"Well! two have actually married since Anne's time," said Harriet, in an injured tone; "and now Charlotte, whom I always did consider rather a plain woman; she must needs do just the same."
"It is too annoying," said Mr. Gage, examining the fringe of Harriet's beautiful shawl. "I am very sorry you should be so put out of your way."
"Shall you take Thompson away with you, on Thursday?" said Harriet, looking up in his face.
"Oh! I think I had better pay him off at once, and have done with him," said Mr. Gage.
"But I am interested for the bride and bridegroom," said Harriet, "I want to know what they had better do."
"Thompson should get into a gentleman's family, where his wife could be lodge-keeper," said Mr. Gage.
"I'll tell you what," said Harriet, who had observed Mr. Gage's arm on the back of her chair, and whose restless spirit delighted in mischief; "I will ask that dear Mr. Humphries to look out for such a place. I am sure he will use his best endeavours; kind, good creature that he is."
"Then you have no farther commands with me," said Mr. Gage, rising directly, and preparing to leave the room.
"Not any; only you won't be very angry with poor Thompson!" said Harriet, her eyes flashing with merriment as the door closed upon Mr. Gage.
"Come here to me, Margaret, and don't shake your head at me in that way, for I will not bear it."