There had of course been much question as to the witnesses to be
selected. The Duchess of Omnium had been anxious to be one, but the
Duke had forbidden it, telling his wife that she really did not know
the man, and that she was carried away by a foolish enthusiasm. Lady
Cantrip when asked had at once consented. She had known Phineas Finn
when he had served under her husband, and had liked him much. Then
what other woman's tongue should be brought to speak of the man's
softness and tender bearing! It was out of the question that Lady
Laura Kennedy should appear. She did not even propose it when her
brother with unnecessary sternness told her it could not be so. Then
his wife looked at him. "You shall go," said Lord Chiltern, "if you
feel equal to it. It seems to be nonsense, but they say that it is
important."
"I will go," said Violet, with her eyes full of tears. Afterwards
when her sister-in-law besought her to be generous in her testimony,
she only smiled as she assented. Could generosity go beyond hers?
Lord Chiltern preceded his wife.
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