“Jupp has resigned. He is ill, and is going out for his health. I’ll tell you how it all happened,” went on Arthur, losing diffidence now that he was fairly launched upon his subject. “Of course, this failure of the suit makes a great difference to our prospects at home; it renders it incumbent upon us to do what we can to help--” “Why does it?” interrupted Mr. Galloway. “It may make a difference to your future ease, but it makes none to your present means.” “There is money wanted in many ways, sir; a favourable termination to the suit was counted upon so certainly. For one thing, it is necessary that my father should try the German baths.” “Of course, he must try them,” cried Mr. Galloway. “But it will cost money, sir,” deprecated Arthur. “Altogether, we have determined to do what we can. Constance has set us the example, by engaging herself as daily governess at Lady Augusta’s. She goes on Monday.” “Very commendable of her,” observed the proctor, who loved a gossip like any old woman. “I hope she’ll not let those two unruly girls worry her to death.” “And I was casting about in my mind, this morning, what I could do to help, when I met the organist,” proceeded Arthur. “He chanced to say that he could find no one to take the music copying. Well, sir, I thought it over, and at one o’clock I went to ask him to give it to me. I found him at the organ, in a state of vexation. Jupp had resigned his post, and Mr. Williams had no one to replace him. The long and the short of it is, sir, that he offered it to me.” “And did you accept it?” crossly responded Mr. Galloway. “Of course I could not do that, sir, until I had spoken to you. If it were possible that I could make up the two hours to you, I should be very glad to take it.” “And do it for nothing, I suppose?” “Oh no. He would give me fifty pounds a year. And there would be the copying besides.” “That’s a great deal!” cried Mr. Galloway. “It appears to me to be good pay,” replied Arthur. “But he would lose a great deal more than that, if he had to attend the cathedral himself. He said it would ruin his teaching.” “Ah! self-interest--two for himself and one for you!” ejaculated the proctor. “What does Mr. Channing say?” “I have said nothing at home. It was of no use telling them, until I had spoken to you. Now that my prospects are gone--” “What prospects?” interrupted Mr. Galloway. “My articles to you, sir. Of course there’s no chance of that now.” Mr. Galloway grunted. “The ruin that Chancery suits work! Mark you, Arthur Channing, this is such a thing as was never asked a proctor before--leave of absence for two hours in the best part of the day! If I grant it, it will be out of the great friendship I bear your father.” “Oh, sir! I shall never forget the obligation.” “Take care you don’t. You must come and work for two hours before breakfast in a morning.”