The Sheriff had made most elaborate calculations from his Bradshaw and other sources as to the times of departure and arrival by train.  I did not know what to do, so arranged with the stationmaster at Chester to shunt my carriage till the afternoon, having no doubt I should be able to fulfil my engagements easily.

It so happened, however, that the racing arrangements of the railway had been completely disturbed by the great crowds of visitors, and the result was that I did not reach Carnarvon at the proper time, and my arrival in that place was delayed for nearly an hour.

Nevertheless, I opened the Commission, and the High Sheriff asked me if I would allow him to go on to his house to receive his guests, whom he had invited to meet me, and permit the chaplain to escort me in the performance of my duties.

Having dressed in full uniform, I got into the carriage with the chaplain, who was quite a lively companion, of an enterprising turn of mind, and desirous of learning something of the world.  I could have taught him a good deal, I have no doubt, had I allowed myself to be drawn.  My friend had no great conversational powers, but was possessed of an inquiring mind.  After we had ridden a little way, to my great amusement he asked me if I had any favourite motto that I could tell him, so that he might keep it in his memory.

“Yes,” said I, “I have a very good one,” and cheerfully said, “Never fret.”

This, when I explained it to him, especially with reference to my business arrangements, seemed to please him very much.  It was as good as saying, “Don’t fret because you can’t preach two sermons from two pulpits at the same time.”

He asked if he might write it down in his pocket-book, and I told him by all means, and hoped he would.

“Excellent!” he murmured as he wrote it:  “Never fret.”

He then asked modestly if I could give him any other pithy saying which would be worthy of remembrance.

“Yes,” said I, thinking a little, “I recollect one very good thing which you will do well to remember:  Never say anything you think will be disagreeable to other persons.”

He expressed great admiration for this, as it sounded so original, and was particularly adapted to the clergy.

“Oh,” said he, “that’s in the real spirit of Christianity.”

“Is that so?” I asked, as he wrote it down in his book; and he seemed to admire it exceedingly after he had written it, even more than the other.

Then he said he really did not like to trouble me, but it was the first time he had had the honour of occupying the position of Sheriff’s chaplain, etc.; but might he trouble me for another motto, or something that might go as a kind of companion to the others in his pocket-book?

This a little puzzled me, but I felt that he took me now for a sage, and that my reputation as such was at stake.  I had nothing in stock, but wondered if it would be possible to make one for him while he waited.