his great object was, to study how to promote his own interests in his
own way.

Having reached Beech Grove, he found that unassuming family at home,
as they usually were; for, indeed, all their principal enjoyments lay
within the quiet range of domestic life. Old Goodwin himself saw him
through the parlor window as he approached, and, with ready and sincere
kindness, met him in the hall.

"I am very glad to see you, Mr. Woodward," said he. "Allow me to conduct
you to the drawing-room, where you will meet Mrs. Goodwin, Alice, and a
particular friend of ours. I cannot myself stop long with you, because
I am engaged on particular business; but you will not miss an old fellow
like me when you have better company. I hope my old friends are all
well. Step in, sir. Here is Mr. Woodward, ladies; Mr. Woodward, this
gentleman is a friend of ours, Mr. Ferdora O'Connor; Ferdora, this is
Mr. Woodward; and now I must leave you to entertain each other; but I
shall return, Mr. Woodward, before you go, unless you are in a great
harry. Bridget, see that luncheon is ready; but you must lay it in the
front parlor, because I have these tenants about me in the dining-room,
as it is so much larger."

"I have already given orders for that," replied his wife. He then
hurried out and left them, evidently much gratified by Woodward's visit.
O'Connor and the latter having scanned each other by a glance or two,
bowed with that extreme air of politeness which is only another name for
a want of cordiality. O'Connor was rather a plain-looking young fellow,
as to his person and general appearance; but his Milesian face was
handsome, and his eye clear and candid, with a dash of determination
and fire in it. Very different, indeed, was it from the eye that was