He must have had "a way with him," as the servants say.
At that moment the Duke of Torquilstone came in. Oh, such a sad sight!
A poor, humpbacked man, with a strong face and head and a soured,
suspicious, cynical expression. He would evidently have been very tall but
for his deformity--a hump stands out on his back almost like Mr. Punch. He
can't be much over forty, but he looks far older; his hair is quite gray.
Not a line or an expression in him reminded me of Lord Robert, I am glad
to say.
Lady Merrenden introduced us, and Lord Merrenden came in then, too, and we
all went down to luncheon.
It was a rather small table, so we were all near one another and could
talk.
The dining-room is immense.
"I always have this little table when we are such a small party," Lady
Merrenden said. "It is more cosey, and one does not feel so isolated."
How I agreed with her!
The duke looked at me searchingly, often, with his shrewd little eyes.
One could not say if it was with approval or disapproval.
Lord Merrenden talked about politics and the questions of the day. He has
a courteous manner, and all their voices are soft and refined. And nothing
could have been more smooth and silent than the service.
The luncheon was very simple and very good, but not half the number of
rich dishes like at Branches, or Lady Ver's.
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