To Mr. Harding’s infinite relief, Mrs. Bold regarded Mr. Slope’s proposal with horror, and refused him with indignation.  She had never thought of him as a possible suitor, and when he addressed her as “beautiful woman,” and as “dearest Eleanor,” and as “sweetest angel,” and even contrived to pass his arm round her waist, it was more than she could bear.  Mrs. Bold raised her little hand and just dealt him a box on the ear with such good will that it sounded among the trees—­he had followed her into the garden—­like a miniature thunderclap.

The news that the deanery was not for him ended Mr. Slope’s prospects in Barchester.  He was aware that as regarded the diocese Mrs. Proudie had checkmated him.  He had, for a moment, run her hard, but it was only for a moment, and Mrs. Proudie had come forth victorious in the struggle.

Having received a formal command to wait upon the bishop, he went into Dr. Proudie’s study.  There, as he had anticipated, he found Mrs. Proudie together with her husband.

“Mr. Slope,” began the bishop, “I think you had better look for some other preferment.  I do not think you are well suited for the situation you have lately held.  I will enclose you a cheque for any balance that may be due to you; and under the present circumstances it will, of course, be better for all parties that you should leave the palace at the earliest possible moment.”

“If, however, you wish to remain in the neighbourhood,” said Mrs. Proudie, “the bishop will mention your name to Mr. Quiverful, who now wants a curate at Puddingdale, and the stipend is L50 a year, sufficient for your requirements.”

“May God forgive you, madam, for the manner in which you have treated me,” said Mr. Slope; “and remember this, madam, that you yourself may still have a fall.  As to the bishop, I pity him!”

Thus ended the intimacy of the bishop of Barchester with his first confidential chaplain.

Mr. Slope returned to town, and promptly consoled the widow of a rich sugar-refiner.  He soon was settled with much comfort in Baker Street, and is now possessed of a church in the New Road.

Mr. Harding is still precentor, and still pastor of the little church of St. Cuthbert’s.  In spite of what he has often said, he is not even yet an old man.

* * * * *

IVAN TURGENEV

Fathers and Sons

Among the great critics and great artists of every period, Ivan Sergeyvitch Turgenev occupies a supreme position.  He was born at Oriel in the Government of the same name, on November 9, 1818, and died on September 3, 1883.  His father was a colonel in a cavalry regiment, and an ancestor was a James Turgenev who was one of Peter the Great’s jesters.  Educated at Moscow, St Petersburg, and Berlin, Ivan Turgenev began life in a government office, but after a year retired into private life.  His early attempts at