"He seems to enjoy himself," said Sam.
This was half an hour after the party had commenced, when all were engaged in one of the plays popular at a country party.
"I am going to have a party myself in a short time," continued Randolph, "but I shall be more select than Florence in my invitations. I shall not invite any working boys."
"Right you are, Randolph," said the subservient Sam. "I hope you won't forget me."
"Oh, no; I shall invite you. Of course, you don't move exactly in my circle, but, at any rate, you dress decently."
If Sam Noble had had proper pride he would have resented the insolent assumption of superiority in this speech, but he was content to play second fiddle to Randolph Duncan. His family, like himself, were ambitious to be on good terms with the leading families in the village, and did not mind an occasional snub.
"Shall you invite Tom Harper?" he asked.
He felt a little jealous of Tom, who had vied with him in flattering attentions to Randolph.
"No, I don't think so. Tom isn't here, is he?"
"He received an invitation, but ever since his accident he has been troubled with severe headaches, and I suppose that keeps him away."