"But, my dear child," said Mr. Grey, quite puzzled at receiving a reply so totally different to what he had expected, "what objection have you in the world to such a fine fellow as Hubert Gage?" "He does not love me, uncle, that is one objection," said Margaret with a slight smile; "and I am sure I do not love him." "Why, my child," said Mr. Grey, "what, do you suppose can induce a man to make you an offer, if he is not in love with you?" "A great many reasons, uncle. I will not suppose that all the married people in the world who are so indifferent, or unhappy, have once loved each other. In my case, I can acquit Mr. Hubert of any interested motives. It is a passing fancy of his." "But, my dear--time--you do not know how attached you might become to him. You would not like to give pain to the poor young man." "Uncle," said Margaret, looking steadily into his face. "I must love a person a little, before I would suffer pain myself, rather than occasion it to him. I would do so for you, or Elizabeth, but not for Mr. Hubert Gage, I tell you frankly. If I thought he really loved me, I should be grieved and pained at the necessity of wounding his feelings; but, as it is, I am only ashamed, that he should have singled me out as the object of so trifling, so fleeting a regard." "But, my dear little girl," persisted Mr. Grey, "what on earth can have put it into your head, that he does not love you?" "Little things, uncle, that it would not be easy to put into words. It may seem vain, Sir, but at one time I was afraid he meant to pay me particular attention. A very little observation set me at rest on that point. I am young, and do not know much; but this is a matter of feeling, and not of knowledge. I am old enough to feel that he has made a mistake." "Well, my love," said Mr. Grey, "I do not understand it:" he folded and unfolded the letter in his hand for some moments, and at last went on. "You must reflect a little, my dear. This young man is of good family; highly connected, and, in the event of your marrying him, you would find yourself in as good a circle of connexions and acquaintances as you could possibly desire. He has something, and so have you. I would come forward, and I have no doubt his father would come forward; and you could be able to keep a carriage, and have every comfort about you." "I am afraid, uncle," said Margaret, smiling, "that I am not old enough to appreciate these advantages." Her uncle paused again. "He will not be satisfied, my dear, with my reply. What do you say to seeing him yourself?" "I had rather not, uncle," said Margaret blushing still more deeply. "It is rather embarrassing--it is not agreeable to discuss this subject, even with you, Sir." "Well, my dear," said Mr. Grey, "we will see about it; but I can tell you the young man will not give it up so quietly, if you have not another attachment."