Pray remember that Lord Trowbridge is a worthy man, doing his duty on the whole well; and that his position, though it be entitled to no veneration, is entitled to much respect. If you can tell me that you will feel no grudge against him for what has taken place, I shall be very happy. You will observe that I have been careful that this letter shall have no official character. Yours very faithfully, &c., &c., &c. The letter was answered that evening, but before the answer was written, the Marquis of Trowbridge was discussed between the husband and wife, not in complimentary terms. Mrs. Fenwick on the occasion was more pugnacious than her husband. She could not forgive the man who had hinted to the bishop that her husband held his living from unworthy motives, and that he was a bad clergyman. "My dear girl," said Fenwick, "what can you expect from an ass but his ears?" "I don't expect downright slander from such a man as the Marquis of Trowbridge, and if I were you I should tell the bishop so." "I shall tell him nothing of the kind. I shall write about the Marquis with the kindliest feelings." "But you don't feel kindly?" "Yes, I do. The poor old idiot has nobody to keep him right, and does the best he can according to his lights. I have no doubt he thinks that I am everything that is horrid. I am not a bit angry with him, and would be as civil to him to-morrow as my nature would allow me, if he would only be civil to me." Then he wrote his letter which will complete the correspondence, and which he dated for the following day:-- Bullhampton Vicarage, Oct. 23, 186--. MY DEAR LORD BISHOP, I return the Marquis's letter with many thanks. I can assure you that I take in proper spirit your little hints as to my pugnacity of disposition, and will endeavour to profit by them. My wife tells me that I am given to combativeness, and I have no doubt that she is right. As to Lord Trowbridge, I can assure your lordship that I will not bear any malice against him, or even think ill of him because of his complaint. He and I probably differ in opinion about almost everything, and he is one of those who pity the condition of all who are so blinded as to differ from him. The next time that I am thrown into his company I shall act exactly as though no such letter had been written, and as if no such meeting had taken place as that which he describes. I hope I may be allowed to assure your lordship, without any reference to my motives for keeping it, that I shall be very slow to give up a living in your lordship's diocese. As your letter to me is unofficial,--and I thank you heartily for sending it in such form,--I have ventured to reply in the same strain. I am, my dear Lord Bishop, Your very faithful servant, FRANCIS FENWICK.