"No excuse can be taken. We all know that you can play, and we must hear you this evening."
"I would willingly oblige the company, but I have not touched the piano for two months, and cannot play fit to be heard."
"O, never mind, we'll be the judges of that."
"Come, Miss Simmons, do play for us now, that's a good soul!"
"Indeed you must excuse me!"
But no excuse would be taken. And in spite of protestations, she was forced to take a seat at the piano.
"Well, since I must, I suppose I must. What will you have."
"Give us 'Bonny Doon'—it is so sweet and melancholy," said an interesting-looking young man.
"'Charlie over the Water,' is beautiful—I dote on that pong; do sing it, Miss Simmons!"
"Give us Auld Lang Syne.'"