Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/320

312 by Barlow and her woman, the affectionate girl hastened to Mauleverer's house on the evening of the very day the Earl left it. Although the carriages did not meet, owing perhaps to the circumstance of changing horses at different inns, Lucy had not proceeded far before Barlow learnt, from the gossip of the road, the real state of the case. Indeed, it was at the first stage that, with a mournful countenance, he approached the door of the carriage, and, announcing the inutility of proceeding farther, begged of Lucy to turn back. So soon as Miss Brandon had overcome the first shock which this intelligence gave her, she said with calmness, "Well, Barlow, if it be so, we have still a duty to perform. Tell the postboys to drive on."

"Indeed, Madam, I cannot see what use it can be fretting yourself, and you so poorly. If you will let me go, I will see every attention paid to the remains of my poor master."

"When my father lay dead," said Lucy, with a grave and sad sternness in her manner, "he who is now no more sent no proxy to perform the last duties of a brother, neither will I send one to