"He's as good a thing, however, an excellent man of the world that looks to the main point, and--keeps up appearances.

Take care of yourselves;" and with these words, accompanied with a shrewd, knavish nod that was peculiar to him, in giving which with expression he was a perfect adept, he left them.
When he was gone, the brother and his sister looked at each, other, and the latter said, "Can it be possible, Harry, that my uncle is serious in all he says on this subject ?" Her brother, who paid more regard to the principles of his sister than her uncle did, felt great reluctance in answering her in the affirmative, so much so, indeed, that he resolved to stretch a little for the sake of common decency.
"Not at all, Maria; no man relishes honesty more than he does.

He only speaks in this fashion because he thinks that honest men are scarce, and so they are.

But, by-the-way, talking about Hycy Burke, Maria, how do you like him ?" "I can't say I admire him," she replied, "but you know I have had very slight opportunities of forming any opinion." "From what you have seen of him, what do you think ?" "Let me see," she replied, pausing; "why, that he'll meet very few who will think so highly of him as he does of himself." "He thinks very highly of you, then." "How do you know that ?" she asked somewhat quickly.
"Faith, Maria, from the best authority--because he himself told me so." "So, then, I have had the honor of furnishing you with a topic of conversation ?" "Unquestionably, and you may prepare yourself for a surprise.

He's attached to you." "I think not," she replied calmly.
"Why so ?" he asked.
"Because, if you wish to know the truth, I do not think him capable of attachment to any one but himself." "Faith, a very good reason, Maria; but, seriously, if he should introduce the subject, I trust, at all events, that you will treat him with respect." "I shall certainly respect myself, Harry.