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as to imply that they thought it high time for him to retire.
He could nurse his ailments comfortably on such an in-
come. Two or three curates who had hoped for preferment
told their wives it was scandalous to give a parish that need-
ed a young, strong, and energetic man to an old fellow who
knew nothing of parochial work, and had feathered his nest
already; but the mutterings of the unbeneficed clergy do not
reach the ears of a cathedral Chapter. And as for the parish-
ioners they had nothing to say in the matter, and therefore
nobody asked for their opinion. The Wesleyans and the
Baptists both had chapels in the village.
When Dr. Fleming was thus disposed of it became neces-
sary to find a successor. It was contrary to the traditions of
the school that one of the lower-masters should be chosen.
The common-room was unanimous in desiring the elec-
tion of Mr. Watson, headmaster of the preparatory school;
he could hardly be described as already a master of King’s
School, they had all known him for twenty years, and there
was no danger that he would make a nuisance of himself.
But the Chapter sprang a surprise on them. It chose a man
called Perkins. At first nobody knew who Perkins was, and
the name favourably impressed no one; but before the shock
of it had passed away, it was realised that Perkins was the
son of Perkins the linendraper. Dr. Fleming informed the
masters just before dinner, and his manner showed his con-
sternation. Such of them as were dining in, ate their meal
almost in silence, and no reference was made to the mat-
ter till the servants had left the room. Then they set to. The
names of those present on this occasion are unimportant,