"Before we say good-night," said Mr. Acres, "let me ask you one question indirectly connected with this subject. I notice that many of my neighbours receive the consecrated bread _on the palm of the hand_, some holding both hands in the form of a cross. I suppose this is in accordance with your instruction: I should like to know the reason for it. Where there are high altar-rails--which I much object to, and which, of course, are altogether unnecessary when the chancel screen is properly arranged, as with us--this custom would be very inconvenient." "The short rail, north and south, for the use of the aged and infirm, is certainly all that is required. As regards the manner of receiving the sacred element, to which you refer, I certainly have recommended it, and for these reasons: it is much more convenient both for the priest and the communicant; it avoids all danger of any portion of the bread falling on the floor; and it is most in accordance with the rubric, which directs that the minister shall deliver the communion _into_ the hands of the recipients." "Thank you. I consider your reasons as amply sufficient, and I see no possible objection to the custom." _CHAPTER XXV_ THE ORGAN-CHAMBER "Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod." 1 Sam. ii. 18. "But let my due feet never fail To walk the studious cloisters pale, And love the high embowèd roof, With antique pillars, massy proof, And storied windows, richly dight, Casting a dim religious light. There let the pealing organ blow, To the full-voiced quire below, In service high, and anthems clear, As may with sweetness, through mine ear, Dissolve me into ecstasies, And bring all Heaven before mine eyes." _Il Penseroso._ Illustration: Icklesham Church THE ORGAN-CHAMBER. "And so, Harry, my boy, you have really made up your mind to be a chorister?" said Mr. Ambrose to old Matthew's grandson, one Sunday morning. "Yes, if you please, sir," was his reply. "Grandfather says he should like me to be one." "And you wish it yourself, do you?" "Yes, sir."