I suppose Mr. Daubeny must
resign now."
"Everybody says so."
"I am by no means sure that he will. Any other Minister since Lord
North's time would have done so, with such a majority against him on
a vital measure; but he is a man who delights in striking out some
wonderful course for himself."
"A prime minister so beaten surely can't go on."
"Not for long, one would think. And yet how are you to turn him out?
It depends very much on a man's power of endurance."
"His colleagues will resign, I should think."
"Probably;--and then he must go. I should say that that will be the
way in which the matter will settle itself. Good morning, Finn;--and
take my word for it, you had better not answer Mr. Bonteen's letter."
Not a word had fallen from Lord Cantrip's friendly lips as to the
probability of Phineas being invited to join the future Government.
An attempt had been made to console him with the hazy promise of
some future reward,--which however was to consist rather of the good
opinion of good men than of anything tangible and useful.
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