. He always went
with his hands in his pockets, walking quick, but shuffling sometimes
in step as though with hesitation, stooping somewhat, absent
occasionally, going about with his chin stuck out before him, as
though he were seeking something,--he knew not what. A more generous
fellow, who delighted more in giving, hesitated more in asking, more
averse to begging though a friend of beggars, less self-arrogant, or
self-seeking, or more devoted to his profession, never lived. He was
a man with prejudices,--kindly, gentlemanlike, amiable prejudices. He
thought that a clergyman should be a graduate from one of the three
universities,--including Trinity, Dublin; and he thought, also,
that a clergyman should be a gentleman. He thought that Dissenters
were,--a great mistake. He thought that Convocation should be
potential. He thought that the Church had certain powers and
privileges which Parliament could not take away except by spoliation.
He thought that a parson should always be well-dressed,--according to
his order. He thought that the bishop of his diocese was the purest,
best, and noblest peer in England. He thought that Newton Churchyard
was, of all spots on earth, the most lovely. He thought very little
of himself. And he thought that of all the delights given by God for
the delectation of his creatures, the love of Clarissa Underwood
would be the most delightful. In all these thinkings he was astray,
carried away by prejudices which he was not strong enough to
withstand. But the joint effect of so many faults in judgment was not
disagreeable; and, as one result of that effect, Gregory Newton was
loved and respected and believed in by all men and women, poor and
rich, who lived within knowledge of his name. His uncle Gregory, who
was wont to be severe in his judgment on men, would declare that the
Rev. Gregory,--as he was called,--was perfect. But then the Squire
was a man who was himself very much subject to prejudices.

There was now, and ever had been, great freedom of discussion between
Ralph Newton of the Priory and his cousin Gregory,--if under the
circumstances the two young men may be called cousins,--respecting
the affairs of the property. There was naturally much to check or to
prevent such freedom. Their own interests in regard to the property
were, as far as they went, adverse. The young parson might possibly
inherit the whole of the estate, whereas he was aware that the
present Squire would move heaven