There was a perfect whirlwind of applause, and a third song was called
for.
"I would rather not sing again, professor," said Harry.
"You needn't. They would keep you singing all the evening if you would
allow it. Better leave off when they are unsatisfied."
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "Master Vane thanks you for your kind
applause, but he makes it an unvarying rule never to sing but two
songs in an evening. He never broke that rule but once, and that was
at the special request of the governor-general of Canada. I shall now
have the pleasure of performing for your amusement, one of my most
popular experiments."
"Well, you have pleased the people, and that is the main point. By
Jove! my boy, you've got a lovely voice."
"I am glad you think so, sir."
"You will prove a very valuable addition to my entertainments. I mean
to show my appreciation, too. How much did I agree to give you?"
"Five dollars a week if business was good."
"It's bound to be good. I'll raise your wages to ten dollars a week,
if you'll agree to sing one song, and two, if called for, at each of
my evening entertainments."
"I'll do it, sir," said Harry, promptly. "It's a surprise to me,
though, to find my voice so valuable to me."
"It's a popular gift, my boy; and all popular gifts are valuable.
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