The rich rings, however, which he saw sparkling on the fingers of what he had conceived to be the butler or footman, at once satisfied him that he was then addressing the worthy nobleman himself.

In the meantime, having made this discovery, he resolved to act the farce out.
"Why should I give an account of myself to you, you cursed old sot ?--you drink, sirrah: I can read it in your face." "I say, give an account of yourself; what's your business here ?" "Come, then," replied Harry, "as you appear to be a comical old scoundrel, I don't care, for the joke's sake, if I do.

I am coming to court Miss Riddle, ridiculous old Cockletown's niece." "Why are you coming to court her ?" "Because I understand she will have a good fortune after old Cockle takes his departure." "Eh, confound me, but that's odd; why, you are a devilish queer fellow.
Did you ever see Lord Cockletown ?" "Not I," replied Harry; "nor I don't care a curse whether I do or not, provided I had his niece secure." "Did you ever see the niece ?" "Don't annoy me, sirrah.

No, I didn't; neither do I care if I never did, provided I secure old Cockle's money and property.

If it could be so managed, I would prefer being married to her in the dark." The old peer walked two or three times through the room in a kind of good-humored perplexity, raising his wig and scratching his head under it, and surveying Woodward from time to time with a serio-comic expression.
"Of course you are a profligate, for that is the order of the day ?" "Why, of course I am," replied Harry.
"Any intrigues--eh ?" "Indeed," replied the other, pulling a long face, "I am ashamed to answer you on that subject.