The organ loft

An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.

Mr Bell climbed the narrow stairs ahead of the new organist, carrying the key which had hung from his waistcoat for thirty-one years. At the top, he turned and said, “Welcome,” though he remained in the doorway until Mr Larkin removed his hat and waited.

“She forgives no careless hand,” Mr Bell said, laying his palm upon the organ. He pointed out the stiff middle key, the pedal which complained in damp weather and the stops that must never be drawn together. His instructions were precise, and Mr Larkin thanked him for each one. Mr Bell had even arranged the music for Sunday in a neat pile upon the stand.

When Mr Larkin began to play, the first notes were cautious. Mr Bell nodded. Soon, however, the younger man’s hands travelled confidently across the keys, and the music filled the empty church. Mr Bell coughed once, then twice. He leaned forward to alter a stop which Mr Larkin had already chosen.

“That is not how I have generally managed it,” he said.

Mr Larkin lifted his hands, and the final chord faded. For a moment, neither man spoke. Then Mr Bell praised the performance and explained that he would, naturally, remain nearby during the first few Sundays. He held out the key. His fingers remained around it for a moment after Mr Larkin had taken hold.

Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to present Mr Bell’s efforts to guide the new organist while preserving his own importance. In your response, consider how far his helpfulness seems genuine. Support your answer with references to the passage.