The Bishop's Apron - Chapters 19 & 20

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapters nineteen and twenty of the Bishop's apron by W.
Somerset Maum. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain.
Chapter nineteen. Cannon Spratt was a man of buoyant temper
and did not grieve long over his frustrated hopes. After all,
there were richer seas than Barchester. With youth and strength

(00:22):
still on his side, he need not resign himself yet
to insignificance. Importance lay in the position which a man
had the ability to make for himself, and the vicar
of Saint Gregory's might wield greater power than the bishop
of an obscure diocese in the Western provinces. Reconsidering his options,
he came to the conclusion that Barchester was a dull place, unhealthy,

(00:44):
moribund than tedious. He had always disliked a clay soil,
and very soon he sincerely made up his mind that
even if it had been offered to him, he would
have refused. Like Wilhelm Meister. He cried that America was here,
and now London offered the only opportunity for such a
vigorous character as his, And what were earthly honors to

(01:05):
a person of quality? He consoled himself for everything with
the thought that he had steered winning successfully through the
shoals of her amorous entanglements. She was now staying in
the country with Lady Roxham, and on her return the
pleasing news of her engagement would be delivered to an
envious world. The Cannon flattered himself that her foolish passion

(01:27):
for Bertram Railing was definitely extinguished. Her letters to Lady
Sophia proved that this facial heart was now given in
the properest way to Harry Roxham. She wrote of him
frequently with increasing affection, and her enthusiasm found daily new
qualities to admire. Meanwhile, the fine weather gave admirable opportunity

(01:48):
for the Cannon's matutinal rides with Gwendolen Durant. The effect
upon his health was all that could be desired. He
found her a more delightful girl than he had ever guessed,
and his happy charm quickly brought their acquaintance to such
a degree of intimacy that they might have known one
another for ten years. It flattered him to see her
flashing glance of pleasure when they met each morning, and

(02:11):
he exerted himself to entertain her. Sir John also had
taken such a fancy to him that much of the
Cannon's time was spent at the brewer's gorgeous mansion in
Park Lane. His urbanity had never been more suave, nor
the scintillations of his wit more brilliant. Gwendolen hung upon
his lips. But when Cannon sprat thought of Lionel, he

(02:33):
was a little disconcerted. On the day when he was
to come back to London, when he opened his times
at breakfast, the Cannon uttered an exclamation. Lady Sophia and
Lionel looked up with alarm. A dreadful thing has happened,
he said solemnly. Doctor Gray has had an apoplectic stroke,
then died last night. Poor man, cried Lady Sophia. He

(02:57):
hasn't enjoyed his bishopric long. I look upon it as
a judgment of providence, replied her brother, very gravely. What
on earth do you mean? I said at the time
he was not fit to go to Barchester. I have
no doubt the excitement and the strain of altering all
his plans proved too much for him. You see, I

(03:18):
was right. When will men learn to put a rain
upon their ambition. Cannon Sprat read the details carefully, shaking
his head, and then turned up the leading articles to
see if, by chance some reference was made to the
sad event. But here a new surprise awaited him. He
gave a start and smothered another cry. He ran his

(03:40):
eyes down the column quickly to gain its chist, and
then perused it with concentrated attention. He forgot entirely that
the Church of England had sustained a grievous loss, and
that two lamb cutlets on the plate before him sought
to tempt his appetite. The news he examined was of
vital importance. The Brewers, driven beyond endurance, were in full

(04:02):
revolt against the government. On the previous night, Sir John Durant,
joining in the debate upon the bill to close certain
public houses, had made a violent speech in the House
of Commons. The government's position was insecure already, and if
the liquor interest withdrew its support, a dissolution was inevitable.
Sir John Durant became suddenly a person of vast importance.

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The determination he took might throw the money markets into confusion.
It might alter the political balance of Europe and have
far reaching effects in the uttermost parts of the earth.
He had paramount influence with the trade, and the other
members in the House would follow his lead. He could
command a large enough number of votes to make Lord
Stonehenge's tenure of office impossible. It was certain that the

(04:49):
country would not return the Conservative Party again. Cannon Sprat's
heartbeat as though he were reading intelligence of the most
sensational kind. He threw the paper down and did his
breath came very fast. For some time, he stared straight
in front of him and reviewed the situation from every side.
He jumped up, and, unmindful of his breakfast, walked backwards

(05:11):
and forwards. Aren't you going to eat your chop? Asked
Lady Sophia. Hang my chop, he cried, impatiently. She raised
her eyebrows. How is it possible that the news of
doctor Grey's death can have such an effect on you, Theodore,
for goodness sake, be quiet and let me think, he answered,

(05:31):
without his usual politeness. He had discussed the matter a
dozen times with Sir John and knew with what angry
vehemence the Brewer regarded this new power. Wherewith it was
proposed to invest the justices of the peace. He was
a stubborn, obstinate man, and had persuaded himself that it
was an interference with the liberty of trade. On the

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other hand, he was an enthusiastic conservative and had no
wish to put a liberal government in power, which would
probably bring in temperance ledation of a much more drastic order.
He was filled with the imperialistic sentiment and dreaded the
radical indifference to his ideal of world supremacy. If Sir
John could be induced to hear reason, it was probable

(06:13):
that he would not insist on the withdrawal of the
bill which public opinion had forced the government to bring.
But if left to himself, he might, in a fit
of temper, throw all his influence with the opposition. Whoever
had Durancier on this occasion was for the moment the
most powerful man in England. A smile broke on the
Cannon's lips. He drew a long breath. Sophia, I should

(06:37):
like to speak a few words to Lionel I've just finished,
she said. She did not hurry herself, but when it
pleased her left the room. Cannon Sprat turned eagerly to
his son. Now, Lionel, I think you've shilly shallied long enough.
I want to know for good and all what you
propose to do with regard to Gwendolen. What do you mean,

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good lord man, You're not a perfect fool, are you.
We've discussed your marriage ad nauseum. I want to know
what your intentions are. It's not fair to the girl
to keep her dangling in this fashion. Are you going
to marry her or not? Well, father, there's no hurry
about it. On the contrary, there's the greatest possible hurry.

(07:21):
Why I have every reason to believe that someone else
is thinking of proposing to her. Well, I don't think
she cares twopence about me, answered Lionel rather sulkily. Lately,
when I've seen her, she's talked of nothing but you.
There are less diverting topics of conversation, Lionel retorted the
Cannon with a smile. One can have too much of

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a good thing. If you don't look sharp, some one
else will step in and cut you out. I warn
you candidly, I shan't break my heart. Father, Cannon Spratt
shrugged his shoulders. I don't know what the young men
of the present day are coming to They have no
spirit and no enterprise. Anyhow, I've done my duty, and
you mustn't be surprised whatever happens. I wonder you don't

(08:07):
marry her yourself, said Lionel ironically. And would you have
anything to say against my doing so, retorted the cannon,
not without a suspicion of temper. Let me tell you
that a man of fifty is in the very flower
of his age. I flatter myself. There are few men
of your years who have half the vigor and energy
that I have. He flung out of the room in

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a huff. His horse had been waiting for half an hour,
and it was later than usual. When he joined Gwendolen
in the park. Her face lit up, and from his
own all sign of vexation had vanished. I'd given you up,
she said, I thought you weren't able to come. Would
you have been disappointed if I hadn't. Awfully, you make

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me regret more than ever that I'm not twenty five,
he said, without any beating about the bush. Why Because
if I were, I should promptly ask you to marry me.
If you were, I should probably refuse you. She smiled.
I wonder what you mean by that. They walked their
horses side by side, and the Cannon was seized with

(09:13):
an unaccountable shyness. It was by a real effort of
will that at last he forced himself to speak. I
suppose it never struck you that I took more than
common pleasure in our conversations. But when I left you,
I was always seized with despair. I realized that my
heart had remained as young as ever it was, and
you never ceased to see in me a man old

(09:34):
enough to be your father. Do you know that I
am fifty? I never asked myself what your age was.
I never felt that you were any older than I,
She answered, nervously, looking straight in front of her. The
Cannon shot a sidelong glance in her direction and saw
that her cheeks were flaming. He recovered his courage at
once faint heart he knew never won fair. Lady Gwendolen,

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I summed times think that you have worked a miracle
for by your side, I feel as young as the
summer morning. What can the years matter when I have
the spirit and the strength of a youth. I admire
you and I love you. Do you think me very ridiculous.
She shook her head but did not speak. He put
his hand lightly on hers. Gwendolen, will you be my wife?

(10:22):
She looked up with a little laugh that was almost hysterical.
She did not answer directly. I'll race you to the end,
she said, without a word, smiling. The cannon put the
spurs to his horse, and they galloped up the row
at a speed which was altogether beyond reason. The policeman
on his beat watched with gaping mouth the strange spectacle

(10:44):
of a comely young woman and an ecclesiastical dignitary, no
longer in his first youth, but handsome too. Peltering towards
the Achilles Statue as fast as they could go, Gwendolen's
horse kept somewhat ahead, but the cannon would not give way. Again,
he clapped his spurs to the straining flanks. It seemed
to him romantically that he rode for a great prize,

(11:07):
and in his excitement he could have shouted at the
top of his voice. They reached the end neck and neck,
and when they stopped panting, the horses were white with lather.
There was no longer a shadow of humility in the
cannon's breezy manner. And now for my answer, he cried gaily,
What about Lionel? She smiled, blushing, Oh, Lionel can go

(11:29):
to the Dickens. Cannon Sprat frequently said that he was
unaccustomed to let grass grow under his feet. Having left
Gwendolen at the door, he returned to the vicarage, changed
his clothes, and promptly took a cab back to Park Lane.
But he found that she had been before him, and
Sir John Durant was already in possession of the happy

(11:50):
news upon my soul. I don't know what you've done
to the girl, he said, in his hearty, boisterous tone.
She's quite infatuated. The Canon laughed and rubbed his hands.
She's made me the happiest of men. Sir John was
a man of affairs whose pride it was that he
went straight to the point, And, notwithstanding cannon Sprat's remonstrance,

(12:13):
who sought to waive the matter airily aside, he insisted
on discussing at once the business part of the projected union.
It required all the fortunate lover's self control to prevent
a little gasp of pleased surprise when the Brewer, in
a casual way, mentioned the sum he proposed to settle
on his only daughter. It was larger even than he

(12:33):
had expected. My dear Durrant, your generosity overwhelms me, he cried.
I promise you, I will do my best to make
her happy. And I think it's unlikely that either my
brother or Lionel will ever marry. In all probability, Gwendolen's
eldest son will inherit the title. This settled, he turned
deftly to the political situation and discovered that the Brewer

(12:57):
was somewhat taken aback by the responsibility which appeared to
have fallen on him. He was anxious to do his
duty by his party, but at the same time could
not bear to sacrifice the interests of his trade. He
had come to no decision whatever, and showed himself only
too pleased to discuss his predicament with a man whose
experience was so large and whose mind so lucid. He

(13:20):
insisted that his prospective son in law should stay to luncheon.
During this meal, cannon Sprat proved very neatly his skill
in social intercourse, for he was able to show himself
gallant and tender towards Gwendolen, while at the same time
he displayed keen sympathy with the brewer's perplexity. But no
sooner was the meal over than he jumped to his feet.

(13:42):
You're not going already, cried sir John, my dear fellow.
I must I have a very busy day before me.
He smiled tenderly at Gwendolen. You can imagine that it
is not without weighty reasons that I tear myself away.
Then you must come back to dinner. You know it's
private members night and I'm not going to the house. Impossible. Also,

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Winnie is returning from the country to day, and it
would be unkind if I did not dine at home. Besides,
I have asked my brother. A Christian family is one
of the most beautiful, as it is one of the
most characteristic sights of our English life. I like to
allow its mellowing influence to be exerted as often as
possible on my rather harum scarum relative. Then when shall

(14:26):
we see you again, asked the brewer, firmly grasping his hand.
If it won't disturb you, I should like to come
in for half an hour, about ten o'clock. As soon
as the door was closed behind him, he hailed a
passing cab. I'll give you a florin if you can
get to the Athenaeum in three minutes, he cried to
the driver. He looked at his watch. I think I

(14:48):
shall just catch him. He knew that Lord Stonehenge was
in the habit of passing an hour at the Athenaeum
after luncheon. He sat always in a certain chair near
the window, which, by common concer was invariably left vacant
for him. No one ventured to disturb him. He went
in and out of the club indifferent to his fellow members,
as if he did not notice that a soul was there.

(15:11):
But cannon Sprat was an audacious man and did not
fear to be importunate. He smiled with satisfaction when he
saw Lord Stonehenge heavily seated in his accustomed place. That
vast mass of flesh had a ponderous immobility, which suggested
that it would be difficult for the Prime Minister to
escape from his agile hands. He was turning over the

(15:33):
pages of a review, but his mind appeared busy with
other things. Cannon Sprat walked up jauntily with the Westminster
Gazette in his hand. It contained a very amusing cartoon
in which Sir John Durant, as a Turkish Pasha, was
seated on a beer barrel while the Prime Minister, in
the garb of an oudolisque, knelt humbly before him with

(15:54):
uplifted hands. In the background were two satellites, one with
a bow string and the other with a scimitar. Have
you seen this? Said the Cannon, sitting down coolly and
handing the paper capital isn't it? The Prime Minister turned
his listless eyes on the intruder, and for a moment
wondered who on earth he was. I've just been lunching

(16:16):
with Durrant. He's rather sore about it. Ticklish situation, isn't it,
are you? Theodore Sprat, asked Lord stonehenge I am, laughed
the Cannon. I hope Durrant won't do anything rash. I
have a good deal of influence with him, and of
course I'm doing my best to persuade him not to
kick over the traces. A sudden light flashed in the

(16:37):
Prime Minister's eyes, and he saw that Cannon Spratt had
an object in thus speaking to him. He dived into
the abysses of his memory and recalled that he had
offered him a deanery, which the Cannon had refused. The
man evidently wanted a bishopric or nothing. He remembered also
something that his daughter had told him. He wondered what

(16:57):
power the suave parson actually had with Sir John, I
hear that your son is going to marry Durant's daughter.
He said, You've been misinformed, answered the Cannon, with a
smile that was somewhat ironical. I am going to marry
her you. They looked at one another, like two fencers
seeking to discover their strength in each other's face. The

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Prime Minister's eyes had a peculiar force, which suggested the
reason of his long continued power. They lacked brilliancy, but
there was in them a curious intensity of vision which
seemed to absorb the thoughts of other men's minds. The
silence lasted interminably. Cannon Sprat bore the great Man's gaze
with perfect steadfastness, and presently Lord Stonehenge looked away. He

(17:45):
stared out of the window into space, and the Cannon
thought he had entirely forgotten the subject in hand. I
need not tell you that I will do everything I
can to bring Durrant to a reasonable state of mind.
At present he's wavering. You probably know the facts better
than I do. But he tells me the liquor party
will follow him. I understand if they go against you,

(18:07):
the result will be awkward. Lord Stonehenge apparently did not hear.
His eyes still rested heavily on the trees in the park.
Cannon Sprat began to grow a little irritated, but still
he waited patiently. At last, the Prime Minister spoke, I
suppose you've heard that Gray is dead? I have Would

(18:28):
you like to go to Barchester? Although he seemed desperately stupid,
Lord Stonehenge had understood. The Cannon's heart gave a leap,
and he caught his breath. He forgot that Barchester stood
on a clay soil, and it no longer seemed a
tedious place at last, but he showed no eagerness to accept.

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He knew as well as the Prime Minister that the
government was in the hollow of his hand. At that moment,
a bishop came up to Lord Stonehenge with a telegram
in his hand, cannon Sprat gave, I'm an impatient frown.
I'm sorry to disturb you, but I think you ought
to see this, said the newcomer. He handed the telegram
to Lord Stonehenge, who glanced at it irritably. The Bishop

(19:11):
knew cannon Sprat and nodded to him. It's to tell
me that the Bishop of Sheffield died in his sleep
early this morning. He's been ailing for some time. Thank you,
said the Prime Minister. He returned the telegram and the
Bishop withdrew. Cannon Sprat and Lord Stonehenge looked at one
another once more. A new factor had come into the

(19:33):
game which they were playing. Beside Sheffield, the Diocese of
Barchester was quite insignificant. It was small and poor, and
from the city itself all prosperity had long since vanished.
The bishop of such a place might be a great
man in his own neighborhood, but he had no chance
of activity outside it. Sheffield, on the other hand, possessed

(19:54):
two suffragans and patronage of vast importance. It was the
center of Redler life in the Midlands. Year by year
the town was growing in consequence, and its bishop, if
a man of resource, might wield great power. By help
of the rich manufacturers in his district. He could raise
huge sums for any purpose he pleased, and his influence

(20:16):
need be second only to that of the archbishop. If
it was possible to have Sheffield. Barchester was but a
poor reward for such services as Theodore Spratt could render
to his country. But he had no time to think
it over. It was necessary to make his decision there
and then he was a bold man and did not hesitate.

(20:37):
Lord Stonehenge still waited for his answer. It's very good
of you to make me such an offer, and I
need not say I am grateful for the honor. But
if I may put it frankly, I don't think I
feel inclined to go to such a dead and alive
town as Barchester. I have a passion for work, and
I can't leave without plenty to do. If I leave

(20:57):
London at all, it must be for a place that
it offers ample scope for a man of energy, a
place where there is a vigorous civic life, and where
you may feel yourself, as it were, at the center
of this busy modern world of ours. Advance and progress
are my watchwords. Conversation with Lord Stoneheng's was difficult, for
he seldom opened his mouth when you had said what

(21:19):
you wanted. He merely waited for you to begin again.
And unless possessed of much effrontery, you were utterly disconcerted.
In the present case, however, there was but one word
he needed to utter, and that word was Sheffield. It
remained unspoken. Cannon Sprat, content to let things take their time,
got up. But it's too bad of me to take

(21:41):
up the only moments in the day you have for recreation.
I shall be seeing Durand again after dinner. With a
nod and a smile, he left the Prime Minister to
his own reflections. Theodore's day had been somewhat exhausting. It
is given to few, however eagerly they pursue the art
of life. Within twelve hours to win a wife and

(22:02):
to refuse a bishopric, he had thoroughly earned the bath
he took before dinner. He wondered how many people knew
that he. Theodore Sprat, then pleasantly wallowing in cold water,
mother naked, held in a balance the destinies of the
British Empire. Sir John Durant would do as he suggested,
and the next few hours might see determined the fall

(22:23):
of an administration. He rubbed himself joyously with rough towels.
When the clergy and the licensed victuallers stand shoulder to shoulder,
not all the powers of Satan can avail against them,
he cried. He dressed with unusual care and shaved a
second time. He brushed his hair with feminine nicety. He

(22:44):
put two rings on his little finger, and with a
sigh of complete satisfaction, looked at himself in the glass.
He felt very well and young and happy. His appetite
was good, and he was prepared to enjoy an excellent dinner.
When he reached the drawing room, he found that Lord
Sprat was already arrived. Winnie, whom he had not seen

(23:05):
since her return, came up to kiss him. Well, my dear,
I hope you enjoyed yourself. You look positively radiant. I'm
so happy. Father. You don't know what a dear Harry is.
I'm awfully grateful to you. Your father's a wise man, darling,
he laughed. Lionel came in hat in hand to see Winnie,

(23:26):
who had arrived but half an hour before, and gone
straight to her room. He expressed his regret that a
choir practice, which he must attend, forced him to go out. Well,
my boy, I'm sorry you can't dine with us, said
the canon. I should have liked to see my family
united round my table on this night, of all others,
but since your duty calls, I have no more to say.

(23:49):
At this moment, Ponsonby announced that dinner was served, and
at the same time handed a telegram to his master. HULLO,
what's this? He opened it and gave up cry. His
heart beat so violently that he was obliged to sit down. Papa,
what's the matter, cried Winnie. It's so stupid of me.

(24:10):
I'm quite upset. Get me a glass of sherry, Ponsonby,
what is it? Theodore asked Lady Sophia anxiously. He waved
his family aside and would not speak till Ponsonby brought
the wine. He drank a glass of sherry, A sigh
of relief issued from his lips. He waited till Ponsonby
had left the room, and then slowly rose to his feet. Sophia,

(24:34):
you will be gratified to learn that the government has
offered me the vacant bishopric of Sheffield, Oh Papa. I'm
so glad, said Winnie. Lionel seized his father's hand and
wrung it warmly. Well, Sophia, what do you say? Presumably
you don't want me to persuade you to take it. No,

(24:54):
I shall accept as it has offered me frankly and
by telegram. He looked upon the members of his family
and took no pains to hide his intense satisfaction. But
I am keeping you from your duties, Lionel, you mustn't
wait a moment longer. His son went to the door,
but the cannon called him back. One moment I was forgetting.

(25:16):
I think the time has now arrived to announce Winnie's
betrothal publicly. Just sit down and write out a notice.
You can leave it at the news agency as you pass.
Lionel obediently went to the desk and took a pen.
The cannon cleared his throat. We are authorized to announce
that a marriage has been arranged between Lord Roxham of

(25:37):
Castle Tanker and Winifred, Only, daughter of the Honorable Write
that in full, Lionel of the Honorable and Reverend Canon
Theodore Spratt, Bishop Elect of Sheffield, better known as the
better known as the Yes, you're very dull, Lionel exclaimed
the Canon with a laugh that was somewhat irritable, better

(25:58):
known as the popular and brilliant Vicar of Saint Gregory's,
South Kensington. When Lionel had departed with this cannon, Sprat
turned jovially to his brother, Well, Thomas, you see that
virtue is sometimes rewarded, even in this world. It is
a great blessing to me to think that everything I
desired has come about. Winnie is to marry a man

(26:20):
who will make her an excellent husband, and she will
occupy a position which she cannot fail to adorn. While
as for myself, I am removing to a sphere where
such poor abilities as Providence has endowed me with, will
have a fuller scope. I confess that I am gratified
not only with myself, but for the honor which has
befallen our house. I cannot help regretting that my dear

(26:43):
father is not alive to see this day. I need
not say, Thomas, that I shall always be pleased to
see you at Sheffield. I am convinced that the golf
links are excellent, and the poor hospitality of the palace
will ever be at the command of the head of
my family, Theodore. I shouldn't like to be a rebellious
parson in your diocese, said Lord Spratt gravely. You'll make

(27:05):
it very hot for any one who don't act according
to your lights. I shall not forget the watchwords of
our house, which have ever been advance and progress. To these.
I shall now add discipline. But really we should go
down to dinner. Lady Sophia thought it high time, for
she had a healthy appetite. But at that instant came

(27:25):
another interruption. Ponsonby entered the room. A gentleman wishes to
see you, sir, he said, handing a card to the Cannon. Oh,
I can see no one at this hour. I can't
keep dinner waiting a moment longer. I told him you
could see nobody, Sir, answered Ponsonby. But the gentleman said
he came from the Daily Mail. That certainly makes a difference,

(27:48):
said the Canon, taking the card. That's what I thought, sir.
He said. He would be very much obliged if you
could grant him a short interview. Say, I shall be
very happy Ponsonby, and show him into my Theodore. Are
we to have no dinner cried Lady Sophia when Ponsonby
was gone. Dinner dinner, exclaimed Cannon Sprat scornfully. How can

(28:10):
I think of dinner now, Sophia, I have a duty
to perform. You forgot that my position is radically altered.
I knew you'd remind us of it in less than
five minutes, said Lady Sophia, who felt that firmness now
was needed or the future would be unbearable. I and
my family have always been in the vanguard of progress,
replied the Bishop elect, with a glance at the Lord

(28:32):
Chancellor's portrait. I know, but even your family wants its
dinner sometimes, Sophia, I shall be obliged if you will
not interrupt me. I cannot say I think it kind
of you to insist in this vulgar way on the
satisfaction of a gross and sensual appetite. I should have
thought on such an occasion worthy of thoughts would occupy
your mind. But if your flesh is weak, I am

(28:55):
willing that you should begin. I am not a selfish man,
and Heaven forbid that I should ask as a right
what an affectionate and Christian disposition should grant as a
pleasure fiddlesticks. Cannon Sprad looked his sister up and down.
He held himself very erect. Sophia, I have long felt
that you do not treat me with the respect I

(29:15):
venture to consider my due. I must really beg you
not to act towards me any longer with this mixture
of indecent frivolity and vulgar cynicism. I do not wish
to remind you that there is a change in my position.
You have done so twice in five minutes, said Lady
Sophia acidly. It appears to be necessary once for all. However,

(29:37):
let me inform you that henceforth I expect to be
treated in a different fashion. If you have not the
affection to respect your brother Theodore, if you have not
the delicacy of sentiment to respect the son of the
late Lord Chancellor, you will at least respect the Bishop
of Sheffield. He stood for a moment to allow the
effect of his words to be duly felt, and then

(29:59):
marched to the door. Here he stopped and turned round.
It may also interest you to learn that on the
thirty first of July, I am going to be married
to Gwendolen Durrant. He went out and slammed the door
behind him. Lady Sophia stared at her eldest brother with
helpless astonishment, but with a little smile, Lord Spratt shrugged

(30:21):
his shoulders. He always has had the last word, Sophia.
End of Chapter nineteen. Chapter twenty, The Times of the
third of May in the following year, contained the subjoined
announcement Spratt on the first instant at the Palace, the
wife of the Right Reverend the Bishop of Sheffield, the

(30:44):
Honorable Theodore Sprat, of a son. End of chapter twenty
recording by Lee Smalley. End of the Bishop's apron by W.
Somerset Maumour