“If you’ve done, Mr. Rowley, I think I’ll go,” said Pick; upon which Rowley swore under his breath that it wasn’t like an old friend to give a fellow no answer, and that he didn’t know what he and Tommy had done to offend the Signor. To this old Pick made no reply, being himself extremely indignant not to know anything about the mystery in question. He had heard of no new boy--“nor anything as is new,” Pick said to himself with warmth as he hurried through the enclosure which belonged to the lay clerks, where a great many people were at the doors and windows, and the excitement was general. It was natural that Pick should be indignant. So little as there ever was to hear or report within the Precincts, to think something should have happened under his very nose, in the Abbey, and he not know! The Signor was a good master, and the place was comfortable; but there are things which no man can be expected to stand. Even Mr. John had not said a word about any novelty. If he had told his mother, then the housekeeper had been as treacherous as the rest, and had not breathed a word to Pick. It was a thing that no man could be expected to put up with. Here were two ladies now bearing down upon him, full of curiosity--and that Pick should have to confess that he didn’t know! “Oh, Pickering! you must know--who was it that was singing in the Abbey last night? A very extraordinary thing for the Signor to countenance. He did not ask _us_; he knew it would be of no use, for neither my husband nor I approve of such proceedings; making the Abbey, our beautiful Abbey, into a kind of music-hall! I hear it was a lady: the very worst taste, and anything _so_ unecclesiastical! Women don’t _exist_ in the Church--not as taking any part--but these are points which foreigners never will understand,” said the lady, with a sigh. “It was odd having such a performance at all, for a few privileged persons. I thought the Abbey, at least,” said the second lady, “was for all.” “Don’t go, Pickering; you haven’t answered my question. If I were you, being a man of experience, and having known the Abbey so long as you have done, I would give a hint to your master. You should tell him people here don’t like that sort of thing. It may do very well abroad, or even in town, where there are all sorts; but it does not do in St. Michael’s. You should tell him, especially as he is only half English, to be more careful. Stop a little, Pickering! You have not answered my question yet.” “Beg your pardon, ma’am, but you didn’t give me no time,” said Pick.