"
"I think it quite unfair, and I must decline to answer it. I cannot
imagine what you expect to gain by cross-questioning me in this way.
Of course no man likes to go to a house if he does not believe that
everybody there will make him welcome."
"You and Lady Laura used to be great friends."
"I hope we are not enemies now. But things will occur that cause
friendships to grow cool."
"Have you quarrelled with her father?"
"With Lord Brentford?--no."
"Or with her brother,--since the duel I mean?"
"Upon my word and honour I cannot stand this, and I will not. I have
not as yet quarrelled with anybody; but I must quarrel with you, if
you go on in this way. It is quite unusual that a man should be put
through his facings after such a fashion, and I must beg that there
may be an end of it."
"Then I must ask Lady Laura."
"You can say what you like to your own wife of course. I cannot
hinder you."
Upon that Mr. Kennedy formally shook hands with him, in token that
there was no positive breach between them,--as two nations may still
maintain their alliance, though they have made up their minds to hate
each other, and thwart each other at every turn,--and took his leave.
Phineas, as he sat at his window, looking out into the park, and
thinking of what had passed, could not but reflect that, disagreeable
as Mr.
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