Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-03-26
Two ooLLEGE FRIEND..

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A great change speedily took place in the
relations existing between pastor and flock.
Schools were instituted-the sick were visited
"a weekly report was sent to the Castle,
with accurate statements of the requirements
of every applicant Little descriptions were
added 10 the causes Of the distress Of some Of
the workmen-excuses made for their behav-
ior-means pointed out by which the more
deserving could be helped, without hurting
their sell-respect BIZ treating them rs objects
of charity and in a short time the great
man in the Castle knew the position, the ha-
bits, the necessities of every one Of his
neighbors. Nothing pleased him more than
the opportunity now afforded him Of being
generous, without being imposed on. His
gifts were large and unostentati0us, and as
Bcniord, without blaz1ning the donor : mer-
its. let it be known from what source these
valuable aids proceeded. month had not
elapsed before kinder feelings arose between
the Castle and the t0wn-pe0ple smiled and
touched their hats more cordially than be
fore, when they met his lordship as he drove
through. the street ; little girls dropped curt
sizes to him OF the side of the road, instead Of
lunning away when they saw him coming
and one youug maiden was even reported to
have offered his l1riship b1uQuet-not very
valuable, as it consisted only of rose, six
daisies and a dandelion. and To have received
Pat on the head for it and half-a-crown.
Lord Narlci-E had had a cold every SUNDAY
for the last ycar-aud a-halt Of DR.. Drowes
mini-tmtions but when Beni0rd had oiiic-
lated "a month OF Fix weeks. he suddenly re
covered and appeared one Sunday in church.
Iii. l1rdship generally sat in a recess opposite
the pulpit, forming a sort Of family pew,
which might almost have ncen mistaken for
a parlor. 1t was carpeted very comfortably,
and bad stove in it, and tables and chairs
10 this retirement his l0rdship performed his
levJtions in the manner recorded by Mrs.
Drowes-and when the eloquent DR.. was
more eloquent than usual, he drew a heavy
velvet curtain across the front of his room,
and must have been lulled into pleasing slum
hers by the subdued humble of the orator.
discourse. On this occasion he was observed
to look with curiosity towards the new cler
gyman All through the prayers he fixed
his eyes on Benford's iace-never lifting
them for a mOment-never changing a mus
clc-uevcr altering his attitude His hair,
now silver white, fell nearly down to his
shoulders. his noble features were pale and
motionless. Tall, upright, gazing gazing
the congregation observed his lOrdship with
surprise When Benford mounted the pull
pit-when he was seen in black gown and
bands, and bis clear, rich voice gave out the
text. suddenly his lordships face underwent
a strange contortion-he rapidly drew the
curtain across the pew and was no more seen.
The congregation were sorry that their new
clergyman. who had apparently pleased the
patron by his reading, was not equally tortu-
nate in the sermon. The preacher himself
was bv no means offended. He knew Lord
Warleigh was too clever a man to require
any instruction from him, and he went on as
usual and preached to the poor. In the
yestry, he was laying aside bis official cos
tune when the door opened; his cassOck
was off, his coat was not on, he was in his
shirt sleeves, and the great man came in.
Beniord was overwhelmed with confusion.
lie had never spoken to lord before-his
face glowed if on fire With compressed
lips, and his eyes fixed more than ever upon
the discounted curate, the old man thanked
him for his discourse.
a. am Lord Warleigh,' he said 8. have
received your weekly statements as desired
they are excellent-come to me for an hour
tomorrow | shall expect you at eleven"
Before Mr. Benford had recovered his
composure his lordship had gone.
e. lie Is very kind, said the curate, when
he related the occurrence to bis wife - but
| don't like HIM His hand was like cold
iron-it felt as if i; had been a sword-and
what nuisance it is to be found in such a
dress -
But Mrs. Benford also had never seen
lord. and was devoted to the aristocracy.
=" His lordship is very kind, am sure, to
have asked YOU to the Castle. None of the
doctors have ever been there, nor any of the
attorneys
.. That's only a proof, - said Benford,
little tickled. it must be owned, with the dis
tincticn, d" that his lordship is in good health
and not litigious; but | shall Judge of him
better tomorrow.
4" He has many livings in his gift, " said
Mrs. Benford, thoughtfully.
" And is most liberal to the poor" chimed
in her husband.
What a handsome man he is said the
lady.
A fine voice." said the gentleman.
" Truly aristocratic. He is descended
IRON Otho the Sufferer.
d" And yet don't like him. His hand is
IKE sword " With which repeated observa-
ton the colloquy ended, and Benford pro-
oegled to the Sunday School.
now the interview went off on the Monday
"as never known. Benford was not man
ol observation, and took no notice Of the pc
eu.iaf ,;.I manner Of his reception the long gaze
Si'n winch Lord Warleigh seemed to study
I'M ni5 G;ou4tenance, !; and the pauses which occur
-eu III Ms conversation. He'was invited to
retuln On Tuesday, on Wednesday and
Nnen 'le fourth visit within week was an
n9unced 9 70 Mrs. Benford. there was no end
=. the vista Of wealth and dignity she FORE
ra,., .aS lfom the friendship of so powerful