'Their conduct is likely to be better than that of other men, I think.'

'I deny it utterly,' said John Walker. 'I'll undertake to say that at
this moment there are more clergymen in debt in Barsetshire than there
are either lawyers or doctors. This man has always been in debt. Since
he has been in the county I don't think he has ever been able to show
his face in the High Street of Silverbridge.'

'John, that is saying more than you have a right to say,' said Mrs
Walker.

'Why, mother, this very cheque was given to a butcher who had threatened
a few days before to post bills all about the county, giving an account
of the debt that was due to him, if the money was not paid at once.'

'More shame for Mr Fletcher,' said Mary. 'He has made a fortune as
butcher in Silverbridge.'

'What has that to do with it? Of course a man likes to have his money.
He had written three times to the bishop, and he had sent a man over to
Hogglestock to get his little bill settled six days running. You see he
got it at last. Of course, a tradesman must look for his money.'

'Mamma, do you think that Mr Crawley stole the cheque?' Mary, as she
asked the question, came and stood over her mother, looking at her with
anxious eyes.

'I would rather give no opinion, dear.'