Maddy bowed, and struck into a spirited waltz, which set many of the young people to whirling in circles, and produced the result which Maria so much desired, viz.: it took Guy away from the piano, for he could not mistake her evident wish to have him as a partner, and with his arm around her waist he was soon moving rapidly from that part of the room, leaving only the doctor to watch Maddy’s fingers as they flew over the keys. Maddy never thought of being tired. She enjoyed the excitement, and was glad she could do something towards entertaining Guy’s guests. But Guy did not forget her for an instant. Through all the mazes of the giddy dance, he had her before his eye, seeing not the clouds of lace and muslin encircled by his arm, but the little figure in blue sitting so patiently at the piano until he knew she must be tired, and determined to release her. As it chanced, Maria was on his arm, and drawing her nearer to Maddy, he said, “Your fingers ache by this time, I am sure. It is wrong to trouble you longer. Agnes will take your place while you try a quadrille—I shall find you a partner.” “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 shall ask you to dance with me by-and-bye.” 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, who was waiting for him, 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 said, laughing a little spitefully, and feeling 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?”