the general result was not comforting, and he knew from
of old how short-lived his triumph would be.

But wretched as he was during that evening he did employ himself with
some energy. After much thought he resolved that he would again write
to Mr. Crawley, and summon him to appear at the palace. In doing this
he would at any rate be doing something. There would be action. And
though Mr. Crawley would, as he thought, decline to obey the order,
something would be gained even by that disobedience. So he wrote
his summons,--sitting very comfortless and all alone on that Sunday
evening,--dating his letter, however, for the following day:--

PALACE,
December 20, 186--

REVEREND SIR,

I have just heard from Mr. Thumble that you have declined
to accede to the advice which I thought it my duty to
tender to you as the bishop who has been set over you by
the Church, and that you yesterday insisted on what you
believed to be your right, to administer the services in
the parish church of Hogglestock. This has occasioned me
the deepest regret. It is, I think, unavailing that I
should further write to you my mind upon the subject, as
I possess such strong evidence that my written word will
not be respected by you. I have, therefore, no alternative
now but to invite you to come to me here; and this I do,
hoping that I may induce you to listen to that authority
which I cannot but suppose you acknowledge to be vested in
the office which I hold.

I shall be glad to see you on to-morrow, Tuesday, as near
the hour of two as you can make it convenient to yourself
to be here, and I will take care to order that refreshment
will be provided for yourself and your horse.

I am, Reverend Sir,
&c &c &c,

THOS. BARNUM.

"My dear," he said, when he did again encounter his wife that night,
"I have written to Mr. Crawley, and I thought I might as well bring up
the copy of my letter."

"I wash my hands of the whole affair," said Mrs. Proudie--"of the
whole affair!"

"But you will look at the letter?"

"Certainly not. Why should I look at the letter? My word goes for
nothing. I have done what I could, but in vain. Now let us see how
you will manage it yourself."

The bishop did not pass a comfortable night; but in the morning
his wife did read his letter, and after that things went a little
smoother with him. She was pleased to say that, considering all
thin