"He isn't up to my standard," said Randolph, consequentially. "He comes of a low family."
"You and he have been together a good deal."
"Oh, I have found him of some service, but I have paid for it."
Yet this was the boy who, at his own personal risk, had obtained for Randolph the prize at the skating-match. Privately, Sam thought Randolph ungrateful, but he was, nevertheless, pleased at having distanced Tom in the favor of the young aristocrat.
After an hour, spent in various amusements, one of the company took her place at the piano, and dancing began.
"Now is your time, Luke," said Linton. "Secure a partner. It is only a quadrille."
"I feel a little nervous," said Luke. "Perhaps I had better wait till the second dance."
"Oh, nonsense! Don't be afraid."
Meanwhile, Randolph, with a great flourish, had invited Florence to dance.
"Thank you," she answered, taking his arm.