The Westminster Gazette of Wednesday quotes a delightful story told
by one of the speakers at the meeting of the Catholic Truth Society held in Bristol on Tuesday. A pious Catholic once visited Westminster Abbey. Withdrawing into a quiet corner to pursue his private devotions, he was summoned in stentorian tones to come and view the Royal tombs and chapels. "But I have seen the Royal tombs," politely rejoined the stranger ; " I only wish to say my prayers."—" Prayers is over."—" Still I suppose there can be no objection to my saying my prayers quietly here," mildly pleaded the stranger.—" No objection, Sir ? " said the irate verger, "why, it would be an insult to the Dean and Chapter !" This is worthy of Sydney Smith, and distinctly better than the older form of the legend in which the verger sternly declares that " no fancy prayers are allowed here !"
Previous page
