with so high a hand. Had he been proclaiming the accession of a
fortune, instead of the loss of one, he could not have been more
carelessly cheerful. Channing, what on earth shall you do about your
articles?"

A question that caused the greatest pain, especially when put by Roland
Yorke; and Arthur's sensitive face flushed.

"You'll have to stop as a paid clerk for interminable years! Jenkins,
you'll have him for your bosom companion, if you look sharp and make
friends," cried Roland, laughing loudly.

"No, sir, I don't think Mr. Arthur Channing is likely to become a paid
clerk," said Jenkins.

"Not likely to become a paid clerk! why, he _is_ one. If he is not one,
I'd like to know who is. Channing, you know you are nothing else."

"I may be something else in time," quietly replied Arthur, who knew how
to control his rebellious spirit.

"I say, what a rum go it is about that surplice!" exclaimed Roland
Yorke, dashing into another topic. "It's not exactly the mischief
itself that's rum, but the master seem to be making so much stir and
mystery over it! And then the hint at the seniors! They must mean
Huntley."

"I don't know who they _mean_," said Arthur, "but I am sure Huntley
never did it. He is too open, too honourable--"