Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/30

22 was sent by return of post, and on the fourth day from their receipt of the said epistle, the good old Squire, his daughter, a country girl, by way of abigail—the grey-headed butler, and two or three live pets, of the size and habits most convenient for travelling, were impelled along in the huge womb of the family coach, on their way to that city, which at that time was gayer at least, if somewhat less splendid, than the metropolis.

On the second day of their arrival at Bath, Brandon, (as in future, to avoid confusion, we shall call the younger brother, giving to the elder his patriarchal title of Squire,) joined them.

He was a man seemingly rather fond of parade, though at heart he disrelished and despised it. He came to their lodging, which had not been selected in the very best part of the town, in a carriage and six, but attended only by one favourite servant.

They found him in better looks and better spirits than they had anticipated; few persons, when he liked it, could be more agreeable than William Brandon; but at times there mixed with his conversation a bitter sarcasm, probably a habit