bosom, although he might have been forced to oppose Sir Orlando's
ships in the Cabinet."

"He is a Sir Bayard to you," said Phineas, laughing.

"Rather a Don Quixote, whom I take to have been the better man of the
two. I'll tell you what he is, Phineas, and how he is better than
all the real knights of whom I have ever read in story. He is a man
altogether without guile, and entirely devoted to his country. Do not
quarrel with him, if you can help it."

Phineas had not the slightest desire to quarrel with his chief; but
he did think it to be not improbable that his chief would quarrel
with him. It was notorious to him as a member of the Cabinet,--as a
colleague living with other colleagues by whom the Prime Minister was
coddled, and especially as the husband of his wife, who lived almost
continually with the Prime Minister's wife,--that the Duke was cut
to the quick by the accusation that he had hounded Ferdinand Lopez
to his death. The Prime Minister had defended himself in the House
against the first charge by means of Phineas Finn, and now required
Phineas to defend him from the second charge in another way. This
he was obliged to refuse to do. And then the Minister's private
Secretary looked very grave, and left him with the impression that
the Duke would be much annoyed, if not offended. And already there
had grown up an idea that the Duke would have on the list of his
colleagues none who were personally disagreeable to himself. Though
he was by no means a strong Minister in regard to political measures,
or the proper dominion of his party, still men were afraid of him.
It was not that he would call upon them to resign, but that, if
aggrieved, he would resign himself. Sir Orlando Drought had rebelled
and had tried a fall with the Prime Minister,--and had greatly
failed. Phineas determined that if frowned upon he would resign,
but that he certainly would bring no action for libel against the
"People's Banner."

A week passed after he had seen Warburton before he by chance found
himself alone with the Prime Minister. This occurred at the house
in Carlton Gardens, at which he was a frequent visitor,--and could
hardly have ceased to be so without being noticed, as his wife spent
half her time there. It was evident to him then that the occasion was
sought for by the Duke. "Mr. Finn," said the Duke, "I wanted to have
a word or two with you."

"Certainly," said Phineas, arresting his steps.

"Warburton spoke to yo