As regarded Mr.Harding, he had also resolved to do what he could without injury to himself.

To Mrs.Proudie he determined not to speak on the matter, at least not at present.

His object was to instigate a little rebellion on the part of the bishop.
He thought that such a state of things would be advisable, not only in respect to Messrs.

Harding and Quiverful, but also in the affairs of the diocese generally.

Mr.Slope was by no means of opinion that Dr.Proudie was fit to rule, but he conscientiously thought it wrong that his brother clergy should be subjected to petticoat government.
He therefore made up his mind to infuse a little of his spirit into the bishop, sufficient to induce him to oppose his wife, though not enough to make him altogether insubordinate.
He had therefore taken an opportunity of again speaking to his lordship about the hospital, and had endeavoured to make it appear that after all it would be unwise to exclude Mr.Harding from the appointment.