"Come, Tom," said his lordship, "it's time for luncheon; we can't
allow our friends to go without refreshments. I say, Woodward, I'm a
hospitable old fellow; did you ever know that before?"
"I have often heard it, my lord," replied the other, "and I hope to
have still better proof of it." This was uttered with a significant, but
respectful glance, at the niece, who was by no means displeased at it.
"Ay! ay!" said his lordship, laughing, "the proof of the pudding is
in the eating. Well, you shall have an opportunity, and soon, too; you
appear to be a blunt, honest fellow; and hang me but I like you."
Miss Riddle now went out to order in the refreshments, but not without
feeling it strange how her uncle and herself should each contemplate
Woodward's character in so different a light--the uncle looking upon him
as a blunt, honest fellow, whilst to her he appeared as a man of sense,
and a perfect gentleman Such, however, was the depth of his hypocrisy,
that he succeeded at once in pleasing both, and in deceiving both.
"Well, Woodward, what do you think of Tom?" asked his lordship.
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