The handsome and commanding countenance, stately
form, and graceful action and manners of the Duke of Buckingham, made
him become that picturesque dress beyond any man of his time. At
present, however, his countenance seemed discomposed, his dress a
little more disordered than became the place, his step hasty, and his
voice imperative.
All marked the angry spot upon his brow, and bore back so suddenly to
make way for him, that the Earl of Huntinglen, who affected no
extraordinary haste on the occasion, with his companions, who could
not, if they would, have decently left him, remained as it were by
themselves in the middle of the room, and in the very path of the
angry favourite. He touched his cap sternly as he looked on
Huntinglen, but unbonneted to Heriot, and sunk his beaver, with its
shadowy plume, as low as the floor, with a profound air of mock
respect. In returning his greeting, which he did simply and
unaffectedly, the citizen only said,--"Too much courtesy, my lord
duke, is often the reverse of kindness."
"I grieve you should think so, Master Heriot," answered the duke; "I
only meant, by my homage, to claim your protection, sir--your
patronage. You are become, I understand, a solicitor of suits--a
promoter--an undertaker--a fautor of court suitors of merit and
quality, who chance to be pennyless. I trust your bags will bear you
out in your new boast.
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