.

.

May I ask what part you have chosen ?" "I had thoughts of Alberic de Blanchminster, in an Episode of the 'Founding of St.Hospital.'" "Alberic de Blanchminster ?" They had reached the outer court of the hospital, and Brother Copas, halting to take snuff, eyed the Chaplain as if taking his measure.
"But the Committee, in compliment to my inches, are pressing me to take William the Conqueror," said Mr.Colt almost bashfully.
"I, too, should advise it, if we are to adhere to history; though, to be sure, from the sole mention of him in the chronicle, our founder Alberic appears to have been a sportsman.

'_ Nam, quodam die, quia perdiderat accipitrem suum cum erat sub divo, detrexit sibi bracas et posteriora nuda ostendit caelo in signum opprobrii et convitii atque derisionis._'-- You remember the passage ?" He paused mischievously, knowing well enough that the Chaplain would laugh, pretending to have followed the Latin.

Sure enough, Mr.Colt laughed heartily.
"About William the Conqueror, though--" But at this moment Corona came skipping through the archway.
"Uncle Copas!" she hailed, the vault echoing to her childish treble.
"You look as though you had mistaken Mr.Colt for a visitor, and were telling him all about the history of the place.