as the great
evil which he dreaded beyond all evils. He was well aware that the
palace would know his misfortune, that it was known, and freely
discussed by all, from the examining chaplain down to the palace
boot-boy;--nay, that it was known to all the diocese; but yet he
could smile upon those around him, and look as though he held his
own like other men,--unless when open violence was displayed. But
when that voice was heard aloud along the corridors of the palace,
and when he was summoned imperiously by the woman, calling for the
bishop, so that all Barchester heard it, and when he was compelled
to creep forth from his study, at the sound of that summons, with
distressed face, and shaking hands, and short hurrying steps,--a
being to be pitied even by a deacon,--not venturing to assume
an air of masterdom should he chance to meet a housemaid on the
stairs,--then, at such moments as that, he would feel that any
submission was better than the misery which he suffered. And he well
knew that should he now rebel, the whole house would be in a turmoil.
He would be bishoped here, and bishoped there, before the eyes of all
palatial men and women, till life would be a burden to him. So he got
up from his seat over the fire, and went to his desk and wrote the
letter. The letter was as follows:--

THE PALACE, BARCHESTER,
-- December, 186--

REVEREND SIR,--[he left out the dear, because he knew
that if he inserted it he would be compelled to write the
letter over again]

I have heard to-day with the greatest trouble of spirit,
that you have been taken before a bench of magistrates
assembled at Silverbridge, having been previously arrested
by the police in your parsonage house at Hogglestock, and
that the magistrates of Silverbridge have committed you to
take your trial at the next assizes at Barchester, on a
charge of theft.

Far be it from me to prejudge the case. You will
understand, reverend sir, that I express no opinion
whatever as to your guilt or innocence in this matter.
If you have been guilty, may the Lord give you grace to
repent of your great sin and to make such amends as may
come from immediate acknowledgement and confession. If you
are innocent, may He protect you, and make your innocence
shine before all men. In either case may the Lord be with
you and keep your feet from further stumbling.

But I write to you now as your bishop, to exp