He was too discreet a man for that.

There is a proverb with reference to the killing of cats, and those who know anything either of high or low government places will be well aware that a promise may be made without positive words and that an expectant may be put into the highest state of encouragement, though the great man on whose breath he hangs may have done no more than whisper that "Mr.
So-and-So is certainly a rising man." Such a whisper had been made, and was known by those who heard it to signify that the cures of the diocese of Barchester should not be taken out of the hands of the archdeacon.

The then prime minister was all in all at Oxford, and had lately passed a night at the house of the Master of Lazarus.

Now the Master of Lazarus--which is, by the by, in many respects the most comfortable as well as the richest college at Oxford--was the archdeacon's most intimate friend and most trusted counsellor.

On the occasion of the prime minister's visit, Dr.Grantly was of course present, and the meeting was very gracious.
On the following morning Dr.Gwynne, the master, told the archdeacon that in his opinion the thing was settled.
At this time the bishop was quite on his last legs; but the ministry also were tottering.