He stooped over his plate as if to hide the operation of eating, and drank his wine with a trembling hand.

Every movement indicated indifference to both his food and his drink.
At length the more solid part of the meal was removed, and they were left alone, fruit upon the table, and two wine-decanters.

From one of them the earl helped himself, then passed it to Donal, saying, "You are very good to my little Davie, Mr.Grant! He is full of your kindness to him.

There is nobody like you!" "A little goes a long way with Davie, my lord," answered Donal.
"Then much must go a longer way!" said the earl.
There was nothing remarkable in the words, yet he spoke them with the difficulty a man accustomed to speak, and to weigh his words, might find in clothing a new thought to his satisfaction.

The effort seemed to have tried him, and he took a sip of wine.