When a gentleman
has been in Parliament some years he may be able to reconcile
himself to an obligatory vacation with a calm mind. But when the
honours and glory are new, and the tedium of the benches has not
yet been experienced, then such an accident is felt to be a
grievance. But the young member was out of danger, and was, as
Silverbridge declared in the very best quarters which could be
provided for a man in his position.
Phineas Finn told him all the politics; Mrs Spooner related to
him, on Sundays and Wednesdays, all the hunting details; while
Lady Chiltern read to him light literature, because he was not
allowed to hold a book in his hand. 'I wish it were me,' said
Gerald. 'I wish I were there to read to him,' said Mary.
Then the Duke came home. 'Mary,' said he, 'I have been distressed
to hear of this accident.' This seemed to her to be the kindest
word she had heard from him for a long time. 'I believe him to be
a worthy young man. I am sorry that he should be the cause of so
much sorrow to you--and to me.'
'Of course I was sorry for his accident,' she replied, after
pausing awhile; 'but now that he is better I will not cause him a
cause of sorrow--to me.
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