# The Bishop and the Priest explained — The Way We Live Now

> Chapter companion for The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lady Carbury and Henrietta remain at Carbury Hall after a stormy afternoon with Roger. Lady Carbury pressures Henrietta to support Felix's pursuit of Marie Melmotte, while Roger hosts a dinner with the Bishop of Elmham and Father Barham, a Catholic priest. The dinner conversation touches on county life, religion, and the tension between Protestant and Catholic views, with the bishop and his wife expressing discomfort with Barham's zeal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Selfishness

Lady Carbury pressures Hetta to support Felix's marriage scheme for financial gain, prioritizing family advancement over Hetta's feelings.

### Deception and Hypocrisy

Lady Carbury feigns a headache and presents a cheerful facade at dinner despite her troubles; she adapts her conversation to suit her audience (soul, mind, heart, body).

## Character check-ins

### Lady Carbury

Recovers from a headache after clashing with Roger; pressures Henrietta to support Felix's marriage scheme; charms the bishop at dinner.

### Hetta Carbury

Receives a rose from Roger; appreciates his character but feels unable to love him as a suitor; resists her mother's pressure.

### Roger Carbury

Hosts the dinner; reflects on Father Barham's religious earnestness versus the bishop's pleasant manner; resolves to propose to Hetta on Monday.

### Father Barham

The Catholic priest; zealous in his faith; engages in theological arguments; knows every Catholic in the county; considered indiscreet by the bishop.

### Mr. Hepworth

Dines at Carbury; engages in argument with Father Barham.

## Key lines

> She fully appreciated the truth, and honour, and honesty of his character, and could have loved him so dearly as her cousin if he would have contented himself with such cousinly love!

Hetta respected Roger's integrity and would have loved him as a cousin, but not as a husband.

_Hetta's internal conflict about Roger's proposal._

> I like him because he is doing the best he can according to his lights; without any reference to his own worldly welfare.

Roger respects Father Barham's sincere devotion to his faith, regardless of personal gain.

_Roger's defense of the priest's earnestness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xvi-the-bishop-and-the-priest
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters