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He had not, however, progressed so far as to write even the date of his letter. "You have done what?" said he, throwing down the pen. "I have arranged with Mr Thumble as to going out to Hogglestock," she said firmly. "Indeed he has gone already." Then the bishop jumped up from his seat, and rang the bell with violence. "What are you going to do?" said Mrs Proudie.
Nor was he altogether quiet in his mind as to the injury which he had done to the animal. "It was the brute's fault," said Mr Thumble. "It comes generally of not knowing how to ride 'em," said the groom. For Mr Thumble, though he often had a horse out of the episcopal stables, was not ready with his shillings to the man who waited upon him with the steed.
I will allow that much attention is due from a clergyman to pastoral advice given to him by his bishop. On that head I must first express to your lordship my full understanding that your letter has not been intended to convey advice, but an order; an inhibition, as your messenger, the Reverend Mr Thumble, has expressed it.
He had had his victory, and the remembrance of that braced his nerves and gave elasticity to his sinews, and he went stalking along the road with rapid strides, muttering to himself from time to time as he went along some word about Mrs Proudie and her distaff. Mr Thumble would not, he thought, come to him again, not, at any rate, till the assizes were drawing near.
He would go back to his parish amidst the sympathy and congratulations of his friends. That is what we should all wish." "Of course it is," said Mr Robarts. They all declared that was their desire, as a matter of course; and Mr Thumble said it louder than any one else.
Mr Crawley seemed to take no notice of the letter, but motioned Mr Thumble with his hand into the room. "I suppose you have come from Barchester this morning?" said Mrs Crawley. "Yes, madam, from the palace."
It need hardly be explained that the promised visit of Mr Thumble to Hogglestock was gall and wormwood to Mr Crawley. He had told the dean that should Mr Thumble come, he would endeavour to learn something even from him. But it may be doubted whether Mr Crawley in his present mood could learn anything useful from Mr Thumble. Giles Hoggett was a much more effective teacher.
Now, when he was left alone, his mind went back to this, and he did not think of taking immediate measures, measures on that very day, to prevent the action of Mr Thumble. But Mrs Proudie did take immediate steps. Mr Thumble was at this moment in the palace waiting for instructions.
"But, my dea " "It must come out, bishop." "My lord has not meant auricular confession," suggested Mr Thumble. Then Mrs Proudie turned round and looked at Mr Thumble, and Mr Thumble nearly sank amidst the tables and chairs. "I beg your pardon, Mrs Proudie," he said, "I didn't mean to intrude." "The word must come out, bishop," repeated Mrs Proudie.
When the bishop received Mr Crawley's letter he said nothing of it to her; but he handed it over to his chaplain. The chaplain, fearing to act upon it himself, handed it to Mr Thumble, whom he knew to be one of the bishop's commission, and Mr Thumble, equally fearing responsibility in the present state of affairs at the palace, found himself obliged to consult Mrs Proudie.
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