Note 69 — CONNOP THIRLWALL[18].

He particularly disliked gossip. At Kirby Underdale the old sexton used to relate how Mr Thirlwall said, ‘I never ’ears no tales’; and the following story shows that he maintained the same wise discretion after he became a bishop. One of his archdeacons thought it right to tell him that a certain clergyman in the diocese, who was a clever mimic, was fond of entertaining his friends with imitations of the Bishop. Thirlwall listened, and then inquired, ‘Does he do me well?’ ‘I am sure I cannot say, my Lord,’ replied the informer; ‘I was never present myself at one of these disgraceful exhibitions.’ ‘Ah! I should like to know, because he does you admirably,’ replied the Bishop. It is needless to say that no more stories were carried to his ears.