'
'Oh, that's so kind of your lordship!' exclaimed Jawleyford, quite
delighted--'that's so kind of your lordship--that's just what I
like!--that's just what Mrs. Jawleyford likes!--that's just what we all
like!--coming without fuss or ceremony, just as my friend Mr. Sponge, here,
does. By the way, will your lordship give me leave to introduce my friend
Mr. Sponge--my Lord Scamperdale.' Jawleyford suiting the action to the
word, and manoeuvring the ceremony.
'Ah, I made Mr. Sponge's acquaintance yesterday,' observed his lordship
drily, giving a sort of servants' touch of his hat as he scrutinized our
friend through his formidable glasses, adding, 'To tell you the truth,'
addressing himself in an underone to Sponge, 'I took you for one of those
nasty writing chaps, who I 'bominate. But,' continued his lordship,
returning to Jawleyford. 'I'll tell you what I said about the dinner. Jack,
here, told me the flag was flying; and I said I only wished I'd known
before, and I would certainly have proposed that Jack and I should dine
with you, either to-day or to-morrow; but unfortunately I'd engaged myself
to my Lord Barker's not five minutes before.
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