It has been the most romantic affair! She made her father
give him a seat for his borough."
"He saved Mr. Kennedy's life," said Madame Goesler.
"That was one of the most singular things that ever happened.
Laurence Fitzgibbon says that it was all planned,--that the garotters
were hired, but unfortunately two policemen turned up at the moment,
so the men were taken. I believe there is no doubt they were pardoned
by Sir Henry Coldfoot, who was at the Home Office, and was Lord
Brentford's great friend. I don't quite believe it all,--it would be
too delicious; but a great many do." Madame Goesler, however, was
strong in her opinion that the report in reference to Lady Laura was
scandalous. She did not believe a word of it, and was almost angry
with the Duchess for her credulity.
It is probable that very many ladies shared the opinion of the
Duchess; but not the less on that account did they take part with
Phineas Finn. They could not understand why he should be shut out
of office because a lady had been in love with him, and by no means
seemed to approve the stern virtue of the Prime Minister.
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