“Then I won’t joke you again. I guess he can play well enough, if Abner says so.”
Miss Maria Snodgrass allowed herself to be propitiated, more especially as she herself might have been left without a partner, had she adhered to her determination and sent Jedidiah adrift.
He took his place in a quadrille, not exactly wishing Philip to fail, but rather hoping that he would prove a poor performer, in order that he might have a little triumph over Maria, who had the bad taste to prefer the young musician’s appearance to his.
Meanwhile Philip, following Jonas Webb across the room, had been introduced to Frank Ingalls, who acted as manager.
“I am glad to see you, Mr. Gray,” said Ingalls. “I hope we sha’n’t make you work too hard. We are very fond of dancing here.”
“I don’t get tired very easily,” answered Philip. “I hope you will be satisfied with my playing.”
“No fear of that, Mr. Ingalls, I’ve heerd him play at home, and I tell you he can do it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Webb,” said Philip, bowing his acknowledgment of the compliment.
“I guess we may as well commence, Mr. Gray,” said Mr. Ingalls. “The boys seem to be getting impatient. Here’s the order of dances for the evening.”
“Very well, Mr. Ingalls.”