He felt a curiosity to know if his talents equalled his aspirations: he hinted to Cesarini his wish to see his compositions--it was just what the young man desired.

Poor Cesarini! It was much to him to get a new listener, and he fondly imagined every honest listener must be a warm admirer.

But with the coyness of his caste, he affected reluctance and hesitation; he dallied with his own impatient yearnings.

And Maltravers, to smooth his way, proposed an excursion on the lake.
"One of my men shall row," said he; "you shall recite to me, and I will be to you what the old housekeeper was to Moliere." Maltravers had deep good-nature where he was touched, though he had not a superfluity of what is called good-humour, which floats on the surface and smiles on all alike.

He had much of the milk of human kindness, but little of its oil.
The poet assented, and they were soon upon the lake.