ship's guests; I heard this, and knew that I should have no other opportunity of meeting the person in question before my departure; and I must now throw myself on the well-known politeness of Lord Mauleverer, to pardon a freedom originating in a business very much approaching to a necessity!"
Lord Mauleverer's address to Clifford had congregated an immediate crowd of eager and expectant listeners, but so quietly-respectful and really gentlemanlike were Clifford's air and tone in excusing himself, that the whole throng were smitten with a sudden disappointment.
Lord Mauleverer himself, surprised by the temper and deportment of the unbidden guest, was at a loss for one moment, and Clifford was about to take advantage of that moment and glide away, when Mauleverer, with a second bow, more civil than the former one, said—
"I cannot but be happy, Sir, that my poor place has afforded you any convenience; but, if I am not very impertinent, will you allow me to
