Mr.Poodle's reply was disappointing.He said:-- St.Bernard's Rectory, September 1st.
MY DEAR MR.GISSING:
I regret that I cannot conscientiously see my way to writing to the Bishop in your behalf.Any testimonial I could compose would be doubtful at best, for I cannot agree with you that the Church is your true vocation.I do not believe that one who has deserted his family, as you have, and whose record (even on the most charitable interpretation) cannot be described as other than eccentric, would be useful in Holy Orders.You say that your life in the city has been a great purgation.If so, I suggest that you return and take up the burdens laid upon you.It has meant great mortification to me that one of my own parish has been the cause of these painful rumours that have afflicted our quiet community.Notwithstanding, I wish you well, and hope that chastening experience may bring you peace.
Very truly yours,
J.ROVER POODLE.
Gissing meditated this letter in the silence of along evening in his room.He brought to the problem his favourite aid to clear thinking-- strong coffee mixed with condensed milk.Mrs.Purp had made concession to his peculiarities when he had risen so high in the world: better to break any rules, she thought, than lose so notable a tenant.She had even installed a small gas-plate for him, so that he could brew his morning and evening coffee.
So he took counsel with his percolator, whose bubbling was a sound he found both soothing and stimulating.He regarded it as a kind of private oracle, with a calm voice of its own.He listened attentively as he waited for the liquid to darken.Appeal--to--the--Bishop,Appeal--to-the--Bishop, seemed to be the speech of the jetting gurgitation under the glass lid.
He determined to act upon this, and lay his case before Bishop Borzoi even without the introduction he had hoped for.Fortunately he still had some sheets of Beagle and Company notepaper, with the engravedlettering and Office of the General Manager embossed thereon.He was in some doubt as to the proper formality and style of address in communicating with a Bishop: was it "Very Reverend," or "Right Reverend"? and which of these indicated a superior grade of reverendability? But he decided that a masculine frankness would not be amiss.He wrote:--VERY RIGHT REVEREND BISHOP BORZOI,
Dear Bishop:--
May one of the least of your admirers solicit an interview with your very right reverence, to discuss matters pertaining to religion, theology, and a possible vacancy in the Church? If there are any sees outstanding, it would be a favour.This is very urgent.I enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
Respectfully yours, MR.GISSING.
A prompt reply from the Bishop's secretary granted him an appointment.
Scrupulously attired in his tail-coat and silk hat, Gissing proceeded toward the rendezvous.To tell the truth, he was nervous: his mind flitted uneasily among possible embarrassments.Suppose Mr.Poodle had written to the Bishop to prejudice his application? Another, but more absurd, idea troubled him.One of the problems in visiting the houses of the Great (he had learned in his brief career in Big Business) is to find the door-bell.It is usually mysteriously concealed.Suppose he should have to peer hopelessly about the vestibule, in a shameful and suspicious manner, until some flunky came out to chide? In the sunny park below the Cathedral he saw nurses sitting by their puppy-carriages; for an instant he almost envied their gross tranquillity.THEY have not got (he said to himself) to call on a Bishop!
He was early, so he strolled for a few minutes in the park that lies underneath that rocky scarp.On the summit, clear-surging against the blue, the great church rode like a ship on a long ridge of sea.The angel with a trumpet on the jut of the roof was like a valiant seaman in the crow's nest.His agitation was calmed by this noble sight.Yes, he said, the Church is a ship behind whose bulwarks I will find rest.She sails an unworldly sea:
her crew are exempt from earthly ambition and fallacy.
He ran nimbly up the long steps that scale the cliff, and approached the episcopal residence.The bell was plainly visible.He rang, and presently came a tidy little housemaid.He had meditated a form of words.It would be absurd to say "Is the Bishop in?" for he knew the Bishop WAS in.So he said "This is Mr.Gissing.I think the Bishop is expecting me."Bishop Borzoi was an impressive figure--immensely tall and slender, with long, narrow ascetic face and curly white hair.He was surprisingly cordial.
"Ah, Mr.Gissing?" he said."Sit down, sir.I know Beagle and Company very well.Too well, in fact-Mrs.Borzoi has an account there."Gissing, feeling rather aghast and tentative, had no comment ready.He was still worrying a little as to the proper mode of address.
"It is very pleasant to find you Influential Merchants interested in the Church," continued the Bishop."I often thought of approaching the late Mr.Beagle on the subject of a small contribution to the cathedral.Indeed, I have spent so much in your store that it would be only a fair return.Mr.Collie, of Greyhound, Collie and Company, has been very handsome with us: he has just provided for repaving the choir."Gissing began to fear that the object of his visit had perhaps been misunderstood, but the prelate's eyes were bright with benignant enthusiasm and he dared not interrupt.
"You inquired most kindly in your letter as to a possible vacancy in the Church.Indeed there is a niche in the transept that I should be happy to see filled.It is intended for some kind of memorial statue, and perhaps, in honour of the late Mr.Beagle--""I must explain, Sir Bishop," said Gissing, very much disturbed, "that I have left Beagle and Company.The contribution I wish to make to the Church is not a decorative one, I fear.It is myself.""Yourself?" queried the Bishop, politely puzzled.
