On the following Monday as they went back together, Miss Jameson said, "What an exceedingly nice girl Miss Bevengton is."
Jack answered "yes," so that when they were alone together, his fiancée told Darwen that Carstairs was not in love with Bessie Bevengton.
Meanwhile things at the electricity works had progressed, there had been another failure of the supply. All the churches in the town were in darkness on Sunday night, and a steam pipe had burst and scalded a man to death. The papers were frantic. Some demanded a complete review of the staff of the electricity works, others suggested that the chief be asked to resign. All agreed that something would have to be done.
The committee sat in solemn conclave. "Who shall we sacrifice?" they asked, and the heavy weight of Dr Jameson made it the chief. He pointed out that during the short time Darwen had been chief assistant, the coal costs had gone down enormously, and he was in a position to say that still further sweeping reductions could be made if that brilliant young engineer were allowed a free hand. Dr Jameson was known as the strong man of the council; he usually had things his way, and he did so now.
So Mr Jones was asked to resign, and Mr Darwen promoted in his stead at a salary of £350 per annum. Jones had had £500, but this was only to commence. It was probable, the doctor said, that if he made it pay, he would have no difficulty in getting £750 in time.
Carstairs was made chief assistant at £200 per annum to commence.
"I suppose you'll get married soon now," Carstairs asked.
Darwen smiled happily. "Not very long I expect. I'm giving up these diggings, though, of course. The mater is coming over to live with me," he said.