gaieties that surround her, condescend now and then to remember the crabbed lawyer, and assure him by a line of her happiness and health. Though I rarely write any notes, but those upon cases: you, at least, may be sure of an answer. And tell me, Lucy, if there be in all this city one so foolish as to think that these idle gems, useful only as a vent for my pride in you, can add a single charm to a beauty above all ornament?"
So saying, Brandon produced a leathern case, and touching a spring, the imperial flash of diamonds which would have made glad many a patrician heart, broke dazzlingly on Lucy's eyes.
"No thanks, Lucy," said Brandon, in answer to his niece's disclaiming and shrinking gratitude; "I do honour to myself, not you; and now bless you, my dear girl. Farewell! Should any occasion present itself in which you require an immediate adviser, at once kind and wise, I beseech you, my dearest Lucy, as a parting request, to have no scruples in consulting Lord Mauleverer. Besides his friendship for me, he is much
