“I can hardly expect to equal your last partner,” said Murdock, in an ill-tempered tone.
Laura Longwood looked at him for a moment without speaking. She was ashamed of his ill breeding.
“Perhaps not,” she answered composedly. “Mr. Sherwood is a very good dancer.”
“I did not refer to that. I referred rather to his social position.”
“He is of good family, I believe, but you need not be too modest as regards yourself.”
“You overwhelm me,” returned Murdock, with an exaggerated bow; “and you really think me the equal of Mr. Sherwood?”
“Is it necessary to discuss this question?” asked Laura, becoming more and more disgusted with her partner.
“I think I saw the gentleman this afternoon playing the violin on the wagon of a traveling faker.”
“Yes, I saw him also.”
“It is an excellent position for a young man—of family!” continued Murdock, with a scornful curl of the lip.