"That will take them! That will hit them! My good friend, your fortune is made.
"Capital, was it not, Tom?
Why, it has raised a sparkle in your calm bucolic eyes! "'Tis a fine poem i' sooth, Master Addison; as fine a piece of work as any man of this day ever produced.

You might have seen it all yourself.

You have had information, one can see, from high quarters.

Now tell me, I pray, something in detail of this great battle;" and forthwith poet and gallant fell to discussing the campaign in such a fashion as filled Tom with wonder at his companion, such as he was always feeling.
Lord Claud seemed to have such a masterly knowledge of military detail, that it was hard to believe he had not at some time been a soldier himself; and his knowledge of public affairs, and of the intricacies of foreign and home politics, struck the country-bred youth as something little short of marvellous.
For hard upon two hours did the two men sit talking, with papers and diagrams before them; and when at last Lord Claud rose, Addison gripped him hard by the hand, and declared he was the best company he had seen for many a long day.
"We are too late for the play, Tom, my lad," said Lord Claud, as they reached the street.

"But, for my part, I have been better entertained; and if I have wearied you, I crave pardon." "I am no whit wearied," answered Tom promptly; "but I marvel much at your knowledge of men and things." Lord Claud laughed slightly and lightly.
"Keep open eyes and ears as you go along in life, Tom, and you will learn many things in your turn.