’Indeed, I would not.  But I see you are going to be very resolved.  Well, then, tell me that which I should like still better to know what the parsonage is like.’

’Oh, I can’t describe my home.  It is home, and I can’t put its charm into words.’

’I submit.  You are rather severe to-night, Margaret.

‘How?’ said she, turning her large soft eyes round full upon him.  ‘I did not know I was.’

’Why, because I made an unlucky remark, you will neither tell me what Helstone is like, nor will you say anything about your home, though I have told you how much I want to hear about both, the latter especially.’

’But indeed I cannot tell you about my own home.  I don’t quite think it is a thing to be talked about, unless you knew it.’

’Well, then’—­pausing for a moment—­’tell me what you do there.  Here you read, or have lessons, or otherwise improve your mind, till the middle of the day; take a walk before lunch, go a drive with your aunt after, and have some kind of engagement in the evening.  There, now fill up your day at Helstone.  Shall you ride, drive, or walk?’

’Walk, decidedly.  We have no horse, not even for papa.  He walks to the very extremity of his parish.  The walks are so beautiful, it would be a shame to drive—­almost a shame to ride.’

’Shall you garden much?  That, I believe, is a proper employment for young ladies in the country.’

‘I don’t know.  I am afraid I shan’t like such hard work.’

‘Archery parties—­pic-nics—­race-balls—­hunt-balls?’

‘Oh no!’ said she, laughing.  ’Papa’s living is very small; and even if we were near such things, I doubt if I should go to them.’

’I see, you won’t tell me anything.  You will only tell me that you are not going to do this and that.  Before the vacation ends, I think I shall pay you a call, and see what you really do employ yourself in.’

’I hope you will.  Then you will see for yourself how beautiful Helstone is.  Now I must go.  Edith is sitting down to play, and I just know enough of music to turn over the leaves for her; and besides, Aunt Shaw won’t like us to talk.’  Edith played brilliantly.  In the middle of the piece the door half-opened, and Edith saw Captain Lennox hesitating whether to come in.  She threw down her music, and rushed out of the room, leaving Margaret standing confused and blushing to explain to the astonished guests what vision had shown itself to cause Edith’s sudden flight.  Captain Lennox had come earlier than was expected; or was it really so late?  They looked at their watches, were duly shocked, and took their leave.