# At Last—At Last explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Phineas Finn refuses Mr. Gresham's offer of a government position, feeling that it was offered due to his notoriety from the murder trial rather than his merit. He returns to Matching, where he discusses his decision with Madame Goesler, explaining his disillusionment with political life. The next day, he proposes to Madame Goesler and she accepts, leading to their engagement. The Duchess of Omnium congratulates them, and the news spreads among the guests.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Cost of Ambition

Phineas refuses a government post, feeling it was offered due to his notoriety rather than merit, and reflects on the compromises of political life.

### Love and Sacrifice

Phineas proposes to Madame Goesler, and she accepts, leading to their engagement despite his lack of fortune.

### Scandal and Public Opinion

Phineas's refusal is attributed to his ordeal from the murder accusation, and his story about Fitzgibbon highlights the hypocrisy in public life.

## Character check-ins

### Phineas Finn

Refuses Mr. Gresham's offer, returns to Matching, proposes to Madame Goesler, and is accepted.

### Madame Max Goesler

Discusses Phineas's decision with him, accepts his marriage proposal, and shares the news with the Duchess.

### Duchess of Omnium

Congratulates the couple and suggests they marry at the same time as Adelaide Palliser.

### Lord Cantrip

Expresses regret that Phineas did not accept the position.

### Sir Harry Coldfoot

Hopes Phineas will not oppose them in politics.

### Sir Gregory Grogram

Comments that Phineas was upset by the trial and may recover in time.

### Laurence Fitzgibbon

Mentioned in Phineas's story about political pliability and official hypocrisy.

### Plantagenet Palliser

The Duke expresses sorrow at Phineas's refusal but says no more.

## Key lines

> I remember once, when I was a child, having a rocking-horse given to me because I had fallen from the top of the house to the bottom without breaking my neck. The rocking-horse was very well then, but I don’t care now to have one bestowed upon me for any such reason.

Phineas compares the offer of office to a reward for surviving a dangerous fall, feeling it is undeserved.

_Phineas explains why he refused the position, feeling it was given due to his notoriety from the trial._

> It is only a trifle. Mr. Finn has asked me to be his wife.

Madame Goesler casually announces her engagement to the Duchess.

_Madame Goesler confirms her acceptance of Phineas's proposal._

> I am very glad that you did not take office under Mr. Gresham. Of course when I was advising you I could not be sure that this would happen. Now you can bide your time, and if the opportunity offers you can go to work under better auspices.

Madame Goesler expresses relief that Phineas refused the post, as their engagement now gives him more freedom.

_Madame Goesler reflects on Phineas's decision in light of their engagement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxix-at-last-at-last
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters