"Yes, I was deceived! but I in my turn had a revenge, and a fitting revenge,—for it was not the revenge of hatred, but (and the speaker laughed sardonically) of contempt. Enough of this, Lucy! What I wished to say to you is this—grown men and women know more of the truth of things than ye young persons think for. Love is a mere bauble, and no human being ever exchanged for it one solid advantage without repentance. Believe this; and if rank ever puts itself under those pretty feet, be sure not to spurn the footstool."
So saying, with a slight laugh, Brandon lighted his chamber-candle and left the room for the night. As soon as the lawyer reached his own apartment, he indited to Lord Mauleverer the following epistle.
"Why, dear Mauleverer, do you not come to town? I want you,—your party wants you; perhaps the K—g wants you; and certainly, if you are serious about my niece, the care of your own love-suit should induce you yourself to want to come hither. I have paved the way for you, and, I think, with a little management you may
