The Truant Wife Phineas on his return to London wrote a line to Lady Chiltern in accordance with a promise which had been exacted from him.

She was anxious to learn something as to the real condition of her husband's brother-in-law, and, when she heard that Phineas was going to Loughlinter, had begged that he would tell her the truth.

"He has become eccentric, gloomy, and very strange," said Phineas.

"I do not believe that he is really mad, but his condition is such that I think no friend should recommend Lady Laura to return to him.

He seems to have devoted himself to a gloomy religion,--and to the saving of money.