ing else from the
bishop than such chance employment as this which he was about to
undertake at Hogglestock. He was a humble, mild-voiced man, when
within the palace precincts, and had so far succeeded in making
his way among his brethren in the cathedral city as to be employed
not unfrequently for absent minor canons in chanting the week-day
services, being remunerated for his work at the rate of about two
shillings and sixpence a service.

The bishop handed the letter to his wife, observing in an off-hand
kind of way that she might as well see what he said. "Of course I
shall read it," said Mrs. Proudie. And the bishop winced visibly,
because Mr. Thumble was present. "Quite right," said Mrs. Proudie,
"quite right to let him know that you knew that he had been
arrested,--actually arrested by the police."

"I thought it proper to mention that, because of the scandal," said
the bishop.

"Oh, it has been terrible in the city," said Mr. Thumble.

"Never mind, Mr. Thumble," said Mrs. Proudie. "Never mind that at
present." Then she continued to read the letter. "What's this?
Confession! That must come out, bishop. It will never do that you
should recommend confession to anybody, under any circumstances."

"But, my dea--"

"It must come out, bishop."

"My lord has not meant auricular confession," suggested Mr. Thumble.
Then Mrs. Proudie turned round and looked at Mr. Thumble, and Mr
Thumble nearly sank amidst the tables and chairs. "I beg your pardon,
Mrs. Proudie," he said, "I didn't mean to intrude."

"The word must come out, bishop," repeated Mrs. Proudie. "There should
be no stumbling-blocks prepared for feet that are only too ready to
fall." And the word did come out.

"Now, Mr. Thumble," said the lady, as she gave the letter to her
satellite, "the bishop and I wish you to be at Hogglestock early
to-morrow. You should be there not later than ten, certainly." Then
she paused until Mr. Thumble had given the required promise. "And we
request that you will be very firm in the mission which is confided
to you, a mission which, as of course, you see, is of a very delicate
and important nature. You must be firm."

"I will endeavour," said Mr. Thumble.

"The bishop and I both feel that this most unfortunate man must not
under any circumstances be allowed to perform the services of the
Church while this charge is hanging over him,--a charge as to the
truth of which no sane man can entertain a doubt."

"I'm afraid