But Mr.Fitzgibbon seemed to care very little about all this, and went so far as to declare that those things were accidents which fell out sometimes one way and sometimes another, and were altogether independent of any merit or demerit on the part of the candidate himself.

And it was marvellous and almost painful to Phineas that his friend Fitzgibbon should accept the fact of his membership with so little of congratulation,--with absolutely no blowing of trumpets whatever.

Had he been elected a member of the municipal corporation of Loughshane, instead of its representative in the British Parliament, Laurence Fitzgibbon could not have made less fuss about it.

Phineas was disappointed, but he took the cue from his friend too quickly to show his disappointment.

And when, half an hour after their meeting, Fitzgibbon had to be reminded that his companion was not in the House during the last session, Phineas was able to make the remark as though he thought as little about the House as did the old-accustomed member himself.
"As far as I can see as yet," said Fitzgibbon, "we are sure to have seventeen." "Seventeen ?" said Phineas, not quite understanding the meaning of the number quoted.
"A majority of seventeen.