This much darker sequel to PHINEAS FINN is the fourth novel in Trollope's Palliser series. Phineas Finn returns to London from Ireland after the death of his first wife, and is once again elected to Parliament. When one of his political enemies is murdered, Phineas is indicted and imprisoned and, though he is acquitted, he resigns his seat. In addition to the multitudinous romantic plots, including Phineas's involvement with Laura Kennedy and her insane husband, this wide-ranging political novel deals with such contemporary issues as the bribing of electors and the disestablishment of the Church of England.