same Harold Smith whom
Mrs. Proudie bothered so cruelly in the lecture-room at Barchester.
Then he was cross, and touchy, and uneasy, and insignificant. Now,
as he stood smiling on the hearth-rug of his official fireplace, it
was quite pleasant to see the kind, patronizing smile which lighted
up his features. He delighted to stand there, with his hands in
his trousers' pocket, the great man of the place, conscious of his
lordship, and feeling himself every inch a minister. Sowerby had come
with him, and was standing a little in the background, from which
position he winked occasionally at the parson over the minister's
shoulder. "Ah, Robarts, delighted to see you. How odd, by the by,
that your brother should be my private secretary!" Mark said that it
was a singular coincidence.

"A very smart young fellow, and, if he minds himself, he'll do well."

"I'm quite sure he'll do well," said Mark.

"Ah! well, yes; I think he will. And now, what can I do for you,
Robarts?" Hereupon Mr. Sowerby struck in, making it apparent by his
explanation that Mr. Robarts himself by no means intended to ask for
anything; but that, as his friends had thought that this stall at
Barchester might be put into his hands with more fitness than in
those of any other clergyman of the day, he was willing to accept the
piece of preferment from a man whom he respected so much as he did
the new Lord Petty Bag. The minister did not quite like this, as it
restricted him from much of his condescension, and robbed him of
the incense of a petition which he had expected Mark Roberts would
make to him. But, nevertheless, he was very gracious. "He could not
take upon himself to declare," he said, "what might be Lord Brock's
pleasure with reference to the preferment at Barchester which was
vacant. He had certainly already spoken to his lordship on the
subject, and had perhaps some reason to believe that his own wishes
would be consulted. No distinct promise had been made, but he might
perhaps go so far as to say that he expected such result. If so, it
would give him the greatest pleasure in the world to congratulate Mr.
Robarts on the possession of the stall--a stall which he was sure
Mr. Robarts would fill with dignity, piety, and brotherly love." And
then, when he had finished, Mr. Sowerby gave a final wink, and said
that he regarded the matter as settled.

"No, not settled, Nathaniel," said the cautious minister.

"It's the same thing," rejoined Sowerby