Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/274

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266
PAUL CLIFFORD.

tions destined to rejoice the hearts of Tomlinson and Pepper.

Return we ourselves to Lucy. It so happened that the Squire's carriage was the last to arrive; for the coachman, long uninitiated among the shades of Warlock into the dissipation of fashionable life, entered on his début at Bath with all the vigorous heat of matured passions for the first time released into the festivities of the ale-house, and having a milder master than most of his comrades, the fear of displeasure was less strong in his aurigal bosom than the love of companionship; so that during the time this gentleman was amusing himself, Lucy had ample leisure for enjoying all the thousand and one reports of the scene between Mauleverer and Clifford, which regaled her ears. Nevertheless, whatever might have been her feelings at these pleasing recitals, a certain vague joy predominated over all. A man feels but slight comparative happiness in being loved, if he know that it is in vain. But to a woman that simple knowledge is sufficient to de-