Blanche might decline to submit to her step-mother's interference with her.

It might be necessary to appeal to the higher authority of her guardian.

"Do you know where Sir Patrick is ?" asked Lady Lundie.
"I heard Simpson say, my lady, that Sir Patrick was at the stables." "Send Simpson with a message.

My compliments to Sir Patrick--and I wish to see him immediately." * * * * * The preparations for the departure to the shooting-cottage were just completed; and the one question that remained to be settled was, whether Sir Patrick could accompany the party--when the man-servant appeared with the message from his mistress.
"Will you give me a quarter of an hour, gentlemen ?" asked Sir Patrick.
"In that time I shall know for certain whether I can go with you or not." As a matter of course, the guests decided to wait.

The younger men among them (being Englishmen) naturally occupied their leisure time in betting.