Rachel, as might be expected, took the contrary view. Unlike Don
Juan!--yes, she hoped so, indeed! This was a sensible young man, who,
it might be trusted, would keep Blanche in order, which she was likely
enough to need as long as she lived. How should the girl do better? By
all means take advantage of the offer.

"Well, should Blanche know? That is, before acceptance."

"Oh, ay!" said Lady Enville.

"Oh, no!" said Rachel.

In Rachel's eyes, the new-fangled plan of giving the young lady a voice
in the question was fraught with danger. But Lady Enville prevailed.
Blanche was summoned, and asked what she thought of John Feversham.

It did not appear that Blanche had thought much about him at all. She
was rather inclined to laugh at and despise him.

Well, had she any disposition to marry him?

Blanche's shrinking--"Oh no, an' it liked you, Father!"--decided the
matter.

To all outward appearance, John Feversham took his rejection very
quietly. Sir Thomas couched it in language as kind as possible. John
said little in answer, and exhibited no sign of vexation. But Rachel,
who was still pursuing her career of amateur detective, thought that he
felt more distress than he showed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1. The embroidery about the heel and ankle, which showed above the
low shoes then fashionable.

Note 2. Lest the reader should think this idea too preposterous to have
been seriously entertained, I refer him to words actually uttered (and
approved by the hearers) on the death of Philippe, Duke of Orleans,
brother of Louis the Fourteenth:--"I can assure you, God thinks twice
before He damns a person of the Prince's quality."--(_Memoires de
Dangeau_).

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

WHICH WAS THE COWARD?

"Je crains Dieu, cher Abner, et n'ai point
d'autre crainte."

_Racine_.

"There shall be a bull baited to-morrow at Rosso Hall," [now Rossall]
said Jack one evening at rear-supper. "I shall be there, without fail;
who goeth withal?"

Lady Enville was doubtful of the weather, but she expressed no
compassion for the bull. Clare declined without giving her reason.
Blanche looked as if she did not know whether or not to ask permission
to accompany her brother. Sir Thomas said he had too much to think
about; and if not, it was an amusement for which he had no fancy.

"And thou, Feversham?"

"No! I thank you."

"No!--and wherefore?"