ess her feelings, but
exhibit a class of them in direct opposition to those she actually felt.

"Why unfortunate, my lord?" she asked, smiling.

"Why, because I am told he plays second fiddle at home, and a devilish
deal out of tune too, in general. You play first, ma'am; but they
say, notwithstanding, that there's a plentiful lack of harmony in your
concerts."

"All," she replied, "your lordship must still have your joke, I
perceive; but, at all events, I am glad to see you in such spirits."

"Well, you may thank your son for that. I say, Tom," he added,
addressing his niece, "he's a devilish good fellow; a queer chap, and
I like him. Woodward, this is Tom Riddle, my niece. This scamp, Tom,
is that woman's son, Mr. Woodward. He's an accomplished youth: I'll be
hanged if he isn't. I asked him how many intrigues he has had, and he
replied, with a dolorous face, only half a dozen yet. He only committed
two murders, he says; and when I asked him if he thought there was any
probability of his being hanged, he replied that, from a review of his
past life, and what he contemplated in the future, he had little doubt
of it."

Harry Woodward was indeed, a most consummate tactician. From the moment
Miss Riddle entered the room, his air and manner became that of a most
polished gentleman; and after bowing to her when introduced, he cast,
from time to time, a glance at her, which told her, by its significance,
that he had only been gratifying her uncle by playing into his whims and
eccentricities. In the meantime the heart of Mrs. Lindsay bounded with
delight at the progress which she saw, by the complacent spirit of the
old peer, honest and adroit Harry had made in his good opinion.

"Miss Riddle," said he, "his lordship and I have been bantering each
other; but although I considered myself what I may term, an able hand at
it, yet I find I am no match for him."

"Well, not exactly, I believe," replied his lordship; "but,
notwithstanding, you are one of the best I have met."

"Why, my lord," replied Woodward, "I like the thing; and, indeed, I
never knew any one fond of it who did not possess a good heart and a
candid disposition; so, you see, my lord, there is a compliment for each
of us."

"Yes, Woodward, and we both deserve it."

"I trust Mr. Woodward," observed his niece, "that you don't practise
your abilities as a banterer upon our sex."

"Never! Miss Riddle; that would be ungenerous and unmanly. There is
nothing