he will dare to interfere," he had said to his
wife; "but if she does, I shall certainly tell the bishop that I
cannot speak on the subject in her presence."

At breakfast on the following morning there was no one present but
the bishop, Mrs. Proudie, and Dr. Tempest. Very little was said at the
meal. Mr. Crawley's name was not mentioned, but there seemed to be a
general feeling among them that there was a task hanging over them
which prevented any general conversation. The eggs were eaten and the
coffee was drunk, but the eggs and the coffee disappeared almost in
silence. When these ceremonies had been altogether completed, and
it was clearly necessary that something further should be done, the
bishop spoke: "Dr. Tempest," he said, "perhaps you will join me in my
study at eleven. We can then say a few words to each other about the
unfortunate matter on which I shall have to trouble you." Dr. Tempest
said he would be punctual to his appointment, and then the bishop
withdrew, muttering something as to the necessity of looking at his
letters. Dr. Tempest took a newspaper in his hand, which had been
brought in by a servant, but Mrs. Proudie did not allow him to
read it. "Dr. Tempest," she said, "this is a matter of most vital
importance. I am quite sure that you feel that it is so."

"What matter, madam?" said the doctor.

"This terrible affair of Mr. Crawley's. If something be not done the
whole diocese will be disgraced." Then she waited for an answer, but
receiving none she was obliged to continue. "Of the poor man's guilt
there can, I fear, be no doubt." Then there was another pause, but
still the doctor made no answer. "And if he be guilty," said Mrs
Proudie, resolving that she would ask a question that must bring
forth some reply, "can any experienced clergyman think that he can be
fit to preach from the pulpit of a parish church? I am sure that you
must agree with me, Dr. Tempest? Consider the souls of the people!"

"Mrs. Proudie," said he, "I think that we had better not discuss the
matter."

"Not discuss it?"

"I think that we had better not do so. If I understand the bishop
aright, he wishes that I should take some step in the matter."

"Of course he does."

"And therefore I must decline to make it a matter of common
conversation."

"Common conversation, Dr. Tempest! I should be the last person in the
world to make it a matter of common conversation. I regard this as by
no means a common conversation.