"Not when you behave so ill," returned Harriet.
"I—what have I done?" asked Mr. Gage.
"Recollect the ball, Sir!" said Harriet; "remember how you tricked me into dancing with you."
Mr. Gage smiled a little. "Allow that you brought it on yourself," said he. "You could not dance with Sir Hawarth."
"Could not?" asked Harriet. "I imagine I have every right to please myself in such things. Besides, you have been very rude to me ever since you came; and did not leave the house when I desired you."
"You know that it was impossible," said Mr. Gage; "besides, I gave you my reasons for not obeying you."
"I did not want any reasons," said Harriet.
"I believe you," said Mr. Gage; "but Miss Capel was evidently on my side then, as well as at the ball. I wish you would speak to her on the subject. I never met any woman with more delicacy of feeling."
"It is a pity you don't marry her, then, if you think so highly of her;" said Harriet, perversely.
"I did not come here to marry Miss Capel, but to marry you," replied Mr. Gage, coldly.