There was a good fortune about Phineas which added greatly to
the lord's wrath. And then, to tell the truth, he had not that rich
consolation for which Phineas gave him credit. Lord Chiltern had told
him that morning that the engagement between him and Violet was at an
end. "You have so preached to her, my lord, about my duties," the son
had said to his father, "that she finds herself obliged to give me
your sermons at second hand, till I can bear them no longer." But of
this Phineas knew nothing as yet. The Earl, however, was so imprudent
in his anger that before this interview was over he had told the
whole story. "Yes;--you deceived me," he continued; "and I can never
trust you again."
"Was it for me, my lord, to tell you of that which would have
increased your anger against your own son? When he wanted me to fight
was I to come, like a sneak at school, and tell you the story? I know
what you would have thought of me had I done so. And when it was over
was I to come and tell you then? Think what you yourself would have
done when you were young, and you may be quite sure that I did the
same. What have I gained? He has got all that he wanted; and you
have also got all that you wanted;--and I have helped you both. Lord
Brentford, I can put my hand on my heart and say that I have been
honest to you.
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