crity. The driver, he noticed, was a young man, of pleasant manners,
though dressed in a coarse suit.

"I drove over to Jonas Webb's to see you, and they told me you had just
gone," he continued. "I thought maybe you'd get up late, but you was up
on time. Are you engaged for this evening?"

Philip began to prick up his ears and become interested. Was it
possible that his good luck was to continue, and that he was to have an
opportunity of earning some more money through his faithful friend, the
violin? He didn't think it well to exhibit the satisfaction he felt, and
answered, in a matter-of-fact tone;

"No, I have no engagement for this evening."

"I'm glad of it," responded the young man, evidently well pleased. "You
see, we had arranged to have a dance over to our place, but Mr. Beck,
being sick, we thought we'd have to give it up. One of my neighbors
was over last evening and heard you play, and he thought maybe we could
secure you."

"I shall be glad to play for you," said Philip politely.

"What are your terms?" asked his companion.

"Three dollars and board and lodging for the time I need to stay."

"That's satisfactory. I'll engage you."

"Is it near here?" asked Philip.

"It's in Conway--only four miles from here. I'll take you right over
now, and you shall stay at my house."

"Thank you, I shall find that very agreeable," said Philip.

"Does Mr. Beck live near you?" asked our hero, a little later.

"Bless you! he lives in our place."

"I suppose his services are in demand?"

"Yes, he is sent for to all the towns around. Fact is, there isn't
anybody but he that can play to suit; but I expect, from what I've
heard, that you can come up to him."

"I couldn't expect to do that," said Philip modestly. "I am very young
yet."

"Folks do say you beat Paul. It seems wonderful, too, considering how
young you are. What might be your age, now?"

"Just sixteen."

"Sho! you don't say so? Why, Paul Beck's over fifty."

"Mr. Beck won't think I'm interfering with him, will he?" asked Philip.

"Of course, he can't. We'd a had him if he was well. We can't be
expected to put off the party because he's sick. That wouldn't be
reasonable, now, would it?"

"I should think not."

Just then Philip became sensible that a light wagon was approaching,
driven by a young lady.

He did not, however, suppose it was any one he knew till the carriage
stopped, and he heard a voice saying:

"Good morning, Mr. Gray!