end:

"I have heard your voice in church."

"Yes?"

"And I noticed that you sang not only the hymns but the chants, and in a
way to suggest the idea that you have had experience and training. I did
not come here for the purpose," said Mr. Euston, after waiting a moment
for John to speak, "though I confess the idea has occurred to me before,
but it was suggested again by the sight of your piano and music. I know
that it is asking a great deal," he continued, "but do you think you
could undertake, for a while at least, to help such a lame dog as I am
over the stile? You have no idea," said the rector earnestly, "what a
service you would be doing not only to me, but to my people and the
church."

John pulled thoughtfully at his mustache for a moment, while Mr. Euston
watched his face. "I don't know," he said at last in a doubtful tone. "I
am afraid you are taking too much for granted--I don't mean as to my
good will, but as to my ability to be of service, for I suppose you mean
that I should help in drilling your choir."

"Yes," replied Mr. Euston. "I suppose it would be too much to ask you to
sing as well."

"I have had no experience in the way of leading or directing," replied
John, ignoring the suggestion, "though I have sung in church more or
less, and am familiar with the service, but even admitting my ability to
be of use, shouldn't you be afraid that my interposing might make more
trouble than it would help? Wouldn't your choir resent it? Such people
are sometimes jealous, you know."

"Oh, dear, yes," sighed the rector. "But," he added, "I think I can
guarantee that there will be no unpleasant feeling either toward you or
about you. Your being from New York will give you a certain prestige,
and their curiosity and the element of novelty will make the beginning
easy."

There came a knock at the door and Mr. Harum appeared, but, seeing a
visitor, was for withdrawing.

"Don't go," said John. "Come in. Of course you know Mr. Euston."

"Glad to see ye," said David, advancing and shaking hands. "You folks
talkin' bus'nis?" he asked before sitting down.

"I am trying to persuade Mr. Lenox to do me a great favor," said Mr.
Euston.

"Well, I guess he won't want such an awful sight o' persuadin'," said
David, taking a chair, "if he's able to do it. What does he want of ye?"
he asked, turning to John. Mr. Euston explained, and our friend gave his
reasons for hesitating--all but the chief one, which was that he