"Ah, how I have improved him!" said Harriet, who had been watching Margaret's countenance. Mr. Gage laughed, and told Harriet that she had nearly lamed her chestnut, and might be satisfied with her morning's work. Harriet took off her hat, and sat down with her back to him, saying, that what she had marred, he might mend; he was good for nothing else. Her voice, her face, so full of happiness, contradicted her words. Mr. Gage went out to look after the horses, which were equally beloved by both of them. Lady Raymond, coming up to her sister, stood arranging her hair, which was slightly ruffled by her hat. "Well, Mrs. Gage, you took your time this morning," she said; "you find Mr. Gage's company very agreeable, I conclude; since you certainly give me but little of yours. Always, I assure you, my dear Miss Capel, rambling about with Mr. Gage." Margaret smiled at Harriet, who looked half bashful, half mischievous. "It is very well it has turned out so tolerably," said she; "because I always tell George that you had a great hand in bringing things about." "But you are quite happy, Harriet?" "Yes; pretty comfortable. George really did take a house for me--a very pretty house. So that when he is obliged to leave Dublin, I shall let him go, and remain behind; for I like the society very much." "How independently she talks," said Lucy, laughing. "George has so many faults," pursued Harriet; "I fancy sometimes he must be jealous. If you knew the trouble I had to get any of his brother officers introduced to me. I only know two--such sweet young men! One of them plays the cornopean admirably, and the other makes the most excellent toffy." "Might I ask what toffy is?" enquired Margaret. "It is made, my love, by boiling treacle and sugar," replied Harriet. "Oh, and lemon-peel!" said Lady Raymond. "No; almonds," replied Harriet; "that was the way we made it one morning when George was gone to a steeple-chase; and when he came back he could not think what made everything so sticky. That is the only objection to the compounding of toffy. You still like Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Margaret?" she said, turning to her with much softness of expression. "Very much! I am truly attached to her," replied Margaret. "I am glad of it. No doubt she is a delightful person," said Harriet. "But you are not going to be an old maid. I have my wits about me; and I will take any bet that any body pleases to offer, you don't go back single. Everard Gage comes here this very day, does not he, Lucy?" "Yes; but Everard--" said Lady Raymond. "I know he will be as hard to rouse as a polar bear," said Harriet; "but I pique myself on doing wonders." "But pray, Harriet, not for me," said Margaret. "Do not disturb Mr. Everard's tranquillity on my account."