“There may be more causes for that than we guess of,” said the clergyman, mysteriously. “I would not be uncharitable, but—”
“But what?”
“Oh, when he was young, our great man was not so correct, I fancy, as he is now.”
“So I have heard it whispered; but nothing against him was ever known.”
“Hem—it is very odd!”
“What’s very odd?”
“Why, but it’s a secret—I dare say it’s all very right.”
“Oh, I sha’n’t say a word. Are you going to the cathedral?—don’t let me keep you standing. Now, pray proceed!”
“Well, then, yesterday I was doing duty in a village more than twenty miles hence, and I loitered in the village to take an early dinner; and, afterwards, while my horse was feeding, I strolled down the green.”
“Well—well?”