" "Of course we are not political, Gustavus."
"Phineas Finn. They come alternately,--one and one.
"Mr. Finn is asked everywhere, Gustavus."
"I don't doubt it. They say he is a very good sort of fellow. They
say also that Violet has found that out as well as other people."
"What do you mean, Gustavus?"
"I mean that everybody is saying that this Phineas Finn is going to
set himself up in the world by marrying your niece. He is quite right
to try it on, if he has a chance."
"I don't think he would be right at all," said Lady Baldock, with
much energy. "I think he would be wrong,--shamefully wrong. They say
he is the son of an Irish doctor, and that he hasn't a shilling in
the world."
"That is just why he would be right. What is such a man to do, but to
marry money? He's a deuced good-looking fellow, too, and will be sure
to do it."
"He should work for his money in the city, then, or somewhere there.
But I don't believe it, Gustavus; I don't, indeed."
"Very well. I only tell you what I hear. The fact is that he and
Chiltern have already quarrelled about her. If I were to tell you
that they have been over to Holland together and fought a duel about
her, you wouldn't believe that."
"Fought a duel about Violet! People don't fight duels now, and I
should not believe it.
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