ious young couples. He did not know any of them, and as he
sat back in one corner he mused upon their lives, and wondered how many
of them would be members of his flock in the years to come. They gave
the stranger who was to play for them that night but passing glances,
though all had heard of his prowess as a wrestler. But if they had
only known who he really was, how curiously they would have observed
his every movement.

Douglas was much pleased at the quiet way in which the young men and
women conducted themselves. There was no loud talking, and when the
dance began, they took their places upon the floor without any undue
commotion. They danced well and it was a real pleasure for him to
play. He was quite familiar with the dances, and he recalled just such
events in his own home village years before, when he himself had taken
a leading part. He smiled grimly to himself as he thought of what his
Bishop and certain of his brother clergymen would say if they could see
him playing the fiddle at a country dance.

Among those upon the floor there was one couple which attracted his
special attention. They danced well, and seemed greatly devoted to
each other. The man was good-looking, and a fine specimen of physical
strength. His partner was of medium height, neatly dressed, and
remarkably pretty. Her eyes danced with pleasure, and her whole body
moved in a graceful rhythm to the music, and occasionally she cast a
grateful glance toward the player. She evidently enjoyed good music
when she heard it. Everywhere there seemed to be perfect peace and
harmony, and to Douglas the dancers appeared like one big family. They
all knew one another, and were happy together.

During the intermission which followed the first dance, Ben Stubbles
and his sisters, Miss Annabel and Miss Maria, arrived. They were
accompanied by Nell, who looked, Douglas thought, prettier than ever.
She had no right to come with the Stubbles, so thought he, and she
seemed to be out of place with them.

A new atmosphere now pervaded the room. The feeling of harmony had
vanished, and it was easy for Douglas to tell that this was due to the
presence of Ben and his sisters. Their pride and haughtiness were most
apparent, and Ben dominated the gathering.

He and Nell were partners in the first dance. Douglas' eyes followed
them as they moved around the room, and in and out among the others.
Nell fascinated him, though it was quite evident th