be reduced.'

"Sir Launcelot not only condoled with him upon his misfortune, but
desired him to throw up the second cure, and he would pay him ten pounds
a year out of his own pocket. 'Your generosity confounds me, good sir,'
replied the clergyman; 'and yet I ought not to be surprised at any
instance of benevolence in Sir Launcelot Greaves; but I will check the
fulness of my heart. I shall only observe, that your good intention
towards me can hardly take effect. The gentleman, who is to succeed the
late incumbent, has given me notice to quit the premises, as he hath
provided a friend of his own for the curacy.' 'What!' cried the knight,
'does he mean to take your bread from you, without assigning any other
reason?' 'Surely, sir,' replied the ecclesiastic, 'I know of no other
reason. I hope my morals are irreproachable, and that I have done my
duty with a conscientious regard; I may venture an appeal to the
parishioners among whom I have lived these seventeen years. After all,
it is natural for every man to favour his own friends in preference to
strangers. As for me, I propose to try my fortune in the great city, and
I doubt not but Providence will provide for me and my little ones.'

"To this declaration Sir Launcelot made no reply; but, riding home, set
on foot a strict inquiry into the character of this man, whose name was
Jenkins. He found that he was a reputed scholar, equally remarkable for
his modesty and good life; that he visited the sick, assisted the needy,
compromised disputes among his neighbours, and spent his time in such a
manner as would have done honour to any Christian divine. Thus informed,
the knight sent for the gentleman to whom the living had been promised,
and accosted him to this effect: 'Mr. Tootle, I have a favour to ask of
you. The person who serves the cure of this parish is a man of good
character, beloved by the people, and has a large family. I shall be
obliged to you if you will continue him in the curacy.' The other told
him he was sorry he could not comply with his request, being that he had
already promised the curacy to a friend of his own. 'No matter,' replied
Sir Launcelot, 'since I have not interest with you, I will endeavour to
provide for Mr. Jenkins in some other way.'

"That same afternoon he walked over to the curate's house, and told
him that he had spoken in his behalf to Dr. Tootle, but the curacy was
pre-engaged. The good man having made a thousand acknow