The people in the shops at Barchester did not regard her as though
she were a disgraced woman, though it must be acknowledged that Mrs.
Proudie passed her in the close with the coldest nod of recognition.
On Mrs. Proudie's mind alone did the article seem to have any
enduring effect. In one respect it was, perhaps, beneficial; Lady
Lufton was at once induced by it to make common cause with her own
clergyman, and thus the remembrance of Mr. Robarts's sins passed away
the quicker from the minds of the whole Framley Court household. And,
indeed, the county at large was not able to give to the matter that
undivided attention which would have been considered its due at
periods of no more than ordinary interest. At the present moment
preparations were being made for a general election, and although no
contest was to take place in the eastern division, a very violent
fight was being carried on in the west; and the circumstances of
that fight were so exciting that Mr. Robarts and his article were
forgotten before their time. An edict had gone forth from Gatherum
Castle directing that Mr. Sowerby should be turned out, and an
answering note of defiance had been sounded from Chaldicotes,
protesting on behalf of Mr. Sowerby, that the duke's behest would
not be obeyed.
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