"For one thing he has a wonderfully retentive memory.

Of course it is useless to pretend that I should not have been better pleased if he had remained a member of 'the old body'; but, wherever he is, I shall be very grateful if the small seeds I have sown are allowed to bear the blossom and fruit of a useful Christian life." "Yes, yes! just so, exactly so!" said the vicar; "but having chosen the Church of his own free will, I am very anxious he should get on well and be an honour to her." He held out his silver snuff-box towards the preacher, who declined the luxury, but Ebben Owens accepted it with evident appreciation.
"There is one thing," said the vicar, turning to Will, "which I think very necessary for your advancement.

You must make your uncle's acquaintance.

Dr.Owen is a personal friend of the bishop's, and they say no one to whom he is unfriendly gets on in the Church." "I hope he is not unfriendly to me," said Will, tossing his hair off his forehead.

"I have never troubled him in any way, or claimed his acquaintance." "Have you never spoken to him ?" "Only as a child," said Will haughtily.