est pocket, he said carelessly:

"We'll take this into the account when we divide the proceeds of the
entertainment."

"Very well," said Philip.

He went up to his room and played for an hour or more, rehearsing the
different pieces he had selected for the evening, and then, feeling the
need of a little fresh air, he took a walk.

In different parts of the town he saw posters, on which his name was
printed in large letters.

"It seems almost like a joke!" he said to himself.

Just then he heard his name called, and, looking up, he recognized
a young fellow, of sixteen or thereabouts, who had formerly lived in
Norton. It seemed pleasant to see a familiar face.

"Why, Morris Lovett," he exclaimed "I didn't know you were here!"

"Yes; I'm clerk in a store. Are you the one that is going to give an
entertainment tonight?"

"Yes," answered Philip, smiling.

"I didn't know you were such a great player," said Morris, regarding our
hero with new respect.

He had read the morning paper.

"Nor I," said Philip, laughing.

"Are you going to Europe soon?"

"It isn't decided yet!" Philip answered, laughing.

"I wish I had your chance."

"Come and hear me this evening, at any rate," said Philip. "Call at the
hotel, at six o'clock, and I'll give you a ticket."

"I'll be sure to come," said Morris, well pleased.

CHAPTER XXVIII. A TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS.

Philip took another walk in the afternoon, and was rather amused to
see how much attention he received. When he drew near the hotel he was
stared at by several gaping youngsters, who apparently were stationed
there for no other purpose. He overheard their whispers:

"That's him! That's Philip de Gray, the wonderful fiddler!"

"I never suspected, when I lived at Norton, that I was so much of a
curiosity," he said to himself. "I wish I knew what they'll say about me
to-morrow."

At six o'clock Morris Lovett called and received his ticket.

"You'll have a big house to-night, Philip," he said. "I know a lot of
fellows that are going."

"I am glad to hear it," said Philip, well pleased, for he concluded that
if such were the case his purse would be considerably heavier the next
day.

"It's strange how quick you've come up;" said Morris. "I never expected
you'd be so famous."

"Nor I," said Philip, laughing.

"I'd give anything if I could have my name posted round like yours."

"Perhaps you will have, some time."

"Oh, no! I couldn't play more'n a pi