THE LATE Da STOUGHTON AND THE ATHENEUM CLUB.
[TO THE EDITOR OF TILE -sritcrAroa."] Sta,—Yonr notice of Mr. Waugh's book in the Spectator of May 5th reminds me of a story connected with the Athena3um which was told me many years ago by the late Rev. Dr. Stoughton, the well-known Nonconformist, during some sittings he was giving me for a portrait. Possibly you may think it worth recording. He told me that he bad once received, somewhat to his surprise, an invitation to the banquet at the Royal Academy. Meeting Mr. E. M. Ward, R.A., a day or two after, he asked him if he could explain why he had been thus honoured. Ward replied, somewhat evasively, " Why, you are quite sufficiently known as a theologian and as a literary man to entitle you to an invita- tion without any further explanation." Dr. Stoughton, however, would not admit this, and still pressed his question. " Well," said Ward, " if you must know the truth, they had just invited Archbishop Manning, and I told them that as a set-off they ought to invite a leading Nonconformist, and suggested you." Shortly after this Dr. Stoughton was elected by the Committee to the Athenteum Club. It occurred earlier than he anticipated, and on going down to the Club he met Matthew Arnold, and begged him to explain why the honour had been thrust upon him so soon. " Well, to tell you the truth," said Arnold, " they had just elected Manning, and, to keep things balanced, they elected you." The coincidence is so curious that coming from any other source I should have been disposed to doubt it, but I give it almost in the Rev.
Doctor's own words.—I am, Sir, &c., SYDNEY HODGES.
4.9 Rolanil Gardens, S. W.
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