Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/280

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250
PAUL CLIFFORD.

pun, I am sure so great a friend to the Church understands Latin,)—that I am very glad to get back safe to my tea. He, he! And now, Miss Lucy, you must thank that young gentleman for having saved the life of your pastoral teacher, which act will no doubt be remembered at the Great Day!"

As Lucy, looking towards the stranger, said something in compliment, she observed a vague, and, as it were, covert smile upon his countenance, which immediately, and as if by sympathy, conjured one to her own. The hero of the adventure, however, in a very grave tone, replied to her compliment, at the same time bowing profoundly——

"Mention it not, Madam! I were unworthy of the name of a Briton, and a man, could I pass the highway without relieving the distresses, or lightening the burthen, of a fellow-creature. And," continued the stranger, after a momentary pause, colouring while he spoke, and concluding, in the high-flown gallantry of the day,—"Methinks it were sufficient reward, had I saved the whole Church, instead of one of its most valuable mem-