"What shall I do, grandma?" she said to Mrs. Hale. "I am going to London to-morrow, you know. Shall I send the picture from there, or give it to Mr. Stibbings to take to his lordship?"
"Give it to Mr. Stibbings," said Mrs. Hale, "with your dutiful respects and compliments, my dear."
Margaret gave the picture to Mr. Stibbings, but with her compliments only, and presently that important functionary returned.
Would Miss Hale honor the earl by joining him in the picture gallery?
Margaret went at once, and found him standing before her picture, which he had caused to be placed on an easel in the best lighted part of the gallery.
He held out his hand, and bowed to her with a kindly smile.
"You have painted a beautiful little sketch for me, Miss Hale," he said. "One I shall often look upon with pleasure and delight. And you have done it quickly, too, but not carelessly—no, no!"
Margaret murmured a few words in acknowledgment of his graciousness, and he went on:
"There is a career before you, my dear Miss Hale! You are one of the fortunate ones of this earth! Great gifts—great gifts"—and he looked at her absently; then he sighed and roused himself again—"but don't waste them, my child! I hope you are enjoying yourself here?"
"Very much, my lord," said Margaret. "I leave to-morrow," and she sighed faintly.