"I shall have to try," said Lord Chiltern. "But if you please I will
ask you for an answer to my question."
Phineas paused for a moment, thinking what honesty of purpose and
a high spirit would, when combined together, demand of him, and
together with these requirements he felt that he was bound to join
some feeling of duty towards Miss Effingham. Lord Chiltern was
standing there, fiery red, with his hand still clenched, and his hat
still on, waiting for his answer. "Let me have your question again,"
said Phineas, "and I will answer it if I find that I can do so
without loss of self-respect."
"I ask you in what position you stand towards Miss Effingham. Mind,
I do not doubt at all, but I choose to have a reply from yourself."
"You will remember, of course, that I can only answer to the best of
my belief."
"Answer to the best of your belief."
"I think she regards me as an intimate friend."
"Had you said as an indifferent acquaintance, you would, I think,
have been nearer the mark. But we will let that be. I presume I
may understand that you have given up any idea of changing that
position?"
"You may understand nothing of the kind, Lord Chiltern."
"Why;--what hope have you?"
"That is another thing. I shall not speak of that;--at any rate not
to you.
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