‘Well, that’s very friendly,’ said the ex–warden. ‘They certainly do look more like foreigners than English people, but I dare say they are none the worse for that.’

The archdeacon was inclined to look upon the Stanhopes with favourable eyes, and had nothing to object on the matter. It was therefore arranged that Mr Harding should postpone his visit to Plumstead for one day, and then take with him Eleanor, the baby, and the nurse.

Mr Slope is certainly becoming of some importance in Barchester.