Bradstock declined the honour.
"If I don't succeed, you may go again if you like," he said. And that very afternoon he went to Liverpool Street and took the train for Spilsborough to call on the bishop.
"My dear Bradstock, I am delighted to see you," said his lordship. "I presume you, too, have come here about Penelope?"
"I have," said Bradstock, "every one does."
"Did young Bob tell you all about the peculiar occurrences which took place here only lately? They were quite remarkable."
Bradstock agreed that they were remarkable.
"A duel on the dean's grass, now! Who would have thought of that but a Frenchman? Have you seen the marquis lately, and that very agreeable financier, the American? I was much grieved not to be able to ask him to dinner, owing to his sudden departure. He showed considerable skill in grasping the essentials of the situation, for, when the marquis, who was literally foaming at the mouth, offered him the choice of swords in a violent but perfectly gentlemanly way, he chose both of them, and put them under his arm. It is not every one who could have displayed such readiness in preventing violence. One would not have expected it in an American, for I understand disorder and disturbances leading to bloodshed are quite common even in Washington."
"I have frequently seen most bloodthirsty duels behind the Capitol during the sessions of Congress," said Bradstock, gravely.
"Ah, so I understand," replied the bishop. "But is there no news of dear Penelope?"
"Come, bishop, let us be frank," said Bradstock. "Have you no idea whom she has married?"