! I tell you, candidly, I
agree with you, that there is no necessity for sinking anything of
our own in the concern: nothing ever comes of that sort of reckless
generosity! If people want a church, let them make some sacrifice
for it! Why should _we_ do anything?

I am sure you will appreciate my candour?

MANSON. At its full value. Go on.

BISHOP. At the same time, there is no reason why we should throw
cold water upon the project. On the contrary, we might promote it,
encourage it, even lend it the influence of our patronage and our
names. _But on one understanding_!

MANSON. And that?

BISHOP. That it is extended--imperialised, so to speak: that it is
made the vehicle of a much vaster, of a much more momentous project
behind it!

MANSON. You interest me intensely. Explain.

BISHOP. I will.

[He looks around to assure himself that they are alone.]

There is in existence a society, a very influential society, in
which I happen to have an interest--very great interest. Hm! I am
one of the directors.

I may say that it is already very well established, financially;
but it is always open to consider the--extension of its influence
in that way.

MANSON. And the name of the society?

BISHOP. Rather long, but I trust explicit. It is called "_The
Society for the Promotion and Preservation of Emoluments for the
Higher Clergy_."

MANSON. I do not seem to have heard it _named_ before.

BISHOP. Well, no: its movements have always been characterised by
a certain modesty. It is an invisible society, so to speak; but I
can assure you its principles are very clearly understood--among
the parties most concerned.

MANSON. And your project?

BISHOP. Affiliate the subsidiary question of the building of the
Church, with the larger interests of the Society.

MANSON. Yes, but since people have already refused to subscribe to
the more trivial project . . .

BISHOP. They have not been properly approached. My dear sir, in
order to awaken public generosity, It is necessary to act like men
of the world: _we must have names_. People will subscribe to any
amount, if you can only get the right names.

That Is where _you_ come in.

MANSON. I! Do you propose to place my name at the head of
your--prospectus?

BISHOP. My dear sir, invaluable! Didn't you say yourself that you
brought in numberless millions, on your own credit, out there in
India? Why shouldn't you do the same in England? Th