human
So it was you making all that noise, said Harriet, turning carelessly round;
gpt
I thought the dogs had gone mad!
human
Donald recognised me, I believe, said Mr. Gage;
gpt
Oh, do you hear him! cried Harriet;
human
Thank you--no. I underwent that ceremony on the road.
gpt
I envy you. I like dining at an inn; don't you, Margaret?
human
I have not yet had an opportunity of congratulating you on the marriage of your sister with _Lord Raymond_,
gpt
Thank you very much, returned Harriet;
human
I really have hardly considered the subject, said Mr. Gordon:
gpt
I should say, perhaps, during the honeymoon a very good distinction; so you see, Mr. Gage, you have still a fortnight left.
human
I was surprised, I own, said Mr. Gage;
gpt
I had not imagined Lord Raymond's selection would have fallen where it did.
human
Lord Raymond was a wise man, Mr. Gage, said Harriet, laughing;
gpt
Hark you, ma mie, said Harriet, leaning towards Margaret,
human
Did you see, Margaret, how he fixed his eyes upon me to detect, if he could, the constraint I was putting on my feelings; how he watched for some trace of suffering in my voice; something to betray the anguish within; and the stress he laid on _Lord Raymond_, as if he would have asked how I liked parting with my especial property. I would not have missed this scene for any thing in life!
gpt
Oh, Harriet! do not laugh so. He is looking at you!
human
No great wonder in that, my dear, since he has come all the way from Ireland for that especial purpose.
gpt
Mr. Gage! I wish to show you the bracelet Lord Raymond gave me on the morning of his marriage. Look! this is Lucy's hair. I told him not to put any of his straw-coloured stuff along with it, to spoil the effect. I rather like those dolphins fretted with rubies; they have an eastern look. He would clasp it on, over my swansdown cuff, and I did not like to take it off, though I had the pleasure of telling him he had done me an incredible deal of mischief.
human
Do you not think it very handsome?
gpt
Very. It would almost have reconciled you to the match had you been averse to it,
human
It did not reconcile me to his crushing my beautiful swansdown, said Harriet.
gpt
Here, give it me; you cannot put it on. Margaret shall clasp it.
human
It must have been a trying day to you on the whole,
gpt
Why, between you and I, it was, said Harriet, holding up her embroidered handkerchief by two corners, and contemplating the pattern of the point lace, as she leaned back in the chair.
human
First, I had to get up early--a thing I detest in cold weather; then--let me see, what was my next trouble? Oh! my shoes were too long; and I was obliged to steal a pair of Lucy's:--and then, Margaret, when Lucy was nearly dressed, and I expected her to sit down by the fire, and have some breakfast in peace and quietness she suddenly leaned up against mamma's bureau, and burst out crying. I was never so taken aback in my life; for she is not given to demonstrations; and what to say to her, I knew not. I could not tell her she was not going to be married; and that seemed to be the cause of her grief. However, we managed with salts and essences, and scolding and coaxing, to bring her round; and then we got on very well till after breakfast, when we came to the parting. Now, you know, Margaret, in the same county, it can hardly be called a parting. But then Lucy began again; and Lord Raymond did so fuss, and so stammer, by way of consoling her. And when they were off, and the company melted away--what do you think I did? I got into plain clothes again as fast as possible; and sat down to stuff your box of cake full of bon-bons, I took you for the little girl you were when I left you. Mr. Gage, a compliment, Sir, quick now!
gpt
I would not offend Miss Capel by supposing that I could compliment her,
human
Aha! Margaret, the fun we will have at Wardenscourt! The riding and driving; the parties and dances; the plays--the tableaux!