“O, I must make acquaintance with her snuffs, of course. Have you a pinch about you?”
“And what is your occupation now, White?” inquired lord F——.
“The last thing I had to do, my lord, was lining your lordship’s pew at church, and covering the hassocks.”
“And what did your priest say to that?”
“Lord, sir, I cleared scores with the priest long ago; ever since I was employed to white-wash the Baptist chapel.”
“Were you once a Catholic?” inquired Letitia.
“Yes, my lady. There was carving work to do at Sir William’s chapel, and I got a good long job.”
“And were a Catholic while it lasted, and a Baptist after white-washing the meeting-house?”
“To be sure, my lady; I took a part in the week-day meetings after that.”
“Till you were employed to line my pew; and now, I dare say, you are a very good churchman?”