Mr. Singleton laughed heartily, and told Harriet not to spoil sport. Mr. Humphries coloured, and tried to get more effectually behind the flower stands. "Miss Conway is always laughing at one," he said. Margaret could not deny it. "But what I was going to say," remarked Mr. Humphries, coming close to Margaret and whispering. "Will you dance the first quadrille with me?" "With pleasure," said Margaret, smiling. "Thank you--you see I could not tell Miss Conway just now, because I did not know myself, till I had asked you." "No, you could not, indeed." "Well, I'm going now," he exclaimed, suddenly taking her hand. "God bless you!" "Did you sneeze, Margaret?" asked Harriet, turning quickly round. Mr. Humphries was walking fast to the door. Margaret supposed the explanation was meant as a farewell, for he stopped at the door, said "good night!" accompanied by an extraordinary nod of the head, and vanished. "That is one of the best fellows that ever lived," said Mr. Singleton, nodding at the door through which Mr. Humphries had departed. "What do you say to that assertion, Margaret?" asked Harriet, looking mischievously at her. "I will take Mr. Singleton's word for it," replied Margaret, with her usual calmness. "But he is not the best dancer that ever lived, Uncle Singleton," said Harriet, laughing, "as Margaret will find to her cost. Come, he has set you a very good example. Vanish! and good night to you. And, uncle," she added, calling him back, "had you not better, in the course of the evening, take an opportunity to ask Mr. Humphries his intentions?" Mr. Singleton was well used to Harriet's jests; he laughed, shook his head, and left the room. CHAPTER V. But nature never framed a woman's heart Of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice; Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. "Well, ma mie, and what is it?" asked Harriet, as Margaret came hastily into her room while she was dressing for the ball. "Anything gone wrong with the blush roses." "I am come about some blush roses," said Margaret, holding out a beautiful bouquet. "I do not know how it is, Harriet, but I found these on my toilet when I went up to dress." "And who do you think gave me these carnations," asked Harriet, pointing to a splendid cluster of those flowers placed in a glass vase. "The fairies have matched our trimmings, that is all, Margaret. Blush roses for you--carnations for me." "No, but is it your doing, Harriet?" asked Margaret earnestly. "Faith, no;" said Harriet laughing, "who do you suspect; Mr. Humphries has not the wit, though you have so barbarously--" "Harriet! do not accuse me."