"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
intends to pay you?"
"Fifty pounds a year, And the copying besides."
"_Is_ it true, Arthur?" breathlessly exclaimed Mrs. Channing.
"I have told you that it is, mother mine. Jupp has resigned, and I am
assistant-organist."
Annabel danced round him in an ecstasy of delight. Not at his
success--success or failure did not much trouble Annabel--but she
thought there might be a prospect of some fun in store for herself.
"Arthur, you'll let me come into the cathedral and blow for you?"
"You little stupid!" cried Tom. "Much good you could do at blowing! A
girl blowing the college organ! That's rich! Better let Williams catch
you there! She'd actually go, I believe!"
"It is not your business, Tom; it is Arthur's," retorted Annabel, with
flushed cheeks.
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