Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/145

Rh tact in manners—are unerring. Pray be guided by him: whomsoever he warns you against, you may be sure is unworthy of your acquaintance. God bless you! you will write to me often and frankly, dear Lucy; tell me all that happens to you—all that interests, nay, all that displeases."

Brandon then, who had seemingly disregarded the blushes with which, during his speech, Lucy's cheeks had been spread, folded his niece in his arms, and hurried, as if to hide his feelings, into his carriage. When the horses had turned the street, he directed the postilions to stop at Lord Mauleverer's. "Now," said he to himself, "if I can get this clever coxcomb to second my schemes, and play according to my game, and not according to his own vanity, I shall have a Knight of the Garter for my nephew-in-law!"

Meanwhile Lucy, all in tears, for she loved her uncle greatly, ran down to the Squire to show him Brandon's magnificent present.

"Ah!" said the Squire with a sigh, "few