'You are a clumsy partner,' she said, 'and dance like old Diamond when backing against a load going down hill.'
'Honor gave you that kerchief? What did she say when she gave it you?'
'Nothing.'
He said no more, and led her to a bench in the side of the barn.
'What! tired already, Larry? I am not.'
'I am,' he answered sulkily.
Directly, Sam Voaden came to her, and was received with smiles.
'Larry Nanspian came left leg foremost out of bed this morning,' she said. 'He is as out of tune as Piper's fiddle.'
Kate was in great request that evening. The lads pressed about her, proud to circle round the floor with the graceful pretty girl; but she gave the preference to Samuel Voaden. Hillary asked her to dance with him in 'The Triumph,' but she told him sharply she would reserve her hand for him in the Dumps, and he did not ask her again.
The girls present looked at Kate with envy. They were unable to dispute her beauty; but her charm of manner and lively wit made her even more acceptable to the lads than her good looks. She was perfectly conscious of the envy and admiration she excited, and as much gratified with one as with the other.