“Very handsomely, indeed; quite a pleasure to see it,” said Twining, gleefully.
“These fellows have little tact, with all their worldly shrewdness, or they 'd not make such ostentatious display of their wealth.”
“Quite true, my Lord. It is indiscreet of them.”
“It is so like saying, 'This is our day! '” said the Viscount.
“So it is, my Lord; and a very pleasant day they have of it, I must say; clever men—shrewd men—know the world thoroughly.”
“I 'm not so very sure of that, Twining,” said his Lordship, smiling half superciliously. “If they really had all the worldly knowledge you attribute to them, they 'd scarcely venture to shock the feelings of society by assumptions of this sort They would have more patience, Twining,—more patience.”
“So they would, my Lord. Capital thing,—excellent thing, patience; always rewarded in the end; great fun.” And he rubbed his hands and laughed away pleasantly.
“And they'll defeat themselves, that's what will come of it, sir,” said Lord Lackington, not heeding the other's remark.
“I quite agree with your Lordship,” chimed in Twining.
“And shall I tell you why they 'll defeat themselves, sir?”