She could not, however, think of treating him
with anything bordering on disrespect, especially in her own house, and
she, consequently, was about to say something merely calculated to pass
the time. In this, however, she was anticipated by Woodward, who, as he
had his suspicions of O'Connor, resolved to sound her on the subject.
"That seems an agreeable young fellow," said he; "somewhat free and easy
in his deportment."
"Take care, Mr. Woodward," said her mother, "say nothing harsh against
Ferdora, if you wish to keep on good terms with Alley. He's the
white-headed boy with her."
"I am not surprised at that, madam," he replied, "possessed as he is of
such a rare and fortunate quality."
"Pray, what is that, Mr. Woodward?" asked Alice, timidly.
"Why, the faculty of making love with the power of ten men," he replied.
"You must be a very serious man," she replied.
"Serious, Miss Goodwin! Why do you think so?"
"I hope you are not in the habit of receiving a jest as a matter of
fact."
"Not," he replied, "if I could satisfy myself that there was no fact in
the jest; but, indeed, in this world, Miss Goodwin, it is very difficult
to distinguish jest from earnest.
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