"No, but he can make himself agreeable in half a day, instead of that you have behaved like a stupid wax doll; and so I have settled to give Miss Capel to some one else. And you can't help yourself!" said Harriet in a tone of exultation that it was very difficult to bear temperately. "I like that," said Everard, "I shall ask George if it is right for you to make matches." A peal of laughter from Harriet, that threatened to be interminable--in the midst of which George Gage, coming through the passage on his way to the Oratory, was stopped by the disputants--and then ensued a great deal of laughing from himself and Harriet, mixed with a low, complaining noise from Everard, which soon sank into silence. Margaret not caring to be found there, escaped to her own room, and when she was summoned by Mrs. Thompson, she found all three seated peaceably at the table. Everard sat next her, and after handing her all she wanted, took a moss rose-bud from his coat, and presented it to her. Margaret thanked him, and laid it by her plate. Harriet snatched it up and put it in her own dress. Mr. Gage tried to look serious, and Everard did not seem to know how to take it. But he made no more attempts at conciliating Margaret during breakfast. It was hard work at the best, but when there was another person counteracting all you did, it was too gigantic an adventure. "I will tell you some news, ma mie," said Harriet, "Bessy and Uncle Gage will be here next week. Mr. Haveloc stays for the pigeon shooting, the day after to-morrow; and Everard says he will read the part of Alphonse at our rehearsals. And the play is to come off on Monday." "Haveloc will stay for the play, I suppose," said Mr. Gage. "Oh, true!" said Harriet, "Lucy settled that with him, the last thing. But he will not act--so provoking; I shall have to teach Everard, at last." "I cannot learn all that by heart," said Everard. "Oh, yes, you will to please me!" said Harriet, "you will be so much admired. Think how well you will look, so like a dear wax-work!" "Then you must do something for me in return," said Everard. "Oh! that is Jewish; but I will do several things, if you are quite perfect." "You know what I mean," said Everard. "Yes, I know all about it," said Harriet, "there, take my part-book, go down into the library, and have all that scene perfect before I come." "Well, but where are you going? I could sit here, and you read it out to me, I should learn it faster that way." "Take him away, George, do!" cried Harriet stamping her foot. The brothers disappeared together, and Harriet remained leaning against the window, making some mental calculations, which she seemed counting on her fingers. "Yes," she said to herself, at last, "I will amuse Everard with Miss Campbell, and then Margaret--" Margaret started in fear. "Margaret!" said Harriet, "I have resolved that you shall be mistress of Tynebrook."