r an awful experience, but there was no awe about
the pleasant meals in Butler's dining-room (now the head Master's
study), for he was unaffectedly kind, overflowing with happiness,
and tactful in adapting his conversation to the capacities of his
guests.

It was rather more alarming to face him at the periodical inspection
of one's Form. ("Saying to the Head Master" was the old phrase, then
lapsing out of date.) We used to think that he found a peculiar interest
in testing the acquirements of such boys as he knew personally, and
of those whose parents were his friends; so that on these occasions
it was a doubtful privilege to "know him," as the phrase is, "at
home." Till one reached the Sixth Form these social and official
encounters with Butler were one's only opportunities of meeting
him at close quarters; but every Sunday evening we heard him preach
in the Chapel, and the cumulative effect of his sermons was, at
least in many cases, great. They were always written in beautifully
clear and fluent English, and were often decorated with a fine
quotation in prose or verse. In substance they were extraordinarily
simple, though not childish. For example, he often preached on
such practical topics as Gambling, National Education; and the
Housing of the Poor, as well as on themes more obviously and directly
religious. He was at his best in commemorating a boy who had died
in the School, when his genuine sympathy with sorrow made itself
unmistakably felt. But whatever was the subject, whether public or
domestic, he always treated it in the same simply Christian spirit.
I know from his own lips that he had never passed through those
depths of spiritual experience which go to make a great preacher;
but his sermons revealed in every sentence a pure, chivalrous, and
duty-loving heart. One of his intimate friends once spoke of his
"Arthur-like" character, and the epithet was exactly right.

His most conspicuous gift was unquestionably his eloquence. His
fluency, beauty of phrase, and happy power of turning "from grave
to gay, from lively to severe," made him extraordinarily effective
on a platform or at a social gathering. Once (in the autumn of
1870) he injured his right arm, and so was prevented from writing
his sermons. For three or four Sundays he preached extempore, and
even boys who did not usually care for sermons were fascinated
by his oratory.

In the region of thought I doubt if he exercised any great influence.
To