sed and pleased.

"He's a smart boy!" said more than one. "He plays as well as Paul Beck,
and Paul's been play-in' for more'n twenty years."

"As well? I never heard Paul Beck play as well as that," said another.

Among those who were most pleased was Miss Maria Snodgrass.

"What do you think now, Mr. Burbank?" she said, addressing her partner.
"Do you think the boy can play now?"

"Yes, he can play most as well as Paul Beck," admitted Jedidiah.

"Most as well? Paul Beck can't begin to play as well as him," returned
Maria, who was not educated, and occasionally made slips in grammar.

"Just as you say, Maria," answered Jedidiah, submissively; "only don't
call me Mr. Burbank."

"Why? Ain't that your name?" asked the young lady demurely.

"Not to you, Maria."

"Well, I won't, if you'll take me up and introduce me to Mr. Gray."

"What for?" asked Jedidiah jealously.

"Because I want to know him."

Mr. Burbank was obliged to obey the request of his partner.

"Oh, Mr. Gray, you play just lovely!" said Miss Snodgrass rapturously.

"Thank you for the compliment," said Philip, with a low bow.

"I like your playing ever so much better than Paul Beck's."

"You are too kind," said Philip, with another bow.

"Isn't he just lovely, Jedidiah!" said Maria, as she walked away with
her lover.

"Maybe he is--I ain't a judge!" said Mr. Burbank, not very
enthusiastically.

So the evening passed. Philip continued to win the favorable opinion of
the merry party by his animated style of playing.

When at half-past eleven the last dance was announced, he was glad, for
after his long walk, and the efforts of the evening, he felt tired.

At the conclusion, Mr. Ingalls handed him three dollars, saying:

"Here's your money, Mr. Gray, and we are much obliged to you besides."

"Thank you!" said our hero, carelessly slipping the money into his vest
pocket.

The manager little imagined that it constituted his entire capital.

"I hope we may have you here again some time, Mr. Gray," continued the
manager.

"Perhaps so," said Philip; "but I am not sure when I shall come this way
again."

"Good night, Mr. Gray," said Miss Snodgrass effusively. "I should be
glad to have you call at our house."

Philip bowed his thanks. He did not notice the dark cloud on the brow of
the young lady's escort.

CHAPTER XXI. FORTUNE SMILES AGAIN.

Notwithstanding his exertions during the day and evening, Philip
rose the next day