Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1873-06-14

ings.
But that was all to be changed under
the new reign for our bishop was not
only great scholar and great divine,
but strong man also, who would go
into every corner of his diocese, and see
with his own eyes how matters were
going on. He had only filed the throne
for two years, and this was his primary
visitation, and it was to be held in
twelve towns instead of two.
st. Bridget's was one among the
twelve, and Mrs. Ambrose had been
thinking about her luncheon for weeks,
when it occurred to the vicar that the
bishop might find it convenient to sleep
at st. Bridget's for anight either before
or after the yesitation.
He was asked, and accepted by return
of post. He would be glad to stay at
st. Bridget's vicarage on the night of
the Goth, which was the date of the
visitation.
Mrs. Ambrose was delighted with the
honor, but bewildered with the respon-
sibility and we had many consulta-
tions about his lordship's comfort, and
the proper mode of entertaining him,
and were very nervous lest something
had been omitted or forgotten at the
last moment.
But when he came, we forgot our
anxiety; he was so pleasant and genial,
and took everything SO easily, that
I thought he was much less formidable
than his chaplain--a dignifed parsonage
who seemed oppressed by the dignity
of his Office.
1t all went off nicely the luncheon
was charming the bishop affable, the
clergy in full attendance. Only one
disappointment occurred.
Our singing in church was not up to
the mark. Mrs. Henry's voice was not
heard once during the service and at
luncheon some of the visitors noticed
the omission.
Have you lost yourlovely contralto,
Mrs. Ambrose" inquired the rural
dean 81 did not hear her to-day"
"Oh, no, our mistress is still with
us. I don't know why she did not sing;
perhaps she has cold," replied Mrs.
Ambrose.
Then the conversation drifted into
educational channels, and Mrs. Henry
was forgotten.
But I knew that she had not cold.
l had heard her singing nifcently,
as passed the church when the choir
were practicing an hour before service,
and her silence puzzled me.
Presently the bishops courteous voice
was heard saying L hear your school
is doing remarkably well, Mrs. Am
brose will you take me to see it pres
emily ?"
Certainly, my lord"
And as soon as the general gathering
had dispersed, Mr.. and Mrs. Ambrose
and myself accompanied the bishop to
the school house. Neither the chaplain
nor the rural dean came with us, for
which we were afterwards thankful. /
entered with the vicar, the bishop hay-
ing fingered q moment at the door with
Mrs. Ambrose to admire the view of the
Southsire Wolds, with the sea glitter
ing beyond them in the distance.
"Here is the bishop come to see the
school, Mrs. Henry" said the vicar
blandly.
AS he spoke, he glanced round the
IOOlIl3 w pCO UlluU I'LL was Ill OluCI. L,
not thinking of the school, was looking
at Mrs. Henry. She flushed crimson,
and then turned white to the lips. With
a hasty movement, she passed round to
the other side of the great black board
on which she had been drawing map,
and the strange thought came into my
head is she trying to conceal her
self ?"
But the bishop was in the school by
this time, and the children stood at at
tention, and stared at his apron and silk
stockings with round-eyed amazement.
He turned to the mistress with civil
little speech of congratulation. Half
hidden behind the board, she swept
courtesy, but did not raise her eyes
and the lower part of her face was COW
cred, as if accidentally, by her handker-
chief. His lordship walked about
among the children, and the Ambroses
were delighted but ever as he moved,
Mrs. Henry kept behind him.
"Would you like to hear them sing,
my lord ?" inquired Mrs. Ambrose
cheerfully.
What could the bishop do but say
tnat he should ike 1t
:" A short song, please Mrs. Henry"
said the vicar, as he ranged up to the
fireplace, where the bishop stood with
his hands behind him.
Mrs. Henry, still on the other side of
the great black board, made a sign to
the children, who put their hands be-
hind them. Hers were quiet as usual,
but they were trembling. The song
began only some common school mel
ody, but it startled the bishop.
"God bless me' he cried hurriedly,
stepping forward, and looking round
the black board.
Mrs. Henry had not sung ten notes.
Once started, the children went on by
themselves, and her voice was silent
but the bishop had heard enough.
Straight round the black board he
went with long eager strides, and in an
other minute he had his hands on Mrs.
Henrys shoulders, forcing her to look
up.
81 knew it," he said emphatically,
while Mrs. Ambrose and and the vicar
stared, and the children sang on
noisily.
He was holding her hand in both of
his now, as if he never meant to let it
go again.
my lord, you forget p she said, try
ing to escape.
-" Hester Murray, I remember p was
all he said, but her eyes sank, and the
color came flushing over her face Not
withstanding the quaint cap and hide
GUS gown, she looked beautiful then.
Mr.. Ambrose came to his senses first,
and covered the situation. Luckily
the children had not heard word.