Note 133 — Chapter XIV

One day Mr. Hill informed him that the living at Dunham, in Cheshire, then vacant, was at his service. “The parish (he continued) is small, the duty light, the income good (400l. per annum), and it is situated in a fine healthy sporting country.” After thanking Mr. Hill most cordially for his kindness, Mr. Fletcher added, “Alas! sir, Dunham will not suit me; there is too much money, and too little labour.” “Few clergymen make such objections (said Mr. Hill); it is a pity to decline such a living, as I do not know that I can find you another. What shall we do? Would you like Madely?” “That, sir, would be the very place for me.” “My object, Mr. Fletcher, is to make you comfortable in your own way. If you prefer Madely, I shall find no difficulty in persuading Chambers, the present vicar, to exchange it for Dunham, which is worth more than twice as much.” In this way he became vicar of Madely, with which he was so perfectly satisfied, that he never after sought any other honour or preferment.