Margaret looked aghast.
"They are perfectly quiet, on my word," said Harriet. "Oh! about the smoking. Do you mind it then?"
"No," returned Margaret, who had never been in company with any one while smoking. "I'll take the reins; but pray be quick."
Harriet was quick; before Margaret had time to be frightened, she had lit a cigar, and resumed the reins with all the unconcern in the world.
"I learned this at Madrid," she said from between her teeth. "Some day, if you please me, I'll tell you my history."
"All of it?" asked Margaret, looking up into her companion's face.
"Oh, yes! no half measures," returned Harriet.
They went to S—— by a cross-country road, and therefore fell in with very few of those who were likewise bound for the course. And by those few, Harriet, with her hat and habit, her short hair and cigar, was supposed as she whirled past them, to be a handsome boy.
Mr. Gage was already on the course with his party; he rode up with his brother and Mr. Haveloc to escort the ladies to the stand. Harriet had her horse brought up to the steps of the carriage, mounted at once, and rode off with Mr. Conway; and Hubert insisted on conducting Margaret to Elizabeth pleading his sister's commands to that effect.