Then it occurred to Mr Robarts that Dean Arabin would be the proper person to interfere.  Dean Arabin and Mr Crawley had been intimate friends in early life, and Dean Arabin knew more of him than did any man, at least in these parts.  All this Mr Robarts explained to Mr Walker, and Mr Walker agreed with him that the services of Dean Arabin should if possible be obtained.  Mr Robarts would at once write to Dean Arabin and explain at length all the circumstances of the case.  ’The worst of it is, he will hardly be home in time,’ said Mr Walker.  ‘Perhaps he would come a little sooner if you were to press it?’

’But we could act in his name in his absence, I suppose?—­of course with his authority?’

’I wish he could be here a month before the assizes, Mr Robarts.  It would be better.’

’And in the meantime shall I say anything to Mr Crawley, myself, about employing a lawyer?’

’I think I would.  If he turns upon you, as like he may, and abuses you, that will help us in one way.  If he should consent, and perhaps he may, that would help us in the other way.  I’m told he’s been over and upset the whole coach of the palace.’

‘I shouldn’t think the bishop got much of him,’ said the parson.

’I don’t like Crawley the less for speaking his mind free to the bishop,’ said the lawyer, laughing.  ’And he’ll speak it free to you too, Mr Robarts.’

’He won’t break any of my bones.  Tell me, Mr Walker, what lawyer shall I name to him?’

‘You can’t have a better man than Mr Mason, up the street there.’

‘Winthrop proposed Borleys at Barchester.’

’No, no, no.  Borleys and Bonstock are capital people to push a fellow through on a charge of horse-stealing, or to squeeze a man for a little money; but they are not the people for Mr Crawley in such a case as this.  Mason is the better man; and then Mason and I know each other.’  In saying which Mr Walker winked.

There was then a discussion between them whether Mr Robarts should go at once to Mr Mason; but it was decided at last that he should see Mr Crawley and also write to the dean before his did so.  The dean might wish to employ his own lawyer, and if so the double expense should be avoided.  ’Always remember, Mr Robarts, that when you go into an attorney’s office door, you will have to pay for it, first or last.  In here, you see, the dingy old mahogany, bare as it is, makes you safe.  Or else it’s the salt-cellar, which will not allow itself to be polluted by six-and-eightpenny considerations.  But there is the other kind of tax to be paid.  You must go up and see Mrs Walker, or you won’t get her help in the matter.’