ntellect, Bar well knew: but he would
venture to suggest that the question arose in his mind, whether one who
had deservedly gained so high a position and so European a reputation
did not owe it--we would not say to himself, but we would say to
Society, to possess himself of such influences as these; and to exercise
them--we would not say for his own, or for his party's, but we would say
for Society's--benefit.

Mr Merdle again expressed himself as wholly devoted to that object of
his constant consideration, and Bar took his persuasive eye-glass up the
grand staircase. Bishop then came undesignedly sidling in the direction
of the sideboard.

Surely the goods of this world, it occurred in an accidental way to
Bishop to remark, could scarcely be directed into happier channels than
when they accumulated under the magic touch of the wise and sagacious,
who, while they knew the just value of riches (Bishop tried here to
look as if he were rather poor himself), were aware of their importance,
judiciously governed and rightly distributed, to the welfare of our
brethren at large.

Mr Merdle with humility expressed his conviction that Bishop couldn't
mean him, and with inconsistency expressed his high gratification in
Bishop's good opinion.

Bishop then--jauntily stepping out a little with his well-shaped right
leg, as though he said to Mr Merdle 'don't mind the apron; a mere form!'
put this case to his good friend:

Whether it had occurred to his good friend, that Society might not
unreasonably hope that one so blest in his undertakings, and whose
example on his pedestal was so influential with it, would shed a little
money in the direction of a mission or so to Africa?

Mr Merdle signifying that the idea should have his best attention,
Bishop put another case:

Whether his good friend had at all interested himself in the proceedings
of our Combined Additional Endowed Dignitaries Committee, and whether it
had occurred to him that to shed a little money in that direction might
be a great conception finely executed?

Mr Merdle made a similar reply, and Bishop explained his reason for
inquiring.

Society looked to such men as his good friend to do such things. It was
not that HE looked to them, but that Society looked to them.

Just as it was not Our Committee who wanted the Additional Endowed
Dignitaries, but it was Society that was in a state of the most
agonising uneasiness of mind until it got them. He begged to a