Perhaps you haven't thought so, but it's me that's your friend--not him.' 'Not who ?' the child inquired.
'Short, my dear.

I tell you what,' said Codlin, 'for all his having a kind of way with him that you'd be very apt to like, I'm the real, open-hearted man.

I mayn't look it, but I am indeed.' The child began to be alarmed, considering that the ale had taken effect upon Mr Codlin, and that this commendation of himself was the consequence.
'Short's very well, and seems kind,' resumed the misanthrope, 'but he overdoes it.

Now I don't.' Certainly if there were any fault in Mr Codlin's usual deportment, it was that he rather underdid his kindness to those about him, than overdid it.

But the child was puzzled, and could not tell what to say.
'Take my advice,' said Codlin: 'don't ask me why, but take it.