Phineas got a note from her in three words to
say that she was at home and would see him if he called on Sunday
afternoon. The Sunday to which she alluded was the last day of
February. Phineas was now more certain than ever that something
was wrong. Had there been nothing wrong between Lady Laura and her
husband, she would not have rebelled against him by asking visitors
to the house on a Sunday. He had nothing to do with that, however,
and of course he did as he was desired. He called on the Sunday, and
found Mrs. Bonteen sitting with Lady Laura. "I am just in time for
the debate," said Lady Laura, when the first greeting was over.
"You don't mean to say that you intend to sit it out," said Mrs.
Bonteen.
"Every word of it,--unless I lose my seat. What else is there to be
done at present?"
"But the place they give us is so unpleasant," said Mrs. Bonteen.
"There are worse places even than the Ladies' Gallery," said
Lady Laura. "And perhaps it is as well to make oneself used to
inconveniences of all kinds. You will speak, Mr. Finn?"
"I intend to do so."
"Of course you will. The great speeches will be Mr. Gresham's, Mr.
Daubeny's, and Mr. Monk's."
"Mr. Palliser intends to be very strong," said Mrs. Bonteen.
"A man cannot be strong or not as he likes it," said Lady Laura.
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