Struggling Upward, or Luke Larkin's Luck

s face and heard Sam's laugh, but he cared very little for the opinion of either of them. No other in the company

han to intrude into the society of

enjoy himse

d commenced, when all were engaged in on

a party myself in a

be more select than Flo

invite any w

said the subservient Sam. "

, you don't move exactly in my circle,

speech, but he was content to play second fiddle to Randolph Duncan. His family, like himself, were ambi

vite Tom Harp

m, who had vied with him in fl

ink so. Tom isn

s accident he has been troubled with severe h

said Randolph, consequential

ve been togeth

of some service, but

rize at the skating-match. Privately, Sam thought Randolph ungrateful, but he was,

ements, one of the company took her

aid Linton. "Secure a partn

id Luke. "Perhaps I had bette

nse! Don't

h a great flourish, had

he answered, t

Pratt took their places as one of the side couples. Randolph, who was aware that Luke had never taken lessons, remarked this

answered

y he is in

rence, regarding

ut us out by his cl

nd see whether he does or not?

hrugged hi

rtner, at any

ersation about one of my guest

ons were given, and th

cize him except Randolph. He saw the latter regarding him with a mocking smile, and this stimulated him to unusual carefulness. The result was that he went through his part with quite as much ease and correctness as any except the most practiced

d Luke, as he led his partner to a se

dancing with you next time

hink it right to slight my oth

equest. He would not have done so if he had not

ccepted wi

t dancing was one of

" she

wered Luke. "There stands my te

said Florence. "I should not ha

of breaking down before the eyes of his ill-wisher, Randolph Duncan. It is hardly necessary t

s his own partner a very good dancer. From prudence, however, he took his place at some distance

when the dance was over. "I can hardly believe that you have

er teacher, Lin," said Luke

dance?" asked Sam Noble of R

nswered Rando

ell, I am sure. He da

r. He could not help sneering even at his friends, and t

ed away

h considering the youth of the participants. Luke accompanied home one of

tall figure, moving from the road

?" said the stranger

s,

tin bo

s,

resent," and the stran

onder, "and why should he have trus

Had the stranger come honestly by the box, or was L