better acquainted. And now you shall zing to me, and play me some
music," said he, opening the piano and arranging the stool and music.
"You will zee I shall make myself agreeable," he repeated two or three
times, then extending his hand. But instead of accepting it Mattie
returned a cold, formal bow, and proceeded to the piano unaided.

"The truth is, Mr. Gusher," said Mattie, running her fingers up and down
the keys, and looking up archly in Mr. Gusher's face, "I am only taking
lessons, and can't play or sing so as to interest you."

"Excuse, miz. You want I pay you ze compliment. Well, I shall do zat
when I hear ze music."

The fair girl now tossed her golden curls back over her shoulders, and
began singing one of the most solemn and melancholy of pieces, to her
own accompaniment. Her voice was indeed full of sweetness, and she could
sing with some skill and effect; but she was just at this time more
inclined to play on Mr. Gusher's feelings than to do justice to her
musical talent.

"There's something sweet and touching in this melancholy music, I like
it, Mr. Gusher," she said, pausing and looking up in his face
tantalizingly; "don't you?"

Mr. Gusher shook his head disapprovingly, and shrugged his shoulders.
"No, no, miz; I nevare like ze funeral music. I go to ze funeral of my
friend wiz music like zat."

"I am very sorry to hear you say so, Mr. Gusher. I play it whenever
mother will let me. And I enjoy it so much. Reminds me of a dear young