nsely to the effect. Well, by degrees we came to
talking of the organ. It so happens that we had spoken of it the very
first day I met him in the church, though you know I _never_ talk about
my instrument, do I? At that time it didn't strike me that he was so
well up in the matter, but now he seemed to know all about it, and so I
gave him my ideas as to what ought to be done. Then, before I knew
where I was, he cut in with, `Mr Sharnall, what you say interests me
immensely; you put things in such a lucid way that even an outsider like
myself can understand them. It would be a thousand pities if neglect
were permanently to injure this sweet-toned instrument that Father Smith
made so long ago. It is no use restoring the church without the organ,
so you must draw up a specification of the repairs and additions
required, and understand that anything you suggest shall be done. In
the meantime pray order at once the water-engine and new pedal-board of
which you speak, and inform me as to the cost.' He took me quite aback,
and was gone before I had time to say anything. It puts me in a very
equivocal position; I have such an antipathy to the man. I shall refuse
his offer point-blank. I will not put myself under any obligation to
such a man. You would refuse in my position? You would write a strong
letter of refusal at once, would you not?"

Westray was of a guileless disposition, and apt to assume that people
meant what they said. It seemed to him a matter for much regret that
Mr Sharnall's independence, however lofty, should stand in the way of
so handsome a benefaction, and he was at pains to elaborate and press
home all the arguments that he could muster to shake the organist's
resolve. The offer was kindly-meant; he was sure that Mr Sharnall took
a wrong view of Lord Blandamer's character--that Mr Sharnall was wrong
in imputing motives to Lord Blandamer. What motives could he have
except the best? and however much Mr Sharnall might personally refuse,
how was a man to be stopped eventually from repairing an organ which
stood so manifestly in need of repair?

Westray spoke earnestly, and was gratified to see the effect which his
eloquence produced on Mr Sharnall. It is so rarely that argument
prevails to change opinion that the young man was flattered to see that
the considerations which he was able to marshal were strong enough, at
any rate, to influence Mr Sharnall's determination.

Well, perhaps there w