brious term was applied to the respectable personages specified in the parenthesis. Bowing with a polished smile to the Squire, Mauleverer replied aloud, that he was extremely sorry, that their conduct (meaning the ministers) did not meet with Mr. Brandon's approbation.
"Well," thought the Squire, "that is playing the courtier with a vengeance!" "Meet with my approbation!" said he, warmly: "how could your Lordship think me—(for though I am none of your Saints, I am, I hope, a good Christian; an excellent one, judging from your words, your Lordship must be!)—so partial to crime!"
"I partial to crime!" returned Mauleverer, thinking he had stumbled unawares on some outrageous democrat, yet, smiling as softly as usual; "you judge me harshly, Mr. Brandon, you must do me more justice, and you can only do that by knowing me better."
Whatever unlucky answer the Squire might otherwise have made, was cut off by the entrance of Lucy; and the Earl, secretly delighted at the interruption, rose to render her his homage and to remind her of the introduction he had formerly
