cottages of tlie poor, to console them ia 

 their afflictions, and minister to their wants. On this occasion, 

 IMark Rosier was appointed master of the ceremonies, to super- 

 intend the whole proceedings and preserve order ; and the office 

 coiild not have devolved on one more zealously affected towards 

 the house of Beauchamp. In fact, since the rescue of Blanche 

 from Lord Vancourt's devices, Mark had become rapidly a man 

 of consequence, and was now under-steward on the Bampton 

 estates, with a salary commensurate with his fidelity and 

 honesty. His father was also once more in a flourishing 

 condition as a farmer. 



''Really, Mark," exclaimed Mrs. Gordon, "I hardly knew 

 you again ; you look more like a gentleman than a ^" 



"Poacher, you would have said, my lady," added Mark, 

 good-humouredly ; " but if I have got good clothes on my back 

 now, my dearly-respected lady, Mark Rosier is not the man to 

 forget who put them there." 



" Indeed, Mark, I meant no unkind reflection on yourself, 

 and rejoice most truly in your good fortune." 



" Ah, my J^dy ! times are altered to me indeed ; but far 

 beyond all the money, I value the confidence placed in me by 

 my dear young master, who seems to think he can never repay 

 me for a little bit of service I once did, which was nothing 

 particular, after alL" 



" To us all, Mark, it was a very particular piece of service, 

 for had you not detected that detestable plot, none of us had 

 now been present at these rejoicings, and sorrow instead of hap- 

 piness had filled our hearts. You are well chosen, my faithful 

 friend, to preside on this auspicious occasion, and as long as life 

 is spared us, we shall never forget our gratitude for your gallant 

 conduct." 



"And mind, Mark," interposed Fred, "these good people 

 don't get tipsy to-night." 



" Then, Master Ered, you must come and help me keep the 

 tap, as I suspect, whether I will or no — (with a sly wink at 

 Fred) — it'll be a very wet arternoon." 



"Indeed, I hope not," said Mrs. Gordon; "I should be 

 sorry these poor people were deprived of their day's amusement." 



" There aint any fear of its being wet overhead, my lady ; 

 but then, you know, it is very hot weather, and there be a num- 

 ber of thirsty souls here to-day. Then there'll be Lord and 

 Lady Beauchamp' s health to drink — Lord and Lady Malcolm's 

 — ^my lord's, in course — and your ladyship's, and a few othei's, 



