The dean was there, a heavy old man, now too old, indeed, to attend frequently in his place, and so was the archdeacon.

So also were the chancellor, the treasurer, the precentor, sundry canons and minor canons, and every lay member of the choir, prepared to sing the new bishop in with due melody and harmonious expression of sacred welcome.
The service was certainly very well performed.

Such was always the case at Barchester, as the musical education of the choir had been good, and the voices had been carefully selected.

The psalms were beautifully chanted; the Te Deum was magnificently sung; and the litany was given in a manner which is still to be found at Barchester, but, if my taste be correct, is to be found nowhere else.

The litany in Barchester cathedral has long been the special task to which Mr.Harding's skill and voice have been devoted.