The servant,
however, had no sooner quitted the apartment than Mr. Candy, actuated by a
similar motive, knocked at the door, and was speedily conducted into the
presence of his rival.
The two gentlemen, being mutually ignorant of the person of the other,
bowed with all the formality usual to a first introduction.
"Fine day, sir," said Augustus Peacock, after a short pause, little aware
that he was holding communion with his rival.
"It is--very fine, sir," returned Julius Candy with a smile, which, had he
been conscious of the person he was addressing, would instantly have been
converted into a most contemptuous sneer.
"Have you had the pleasure of seeing Miss Gray, sir, since her return from
Harrowgate?" inquired Augustus, with the soft civility of a man of
fashion.
"No,--I have not yet had that honour, sir; no,"--replied Julius, with a
slight inclination of his body.
"Charming girl, sir," remarked Mr. Peacock.
"Fascinating creature," responded Mr. Candy.
"Did you ever see _such_ eyes, sir?" continued Mr.
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