THIS TABLET WAS ERECTED BY SUBSCRIPTION
AMONG HIS SORROWING FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS
OF THE BOROUGH HE, LIVING, ADORNED WITH HIS WISDOM
AND DYING, ENDOWED WITH HIS WEALTH
AS WITH HIS EXAMPLE.
FORTIBUS ET COELUM PATRIA
He spelled out the inscription slowly, and, turning at the sound of a
footstep in the porch, was aware of a tall figure in the doorway--his
own faithful Scipio.
Least of all was Scipio changed. Ten years apparently had not even
tarnished his livery. It shone in its accustomed scarlet and green
and gold in the rays which, falling through the windows of the south
aisle, lit up his white teeth and his habitual gentle grin.
"Mistah will be studyin' de board--berry fine board. Not so fine
board in Cornwall, dey tell me."
The Major turned his face, avoiding recognition.
"No, not dat; dat's modern trash," went on Scipio, affably, following
his gaze. "Good man, all same, Massa Hymen; lef plenty money.
One hundred fifty pound. Lef Cai Tamblyn fifty. Every person say
remarkable difference. But doan' you look at _him_; he's modern
trash. Massa Hymen lef' me _one_ hundred fifty pound. Dat all go to
board up yonder, you see; 'Scipio Johnson, Esquire, of this Parish'
in red letters an' gilt twirls. I doan' mind tellin' you. De hull
parish an' Lawyer Chinn has it drafted--Vicar he promises me it shall
go in--'Scipio Johnson, Esquire, _of_ this Parish,' an' twiddles
round de capital letters.
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