Mr. Forster had already been in
Portman Square, and this had been the result of the conference.
"There is not much comfort in it all,--is there?" said Lady Laura.
"There is no comfort in anything," said the Earl.
When Phineas took his leave Lady Laura followed him out into the
hall, and they went together into the large, gloomy dining-room,
--gloomy and silent now, but which in former days he had known to be
brilliant with many lights, and cheerful with eager voices. "I must
have one word with you," she said, standing close to him against the
table, and putting her hand upon his arm. "Amidst all my sorrow, I
have been so thankful that he did not--kill you."
"I almost wish he had."
"Oh, Phineas!--how can you say words so wicked! Would you have had
him a murderer?"
"A madman is responsible for nothing."
"Where should I have been? What should I have done? But of course you
do not mean it. You have everything in life before you. Say some word
to me more comfortable than that. You cannot think how I have looked
forward to meeting you again.
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