'Well, Tom, do you find much change in me?' she was woman enough to continue.
He was obliged to look up.
'Can't say I do, my lady.'
'Don't you see the grey hairs, Tom?'
'Better than a wig,' rejoined he.
Was it true that her ladyship had behaved rather ill to Old Tom in her youth? Excellent women have been naughty girls, and young Beauties will have their train. It is also very possible that Old Tom had presumed upon trifles, and found it difficult to forgive her his own folly.
'Preferable to a wig? Well, I would rather see you with your natural thatch. You're bent, too. You look as if you had kept away from Beckley a little too long.'
'Told you, my lady, I should come when your daughter was marriageable.'
'Oho! that's it? I thought it was the Election!
'Election be ——— hem!—beg pardon, my lady.'