'I'd rather walk with you than jog along in a
chair by myself, my gay fellows, any day.'
Most young fellows of spirit, at the eve of a ball, have their heads
pretty full. There is always some one bright particular star to whom,
even as they look on their own handsome features in the mirror, their
adoration is paid.
Puddock's shoe-buckles flashed for Gertrude Chattesworth, as he turned
out his toes. For her his cravat received its last careless touch--his
ruffles shook themselves, and fell in rich elegance about his plump
little hands. For her his diamond ring gleamed like a burning star from
his white little finger; and for her the last fragrance was thrown over
his pocket-handkerchief, and the last ogle thrown upon his
looking-glass. All the interest of his elaborate toilet--the whole
solemn process and detail--was but a worship of his divinity, at which
he officiated. Much in the same way was Cluffe affected over his
bedizenment in relation to his own lady-love; but in a calmer and more
long-headed fashion. Devereux's toilet most of the young fellows held to
be perfection; yet it seemed to trouble him less than all the rest.
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