He had obtruded himself into my presence, into one of my
own houses, the very house of the murdered man, and there,
when I was consulting with the person to whom I have
alluded as to the expediency of ridding ourselves of these
objectionable characters, he met me with ribaldry and
personal insolence. When I tell your lordship that he
made insinuations about my own daughters, so gross that
I cannot repeat them to you, I am sure that I need go no
further. There were present at this meeting Mr. Puddleham,
the Methodist minister, and Mr. Henry Gilmore, the
landlord of the persons in question.

Your lordship has probably heard the character, in a
religious point of view, of this gentleman. It is not for
me to express an opinion of the motives which can induce
such a one to retain his position as an incumbent of a
parish. But I do believe that I have a right to ask from
your lordship for some inquiry into the scene which I have
attempted to describe, and to expect some protection for
the future. I do not for a moment doubt that your lordship
will do what is right in the matter.

I have the honour to be,
Right Reverend and dear Lord Bishop,
Your most obedient and faithful Servant,

TROWBRIDGE.

He read this over thrice, and became so much in love with the
composition, that on the third reading he had not the slightest doubt
as to the expediency of sending it. Nor had he much doubt but that
the bishop would do something to Mr. Fenwick, which would make the
parish too hot to hold that disgrace to the Church of England.

When Fenwick came home from Pycroft Common he found a letter from the
bishop awaiting him. He had driven forty miles on that day, and was
rather late for dinner. His wife, however, came upstairs with him in
order that she might hear something of his story, and brought his
letters with her. He did not open that from the bishop till he was
half dressed, and then burst out into loud laughter as he read it.

"What is it, Frank?" asked his wife, through the open door of her own
room.

"Here's such a game," said he. "Never mind; let's have dinner, and
then you shall see it." The reader, however, may be quite sure that
Mrs. Fenwick did not wait till dinner was served before she knew the
nature of the game.

The bishop's letter to the Vicar was very short and very rational,
and it was not that which made the Vicar laugh; but inside the