The Young Musician; Or, Fighting His Way by Jr. Horatio Alger (most life changing books .TXT) 📕

“Thank you, I shall find that very agreeable,” said Philip.

“Does Mr. Beck live near you?” asked our hero, a little later.

“Bless you! he lives in our place.”

“I suppose his services are in demand?”

“Yes, he is sent for to all the towns around. Fact is, there isn't anybody but he that can play to suit; but I expect, from what I've heard, that you can come up to him.”

“I couldn't expect to do that,” said Philip modestly. “I am very young yet.”

“Folks do say you beat Paul. It seems wonderful, too, considering how young you are. What might be your age, now?”

“Just sixteen.”

“Sho! you don't say so? Why, Paul Beck's over fifty.”

“Mr. Beck won't think I'm interfering with him, will he?” asked Philip.

“Of course, he can't. We'd a had him if he was well. We can't be expected to put off the party because he's sick. That wouldn't be reasonable, now, would it?”

“I should think not.”

Just then Philip became sensible that a light wagon was approaching, driven by a young lady.

He did not, however, suppose it was any one he knew till the carriage stopped, and he heard a voice saying:

“Good morning, Mr. Gray!”

Then he discovered that it was the same young lady who had asked for an introduction to him the evening previous.

“Good morning, Miss Snodgrass!” he said politely, remembering, fortunately, the young lady's name.

Meanwhile, Maria and Philip's drivers had also exchanged salutations, for they were acquainted.

“And where are you carrying Mr. Gray, Mr. Blake?” she asked.

“I'm carrying him over to our place. He's going to play for us this evening.”

“Is there going to be a dance in Conway this evening?” inquired Miss Snodgrass, with sudden interest.

“Yes. Won't you come over?”

“I will, if I can get Jedidiah to bring me,” answered Maria.

“I guess there's no doubt about that,” answered Andrew Blake, who knew very well Jedidiah's devotion to the young lady.

“Oh, I don't know!” answered Maria coquettishly. “Perhaps he won't care for my company.”

“If he doesn't, you won't have any trouble in finding another beau.”

After a little more conversation, the young lady drove away; but not without expressing to Philip her delight at having another chance to hear his beautiful playing.

“She'll be there,” said Andrew Blake, as they drove away. “She makes Jedidiah Burbank do just as she orders him.”

“Are they engaged?” asked our hero.

“Yes, I expect so; but there may be some chance of your cutting him out, if you try. The young lady seems to admire you.”

Philip smiled.

“I am only a boy of sixteen,” he said. “I am too young to think of such things. I won't interfere with Mr. Burbank.”

“Jedidiah's apt to be jealous,” said Blake, “and Maria likes to torment him. However, she'll end by marrying him, I guess.”

In half an hour or thereabouts, Andrew Blake drew up at the gate of a small but neat house on the main street in Conway. He was a carpenter, as Philip afterward found, and had built the house himself. He was probably of about the same age as Jonas Webb, and like him was married to a young wife.

During the afternoon, Philip, being left pretty much to his own devices, took a walk in and about the village, ascending a hill at one side, which afforded him a fine view of that and neighboring villages.

He was pleasantly received and hospitably entertained at the house of Mr. Blake, and about quarter of eight started out for the hall, at which he was to play, in company with his host and hostess.

As they approached the hall, a young man approached them with a perplexed face.

“What do you think, Andrew?” he said. “Paul Beck's in the hall, as mad as a hatter, and he vows he'll play himself. He says he was engaged, and no one shall take his place.”

Andrew Blake looked disturbed, and Philip shared in his feeling. Was he to lose his engagement, after all?