When we got the organ up at the Glen church old Elder Richards bounced up from his seat the minute the organist began to play and scuttled down the aisle and out of the church at the rate of no-man 's - business . It reminded me so strong of the First Mate tearing loose as soon as I begin to fiddle that I come nearer to laughing out loud in church than I ever did before or since . '' There was something so infectious in the rollicking tunes which Captain Jim played that very soon Marshall Elliott 's feet began to twitch . He had been a noted dancer in his youth . Presently he started up and held out his hands to Leslie . Instantly she responded . Round and round the firelit room they circled with a rhythmic grace that was wonderful . Leslie danced like one inspired ; the wild , sweet abandon of the music seemed to have entered into and possessed her . Anne watched her in fascinated admiration . She had never seen her like this . All the innate richness and color and charm of her nature seemed to have broken loose and overflowed in crimson cheek and glowing eye and grace of motion . Even the aspect of Marshall Elliott , with his long beard and hair , could not spoil the picture . On the contrary , it seemed to enhance it . Marshall Elliott looked like a Viking of elder days , dancing with one of the blue-eyed , golden-haired daughters of the Northland . `` The purtiest dancing I ever saw , and I 've seen some in my time , '' declared Captain Jim , when at last the bow fell from his tired hand . Leslie dropped into her chair , laughing , breathless . `` I love dancing , '' she said apart to Anne . `` I have n't danced since I was sixteen -- but I love it . The music seems to run through my veins like quicksilver and I forget everything -- everything -- except the delight of keeping time to it . There is n't any floor beneath me , or walls about me , or roof over me -- I 'm floating amid the stars . ''
Captain Jim hung his XXXXX up in its place , beside a large frame enclosing several banknotes .
Mate Northland church dancing fiddle grace nature richness roof tunes