o some extent ashamed of their bellicose Dean. There is something
ill-mannered, ungentlemanlike, what we now call rowdy, in personal
encounters, even among laymen,--and this is of course aggravated when
the assailant is a clergyman. And these canons, though they kept up
pleasant, social relations with the Dean, were not ill-disposed to
make use of so excellent a weapon against a man, who, though coming
from a lower order than themselves, was never disposed in any way to
yield to them. But the two canons were gentlemen, and as gentlemen were
gracious. Though they liked to have the Dean on the hip, they did not
want to hurt him sorely when they had gotten him there. They would be
contented with certain sly allusions, and only half-expressed triumphs.
But Mr. Groschut was confirmed in his opinion that the Dean was
altogether unfit for his position,--which, for the interests of the
Church, should be filled by some such man as Mr. Groschut himself, by
some God-fearing clergyman, not known as a hard rider across country
and as a bruiser with his fists. There had been an article in the
"Brotherton Church Gazette," in which an anxious hope was expressed
that some explanation would be given of the very incredible tidings
which had unfortunately reached Brotherton. Then Mr. Groschut had
spoken a word in season to the Bishop. Of course he said it could not
be true; but would it not be well that the Dean should be invited to
make his own statement? It was Mr. Groschut who had himself used the
word "incredible" in the article. Mr. Groschut, in speaking to the
Bishop, said that the tidings must be untrue. And yet he believed and
rejoiced in believing every word of them. He was a pious man, and did
not know that he was lying. He was an anxious Christian, and did not
know that he was doing his best to injure an enemy behind his back. He
hated the Dean;--but he thought that he loved him. He was sure that the
Dean would go to some unpleasant place, and gloried in the certainty;
but he thought that he was most anxious for the salvation of the Dean's
soul. "I think your Lordship owes it to him to offer him the
opportunity," said Mr. Groschut.

The Bishop, too, was what we call a severe man;--but his severity was
used chiefly against himself. He was severe in his principles; but,
knowing the world better than his chaplain, was aware how much latitude
it was necessary that he should allow in dealing with men. And in his
heart of hearts he ha