A thought for one moment crossed the mind of Margaret: she would revenge herself for this neglect—she would accept the hand of Hubert Gage. But she felt at once the unworthiness of such an idea, and remained trembling and silent, looking on the ground.
"Where is this house?" said she after a short pause.
"I can show it to you better than I could describe it," he replied. "It was in searching for you that I lighted upon this history."
"I am much indebted to you," said she with a strange smile.
Her manner, usually so soft, seemed suddenly to change. There was something cold and bitter in her voice.
"And what will you do?" he asked.
"After dinner, when my uncle sleeps, I walk out," said Margaret; "you can then show me this house."
Her seeming calmness quite deceived him; he thought that she was not suffering much. That once convinced her lover had wronged her, she might be wooed and won again.
"I am going to my uncle now," said she. "I shall see you at dinner;" and taking up her work-basket she left him.
Hubert did not see her again until dinner was announced; she was then standing by her uncle's chair, and seemed to take no notice of his presence. Mr. Grey welcomed him very kindly; he thought Hubert's visit so amiable, so well-meant. It showed that he did not resent what had happened.