“Well,” answered Warren, “he is one of the noblest young men there is about here, and wealthy besides, and if you gain the esteem of him you will gain more than any girls about here have done. They have all tried to capture him, but all have failed in the attempt. They say ‘He never can be suited.’ I wish you success, little cousin mine.” As he said this he led her to a seat and went to find Minnie. He went back to where Paul sat and said, “Mr. Burton, I am pleased to see you here this evening; I was afraid your mother was not able so you could come.” “She is some better. She thinks and wished me to come, as she says I have stayed at home very much of late on her account. I shall not stay very long tonight, as I think she did not feel as well as usual.” The young men went out on the piazza and were viewing the scenery by moonlight, when who should they espy but Minnie and Ralph coming towards them. As they came up to them Minnie said, “Why brother, where is cousin?” “She is with mother. I came to find you. Where have you been all this time?” “You could not have looked very sharply, or you would have found me, as we have been following you for some time and wondering where cousin was,” said Minnie. “Come, Mr. Burton, we will go and find her,” said Warren, leading the way through the company to where Nettie and her aunt sat chatting pleasantly. As they came to them Paul said, “Miss Spaulding, please favor me with your company for a waltz?” “Please excuse me, I never dance,” said Nettie, smiling. “We will promenade then, if you wish. I do not care to dance either,” answered Paul. She took his arm, and as they walked along comments of praise were lavished upon them, as they made a splendid-looking couple; and many of the company saw at a glance that the young man loved to be in the company of the strange young lady; and many a young lady there knew that he loved to dance, but preferred the company of the lady by his side. Many envious glances were given Nettie that evening, but she appeared not to notice them. She used them all alike, and, when not in company with Paul, she would seek the company of her aunt and uncle and look on and see the others enjoy themselves. “I do not care to dance,” she would tell all who asked for her company. “I cannot enjoy dancing,” she would say to her aunt, when she urged her to dance. “No, no, I can not,” she would say. It was not because she could not dance. It was because of a request of her father, who was lying in his grave, and of her mother who was far away at home. How many young people of today scarcely wait till the green sod grows over the grave of some beloved form, before they are away to some ball or place of amusement? Such is progression. It was getting quite late and Paul came to Nettie and said, “Miss Spaulding, accept my company, please, for a promenade on the piazza. The moon is spreading its rays beautifully and the evening is delightful.”