Let me state it with pride as well as humility that my rewards have
been beyond my dreams and far above my deserts.
On February 7, in a committee room of the House, I was met by my
supporters and those whose duties made them a portion of the ceremony,
and realized the ambition that came to me only in my later life.
Some members of my family would have preferred the family name to be
associated with the title. I must confess I had some attachment for
it, as it had rendered me such good service, and it was somewhat hard
to give it up.
If, however, I had had any hesitation, it would have been removed
when one afternoon Lord ---- called on me, and in his chaffing manner
said,--
"Well, I hear you are to be Lord '_Awkins_ of '_Itchin_, 'Erts."
"Be ---- if I will!" said I; "Brampton's the only landed estate I have
inherited, and although the old ladies who are life-tenants kept me
out of it as long as they could, I shall take my title from it as the
only thing I am likely to get out of it."
"Bravo!" said he. "I don't like 'Awkins of 'Itchin, 'Erts. _Brampton_
sounds like a title; and so my hearty congratulations, and may you and
her ladyship live long to enjoy it!"
"Mr. Punch" was good enough to furnish me with a beautiful and
humorous coat of arms, done by that very talented artist Mr. E.T.
Reed.
* * * * *
Since the commencement of this volume many of the old friends
mentioned in it with affectionate remembrance have gone to their rest,
and I am steadily approaching my own end.
Pages:
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413