"I have this day received …"
At the same moment the vicar put his hand into his pocket and began in the same words.
"I have this day received …"
Both stopped. "I interrupted you, Mr. Pentecrosse," said the vicar.
"Nay, sir; after you."
"Let us not stand on ceremony, Mr. Pentecrosse. What have you received?"
"I have received a letter from London."
"Mine is from Cambridge. You were about to speak of your letter?"
"It concerns Sam Semple, once my pupil, now secretary to the Lord Fylingdale, who has his quarters overhead."
"What does your correspondent tell you about Sam? That he is the equal of Mr. Pope and the superior to Mr. Addison, or that his verses are echoes—sound without sense—trash and pretence? Though they cost me a guinea."