Soon after this Phineas took
his leave. "I think he will do well," said Mr. Kennedy to his wife.
"I am sure he will do well," replied Lady Laura, almost scornfully.
"He is not quite such a black swan with me as he is with you; but
still I think he will succeed, if he takes care of himself. It is
astonishing how that absurd story of his duel with Chiltern has got
about."
"It is impossible to prevent people talking," said Lady Laura.
"I suppose there was some quarrel, though neither of them will tell
you. They say it was about Miss Effingham. I should hardly think that
Finn could have any hopes in that direction."
"Why should he not have hopes?"
"Because he has neither position, nor money, nor birth," said Mr.
Kennedy.
"He is a gentleman." said Lady Laura; "and I think he has position. I
do not see why he should not ask any girl to marry him."
"There is no understanding you, Laura," said Mr. Kennedy, angrily. "I
thought you had quite other hopes about Miss Effingham."
"So I have; but that has nothing to do with it. You spoke of Mr. Finn
as though he would be guilty of some crime were he to ask Violet
Effingham to be his wife. In that I disagree with you. Mr. Finn is--"
"You will make me sick of the name of Mr. Finn."
"I am sorry that I offend you by my gratitude to a man who saved your
life.
Pages:
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632