"But incompatibility of temper, you know, is always,—always supposed—. You understand me?"
"It is my intention that she should come back to me. I do not wish to make any legal demand;—at any rate, not as yet. Will you consent to be the bearer of a message from me both to herself and to the Earl?"
Now it seemed to Phineas that of all the messengers whom Mr. Kennedy could have chosen he was the most unsuited to be a Mercury in this cause,—not perceiving that he had been so selected with some craft, in order that Lady Laura might understand that the accusation against her was, at any rate, withdrawn, which had named Phineas as her lover. He paused again before he answered. "Of course," he said, "I should be most willing to be of service, if it were possible. But I do not see how I can speak to the Earl about it. Though I am going to dine with him I don't know why he has asked me;—for he and I are on very bad terms. He heard that stupid story about the duel, and has not spoken to me since."
"I heard that, too," said Mr. Kennedy, frowning blackly as he remembered his wife's duplicity.
"Everybody heard of it. But it has made such a difference between him and me, that I don't think I can meddle. Send for Lord Chiltern, and speak to him."
"Speak to Chiltern! Never! He would probably strike me on the head with his club."
"Call on the Earl yourself."
"I did, and he would not see me."
"Write to him."
"I did, and he sent back my letter unopened."