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252 ; and the only occupation of what are termed fashionable people appears to be speaking ill of one another: nothing gives such a scope to scandal, as mystery; nothing disarms it like openness. I know—your friends know, Mr. Clifford, that your character can bear inspection, and I believe for my own part, the same of your family. Why not then declare who, and what you are?"

"That candour would indeed be my best defender," said Clifford, in a tone which ran displeasingly through Lucy's ear; "but, in truth, Madam, I repeat, I care not one drop of this worthless blood what men say of me; that time has passed, and for ever; perhaps it never keenly existed for me—no matter. I come hither, Miss Brandon, not wasting a thought on these sickening fooleries or on the hoary idler, by whom they are given! I came hither, only once more to see you—to hear you speak—to watch you move—to tell you—(and the speaker's voice trembled, so as to be scarcely audible)—to tell you, if any season for the disclosure offered itself, that I have had