Children. Silver.
H.M.I. Quite right; and this? (fumbling for a half-sovereign, but on failing to find it, rashly flourishing his seal ring in their faces).
Children (to the infinite amusement of the Vicar's daughter). Brass!
H.M.I. My dear children, no! It's gold. Look more closely at it, now—yes, you may hand it round. Now what use do you think I have for this ring?
Little Girl. Please, Sir, to be married with. (Vicar's daughter convulsed in the corner.)
H.M.I. No, no! Men don't wear wedding rings. But when your father seals a letter what does he do it with?
Little boy (briskly). Please, sir, a brass farden.
Another good school story is told by the late Rev. Robert Lamb, already quoted.
This was also a school examination, and the particular topic the Apostles' Creed. I may venture to repeat the story without being charged with irreverence, considering that it is told by a clergyman. The boys in the class had evidently been drilled in the subject for some days previously, and each of them had his own special portion to repeat as his turn came.
"By whom was He conceived?" the Examiner asked from the book.