be trusted. Keep to a straightforward course of conduct, try to oblige your masters, treat them with due respect, help those who are unable to help themselves, and be courteous and kind to all. Above all, learn to govern your temper, always bearing in mind that Better is he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.'

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'I shall not object to your bringing a friend here, if he be one to my taste. Have one friend, if possible; a true friendship is worth much, and may be productive of great benefit to you. As I have before observed, be exceedingly careful in your choice of a friend. I shall not say any more to you now. If you remember and act upon what I have said, it will do for the present. Now, go to Katie, and have a game in the garden."

The doctor was well aware of the great and life-long influence an early friendship may have over us, hence his words of caution to Arthur.

He wished the boy to have a friend and playmate, and that he himself might judge the fitness of his selection, had wisely given him permission to take him to his house, intending to observe narrowly the boy's character.

CHAPTER III.

THE TRIAL.

RIDAY, the day of the trial for a new chorister, dawned fair and bright, and many were the little hearts that nervously hailed its advent.

Arthur was sent out on an errand by Dr. Leslie in the afternoon, and having discharged it, he sauntered slowly back by the cathedral.

About thirty boys were congregated at the gates, waiting for admission.

They appeared to be all older than himself, and on some of the faces there was an air of conceit rather amusing to witness.

A sudden thought assailed the boy; he mingled with them, and, on the gates being opened, passed in, and up the steps into the practice-room, where the competition was to take place. When once inside, what he had done flashed upon him; but he dared not ask to be allowed to

go again.

The organist had not yet arrived, and the group, boylike, began to explore the room. It was built of the same stone as the cathedral, of which it formed a part, and in the same massive style of architecture. The windows, about six in number, were narrow and lancet-shaped, and

at one end, between two of them, stood a small organ. Piles of music, and ponderous volumes of the same, were arranged in an orderly manner in a book-case. A musicboard stood on an easel, and music-slates were scattered on the table, which was quite in keeping with the rest of the furniture. Everything was massive, down to the heating-apparatus, which doubtless did good duty, when the cold of winter made it necessary.

Arthur's very youthful appearance attracted some attention, and once someone behind him remarked, "That's a youngster; he'd better have stayed at home with his mammy a bit longer, I think."

Arthur bit his lips, but said nothing, and the organist coming in at this moment, the noisy crew were hushed, and the trial began in earnest.

Our little friend purposely waited until last before going up, and listened to the efforts of the others.

Some had very fair voices, several being tolerably good, whilst others were of so mediocre a quality, that one would wonder how they could ever entertain such a thought as entering a cathedral choir.

The precentor, the Rev. Edgar Norris, who was one of the judges, looked very dubious at some of the attempts made, and still more so when Arthur, who was asked his age, said, "Nine, last March."

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"Too young, far too young," he said; Why, can you sing at all? You will not get in. This trial is for an elder boy."

"At any rate, I must give him a trial," said the organist.

Arthur complied, the organist accompanying him on the organ, meanwhile. The first few notes were weak, but as he went on he gathered strength, until on C in alt, his voice rang out clear as a silver bell.

The precentor looked amazed, and rubbed his chin. "Well!" was all he said.

"Can you sing anything to me?" asked the organist, scarcely able to conceal his surprise.

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I can sing, But Thou didst not leave,' if you have a Messiah anywhere," replied Arthur.

A copy was produced, and after the symphony the boy began, and the glorious voice filled the whole room with its rich cadences.

The other boys stood open-mouthed with wonder, the precentor gazed and gazed until his eyes seemed twice their usual size, and still the child sang, his beautiful eyes full of light, and a look, almost of inspiration, on his fair young face. When he had finished, for a few moments silence reigned supreme, a silence far more eloquent than shouts of applause could have been, the stillness of unspeakable astonishment and admiration.

The precentor was the first to recover himself. Laying a hand on the shoulder of the boy, he said, "I am sorry I spoke so hastily; you have a splendid voice. What do you say, Dr. Westwood ?"

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"I say that I never heard the like before, in a boy of his age and size. What it will eventually be when in its prime passes my conception."

"What is your name?" to Arthur.

"Arthur Melville."

"Where do you live?"

"With Dr. Leslie."

"Are you related to him?'

"Yes, slightly; and he has adopted me and my sister." "Does he know you are here?"

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No; I did not know about coming myself, until I saw the boys at the gates, and came in with them."

At this, the judges looked grave, until the precentor spoke," Stay here, I will be back in a minute or two," and left the room.

He was not long gone, and returned, bringing with him the doctor, to whom he had explained matters.

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Now, Dr. Leslie, it rests with you as to whether or not you will allow your adopted son to enter the cathedral choir. If you will, we shall be extremely indebted to you. He has a splendid voice, and great talent. He will be an acquisition, I can assure you; but, of course, you do as you please."

"I have not the slightest objection," replied the doctor, and seeing that Arthur looked half-abashed, he continued, "I hope he will do his best, both at school and in the choir, to use well those talents bestowed upon him. When will he be required to enter upon his new duties ?" Well, as soon as possible; he might be admitted this afternoon, the dean will be at service. He must sit in a seat near the choir, and Ellis will give him any instructions he may need as to how to proceed when called upon. Ellis, come here."

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