midday
The one wrong he forgot , the other he did not know . It was a favourite tenet of his that an English gentleman ought to be able to turn his hand to everything -- everything honourable , of course -- and should at once shine in any sphere of practical activity . He saw the triumph of his opinion , and found his own delight , in his new part of a business man . His brougham rolled down to Dowgate Hill almost every day ; he delighted to lunch with Mandeville or to entertain the Secretary of the Company at the midday meal ; business could be made to last till three when there was no Board , till four if there were ; then Sir Winterton drove to his club and sat down to his cards with a rich consciousness of commercial importance . He believed in the Alethea with a devotion and a thoroughness second only to the unquestioning faith and obedience which he now had at the service of Alexander Quisanté . Many an amazed secret stare and many a sour smile his eulogies drew from cousin Mandeville ; for even in his enthusiasm Sir Winterton praised with discrimination ; it was the sterling worth , the heart of the man , that he admired ; shallow people stuck at superficial defects of manner ; not such was Sir Winterton . `` I trust him as I do myself , '' he used to say to Lady Mildmay , and she , in honest joy , posted off with the testimonial to May Quisanté ; besides she was eager to seize a chance of throwing out another hint or two about Quisanté 's health .