Mr.Low, who's looking out to be a Tory judge some of these days, is a deal better;--because he knows what he's after." Immediately on his return to town, Phineas found himself summoned to a political meeting at Mr.Mildmay's house in St.James's Square.
"We're going to begin in earnest this time," Barrington Erle said to him at the club.
"I am glad of that," said Phineas.
"I suppose you heard all about it down at Loughlinter ?" Now, in truth, Phineas had heard very little of any settled plan down at Loughlinter.

He had played a game of chess with Mr.Gresham, and had shot a stag with Mr.Palliser, and had discussed sheep with Lord Brentford, but had hardly heard a word about politics from any one of those influential gentlemen.

From Mr.Monk he had heard much of a coming Reform Bill; but his communications with Mr.Monk had rather been private discussions,--in which he had learned Mr.Monk's own views on certain points,--than revelations on the intention of the party to which Mr.Monk belonged.

"I heard of nothing settled," said Phineas; "but I suppose we are to have a Reform Bill." "That is a matter of course." "And I suppose we are not to touch the question of ballot." "That's the difficulty," said Barrington Erle.

"But of course we shan't touch it as long as Mr.Mildmay is in the Cabinet.