"My sister has alluded to our quartette-club," pursued Mr. Dorrance,
turning from the caustic beauty to Mabel, without noticing the
impertinent thrust. "It was the most successful thing of the kind I
ever knew of, being composed of thoroughly-trained musicians--
amateurs, of course--and practising nothing but classic music, the
productions of the best masters. There is something both instructive
and elevating in such an association."

"Especially when the theme of their consideration is the 'Jolly Red
Nose,'" interposed the wicked minx at his other elbow.

Two giddy girls tittered, unawed by Mrs. Aylett's proximity and her
brother's owl-like stare at his critic.

"You may not be aware, Miss Tazewell, that the lyric to which you
have reference is celebrated, both for its antiquity, and the
pleasing harmonies that must ever commend it to the taste of the
true lover of music; although I allow that to a disciple of the
modern and more flimsy school of this glorious art, it may seem
puerile and ridiculous," he remarked, in grandiose patronage. Then,
again to Mabel, "There were four of us--as I said--all students.
What is it, Clara?"

"I have dropped my bracelet upon the floor, between you and Miss
Tazewell," stooping to shake out Rosa's full skirts from which the
trinket fell with a clinking sound.

Three gentlemen darted forward to pick it up, but her husband noted
approvingly that while she accepted it graciously from the lucky