Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/153

Rh All men—the most modest—have a common failing, but it is one which often assumes the domino and mask—Pride! Brandon was, however, proud to a degree very rare in men who have risen and flourished in the world. Out of the wrecks of all other feelings, this imperial survivor made one great palace for its residence, and called the fabric 'Disdain.' Scorn was the real essence of Brandon's nature: even in the blandest disguises, the smoothness of his voice, the insinuation of his smile, the popular and supple graces of his manners, an oily derision floated, rarely discernible, it is true, but proportioning its strength and quantum to the calm it produced.

In the interim, while his character thus displayed and contradicted itself in private life, his fame was rapidly rising in public estimation. Unlike many of his brethren, the brilliant lawyer had exceeded expectation, and shone even yet more conspicuously in the less adventitiously-aided duties of the Judge. Envy itself, and Brandon's political virulence, had, despite of his personal affability, made him many foes,—was driven into acknowledging the profundity of his legal