"I forget where I was," said the bishop. "Oh. Mr. Thumble came back, and I received your letter;—of course I received it. And I was surprised to learn from that, that in spite of what had occurred at Silverbridge, you were still anxious to continue the usual Sunday ministrations in your church."
"I was determined that I would do my duty at Hogglestock, as long as I might be left there to do it," said Mr. Crawley.
"Duty!" said Mrs. Proudie.
"Just a moment, my dear," said the bishop. "When Sunday came, I had no alternative but to send Mr. Thumble over again to Hogglestock. It occurred to us,—to me and Mrs. Proudie,—"
"I will tell Mr. Crawley just now what has occurred to me," said Mrs. Proudie.
"Yes;—just so. And I am sure that he will take it in good part. It occurred to me, Mr. Crawley, that your first letter might have been written in haste."
"It was written in haste, my lord; your messenger was waiting."
"Yes;—just so. Well; so I sent him again, hoping that he might be accepted as a messenger of peace. It was a most disagreeable mission for any gentleman, Mr. Crawley."
"Most disagreeable, my lord."
"And you refused him permission to obey the instructions which I had given him! You would not let him read from your desk, or preach from your pulpit."