"And this is what has parted us for two years. Miss Fitzpatrick--but it is all clear now. You are satisfied--you are mine again--say so." "You are a tyrant, Claude." "But say it." "I do say it--there, some one is coming. I must go." Margaret flew up stairs. The ladies, satisfied that the storm was over, now came out, pale with fear and watching. Harriet's keen eye espied Mr. Haveloc leaning against the door of the conservatory. "Marius among the ruins of Carthage," said she with a laugh. "Marius! Mrs. Gage, can you say nothing better for me than that? Will you come to-morrow and fish with us?" "Well; that is not a bad idea. I can throw a fly in a way that will make you jealous. Can you lend me a fishing-rod?" "Twenty." "And you don't mean to set out at an uncouth hour to-morrow?" "Not at all--two or three o'clock." "But I shall be jealous," said Lucy. "Do you not ask me to come too?" "By all means; bring all the ladies who like angling. Lady James, will you answer for Miss Campbell?" "I shall bring Margaret, I know;" said Harriet quickly. "Do--if Miss Capel will come;" said he with a peculiar smile. "I shall ask no questions;" said Harriet coolly. "I shall pack her up in a band-box, and take her; though she cannot angle like some people!" "No; she cannot angle," said Mr. Haveloc; laughing at the angry expression in Harriet's face. "Ah! you think yourselves, too deep for me;" said Harriet turning and walking upstairs; "but I would have you look sharp; for I know the symptoms." CHAPTER XIV. And though our joy is all too new to wear The golden sweetness of assured repose, Since the good Gods have steered our bark of life Through the rough storm and the deceitful calm, We may together stem the tranquil wave Not fearful, not secure--but grateful ever; While in the roseate light of new born hope We steep the shadows of the coming time-- Most blest, that whatsoe'er our future lot Love gilds the present, sanctifies the past. ANON. "I say, little one," exclaimed Harriet, as Margaret entered the Oratory to breakfast the next morning, "Will you go fishing with us to day, to Tynebrook?" "With you--to Tynebrook, Harriet?" said Margaret quite surprised. "Yes; did you never hear of such a place? Perhaps, you don't know that I saw Mr. Haveloc last night, and made a fishing party for the ladies?" "Last night, Harriet!" said Margaret colouring. "Yes, child," returned Harriet. "I suppose you think nobody can have interviews with a gentleman but yourself." Never was a more random shot, but it had the effect of covering Margaret's face with blushes. "How you love to torment Miss Capel;" said Mr. Gage, who was in the room. "I wonder she ever comes near you." "I never saw anything like your cheeks, child," continued Harriet, 'They'll be in scarlet straight at any news.' "Do have a little mercy, Harriet," said poor Margaret. "I cannot tell what you mean."