"The second quadrille?" said Margaret.
"Exactly; unless you prefer the first Mazourka."
"Oh! but you do not know the Mazourka."
"No; but you can teach me so nicely in the morning."
"I will not undertake you," said Margaret laughing.
"Then I fall back upon the quadrille. Miss Somerton I am at your service."
Mr. George Gage now loitered up the room very slowly, and planted himself against the wall, close to Margaret. He first took her cup out of her hand and set it down, and then after a very careful survey of her from head to foot, he "hoped he should be so fortunate as to secure her hand for the first waltz. He confessed that he never danced quadrilles."
Margaret hesitated; she did not at all like the prospect of such a partner, but as she had no wish to sit still thenceforward, she accepted.
Mr. Gage set down her embarrassment to his own infinite attractions, and was satisfied. He then made a few ordinary remarks to her about the neighbourhood; but although he did not address a word to Harriet Conway, Margaret who was very quick-sighted, observed that they bestowed upon each other, from time to time, glances which seemed to express dislike, almost defiance. At length, after one of these singular looks, Harriet said, with her peculiarly clear intonation, "I do not offer you a seat, Mr. Gage."
"I should be sorry to disturb you," he replied coldly; and removed to a little distance as he spoke.