"Perhaps an invention of Finn's altogether," said Mr. Bonteen. "Those Irish fellows are just the men for that kind of thing."
"A man, you know, so violent that nobody can hold him," said Lord Fawn, thinking of Chiltern.
"And so absurdly conceited," said Mr. Bonteen, thinking of Phineas.
"A man who has never done anything, with all his advantages in the world,—and never will."
"He won't hold his place long," said Mr. Bonteen.
"Whom do you mean?"
"Phineas Finn."
"Oh, Mr. Finn. I was talking of Lord Chiltern. I believe Finn to be a very good sort of a fellow, and he is undoubtedly clever. They say Cantrip likes him amazingly. He'll do very well. But I don't believe a word of this about Lord Chiltern." Then Mr. Bonteen felt himself to be snubbed, and soon afterwards left Lord Fawn alone.