"Oh, that was the groom's brother, Mr. Pompey Taylor, the younger, a very simple, and rather an awkward young gentleman. I had the honour of making the acquaintance of all the family, in the course of the evening. I was quite amused with Mr. Taylor, the father; he really seems to have as great a relish for the vanities of life, as any young girl of fifteen." "Because they are quite as new to him," said Hazlehurst. "That is difficult to believe of a clever, calculating man of fifty," observed Mr. Ellsworth. "All clever men of fifty are not quite free from nonsense, take my word for it," said the lady. "I appeal to Mr. Hazlehurst, who knows Mr. Taylor; as for myself, I am convinced by the man's manner this evening." "You are certainly correct in your opinion, Mrs. Creighton. Mr. Taylor is, no doubt, a clever man; and yet he takes delight in every piece of finery about his house. He is more possessed with the spirit of sheer ostentation, than any man I ever met with." "Ah, you want to save the credit of your sex, by setting him down as an exception!--that is not fair, Mr. Hazlehurst." It was a pity that the pretty smile which the lady bestowed on her brother's friend was entirely thrown away; but the lamp-light happened to be little more than darkness visible.