Enough to say that our friend soon had opportunity to partake in them as much and often as was compatible with his duties.

His first call at Lakelawn happened to be on an evening when the ladies were not at home, and it is quite certain that upon this, the occasion of his first essay of the sort, he experienced a strong feeling of relief to be able to leave cards instead of meeting a number of strange people, as he had thought would be likely.
One morning, some days later, Peleg Hopkins came in with a grin and said, "The's some folks eout in front wants you to come eout an' see 'em." "Who are they ?" asked John, who for the moment was in the back room and had not seen the carriage drive up.
"The two Verjoos gals," said Peleg with another distortion of his freckled countenance.

"One on 'em hailed me as I was comin' in and ast me to ast you to come eout." John laughed a little as he wondered what their feeling would be were they aware that they were denominated as the "Verjoos gals" by people of Peleg's standing in the community.
"We were so sorry to miss your visit the other evening," said Miss Clara, after the usual salutations.
John said something about the loss having been his own, and after a few remarks of no special moment the young woman proceeded to set forth her errand.
"Do you know the Bensons from Syrchester ?" she asked.
John replied that he knew who they were but had not the pleasure of their acquaintance.
"Well," said Miss Clara, "they are extremely nice people, and Mrs.
Benson is very musical; in fact, Mr.Benson does something in that line himself.

They have with them for a few days a violinist, Fairman I think his name is, from Boston, and a pianist--what was it, Juliet ?" "Schlitz, I think," said Miss Verjoos.
"Oh, yes, that is it, and they are coming to the house to-night, and we are going to have some music in an informal sort of way.

We shall be glad to have you come if you can." "I shall be delighted," said John sincerely.