But Phineas Finn had been twice married, and had gone through other phases of life, such as make a man old.

"How does Phineas like it ?" Erle asked.
Phineas Finn and Barrington Erle had gone through some political struggles together, and had been very intimate.
"I hope not very much," said the lady.
"Why so?
Because he's away so much ?" "No;--not that.

I should not grudge his absence if the work satisfied him.

But I know him so well.

The more he takes to it now,--the more sanguine he is as to some special thing to be done,--the more bitter will be the disappointment when he is disappointed.