gland a very stupid place, determined to travel; he went to
Italy; how he passed his time there he knows best, to other people it is
a matter of little importance. At the end of two years he returned with
a real or assumed contempt for everything English, and especially for the
Church to which he belongs, and out of which he is supported. He
forthwith gave out that he had left behind him all his Church of England
prejudices, and, as a proof thereof, spoke against sacerdotal wedlock and
the toleration of schismatics. In an evil hour for myself he was
introduced to me by a clergyman of my acquaintance, and from that time I
have been pestered, as I was this morning, at least once a week. I
seldom enter into any discussion with him, but fix my eyes on the
portrait over the mantelpiece, and endeavour to conjure up some comic
idea or situation, whilst he goes on talking tomfoolery by the hour about
Church authority, schismatics, and the unlawfulness of sacerdotal
wedlock; occasionally he brings with him a strange kind of being, whose
acquaintance he says he made in Italy. I believe he is some sharking
priest, who has come over to proselytize and plunder. This being has
some powers of conversation and some learning, but carries the
countenance of an arch villain; Platitude is evidently his tool."

"Of what religion are you?" said I to my host.

"That of the Vicar of Wakefield--good, quiet, Church of England which
would live and let live, practises charity, and rails at no one; where
the priest is the husband of one wife, takes care of his family and his
parish--such is the religion for me, though I confess I have hitherto
thought too little of religious matters. When, however, I have completed
this plaguy work on which I am engaged, I hope to be able to devote more
attention to them."

After some further conversation, the subjects being, if I remember right,
college education, priggism, church authority, tomfoolery, and the like,
I rose and said to my host, "I must now leave you".

"Whither are you going?"

"I do not know."

"Stay here, then--you shall be welcome as many days, months, and years as
you please to stay."

"Do you think I would hang upon another man? No, not if he were Emperor
of all the Chinas. I will now make my preparations, and then bid you
farewell."

I retired to my apartment and collected the handful of things which I
carried with me on my travels.

"I will walk a little way with you," s