then forming, and I replied that I did not dance. When he learned that I
did not dance he introduced to me a young gentleman by the name of
Shirley, who was seated near us, and who, for some reason or other, did
not join the dancers. Mr. Shirley's conversational powers were extremely
good, and we engaged in conversation for some time, in the course of
which I enquired why he refrained from dancing? A shade of sadness
passed over his countenance as he replied,--

"When a mere youth I was very fond of the amusement, and devoted much
time to the practice of it. I believe it is the only thing which I ever
knowingly did against the wishes of my parents; but my fondness for
dancing amounted almost to a passion, and I often frequented the giddy
ball-room when I knew that I was grieving my fond parents by so doing.
My father and mother considered dancing a sinful amusement; but as my
inclination to follow it was so strong, they finally forbore to admonish
me further.

"When I was about twenty years of age my mother died. I was then
residing at a distance from home. When mother's illness became alarming,
I was summoned home. I was tenderly attached to my mother, and my grief
was overwhelming when I saw that she must die. A short time before her
death, she said to me one day, when we chanced to be left alone, 'My
dear son, there is one subject upon which I wish to speak with you, 'ere
I leave you for ever. You know I have ever considered dancing to be a
sinful amusement. There may be no sin in the simple act of dancing, but
it is an amusement which certainly has a tendency to evil. I know that
you very much enjoy it, but you are now capable of serious reflection,
and allow me to ask you if you feel in a suitable frame of mind for
prayer and meditation when you retire to your room after having spent
the evening in the frivolous amusement of dancing?' This was an argument