“Ah!” he said in his harsh voice, but giving his hand rather graciously. “Good morning, Mordaunt. I’ve found a new employment, you see.”
He put his other hand on Cedric’s shoulder—perhaps deep down in his heart [there was a stir of gratified pride] that it was such an heir he had to present; there was a spark of something like pleasure in his eyes as he moved the boy slightly forward.
“This is the new Lord Fauntleroy,” he said. “Fauntleroy, this is Mr. Mordaunt, the rector of the parish.”
Fauntleroy looked up at the gentleman in the clerical garments, and gave him his hand.
“I am very glad to make your acquaintance, sir,” he said.
Mr. Mordaunt held the small hand in his a moment as he looked down at the child’s face, smiling involuntarily, He liked the little fellow from that instant—as in fact people always did like him.
“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Lord Fauntleroy,” said the rector. “You made a long journey to come to us. A great many people will be glad to know you made it safely.”
“It was a long way,” answered Fauntleroy; “but Dearest, my mother, was with me and I wasn’t lonely. Of course you are never lonely if your mother is with you; and the ship was beautiful.”
“Take a chair, Mordaunt,” said the Earl. Mr. Mordaunt sat down. He glanced from Fauntleroy to the Earl.
“Your lordship is greatly to be congratulated,” he said warmly. But the Earl [plainly] had no intention of showing his feelings on the subject.