conversation with Arthur. "Why did you not tell me before, my boy? It
was too good news to keep to yourself. How long has it been in
contemplation?"

"Dear mamma, only to-day. It was only this morning that Jupp resigned."

"Only to-day! It must have been decided very hastily, then, for a
measure of that sort."

"Mr. Williams was so put to it that he took care to lose no time. He
spoke to me at one o'clock. I had gone to him to the cathedral, asking
for the copying, which I heard was going begging, and he broached the
other subject, on the spur of the moment, as it seemed to me. Nothing
could be decided until I had seen Mr. Galloway, and I spoke to him
after he left here, this afternoon. He will allow me to be absent from
the office an hour, morning and afternoon, on condition that I attend
for two hours before breakfast."

"But, Arthur, you will have a great deal upon your hands."

"Not any too much. It will keep me out of mischief."

"When shall you find time to do the copying?"

"In an evening, I suppose. I shall find plenty of time."

As Hamish had observed, there was little to do at the books, that
evening, and he soon left the parlour. Constance happened to be in the
hall as he crossed it, on his way to his bedroom. Judith, who appeared
to have been on the watch, came gliding from the half-opened kitchen