He was very careful in writing to be not more familiar or more civil than Mr.Kennedy had been to himself, and then he signed himself "Yours truly, Phineas Finn." But another proposition was made to him, and a most charming proposition, during the few minutes that he remained in Portman Square.

"I am so glad," said Lady Laura, "because I can now ask you to run down to us at Saulsby for a couple of days on your way to Loughlinter.

Till this was fixed I couldn't ask you to come all the way to Saulsby for two days; and there won't be room for more between our leaving London and starting to Loughlinter." Phineas swore that he would have gone if it had been but for one hour, and if Saulsby had been twice the distance.

"Very well; come on the 13th and go on the 15th.

You must go on the 15th, unless you choose to stay with the housekeeper.
And remember, Mr.Finn, we have got no grouse at Saulsby." Phineas declared that he did not care a straw for grouse.
There was another little occurrence which happened before Phineas left London, and which was not altogether so charming as his prospects at Saulsby and Loughlinter.