"If Frank and Oliver will join in. I don't like to sing alone."
A song was selected, and the three sangit through. Sitting at the other end of the room, Roland, who greatly admired Carrie, was tormented with jealousy as he saw Oliver at her side, winning smiles and attention which he had never been able to win. He could not help wishing that he, too, were able to sing. If Oliver had made himself ridiculous, it would have comforted him, but our hero had a strong and musical voice, and acquitted himself very creditably.
"It's a pity you don't sing, Roland," said Frank.
"I wouldn't try to sing unless I could sing well," said Roland.
"Is he hitting you or me, Oliver?" asked Frank.
"You sing well," said Roland.
"Then it's you, Oliver!"
Oliver smiled, but took no notice of the remark.
Roland rose to go a little after nine. He had not enjoyed the evening. It was very unsatisfactory to see the favor with which his enemy was regarded by Carrie Dudley. He had not the art to conceal his dislike of our hero.
"You'd better come home," he said, turning to Oliver. "Father objects to our being out late."