CHAPTER XIV. THE DIPLOMACY OF BASIL BEAUMONT.
Astute is he who mere brute force despises
And gains by subtle craft all worldly prizes.
When the three gentlemen were comfortably seated in the vicar's study, Beaumont, without further preamble, explained his errand.
"You know, sir," he said to genial Dr. Larcher, "that Blake has a very fine voice--a phenomenal tenor voice, which, when properly trained, will make his fortune. Blake tells me he has not decided what line of life to take up, so I propose he should be a singer."
"Oh, I should like it above all things," cried Reginald with the usual thoughtless impulse of youth.
"Wait a moment," observed the vicar cautiously. "I am not much in favour of a theatrical career for you, Reginald, and, this is too important a matter to be decided l
