Indeed, it will be very wrong of you not to go, and I tell you so plainly; and what is more, when you talk about your duty--you having a curate as you have--why, it is gammon." These last words he spoke looking back over his shoulder as he stood up in his stirrups, for he had caught the eye of the huntsman, who was surrounded by his bounds, and was now trotting on to join him.

During a great portion of the day, Mark found himself riding by the side of Mrs.Proudie, as that lady leaned back in her carriage.

And Mrs.Proudie smiled on him graciously, though her daughter would not do so.

Mrs.Proudie was fond of having an attendant clergyman; and as it was evident that Mr.Robarts lived among nice people--titled dowagers, members of Parliament, and people of that sort--she was quite willing to install him as a sort of honorary chaplain _pro tem_.
"I'll tell you what we have settled, Mrs.Harold Smith and I," said Mrs.Proudie to him.

"This lecture at Barchester will be so late on Saturday evening, that you had all better come and dine with us." Mark bowed and thanked her, and declared that he should be very happy to make one of such a party.