The Chancellor's Promise.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 28 May 1891, Page 2

The Chancellor's Promise.

Lord Chancellor Eldon, when thoroughly moved, was capable otto generous actions. As Lord Chance]^ lor his ecclesiastical patronage was large. He showed liberality and humanity in bestowing; gbod " livings " upon meritorious clergyman. One morning Lord Eldon was sitting in his study, and working slowly to lesson the huge pile of papers which encumbered his desk. A young and beautiful girl was shown in. Her rustic attire and sligh embarressment prompted the old man to rise, and with a courteous bow to ask — " Who are you, my dear ?" v " Lord Eldon," replied the blushing maiden, "I am Bessie Bridge, the daughter of the Vicar of Weobly, and papa has sent me to remind you of a promise which, you made him when I was a little baby, and you were a guest in his house. It was when you were first elected as a member ot Parliament for Weobley." v 11 A promise, my dear ? " exclaimed the perplexed Chancellor. . / ■ " Y«s, my lord, a promise. You were standing over my cradle, and papa said to you, * Mr Scott, promise me that if ever you are Lord Chancellor, and my little girl is a poor clergyman's wife, you will give her husband a living.' , You answered 'Mr Bridge, My promise is Apt woiph half-a-crown, but 1 give it to' yjou wishing it were worth more." ' ''■'■ " You are right, my. dear, I remember the promise, and admit the obligation,' exclaimed the Chancellor enthusiastically. Then, looking at the damsel, he added with a smile, " But surely the time for keeping my promise has not yet arrived ? You cannot be anyone's wife at present ?" " No, my lord," answered Bessie, hesitatingly ; " but Ido so wish to be somebody's wife." Then she blushed and continued— " There's a living in Herefordshire, near my old home, that has recently fallen vacant, and if you will give it to Alfred, why then, my lord, we shall be married before the end of the year." ■ ; The Chancellor rang his bell, and directed his secretary to make put the presentation of the living to " Bessie's Alfred." Then the old man kissed the young lady, and sent her on her way in love with Lord Eldon and at peace with all the world. l^*