"So it was you making all that noise," said Harriet, turning carelessly round; "I thought the dogs had gone mad!"
"Donald recognised me, I believe," said Mr. Gage; "the noise was of his making, not mine."
"Oh, do you hear him!" cried Harriet; "is not that good. I must tell Uncle Singleton that when I can catch him. Did any body give you any dinner, Mr. Gage, when you arrived?"
"Thank you—no. I underwent that ceremony on the road."
"I envy you. I like dining at an inn; don't you, Margaret?"
"I have not yet had an opportunity of congratulating you on the marriage of your sister with Lord Raymond," said Mr. Gage, with emphasis.
"Thank you very much," returned Harriet; "only the affair is almost a fortnight old, and one has nearly forgotten all about it. How long do you think, Mr. Gordon, one may offer congratulations after a wedding?"
"I really have hardly considered the subject," said Mr. Gordon: "I should say, perhaps, during the honeymoon a very good distinction; so you see, Mr. Gage, you have still a fortnight left."
"I was surprised, I own," said Mr. Gage; "I had not imagined Lord Raymond's selection would have fallen where it did."
"Lord Raymond was a wise man, Mr. Gage," said Harriet, laughing; "and knew when he was well off."