Although by no means addicted to holding himself in low estimation, he did not suppose that Harriet had sent for him to make a pathetic declaration; more particularly as Margaret was present, and did not appear likely to leave the room.
"Well, Mr. Gage," said Harriet, looking up, "I heard something this morning which surprised me very much."
"Really!" said Mr. Gage, bending for wards; "I trust, nothing of an unpleasant nature?"
"Oh, yes! I was displeased too," said Harriet.
"Can I be of any service?" asked Mr. Gage, very civilly.
"Oh, dear me, George, no!" said Harriet, suddenly. "The thing is past mending. Your plague of a groom has been making love to my Charlotte, and married her this morning."
Mr. Gage never swore before ladies; though he had seldom felt more inclined to relieve his mind by that simple process. But after the angry pause of a minute, he ejaculated, with raised eyebrows, the words, "Highly impertinent!"
"And so ridiculous—so imprudent!" said Harriet; "how are they to live, I wonder?"
"Oh! Heaven knows how they are to live," said Mr. Gage, drawing his chair wonderfully near to Harriet; "that is their affair—not ours, you know."
"Our affair!" How odd the words sounded. Harriet blushed.