Harold had been many a time to the house of Deacon Mayhew, and neverwith any hesitation, even if he really knew that both the deacon'sdaughters--Melinda and Sophronia were at home. The only fear he hadfelt was of the deacon's huge dog, who always surlily watched him ashe came up the tan-bark walk, and made a rush at him if he showed theleast sign of wavering. But upon the night of the party his couragevanished, and he thought he would rather face all the dogs in townthan knock at the front door.