We
cannot linger over the bishop's dinner, though it was very good of
its kind; and as Mr. Sowerby contrived to sit next to Miss Dunstable,
thereby overturning a little scheme made by Mr. Supplehouse, he again
shone forth in unclouded good humour. But Mr. Harold Smith became
impatient immediately on the withdrawal of the cloth. The lecture was
to begin at seven, and according to his watch that hour had already
come. He declared that Sowerby and Supplehouse were endeavouring to
delay matters in order that the Barchesterians might become vexed
and impatient; and so the bishop was not allowed to exercise his
hospitality in true episcopal fashion.
"You forget, Sowerby," said Supplehouse, "that the world here for the
last fortnight has been looking forward to nothing else."
"The world shall be gratified at once," said Mrs. Harold, obeying a
little nod from Mrs. Proudie. "Come, my dear," and she took hold of
Miss Dunstable's arm, "don't let us keep Barchester waiting. We shall
be ready in a quarter of an hour, shall we not, Mrs. Proudie?" and so
they sailed off.
"And we shall have time for one glass of claret," said the bishop.
"There; that's seven by the cathedral," said Harold Smith, jumping
up from his chair as he heard the clock.
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