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CHAP. VI.] PEOKHAM SCHOOL A.ND GEUB STEEET.
hear many arguments and differences in doctrine or
dogma discussed; and, in connection with these, it seems to have occurred to her one day to ask Mr. Goldsmith what particular commentator on the Scriptures he would recom- mend ; when, after a pause, the usher replied, with much earnestness., that in his belief common-sense was the best interpreter of the sacred writings.*
What other reminiscences she indulged took a lighter and
indeed humourous tone. He was very good-natured, she said; played ah1 lands of tricks on the servants and the boys, of which he had no lack of return in kind; told entertaining stories ; "was remarkably cheerful, both in the "family and with the young gentlemen of the school; " and amused everybody with his flute. Two of his practical jokes on Doctor Mihier's servant, or footboy, were thought worth putting in a notebook by the worthy gentleman,! a neighbour of Miss Milner's at Islington, to whom she related them. Thinking that they somewhat pleasantly illustrated the " humour and cheerfulness of Goldsmith," he was careful, after "receiving them from Miss Milner on drinking tea " with her," to write them down immediately on his return liome. And as even biography has its critics jealous for its due and proper dignity, the present writer had perhaps better anticipate a possible objection to these and other anecdotes which in this narrative will first be read, by pleading also the apology of Miss Milner's friend, that " however trivial " they may be, there are some young persons to whom they " may prove acceptable."
"William was the name of the schoolmaster's servant, and
Ms duty being to wait on the young gentlemen at table, clean their shoes, and so forth, he was not, in social position, so
* Oent, Mag, Ixxxvii. 277. t Mr. John Evans, of Puffin's Bow, Islington.
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