utter, for she twisted her handkerchief about her fingers in
embarrassed silence till Mac put on his glasses and, after a keen
look, asked soberly: “Is it a splinter, a cut, or a whitlow, ma’am??
“It is neither. Do forget your tiresome surgery for a minute and be
the kindest cousin that ever was,” answered Rose, beginning rather
sharply and ending with her most engaging smile.
“Can’t promise in the dark,” said the wary youth.
“It is a favor, a great favor, and one I don’t choose to ask any of the
other boys,” answered the artful damsel.
Mac looked pleased and leaned forward, saying more affably,
“Name it, and be sure I’ll grant it if I can.?
“Go with me to Mrs. Hope’s party tomorrow night.?
“What!” And Mac recoiled as if she had put a pistol to his head.
“I’ve left you in peace a long time, but it is your turn now, so do
your duty like a man and a cousin.?
“But I never go to parties!” cried the unhappy victim in great
dismay.
“High time you began, sir.?
“But I don’t dance fit to be seen.?
“I’ll teach you.?
“My dress coat isn’t decent, I know.?
“Archie will lend you one he isn’t going.?
“I’m afraid there’s a lecture that I ought not to cut.?
“No, there isn’t I asked Uncle.?
“I’m always so tired and dull in the evening.?
“This sort of thing is just what you want to rest and freshen up your
spirits.?
Mac gave a groan and fell back vanquished, for it was evident that
escape was impossible.
“What put such a perfectly wild idea into your head?” he
demanded, rather roughly, for hitherto he had been left in peace
and this sudden attack decidedly amazed him.
“Sheer necessity, but don’t do it if it is so very dreadful to you. I
must go to several more parties, because they are made for me, but
after that I’ll refuse, and then no one need be troubled with me.?
Something in Rose’s voice made Mac answer penitently, even
while he knit his brows in perplexity. “I don’t mean to be rude, and
of course I’ll go anywhere if I’m really needed. But I don’t
understand where the sudden necessity is, with three other fellows
at command, all better dancers and beaus than I am.?
“I don’t want them, and I do want you, for I haven’t the heart to
drag Uncle out anymore, and you know I never go with any
gentleman but those of my own family.?
“Now look here, Rose if Steve has been doing anything to tease
you, just mention it and I’ll attend to him,” cried Mac, plainly
seeing that something was amiss and fancying that Dandy was at
the bottom of it, as he had done escort duty several times lately.
“No, Steve has been very good, but I know he had rather be with
Kitty Van, so of course I feel like a marplot, though he is too polite
to hint it.?
“What a noodle that boy is! But there’s Archie he’s steady as a
church and has no sweetheart to interfere,” continued Mac, bound
to get at the truth and half suspecting what it was.
“He is on his feet all day, and Aunt Jessie wants him in the
evening. He does not care for dancing as he used, and I suppose he
really does prefer to rest and read.” Rose might have added, “And
hear Phebe sing,” for Phebe did not go out as much as Rose did,
and Aunt Jessie often came to sit with the old lady when the young
folks were away and, of course, dutiful Archie came with her, so
willingly of late!
“What’s amiss with Charlie? I thought he was the prince of
cavaliers. Annabel says he dances ‘like an angel,’ and I know a
dozen mothers couldn’t keep him at home of an evening. Have you
had a tiff with Adonis and so fall back on poor me?” asked Mac,
coming last to the person of whom he thought first but did not
mention, feeling shy about alluding to a subject often discussed
behind her back.
“Yes, I have, and I don’t intend to go with him any more for some