demanded another voice in a breathless and mournful tone.
Then the whistling and thumping went on more vigorously than
before, and Rose, recognizing the voices, peeped through the
half-open door to behold a sight which made her shake with
suppressed laughter. Steve, with a red tablecloth tied around his
waist, languished upon Mac’s shoulder, dancing in perfect time to
the air he whistled, for Dandy was proficient in the graceful art
and plumed himself upon his skill. Mac, with a flushed face and
dizzy eye, clutched his brother by the small of his back, vainly
endeavoring to steer him down the long room without entangling
his own legs in the tablecloth, treading on his partner’s toes, or
colliding with the furniture. It was very droll, and Rose enjoyed the
spectacle till Mac, in a frantic attempt to swing around, dashed
himself against the wall and landed Steve upon the floor. Then it
was impossible to restrain her laughter any longer and she walked
in upon them, saying merrily: “It was splendid! Do it again, and I’ll
play for you.?
Steve sprang up and tore off the tablecloth in great confusion,
while Mac, still rubbing his head, dropped into a chair, trying to
look quite calm and cheerful as he gasped out: “How are you,
Cousin? When did you come? John should have told us.?
“I’m glad he didn’t, for then I should have missed this touching
tableau of cousinly devotion and brotherly love. Getting ready for
our next party, I see.?
“Trying to, but there are so many things to remember all at once
keep time, steer straight, dodge the petticoats, and manage my
confounded legs that it isn’t easy to get on at first,” answered Mac
with a sigh of exhaustion, wiping his hot forehead.
“Hardest job I ever undertook and, as I’m not a battering ram, I
decline to be knocked round any longer,” growled Steve, dusting
his knees and ruefully surveying the feet that had been trampled on
till they tingled, for his boots and broadcloth were dear to the heart
of the dapper youth.
“Very good of you, and I’m much obliged. I’ve got the pace, I think,
and can practice with a chair to keep my hand in,” said Mac with
such a comic mixture of gratitude and resignation that Rose went
off again so irresistibly that her cousins joined her with a hearty
roar.
“As you are making a martyr of yourself in my service, the least I
can do is lend a hand. Play for us, Steve, and I’ll give Mac a lesson,
unless he prefers the chair.” And, throwing off her hat and cloak,
Rose beckoned so invitingly that the gravest philosopher would
have yielded.
“A thousand thanks, but I’m afraid I shall hurt you,” began Mac,
much gratified, but mindful of past mishaps.
“I’m not. Steve didn’t manage his train well, for good dancers
always loop theirs up. I have none at all, so that trouble is gone and
the music will make it much easier to keep step. Just do as I tell
you, and you’ll go beautifully after a few turns.?
“I will, I will! Pipe up, Steve! Now, Rose!” And, brushing his hair
out of his eyes with an air of stern determination, Mac grasped
Rose and returned to the charge bent on distinguishing himself if
he died in the attempt.
The second lesson prospered, for Steve marked the time by a series
of emphatic bangs; Mac obeyed orders as promptly as if his life
depended on it; and, after several narrow escapes at exciting
moments, Rose had the satisfaction of being steered safely down
the room and landed with a grand pirouette at the bottom. Steve
applauded, and Mac, much elated, exclaimed with artless candor:
“There really is a sort of inspiration about you, Rose. I always
detested dancing before, but now, do you know, I rather like it.?
“I knew you would, only you mustn’t stand with your arm round
your partner in this way when you are done. You must seat and fan
her, if she likes it,” said Rose, anxious to perfect a pupil who
seemed so lamentably in need of a teacher.
“Yes, of course, I know how they do it.” And, releasing his cousin,