It was aggravated by various
circumstances,--by calumnies in newspapers, and by personal
bickerings. I need not go into that wretched story of Mr. Bonteen,
and the absurd accusation which grew out of those calumnies. These
things have changed me very much. I have a feeling that I have been
ill-used,--not by you, Mr. Gresham, specially, but by the party; and
I look upon the whole question of office with altered eyes."
"In filling up the places at his disposal, a Prime Minister, Mr.
Finn, has a most unenviable task."
"I can well believe it."
"When circumstances, rather than any selection of his own, indicate
the future occupant of any office, this abrogation of his patronage
is the greatest blessing in the world to him."
"I can believe that also."
"I wish it were so with every office under the Crown. A Minister is
rarely thanked, and would as much look for the peace of heaven in his
office as for gratitude."
"I am sorry that I should have made no exception to such
thanklessness."
"We shall neither of us get on by complaining;--shall we, Mr.
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