"Why, you bold little creature," returned Harriet; "advising me to tell a gentleman I admire him. What do you say to that, Aunt Singleton."
"Oh, fie! Niece Harriet," said Mrs. Singleton, shaking her head.
"No, but you don't understand, Aunt Singleton: this is Margaret's plan, not mine."
"Oh fie! Niece Harriet," repeated Mrs. Singleton.
"It is not my plan, is it, Margaret?" said Harriet, laughing. "By the way, do I talk hoarsely?"
"I think you do, a little."
"Then my good uncle is right, and I am going to have a cold: my throat is very uncomfortable. I will tell you what you must do to-night—take my place at the piano with Mr. Humphries. You can sing ten times better than I can."
"But I do so dislike singing in company. People are always bored by good music."
"People, my love, are bored if you sing; but they are enraged if you don't. Choose the least evil."
"Mr. Humphries, Miss Capel will take the first of that fine duet in Norma, 'Qual cor tradisti:' you will then hear the purest mezzo soprano in England."