“I am only a boy of sixteen,” he said. “I am too young to think of such things. I won’t interfere with Mr. Burbank.”
“Jedidiah’s apt to be jealous,” said Blake, “and Maria likes to torment him. However, she’ll end by marrying him, I guess.”
In half an hour or thereabouts, Andrew Blake drew up at the gate of a small but neat house on the main street in Conway. He was a carpenter, as Philip afterward found, and had built the house himself. He was probably of about the same age as Jonas Webb, and like him was married to a young wife.
During the afternoon, Philip, being left pretty much to his own devices, took a walk in and about the village, ascending a hill at one side, which afforded him a fine view of that and neighboring villages.
He was pleasantly received and hospitably entertained at the house of Mr. Blake, and about quarter of eight started out for the hall, at which he was to play, in company with his host and hostess.
As they approached the hall, a young man approached them with a perplexed face.
“What do you think, Andrew?” he said. “Paul Beck’s in the hall, as mad as a hatter, and he vows he’ll play himself. He says he was engaged, and no one shall take his place.”
Andrew Blake looked disturbed, and Philip shared in his feeling. Was he to lose his engagement, after all?
CHAPTER XXII.
RIVAL MUSICIANS.
They entered the hall, which was already well filled, for the young people of both sexes liked to have as long a time for enjoyment as possible.