"Faith! you are about right there," said Mr. Casement; "_nothing_ is pretty much the amount of all the young fellows' speeches now a'days." Mr. Haveloc started from his chair, and began to walk up and down the room. Mr. Casement followed his movements with a look of quiet satisfaction. He was never more entirely happy than when he had exasperated any one. As soon as tea was over, Mr. Grey said that he had a letter to write, which he could not put off, and that Mr. Casement must excuse him for half an hour. "Some of your business, I suppose, Master Claude;" said that amiable gentleman nodding his head in the direction of the library. "I write my own letters of business," said Mr. Haveloc shortly. "What is come to you all I can't think," pursued Mr. Casement. "But I'll worm it out of Master Grey, that's my comfort. And what are you about little woman? Why don't you give us some music?" "I am working a bag, Sir," said Margaret rising and laying it down "but I will play if you wish it." "Do," said Mr. Casement, taking up the bag and examining it. "Mercy, how smart! Who is this for--eh?" "For Miss Gage," said Margaret with a faultering voice; and as she spoke, she pressed her hand on her side, and sat down suddenly. Mr. Haveloc, who was standing at the piano arranging her books, now hurried up to her. "I am afraid you are ill," he said, "do not think of playing. You are quite unequal to the exertion. Do you find the room too hot?" "It is hot," said Margaret, who seemed on the verge of bursting into tears. "I think, I will go to my uncle, or, perhaps, I shall interrupt him. I--" "Poor little soul, she has no mother!" said Mr. Casement, whose sagacity had discerned that something unusual occupied the minds of the party; and whose coarse nature was not so destitute of feeling, but that he saw how distressing must be the situation of a young girl, at any important crisis of her life, without the guidance of an experienced female friend. This remark which Mr. Haveloc feared would entirely destroy her composure, had a contrary effect. After a struggle of a few moments, she forced back her tears, and rose quietly up. "I cannot play to you to-night," said she to Mr. Casement with a smile, "for I have a head-ache, and I am afraid my hand would not be very steady. Perhaps, Mr. Haveloc, you will be so kind as to wish my uncle good night for me." She bowed her head, and was about to leave the room, but Mr. Haveloc hastened after her. "Let me beg you not to leave us," he said, "if you take a few turns in the conservatory where the air is cooler you will find yourself better." He led her as he spoke into the conservatory, which opened from the drawing-room; and Margaret finding it easier to say nothing, than to trust her voice with a reply, suffered him to do as he pleased. He drew her hand through his arm, and led her slowly up and down.