Page:Vivian Grey, Volume 1.djvu/40

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30
VIVIAN GREY.

Smith must certainly have given in, suddenly stepped forward Mr. Mallett, accompanied by——Dallas! "How, Mr. Grey! No answer Sir; I understand that you have always an answer ready. I do not quote Scripture lightly Mr. Grey; but 'Take heed that you offend not, even with your tongue.' Now, Sir, to your room."

When Vivian Grey again joined his companions, he found himself almost universally shunned. Etherege and Poynings were the only individuals who met him with their former frankness. "A horrible row, Grey," said the latter. "After you went, the Doctor harangued the whole school, and swears you have seduced and ruined us all:—every thing was happiness until you came, &c. Mallett is of course at the bottom of the whole business: but what can we do? Dallas says you have the tongue of a serpent, and that he will not trust himself to hear your defence. Infa-