hatever may be the truth of the matter, that at any rate is
not true; and the man who wrote that article is right in saying that
such a plea is revolting to an honest mind. I will go up to London,
my dear, and see these lawyers myself, and if no better excuse can be
made for me than that, I and the hospital will part."

"But the archdeacon, papa?"

"I can't help it, my dear; there are some things which a man cannot
bear:--I cannot bear that;" and he put his hand upon the newspaper.

"But will the archdeacon go with you?"

To tell the truth, Mr Harding had made up his mind to steal a march
upon the archdeacon. He was aware that he could take no steps without
informing his dread son-in-law, but he had resolved that he would send
out a note to Plumstead Episcopi detailing his plans, but that the
messenger should not leave Barchester till he himself had started
for London; so that he might be a day before the doctor, who, he had
no doubt, would follow him. In that day, if he had luck, he might
arrange it all; he might explain to Sir Abraham that he, as warden,
would have nothing further to do with the defence about to be set up;
he might send in his official resignation to his friend the bishop,
and so make public the whole transaction, that even the doctor would
not be able to undo what he had done. He knew too well the doctor's
strength and his own weakness to suppose he could do this, if they
both reached London together; indeed, he would never be able to get to
London, if the doctor knew of his intended journey in time to prevent
it.

"No, I think not," said he. "I think I shall start before the
archdeacon could be ready;--I shall go early to-morrow morning."

"That will be best, papa," said Eleanor, showing that her father's
ruse was appreciated.

"Why yes, my love. The fact is, I wish to do all this before the
archdeacon can--can interfere. There is a great deal of truth in
all he says;--he argues very well, and I can't always answer him;
but there is an old saying, Nelly: 'Everyone knows where his own
shoe pinches!' He'll say that I want moral courage, and strength of
character, and power of endurance, and it's all true; but I'm sure I
ought not to remain here, if I have nothing better to put forward than
a quibble: so, Nelly, we shall have to leave this pretty place."

Eleanor's face brightened up, as she assured her father how cordially
she agreed with him.

"True, my love," said he, now again qu