Mr. Humphries gave a wide smile, and offered his hand to lead Margaret to the piano. Harriet drew a low, easy chair, close to the instrument, wrapped a scarf round her throat, and gave her attention to the singing.
"How greatly you have delighted us all," said Mr. Gage to Margaret, when she left the piano; "you have never before allowed us to know that you were a very beautiful singer."
"Won't you sing something now, Miss Conway?" asked Mr. Humphries.
"I cannot—I have a sore throat coming. You must sing for me," said Harriet.
"Dear me, I am very sorry," said Mr. Humphries, "then I am afraid you won't be able to hunt on Thursday."
"Not a chance of it," replied Harriet. "Evan, are those new books ever coming down from London?"
"I am sorry I cannot inform you; but I am not a prophet even in the small Highland way of second sight. Only that as all the ladies are wishing to get the new novels first, one may presume that some among them are doomed to be disappointed."
"I shall send you up to town for Coningsby," said Harriet.
"There is nothing at all unreasonable in that," replied her brother calmly. "But, perhaps, it would be cheaper for me, and quite as rapid for you, if you were to order it of the T—— bookseller."
"I have a great many books at home, Miss Conway, if you want any-thing to read," said Mr. Humphries.