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86 on him; and whether or not there was any expression of contempt or superciliousness in the survey, it was sufficient to call up the indignant blood to Clifford's cheek. Returning the look with interest, he said to Lucy, "I believe, Miss Brandon, that the dance is about to begin;" and Lucy obeying the hint, left the aristocratic Mauleverer to his own meditations.

At that moment, the Master of the ceremonies came bowing by, half afraid to address so great a person as Mauleverer, but willing to show his respect by the profoundness of his salutation.

"Aha! my dear Mr. !" said the Earl, holding out both his hands to the Lycurgus of the rooms; "how are you? Pray can you inform me, who that young man is, now dancing with Miss Brandon?"

"It is,—let me see—Oh! it is a Captain Clifford, my Lord! a very fine young man, my Lord! Has your Lordship never met him?"

"Never! who is he? one under your more especial patronage?" said the Earl, smiling.