'Is there soon to be a confirmation?' 'Yes. In this parish--the first time in Welland church for twenty years. As I say, I had told 'em that he was confirmed the same year that I went
up to have it done, as I have very good cause to mind. When we went to
be examined, the pa'son said to me, "Rehearse the articles of thy
belief." Mr. Blount (as he was then) was nighest me, and he whispered,
"Women and wine." "Women and wine," says I to the pa'son: and for that I
was sent back till next confirmation, Sir Blount never owning that he was
the rascal.' 'Confirmation was a sight different at that time,' mused Biles. 'The
Bishops didn't lay it on so strong then as they do now. Now-a-days, yer
Bishop gies both hands to every Jack-rag and Tom-straw that drops the
knee afore him; but 'twas six chaps to one blessing when we was boys.
The Bishop o' that time would stretch out his palms and run his fingers over
our row of crowns as off-hand as a bank gentleman telling money. The
great lords of the Church in them days wasn't particular to a soul or two
more or less; and, for my part, I think living was easier for 't.' 'The new Bishop, I hear, is a bachelor-man; or a widow gentleman is it?'
asked Mrs. Martin.
'Bachelor, I believe, ma'am. Mr. San Cleeve, making so bold, you've
never faced him yet, I think?' Mrs. Martin shook her head.
'No; it was a piece of neglect. I hardly know how it happened,' she
said.
'I am going to, this time,' said Swithin, and turned the chat to other
matters.