Lady James was appeased by this answer, which, did not, however, sound quite sincere to Margaret's ear, proceeded to give him a catalogue of all her young friend's merits, which lasted, so numerous were they, until the play had been read through. Then the actors dispersed, the officer to the back of Margaret's chair, Everard to the nearest sofa, Lord James to Lady Raymond, and Harriet to Mr. Haveloc. Yes, just as Lady James had called Miss Campbell to her, and assigned the seat next that gentleman, Harriet beckoned him to the window, and swept him out upon the lawn. "I say, do you know the name of this red thing," said she, pointing to a flower in one of the beds. "No, I don't. I have it, but I have forgotten the name," he said. "How long have you been at Tynebrook?" "About two months." "What! have you done all that to the church in two months?" "Every bit of it. I was in Norway three months ago." "Ah! You are a great traveller, I believe." "I have done little else for the last two years." "Well, that is a very pleasant way of passing time." "I don't know that it is quite right," said Mr. Haveloc. "One leaves all one's duties behind in travelling; that is one of its great attractions." Then feeling that his companion was not very likely to sympathize with him, he changed the subject. "I saw your chestnut this morning, Mrs. Gage. He is superb. I hardly know such a beautiful head." "Has he not? And so tame. Did George go with you?" "He did, and the chestnut held a very rational conversation with him?" "You admire him, as much as I did your altar-cloth." "I do, indeed." "I think you must have got it on purpose for your wedding, Mr. Havleoc," said Harriet. "I am afraid it will not serve that turn," he replied; "for there is no lady in my parish above the condition of a small farmer's daughter. Tynebrook is a wilderness." "Ah, true! the lady must be married in her own parish," said Harriet, narrowly regarding his countenance. "That is the etiquette, I believe," he said, gravely; and as she did not speak again directly, he turned quietly and courteously away, and walked to the library. As soon as Harriet made the move, most of the party strolled away under the trees. The officer, who was unusually disagreeable in Margaret's eyes, asked her if she would not follow their example, and offered his arm, as if to decide her choice. Margaret thanked him, but said she preferred sitting quiet, as the day was hot; and she was in a hurry to finish her netting. The officer said she was very prudent, and taking a chair, offered to read to her. Margaret's vexation knew no bounds, but she was not aware that the man wanted her money, and she thought he really meant it as a civility, so she composed herself to listen. But after a few sentences, horribly read, her impatience could not be controlled. She rose, muttered something about wanting more silk, and went to her room to be quiet.