The Earl had never risen very high, and even Phineas, with
all his desire to be civil, could not say that the Earl's presence
would materially serve the interests of the Liberal party. He
made what most civil excuses he could, and suggested that if Lord
Brentford should choose to return, Lady Laura would very willingly
remain at Dresden alone. "But why shouldn't she come too?" asked the
Earl. And then, with the tardiness of old age, he proposed his little
plan. "Why should she not make an attempt to live once more with her
husband?"
"She never will," said Phineas.
"But think how much she loses," said the Earl.
"I am quite sure she never will. And I am quite sure that she ought
not to do so. The marriage was a misfortune. As it is they are better
apart." After that the Earl did not dare to say another word about
his daughter; but discussed his son's affairs. Did not Phineas think
that Chiltern might now be induced to go into Parliament? "Nothing
would make him do so," said Phineas.
"But he might farm?"
"You see he has his hands full.
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