"No. From the manager of the Arion Quartette. They want me to go on a tour with them in the autumn, before the Conservatory opens. It's a great chance, and they offer me twice what I am worth."
"Oh, Jack!" cried Bell, turning her face, shining with pleasure, full on him. "How glorious! how perfectly glorious! Oh! this is great news indeed."
"There is only one difficulty," said Jack. "I have to provide my own accompanist."
"But you can easily do that!" said Bell.
"Can I?" cried Jack Ferrers, dropping the porridge spoon and coming forward, his two hands held out, his brown face in a glow. "Can I, Bell? There is only one accompanist in the world for me, and I want her for life. Can I have her, my dear?"
"Oh, Jack!" cried Bell, and another spoon was dropped.
"Children, you are letting that porridge burn!" cried Mrs. Merryweather, as she hurried into the kitchen a few minutes later.
"Oh, Mammy, I am so sorry!" said Bell, looking up,
"All kind o' smily round the lips,
And teary round the lashes."