Mr. Humphries gave a wide smile, and offered his hand to lead Margaret to the piano. Harriet drew a low, easy chair, close to the instrument, wrapped a scarf round her throat, and gave her attention to the singing. "How greatly you have delighted us all," said Mr. Gage to Margaret, when she left the piano; "you have never before allowed us to know that you were a very beautiful singer." "Won't you sing something now, Miss Conway?" asked Mr. Humphries. "I cannot--I have a sore throat coming. You must sing for me," said Harriet. "Dear me, I am very sorry," said Mr. Humphries, "then I am afraid you won't be able to hunt on Thursday." "Not a chance of it," replied Harriet. "Evan, are those new books ever coming down from London?" "I am sorry I cannot inform you; but I am not a prophet even in the small Highland way of second sight. Only that as all the ladies are wishing to get the new novels first, one may presume that some among them are doomed to be disappointed." "I shall send you up to town for Coningsby," said Harriet. "There is nothing at all unreasonable in that," replied her brother calmly. "But, perhaps, it would be cheaper for me, and quite as rapid for you, if you were to order it of the T---- bookseller." "I have a great many books at home, Miss Conway, if you want anything to read," said Mr. Humphries. "I am much obliged; you are all kindness," returned Harriet very gravely, "I dare say _you_ read a great deal." "No, not so much as you would think," said Mr. Humphries, all unconscious of irony; "what with hunting, and shooting, and angling--I am very fond of angling--the whole year passes away. But my mother is always reading." "Said mother," said Harriet, pulling Margaret close to her, and wheeling her chair a little out of the circle, "said mother has a dower-house to which to retire whenever the seal marries; so don't let the vision of a cross old woman always reading 'Nelson's Fasts and Festivals' deter you; if you have a mind." "Oh, Harriet! you should not make me laugh before all the people." "No, you stand it vastly well; you look very demure I assure you. His name is _William_." These last words pronounced in a very pathetic tone of voice, rather tended to discompose the tranquillity upon which she had complimented her friend; but Margaret took the chair at a sufficient distance to protect her from Harriet's provoking asides. George Gage and Mr. Humphries came and talked to her; the other young ladies occupied the piano in turn, and so the evening passed. CHAPTER IV. Young ladies, sir, are long and curious In putting on their trims; forget how day goes And then 'tis their good morrow when they are ready. * * * * * I warrant ye a hundred dressings now She has surveyed--this and that fashion looked on, For ruffs and gowns. WOMEN PLEASED.