It was certainly incumbent upon him, before he went, to speak up, not only for the bishop, but for himself also.

"Mr.Crawley," he said, "hitherto I have listened to you patiently." "Nay," said Mr.Crawley, smiling, "you have indeed been patient, and I thank you; but my words have been written, not spoken." "You have told me that you intend to disobey the bishop's inhibition." "I have told the bishop so certainly." "May I ask you now to listen to me for a few minutes ?" Mr.Crawley, still smiling, still having in his eyes the unwonted triumph which had lighted them up, paused a moment, and then answered him.

"Reverend sir, you must excuse me if I say no,--not on this subject." "You will not let me speak ?" "No; not on this matter, which is very private to me.

What should you think if I went into your house and inquired of you as to those things which were particularly near to you ?" "But the bishop sent me." "Though ten bishops had sent me,--a council of archbishops if you will!" Mr.Thumble started back, appalled at the energy of the words used to him.

"Shall a man have nothing of his own;--no sorrow in his heart, no care in his family, no thought in his breast so private and special to him, but that, if he happen to be a clergyman, the bishop may touch it with his thumb ?" "I am not the bishop's thumb," said Mr.Thumble, drawing himself up.
"I intended not to hint anything personally objectionable to yourself.