"It may be about my brother's affairs," said Margaret, getting up.
"It is nothing to me, my dear, whether they are your brother's or your own," said Lady Ball; "you had better not interrupt your uncle in the study; but I daresay you'll find the dining-room disengaged."
So Miss Mackenzie led the way into the dining-room, and Mr Rubb followed. There they found some of the girls, who stared very hard at Mr Rubb, as they left the room at their cousin's request. As soon as they were left alone Mr Rubb began his work manfully.
"Margaret," said he, "I hope you will let me call you so now that you are in trouble?"
To this she made no answer.
"But perhaps your trouble is over? Perhaps you have found out that it isn't as you told us the other day?"
"No, Mr Rubb; I have found nothing of that kind; I believe it is as I told you."
"Then I'll tell you what I propose. You haven't given up the fight, have you? You have not done anything?"
"I have done nothing as yet."
"Then I'll tell you my plan. Fight it out."