Margaret passed the evening with Harriet, who appeared much better, and in high spirits. She exhibited to Margaret her ball-dress. A black net, trimmed with clusters of carnations, with all the costly et ceteras of her toilet. "You are always effective in your dress," said Margaret, looking at the gold net-work which Harriet was to wear on her head. "That is the secret," said Harriet, "some people love to be in the fashion. Others think it distinguished to be plain; but give me effect. There is a great deal of sly effect in your white crape and blush roses, little one." For Mason, with her usual prudence, had anticipated the materials for a ball dress, which she was now preparing with much skill and contentment. Harriet took up her guitar and sang Margaret a Spanish song, then handing her the instrument, she bade her go on with the concert. Margaret began a Barcarolle--presently a loud knock at the door. "Olà! what now?" exclaimed Harriet. "May we come in?" asked Mr. Singleton, putting his head in at the door. "What is the meaning of We?" asked Harriet. "Humphries and your humble servant," replied Mr. Singleton, almost shutting his head off in the door as he spoke. "Well, I don't know! eh, Margaret?--Yes," returned Harriet, glancing round her boudoir. The maid had removed the ball dresses, and the room was very fit for a reception. Mr. Humphries followed Mr. Singleton with a step much as if he were treading on eggs, and was very sorry for it. Harriet held out her hand. "How glad I am to see you again, Mr. Humphries. I hope you are come to engage me to dance with you on Thursday." Mr. Humphries smiled amazingly at this reception. "Yes. I--I'm glad," he said, by way of reply. "Well, but about the dancing," said Harriet eagerly. "Oh! Will you dance the second quadrille with me, Miss Conway?" "With pleasure, on one condition. That you will tell me who you have engaged for the first?" A wide smile, but no answer. "Well, Mr. Humphries, you are not going to be so rude as to refuse my request. I know I am to keep it secret. Come, tell me." "I can't," returned Mr. Humphries, going through several convulsive movements. "Is he not ill-natured, uncle Singleton?" asked Harriet, "I am sure I would tell Mr. Humphries, if I knew who was to be my first partner." "But you will dance with me all the same?" asked Mr. Humphries. "Well, I will then," said Harriet laughing; "but I am very angry with you." Margaret had laid down the guitar and was standing in the Tudor window, pulling the dry leaves from the geraniums. Mr. Humphries joined her. "Gage is down stairs with Mrs. Singleton," he said. "So I thought," returned Margaret. "They are playing at chess together." "Are they, indeed!" "Do you like chess, Miss Capel?" "Not very much, Mr. Humphries." "No more do I." "Ha! ha! there's sympathy," cried Harriet, leaning back in her chair to gain a full view of them among the geraniums.