He was not altogether displeased to see Brooks himself in the
Strangers' Gallery. That young man would be better able to understand
now the mighty power of the Church which he had so wantonly disregarded.
But it was not the bishop's speech which had filled Brooks with dismay,
which had made his heart grow suddenly cold within him. For this he had
been prepared--but not for the adversary who was now upon his feet
prepared to address the House. At least, he said to himself, bitterly,
he might have been spared this. It was Lord Arranmore, who, amidst some
murmurs of surprise, had risen to address the House--pale, composed,
supercilious as ever. And Brooks felt that what he could listen to
unmoved from the Bishop of Beeston would be hard indeed to bear from
this man.
The intervention of Lord Arranmore so early in the debate was wholly
unexpected. Every one was interested, and those who knew him best
prepared themselves for a little mild sensation. The bishop smiled to
himself with the satisfaction of a man who has secured a welcome but
unexpected ally. Lord Arranmore's views as to charity and its
dispensation were fairly well known.
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