In which Lady Lufton contemplates the vexing shortcomings of her chosen parson, torn between her loyalty and the growing disquiet about his sporting proclivities, whilst Mr. Robarts wrestles with his own conscience and the temptations that accompany his social circle and pursuits. Meanwhile, the narrative turns to the austere and struggling Mr. Crawley of Hogglestock, whose humble life and burdensome stipend cast a sober light on the harsher realities of clerical duty in a less fortunate parish.