“I take it all back,” said Jedidiah, in alarm.  “I was only in fun.”

“I don’t like that kind of fun,” said Maria, in a tone of dignified coldness.

“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.”

The manager raised his voice, and said, “Gentlemen and ladies, you already know that Beck is sick, and cannot be with us this evening, as he engaged to do.  In his place we have engaged a young musician, who has already gained a great reputation in his profession—­”

Philip was rather surprised to hear this, but it was not for him to gainsay it.

“Let me introduce to you Mr. Philip Gray.”

Philip bowed and smiled, and, putting his violin in position, immediately commenced a lively air.

In less than five minutes the manager felt perfectly at ease concerning the young musician.  It was clear that Philip understood his business.  Philip himself entered into the spirit of his performance.  His cheek flushed, his eyes sparkled, and he almost outdid himself.

When the first dance was concluded, there was a murmur of approval throughout the ballroom.  The dancers were both surprised and pleased.

“He’s a smart boy!” said more than one.  “He plays as well as Paul Beck, and Paul’s been play-in’ for more’n twenty years.”

“As well?  I never heard Paul Beck play as well as that,” said another.

Among those who were most pleased was Miss Maria Snodgrass.

“What do you think now, Mr. Burbank?” she said, addressing her partner.  “Do you think the boy can play now?”

“Yes, he can play most as well as Paul Beck,” admitted Jedidiah.

“Most as well?  Paul Beck can’t begin to play as well as him,” returned Maria, who was not educated, and occasionally made slips in grammar.