ertion to pass
unquestioned. I must say that I have adequate cause for believing
that he came here by his lordship's authority."

"No doubt he did. Will you just listen to me for a moment? Ever since
this unfortunate affair of the cheque became known, Mrs. Proudie has
been anxious to get you out of the parish. She was a violent woman,
and chose to take this matter up violently. Pray hear me out before
you interrupt me. There would have been no commission at all but for
her."

"The commission is right and proper and just," said Mr. Crawley, who
could not keep himself silent.

"Very well. Let it be so. But Mr. Thumble's coming over here is not
proper or right; and you may be sure the bishop does not wish it."

"Let him send any other clergyman whom he may think more fitting,"
said Mr. Crawley.

"But we do not want him to send anybody."

"Somebody must be sent, Mr. Robarts."

"No, not so. Let me go over and see Thumble and Snapper,--Snapper,
you know, is the domestic chaplain; and all that you need do is to go
on with your services on Sunday. If necessary, I will see the bishop.
I think you may be sure that I can manage it. If not, I will come
back to you." Mr. Robarts paused for an answer, but it seemed for
awhile that all Mr. Crawley's impatient desire to speak was over. He
walked on silently along the lane by his visitor's side, and when,
after some five or six minutes, Robarts stood still in the road, Mr
Crawley even then said nothing. "It cannot be but that you should be
anxious to keep the income of the parish for your wife and children,"
said Mark Robarts.

"Of course, I am anxious for my wife and children," Crawley answered.

"Then let me do as I say. Why should you throw away a chance, even if
it be a bad one? But here the chance is all in your favour. Let me
manage it for you at Barchester."

"Of course I am anxious for my wife and children," said Crawley,
repeating his words; "how anxious, I fancy no man can conceive who
has not been near enough to absolute want to know how terrible is its
approach when it threatens those who are weak and who are very dear!
But, Mr. Robarts, you spoke just now of the chance of the thing,--the
chance of your arranging on my behalf that I should for a while
longer be left in the enjoyment of the freehold of my parish. It
seemeth to me that there should be no chance on such a subject;
that in the adjustment of so momentous a matter there should be a
consideration of r