"Ready at any time, Hamish."

Hamish laid the books before him on the table, and sat down. Arthur
left the room. Mr. Channing liked to be alone with Hamish when the
accounts were being gone over.

Mrs. Channing was in the drawing-room, some of the children with her.
Arthur entered. "Mrs. Channing," cried he, with mock ceremony, "allow
me to introduce you to the assistant-organist of the cathedral."

She smiled, supposing it to be some joke. "Very well, sir. He can come
in!"

"He is in, ma'am. It is myself."

"Is young Mr. Jupp there?" she asked; for he sometimes came home with
Arthur.

"Young Mr. Jupp has disappeared from public life, and I am appointed in
his place. It is quite true."

"Arthur!" she remonstrated.

"Mamma, indeed it is true. Mr. Williams has made me the offer, and Mr.
Galloway has consented to allow me time to attend the week-day
services; and papa is glad of it, and I hope you will be glad also."

"_I_ have known of it since this morning," spoke Tom, with an
assumption of easy consequence; while Mrs. Channing was recovering her
senses, which had been nearly frightened away. "Arthur, I hope Williams