The boy looked at her pleadingly as he added :
"Slhe has so few pleasures, and she would so like to have acquaintances — to make friends."
' I dare say," dryly.
' She — she doesn't know any one. Won't you — all come and join us?" There was entreaty in the boy's voice.
Mrs. Taylor rose out of her hips until she looked all of seven feet tall to Hughie.
' You must excuse me, Mr. Disston." She hesitated, then added in explanation : " When we came West I told myself that I must not allow myself to deteriorate in rough surroundings, and I have made it a rule never to mingle with any but the best, Mr. Disston. My father," impressively, ** was a prominent undertaker in Philadelphia, and as organist in a large Methodist church in that city I came in contact with the best people, so you understand," blandly, " don't you, why I cannot — "
The boy was red to the rim of his ears as he bowed formally to mother and daughter.
" I don't in the least," he replied, coldly.
The pain in Kate's eyes hurt him when he returned to his seat and she asked.
" They wouldn't come? "
He hesitated, then answered bluntly :
" No."
" H^had we better stay? "
" Yes," he replied, doggedly, " we'll stay."
Their efforts at conversation were not a success, and it was a relief to them both when Hiram Butefish, as Floor Manager, commanded everybody to take partners for a waltz.
Hughie arose and held out his hands to Kate.
48
