Chapter 3, The Bishop of Barchester—Chapter 4, Hiram's Beadsmen Summary

John Bold, hoping to demand a detailed statement of the hospital's accounts, goes and visits Mr. Harding. He finds Mr. Harding happily playing his violoncello for the old men, as he often does. Mr. Harding greets him warmly, but is disappointed when he hears the reason for John's coming. John lets him know that there will probably be legal action soon, and instead of being angry at the betrayal, Mr. Harding is deeply troubled by his conscience. He worries that John may be right, and that he has been receiving 800 pounds a year unjustly.

Mr. Harding pays a visit to his closest friend, the bishop of Barchester. The bishop is also Dr. Grantly's father. Mr. Harding and the bishop have been lifelong friends, and their friendship has...