[Miss Billy's Decision by Eleanor H. Porter]@TWC D-Link book
Miss Billy's Decision

CHAPTER XXII
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"It _is_ a hard part, you know; but if Mr.Tobey can't take it, I don't know who can.

We don't want to hire a singer for it, if we can help it.

The profits are to go to the Home for Crippled Children, you know," she explained, turning to Arkwright, "and we decided to hire only the accompanist." An odd expression flitted across Miss Greggory's face.
"Mr.Arkwright used to sing--tenor," she observed quietly.
"As if he didn't now--a perfectly glorious tenor," retorted Billy.

"But as if _he_ would take _this!_" For only a brief moment did Arkwright hesitate; then blandly he suggested: "Suppose you try him, and see." Billy sat suddenly erect.
"Would you, really?
_Could_ you--take the time, and all ?" she cried.
"Yes, I think I would--under the circumstances," he smiled.

"I think I could, too, though I might not be able to attend all the rehearsals.
Still, if I find I have to ask permission, I'll endeavor to convince the powers-that-be that singing in this operetta will be just the stepping-stone I need to success in Grand Opera." "Oh, if you only would take it," breathed Billy, "we'd be so glad!" "Well," said Arkwright, his eyes on Billy's frankly delighted face, "as I said before--under the circumstances I think I would." "Thank you! Then it's all beautifully settled," rejoiced Billy, with a happy sigh; and unconsciously she gave Alice Greggory's hand near her a little pat.
In Billy's mind the "circumstances" of Arkwright's acceptance of the part were Alice Greggory and her position as accompanist, of course.
Billy would have been surprised indeed--and dismayed--had she known that in Arkwright's mind the "circumstances" were herself, and the fact that she, too, had a part in the operetta, necessitating her presence at rehearsals, and hinting at a delightful comradeship impossible, perhaps, otherwise..


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