``Aren't you hurrying things a little?'' he
ventured.

``But they do let the students appear,''
argued Billy. ``I knew a girl last year who went on

in `Aida,' and she was a pupil at the School.
She sang first in a Sunday concert, then they put
her in the bill for a Saturday night. She did
splendidly--so well that they gave her a chance
later at a subscription performance. Oh, you'll
be there--and soon, too!''

``Thank you! I only wish the powers that
could put me there had your flattering enthusiasm
on the matter,'' he smiled.

``I don't worry any,'' nodded Billy, ``only
please don't `arrive' too soon--not before the
wedding, you know,'' she added jokingly. ``We
shall be too busy to give you proper attention
until after that.''

A peculiar look crossed Arkwright's face.

``The--_wedding?_'' he asked, a little faintly.

``Yes. Didn't you know? My friend, Miss
Hawthorn, is to marry Mr. Cyril Henshaw next
month.''