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. Finn?
You can let me have an answer perhaps by this time to-morrow."

"If an answer by telegraph will be sufficient."

"Quite sufficient. Yes or No. Nothing more will be wanted. You
understand your own reasons, no doubt, fully; but if they were stated
at length they would perhaps hardly enlighten me. Good-morning." Then
as Phineas was turning his back, the Prime Minister remembered that
it behoved him as Prime Minister to repress his temper. "I shall
still hope, Mr. Finn, for a favourable answer." Had it not been for
that last word Phineas would have turned again, and at once rejected
the proposition.

From Mr. Gresham's house he went by appointment to Mr. Monk's, and
told him of the interview. Mr. Monk's advice to him had been exactly
the same as that given by Madame Goesler and Lady Laura. Phineas,
indeed, understood perfectly that no friend could or would give him
any other advice. "He has his troubles, too," said Mr. Monk, speaking
of the Prime Minister.

"A man can hardly expect to hold such an office without trouble."

"Labour of course there must be,--though I doubt whether it is
so great as that of some other persons;--and responsibility. The
amount of trouble depends on the spirit and nature of the man.
Do you remember old Lord Brock? He was never troubled. He had
a triple shield,--a thick skin, an equable temper, and perfect
self-confidence. Mr. Mildmay was of a softer temper, and would have
suffered had he not been protected by the idolatry of a large class
of his followers. Mr. Gresham has no such protection. With a finer
intellect than either, and a sense of patriotism quite as keen, he
has a self-consciousness which makes him sore at every point. He
knows the frailty of his temper, and yet cannot control it. And he
does not understand men as did these others. Every word from an enemy
is a wound to him. Every slight from a friend is a dagger in his
side. But I can fancy that self-accusations make the cross on which
he is really crucified. He is a man to whom I would extend all my
mercy, were it in my power to be merciful."

"You will hardly tell me that I should accept office under him by way
of obliging