ies, and the poor sick little children?" "Then
you will?" I said. "With pleasure," he said. "I do not play to
eferybody. See? I do not become common. But this is different." "Oh,
Professor," I said, "how can I thank you enough? Dare I ask what you
will select?" And he said, "A thing from Chopin and one of my own
compositions."

_Miss Sommerfield_. But hear the rest, and see, you naughty girls, what
a position you have got me into. He said. "Do you not perform the piano,
mademoiselle?" "A little, a very little," I said. "We shall then give a
four-hand piece? Yes? Charmant! I have a nice thing, superb. We shall
close the parlor doors, and practise together."

_Madge_ (_hugging her_). The dear. See her blush. It will be simply an
elegant affair.

_Miss Sommerfield_. But I am afraid to play with such a big musician. My
heart will be in my mouth.

_Charlotte_. On no account, my dear. The practice will do you good. And
the honor will be overwhelming.

_Grace_. Indeed, you are a beautiful player, and think how your name
coupled with that of Skewsky will look. Everybody will turn green with
envy.

_Miss Sommerfield_. If I don't spoil everything.

_Ida_. Girls, I see Uncle Jake. He's an old sailor who is hired to keep
the grounds in order. He spins the most delicious yarns. I'm going after
him, and let's see if we can set him a-going. [_Exit._]

_Victoria_. What fun!

_Charlotte_. But we ought to let nothing interfere with our rehearsal.

_Helen_. Oh, bother the rehearsal! I have read these Old Sailor's yarns
in HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, haven't you? But I never heard a real sailor
talk.

_Miss James_. I would better be going. If there's to be a man in the
party, mamma might not like--

_Miss Sommerfield_. You will not offend your mamma, I am sure. This old
sailor is a harmless, good-natured fellow.

_Grace_. How does Ida come to know Uncle Jake?

_Victoria_. Her brother follows the sea, and naturally she makes up to
sailors.

_Olive_. Ida is a darling.

[_Enter_ Ida _and_ Uncle Jake.]

_Ida_. I have fetched him, girls; but he says he's in a hurry, and can
only say how-de. (_Aside to the girls._) Do get him talking. His stories
are genuine sailors' yarns.

_Madge_. How-de-do, Uncle Jake!

_Charlotte_. We are right glad to see you. Do sit and rest awhile on
this bench.

_Miss Sommerfield_. We hope you are well, Uncle Jake?

_Uncle Jake_. Tol'able, ma'am, tol'able. My knees are stiff around the
j'int