1862] SNELSTON. 213 



but I won't return without a last try, so took the sexton 

 aside, and tipped him, with a request to get the vicar to 

 come and see me, as I had special business with him. He 

 pocketed the shilling, and soon returned with his chief. 

 We stepped into the churchyard, and I told him my errand. 



" ' You're too late,' replied he ; ' the tenders were sent 

 in last week, and we've fixed for our man to-day. In fact, 

 we were about to vote when my clerk called me out. I 

 thought you wanted me about a wedding or a funeral.' 



" ' Cannot you, sir,' I exclaimed, ' put it off another 

 week ? I never saw the advertisement till this morn- 

 ing, and I started without breakfast in such a hurry that 

 I did not even read the notice to learn the date. If you 

 will let me see the plans for five minutes I'll tell if I can 

 bid for the work. Give me a chance. I've been begging 

 my father to let me begin church work for years, and this 

 morning he consented. If I go back without seeing the 

 plans he will never assent again.' 



" He must have seen I was as near crying as a school- 

 boy who has forgotten his lessons or blundered over his 

 copybook. 



" ' Well, young friend,' he answered, ' come with me 

 to the vestry, and I will try what I can do for you to get a 

 few days' delay.' 



" We went, and the good parson spoke. 



" ' Who is he — a friend of yours ? ' * Is he an architect ? ' 

 ' Who recommended him ? ' was the cry round the table. 



" The vicar looked nonplussed ; but the insolent tone 

 of the speakers roused my Welsh blood, and all my fears 

 vanished. 



" ' Gentlemen,' I said, ' I am a total stranger to your 

 good vicar, though he has admitted me to you. I am not 

 an architect, but a carpenter. I have no recommendation, 

 for I started in such a hurry, after reading the advertise- 

 ment, that I could not go to ask for any ; but Sir C. 

 Leighton or Mr. Harrison, of Snelston Hall, for whom I 

 have worked and repaired carvings, would have given me 

 them had I asked.' 



