their knees, to count the congregation, or see if any of his
tenants are missing.

I was yesterday very much surprised to hear my old friend, in the
midst of the service, calling out to one John Mathews to mind
what he was about, and not disturb the congregation. This John
Mathews it seems is remarkable for being an idle fellow, and at
that time was kicking his heels for his diversion. This
authority of the Knight, though exerted in that odd manner which
accompanies him in all circumstances of life, has a very good
effect upon the parish, who are not polite enough to see anything
ridiculous in his behaviour; besides that the general good sense
and worthiness of his character makes his friends observe these
little singularities as foils that rather set off than blemish
his good qualities.

As soon as the sermon is finished, no body presumes to stir till
Sir Roger is gone out of the church. The Knight walks down from
his seat in the chancel between a double row of his tenants, that
stand bowing to him on each side; and every now and then enquires
how such an one's wife, or mother, or son, or father do, whom he
does not see at church; which is understood as a secret reprimand
to the person that is absent.

The chaplain has often told me, that upon a catechising day, when
Sir Roger has been pleased with a boy that answers well, he has
ordered a Bible to be given him next day for his encouragement;
and sometimes accompanies it with a flitch of bacon to his
mother. Sir Roger has likewise added five pounds a year to the
clerk's place; and that he may encourage the young fellows to