ed Jedidiah, feeling that at the
prompting of jealousy; he had put his foot in it. "I didn't mean
nothing."

"Then you'd better say nothing next time," retorted the young lady.

Meanwhile, Philip acknowledged the young lady's politeness by a smile
and a bow, assuring her that if it had been possible, it would have
given him great pleasure to dance with her.

"If Mr. Burbank will play for me," he said with a glance at the young
man, "I shall be glad to dance."

Miss Snodgrass burst out laughing.

"Jedidiah couldn't play well enough for an old cow to dance by," she
said.

"There ain't any old cows here," said Jedidiah, vexed at being
ridiculed.

"Well, there are some calves, anyway," retorted Maria, laughing
heartily.

Poor Jedidiah! It is to be feared that he will have a hard time when he
becomes the husband of the fair Maria. She will undoubtedly be the head
of the new matrimonial firm.

There was nothing further to mar the harmony of the evening. It had
begun with indications of a storm, but the clouds had vanished, and when
Mr. Beck left the hall, there was nothing left to disturb the enjoyment
of those present.

The favorable opinions expressed when Philip commenced playing were
repeated again and again, as the evening slipped away.

"I tell you, he's a regular genius!" one enthusiastic admirer said to
his companion. "Paul Beck can't hold a candle to him."

"That's so. He's smart, and no mistake."

Poor Mr. Beck! It was fortunate he was unable to hear these comparisons
made. He could not brook a rival near the throne, and had gone home in
low spirits, feeling that he could never again hold his head as high as
he had done.

When the dancing was over, there was a brief conference of the committee
of management, the subject of which was soon made known.

Andrew Blake approached Philip and said:

"Mr. Gray, some of us would like to hear you play something else, if you
are not tired--not a dancing-tune."

"I shall be very happy to comply with your request," answered Philip.

He spoke sincerely, for he saw that all were pleased with him, and it is
gratifying to be appreciated.

He paused a moment in thought, and then began to play the "Carnival of
Venice," with variations. It had been taught him by his father, and he
had played it so often that his execution was all that could be desired.
The variations were of a showy and popular character, and very well
adapted to impress an audience like that t