"
"I am an enemy neither to philosophy nor common sense," replied his
niece, "because I think neither of them incompatible with feeling; but I
certainly prefer common sense."
"There's luncheon announced," said the peer, rubbing his hands, "and
that's a devilish deal more comfortable than either of them. Come, Mrs.
Lindsay; Woodward, take Tom with you."
They then descended to the dining-room, where the conversation was
lively and amusing, the humorous old peer furnishing the greater
proportion of the mirth.
"Mrs. Lindsay," said he, as they were preparing to go, "I hope, after
all, that this clever son of yours is not a fortune-hunter."
"He need not be so, my lord," replied his mother, "and neither is he. He
himself will have a handsome property."
"Will have. I would rather you wouldn't speak in the future tense,
though. Woodward," he added, addressing that gentleman, "remember that I
told you that I sleep with one eye open."
"If you have any doubts, my lord, on this subject," replied Woodward,
"you may imitate me: sleep with both open."
"Ay, as the hares do, and devil a bit they're the better for it; but, in
the meantime, what property have you, or will you have? There is nothing
like coming to the point.
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