questions which no one can rise to answer!  Farmer Gubbins, as he sat by, listening with what power of attention had been vouchsafed to him, felt himself to be somewhat moved, but soon released himself from the task, and allowed his mind to run away into other ideas.  The rector was a kindly man and a generous.  The rector would allow him to inclose that little bit of common land, that was to be taken in, without adding anything to his rent.  The rector would be there on audit days, and things would be very pleasant.  Farmer Gubbins, when the slight murmuring gurgle of the preacher’s tears was heard, shook his own head by way of a responsive wail; but at that moment he was congratulating himself on the coming comfort of the new reign.  Mr. Fielding, however, got great credit for his own sermon; and it did, probably, more good than harm—­unless, indeed, we should take into our calculation, in giving our award on this subject, the permanent utility of all truth, and the permanent injury of all falsehood.

Mr. Fielding remained at the parsonage during the greater part of the following week, and then there took place a great deal of family conversation respecting the future incumbent of the living.  At these family conclaves, however, Fanny was not asked to be present.  Mrs. Clavering, who knew well how to do such work, was gradually bringing her husband round to endure the name of Mr. Saul.  Twenty times had he asserted that he could not understand it; but, whether or no such understanding might ever be possible, he was beginning to recognize it as true that the thing not understood was a fact.  His daughter Fanny was positively in love with Mr. Saul, and that to such an extent that her mother believed her happiness to be involved in it.  “I can’t understand it—­upon my word I can’t,” said the rector for the last time, and then he gave way.  There was now the means of giving an ample provision for the lovers, and that provision was to be given.

Mr. Fielding shook his head—­not, in this instance, as to Fanny’s predilection for Mr. Saul, though in discussing that matter with his own wife he had shaken his head very often, but he shook it now with reference to the proposed change.  He was very well where he was.  And although Clavering was better than Humbleton, it was not so much better as to induce him to throw his own family over by proposing to send Mr. Saul among them.  Mr. Saul was an excellent clergyman, but perhaps his uncle, who had given him his living, might not like Mr. Saul.  Thus it was decided in these conclaves that Mr. Saul was to be the future rector of Clavering.

In the mean time poor Fanny moped—­wretched in her solitude, anticipating no such glorious joys as her mother was preparing for her; and Mr. Saul was preparing with energy for his departure into foreign parts.