"By the way," he said, whispering into Mr. Bonteen's private ear
as he led that gentleman away to lunch, "if we do come in--"
"Oh, we must come in."
"If we do, I suppose something will be done for that Mr. Finn. He
spoke well the other night."
Mr. Bonteen's face became very long. "He helped to upset the coach
when he was with us before."
"I don't think that that is much against him."
"Is he--a personal friend of Your Grace's?"
"No--not particularly. I never care about such things for myself; but
Lady Glencora--"
"I think the Duchess can hardly know what has been his conduct to
poor Kennedy. There was a most disreputable row at a public-house in
London, and I am told that he behaved--very badly."
"I never heard a word about it," said the Duke.
"I'll tell you just the truth," said Mr. Bonteen. "I've been asked
about him, and I've been obliged to say that he would weaken any
Government that would give him office."
"Oh, indeed!"
That evening the Duke told the Duchess nearly all that he had heard,
and the Duchess swore that she wasn't going to be beaten by Mr.
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