Mr.Harding was probably aware of this, and would, perhaps, not object to discuss the matter with Mr.Slope.It was a subject to which Mr.Slope had given a good deal of attention.
Mr.Harding felt, he knew not why, oppressed and annoyed.

What could Mr.Slope do to him?
He knew that there were to be changes.

The nature of them must be communicated to the warden through somebody, and through whom so naturally as the bishop's chaplain?
'Twas thus he tried to argue himself back to an easy mind, but in vain.
Mr.Slope in the meantime had taken the seat which the bishop had vacated on the signora's sofa, and remained with that lady till it was time to marshal the folk to supper.

Not with contented eyes had Mrs.
Proudie seen this.

Had not this woman laughed at her distress, and had not Mr.Slope heard it?
Was she not an intriguing Italian woman, half wife and half not, full of affectation, airs, and impudence?
Was she not horribly bedizened with velvet and pearls, with velvet and pearls, too, which had not been torn off her back?
Above all, did she not pretend to be more beautiful than her neighbours?
To say that Mrs.Proudie was jealous would give a wrong idea of her feelings.