ys I owed him much. For his sake, and for
your own, I wish to help you as much as I can, but you must permit me to
be the best judge of when and how to advance your interests. These
ambitions of yours, Michael, which I have observed on several occasions,
are dangerous to your better qualities. A clergyman of our Church is a
man, and--being a priest--something more than a man; therefore it
behoves him to be humble and religious and intent upon his immediate
work for the glory of God. Should he rise, it must be by such qualities
that he attains a higher post in the Church; but should he remain all
his days in a humble position, he can die content, knowing he has
thought not of himself but of his God. Believe me, my dear young
friend, I speak from experience, and it is better for you to leave your
future in my hands.'

These sentiments, being the antithesis to those of Cargrim, were of
course extremely unpalatable to one of his nature. He knew that he was
more ambitious than religious; but it was galling to think that Dr
Pendle should have been clever enough to gauge his character so truly.
His mask of humility and deference had been torn off, and he was better
known to the bishop than was at all agreeable to his cunning nature. He
saw that so far as the Heathcroft living was concerned he would never
obtain it as a free gift from Dr Pendle, therefore it only remained to
adopt the worser course, and force the prelate to accede to his request.
Having thus decided, Mr Cargrim, with great self-control, smoothed his
face to a meek smile, and even displayed a little emotion in order to
show the bishop how touched he was by the kindly speech which had
crushed his ambition.

'I am quite content to leave my future in your hands,' he said, with all
possible suavity, 'and indeed, my lord, I know that you are my best--my
only friend. The deficiency to which you allude shall be conquered by me
if possible, and I trust that shortly I shall merit your lordship's more
unreserved approbation.'

'Why,' said the bishop, shaking him heartily by the hand, 'that is a
very worthy speech, Michael, and I shall bear it in mind. We are still
friends, I trust, in spite of what I consider it was my duty to say.'

'Certainly we are friends, sir; I am honoured by the interest you take
in me. And now, my lord,' added Cargrim, with a sweet smile, 'may I
prefer a little request which was in my mind when I came to see you?'

'Of course! of course, Mich