 himself, but we
would say to Society, to possess himself of such influences as these; and to
exercise them - we would not say for his own, or for his party's, but we would
say for Society's - benefit.
    Mr. Merdle again expressed himself as wholly devoted to that object of his
constant consideration, and Bar took his persuasive eye-glass up the grand
staircase. Bishop then came undesignedly sliding in the direction of the
sideboard.
    Surely the goods of this world, it occurred in an accidental way to Bishop
to remark, could scarcely be directed into happier channels than when they
accumulated under the magic touch of the wise and sagacious, who, while they
knew the just value of riches (Bishop tried here to look as if he were rather
poor himself), were aware of their importance, judiciously governed and rightly
distributed, to the welfare of our brethren at large.
    Mr. Merdle with humility expressed his conviction that Bishop couldn't mean
him, and with inconsistency expressed his high gratification in Bishop's good
opinion.
    Bishop then - jauntily stepping out a little with his well-shaped right leg,
as though he said to Mr. Merdle »don't mind the apron; a mere form!« - put this
case to his good friend:
    Whether it had occurred to his good friend, that Society might not
unreasonably hope that one so blest in his undertakings, and whose example on
his pedestal was so influential with it, would shed a little money in the
direction of a mission or so to Africa?
    Mr. Merdle signifying that the idea should have his best attention, Bishop
put another case:
    Whether his good friend had at all interested himself in the proceedings of
our Combined Additional Endowed Dignitaries Committee, and whether it had
occurred to him that to shed a little money in that direction might be a great
conception finely executed?
    Mr. Merdle made a similar reply, and Bishop explained his reason for
inquiring.
    Society looked to such men as his good friend to do such things. It was not
that he looked to them, but that Society looked to them. Just as it was not Our
Committee who wanted the Additional Endowed Dignitaries, but it was Society that
was in a state of the most agonising uneasiness of mind until it got them. He
begged to assure his good friend, that he was extremely sensible of his good
friend's regard on all occasions for the best interests of Society; and he
considered that he was at once consulting those interests, and expressing the
feeling of Society, when he wished him continued
