Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/57

 well, then, we abandon it at once. I must strongly recommend you to try a signature. That seems an absolute necessity. Which kind do you prefer? Before you decide, I should very much like to give you some ideaof course, it can only be a rough oneof the general effect. Just one moment, and, needless to remark, when say a moment I mean a moment.”

Once more he tripped down the steps and spoke to the men, sending one here, another there, and all his directions were quickly and silently obeyed.

“They were making such a noise before he spoke to them,” said Major C, “he certainly is a wonderful old gentleman.”

“And such a clever one, too,” said Minora. “He’ll make your staircase look grand.”

Father Time appeared at the front door once more, carrying a long wand in his hand.

“We will first try three Crotchets,” he said, and he waved his stick in the air.

Immediately all the men and boys placed themselves in a long line in the most orderly way.

“Three-four,” called Father Time.

Three smart boys, dressed all in black, stepped forward and bowed.

“Crotchets, you know,” said Father Time. “Now, do you prefer Legato or Staccato? Minim, fetch a slur, Semibreve, three dots please.”

A round-faced fat boy, so fat and round that he seemed to be all face and body without legs, rolled to the pile of things heaped up at the side door, picked up a curved black bar, rolled back again, and held the bar over the Crotchets.

“Are you ready?” called Father Time, waving his stick.

The Crotchets joined hands and glided smoothly over the ground.

“Legato,” explained Father Time. “Now, please, Staccato!”

The Crotchets each took a black ball, held it over his head, and jumped suddenly in the air.

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