t
scholar, and has not forgotten, in the zealous discharge of his sacred
duties, the pursuits of literature and philosophy, in which he had
gained no inconsiderable distinction in his youth. He derives a very
moderate income from his living; but it is even more than sufficient for
his necessities. Ever since Mr. Aubrey's devotion to politics has
carried him away from Yatton for a considerable portion of each year,
Dr. Tatham has been the right hand counsellor of old Mrs. Aubrey, in all
her pious and charitable plans and purposes. Every New-year's day, there
come from the Hall to the vicarage six dozen of fine old port wine--a
present from Mrs. Aubrey; but the little doctor (though he never tells
her so) scarce drinks six bottles of them in a year. Two dozen of them
go, within a few days' time, to a poor brother parson in an adjoining
parish, who, with his wife and three children--all in feeble health--can
hardly keep body and soul together, and who, but for this generous
brother, would not probably taste wine throughout the year, except on
certain occasions when the very humblest may moisten their poor lips
with wine--I mean the SACRAMENT--the sublime and solemn festival given
by One who doth not forget the poor and destitute, however in their
misery they may sometimes think to the contrary!--The remainder of his
little present Dr. Tatham distributes in small quantities among such of
his parishioners as may require it, and may not happen to have come
under the immediate notice of Mrs. Aubrey. Dr. Tatham has known Mr.
Aubrey ever since he was about five years old. 'Twas the doctor that
first taught him Greek and Latin; and, up to his going to college, gave
him the frequent advantage of his learned experience.--But surely I have
gone into a very long digression, and must return.

While Miss Aubrey, accompanied by her sister-in-law, and followed by a
servant carrying a great bag, filled with articles brought from London
the day before, went to the school which I have before mentioned, in
order to distribute her prizes and presents, Mr. Aubrey and Dr. Tatham
set off on a walk through the village.

"I must really do something for that old steeple of yours, Doctor," said
Mr. Aubrey, looking up, and shading his eyes with his hands, as, arm in
arm, they approached the church; "it looks crumbling away in many
parts!"

"If you'd only send a couple of masons to repair the _porch_, and make
it weather-tight, it would satisfy me