'Is there soon to be a confirmation?' 'Yes. In this parish--the first time in Welland church for twenty years. As I say, I had told 'em that he was confirmed the same year that I went

up to have it done, as I have very good cause to mind. When we went to

be examined, the pa'son said to me, "Rehearse the articles of thy

belief." Mr. Blount (as he was then) was nighest me, and he whispered,

"Women and wine." "Women and wine," says I to the pa'son: and for that I

was sent back till next confirmation, Sir Blount never owning that he was

the rascal.' 'Confirmation was a sight different at that time,' mused Biles. 'The

Bishops didn't lay it on so strong then as they do now. Now-a-days, yer

Bishop gies both hands to every Jack-rag and Tom-straw that drops the

knee afore him; but 'twas six chaps to one blessing when we was boys.

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The Bishop o' that time would stretch out his palms and run his fingers over

our row of crowns as off-hand as a bank gentleman telling money. The

great lords of the Church in them days wasn't particular to a soul or two

more or less; and, for my part, I think living was easier for 't.' 'The new Bishop, I hear, is a bachelor-man; or a widow gentleman is it?'

asked Mrs. Martin.

'Bachelor, I believe, ma'am. Mr. San Cleeve, making so bold, you've

never faced him yet, I think?' Mrs. Martin shook her head.

'No; it was a piece of neglect. I hardly know how it happened,' she

said.

'I am going to, this time,' said Swithin, and turned the chat to other

matters.




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