firm belief in the achievement
of England's greatness by means of the open Bible; (16) the note of
pessimism in modern life; (17) the necessity for the Church's combating
modern pessimism; (18) the Church's position as a purveyor of healthy
literature for the young; (19) his reluctance to take up any more of
their valuable time, and (20) his assurance that the remarks of their
spokesman would have his earnest and prayerful attention.

The deputation then thanked his lordship and withdrew.

But still the bishop made no move in the matter, and the friends of the
Rev. George Holland felt grievously disappointed. They had counted on
the bishop's at least writing a letter of remonstrance to the rector of
St. Chad's, and upon the publication of the letter, with the rector's
reply in the newspapers; but now quite two months had passed since
the appearance of "Revised Versions," the bishop had returned from the
Engadine, and still there were no indications of his intention to make
the Rev. George Holland responsible to the right tribunal--whatever that
was--for his doctrines. They counted on his martyrdom within six months;
and, consequently, upon his election to a position of distinction in the
eyes of his fellow-country-men--or, at least, of his country-women. But
the bishop they found to be a poor thing after all. They felt sure that
what the people said about his being quite humble in the presence of his
wife was not without some foundation; and they thought that, after all,
there was a great deal to be said in favor of the celibacy of priests
compulsory in the Church of Rome. If the bishops of the Church of
England were not very careful, they might be the means of such a going
over to Rome as had never previously been witnessed in England.

George Holland may have been disappointed, or he may have been pleased
at the inactivity of the bishop. He made no sign one way or the other.
Of course he was no more than human: he would have regarded a letter of
remonstrance from the bishop as a personal compliment; he had certainly
expected such a letter, for he had already put together the heads of
the reply he would make--and publish--to any official remonstrance that
might be offered to him. Still he made no sign. He preached at least
one sermon every Sunday morning, and whenever it was known that he would
preach, St. Chad's was crowded and the offertory was all that could be
desired. The bishop's chaplain no longer held a watch