human
We were _so_ sorry to hear of dear old Mr. Cooper's death, said Mrs. Mercer to Ella.
gpt
I'm sure it seems no time since he was as well and strong as anybody. I could hardly believe it when I heard it.
human
It has been expected for a long time, said her husband.
gpt
He has passed away in the ripeness of his years, and there is no need to repine. We went over this morning to offer our sympathy to those who are left behind. They are bearing up very well, I am happy to say. But you had just been to see them yourself, Mrs. Carruthers. They were much gratified by your kind visit, and I hear that his Lordship is to come over and take part in the funeral.
human
Yes, I believe so, said Ella.
gpt
I hope to get him to stay the night with me. It is some time since he came to see me, and we shall have a good deal to talk over.
human
Ah! said the Vicar, with semi-archness.
gpt
I know how much he values your advice. He has told me so himself.
human
Really, Albert? queried Mrs. Mercer, much interested.
gpt
You never told me that.
human
It was when I was over at the Palace, he said somewhat inadequately; and turned to Ella again.
gpt
It is rather pathetic, he said,
human
Didn't you say, Albert, that it would amount almost to the sin of simony?
gpt
Oh! good heavens, Ella! exclaimed Grafton.
human
Do preserve your uncle from the sin of simony. That would be too awful.
gpt
I should never have said so absurd a thing in such a connection, he said.
human
You are thinking of something quite different.
gpt
My uncle has only been Bishop here for a little over a year, she said.
human
He has told me more than once that there has been a great deal to learn. And I know I have helped him in one or two things.
gpt
Your uncle, he said,
human
You have lived mostly in the country, Ella, said Grafton.
gpt
If you could give your uncle a few hints as to what the clergy think about these things he might perhaps be glad of it.
human
Oh, I'm sure he would, broke in Mrs. Mercer enthusiastically.
gpt
Dear Mrs. Carruthers, please try. It would be such a splendid thing. And I'm sure there's nobody who could prime you up better than my husband. He has made a life-long study of these questions, just as the Bishop has about town questions.
human
I wouldn't compare any knowledge of mine with the Bishop's, my dear, he said.
gpt
At the same time, in my humble sphere, I have observed, and thought, and consulted with men perhaps wiser than myself, and I think I do know the conditions of a country diocese such as this, possibly, if I may say so without being misunderstood, as well as any Bishop.
human
I know my uncle is always anxious to discover the opinions of people who really know things, said Ella.
gpt
And he is certainly not above taking advice.
human
I should hardly presume to offer advice, said the Vicar.
gpt
For one thing, my position as incumbent of one of the less important livings in the Diocese would hardly justify me in offering advice to my Diocesan. Personally, I am more than contented with my lot, and should never lift so much as a finger to change it. But if circumstances did conspire to move me to a higher sphere of influence, where it would not be unbecoming to lift my voice in advice, I should consider it my duty to do so, if asked, knowing that possibly I could thus serve my generation.
human
I suppose the living of Surley would hardly give you that opportunity, would it? asked Ella.
gpt
I think there are fewer inhabitants, and it is a poor little church.
human
Oh, yes, dear Mrs. Carruthers, it _certainly_ would, said Mrs. Mercer.
gpt
The Rector of Surley has always been a person of importance. Even old Mr. Cooper was, though compared with my husband--
human
Oh, _please_, my dear! interposed her husband.
gpt
Let me speak for myself. Your question wants considering, Mrs. Carruthers. It is true, as my wife says, that the Rector of Surley has always been considered a person of some weight in the Diocese. The last two incumbents were Rural Deans, and Mr. Cooper would have been so if he had not considered himself too old when the office fell vacant. Yes, I think I may say that the Rectorate of Surley _would_ provide scope for a man anxious to serve in the way we have been discussing, though it was not actually the sort of position I had in my mind. But I should think it probable that his Lordship has already made his decision. If not, and you have an opportunity of whispering a word in his ear, dear lady, warn him against such a grave mistake as the appointment of young Cooper would be. I speak--
human
But _don't_, for goodness sake, tell Rhoda and Ethel that my husband advised you to, interrupted Mrs. Mercer.
gpt
We should never hear the last of it.
human
Really, Gertrude! he said.
gpt
One would think I was doing something underhand in speaking as I do.
human
Well, dear, of course we _have_ both sympathised with them when they told us of their hopes. I know it was only to--
gpt
For young Cooper as a man I have the utmost respect, he said,
human
Well, Ella, said Grafton, rising,
gpt
At the same time, he said,
human
I shouldn't like it to be thought that the advice had come from me. It might almost look as if I wanted the living for myself, and I should greatly dislike that idea going abroad.
gpt
But you wouldn't refuse it if my uncle were persuaded that you were the best man to give it to?
human
I should consider it, said the Vicar, after a moment's weighty pause.
gpt
I can't say more at present than that I should consider it.