do no less, since you looked at him so hard," replied the
sister gravely.

"But to me, Hannah, to me--just think of it! No one ever bowed to me
before, not even the negroes! and to think of him--Mr. Brudenell--bowing
to me--me!"

"I tell you he could do no less; he caught you looking at him; to have
continued staring you in the face would have been rude; to have turned
abruptly away would have been equally so; gentlemen are never guilty of
rudeness, and Mr. Brudenell is a gentleman; therefore he bowed to you,
as I believe he would have bowed to a colored girl even."

"Oh, but he smiled! he smiled so warmly and brightly, just for all the
world like the sun shining out, and as if, as if--"

"As if what, you little goose?"

"Well, then, as if he was pleased."

"It was because he was amused; he was laughing at you, you silly child!"

"Do you think so?" asked Nora, with a sudden change of tone from gay to
grave.

"I am quite sure of it, dear," replied the elder sister, speaking her
real opinion.

"Laughing at me," repeated Nora to herself, and she fell into thought.

Meanwhile, with a nod to one a smile to another and a word to a third,
the young heir and his party passed down the whole length of the room,
and retired through an upper door. As soon as they were gone the negro
fiddlers, six in number, led by Jovial, entered, took their seats, tuned
their instruments, and struck up a lively reel.

There was an, immediate stir; the rustic beaus sought their belles, and
sets were quickly formed.

A long, lanky, stooping young man, with a pale, care-worn face and
grayish hair, and dressed in a homespun jacket and trousers, came up to
the sisters.

"Dance, Hannah?" he inquired.

"No, thank you, Reuben; take Nora out--she would like to."

"Dance, Nora?" said Reuben Gray, turning obediently to the younger
sister.

"Set you up with it, after asking Hannah first, right before my very
eyes. I'm not a-going to take anybody's cast-offs, Mr. Reuben!"

"I hope you are not angry with, me for that, Nora? It was natural I
should prefer to dance with your sister. I belong to her like, you know.
Don't be mad with me," said Reuben meekly.

"Nonsense, Rue! you know I was joking. Make Hannah dance; it will do her
good; she mopes too much," laughed Nora.

"Do, Hannah, do, dear; you know I can't enjoy myself otherways," said
the docile fellow.

"And it is little enjoyment you have in this world, poor soul!" said
Hannah Wo