Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1899 — Surprised. [ARTICLE]

Surprised.

An old clergyman who had held a cure in a remote country district for the greater part of his life had occasion, relates a contemporary, to consult his bishop on a certain matter, and, in answer to his letter, received an invitation to the palace, where he would have to stay all night. For forty or fifty years he had practically led the life of a recluse, and it was after much cogitation that be decided to take the journey to the farther end of the diocese, where the bishop lived. He arrived just in time for 5 o’clock tea, a meal to which he was a complete stranger. After tea the bishop asked him to accompany him to evensong. When they returned to the house the bishop, remarking that it was quite time they went upstairs, lighted a candle, and showed his guest to his room. It was then just 7 o’clock; the old clergyman thought it was rather early to retire, but, admiring the bishop for such simple habits, he prepared for bed. He had just put out the light and tain down to sleep, wishing he had eaten a little more tea, when a booming noise rang through the house. Quick a* thought he sprang from his bed, and, shouting “Fire!” at the top of his voice, rushed out on to the landing just in time to meet the bishop, with some other guests, going down to dinner.