But still, in my present position, my first duty is to your lordship." "I'm sure of that, Mr.Slope; I am quite sure of that;" said the bishop, mollified: "and you really think that Mr.Harding should have the hospital ?" "Upon my word, I'm inclined to think so.

I am quite prepared to take upon myself the blame of first suggesting Mr.Quiverful's name.

But since doing so, I have found that there is so strong a feeling in the diocese in favour of Mr.Harding that I think your lordship should give way.

I hear also that Mr.Harding has modified the objections he first felt to your lordship's propositions.

And as to what has passed between Mrs.Proudie and Mrs.Quiverful, the circumstance may be a little inconvenient, but I really do not think that that should weigh in a matter of so much moment." And thus the poor bishop was left in a dreadfully undecided step as to what he should do.