Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/242

234 Lucy and the Squire were among the first arrivals.

Mauleverer, approaching the father and daughter with his most Devonshire-house manner, insisted on taking the latter under his own escort, and being her Cicerone through the round of preparations.

As the crowd thickened, and it was observed how gallant were the attentions testified towards Lucy by the host, many and envious were the whispers of the guests! Those good people, naturally angry at the thought that two individuals should be married, divided themselves into two parties; one abused Lucy, and the other Lord Mauleverer; the former vituperated her art, the latter his folly. "I thought she would play her cards well—deceitful creature!" said the one. "January and May," muttered the other; "the man's sixty!" It was noticeable, that the party against Lucy was chiefly composed of ladies, that against Mauleverer of men; that conduct must indeed be heinous, which draws down the indignation of one's own sex!