The Bishop of Helstonleigh, high and dignified prelate
that he was, and she a poor, hard-working barge-woman, took her hand
into his, and shook it as heartily as the rest. Mr. Channing went out
with her. He was going to say a word of gratitude to the man. The
bishop also went out, but he turned the other way.
As he was entering Close Street, the bishop encountered Arthur. The
latter raised his hat and was passing onwards, but the bishop arrested
him.
"Channing, I have just heard some news from your father. You are at
length cleared from that charge. You have been innocent all this time."
Arthur's lips parted with a smile. "Your lordship may be sure that I am
thankful to be cleared at last. Though I am sorry that it should be at
the expense of my friend Yorke."
"Knowing yourself innocent, you might have proclaimed it more
decisively. What could have been your motive for not doing so?"
The ingenuous flush flew into Arthur's cheek. "The truth is, my lord, I
suspected some one else. Not Roland Yorke," he pointedly added.
"But--it was one against whom I should have been sorry to bring a
charge. And so--and so--I went on bearing the blame."
"Well, Channing, I must say, and I shall say to others, that you have
behaved admirably; showing a true Christian spirit. Mr. Channing may
well be happy in his children. What will you give me," added the
bishop, releasing Arthur's hand, which he had taken, and relapsing into
his free, pleasant manner, "for some news that I can impart to you?"
Arthur wondered much.
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