g was
faultless. In short, Gusher had got himself up with a view to making the
greatest destruction on the female heart. He whisked about here and
there, making himself useful as well as ornamental, for he felt that he
had got the Chapman family on his shoulders, and was responsible for its
reputation as very distinguished.

"Miz, you shall permit me ze pleazure, and ze 'onar, to open ze dance
wiz you," said Gusher, approaching Mattie with his right hand on his
heart, and making one of his extensive bows, "You shall do me ze 'onar,
I am sure," he continued, and as he raised his head with an air of
confidence, expecting to see her extend her hand, his eye fell on the
familiar face of a young man standing at her side, engaging her in
conversation. He paused suddenly, his face changed color from pale to
crimson, and his manner became nervous and agitated. His whole system,
mental and physical, seemed to have received a sudden and unexpected
shock.

"Yes, my daughter, you must open the ball with Mr. Gusher. How very kind
of you, Mr. Gusher," said Mrs. Chapman, with a courtesy. "It will be so
very appropriate, my daughter, for you and Mr. Gusher to lead off." Mrs.
Chapman had not noticed the singular change in Mr. Gusher's manner. He,
however, recovered himself in a minute, and affecting not to notice the
young man at Mattie's side, who still kept his eyes fixed on him, he
resumed:

"Do me ze 'onar, Miz, and you shall make me so happy."

"I am sure, mamma," returned Mattie, "Mr. Gusher will excuse me. It was
very kind of you to remember me," (turning to Mr. Gusher.) "But really I
should appear very awkward dancing with you, who are so good a dancer. I
am sure you will excuse me for the opening dance, Mr. Gusher, and I
shall have the pleasure, if you will condescend to honor me, of dancing
with you during the evening."

"My daughter, my daughter!" interrupted Mrs. Chapman, motioning with her
fan, "pray don't be eccentric to-night. Accept the honor Mr. Gusher
intended and please me--if only for once."

"I am sure, mamma, I always try to please you," returned Mattie, "and I
appreciate the honor Mr. Gusher would do me, knowing how much my dear
mamma admires him." Here Mattie paused for a moment and tapped her
fingers with her fan, as the young man who had stood by her side turned
and walked away for a moment. "It was very thoughtless of me, mother,"
resumed Mattie, ("you know I am only a thoughtless girl, after all)--but