"Has she not accepted that lot for better or for worse?" said Mr.
Kennedy, solemnly.
"But incompatibility of temper, you know, is always,--always
supposed--. You understand me?"
"It is my intention that she should come back to me. I do not wish to
make any legal demand;--at any rate, not as yet. Will you consent to
be the bearer of a message from me both to herself and to the Earl?"
Now it seemed to Phineas that of all the messengers whom Mr. Kennedy
could have chosen he was the most unsuited to be a Mercury in this
cause,--not perceiving that he had been so selected with some craft,
in order that Lady Laura might understand that the accusation against
her was, at any rate, withdrawn, which had named Phineas as her
lover. He paused again before he answered. "Of course," he said, "I
should be most willing to be of service, if it were possible. But I
do not see how I can speak to the Earl about it. Though I am going to
dine with him I don't know why he has asked me;--for he and I are on
very bad terms. He heard that stupid story about the duel, and has
not spoken to me since."
"I heard that, too," said Mr. Kennedy, frowning blackly as he
remembered his wife's duplicity.
"Everybody heard of it. But it has made such a difference between him
and me, that I don't think I can meddle.
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