Proudie, as she was willing enough to laugh
at that lady; but Mark, had he known her better, might have been sure
that she would have sat out his sermon with perfect propriety.

As it was, however, he did feel considerable uneasiness; and in the
morning he got up early, with the view of seeing what might be done
in the way of emendation. He cut out those parts which referred most
specially to the islands,--he rejected altogether those names over
which they had all laughed together so heartily,--and he inserted a
string of general remarks, very useful, no doubt, which he flattered
himself would rob his sermon of all similarity to Harold Smith's
lecture. He had, perhaps, hoped, when writing it, to create some
little sensation; but now he would be quite satisfied if it passed
without remark. But his troubles for that Sunday were destined to
be many. It had been arranged that the party at the hotel should
breakfast at eight and start at half-past eight punctually, so as
to enable them to reach Chaldicotes in ample time to arrange their
dresses before they went to church. The church stood in the grounds,
close to that long formal avenue of lime trees, but within the front
gates. Their walk, therefore, after reaching Mr. Sowerby's house,
would not be long.

Mrs. Proudie, who was herself an early body, would not hear of her
guest--and he a clergyman--going out to the inn for his breakfast
on a Sunday morning. As regarded that Sabbath-day journey to
Chaldicotes, to that she had given her assent, no doubt with much
uneasiness of mind; but let them have as little desecration as
possible. It was therefore an understood thing that he was to return
with his friends; but he should not go without the advantage of
family prayers and family breakfast. And so Mrs. Proudie on retiring
to rest gave the necessary orders, to the great annoyance of her
household.

To the great annoyance, at least, of her servants! The bishop himself
did not make his appearance till a much later hour. He in all things
now supported his wife's rule; in all things, now, I say; for
there had been a moment, when in the first flush and pride of his
episcopacy, other ideas had filled his mind. Now, however, he gave no
opposition to that good woman with whom Providence had blessed him;
and in return for such conduct that good woman administered in all
things to his little personal comforts. With what surprise did the
bishop now look back upon that unholy war whic