As you pleaded to me that you yourself and your own personal convenience were concerned in this matter, I have made known my intentions to you, which otherwise I should have made known only to the bishop.

If you please, we will discuss the subject no further." "Am I to understand, Mr.Crawley, that you refuse to obey the bishop ?" "The bishop has written to me, sir; and I will make known my intention to the bishop by a written answer.

As you have been the bearer of the bishop's letter to me, I am bound to ask you whether I shall be indebted to you for carrying back my reply, or whether I shall send it by course of post ?" Mr.Thumble considered for a moment, and then made up his mind that he had better wait, and carry back the epistle.

This was Friday, and the letter could not be delivered by post till the Saturday morning.

Mrs.Proudie might be angry with him if he should be the cause of loss of time.