Page:Vivian Grey, Volume 1.djvu/244

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234
VIVIAN GREY.

monkey that ever bent his knee in a Lady's chamber. Weill at any rate, there is this chance to be kept back, as the gambler does his last trump, or the cunning fencer his last ruse.

He rose to offer his arm to some stray fair one; for crowds were now hurrying to pine apples and lobster salads: that is to say, supper was ready in the long gallery.

In a moment Vivian's arm was locked in that of Mrs. Felix Lorraine.

"Oh, Mr. Grey, I have got a much better ghost story than even that of the Leyden Professor for you; but I'm so wearied with waltzing, that I must tell it you to-morrow. How came you to be so late this morning? Have you been paying many calls to-day? I quite missed you at dinner. Do you think Ernest Clay handsome? I daren't repeat what Lady Scrope said of you! You're an admirer of Lady Julia Knighton, I believe?—I don't much like