6d. a week instead
of by a private secretary who was the son of an earl's sister, and
was petted by countesses' daughters innumerable,--all this would
surely break his heart. He could have done it, so he told himself,
and could have taken glory in doing it, had not these other things
come in his way. But the other things had come. He had run the risk,
and had thrown the dice. And now when the game was so nearly won,
must it be that everything should be lost at last?
He knew that nothing was to be gained by melancholy looks at his
club, or by show of wretchedness at his office. London was very
empty; but the approaching elections still kept some there who
otherwise would have been looking after the first flush of pheasants.
Barrington Erle was there, and was not long in asking Phineas what
were his views.
"Ah;--that is so hard to say. Ratler told me that he would be looking
about."
"Ratler is very well in the House," said Barrington, "but he is of no
use for anything beyond it. I suppose you were not brought up at the
London University?"
"Oh no," said Phineas, remembering the glories of Trinity.
"Because there would have been an opening. What do you say to
Stratford,--the new Essex borough?"
"Broadbury the brewer is there already!"
"Yes;--and ready to spend any money you like to name.
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