But now about the negotiations--come, give a specimen of your talents.

Let us come to the point." "Well, then, I am here, my lord, to propose, in the name of my son Woodward, for the hand of Miss Riddle, your niece." "I see; no regard for the property she is to have, eh ?" "Do you think me a fool, my lord?
Do you imagine that any one of common sense would or should overlook such an element between parties who propose to marry?
Whatever my son may do--who is deeply attached to Miss Riddle--I am sure I do not, nor will not, overlook it; you may rest assured of that, my lord." Old Cockletown looked keenly at her, and their eyes met; but, after a long and steady gaze, the eyes of the old peer quailed, and he felt, when put to an encounter with hers, that to which was attributed such extraordinary influence.

There sparkled in her steady black orb a venomous exultation, mingled with a spirit of strong and contemptuous derision, which made the eccentric old nobleman feel rather uncomfortable.

His eye fell, and, considering his age, it was decidedly a keen one.

He fidgeted upon the chair--he coughed, hemmed, then looked about the room, and at length exclaimed, rather in a soliloquy,-- "Second fiddle! egad, I'm afraid had we been man and wife I should never have got beyond it.