"I do not know who would think me worth a bouquet," said Harriet, going composedly on with her toilet; "perhaps young Vesey, or Sir Hawarth Fane. I should not wonder if it were Sir Hawarth. I hope not, though." "But it is so very disagreeable," said Margaret, "to be obliged to any one for a bouquet. I had much rather not wear it." "Nonsense, child, it is quite proper--flowers, you know; if it were jewels it would be quite another thing. I dare say, after all, it comes from George Gage; eh! Charlotte?" "La, Miss Conway! how you do startle one." "Yes, he bribed you to place these two nosegays on our tables." "Well, Miss Conway, it is no use denying anything to you." "There, Margaret, now your mind is at rest, go back and dress. What splendid hair you have, child." Mr. Singleton was loud in his commendations of the two young ladies. He was to accompany them. Mr. Gage and Mr. Humphries went together. It appeared to Margaret that Mr. Singleton was asleep in his corner of the carriage, and she could not forbear whispering to Harriet. "Do be civil to Mr. Gage, to-night." "Why, so I am always, am I not?" said Harriet, "civil as an orange." "Oh! not to-day at dinner." "I am sure I said nothing," said Harriet. "No, it was your manner." "Well, he was rude too," returned Harriet, "why did he not ask me to dance?" "Because," said Margaret, "he took it for granted you would refuse him." "He had no business to take it for granted," was Harriet's perverse reply; "if he does ask me now, I shall certainly decline."