The Dean of the Cathedral having died, Mr Slope campaigns to become the new Dean but Mr Harding is offered the preferment, with a beautiful house in the Close and fifteen acres of garden. Mr Harding considers himself unsuitable and with the help of the archdeacon, arranges that Mr Arabin be made Dean. With the Stanhopes' return to Italy, life in the Cathedral Close returns to normal and Mr Harding continues his life of gentleness and music.
The Dean of the Cathedral having died Mr Slope campaigns to become the new Dean but Mr Harding is offered the preferment with a beautiful house in the Close and fifteen acres of garden Mr Harding considers himself unsuitable and with the help of the archdeacon arranges that Mr Arabin be made Dean With the Stanhopes' return to Italy life in the Cathedral Close returns to normal and Mr Harding continues his life of gentleness and music