There was no public breakfast at Wardenscourt. People took that meal in their several rooms. Margaret was just giving Mason her simple directions, when in swam Mrs. Thompson, with Mrs. Gage's compliments, and "would Miss Capel breakfast with her in the Oratory?"
Miss Capel was pleased to renew her acquaintance with Mrs. Thompson, who rustled about in a smarter silk, and finer cap then ever was seen before. She accepted the invitation, and sent the lady's-maid on to say so.
The Oratory was a little octagon room, adjoining Harriet's bed-room, which she used as a boudoir. She could not help smiling at her friend's pertinacity; for there, reclining on a sofa, was Everard Gage, while Harriet looked triumphant from behind the urn. Mr. Gage was reading the paper by the window.
"Come, Margaret, lose no time," said Harriet, with a distinct glance at Everard.
Margaret took her speech literally, glided into a chair, and drew her plate towards her. Mr. Gage came to help her.
"Everard!" said Harriet, "have you found the head we all think so like Miss Capel?"
"No," said he, looking up from the 'Book of Beauty,' which he was turning over; "there is nothing here pretty enough."
"Brava!" exclaimed Harriet; "we shall do."
"Where do you think of going to-day?" said Mr. Gage to Margaret.