and affectation of manner
toward many of those with whom she had been previously on an equal and
familiar footing.

"Charles," said he, "I must have a dance with this beautiful girl; do
you think she will dance with me?"

"I cannot tell," replied his brother, "but you can ask her."

"By the way, where are my father and the rest? They have left the room."

"The landlord has got them a small apartment," replied Charles, "where
they are now enjoying themselves. If you dance with Grace Davoren,
however, be on your good behavior, for if you take any unbecoming
liberties with her, you may repent it; don't imagine because you see
these humble girls allowing their sweethearts to kiss them in corners,
that either they or their friends will permit you to do so."

"That's as it may be managed, perhaps," said Woodward, who immediately
approached Grace in imitation of what he had seen, and making her a low
bow, said,

"I dance to you, Miss Davoren, if you will favor me."

She was then sitting, but immediately rose up, with a blushing but
gratified face, and replied,

"I will, sir, but I'm not worthy to dance with a gentleman like you."

"You are worthy to dance with a prince," he replied, as he led her to
their station, fronting the music.

"Well, my pretty girl," said he, "what do you wish?"

"Your will, sir, is my pleasure."

"Very well. Piper," said he, "play up 'Kiss my lady;'" which was
accordingly done, and the dance commenced. Woodward thought the most
popular thing he could do was to affect no superiority over the young
fellows present, but, on the contrary, to imitate their style and
manner of dancing as well as he could; and in this he acted with great
judgment. They felt flattered and gratified even at his awkward and
clumsy imitations of their steps, and received his efforts with much
laughter and cheering; nor was Grace herself insensible to the mirth
he occasioned. On he went, cutting and capering, until he had them in
convulsions; and when the dance was ended, he seized his partner in his
arms, swung her three times round, and imprinted a kiss upon her lips
with such good humor that he was highly applauded. He then ordered in
drink to treat her and her friends, which he distributed to them with
his own hand; and after contriving to gain a few minutes' private chat
with Grace, he amply rewarded the piper. He was now about to take
his leave and proceed with his brother, when two women, one about
thirty-fi