arty. The worst of it is, that we rat almost as often as you
do." Whereupon Sir George laughed and passed on.

"I know, doctor, you don't like this kind of thing," she continued,
"but there is no reason why you should indulge yourself altogether in
your own way, more than another--is there, Frank?"

"I am not so sure but he does like it," said Mr. Gresham. "There are
some of your reputed friends whom he owns that he is anxious to see."

"Are there? Then there is some hope of his ratting too. But he'll
never make a good staunch sinner; will he, Mary? You're too old to
learn new tricks; eh, doctor?"

"I am afraid I am," said the doctor, with a faint laugh.

"Does Doctor Thorne rank himself among the army of saints?" asked
Mrs. Harold Smith.

"Decidedly," said Miss Dunstable. "But you must always remember that
there are saints of different orders; are there not, Mary? and nobody
supposes that the Franciscans and the Dominicans agree very well
together. Dr. Thorne does not belong to the school of St. Proudie,
of Barchester; he would prefer the priestess whom I see coming round
the corner of the staircase, with a very famous young novice at her
elbow."

"From all that I can hear, you will have to reckon Miss Grantly among
the sinners," said Mrs. Harold Smith--seeing that Lady Lufton with
her young friend was approaching--"unless, indeed, you can make a
saint of Lady Hartletop." And then Lady Lufton entered the room, and
Miss Dunstable came forward to meet her with more quiet respect in
her manner than she had as yet shown to many of her guests. "I am
much obliged to you for coming, Lady Lufton," she said, "and the more
so, for bringing Miss Grantly with you." Lady Lufton uttered some
pretty little speech, during which Dr. Thorne came up and shook hands
with her; as did also Frank Gresham and his wife. There was a county
acquaintance between the Framley people and the Greshamsbury people,
and therefore there was a little general conversation before Lady
Lufton passed out of the small room into what Mrs. Proudie would have
called the noble suite of apartments. "Papa will be here," said Miss
Grantly; "at least so I understand. I have not seen him yet myself."

"Oh, yes, he has promised me," said Miss Dunstable; "and the
archdeacon, I know, will keep his word. I should by no means have the
proper ecclesiastical balance without him."

"Papa always does keep his word," said Miss Grantly, in a tone that
was almost severe