"With pleasure, on one condition. That you will tell me who you have engaged for the first?"
A wide smile, but no answer.
"Well, Mr. Humphries, you are not going to be so rude as to refuse my request. I know I am to keep it secret. Come, tell me."
"I can't," returned Mr. Humphries, going through several convulsive movements.
"Is he not ill-natured, uncle Singleton?" asked Harriet, "I am sure I would tell Mr. Humphries, if I knew who was to be my first partner."
"But you will dance with me all the same?" asked Mr. Humphries.
"Well, I will then," said Harriet laughing; "but I am very angry with you."
Margaret had laid down the guitar and was standing in the Tudor window, pulling the dry leaves from the geraniums. Mr. Humphries joined her.
"Gage is down stairs with Mrs. Singleton," he said.