s, of course, been very heavy
on me.

I was taken before the magistrates at Silverbridge, and
was by them committed to stand my trial at the assizes to
be holden in Barchester on the 28th of this month. Without
doubt, the magistrates had no alternative but to commit
me, and I am indebted to them that they have allowed me my
present liberty upon bail. That my sufferings in all this
should have been grievous, you will understand. But on
that head I shall not touch, were it not that I am bound
to explain to you that my troubles in reference to this
parish of Hogglestock, to which I was appointed by you,
have not been the slightest of those sufferings. I felt at
first, believing then that the world around me would think
it unlikely that such a one as I had wilfully stolen a sum
of money, that it was my duty to maintain myself in my
church. I did so maintain myself against an attack made
upon me by the bishop, who sent over to Hogglestock one
Mr. Thumble, a gentleman doubtless in holy orders, though
I know nothing and can learn nothing of the place of his
cure, to dispossess me of my pulpit and to remove me from
my ministrations among my people. To Mr. Thumble I turned a
deaf ear, and would not let him so much as open his mouth
inside the porch of my church. Up to this time I myself
have read the services, and have preached to the people,
and have continued, as best I could, my visits to the poor
and my labours in the school, though I know,--no one knows
as well,--how unfitted I am for such work by the grief
which has fallen upon me.

Then the bishop sent for me, and I thought it becoming on
my part to go to him. I presented myself to his lordship
at his palace, and was minded to be much governed in my
conduct by what he might say to me, remembering that I am
bound to respect the office, even though I may not approve
the man; and I humbled myself before his lordship, waiting
patiently for any directions which he in his discretion
might think proper to bestow on me. But there arose up
between us that very pestilent woman, his wife,--to his
dismay, seemingly, as much as to mine,--and she would
let there be place for no speech but her own. If there
be aught clear to me in ecclesiastical matters, it is
this,--that no authority can be delegated to a female. The
special laws of this and of some other