Lord Cantrip
laid down the unwritten traditional law of Government officials very
plainly. A man in office,--in an office which really imposed upon
him as much work as he could possibly do with credit to himself or
his cause,--was dispensed from the necessity of a conscience with
reference to other matters. It was for Sir Walter Morrison to have
a conscience about Irish tenant-right, as no doubt he had,--just as
Phineas Finn had a conscience about Canada, and Jamaica, and the
Cape. Barrington Erle was very strong about parties in general, and
painted the comforts of official position in glowing colours. But I
think that the two ladies were more efficacious than even their male
relatives in the arguments which they used. "We have been so happy
to have you among us," said Lady Cantrip, looking at him with
beseeching, almost loving eyes. "Mr. Finn knows," said Lady Laura,
"that since he first came into Parliament I have always believed
in his success, and I have been very proud to see it." "We shall
weep over him, as over a fallen angel, if he leaves us," said Lady
Cantrip. "I won't say that I will weep," said Lady Laura, "but I do
not know anything of the kind that would so truly make me unhappy."
What was he to say in answer to applications so flattering and so
pressing? He would have said nothing, had that been possible, but he
felt himself obliged to reply.
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