Had they been going to tear him to pieces with wild beasts next day, he could scarcely have looked more meek, or resigned himself more pathetically to the persecutors.

But I am advancing matters.

At this early time of which I write, a period not twenty years since, surplices were not even thought of in conjunction with sermons: clerical gentlemen have appeared in them, and under the heavy hand of persecution have sunk down in their pulpits again, as Jack pops back into his box.

Charles Honeyman's elegant discourses were at this time preached in a rich silk Master of Arts' gown, presented to him, along with a teapot full of sovereigns, by his affectionate congregation at Leatherhead.
But that I may not be accused of prejudice in describing Mrs.Newcome and her family, and lest the reader should suppose that some slight offered to the writer by this wealthy and virtuous banker's lady was the secret reason for this unfavourable sketch of her character, let me be allowed to report, as accurately as I can remember them, the words of a kinsman of her own, -- -- Giles, Esquire, whom I had the honour of meeting at her table, and who, as we walked away from Bryanstone Square, was kind enough to discourse very freely about the relatives whom he had just left.
"That was a good dinner, sir," said Mr.Giles, puffing the cigar which I offered to him, and disposed to be very social and communicative.
"Hobson Newcome's table is about as good a one as any I ever put my legs under.

You didn't have twice of turtle, sir, I remarked that--I always do, at that house especially, for I know where Newcome gets it.