Can you imagine anything more charming than the lines-- "'I sat, in silent peace of even, On humble bench before my cot' ?" "Was he poor once ?" asked Madeleine, quickly.
Fanny laughed; but the chaplain explained, in a clear and good-natured way, that the poem had been written after Sparre had become dean, and that the cottage was merely a poetical way of expressing his great simplicity.
Madeleine felt that she had asked a foolish question, and went to the window and looked out into the street.
"Yes," continued the chaplain, "there is something about the dean I can never quite understand.

I never can quite make up my mind exactly where it lies; but when you are face to face with him, you feel his power and superiority.

I might almost say he seems to fascinate you.

When he is made a bishop--" "A bishop ?" asked Fanny.
"Yes, indeed; there is no doubt that the dean will have the first bishopric that becomes vacant.

I have heard it publicly mentioned." "No, really! I should never have thought of it," said Fanny.