Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/58



“Now, if you have a Staccato Crotchet on each stair,” said Father Time, “the house would be no longer dull.”

“No,” said Major C, “but I should have a great many Crotchets.”

“And too many Crotchets in any house are not pleasant,” said Minora.

“Really,” began Father Time, looking quite annoyed. “Well, well, I must think of something else,” he added quickly. “Perhaps you would like to try common time, and use Semibreves only, they are slow. Then, to avoid dulness, you might label each bar differently, one ‘Presto,’ one ‘Andante.’ That would give great Excuse me one moment.” And Father Time put down his stick.

A messenger ran up the steps, whispered to Father Time, and ran down again.

“I’m very sorry,” said the old gentleman, “but I shall have to leave you. There’s a Russian gentleman wanting me at once. He is in difficulties; but it’s the last scene of his opera, so I shan’t be very long. Will you be trying experiments with the Semibreves? Good-bye, I’ll be back very quickly.” And Father Time hurried away.

“He is a very busy person,” said the Major.

“What a pity he had to go,” said Minora.

“Now, then, come along,” said the Semibreve, “we had better begin. What did he say?”

“Common time, I think,” said Minora, who had picked up Father Time’s wand, and was holding it in her hand.

“Then two of us can manage each bar,” said the Semibreve. “Fetch some labels.”

“I’ll come and choose them,” said Minora, and she ran down the steps.

The boys and men moved out of the way. Directly she spoke her orders were obeyed. Minora had never before felt so strong and cheerful, so capable of giving orders. She chose labels, she ordered them to be carried up to the Major, she 40 40