"Why, you don't mean to say you are afraid of me," said Harriet taking Margaret's hand in her long, slender fingers, "I would excuse you, if I were a man. Well now, are you fond of riding?"
"I am just going to learn," said Margaret "it is the thing of all others I wish for."
"You ought to have begun younger," said Harriet, "but we will see what we can make of you. What is the colour of your riding-habit?"
"Blue," replied Margaret.
"True blue," said Harriet looking intently into the fire; "how do you like Hubert Gage?"
"I don't see how that follows," said Margaret smiling; "but I like him very well."
"Good," said Harriet; "I see it is not a tender subject. You know the Gages are relations of ours. Are you not, Bessy?"
"Connexions, my dear Harriet; but I am quite ready to acknowledge the relationship."
"And is this your first ball?" said Harriet, turning again to Margaret.
"Yes."