He is coming here to read to me. I hope you don't object."
"Not in the least--if you like it."
"One does have solemn thoughts sometimes, Frank--especially when one is
ill."
"Oh, yes. Well or ill, one does have solemn thoughts--ghosts, as it were,
which will appear. But is Mr. Emilius good at laying such apparitions?"
"He is a clergyman, Mr. Greystock," said Mrs. Carbuncle, with something of
rebuke in her voice.
"So they tell me. I was not present at his ordination, but I dare say it
was done according to rule. When one reflects what a deal of harm a bishop
may do, one wishes that there was some surer way of getting bishops."
"Do you know anything against Mr. Emilius?" asked Lizzie.
"Nothing at all but his looks, and manners, and voice, unless it be that
he preaches popular sermons, and drinks too much wine, and makes sheep's
eyes at Miss Macnulty. Look after your silver spoons, Mrs. Carbuncle, if
the last thieves have left you any. You were asking after the fate of your
diamonds, Lizzie. Perhaps they will endow a Protestant church in Mr.
Emilius's native land."
Mr. Emilius did come and read to Lady Eustace that afternoon.
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