I had engaged to dine with the High Sheriff, who lived three or four
miles away from the town, in a very beautiful part of the country; so
there was everything to make one glad, except the Assizes. Added to
all this pleasurable excitement, the Chester Cup was to be run for in
the meanwhile, and I had many old friends who I knew would be there,
and whom I should have been glad to meet had it been possible.

The Sheriff had made most elaborate calculations from his Bradshaw and
other sources as to the times of departure and arrival by train. I did
not know what to do, so arranged with the stationmaster at Chester to
shunt my carriage till the afternoon, having no doubt I should be able
to fulfil my engagements easily.

It so happened, however, that the racing arrangements of the railway
had been completely disturbed by the great crowds of visitors, and the
result was that I did not reach Carnarvon at the proper time, and my
arrival in that place was delayed for nearly an hour.

Nevertheless, I opened the Commission, and the High Sheriff asked me
if I would allow him to go on to his house to receive his guests, whom
he had invited to meet me, and permit the chaplain to escort me in the
performance of my duties.

Having dressed in full uniform, I got into the carriage with the
chaplain, who was quite a lively companion, of an enterprising turn of
mind, and desirous of learning something of the world. I could have
taught him a good deal, I have no doubt, had I allowed myself to be
drawn. My friend had no great conversational powers, but was possessed
of an inquiring mind. After we had ridden a little way, to my great
amusement he asked me if I had any favourite _motto_ that I could tell
him, so that he might keep it in his memory.

"Yes," said I, "I have a very good one," and cheerfully said, "Never
fret."

This, when I explained it to him, especially with reference to my
business arrangements, seemed to please him very much. It was as good
as saying, "Don't fret because you can't preach two sermons from two
pulpits at the same time."

He asked if he might write it down in his pocket-book, and I told him
by all means, and hoped he would.

"Excellent!" he murmured as he wrote it: "Never fret."

He then asked modestly if I could give him any other pithy saying
which would be worthy of remembrance.

"Yes," said I, thinking a little, "I recollect one very good thing
which you will do well to remember: Never say anyt