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.ngton, lent to me by Mr. Jerrold. only full of papers. But