"Oh, thank you," Maddy answered. "I am not tired in the least. I had
as lief play till morning, provided they are satisfied with my time
and my stock of music holds out."
"But it is not fair for one to do all the playing; besides, I want you
to dance with me--so consider yourself invited in due form to be my
next partner."
Maddy's face crimsoned for an instant, and then in a low voice she
said, "I thank you, but I must decline."
"Maddy!" Guy exclaimed, in tones more indicative of reproach than
expostulation.
There were tears in Maddy's eyes, and Maria Cutler, watching her, was
vexed to see how beautiful was the expression of her face as she
answered frankly, "I have never told you that grandpa objected to my
taking dancing lessons when I wrote to him about it. He does not like
me to dance."
"A saint!" Maria uttered under her breath, smiling contemptuously as
she made a movement to leave the piano, hoping Guy would follow her.
But he did not at once. Standing for a moment irresolute, while he
looked curiously at Maddy, he said at last: "Of course I interfere with no one's scruples of that kind, but I
cannot allow you to wear yourself out for our amusement."
"I like to play--please let me," was Maddy's reply; and, as the set
upon the floor were waiting for her, she turned to the instrument,
while Guy mechanically offered his arm to Maria, and sauntered toward
the green room.
"What a blue old ignoramus that grandfather must be, to object to
dancing, don't you think so?"
Maria laughed a little spitefully, secretly glad that Maddy had
refused, and secretly angry at Guy for seeming to care so much.
"Say," she continued, as Guy did not answer her, "don't you think it a
sign that something is lacking in brains or education, when a person
sets up that dancing is wicked?"
Guy would have taken Maddy's side then, whatever he might have
thought, and he replied: "No lack of brains, certainly; though education and circumstances have
much to do with one's views upon that subject. For my part, I like to
see people consistent. Now, that old ignoramus, as you call him, lays
great stress on pomp and vanities, and when I asked him once what he
meant by them, he mentioned dancing in particular as one of the things
which you, church people, promise to renounce;" and Guy bowed toward
Maria, who, knowing that she was one of the church people referred to,
winced perceptibly.