Mr. Arabin struggles with his feelings for Eleanor while the Archdeacon tries to figure out what to do about the possible appointment of Mr. Slope to the deanery. Mr. Arabin tries to convince the Archdeacon that Eleanor does not want to marry Mr. Slope but the Archdeacon refuses to change his mind. Mr. Arabin goes to London to confer with Dr. Gwynne, an influential church leader at Oxford, about the continuing struggle with the Bishop. While he is there, he participates in discussions about university reform as well as the possibility of Mr. Slope's appointment to the deanery. Dr. Gwynne returns to Plumstead with Mr. Arabin in order to further discuss matters with the Archdeacon.
