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Trollope, Anthony, 1815-1882

"Framley Parsonage"

Towers, or to the immediate report made of
them. But it is given to some men to originate such tidings, and the
performance of the prophecy is often brought about by the authority
of the prophet. On the following morning the rumour that there would
be a dissolution was current in all high circles. "They have no
conscience in such matters; no conscience whatever," said a small
god, speaking of the giants--a small god, whose constituency was
expensive. Mr. Towers stood there chatting for about twenty minutes,
and then took his departure without making his way into the room. He
had answered the purpose for which he had been invited, and left Miss
Dunstable in a happy frame of mind.
"I am very glad that he came," said Mrs. Harold Smith, with an air of
triumph.
"Yes, I am glad," said Miss Dunstable, "though I am thoroughly
ashamed that I should be so. After all, what good has he done to me
or to anyone?" And having uttered this moral reflection, she made
her way into the rooms, and soon discovered Dr. Thorne standing by
himself against the wall.
"Well, doctor," she said, "where are Mary and Frank? You do not look
at all comfortable, standing here by yourself."
"I am quite as comfortable as I expected, thank you," said he. "They
are in the room somewhere, and, as I believe, equally happy.


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