moment.

"There can be no occasion for such a sacrifice under the present
circumstances," said his lordship.

"And under what circumstances could there be occasion for it?" asked
Sowerby. "The Duke of Omnium has used some little influence to get
the place for you as a parish clergyman belonging to his county, and
I should think it monstrous if you were now to reject it." And then
Robarts openly stated the whole of his reasons, explaining exactly
what Lord Lufton had said with reference to the bill transactions,
and to the allegation which would be made as to the stall having been
given in payment for the accommodation.

"Upon my word that's too bad," said Sowerby.

"Now, Sowerby, I won't be lectured," said Lord Lufton.

"I have done my lecture," said he, aware, perhaps, that it would
not do for him to push his friend too far, "and I shall not give a
second. But, Robarts, let me tell you this: as far as I know, Harold
Smith has had little or nothing to do with the appointment. The duke
has told the Prime Minister that he was very anxious that a parish
clergyman from the county should go into the chapter, and then, at
Lord Brock's request, he named you. If under those circumstances you
talk of giving it up, I shall believe you to be insane. As for the
bill which you accepted for me, you need have no uneasiness about it.
The money will be ready; but of course, when that time comes, you
will let me have the hundred and thirty for--" And then Mr. Sowerby
took his leave, having certainly made himself master of the occasion.
If a man of fifty have his wits about him, and be not too prosy,
he can generally make himself master of the occasion, when his
companions are under thirty. Robarts did not stay at the Albany long
after him, but took his leave, having received some assurances of
Lord Lufton's regret for what had passed and many promises of his
friendship for the future. Indeed Lord Lufton was a little ashamed of
himself. "And as for the prebend, after what has passed, of course
you must accept it." Nevertheless his lordship had not omitted to
notice Mr. Sowerby's hint about the horse and the hundred and thirty
pounds.

Robarts, as he walked back to his hotel, thought that he certainly
would accept the Barchester promotion, and was very glad that he had
said nothing on the subject to his brother. On the whole his spirits
were much raised. That assurance of Sowerby's about the bill was very
comforting to him; and, st