But Sir
Evelyn Baring, for the second time, rejected the proposal.
While these messages were flashing to and fro, Gordon himself was
paying a visit to the Rev. Mr. Barnes at the Vicarage of
Heavitree, near Exeter. The conversation ran chiefly on Biblical
and spiritual matters-- on the light thrown by the Old Testament
upon the geography of Palestine, and on the relations between man
and his Maker; but, there were moments when topics of a more
worldly interest arose. It happened that Sir Samuel Baker,
Gordon's predecessor in Equatoria, lived in the neighbourhood. A
meeting was arranged, and the two ex-Governors, with Mr. Barnes
in
attendance, went for a drive together. In the carriage, Sir
Samuel Baker, taking up the tale of the "Pall Mall Gazette",
dilated upon the necessity of his friend's returning to the Sudan
as Governor-General. Gordon was silent; but Mr. Barnes noticed
that his blue eyes flashed, while an eager expression passed over
his face. Late that night, after the Vicar had retired to bed, he
was surprised by the door suddenly opening, and by the appearance
of his guest swiftly tripping into the room. 'You saw me today?'
the low voice abruptly questioned. 'You mean in the carriage?'
replied the startled Mr. Barnes. 'Yes,' came the reply; 'you saw
ME--that was MYSELF--the self I want to get rid of.
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