CHAPTER XII.
Slope versus Harding Two or three days after the party, Mr.Harding received a note begging him to call on Mr.Slope, at the palace, at an early hour on the following morning.

There was nothing uncivil in the communication, and yet the tone of it was thoroughly displeasing.

It was as follows: MY DEAR MR.

HARDING, Will you favour me by calling on me at the palace to-morrow morning at 9:30 A.M.The bishop wishes me to speak to you touching the hospital.

I hope you will excuse my naming so early an hour.