It should be conquered in early life." So Miss Ruth allowed him to lead her to the piano.

There was a little stir about finding the music, before they were ready to begin; then Mr.
Denner ran his fingers through his brown wig, and, placing his small lean hands on his hips, rocked back and forth on his little heels, while he sang in a sweet but somewhat light and uncertain voice,-- "Lassie wi' the lint-white locks, Bonnie lassie! artless lassie! Will ye wi' me tent the flocks, Will ye be my dearie, O ?" This was received with great applause; then every one said good-night, assuring each sister that it had been a delightful evening; and finally the last carriage rolled off into the darkness, and the Misses Woodhouse were left, triumphantly exhausted, to discuss the dinner and the guests.
The rector walked home with Mr.Denner, who was still flushed with the praise of his singing, so Lois had the carriage all to herself, and tried to struggle against the fresh impulse of irresolution which Mrs.
Forsythe's whispered "Good-night, Lois; be good to my boy!" had given her.
She went into the library at the rectory, and, throwing off her wrap, sat down on the hearth-rug, and determined to make up her mind.

But first she had to put a fresh log on the andirons, and then work away with the wheezy old bellows, until a leaping flame lighted the shadowy room.

The log was green, and, instead of deciding, she found herself listening to the soft bubbling noise of the sap, and thinking that it was the little singing ghosts of the summer birds.

Max came and put his head on her knee, to be petted, and Lois's thoughts wandered off to the dinner party, and Mr.Denner's singing, and what good things Miss Deborah cooked, and how much his aunts must miss Gifford; so that she did not even hear the front door open, or know that Dick Forsythe had entered, until she heard Max snarl, and some one said in a tone which lacked its usual assurance, "I--I hope I'm not disturbing you, Miss Lois ?" She was on her feet before he had a chance to help her rise, and looked at him with the frankest astonishment and dismay.
What would aunt Deely say, what would Miss Deborah think! A young woman receiving a gentleman alone after ten at night! "Father is not home yet," she said hastily, so confused and startled she scarcely knew what she was saying.