The Barchester Chronicles

Part Three

Some years have now passed and Harding is happy in his new parish. Eleanor has wed John but he unexpectedly dies, leaving a widow with a young son. Bishop Grantly, well over 80 years old, also dies and his son, the Archdeadon, expects to be named Bishop in his place. Such is not to be, however, and the new Bishop and his wife soon arrive. Along with Bishop and Mrs Proudie comes his assistant Obadiah Slope. Archdeacon Grantly soon concludes that the new Bishop defers decisions to his wife and she to Slope. When the Bishop asks Slope to deliver the Sunday sermon at the Cathedral, Slope rails against the need for music during services, much to Harding's dismay. Slope is soon calling on the widowed Mrs Bold showing a great interest in her and suggesting that her father may be considered for his old post as Warden of the hospital.