If you are the bearer of any message to me from the Bishop of Barchester, perhaps you will deliver it." "I have brought a letter," said Mr.Thumble.Then Mr.Crawley stretched out his hand without a word, and taking the letter with him to the window, read it very slowly.

When he had made himself master of its contents, he refolded the letter, placed it again in the envelope, and returned to the spot where Mr.Thumble was standing.
"I will answer the bishop's letter," he said; "I will answer it of course, as it is fitting that I should do.

Shall I ask you to wait for my reply, or shall I send it by course of post ?" "I think, Mr.Crawley, as the bishop wishes me to undertake the duty--" "You will not undertake the duty, Mr.Thumble.You need not trouble yourself, for I shall not surrender my pulpit to you." "But the bishop--" "I care nothing for the bishop in this matter." So much he spoke in anger, and then he corrected himself.

"I crave the bishop's pardon, and yours as his messenger, if in the heat occasioned by my strong feelings I have said aught which may savour of irreverence towards his lordship's office.

I respect his lordship's high position as bishop of this diocese, and I bow to his commands in all things lawful.