bishop's letter was that from the Marquis. "My dear Mr. Fenwick,"
said the bishop,

after a good deal of consideration, I have determined to
send you the enclosed. I do so because I have made it a
rule never to receive an accusation against one of my
clergy without sending it to the person accused. You will,
of course, perceive that it alludes to some matter which
lies outside of my control and right of inquiry; but
perhaps you will allow me, as a friend, to suggest to you
that it is always well for a parish clergyman to avoid
controversy and quarrel with his neighbours; and that it
is especially expedient that he should be on good terms
with those who have influence in his parish. Perhaps
you will forgive me if I add that a spirit of pugnacity,
though no doubt it may lead to much that is good, has its
bad tendencies if not watched closely.

Pray remember that Lord Trowbridge is a worthy man, doing
his duty on the whole well; and that his position, though
it be entitled to no veneration, is entitled to much
respect. If you can tell me that you will feel no grudge
against him for what has taken place, I shall be very
happy.

You will observe that I have been careful that this letter
shall have no official character.

Yours very faithfully,

&c., &c., &c.

The letter was answered that evening, but before the answer was
written, the Marquis of Trowbridge was discussed between the husband
and wife, not in complimentary terms. Mrs. Fenwick on the occasion
was more pugnacious than her husband. She could not forgive the man
who had hinted to the bishop that her husband held his living from
unworthy motives, and that he was a bad clergyman.

"My dear girl," said Fenwick, "what can you expect from an ass but
his ears?"

"I don't expect downright slander from such a man as the Marquis of
Trowbridge, and if I were you I should tell the bishop so."

"I shall tell him nothing of the kind. I shall write about the
Marquis with the kindliest feelings."

"But you don't feel kindly?"

"Yes, I do. The poor old idiot has nobody to keep him right, and does
the best he can according to his lights. I have no doubt he thinks
that I am everything that is horrid. I am not a bit angry with him,
and would be as civil to him to-morrow as my nature would allow me,
if he would only be civil to me."

Then he wrote his letter which will complete the corresp