"Father, this is Mr. Ichabod Crane." Katrina said as she led Ichabod into her home. The young man's eyes widened at what must have been for him the rich surroundings.

"Ah yes the school master. How do you do, sir?"

"Very well, thank you sir." Ichabod.

"Now tell me, how did you two chance to meet?"

"It was in the park, father." Katrina explained. "He was reading and I was curious about the choice of literature."

Her father shook his head but smiled a little. "Katrina is always reading herself. A ridiculous pastime for a lovely young lady." Katrina fought the impulse to role her eyes.

"I must respectfully disagree Mr. Van Tassel." Ichabod spoke softly but with conviction. "Everyone should cultivate their minds so far as their powers allow them."

"Yes well, she's cultivated her mind to such an extent that she's made herself too smart and an unsuitable match for every young man in the village."

"Perhaps not every young man anymore, father." Katrina said slyly with a glance over her shoulder at Ichabod who blushed deep crimson. "But I nearly forgot the rest of the reason for coming here. Schoolteachers are paid such a small amount. I thought perhaps there might be something else Mr. Crane might do about the village that would bring him a little extra income."

"I see. We'll probably find you something, my dear fellow but... farm labor or hunting is definitely not in the cards, eh?"

"No sir." Ichabod said meekly and looked at the floor as if ashamed.

"Father!" Katrina cried hotly." How can you?"

"All in good fun, Katrina. You musical, Mr. Crane?"

"Oh yes sir." Ichabod brightened. " I'm quite proficient on the piano."

"Let's hear you then." Her father indicated the large well-polished mahogany piano.

Ichabod sat down at the instrument and began to play a piece by Mozart apparently from memory his eyes closed and his large but very slender, long fingered hands dancing over the keys. Katrina's heart swelled as she listened and watched and even more so when his body began to sway with the music. Every aspect of this funny, charming man took on a new dignity and an impeccable grace as he played.

All to soon, the piece was finished. Ichabod rose from the instrument awaited her father's verdict on his abilities.

"Excellent!" Her father boomed with approval. "I believe we have a new singing instructor. I expect you can sing as well?"

"Yes sir."

"Read music?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Start tomorrow afternoon."

"Thank you, sir."

"Yes, thank you father!" Katrina kissed his round cheek happily.

"Only too glad. Now Katrina why don't you run along for a bit? I've some things to discuss alone with Mr. Crane."

Katrina curtsied and obediently left the room closing the door behind her but then silently knelt down and pressed her ear to the keyhole. She had a feeling this concerned her. If it did not, she would leave them to it.

"Well my good man, Crane, it seems that my daughter is quite fond of you."

"It does seem that way, sir."

"Do you wish my permission to court her?"

"Yes sir, I would."

"You know you'd have a strong rival in Brom Bones."

"It does not seem that way, sir. We encountered Mr. Bones on our way back from the park and Katrina seems to well... frankly despise him."

"Ah, a lover's tiff. Normally they are seen everywhere together."

Katrina felt her color rise in anger. Why was her father lying to Ichabod like this? If she ever was seen anywhere with Brom it was because he decided to show up and inflict his beastly society on her.

"Oh... well I shall try anyway sir."

"Stout fellow! Figuratively speaking. You have my leave."