"Not one of the three, Mauleverer,--I spoke of the prisoner."

"Ah, the fine dog! I forgot him," said Mauleverer. "Really, now you
mention him, I must confess that he inspires me with great compassion;
but, indeed, it is very wrong in him to keep the judge so long!"

"Those hardened wretches have such a great deal to say," mumbled the
bishop, sourly.

"True!" said Mauleverer; "a religious rogue would have had some bowels
for the state of the church esurient."

"Is it really true, Mauleverer," asked the Earl of ------, "that Brandon
is to succeed?"

"So I hear," said Mauleverer. "Heavens, how hungry I am!"

A groan from the bishop echoed the complaint.

"I suppose it would be against all decorum to sit down to dinner without
him?" said Lord --------.

"Why, really, I fear so," returned Mauleverer. "But our health--our
health is at stake; we will only wait five minutes more. By Jove,
there's the carriage! I beg your pardon for my heathen oath, my lord
bishop."

"I forgive you!" said the good bishop, smiling.