Aikenside

"Oh, thank you," Maddy answered. "I am not tired in the least. I had

as lief play till morning, provided they are satisfied with my time

and my stock of music holds out."

"But it is not fair for one to do all the playing; besides, I want you

to dance with me--so consider yourself invited in due form to be my

next partner."

Maddy's face crimsoned for an instant, and then in a low voice she

said, "I thank you, but I must decline."

"Maddy!" Guy exclaimed, in tones more indicative of reproach than

expostulation.

There were tears in Maddy's eyes, and Maria Cutler, watching her, was

vexed to see how beautiful was the expression of her face as she

answered frankly, "I have never told you that grandpa objected to my

taking dancing lessons when I wrote to him about it. He does not like

me to dance."

"A saint!" Maria uttered under her breath, smiling contemptuously as

she made a movement to leave the piano, hoping Guy would follow her.

But he did not at once. Standing for a moment irresolute, while he

looked curiously at Maddy, he said at last: "Of course I interfere with no one's scruples of that kind, but I

cannot allow you to wear yourself out for our amusement."

"I like to play--please let me," was Maddy's reply; and, as the set

upon the floor were waiting for her, she turned to the instrument,

while Guy mechanically offered his arm to Maria, and sauntered toward

the green room.

"What a blue old ignoramus that grandfather must be, to object to

dancing, don't you think so?"

Maria laughed a little spitefully, secretly glad that Maddy had

refused, and secretly angry at Guy for seeming to care so much.

"Say," she continued, as Guy did not answer her, "don't you think it a

sign that something is lacking in brains or education, when a person

sets up that dancing is wicked?"

Guy would have taken Maddy's side then, whatever he might have

thought, and he replied: "No lack of brains, certainly; though education and circumstances have

much to do with one's views upon that subject. For my part, I like to

see people consistent. Now, that old ignoramus, as you call him, lays

great stress on pomp and vanities, and when I asked him once what he

meant by them, he mentioned dancing in particular as one of the things

which you, church people, promise to renounce;" and Guy bowed toward

Maria, who, knowing that she was one of the church people referred to,

winced perceptibly.