is described only by himself. The glimpses we have had of him in these chapters have suggested to me a less than astute ability to read how people are responding to him. I find him totally capable of misinterpreting grudging toleration as preference.

In terms of the length of time he has been at Hunsford--it could have been as long as 5 or 6 mos as he had been ordained at Easter & the visit takes place in November. I don't see any indication of particular time that he assumed the living, or any reason to think it impossible for him to have gotten it immediately upon ordination. Two invitations to dinner does not seem that many under those circumstances. The picture I garner from his descriptions of their relationship is of his trying to make himself available to her at all times & her taking advantage of his availability when it suits her--"to make up her pool of quadrille".