The next time Dean appeared with confidence, being satisfied that the audience were friendly. His second appearance was equally satisfactory, and he was compelled to blush when he overheard one school-girl on the front row of benches whisper to another, "Isn't he sweet?" "It seems to me I am learning a good deal about myself," thought Dean. "I must take care not to get conceited." The dual entertainment lasted about an hour and a half, Mr. Montgomery of course using up the lion's share of the time. At last it concluded, and Dean and his companion gathered up the money and went home. The profits over and above expenses amounted to eighty dollars, of which the editor, according to the agreement, received forty per cent, or thirty-two dollars. The remainder, forty-eight dollars, was divided equally between Dean and Mr. Montgomery. As the hotel charge was but a dollar a day for each, they felt handsomely compensated for their exertions. CHAPTER XXIV. DEAN LOSES HIS PARTNER. When the two partners returned to the hotel with the proceeds of the entertainment in their pockets, they were in high spirits. "I feel as rich as Vanderbilt," said Montgomery in exultation. "And I feel like an Astor or a Gould," chimed in Dean. "Peter Kirby did me a good turn when he discharged me." "Dean, you are star! I had no idea of your talent." "Don't flatter me, Mr. Montgomery," said Dean blushing. "You will make me self-conceited. I was lucky in falling in with you." "Well said, my boy! I see you don't grudge me my share of the credit. We will keep on, will we not?" "As long as there is any money in it." "Precisely. Your hand on that." In pursuance of this agreement, three evenings later they gave an entertainment in the town of Cameron, twenty miles away. Circumstances were not as favorable, but they divided twenty dollars net profits. "We mustn't complain of that, Dean," said his companion. "It isn't as much, to be sure, as we made at Granville." "But it seems to me ridiculously large for the little I did, Mr. Montgomery." "You are modest, Dean. That is not artistic. You must set a proper value on your talent." "I think I do," said Dean, smiling. "I feel very much like a humbug, Mr. Montgomery. A young lady came up to me last evening and asked me if I had played before any of the crowned heads of Europe, and if I were personally acquainted with Queen Victoria." "I hope you told her you were." "No, Mr. Montgomery, I shouldn't be willing to tell such a falsehood." "All business, my dear boy, all business! We must blow our own trumpets if we want to be appreciated. By the way, what did you tell her?" "That I had not yet played before the queen, but should I go to England, and could arrange to do so, I would." "Very good! You kept up appearances. What did she say?" "She asked me if I would get her Queen Victoria's autograph, in that case. She also asked me for my own. I promised her the queen's if I were able to obtain it."