Though he desired to curse, his mouth would speak blessings.

Before that evening was over the prospects of Phineas at Loughshane were spoken of with open enthusiasm before the doctor, and by the next day's post a letter was written to him by Matilda, informing him that the Earl was prepared to receive him with open arms.

"Papa has been over there and managed it all," said Matilda.
"I'm told George Morris isn't going to stand," said Barrington Erle to Phineas the night before his departure.
"His brother won't support him.

His brother means to support me," said Phineas.
"That can hardly be so." "But I tell you it is.

My father has known the Earl these twenty years, and has managed it." "I say, Finn, you're not going to play us a trick, are you ?" said Mr.
Erle, with something like dismay in his voice.
"What sort of trick ?" "You're not coming out on the other side ?" "Not if I know it," said Phineas, proudly.