this
consummation of acquaintance the gradually cooling salute appeared
rapidly approaching. Meanwhile Clifford, unable to see Lucy, shunned by
her father, and obtaining in answer to all inquiry rude looks from the
footman, whom nothing but the most resolute command over his muscles
prevented him from knocking down, began to feel perhaps, for the first
time in his life, that an equivocal character is at least no equivocal
misfortune. To add to his distress, "the earnings of his previous
industry"--we use the expression cherished by the wise Tomlinson--waxed
gradually less and less beneath the expenses of Bath; and the murmuring
voices of his two comrades began already to reproach their chief for his
inglorious idleness, and to hint at the necessity of a speedy exertion.

CHAPTER XX.

Whackum. Look you there, now! Well, all Europe cannot show a knot
of finer wits and braver gentlemen.

Dingboy. Faith, they are pretty smart men.

SHADWELL: Scourers.

The world of Bath was of a sudden delighted by the intelligence that
Lord Mauleverer had gone to Beauvale (the beautiful seat possessed by
that nobleman in the neighbourhood of Bath), with the intention of there
holding a series of sumptuous entertainments.

The first persons to whom the gay earl announced his "hospitable
purpose" were Mr. and Miss Brandon; he called at their house, and
declared his resolution of not leaving it till Lucy (who was in her own
room) consented to gratify him with an interview, and a promise to
be the queen of his purposed festival. Lucy, teased by her father,
descended to the drawing-room, spiritless and pale; and the earl,
struck by the alteration of her appearance, took her hand, and made his
inquiries with so interesting and feeling a semblance of kindness as
prepossessed the father for the first time in his favour, and touched
even the daughter. So earnest, too, was his request that she would
honour his festivities with her presence, and with so skilful a flattery
was it conveyed, that the squire undertook to promise the favour in
her name; and when the earl, declaring he was not contented with that
promise from another, appealed to Lucy herself, her denial was soon
melted into a positive though a reluctant assent.

Delighted with his success, and more struck with Lucy's loveliness,
refined as it was by her paleness, than he had ever been before,
Mauleverer left the hous