The money he thought
should never have been paid. The Duke however declared that the
money would not cause a moment's regret, if only the whole thing
could be got rid of at that cost. It had reached Finn's ears that
Tifto was already at loggerheads with his associates. There was
some hope that the whole thing might be brought to light by this
means. For all that the Duke cared nothing. If only Silverbridge
and Tifto could for the future be kept apart, as far as he and his
were concerned, good would have been done rather than harm. While
they were in this way away together on the Rhine it was decided
that very soon after their return to England Phineas and Mrs Finn
should go down to Matching.
When the Duke arrived in London his sons were not there. Gerald
had gone back to Oxford, and Silverbridge had merely left an
address. Then his sister wrote him a very short letter. 'Papa will
be so glad if you will come to Matching. Do come.' Of course he
came, and presented himself some few days after the Duke's
arrival.
But he dreaded this meeting with his father which, however, let it
be postponed for ever so long, must come at last.
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