Pagina 199 di 817

"My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world

of your excellent judgment in all matters within the scope of

your understanding, but permit me to say that there must be a

wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst

the laity and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave

to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point

of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom--provided that a

proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You

must, therefore, allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience

on this occasion, which lead me to perform what I look on as a

point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice,

which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though

in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education

and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young lady

like yourself;" and with a low bow he left her to attack Mr.