"Don't you think us half mad to ride in such weather?" asked Hubert. "The truth is, I wished to see Bessy in her habit again." "I think it is better to ride than sit still in the cold," said Margaret. "I shall run out, and tell Miss Gage it is not my fault." "You will not do any such thing," said Hubert, placing himself in the doorway, "you shall not catch cold for my sins--I am off." "But Hubert," said Mr. Grey, detaining him, "will you dine with us? Claude will be very glad, I am sure--and if you could prevail on Miss Gage to accompany you, it would give great pleasure to my little niece." "I am sure Bessy will be very happy," said Hubert, "as for me, I shall be delighted." This was said with a distinct bow to Margaret, which left but little doubt of his meaning. "Only allow me to say to-morrow instead of to-day, because my father goes to a county meeting to-morrow, and so--" "That will do just as well," said Mr. Grey, "very considerate of you, Hubert." Mr. Haveloc, who had been standing with some hesitation of manner for some moments, now took a sudden resolution, dashed down the steps, and spoke to Miss Gage. Margaret could see from the window that she greeted him with her usual sweetness of demeanour; and, when her brother was mounted, that she stretched her hand out, which he took with an air of great respect. Little Margaret, whose brains were somewhat active in giving to every day occurrences the colourings of romance, fancied that their interview was like that of a Queen with some favoured noble, and as Land's gossip had assigned Mr. Haveloc to Miss Gage in common with a crowd of other suitors, she fancied that, in this instance, there might be some truth in the report. And such a wicked young man! She supposed Miss Gage did not know the dreadful story she had heard about him. "What a fine young man Hubert Gage has grown," said Mr. Grey, as he returned from the window, "the finest young man I ever saw!" Margaret coloured as the remark was addressed to her, and went off to her own occupations. She saw nothing more of Mr. Haveloc during the morning; her studies kept her employed until luncheon, and she had hardly finished her cold chicken when Miss Gage's carriage drove up to the door. She put on her bonnet in a hurry, flew into the hall, and almost ran against Mr. Haveloc, who was coming up the steps at the moment. He stopped, took off his hat, and handed her into the carriage. Miss Gage greeted her very kindly--asked her which way she would like to drive; gave her orders; drew up the glass and drove off. After a few general remarks, Margaret coloured, paused, played with her boa, and then said:-- "I should like to talk to you about something, if you would not think me foolish." "What is it, my dear?" asked Elizabeth, taking Margaret's hand; "never mind if it is foolish--we are all foolish sometimes."