The
functions of the Lord Petty Bag he was no doubt performing elsewhere.
Perhaps he had carried his work home with him--a practice which the
world should know is not uncommon with civil servants of exceeding
zeal. Mark did think of opening his heart to his brother, and of
leaving his message with him. But his courage failed him, or perhaps
it might be more correct to say that his prudence prevented him. It
would be better for him, he thought, to tell his wife before he told
any one else. So he merely chatted with his brother for half an hour
and then left him. The day was very tedious till the hour came at
which he was to attend at Lord Lufton's rooms; but at last it did
come, and just as the clock struck he turned out of Piccadilly into
the Albany. As he was going across the court before he entered the
building, he was greeted by a voice just behind him. "As punctual as
the big clock on Barchester tower," said Mr. Sowerby. "See what it
is to have a summons from a great man, Mr. Prebendary." He turned
round and extended his hand mechanically to Mr. Sowerby, and as he
looked at him he thought he had never before seen him so pleasant in
appearance, so free from care, and so joyous in demeanour.
"You have heard from Lord Lufton," said Mark, in a voice that was
certainly very lugubrious.
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