“Well, I must tell you that the little sum subscribed, whatever it may be, will be applied to meet her immediate wants. After then we shall endeavour to raise a sum sufficient to set her up in business――some little shop, perhaps. Her husband’s employers have promised their assistance, and Mr. Knight, the organist at the church, has promised his services at a benefit concert we thought of giving.” “Not a bad idea.” “The rector will also give us his patronage, besides several other influential gentlemen in the town.” “And I’m sure, Charlie, you will have no objection to give your services,” added Bessie. “In what way?” “Well, of course, I mean in the way of music. You can play the violin, you know.” “Would you have any objection?” said the stranger. [Sidenote: No. 3.] [Illustration: PEACE, THE BURGLAR, RANSACKING THE DRAWERS.] “Not the slightest. If my services are of any use you may command me; but there must be the arrangement as to programme and the style of music. Also whether you desire me to play a solo or otherwise.” “I am not able to say at present; but this can be arranged by those who understand these matters better than I do. I aint much of a musician myself, although I am very fond of hearing music either vocal or instrumental.” “Have you any vocalists?” “We shall have some volunteers――some of the choir will, of course, do some part-singing; besides there are several amateurs as well as one or two professionals, have agreed to come forward on this occasion. Oh, I dare say we shall have a tolerably good muster. Mr. Knight presides at the piano, and he has consented to play the accompaniments to the vocalists.” “No easy task,” remarked Peace, “especially if he is not acquainted with the performers.” “No――so he says. Would you like to see him?” “Who?” “Mr. Knight.” “It will be necessary for me to do so before the night of the concert. Otherwise we shall be all at sea.” “I will mention the subject. You will find him, I’m sure, in every respect a gentleman, who, I dare say, will be happy to make the acquaintance of a brother artist.” “I’m obliged to you for your good opinion,” said Peace, with a sort of bow, which was half obsequious and half satirical. “In the cause of charity we are all of us brothers; and on what evening do you purpose giving this concert?” “As soon as possible. It would be as well, I think, to strike the iron while it’s hot. It must certainly be within a fortnight――or a week, if it can be arranged. Do you play sacred music――” “I do not care to play anything else. If I consulted my own inclination I should confine myself to sacred music――not, mind you, that I have done so at present.” “Oh, he can play anything and everything,” chimed in Bessie Dalton. “Nigger melodies, dance music, comic songs, serious and sentimental.” “There, that will do, Bess,” cried Peace. “Well, you know you can. What’s the use of being bashful when you’ve got――ahem, talent?”