Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/127

Rh breathed; and faith, when I think of her, I do it anonymously."

"What, have you ever thought of her before this evening?"

"Yes, for months," answered Clifford. "You remember some time ago, when we formed the plan for robbing Lord Mauleverer, how, rather for frolic than profit, you robbed Dr. Slopperton, of Warlock, while I compassionately walked home with the old gentleman. Well, at the parson's hoise, I met Miss Brandon;—mind, if I speak of her by name, you must not—and by Heaven!—but I won't swear.—I accompanied her home. You know, before morning we robbed Mauleverer, the affair made a noise, and I feared to endanger you all if I appeared in the vicinity of the robbery. Since then, business diverted my thoughts; we formed the plan of trying a matrimonial speculation at Bath. I came hither—guess my surprise at seeing her"—

"And your delight," added Tomlinson, "at hearing she is as rich as she is pretty."