days, but I could not write a nice letter."

"But what did you say?"

"I don't in the least remember. It does not in the least signify now,
but it was such a bad letter."

"I daresay it was very nice."

"It was terribly stiff, and all about a gentleman."

"All about a gentleman! What do you mean, my dear?"

"Gentleman is such a frightful word to have to use to a gentleman;
but I did not know what else to say. Mamma, if you please, we won't
talk about it;--not about the letter, I mean. As for him, I'll
talk about him for ever if you like it. I don't mean to be a bit
broken-hearted."

"It seems to me that he is a gentleman."

"Yes, mamma, that he is; and it is that which makes me so proud.
When I think of it, I can hardly hold myself. But now I've told you
everything, and I'll go away, and go to bed."

CHAPTER XLII

Mr. Toogood Travels Professionally

[Illustration]

Mr. Toogood paid another visit to Barsetshire, in order that he might
get a little further information which he thought would be necessary
before despatching his nephew upon the traces of Dean Arabin and
his wife. He went down to Barchester after his work was over by
an evening train, and put himself up at "The Dragon of Wantly",
intending to have the whole of the next day for his work. Mr. Walker
had asked him to come and take a return pot-luck dinner with Mrs
Walker at Silverbridge; and this he had said that he would do. After
having "rummaged about for tidings" in Barchester, as he called it,
he would take the train for Silverbridge, and would get back to
town in time for business on the third day. "One day won't be much,
you know," he said to his partner, as he made half an apology for
absenting himself on business which was not to be in any degree
remunerative. "That sort of thing is very well when one does it
without any expense" said Crump. "So it is," said Toogood; "and the
expense won't make it any worse." He had made up his mind, and it was
not probable that anything Mr. Crump might say would deter him.

He saw John Eames before he started. "You'll be ready this day week,
will you?" John Eames promised that he would. "It will cost you some
forty pounds, I should say. By George,--if you have to go on to
Jerusalem, it will cost you more." In answer to this, Johnny pleaded
that it would be as good as any other tour to him. He would see the
world. "I'll tell you what," said Toogood; "I'll pay half. Only you
mustn't tell Crump.