ich gives one a better idea of the affluence of European scenery, than
almost any other spot I can recall in America. To my hurdy-gurdy:

I made my first essay as a musician in public beneath the windows of the
principal inn of Troy. I cannot say much in favour of the instrument,
though I trust the playing itself was somewhat respectable. This I know
full well, that I soon brought a dozen fair faces to the windows of the
inn, and that each was decorated with a smile. Then it was that I
regretted the monkey. Such an opening could not but awaken the dormant
ambition of even a "patriot" of the purest water, and I will own I was
gratified.

Among the curious who thus appeared, were two whom I at once supposed to
be father and daughter. The former was a clergyman, and, as I fancied by
something in his air, of "_the_ Church," begging pardon of those who
take offence at this exclusive title, and to whom I will just give a
hint in passing. Any one at all acquainted with mankind, will at once
understand that no man who is certain of possessing any particular
advantage, ever manifests much sensibility because another lays claim to
it also. In the constant struggles of the jealous, for instance, on the
subject of that universal source of jealous feeling, social position,
the man or woman who is conscious of claims never troubles himself or
herself about them. For them the obvious fact is sufficient. If it be
answered to this that the pretension of "_the_ Church" is exclusive, I
shall admit it is, and "conclusive," too. It is not exclusive, however,
in the sense urged, since no one denies that there are many branches to
"the Church," although those branches do not embrace everything. I would
advise those who take offence at "our" styling "ourselves" "_the_
Church," to style themselves "_the_ Church," just as they call all their
parsons bishops, and see who will care about it. That is a touchstone
which will soon separate the true metal from the alloy.

My parson, I could easily see, was a _Church_ clergyman--not a
_meeting_-house clergyman. How I ascertained that fact at a glance, I
shall not reveal; but I also saw in his countenance some of that
curiosity which marks simplicity of character: it was not a vulgar
feeling, but one which induced him to beckon me to approach a little
nearer. I did so, when he invited me in. It was a little awkward, at
first, I must acknowledge, to be beckoned about in this manner; but
there was somet