Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/82

74 but in general, surely the moon has been very bright."

The stranger was about to answer, but checked himself, and simply bowed his head as in assent.

"I wonder who they are?" thought the Master of the ceremonies. "Pray, Sir," said he, in a low tone, "is that gentleman, that tall gentleman, any way related to Lord ? I cannot but think I see a family likeness."

"Not in the least related to his Lordship," answered the stranger; "but he is of a family that have made a noise in the world; though he (as well as my other friend) is merely a commoner!" laying a stress on the last word.

"Nothing, Sir, can be more respectable than a commoner of family," returned the polite Mr. * * * *, with a bow.

"I agree with you, Sir," answered the stranger, with another. "But, heavens!" and the stranger started, for at that moment his eye caught for the first time, at the far end of the room, the youthful and brilliant countenance of