say it?" retorted Maria, tossing
her head. "I ain't used to being called a fool. I never knew a gentleman
to make such a remark to a lady. I think you'd better find some other
partner."

"I take it all back," said Jedidiah, in alarm. "I was only in fun."

"I don't like that kind of fun," said Maria, in a tone of dignified
coldness.

"Then I won't joke you again. I guess he can play well enough, if Abner
says so."

Miss Maria Snodgrass allowed herself to be propitiated, more especially
as she herself might have been left without a partner, had she adhered
to her determination and sent Jedidiah adrift.

He took his place in a quadrille, not exactly wishing Philip to fail,
but rather hoping that he would prove a poor performer, in order that he
might have a little triumph over Maria, who had the bad taste to prefer
the young musician's appearance to his.

Meanwhile Philip, following Jonas Webb across the room, had been
introduced to Frank Ingalls, who acted as manager.

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Gray," said Ingalls. "I hope we sha'n't make
you work too hard. We are very fond of dancing here."

"I don't get tired very easily," answered Philip. "I hope you will be
satisfied with my playing."

"No fear of that, Mr. Ingalls, I've heerd him play at home, and I tell
you he can do it."

"Thank you, Mr. Webb," said Philip, bowing his acknowledgment of the
compliment.

"I guess we may as well commence, Mr. Gray," said Mr. Ingalls. "The
boys seem to be getting impatient. Here's the order of dances for the
evening."

"Very well, Mr. Ingalls."

The manager raised his voice, and said, "Gentlemen and ladies, you
already know that Beck is sick, and cannot be with us this evening, as
he engaged to do. In his place we have engaged a young musician, who has
already gained a great reputation in his profession--"

Philip was rather surprised to hear this, but it was not for him to
gainsay it.

"Let me introduce to you Mr. Philip Gray."

Philip bowed and smiled, and, putting his violin in position,
immediately commenced a lively air.

In less than five minutes the manager felt perfectly at ease concerning
the young musician. It was clear that Philip understood his business.
Philip himself entered into the spirit of his performance. His cheek
flushed, his eyes sparkled, and he almost outdid himself.

When the first dance was concluded, there was a murmur of approval
throughout the ballroom. The dancers were both surpri