which had passed out of the other ear in boyhood, with a painful echo

behind it. But the Admiral had his revenge by passing the Rector's bits

of Latin on--when he could remember them--to some one entitled to an

explanation, which he, with a pleasant smile, vouchsafed. This is one of

the many benefits of a classical education.

But what are such little tags, compared with the pith and marrow of the

man himself? Parson Twemlow was no prig, no pedant, and no popinjay,

but a sensible, upright, honorable man, whose chief defect was a quick

temper. In parish affairs he loved to show his independence of the Hall,

and having a stronger will than Admiral Darling, he mostly conquered

him. But he knew very well how far to go, and never pressed the

supremacy of the Church beyond endurance.

His wife, who was one of the Carnes of Carne Castle, some few miles

to the westward, encouraged him strongly in holding his own when the

Admiral strove to override him. That was her manner of putting the

case; while Admiral Darling would rather have a score of nightmares than

override any one. But the Carnes were a falling as much as the Darlings

were a rising family, and offense comes down the hill like stones

dislodged by the upward traveller. Mrs. Twemlow knew nothing she

disliked so much as any form of haughtiness; it was so small, so petty,

so opposed to all true Christianity. And this made her think that the

Darlings were always endeavoring to patronize her--a thing she would

much rather die than put up with.

This excellent couple had allowed, however, their only son Erle, a

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