etry are for the most part lies, Mr. Maule, and are
very apt to bring people into difficulty. I have seen something of
them in my time, and I much prefer downright honest figures. Two and
two make four; idleness is the root of all evil; love your neighbour
like yourself, and the rest of it. Pray remember that Adelaide is to
be married from here, and that we shall be very happy that you should
make every use you like of our house until then."

We may so far anticipate in our story as to say that Adelaide
Palliser and Gerard Maule were married from Matching Priory at
Matching Church early in that October, and that as far as the
coming winter was concerned, there certainly was no hunting for
the gentleman. They went to Naples instead of Boulogne, and there
remained till the warm weather came in the following spring. Nor was
that peremptory sale at Tattersall's countermanded as regarded any of
the horses. What prices were realised the present writer has never
been able to ascertain.

CHAPTER LXXVII

Phineas Finn's Success

When Phineas Finn had been about a week at Matching, he received a
letter, or rather a very short note, from the Prime Minister, asking
him to go up to London; and on the same day the Duke of Omnium spoke
to him on the subject of the letter. "You are going up to see Mr.
Gresham. Mr. Gresham has written to me, and I hope that we shall
be able to congratulate ourselves in having your assistance next
Session." Phineas declared that he had no idea whatever of Mr.
Gresham's object in summoning him up to London. "I have his
permission to inform you that he wishes you to accept office."
Phineas felt that he was becoming very red in the face, but he did
not attempt to make any reply on the spur of the moment. "Mr. Gresham
thinks it well that so much should be said to you before you see him,
in order that you may turn the matter over in your own mind. He would
have written to you probably, making the offer at once, had it not
been that there must be various changes, and that one man's place
must depend on another. You will go, I suppose."

"Yes; I shall go, certainly. I shall be in London this evening."

"I will take care that a carriage is ready for you. I do not presume
to advise, Mr. Finn, but I hope that there need be no doubt as to
your joining us." Phineas was somewhat confounded, and did not know
the Duke well enough to give expression to his thoughts at the
moment. "Of course you will retur