'And make a scandal?' enquired Michael. '"The Chelsea Mystery; alleged
innocence of Pitman"? How would that do at the Seminary?'

'It would imply my discharge,' admitted the drawing--master. 'I cannot
deny that.'

'And besides,' said Michael, 'I am not going to embark in such a
business and have no fun for my money.'

'O my dear sir, is that a proper spirit?' cried Pitman.

'O, I only said that to cheer you up,' said the unabashed Michael.
'Nothing like a little judicious levity. But it's quite needless to
discuss. If you mean to follow my advice, come on, and let us get the
piano at once. If you don't, just drop me the word, and I'll leave you
to deal with the whole thing according to your better judgement.'

'You know perfectly well that I depend on you entirely,' returned
Pitman. 'But O, what a night is before me with that--horror in my
studio! How am I to think of it on my pillow?'

'Well, you know, my piano will be there too,' said Michael. 'That'll
raise the average.'

An hour later a cart came up the lane, and the lawyer's piano--a
momentous Broadwood grand--was deposited in Mr Pitman's studio.



CHAPTER VIII. In Which Michael Finsbury Enjoys a Holiday