Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/148

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140
PAUL CLIFFORD.

into a certain degree of respect with the one sex as well as popularity with the other. But what always attracted and kept alive suspicion, was his intimacy with so peculiar and dashing a looking gentleman as Mr. Edward Pepper. People could get over a certain frankness in Clifford's address, but the most lenient were astounded by the swagger of Long Ned. Clifford, however, not insensible to the ridicule attached to his acquaintances, soon managed to pursue his occupations alone; nay, he took a lodging to himself, and left Long Ned and Augustus Tomlinson (the latter to operate as a check on the former) to the quiet enjoyment of the hairdresser's apartments. He himself attended all public gaieties, and his mien, and the appearance of wealth which lie maintained, procured him access into several private circles, which pretended to be exclusive. As if English people who had daughters ever could be exclusive! Many were the kind looks, nor few the inviting letters which he received. And if his sole object had been to marry an