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FRAMLEY PARSONAGE.

fore," said Miss Kerrigy, a traveling friend of Miss Dunstable's.

"Nor I—never; in a public place, too;" said Dr. Easyman, a medical gentleman, who also often accompanied her.

"As for brass," said Mr. Supplehouse, "she would never stop at any thing for want of that. It is well that she has enough, for the poor bishop is but badly provided."

"I hardly heard what it was she did say," said Harold Smith, "so I could not answer her, you know. Something about Sundays, I believe."

"She hoped you would not put the South Sea Islanders up to Sabbath traveling," said Mr. Sowerby.

"And specially begged that you would establish Lord's-day schools," said Mrs. Smith; and then they all went to work and picked Mrs. Proudie to pieces, from the top ribbon of her cap down to the sole of her slipper.

"And then she expects the poor parsons to fall in love with her daughters. That's the hardest thing of all," said Miss Dunstable.

But, on the whole, when our vicar went to bed, he did not feel that he had spent a profitable Sunday.



CHAPTER VIII.
GATHERUM CASTLE.

On the Tuesday morning Mark did receive his wife's letter and the ten-pound note, whereby a strong proof was given of the honesty of the post-office people in Barsetshire. That letter, written as it had been in a hurry, while Robin post-boy was drinking a single mug of beer—well, what of it if it was half filled a second time?—was nevertheless eloquent of his wife's love and of her great triumph.

"I have only half a moment to send you the money," she said, "for the postman is here waiting. When I see you I'll explain why I am so hurried. Let me know that you get it safe. It is all right now, and Lady Lufton was here not a minute ago. She did not quite like it—about Gatherum Castle I mean; but you'll hear nothing about it. Only remember that you must dine at Framley Court on Wednesday week. I have promised for you. You will;