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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/6346-0.txt b/6346-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9dc298a --- /dev/null +++ b/6346-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12847 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cecilia, Volume 1 (of 3), by Frances Burney + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Cecilia, Volume 1 (of 3) + +Author: Frances Burney + + +Release Date: August, 2004 [EBook #6346] +This file was first posted on November 29, 2002 +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CECILIA, VOLUME 1 (OF 3) *** + + + + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + +CECILIA, Volume 1 (of 3) + +or + +MEMOIRS OF AN HEIRESS + + + +By Frances Burney + + + + +PREFACE + +“Fanny's Cecilia came out last summer, and is as much liked and read, +I believe, as any book ever was,” wrote Charlotte Burney in Jan. 1783. +“She had 250 pounds for it from Payne and Cadell. Most people say she +ought to have had a thousand. It is now going into the third edition, +though Payne owns that they printed two thousand at the first edition, +and Lowndes told me five hundred was the common number for a novel.” + [Footnote: _The Early Diary of Frances Burney, with a selection from her +correspondence, and from the journals of her sisters Susan and Charlotte +Burney._ Edited by Annie Raine Ellis. 1889. Vol. II. p. 307.] + +The manuscript of _Cecilia_ was submitted to Dr Burney and Mr Crisp +during its composition, and their suggestions were in some cases +adopted, as we learn from the _Diary_. Dr Johnson was not consulted, but +a desire at once to imitate and to please him evidently controlled the +work. + +Under these circumstances it is naturally less fresh and spontaneous +than _Evelina_, but it is more mature. The touch is surer and the plot +more elaborate. We cannot to-day fully appreciate the “conflict scene +between mother and son,” for which, Miss Burney tells us, the book was +written; but the pictures of eighteenth century affectations are all +alive, and the story is thoroughly absorbing, except, perhaps, in the +last book. + +Miss Burney often took the name of her characters from her +acquaintances, and it seems probable that some of the “types” in +_Cecilia_ are also drawn from real life. The title of Miss Austen's +_Pride and Prejudice_ was borrowed from _Cecilia_, and some points of +resemblance may be traced between the two novels. + +The present edition is reprinted from:-- + +CECILIA, or, Memoirs of an Heiress. By the author of Evelina. In five +volumes. London: Printed for T. Payne and Son, at the Newsgate, and T. +Cadell in the Strand. MDCCLXXXII. R. B. J. + +THE RIGHT HON. EDMUND BURKE TO MISS F. BURNEY. (AFTER READING CECILIA.) + +Madam,--I should feel exceedingly to blame if I could refuse to myself +the natural satisfaction, and to you the just but poor return, of my +best thanks for the very great instruction and entertainment I have +received from the new present you have bestowed on the public. There +are few--I believe I may say fairly there are none at all--that will not +find themselves better informed concerning human nature, and their stock +of observation enriched, by reading your “Cecilia.” They certainly will, +let their experience in life and manners be what it may. The arrogance +of age must submit to be taught by youth. You have crowded into a few +small volumes an incredible variety of characters; most of them well +planned, well supported, and well contrasted with each other. If there +be any fault in this respect, it is one in which you are in no great +danger of being imitated. Justly as your characters are drawn, perhaps +they are too numerous. But I beg pardon; I fear it is quite in vain +to preach economy to those who are come young to excessive and sudden +opulence. + +I might trespass on your delicacy if I should fill my letter to you with +what I fill my conversation to others. I should be troublesome to you +alone if I should tell you all I feel and think on the natural vein of +humour, the tender pathetic, the comprehensive and noble moral, and the +sagacious observation, that appear quite throughout that extraordinary +performance. + +In an age distinguished by producing extraordinary women, I hardly dare +to tell you where my opinion would place you amongst them. I respect +your modesty, that will not endure the commendations which your merit +forces from everybody. + +I have the honour to be, with great gratitude, respect, and esteem, +madam, your most obedient and most humble servant, + +EDM. BURKE + +WHITEHALL, _July 19, 1782_. + +My best compliments and congratulations to Dr Burney on the great honour +acquired to his family. + +ADVERTISEMENT. + +The indulgence shewn by the Public to Evelina, which, unpatronized, +unaided, and unowned, past through Four Editions in one Year, has +encouraged its Author to risk this SECOND attempt. The animation of +success is too universally acknowledged, to make the writer of +the following sheets dread much censure of temerity; though the +precariousness of any power to give pleasure, suppresses all vanity +of confidence, and sends CECILIA into the world with scarce more +hope, though far more encouragement, than attended her highly-honoured +predecessor, Evelina. + +July, 1782 + + + + +CHAPTER i + +A JOURNEY. + + +“Peace to the spirits of my honoured parents, respected be their +remains, and immortalized their virtues! may time, while it moulders +their frail relicks to dust, commit to tradition the record of their +goodness; and Oh, may their orphan-descendant be influenced through life +by the remembrance of their purity, and be solaced in death, that by her +it was unsullied!” + +Such was the secret prayer with which the only survivor of the Beverley +family quitted the abode of her youth, and residence of her forefathers; +while tears of recollecting sorrow filled her eyes, and obstructed the +last view of her native town which had excited them. + +Cecilia, this fair traveller, had lately entered into the +one-and-twentieth year of her age. Her ancestors had been rich farmers +in the county of Suffolk, though her father, in whom a spirit of +elegance had supplanted the rapacity of wealth, had spent his time as a +private country gentleman, satisfied, without increasing his store, to +live upon what he inherited from the labours of his predecessors. She +had lost him in her early youth, and her mother had not long survived +him. They had bequeathed to her 10,000 pounds, and consigned her to the +care of the Dean of ------, her uncle. With this gentleman, in whom, +by various contingencies, the accumulated possessions of a rising and +prosperous family were centred, she had passed the last four years of +her life; and a few weeks only had yet elapsed since his death, which, +by depriving her of her last relation, made her heiress to an estate of +3000 pounds per annum; with no other restriction than that of annexing +her name, if she married, to the disposal of her hand and her riches. + +But though thus largely indebted to fortune, to nature she had yet +greater obligations: her form was elegant, her heart was liberal; her +countenance announced the intelligence of her mind, her complexion +varied with every emotion of her soul, and her eyes, the heralds of +her speech, now beamed with understanding and now glistened with +sensibility. + +For the short period of her minority, the management of her fortune +and the care of her person, had by the Dean been entrusted to three +guardians, among whom her own choice was to settle her residence: but +her mind, saddened by the loss of all her natural friends, coveted to +regain its serenity in the quietness of the country, and in the bosom +of an aged and maternal counsellor, whom she loved as her mother, and to +whom she had been known from her childhood. + +The Deanery, indeed, she was obliged to relinquish, a long repining +expectant being eager, by entering it, to bequeath to another the +anxiety and suspense he had suffered himself; though probably without +much impatience to shorten their duration in favour of the next +successor; but the house of Mrs Charlton, her benevolent friend, +was open for her reception, and the alleviating tenderness of her +conversation took from her all wish of changing it. + +Here she had dwelt since the interment of her uncle; and here, from the +affectionate gratitude of her disposition, she had perhaps been content +to dwell till her own, had not her guardians interfered to remove her. + +Reluctantly she complied; she quitted her early companions, the friend +she most revered, and the spot which contained the relicks of all she +had yet lived to lament; and, accompanied by one of her guardians, and +attended by two servants, she began her journey from Bury to London. + +Mr Harrel, this gentleman, though in the prime of his life, though gay, +fashionable and splendid, had been appointed by her uncle to be one of +her trustees; a choice which had for object the peculiar gratification +of his niece, whose most favourite young friend Mr Harrel had married, +and in whose house he therefore knew she would most wish to live. + +Whatever good-nature could dictate or politeness suggest to dispel +her melancholy, Mr Harrel failed not to urge; and Cecilia, in whose +disposition sweetness was tempered with dignity, and gentleness with +fortitude, suffered not his kind offices to seem ineffectual; she kissed +her hand at the last glimpse a friendly hill afforded of her native +town, and made an effort to forget the regret with which she lost sight +of it. She revived her spirits by plans of future happiness, dwelt +upon the delight with which she should meet her young friend, and, by +accepting his consolation, amply rewarded his trouble. + +Her serenity, however, had yet another, though milder trial to undergo, +since another friend was yet to be met, and another farewell was yet to +be taken. + +At the distance of seven miles from Bury resided Mr Monckton, the +richest and most powerful man in that neighbourhood, at whose house +Cecilia and her guardian were invited to breakfast in their journey. + +Mr Monckton, who was the younger son of a noble family, was a man of +parts, information and sagacity; to great native strength of mind he +added a penetrating knowledge of the world, and to faculties the most +skilful of investigating the character of every other, a dissimulation +the most profound in concealing his own. In the bloom of his youth, +impatient for wealth and ambitious of power, he had tied himself to a +rich dowager of quality, whose age, though sixty-seven, was but among +the smaller species of her evil properties, her disposition being +far more repulsive than her wrinkles. An inequality of years so +considerable, had led him to expect that the fortune he had thus +acquired, would speedily be released from the burthen with which it was +at present incumbered; but his expectations proved as vain as they were +mercenary, and his lady was not more the dupe of his protestations than +he was himself of his own purposes. Ten years he had been married to +her, yet her health was good, and her faculties were unimpaired; eagerly +he had watched for her dissolution, yet his eagerness had injured no +health but his own! So short-sighted is selfish cunning, that in aiming +no further than at the gratification of the present moment, it obscures +the evils of the future, while it impedes the perception of integrity +and honour. + +His ardour, however, to attain the blessed period of returning liberty, +deprived him neither of spirit nor inclination for intermediate +enjoyment; he knew the world too well to incur its censure by +ill-treating the woman to whom he was indebted for the rank he held in +it; he saw her, indeed, but seldom, yet he had the decency, alike in +avoiding as in meeting her, to shew no abatement of civility and good +breeding: but, having thus sacrificed to ambition all possibility +of happiness in domestic life, he turned his thoughts to those other +methods of procuring it, which he had so dearly purchased the power of +essaying. + +The resources of pleasure to the possessors of wealth are only to be +cut off by the satiety of which they are productive: a satiety which the +vigorous mind of Mr Monckton had not yet suffered him to experience; his +time, therefore, was either devoted to the expensive amusements of the +metropolis, or spent in the country among the gayest of its diversions. + +The little knowledge of fashionable manners and of the characters of the +times of which Cecilia was yet mistress, she had gathered at the house +of this gentleman, with whom the Dean her uncle had been intimately +connected: for as he preserved to the world the same appearance of +decency he supported to his wife, he was everywhere well received, and +being but partially known, was extremely respected: the world, with +its wonted facility, repaying his circumspect attention to its laws, by +silencing the voice of censure, guarding his character from impeachment, +and his name from reproach. + +Cecilia had been known to him half her life; she had been caressed in +his house as a beautiful child, and her presence was now solicited there +as an amiable acquaintance. Her visits, indeed, had by no means been +frequent, as the ill-humour of Lady Margaret Monckton had rendered them +painful to her; yet the opportunities they had afforded her of mixing +with people of fashion, had served to prepare her for the new scenes in +which she was soon to be a performer. + +Mr Monckton, in return, had always been a welcome guest at the Deanery; +his conversation was to Cecilia a never-failing source of information, +as his knowledge of life and manners enabled him to start those subjects +of which she was most ignorant; and her mind, copious for the admission +and intelligent for the arrangement of knowledge, received all new ideas +with avidity. + +Pleasure given in society, like money lent in usury, returns with +interest to those who dispense it: and the discourse of Mr Monckton +conferred not a greater favour upon Cecilia than her attention to it +repaid. And thus, the speaker and the hearer being mutually gratified, +they had always met with complacency, and commonly parted with regret. + +This reciprocation of pleasure had, however, produced different +effects upon their minds; the ideas of Cecilia were enlarged, while the +reflections of Mr Monckton were embittered. He here saw an object who to +all the advantages of that wealth he had so highly prized, added youth, +beauty, and intelligence; though much her senior, he was by no means +of an age to render his addressing her an impropriety, and the +entertainment she received from his conversation, persuaded him that her +good opinion might with ease be improved into a regard the most partial. +He regretted the venal rapacity with which he had sacrificed himself +to a woman he abhorred, and his wishes for her final decay became daily +more fervent. He knew that the acquaintance of Cecilia was confined to +a circle of which he was himself the principal ornament, that she had +rejected all the proposals of marriage which had hitherto been made to +her, and, as he had sedulously watched her from her earliest years, +he had reason to believe that her heart had escaped any dangerous +impression. This being her situation, he had long looked upon her as his +future property; as such he had indulged his admiration, and as such he +had already appropriated her estate, though he had not more vigilantly +inspected into her sentiments, than he had guarded his own from a +similar scrutiny. + +The death of the Dean her uncle had, indeed, much alarmed him; he +grieved at her leaving Suffolk, where he considered himself the first +man, alike in parts and in consequence, and he dreaded her residing +in London, where he foresaw that numerous rivals, equal to himself +in talents and in riches, would speedily surround her; rivals, too, +youthful and sanguine, not shackled by present ties, but at liberty to +solicit her immediate acceptance. Beauty and independence, rarely +found together, would attract a crowd of suitors at once brilliant and +assiduous; and the house of Mr Harrel was eminent for its elegance and +gaiety; but yet, undaunted by danger, and confiding in his own powers, +he determined to pursue the project he had formed, not fearing by +address and perseverance to ensure its success. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +AN ARGUMENT. + + +Mr Monckton had, at this time, a party of company assembled at his +house for the purpose of spending the Christmas holidays. He waited with +anxiety the arrival of Cecilia, and flew to hand her from the chaise +before Mr Harrel could alight. He observed the melancholy of her +countenance, and was much pleased to find that her London journey had +so little power to charm her. He conducted her to the breakfast parlour, +where Lady Margaret and his friends expected her. + +Lady Margaret received her with a coldness that bordered upon +incivility; irascible by nature and jealous by situation, the appearance +of beauty alarmed, and of chearfulness disgusted her. She regarded with +watchful suspicion whoever was addressed by her husband, and having +marked his frequent attendance at the Deanery, she had singled out +Cecilia for the object of her peculiar antipathy; while Cecilia, +perceiving her aversion though ignorant of its cause, took care to avoid +all intercourse with her but what ceremony exacted, and pitied in secret +the unfortunate lot of her friend. + +The company now present consisted of one lady and several gentlemen. + +Miss Bennet, the lady, was in every sense of the phrase, the humble +companion of Lady Margaret; she was low-born, meanly educated, +and narrow-minded; a stranger alike to innate merit or acquired +accomplishments, yet skilful in the art of flattery, and an adept +in every species of low cunning. With no other view in life than the +attainment of affluence without labour, she was not more the slave +of the mistress of the house, than the tool of its master; receiving +indignity without murmur, and submitting to contempt as a thing of +course. + +Among the gentlemen, the most conspicuous, by means of his dress, was +Mr Aresby, a captain in the militia; a young man who having frequently +heard the words red-coat and gallantry put together, imagined the +conjunction not merely customary, but honourable, and therefore, without +even pretending to think of the service of his country, he considered a +cockade as a badge of politeness, and wore it but to mark his devotion +to the ladies, whom he held himself equipped to conquer, and bound to +adore. + +The next who by forwardness the most officious took care to be noticed, +was Mr Morrice, a young lawyer, who, though rising in his profession, +owed his success neither to distinguished abilities, nor to +skill-supplying industry, but to the art of uniting suppleness to others +with confidence in himself. To a reverence of rank, talents, and fortune +the most profound, he joined an assurance in his own merit, which no +superiority could depress; and with a presumption which encouraged him +to aim at all things, he blended a good-humour that no mortification +could lessen. And while by the pliability of his disposition he avoided +making enemies, by his readiness to oblige, he learned the surest way of +making friends by becoming useful to them. + +There were also some neighbouring squires; and there was one old +gentleman, who, without seeming to notice any of the company, sat +frowning in a corner. + +But the principal figure in the circle was Mr Belfield, a tall, thin +young man, whose face was all animation, and whose eyes sparkled with +intelligence. He had been intended by his father for trade, but his +spirit, soaring above the occupation for which he was designed, from +repining led him to resist, and from resisting, to rebel. He eloped from +his friends, and contrived to enter the army. But, fond of the polite +arts, and eager for the acquirement of knowledge, he found not this way +of life much better adapted to his inclination than that from which he +had escaped; he soon grew weary of it, was reconciled to his father, and +entered at the Temple. But here, too volatile for serious study, and +too gay for laborious application, he made little progress: and the same +quickness of parts and vigour of imagination which united with prudence, +or accompanied by judgment, might have raised him to the head of his +profession, being unhappily associated with fickleness and caprice, +served only to impede his improvement, and obstruct his preferment. And +now, with little business, and that little neglected, a small fortune, +and that fortune daily becoming less, the admiration of the world, but +that admiration ending simply in civility, he lived an unsettled and +unprofitable life, generally caressed, and universally sought, yet +careless of his interest and thoughtless of the future; devoting his +time to company, his income to dissipation, and his heart to the Muses. + +“I bring you,” said Mr Monckton, as he attended Cecilia into the room, +“a subject of sorrow in a young lady who never gave disturbance to her +friends but in quitting them.” + +“If sorrow,” cried Mr Belfield, darting upon her his piercing eyes, +“wears in your part of the world a form such as this, who would wish to +change it for a view of joy?” + +“She's divinely handsome, indeed!” cried the Captain, affecting an +involuntary exclamation. + +Meantime, Cecilia, who was placed next to the lady of the house, quietly +began her breakfast; Mr Morrice, the young lawyer, with the most easy +freedom, seating himself at her side, while Mr Monckton was elsewhere +arranging the rest of his guests, in order to secure that place for +himself. + +Mr Morrice, without ceremony, attacked his fair neighbour; he talked of +her journey, and the prospects of gaiety which it opened to her view; +but by these finding her unmoved, he changed his theme, and expatiated +upon the delights of the spot she was quitting. Studious to recommend +himself to her notice, and indifferent by what means, one moment he +flippantly extolled the entertainments of the town; and the next, +rapturously described the charms of the country. A word, a look sufficed +to mark her approbation or dissent, which he no sooner discovered, than +he slided into her opinion, with as much facility and satisfaction as if +it had originally been his own. + +Mr Monckton, suppressing his chagrin, waited some time in expectation +that when this young man saw he was standing, he would yield to him his +chair: but the remark was not made, and the resignation was not thought +of. The Captain, too, regarding the lady as his natural property for the +morning, perceived with indignation by whom he was supplanted; while the +company in general, saw with much surprize, the place they had severally +foreborne to occupy from respect to their host, thus familiarly seized +upon by the man who, in the whole room, had the least claim, either from +age or rank, to consult nothing but his own inclination. + +Mr Monckton, however, when he found that delicacy and good manners had +no weight with his guest, thought it most expedient to allow them +none with himself; and therefore, disguising his displeasure under an +appearance of facetiousness, he called out, “Come, Morrice, you that +love Christmas sports, what say you to the game of move-all?” + +“I like it of all things!” answered Morrice, and starting from his +chair, he skipped to another. + +“So should I too,” cried Mr Monckton, instantly taking his place, “were +I to remove from any seat but this.” + +Morrice, though he felt himself outwitted, was the first to laugh, and +seemed as happy in the change as Mr Monckton himself. + +Mr Monckton now, addressing himself to Cecilia, said, “We are going +to lose you, and you seem concerned at leaving us; yet, in a very few +months you will forget Bury, forget its inhabitants, and forget its +environs.” + +“If you think so,” answered Cecilia, “must I not thence infer that Bury, +its inhabitants, and its environs, will in a very few months forget me?” + +“Ay, ay, and so much the better!” said Lady Margaret, muttering between +her teeth, “so much the better!” + +“I am sorry you think so, madam,” cried Cecilia, colouring at her +ill-breeding. + +“You will find,” said Mr Monckton, affecting the same ignorance of her +meaning that Cecilia really felt, “as you mix with the world, you will +find that Lady Margaret has but expressed what by almost every body is +thought: to neglect old friends, and to court new acquaintance, +though perhaps not yet avowedly delivered as a precept from parents to +children, is nevertheless so universally recommended by example, +that those who act differently, incur general censure for affecting +singularity.” + +“It is happy then, for me,” answered Cecilia, “that neither my actions +nor myself will be sufficiently known to attract public observation.” + +“You intend, then, madam,” said Mr Belfield, “in defiance of +these maxims of the world, to be guided by the light of your own +understanding.” + +“And such,” returned Mr Monckton, “at first setting out in life, is the +intention of every one. The closet reasoner is always refined in his +sentiments, and always confident in his virtue; but when he mixes +with the world, when he thinks less and acts more, he soon finds the +necessity of accommodating himself to such customs as are already +received, and of pursuing quietly the track that is already marked out.” + +“But not,” exclaimed Mr Belfield, “if he has the least grain of spirit! +the beaten track will be the last that a man of parts will deign to +tread, + + For common rules were ne'er designed + Directors of a noble mind.” + +“A pernicious maxim! a most pernicious maxim!” cried the old gentleman, +who sat frowning in a corner of the room. + +“Deviations from common rules,” said Mr Monckton, without taking any +notice of this interruption, “when they proceed from genius, are not +merely pardonable, but admirable; and you, Belfield, have a peculiar +right to plead their merits; but so little genius as there is in the +world, you must surely grant that pleas of this sort are very rarely to +be urged.” + +“And why rarely,” cried Belfield, “but because your general rules, +your appropriated customs, your settled forms, are but so many absurd +arrangements to impede not merely the progress of genius, but the use of +understanding? If man dared act for himself, if neither worldly views, +contracted prejudices, eternal precepts, nor compulsive examples, swayed +his better reason and impelled his conduct, how noble indeed would +he be! _how infinite in faculties! in apprehension how like a God!_” + [Footnote: Hamlet.] + +“All this,” answered Mr Monckton, “is but the doctrine of a lively +imagination, that looks upon impossibilities simply as difficulties, and +upon difficulties as mere invitations to victory. But experience teaches +another lesson; experience shows that the opposition of an individual to +a community is always dangerous in the operation, and seldom successful +in the event;--never, indeed, without a concurrence strange as +desirable, of fortunate circumstances with great abilities.” + +“And why is this,” returned Belfield, “but because the attempt is so +seldom made? The pitiful prevalence of general conformity extirpates +genius, and murders originality; the man is brought up, not as if he +were 'the noblest work of God,' but as a mere ductile machine of +human formation: he is early taught that he must neither consult his +understanding, nor pursue his inclinations, lest, unhappily for his +commerce with the world, his understanding should be averse to fools, +and provoke him to despise them; and his inclinations to the tyranny of +perpetual restraint, and give him courage to abjure it.” + +“I am ready enough to allow,” answered Mr Monckton, “that an eccentric +genius, such, for example, as yours, may murmur at the tediousness of +complying with the customs of the world, and wish, unconfined, and at +large, to range through life without any settled plan or prudential +restriction; but would you, therefore, grant the same licence to every +one? would you wish to see the world peopled with defiers of order, +and contemners of established forms? and not merely excuse the +irregularities resulting from uncommon parts, but encourage those, also, +to lead, who without blundering cannot even follow?” + +“I would have _all_ men,” replied Belfield, “whether philosophers or +ideots, act for themselves. Every one would then appear what he is; +enterprize would be encouraged, and imitation abolished; genius would +feel its superiority, and folly its insignificance; and then, and then +only, should we cease to be surfeited with that eternal sameness of +manner and appearance which at present runs through all ranks of men.” + +“Petrifying dull work this, _mon ami!_” said the Captain, in a whisper +to Morrice, “_de grace_, start some new game.” + +“With all my heart,” answered he; and then, suddenly jumping up, +exclaimed, “A hare! a hare!” + +“Where?--where?--which way?” and all the gentlemen arose, and ran to +different windows, except the master of the house, the object of whose +pursuit was already near him. + +Morrice, with much pretended earnestness, flew from window to window, +to trace footsteps upon the turf which he knew had not printed it: yet, +never inattentive to his own interest, when he perceived in the midst +of the combustion he had raised, that Lady Margaret was incensed at the +noise it produced, he artfully gave over his search, and seating himself +in a chair next to her, eagerly offered to assist her with cakes, +chocolate, or whatever the table afforded. + +He had, however, effectually broken up the conversation; and breakfast +being over, Mr Harrel ordered his chaise, and Cecilia arose to take +leave. + +And now not without some difficulty could Mr Monckton disguise the +uneasy fears which her departure occasioned him. Taking her hand, “I +suppose,” he said, “you will not permit an old friend to visit you in +town, lest the sight of him should prove a disagreeable memorial of the +time you will soon regret having wasted in the country?” + +“Why will you say this, Mr Monckton?” cried Cecilia; “I am sure you +cannot think it.” + +“These profound studiers of mankind, madam,” said Belfield, “are mighty +sorry champions for constancy or friendship. They wage war with all +expectations but of depravity, and grant no quarter even to the purest +designs, where they think there will be any temptation to deviate from +them.” + +“Temptation,” said Mr Monckton, “is very easy of resistance in theory; +but if you reflect upon the great change of situation Miss Beverley will +experience, upon the new scenes she will see, the new acquaintance she +must make, and the new connections she may form, you will not wonder at +the anxiety of a friend for her welfare.” + +“But I presume,” cried Belfield, with a laugh, “Miss Beverley does not +mean to convey her person to town, and leave her understanding locked +up, with other natural curiosities, in the country? Why, therefore, may +not the same discernment regulate her adoption of new acquaintance, and +choice of new connections, that guided her selection of old ones? Do you +suppose that because she is to take leave of you, she is to take leave +of herself?” + +“Where fortune smiles upon youth and beauty,” answered Mr Monckton, +“do you think it nothing that their fair possessor should make a sudden +transition of situation from the quietness of a retired life in the +country, to the gaiety of a splendid town residence?” + +“Where fortune _frowns_ upon youth and beauty,” returned Belfield, “they +may not irrationally excite commiseration; but where nature and chance +unite their forces to bless the same object, what room there may be for +alarm or lamentation I confess I cannot divine.” + +“What!” cried Mr Monckton, with some emotion, “are there not sharpers, +fortune-hunters, sycophants, wretches of all sorts and denominations, +who watch the approach of the rich and unwary, feed upon their +inexperience, and prey upon their property?” + +“Come, come,” cried Mr Harrel, “it is time I should hasten my fair ward +away, if this is your method of describing the place she is going to +live in.” + +“Is it possible,” cried the Captain, advancing to Cecilia, “that this +lady has never yet tried the town?” and then, lowering his voice, and +smiling languishingly in her face, he added, “Can anything so divinely +handsome have been immured in the country? Ah! _quelle honte!_ do you +make it a principle to be so cruel?” + +Cecilia, thinking such a compliment merited not any other notice than a +slight bow, turned to Lady Margaret, and said, “Should your ladyship be +in town this winter, may I expect the honour of hearing where I may wait +upon you?” + +“I don't know whether I shall go or not,” answered the old lady, with +her usual ungraciousness. + +Cecilia would now have hastened away, but Mr Monckton, stopping her, +again expressed his fears of the consequences of her journey; “Be upon +your guard,” he cried, “with all new acquaintance; judge nobody from +appearances; form no friendship rashly; take time to look about you, and +remember you can make no alteration in your way of life, without +greater probability of faring worse, than chance of faring better. Keep +therefore as you are, and the more you see of others, the more you will +rejoice that you neither resemble nor are connected with them.” + +“This from you, Mr Monckton!” cried Belfield, “what is become of your +conformity system? I thought all the world was to be alike, or only so +much the worse for any variation?” + +“I spoke,” said Mr Monckton, “of the world in general, not of this lady +in particular; and who that knows, who that sees her, would not wish +it were possible she might continue in every respect exactly and +unalterably what she is at present?” + +“I find,” said Cecilia, “you are determined that flattery at least, +should I meet with it, shall owe no pernicious effects to its novelty.” + +“Well, Miss Beverley,” cried Mr Harrel, “will you now venture to +accompany me to town? Or has Mr Monckton frightened you from proceeding +any farther?” + +“If,” replied Cecilia, “I felt no more sorrow in quitting my friends, +than I feel terror in venturing to London, with how light a heart should +I make the journey!” + +“Brava!” cried Belfield, “I am happy to find the discourse of Mr +Monckton has not intimidated you, nor prevailed upon you to deplore +your condition in having the accumulated misery of being young, fair and +affluent.” + +“Alas! poor thing!” exclaimed the old gentleman who sat in the corner, +fixing his eyes upon Cecilia with an expression of mingled grief and +pity. + +Cecilia started, but no one else paid him any attention. + +The usual ceremonies of leave-taking now followed, and the Captain, with +most obsequious reverence, advanced to conduct Cecilia to the carriage; +but in the midst of the dumb eloquence of his bows and smiles, Mr +Morrice, affecting not to perceive his design, skipped gaily between +them, and, without any previous formality, seized the hand of Cecilia +himself; failing not, however, to temper the freedom of his action by a +look of respect the most profound. + +The Captain shrugged and retired. But Mr Monckton, enraged at his +assurance, and determined it should nothing avail him, exclaimed, “Why +how now, Morrice, do you take away the privilege of my house?” + +“True, true;” answered Morrice, “you members of parliament have an +undoubted right to be tenacious of your privileges.” Then, bowing with +a look of veneration to Cecilia, he resigned her hand with an air of as +much happiness as he had taken it. + +Mr Monckton, in leading her to the chaise, again begged permission to +wait upon her in town: Mr Harrel took the hint, and entreated him to +consider his house as his own; and Cecilia, gratefully thanking him for +his solicitude in her welfare, added, “And I hope, sir, you will honour +me with your counsel and admonitions with respect to my future conduct, +whenever you have the goodness to let me see you.” + +This was precisely his wish. He begged, in return, that she would treat +him with confidence, and then suffered the chaise to drive off. + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +AN ARRIVAL. + + +As soon as they lost sight of the house, Cecilia expressed her surprise +at the behaviour of the old gentleman who sat in the corner, whose +general silence, seclusion from the company, and absence of mind, had +strongly excited her curiosity. + +Mr Harrel could give her very little satisfaction: he told her that he +had twice or thrice met him in public places, where everybody remarked +the singularity of his manners and appearance, but that he had never +discoursed with anyone to whom he seemed known; and that he was as much +surprised as herself in seeing so strange a character at the house of Mr +Monckton. + +The conversation then turned upon the family they had just quitted, and +Cecilia warmly declared the good opinion she had of Mr Monckton, the +obligations she owed to him for the interest which, from her childhood, +he had always taken in her affairs; and her hopes of reaping much +instruction from the friendship of a man who had so extensive a +knowledge of the world. + +Mr Harrel professed himself well satisfied that she should have such a +counsellor; for though but little acquainted with him, he knew he was +a man of fortune and fashion, and well esteemed in the world. They +mutually compassionated his unhappy situation in domestic life, and +Cecilia innocently expressed her concern at the dislike Lady Margaret +seemed to have taken to her; a dislike which Mr Harrel naturally enough +imputed to her youth and beauty, yet without suspecting any cause more +cogent than a general jealousy of attractions of which she had herself +so long outlived the possession. + +As their journey drew near to its conclusion, all the uneasy and +disagreeable sensations which in the bosom of Cecilia had accompanied +its commencement, gave way to the expectation of quick approaching +happiness in again meeting her favourite young friend. + +Mrs Harrel had in childhood been her playmate, and in youth her +school-fellow; a similarity of disposition with respect to sweetness +of temper, had early rendered them dear to each other, though the +resemblance extended no farther, Mrs Harrel having no pretensions to the +wit or understanding of her friend; but she was amiable and obliging, +and therefore sufficiently deserving affection, though neither blazing +with attractions which laid claim to admiration, nor endowed with those +superior qualities which mingle respect in the love they inspire. + +From the time of her marriage, which was near three years, she had +entirely quitted Suffolk, and had had no intercourse with Cecilia but by +letter. She was now just returned from Violet Bank, the name given by +Mr Harrel to a villa about twelve miles from London, where with a large +party of company she had spent the Christmas holidays. + +Their meeting was tender and affectionate; the sensibility of Cecilia's +heart flowed from her eyes, and the gladness of Mrs Harrel's dimpled her +cheeks. + +As soon as their mutual salutations, expressions of kindness, and +general inquiries had been made, Mrs Harrel begged to lead her to the +drawing-room, “where,” she added, “you will see some of my friends, who +are impatient to be presented to you.” + +“I could have wished,” said Cecilia, “after so long an absence, to have +passed this first evening alone with you.” + +“They are all people who particularly desired to see you,” she answered, +“and I had them by way of entertaining you, as I was afraid you would be +out of spirits at leaving Bury.” + +Cecilia, finding the kindness of her intentions, forbore any further +expostulation, and quietly followed her to the drawing-room. But as the +door was opened, she was struck with amazement upon finding that the +apartment, which was spacious, lighted with brilliancy, and decorated +with magnificence, was more than half filled with company, every one of +which was dressed with gaiety and profusion. + +Cecilia, who from the word friends, expected to have seen a small and +private party, selected for the purpose of social converse, started +involuntarily at the sight before her, and had hardly courage to +proceed. + +Mrs Harrel, however, took her hand and introduced her to the whole +company, who were all severally named to her; a ceremonial which though +not merely agreeable but even necessary to those who live in the +gay world, in order to obviate distressing mistakes, or unfortunate +implications in discourse, would by Cecilia have been willingly +dispensed with, since to her their names were as new as their persons, +and since knowing nothing of their histories, parties or connections, +she could to nothing allude: it therefore served but to heighten her +colour and increase her embarrassment. + +A native dignity of mind, however, which had early taught her to +distinguish modesty from bashfulness, enabled her in a short time to +conquer her surprise, and recover her composure. She entreated Mrs +Harrel to apologise for her appearance, and being seated between two +young ladies, endeavoured to seem reconciled to it herself. + +Nor was this very difficult; for while her dress, which she had not +changed since her journey, joined to the novelty of her face, attracted +general observation, the report of her fortune, which had preceded her +entrance, secured to her general respect. She soon found, too, that +a company was not necessarily formidable because full dressed, that +familiarity could be united with magnificence, and that though to +her, every one seemed attired to walk in a procession, or to grace a +drawing-room, no formality was assumed, and no solemnity was affected: +every one was without restraint, even rank obtained but little +distinction; ease was the general plan, and entertainment the general +pursuit. + +Cecilia, though new to London, which city the ill-health of her uncle +had hitherto prevented her seeing, was yet no stranger to company; she +had passed her time in retirement, but not in obscurity, since for some +years past she had presided at the table of the Dean, who was visited +by the first people of the county in which he lived: and notwithstanding +his parties, which were frequent though small, and elegant though +private, had not prepared her for the splendour or the diversity of a +London assembly, they yet, by initiating her in the practical rules +of good breeding, had taught her to subdue the timid fears of total +inexperience, and to repress the bashful feelings of shamefaced +awkwardness; fears and feelings which rather call for compassion than +admiration, and which, except in extreme youth, serve but to degrade the +modesty they indicate. + +She regarded, therefore, the two young ladies between whom she was +seated, rather with a wish of addressing, than a shyness of being +attacked by them; but the elder, Miss Larolles, was earnestly engaged +in discourse with a gentleman, and the younger, Miss Leeson, totally +discouraged her, by the invariable silence and gravity with which from +time to time she met her eyes. + +Uninterrupted, therefore, except by occasional speeches from Mr and Mrs +Harrel, she spent the first part of the evening merely in surveying the +company. + +Nor was the company dilatory in returning her notice, since from the +time of her entrance into the room, she had been the object of general +regard. + +The ladies took an exact inventory of her dress, and internally settled +how differently they would have been attired if blessed with equal +affluence. + +The men disputed among themselves whether or not she was painted; and +one of them asserting boldly that she rouged well, a debate ensued, +which ended in a bet, and the decision was mutually agreed to depend +upon the colour of her cheeks by the beginning of April, when, if +unfaded by bad hours and continual dissipation, they wore the same +bright bloom with which they were now glowing, her champion acknowledged +that his wager would be lost. + +In about half an hour the gentleman with whom Miss Larolles had been +talking, left the room, and then that young lady, turning suddenly to +Cecilia, exclaimed, “How odd Mr Meadows is! Do you know, he says he +shan't be well enough to go to Lady Nyland's assembly! How ridiculous! +as if that could hurt him.” + +Cecilia, surprised at an attack so little ceremonious, lent her a civil, +but silent attention. + +“You shall be there, shan't you?” she added. + +“No, ma'am, I have not the honour of being at all known to her +ladyship.” + +“Oh, there's nothing in that,” returned she, “for Mrs Harrel can +acquaint her you are here, and then, you know, she'll send you a ticket, +and then you can go.” + +“A ticket?” repeated Cecilia, “does Lady Nyland only admit her company +with tickets?” + +“Oh, lord!” cried Miss Larolles, laughing immoderately, “don't you know +what I mean? Why, a ticket is only a visiting card, with a name upon it; +but we all call them tickets now.” + +Cecilia thanked her for the information, and then Miss Larolles enquired +how many miles she had travelled since morning? + +“Seventy-three,” answered Cecilia, “which I hope will plead my apology +for being so little dressed.” + +“Oh, you're vastly well,” returned the other, “and for my part, I never +think about dress. But only conceive what happened to me last year! +Do you know I came to town the twentieth of March! was not that horrid +provoking?” + +“Perhaps so,” said Cecilia, “but I am sure I cannot tell why.” + +“Not tell why?” repeated Miss Larolles, “why, don't you know it was the +very night of the grand private masquerade at Lord Darien's? I would +not have missed it for the whole universe. I never travelled in such an +agony in my life: we did not get to town till monstrous late, and then +do you know I had neither a ticket nor a habit! Only conceive what a +distress! well, I sent to every creature I knew for a ticket, but +they all said there was not one to be had; so I was just like a mad +creature--but about ten or eleven o'clock, a young lady of my particular +acquaintance, by the greatest good luck in the world happened to +be taken suddenly ill; so she sent me her ticket,--was not that +delightful?” + +“For _her_, extremely!” said Cecilia, laughing. + +“Well,” she continued, “then I was almost out of my wits with joy; and I +went about, and got one of the sweetest dresses you ever saw. If you'll +call upon me some morning, I'll shew it you.” + +Cecilia, not prepared for an invitation so abrupt, bowed without +speaking, and Miss Larolles, too happy in talking herself to be offended +at the silence of another, continued her narration. + +“Well, but now comes the vilest part of the business; do you know, when +everything else was ready, I could not get my hair-dresser! I sent all +over the town,--he was nowhere to be found; I thought I should have died +with vexation; I assure you I cried so that if I had not gone in a mask, +I should have been ashamed to be seen. And so, after all this monstrous +fatigue, I was forced to have my hair dressed by my own maid, quite in a +common way; was not it cruelly mortifying?” + +“Why yes,” answered Cecilia, “I should think it was almost sufficient to +make you regret the illness of the young lady who sent you her ticket.” + +They were now interrupted by Mrs Harrel, who advanced to them followed +by a young man of a serious aspect and modest demeanour, and said, “I +am happy to see you both so well engaged; but my brother has been +reproaching me with presenting everybody to Miss Beverley but himself.” + +“I cannot hope,” said Mr Arnott, “that I have any place in the +recollection of Miss Beverley, but long as I have been absent from +Suffolk, and unfortunate as I was in not seeing her during my last visit +there, I am yet sure, even at this distance of time, grown and formed as +she is, I should instantly have known her.” + +“Amazing!” cried an elderly gentleman, in a tone of irony, who was +standing near them, “for the face is a very common one!” + +“I remember well,” said Cecilia, “that when you left Suffolk I thought I +had lost my best friend.” + +“Is that possible?” cried Mr Arnott, with a look of much delight. + +“Yes, indeed, and not without reason, for in all disputes you were +my advocate; in all plays, my companion; and in all difficulties, my +assistant.” + +“Madam,” cried the same gentleman, “if you liked him because he was your +advocate, companion, and assistant, pray like me too, for I am ready to +become all three at once.” + +“You are very good,” said Cecilia, laughing, “but at present I find no +want of any defender.” + +“That's pity,” he returned, “for Mr Arnott seems to me very willing to +act the same parts over again with you.” + +“But for that purpose he must return to the days of his childhood.” + +“Ah, would to heaven it were possible!” cried Mr Arnott, “for they were +the happiest of my life.” + +“After such a confession,” said his companion, “surely you will let him +attempt to renew them? 'tis but taking a walk backwards; and though it +is very early in life for Mr Arnott to sigh for that retrograde motion, +which, in the regular course of things, we shall all in our turns +desire, yet with such a motive as recovering Miss Beverley for a +playfellow, who can wonder that he anticipates in youth the hopeless +wishes of age?” + +Here Miss Larolles, who was one of that numerous tribe of young ladies +to whom all conversation is irksome in which they are not themselves +engaged, quitted her place, of which Mr Gosport, Cecilia's new +acquaintance, immediately took possession. + +“Is it utterly impossible,” continued this gentleman, “that I should +assist in procuring Mr Arnott such a renovation? Is there no subaltern +part I can perform to facilitate the project? for I will either _hide_ +or _seek_ with any boy in the parish; and for a _Q in the corner_, there +is none more celebrated.” + +“I have no doubt, sir,” answered Cecilia, “of your accomplishments; and +I should be not a little entertained with the surprize of the company +if you could persuade yourself to display them.” + +“And what,” cried he, “could the company do half so well as to rise +also, and join in the sport? it would but interrupt some tale of +scandal, or some description of a _toupee_. Active wit, however +despicable when compared with intellectual, is yet surely better than +the insignificant click-clack of modish conversation,” casting his eyes +towards Miss Larolles, “or even the pensive dullness of affected +silence,” changing their direction towards Miss Leeson. + +Cecilia, though surprised at an attack upon the society her friend had +selected, by one who was admitted to make a part of it, felt its justice +too strongly to be offended at its severity. + +“I have often wished,” he continued, “that when large parties are +collected, as here, without any possible reason why they might not as +well be separated, something could be proposed in which each person +might innocently take a share: for surely after the first half-hour, +they can find little new to observe in the dress of their neighbours, +or to display in their own; and with whatever seeming gaiety they may +contrive to fill up the middle and end of the evening, by wire-drawing +the comments afforded by the beginning, they are yet so miserably +fatigued, that if they have not four or five places to run to every +night, they suffer nearly as much from weariness of their friends in +company, as they would do from weariness of themselves in solitude.” + +Here, by the general breaking up of the party, the conversation was +interrupted, and Mr Gosport was obliged to make his exit; not much to +the regret of Cecilia, who was impatient to be alone with Mrs Harrel. + +The rest of the evening, therefore, was spent much more to her +satisfaction; it was devoted to friendship, to mutual enquiries, to kind +congratulations, and endearing recollections; and though it was late +when she retired, she retired with reluctance. + + + + +CHAPTER iv + +A SKETCH OF HIGH LIFE. + + +Eager to renew a conversation which had afforded her so much pleasure, +Cecilia, neither sensible of fatigue from her change of hours nor her +journey, arose with the light, and as soon as she was dressed, hastened +to the breakfast apartment. + +She had not, however, been more impatient to enter than she soon became +to quit it; for though not much surprized to find herself there before +her friend, her ardour for waiting her arrival was somewhat chilled, +upon finding the fire but just lighted, the room cold, and the servants +still employed in putting it in order. + +At 10 o'clock she made another attempt: the room was then better +prepared for her reception, but still it was empty. Again she was +retiring, when the appearance of Mr Arnott stopped her. + +He expressed his surprize at her early rising, in a manner that marked +the pleasure it gave to him; and then, returning to the conversation of +the preceding evening, he expatiated with warmth and feeling upon the +happiness of his boyish days, remembered every circumstance belonging +to the plays in which they had formerly been companions, and dwelt +upon every incident with a minuteness of delight that shewed his +unwillingness ever to have done with the subject. + +This discourse detained her till they were joined by Mrs Harrel, and +then another, more gay and more general succeeded to it. + +During their breakfast, Miss Larolles was announced as a visitor to +Cecilia, to whom she immediately advanced with the intimacy of an old +acquaintance, taking her hand, and assuring her she could no longer +defer the honour of waiting upon her. + +Cecilia, much amazed at this warmth of civility from one to whom she +was almost a stranger, received her compliment rather coldly; but Miss +Larolles, without consulting her looks, or attending to her manner, +proceeded to express the earnest desire she had long had to be known to +her; to hope they should meet very often; to declare nothing could +make her so happy; and to beg leave to recommend to her notice her own +milliner. + +“I assure you,” she continued, “she has all Paris in her disposal; the +sweetest caps! the most beautiful trimmings! and her ribbons are quite +divine! It is the most dangerous thing you can conceive to go near her; +I never trust myself in her room but I am sure to be ruined. If you +please, I'll take you to her this morning.” + +“If her acquaintance is so ruinous,” said Cecilia, “I think I had better +avoid it.” + +“Oh, impossible! there's no such thing as living without her. To be sure +she's shockingly dear, that I must own; but then who can wonder? She +makes such sweet things, 'tis impossible to pay her too much for them.” + +Mrs Harrel now joining in the recommendation, the party was agreed upon, +and accompanied by Mr Arnott, the ladies proceeded to the house of the +milliner. + +Here the raptures of Miss Larolles were again excited: she viewed the +finery displayed with delight inexpressible, enquired who were the +intended possessors, heard their names with envy, and sighed with all +the bitterness of mortification that she was unable to order home almost +everything she looked at. + +Having finished their business here, they proceeded to various other +dress manufacturers, in whose praises Miss Larolles was almost equally +eloquent, and to appropriate whose goods she was almost equally earnest: +and then, after attending this loquacious young lady to her father's +house, Mrs Harrel and Cecilia returned to their own. + +Cecilia rejoiced at the separation, and congratulated herself that the +rest of the day might be spent alone with her friend. + +“Why, no,” said Mrs Harrel, “not absolutely alone, for I expect some +company at night.” + +“Company again to-night?” + +“Nay, don't be frightened, for it will be a very small party; not more +than fifteen or twenty in all.” + +“Is that so small a party?” said Cecilia, smiling; “and how short a time +since would you, as well as I, have reckoned it a large one!” + +“Oh, you mean when I lived in the country,” returned Mrs Harrel; “but +what in the world could I know of parties or company then?” + +“Not much, indeed,” said Cecilia, “as my present ignorance shews.” + +They then parted to dress for dinner. + +The company of this evening were again all strangers to Cecilia, except +Miss Leeson, who was seated next to her, and whose frigid looks again +compelled her to observe the same silence she so resolutely practised +herself. Yet not the less was her internal surprise that a lady who +seemed determined neither to give nor receive any entertainment, should +repeatedly chuse to show herself in a company with no part of which she +associated. + +Mr Arnott, who contrived to occupy the seat on her other side, suffered +not the silence with which her fair neighbour had infected her to spread +any further: he talked, indeed, upon no new subject; and upon the old +one, of their former sports and amusements, he had already exhausted +all that was worth being mentioned; but not yet had he exhausted the +pleasure he received from the theme; it seemed always fresh and always +enchanting to him; it employed his thoughts, regaled his imagination, +and enlivened his discourse. Cecilia in vain tried to change it for +another; he quitted it only by compulsion, and returned to it with +redoubled eagerness. + +When the company was retired, and Mr Arnott only remained with the +ladies, Cecilia, with no little surprise, inquired for Mr Harrel, +observing that she had not seen him the whole day. + +“O!” cried his lady, “don't think of wondering at that, for it happens +continually. He dines at home, indeed, in general, but otherwise I +should see nothing of him at all.” + +“Indeed? why, how does he fill up his time?” + +“That I am sure I cannot tell, for he never consults me about it; but I +suppose much in the same way that other people do.” + +“Ah, Priscilla!” cried Cecilia, with some earnestness, “how little did I +ever expect to see you so much a fine lady!” + +“A fine lady?” repeated Mrs Harrel; “why, what is it I do? Don't I live +exactly like every body else that mixes at all with the world?” + +“You, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Arnott in a low voice, “will I hope give +to the world an example, not take one from it.” + +Soon after, they separated for the night. + +The next morning, Cecilia took care to fill up her time more +advantageously, than in wandering about the house in search of a +companion she now expected not to find: she got together her books, +arranged them to her fancy, and secured to herself for the future +occupation of her leisure hours, the exhaustless fund of entertainment +which reading, that richest, highest, and noblest source of intellectual +enjoyment, perpetually affords. + +While they were yet at breakfast, they were again visited by Miss +Larolles. “I am come,” cried she, eagerly, “to run away with you both to +my Lord Belgrade's sale. All the world will be there; and we shall go in +with tickets, and you have no notion how it will be crowded.” + +“What is to be sold there?” said Cecilia. + +“Oh, every thing you can conceive; house, stables, china, laces, horses, +caps, everything in the world.” + +“And do you intend to buy any thing?” + +“Lord, no; but one likes to see the people's things.” + +Cecilia then begged they would excuse her attendance. + +“O, by no means!” cried Miss Larolles; “you must go, I assure you; +there'll be such a monstrous crowd as you never saw in your life. I dare +say we shall be half squeezed to death.” + +“That,” said Cecilia, “is an inducement which you must not expect will +have much weight with a poor rustic just out of the country: it must +require all the polish of a long residence in the metropolis to make it +attractive.” + +“O but do go, for I assure you it will be the best sale we shall have +this season. I can't imagine, Mrs Harrel, what poor Lady Belgrade will +do with herself; I hear the creditors have seized every thing; I really +believe creditors are the cruelest set of people in the world! they have +taken those beautiful buckles out of her shoes! Poor soul! I declare it +will make my heart ache to see them put up. It's quite shocking, upon +my word. I wonder who'll buy them. I assure you they were the prettiest +fancied I ever saw. But come, if we don't go directly, there will be no +getting in.” + +Cecilia again desired to be excused accompanying them, adding that she +wished to spend the day at home. + +“At home, my dear?” cried Mrs Harrel; “why we have been engaged to Mrs +Mears this month, and she begged me to prevail with you to be of the +party. I expect she'll call, or send you a ticket, every moment.” + +“How unlucky for me,” said Cecilia, “that you should happen to have so +many engagements just at this time! I hope, at least, there will not be +any for to-morrow.” + +“O yes; to-morrow we go to Mrs Elton's.” + +“Again to-morrow? and how long is this to last?” + +“O, heaven knows; I'll shew you my catalogue.” + +She then produced a book which contained a list of engagements for more +than three weeks. “And as these,” she said, “are struck off, new ones +are made; and so it is we go on till after the birth-day.” + +When this list had been examined and commented upon by Miss Larolles, +and viewed and wondered at by Cecilia, it was restored to its place, +the two ladies went together to the auction, permitting Cecilia, at her +repeated request, to return to her own apartment. + +She returned, however, neither satisfied with the behaviour of her +friend, nor pleased with her own situation: the sobriety of her +education, as it had early instilled into her mind the pure dictates of +religion, and strict principles of honour, had also taught her to +regard continual dissipation as an introduction to vice, and unbounded +extravagance as the harbinger of injustice. Long accustomed to see Mrs +Harrel in the same retirement in which she had hitherto lived herself, +when books were their first amusement, and the society of each other +was their chief happiness, the change she now perceived in her mind and +manners equally concerned and surprised her. She found her insensible +to friendship, indifferent to her husband, and negligent of all social +felicity. Dress, company, parties of pleasure, and public places, +seemed not merely to occupy all her time; but to gratify all her wishes. +Cecilia, in whose heart glowed the warmest affections and most generous +virtue, was cruelly depressed and mortified by this disappointment; yet +she had the good sense to determine against upbraiding her, well aware +that if reproach has any power over indifference, it is only that of +changing it into aversion. + +Mrs Harrel, in truth, was innocent of heart, though dissipated in life; +married very young, she had made an immediate transition from living in +a private family and a country town, to becoming mistress of one of +the most elegant houses in Portman-square, at the head of a splendid +fortune, and wife to a man whose own pursuits soon showed her the +little value he himself set upon domestic happiness. Immersed in +the fashionable round of company and diversions, her understanding, +naturally weak, was easily dazzled by the brilliancy of her situation; +greedily, therefore, sucking in air impregnated with luxury and +extravagance, she had soon no pleasure but to vie with some rival in +elegance, and no ambition but to exceed some superior in expence. + +The Dean of----in naming Mr Harrel for one of the guardians of his +niece, had no other view than that of indulging her wishes by allowing +her to reside in the house of her friend: he had little personal +knowledge of him, but was satisfied with the nomination, because +acquainted with his family, fortune, and connections, all which +persuaded him to believe without further enquiry, that it was more +peculiarly proper for his niece than any other he could make. + +In his choice of the other two trustees he had been more prudent; the +first of these, the honourable Mr Delvile, was a man of high birth and +character; the second, Mr Briggs, had spent his whole life in business, +in which he had already amassed an immense fortune, and had still no +greater pleasure than that of encreasing it. From the high honour, +therefore, of Mr Delvile, he expected the most scrupulous watchfulness +that his niece should in nothing be injured, and from the experience of +Mr Briggs in money matters, and his diligence in transacting business, +he hoped for the most vigilant observance that her fortune, while under +his care, should be turned to the best account. And thus, as far as he +was able, he had equally consulted her pleasure, her security, and her +pecuniary advantage. + +Mrs Harrel returned home only in time to dress for the rest of the day. + +When Cecilia was summoned to dinner, she found, besides her host and +hostess and Mr Arnott, a gentleman she had not before seen, but who as +soon as she entered the parlour, Mr Harrel presented to her, saying at +the same time he was one of the most intimate of his friends. + +This gentleman, Sir Robert Floyer, was about thirty years of age; +his face was neither remarkable for its beauty nor its ugliness, but +sufficiently distinguished by its expression of invincible assurance; +his person, too, though neither striking for its grace nor its +deformity, attracted notice from the insolence of his deportment. His +manners, haughty and supercilious, marked the high opinion he cherished +of his own importance; and his air and address, at once bold and +negligent, announced his happy perfection in the character at which he +aimed, that of an accomplished man of the town. + +The moment Cecilia appeared, she became the object of his attention, +though neither with the look of admiration due to her beauty, nor yet +with that of curiosity excited by her novelty, but with the scrutinizing +observation of a man on the point of making a bargain, who views with +fault-seeking eyes the property he means to cheapen. + +Cecilia, wholly unused to an examination so little ceremonious, shrunk +abashed from his regards: but his conversation was not less displeasing +to her than his looks; his principal subjects, which were horse-racing, +losses at play, and disputes at gaming-tables, could afford her but +little amusement, because she could not understand them; and the +episodes with which they were occasionally interspersed, consisting +chiefly of comparative strictures upon celebrated beauties, hints of +impending bankruptcies, and witticisms upon recent divorces, were yet +more disagreeable to her, because more intelligible. Wearied, therefore, +with uninteresting anecdotes, and offended with injudicious subjects of +pleasantry, she waited with impatience for the moment of retiring; but +Mrs Harrel, less eager, because better entertained, was in no haste to +remove, and therefore she was compelled to remain quiet, till they were +both obliged to arise, in order to fulfil their engagement with Mrs +Mears. + +As they went together to the house of that lady, in Mrs Harrel's +vis-a-vis, Cecilia, not doubting but their opinions concerning the +Baronet would accord, instantly and openly declared her disapprobation +of every thing he had uttered; but Mrs Harrel, far from confirming +her expectations, only said, “I am sorry you don't like him, for he is +almost always with us?” + +“Do you like him, then, yourself?” + +“Extremely; he is very entertaining and clever, and knows the world.” + +“How judiciously do you praise him!” cried Cecilia; “and how long might +you deliberate before you could add another word to his panegyric!” + +Mrs Harrel, satisfied to commend, without even attempting to vindicate +him, was soon content to change the subject; and Cecilia, though much +concerned that the husband of her friend had made so disgraceful +an election of a favourite, yet hoped that the lenity of Mrs Harrel +resulted from her desire to excuse his choice, not from her own +approbation. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +AN ASSEMBLY. + + +Mrs Mears, whose character was of that common sort which renders +delineation superfluous, received them with the customary forms of good +breeding. + +Mrs Harrel soon engaged herself at a card-table; and Cecilia, who +declined playing, was seated next to Miss Leeson, who arose to return +the courtesy she made in advancing to her, but that past, did not again +even look at her. + +Cecilia, though fond of conversation and formed for society, was too +diffident to attempt speaking where so little encouraged; they both, +therefore, continued silent, till Sir Robert Floyer, Mr Harrel, and Mr +Arnott entered the room together, and all at the same time advanced to +Cecilia. + +“What,” cried Mr Harrel, “don't you chuse to play, Miss Beverley?” + +“I flatter myself,” cried Mr Arnott, “that Miss Beverley never plays at +all, for then, in one thing, I shall have the honour to resemble her.” + +“Very seldom, indeed,” answered Cecilia, “and consequently very ill.” + +“O, you must take a few lessons,” said Mr Harrel, “Sir Robert Floyer, I +am sure, will be proud to instruct you.” + +Sir Robert, who had placed himself opposite to her, and was staring +full in her face, made a slight inclination of his head, and said, +“Certainly.” + +“I should be a very unpromising pupil,” returned Cecilia, “for I fear I +should not only want diligence to improve, but desire.” + +“Oh, you will learn better things,” said Mr Harrel; “we have had you +yet but three days amongst us,--in three months we shall see the +difference.” + +“I hope not,” cried Mr Arnott, “I earnestly hope there will be none!” + +Mr Harrel now joined another party; and Mr Arnott seeing no seat vacant +near that of Cecilia, moved round to the back of her chair, where he +patiently stood for the rest of the evening. But Sir Robert still kept +his post, and still, without troubling himself to speak, kept his eyes +fixed upon the same object. + +Cecilia, offended by his boldness, looked a thousand ways to avoid him; +but her embarrassment, by giving greater play to her features, served +only to keep awake an attention which might otherwise have wearied. +She was almost tempted to move her chair round and face Mr Arnott, but +though she wished to shew her disapprobation of the Baronet, she had not +yet been reconciled by fashion to turning her back upon the company at +large, for the indulgence of conversing with some particular person: a +fashion which to unaccustomed observers seems rude and repulsive, +but which, when once adopted, carries with it imperceptibly its own +recommendation, in the ease, convenience and freedom it promotes. + +Thus disagreeably stationed, she found but little assistance from the +neighbourhood of Mr Arnott, since even his own desire of conversing with +her, was swallowed up by an anxious and involuntary impulse to watch the +looks and motions of Sir Robert. + +At length, quite tired of sitting as if merely an object to be gazed at, +she determined to attempt entering into conversation with Miss Leeson. + +The difficulty, however, was not inconsiderable how to make the attack; +she was unacquainted with her friends and connections, uninformed of her +way of thinking, or her way of life, ignorant even of the sound of her +voice, and chilled by the coldness of her aspect: yet, having no other +alternative, she was more willing to encounter the forbidding looks of +this lady, than to continue silently abashed under the scrutinizing eyes +of Sir Robert. + +After much deliberation with what subject to begin, she remembered that +Miss Larolles had been present the first time they had met, and thought +it probable they might be acquainted with each other; and therefore, +bending forward, she ventured to enquire if she had lately seen that +young lady? + +Miss Leeson, in a voice alike inexpressive of satisfaction or +displeasure, quietly answered, “No, ma'am.” + +Cecilia, discouraged by this conciseness, was a few minutes silent; but +the perseverance of Sir Robert in staring at her, exciting her own in +trying to avoid his eyes, she exerted herself so far as to add, “Does +Mrs Mears expect Miss Larolles here this evening?” + +Miss Leeson, without raising her head, gravely replied, “I don't know, +ma'am.” + +All was now to be done over again, and a new subject to be started, for +she could suggest nothing further to ask concerning Miss Larolles. + +Cecilia had seen, little of life, but that little she had well marked, +and her observation had taught her, that among fashionable people, +public places seemed a never-failing source of conversation and +entertainment: upon this topic, therefore, she hoped for better success; +and as to those who have spent more time in the country than in London, +no place of amusement is so interesting as a theatre, she opened the +subject she had so happily suggested, by an enquiry whether any new play +had lately come out? + +Miss Leeson, with the same dryness, only answered, “Indeed, I can't +tell.” + +Another pause now followed, and the spirits of Cecilia were considerably +dampt; but happening accidentally to recollect the name of Almack, she +presently revived, and, congratulating herself that she should now be +able to speak of a place too fashionable for disdain, she asked her, +in a manner somewhat more assured, if she was a subscriber to his +assemblies? + +“Yes, ma'am.” + +“Do you go to them constantly?” + +“No, ma'am.” + +Again they were both silent. And now, tired of finding the ill-success +of each particular enquiry, she thought a more general one might obtain +an answer less laconic, and therefore begged she would inform her what +was the most fashionable place of diversion for the present season? + +This question, however, cost Miss Leeson no more trouble than any which +had preceded it, for she only replied, “Indeed I don't know.” + +Cecilia now began to sicken of her attempt, and for some minutes to give +it up as hopeless; but afterwards when she reflected how frivolous +were the questions she had asked, she felt more inclined to pardon the +answers she had received, and in a short time to fancy she had mistaken +contempt for stupidity, and to grow less angry with Miss Leeson than +ashamed of herself. + +This supposition excited her to make yet another trial of her talents +for conversation, and therefore, summoning all the courage in her power, +she modestly apologised for the liberty she was taking, and then begged +her permission to enquire whether there was anything new in the literary +way that she thought worth recommending? + +Miss Leeson now turned her eyes towards her, with a look that implied +a doubt whether she had heard right; and when the attentive attitude of +Cecilia confirmed her question, surprise for a few instants took place +of insensibility, and with rather more spirit than she had yet shown, +she answered, “Indeed, I know nothing of the matter.” + +Cecilia was now utterly disconcerted; and half angry with herself, and +wholly provoked with her sullen neighbour, she resolved to let nothing +in future provoke her to a similar trial with so unpromising a subject. + +She had not, however, much longer to endure the examination of Sir +Robert, who being pretty well satisfied with staring, turned upon his +heel, and was striding out of the room, when he was stopt by Mr Gosport, +who for some time had been watching him. + +Mr Gosport was a man of good parts, and keen satire: minute in his +observations, and ironical in his expressions. + +“So you don't play, Sir Robert?” he cried. + +“What, here? No, I am going to Brookes's.” + +“But how do you like Harrel's ward? You have taken a pretty good survey +of her.” + +“Why, faith, I don't know; but not much, I think; she's a devilish fine +woman, too; but she has no spirit, no life.” + +“Did you try her? Have you talked to her?” + +“Not I, truly!” + +“Nay, then how do you mean to judge of her?” + +“O, faith, that's all over, now; one never thinks of talking to the +women by way of trying them.” + +“What other method, then, have you adopted?” + +“None.” + +“None? Why, then, how do you go on?” + +“Why, they talk to us. The women take all that trouble upon themselves +now.” + +“And pray how long may you have commenced _fade macaroni?_ For this is a +part of your character with which I was not acquainted.” + +“Oh, hang it, 'tis not from _ton_; no, it's merely from laziness. Who +the d---l will fatigue himself with dancing attendance upon the women, +when keeping them at a distance makes them dance attendance upon us?” + +Then stalking from him to Mr Harrel, he took him by the arm, and they +left the room together. + +Mr Gosport now advanced to Cecilia, and addressing her so as not to be +heard by Miss Leeson, said, “I have been wishing to approach you, some +time, but the fear that you are already overpowered by the loquacity of +your fair neighbour makes me cautious of attempting to engage you.” + +“You mean,” said Cecilia, “to laugh at _my_ loquacity, and indeed its +ill success has rendered it sufficiently ridiculous.” + +“Are you, then, yet to learn,” cried he, “that there are certain young +ladies who make it a rule never to speak but to their own cronies? Of +this class is Miss Leeson, and till you get into her particular coterie, +you must never expect to hear from her a word of two syllables. The +TON misses, as they are called, who now infest the town, are in two +divisions, the SUPERCILIOUS, and the VOLUBLE. The SUPERCILIOUS, like +Miss Leeson, are silent, scornful, languid, and affected, and disdain +all converse but with those of their own set: the VOLUBLE, like Miss +Larolles, are flirting, communicative, restless, and familiar, and +attack without the smallest ceremony, every one they think worthy their +notice. But this they have in common, that at home they think of nothing +but dress, abroad, of nothing but admiration, and that every where they +hold in supreme contempt all but themselves.” + +“Probably, then,” said Cecilia, “I have passed tonight, for one of the +VOLUBLES; however, all the advantage has been with the SUPERCILIOUS, for +I have suffered a total repulse.” + +“Are you sure, however, you have not talked too well for her?” + +“O, a child of five years old ought to have been whipt for not talking +better!” + +“But it is not capacity alone you are to consult when you talk with +misses of the TON; were their understandings only to be considered, +they would indeed be wonderfully easy of access! in order, therefore, to +render their commerce somewhat difficult, they will only be pleased by +an observance of their humours: which are ever most various and most +exuberant where the intellects are weakest and least cultivated. I +have, however, a receipt which I have found infallible for engaging the +attention of young ladies of whatsoever character or denomination.” + +“O, then,” cried Cecilia, “pray favour me with it, for I have here an +admirable opportunity to try its efficacy.” + +“I will give it you,” he answered, “with full directions. When you meet +with a young lady who seems resolutely determined not to speak, or who, +if compelled by a direct question to make some answer, drily gives a +brief affirmative, or coldly a laconic negative---” + +“A case in point,” interrupted Cecilia. + +“Well, thus circumstanced,” he continued, “the remedy I have to propose +consists of three topics of discourse.” + +“Pray what are they?” + +“Dress, public places, and love.” + +Cecilia, half surprised and half diverted, waited a fuller explanation +without giving any interruption. + +“These three topics,” he continued, “are to answer three purposes, since +there are no less than three causes from which the silence of young +ladies may proceed: sorrow, affectation, and stupidity.” + +“Do you, then,” cried Cecilia, “give nothing at all to modesty?” + +“I give much to it,” he answered, “as an excuse, nay almost as an +equivalent for wit; but for that sullen silence which resists all +encouragement, modesty is a mere pretence, not a cause.” + +“You must, however, be somewhat more explicit, if you mean that I should +benefit from your instructions.” + +“Well, then,” he answered, “I will briefly enumerate the three causes, +with directions for the three methods of cure. To begin with sorrow. The +taciturnity which really results from that is attended with an incurable +absence of mind, and a total unconsciousness of the observation which +it excites; upon this occasion, public places may sometimes be tried in +vain, and even dress may fail; but love--” + +“Are you sure, then,” said Cecilia, with a laugh, “that sorrow has but +that one source?” + +“By no means,” answered he, “for perhaps papa may have been angry, or +mama may have been cross; a milliner may have sent a wrong pompoon, or a +chaperon to an assembly may have been taken ill--” + +“Bitter subjects of affliction, indeed! And are these all you allow us?” + +“Nay, I speak but of young ladies of fashion, and what of greater +importance can befall them? If, therefore, the grief of the fair patient +proceeds from papa, mama, or the chaperon, then the mention of public +places, those endless incentives of displeasure between the old and the +young, will draw forth her complaints, and her complaints will bring +their own cure, for those who lament find speedy consolation: if the +milliner has occasioned the calamity, the discussion of dress will +have the same effect; should both these medicines fail, love, as I said +before, will be found infallible, for you will then have investigated +every subject of uneasiness which a youthful female in high life can +experience.” + +“They are greatly obliged to you,” cried Cecilia, bowing, “for granting +them motives of sorrow so honourable, and I thank you in the name of the +whole sex.” + +“You, madam,” said he, returning her bow, “are I hope an exception in +the happiest way, that of having no sorrow at all. I come, now, to the +silence of affectation, which is presently discernible by the roving of +the eye round the room to see if it is heeded, by the sedulous care to +avoid an accidental smile, and by the variety of disconsolate attitudes +exhibited to the beholders. This species of silence has almost without +exception its origin in that babyish vanity which is always gratified by +exciting attention, without ever perceiving that it provokes contempt. +In these cases, as nature is wholly out of the question, and the mind +is guarded against its own feelings, dress and public places are almost +certain of failing, but here again love is sure to vanquish; as soon +as it is named, attention becomes involuntary, and in a short time a +struggling simper discomposes the arrangement of the features, and then +the business is presently over, for the young lady is either supporting +some system, or opposing some proposition, before she is well aware that +she has been cheated out of her sad silence at all.” + +“So much,” said Cecilia, “for sorrow and for affectation. Proceed next +to stupidity; for that, in all probability, I shall most frequently +encounter.” + +“That always must be heavy work,” returned he, “yet the road is plain, +though it is all up hill. Love, here, may be talked of without exciting +any emotion, or provoking any reply, and dress may be dilated upon +without producing any other effect than that of attracting a vacant +stare; but public places are indubitably certain of success. Dull and +heavy characters, incapable of animating from wit or from reason, +because unable to keep pace with them, and void of all internal sources +of entertainment, require the stimulation of shew, glare, noise, and +bustle, to interest or awaken them. Talk to them of such subjects, and +they adore you; no matter whether you paint to them joy or horror, let +there but be action, and they are content; a battle has charms for them +equal to a coronation, and a funeral amuses them as much as a wedding.” + +“I am much obliged to you,” said Cecilia, smiling, “for these +instructions; yet I must confess I know not how upon the present +occasion to make use of them: public places I have already tried, but +tried in vain; dress I dare not mention, as I have not yet learned its +technical terms--” + +“Well, but,” interrupted he, “be not desperate; you have yet the third +topic unessayed.” + +“O, that,” returned she, laughing, “I leave to you.” + +“Pardon me,” cried he; “love is a source of loquacity only with +yourselves: when it is started by men, young ladies dwindle into mere +listeners. _Simpering_ listeners, I confess; but it is only with one +another that you will discuss its merits.” + +At this time they were interrupted by the approach of Miss Larolles, +who, tripping towards Cecilia, exclaimed, “Lord, how glad I am to see +you! So you would not go to the auction! Well, you had a prodigious +loss, I assure you. All the wardrobe was sold, and all Lady Belgrade's +trinkets. I never saw such a collection of sweet things in my life. +I was ready to cry that I could not bid for half a hundred of them. I +declare I was kept in an agony the whole morning. I would not but have +been there for the world. Poor Lady Belgrade! you really can't conceive +how I was shocked for her. All her beautiful things sold for almost +nothing. I assure you, if you had seen how they went, you would have +lost all patience. It's a thousand pities you were not there.” + +“On the contrary,” said Cecilia, “I think I had a very fortunate escape, +for the loss of patience without the acquisition of the trinkets, would +have been rather mortifying.” + +“Yes,” said Mr Gosport; “but when you have lived some time longer +in this commercial city, you will find the exchange of patience +for mortification the most common and constant traffic amongst its +inhabitants.” + +“Pray, have you been here long?” cried Miss Larolles, “for I have +been to twenty places, wondering I did not meet with you before. +But whereabouts is Mrs Mears? O, I see her now; I'm sure there's no +mistaking her; I could know her by that old red gown half a mile off. +Did you ever see such a frightful thing in your life? And it's never +off her back. I believe she sleeps in it. I am sure I have seen her in +nothing else all winter. It quite tires one's eye. She's a monstrous +shocking dresser. But do you know I have met with the most provoking +thing in the world this evening? I declare it has made me quite sick. +I was never in such a passion in my life. You can conceive nothing like +it.” + +“Like what?” cried Cecilia, laughing; “your passion, or your +provocation?” + +“Why, I'll tell you what it was, and then you shall judge if it was not +quite past endurance. You must know I commissioned a particular friend +of mine, Miss Moffat, to buy me a trimming when she went to Paris; +well, she sent it me over about a month ago by Mr Meadows, and it's the +sweetest thing you ever saw in your life; but I would not make it up, +because there was not a creature in town, so I thought to bring it out +quite new in about a week's time, for you know any thing does till after +Christmas. Well, to-night at Lady Jane Dranet's, who should I meet but +Miss Moffat! She had been in town some days, but so monstrously engaged +I could never find her at home. Well, I was quite delighted to see her, +for you must know she's a prodigious favourite with me, so I ran up to +her in a great hurry to shake hands, and what do you think was the first +thing that struck my eyes? Why, just such a trimming as my own, upon +a nasty, odious gown, and half dirty! Can you conceive anything so +distressing? I could have cried with pleasure.” + +“Why so?” said Cecilia. “If her trimming is dirty, yours will look the +more delicate.” + +“O Lord! but it's making it seem quite an old thing! Half the town will +get something like it. And I quite ruined myself to buy it. I declare, I +don't think anything was ever half so mortifying. It distressed me so, +I could hardly speak to her. If she had stayed a month or two longer, I +should not have minded it, but it was the cruellest thing in the world +to come over just now. I wish the Custom-house officers had kept all her +cloaths till summer.” + +“The wish is tender, indeed,” said Cecilia, “for a _particular friend_.” + +Mrs Mears now rising from the card-table, Miss Larolles tript away to +pay her compliments to her. + +“Here, at least,” cried Cecilia, “no receipt seems requisite for the +cure of silence! I would have Miss Larolles be the constant companion of +Miss Leeson: they could not but agree admirably, since that SUPERCILIOUS +young lady seems determined never to speak, and the VOLUBLE Miss +Larolles never to be silent. Were each to borrow something of the other, +how greatly would both be the better!” + +“The composition would still be a sorry one,” answered Mr Gosport, +“for I believe they are equally weak, and equally ignorant; the only +difference is, that one, though silly, is quick, the other, though +deliberate, is stupid. Upon a short acquaintance, that heaviness which +leaves to others the whole weight of discourse, and whole search of +entertainment, is the most fatiguing, but, upon a longer intimacy, even +that is less irksome and less offensive, than the flippancy which hears +nothing but itself.” + +Mrs Harrel arose now to depart, and Cecilia, not more tired of the +beginning of the evening than entertained with its conclusion, was +handed to the carriage by Mr Arnott. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A BREAKFAST. + + +The next morning, during breakfast, a servant acquainted Cecilia that +a young gentleman was in the hall, who begged to speak with her. She +desired he might be admitted; and Mrs Harrel, laughing, asked if she +ought not to quit the room; while Mr Arnott, with even more than his +usual gravity, directed his eye towards the door to watch who should +enter. + +Neither of them, however, received any satisfaction when it was opened, +for the gentleman who made his appearance was unknown to both: but great +was the amazement of Cecilia, though little her emotion, when she saw Mr +Morrice! + +He came forward with an air of the most profound respect for the company +in general, and obsequiously advancing to Cecilia, made an earnest +enquiry into her health after her journey, and hoped she had heard good +news from her friends in the country. + +Mrs Harrel, naturally concluding both from his visit and behaviour, that +he was an acquaintance of some intimacy, very civilly offered him a seat +and some breakfast, which, very frankly, he accepted. But Mr Arnott, +who already felt the anxiety of a rising passion which was too full of +veneration to be sanguine, looked at him with uneasiness, and waited his +departure with impatience. + +Cecilia began to imagine he had been commissioned to call upon her with +some message from Mr Monckton: for she knew not how to suppose that +merely and accidentally having spent an hour or two in the same room +with her, would authorize a visiting acquaintance. Mr Morrice, however, +had a faculty the most happy of reconciling his pretensions to his +inclination; and therefore she soon found that the pretence she had +suggested appeared to him unnecessary. To lead, however, to the subject +from which she expected his excuse, she enquired how long he had left +Suffolk? + +“But yesterday noon, ma'am,” he answered, “or I should certainly have +taken the liberty to wait upon you before.” + +Cecilia, who had only been perplexing herself to devise some reason why +he came at all, now looked at him with a grave surprize, which would +totally have abashed a man whose courage had been less, or whose +expectations had been greater; but Mr Morrice, though he had hazarded +every danger upon the slightest chance of hope, knew too well the +weakness of his claims to be confident of success, and had been too +familiar with rebuffs to be much hurt by receiving them. He might +possibly have something to gain, but he knew he had nothing to lose. + +“I had the pleasure,” he continued, “to leave all our friends well, +except poor Lady Margaret, and she has had an attack of the asthma; +yet she would not have a physician, though Mr Monckton would fain have +persuaded her: however, I believe the old lady knows better things.” And +he looked archly at Cecilia: but perceiving that the insinuation gave +her nothing but disgust, he changed his tone, and added, “It is amazing +how well they live together; nobody would imagine the disparity in their +years. Poor old lady! Mr Monckton will really have a great loss of her +when she dies.” + +“A loss of her!” repeated Mrs Harrel, “I am sure she is an exceeding +ill-natured old woman. When I lived at Bury, I was always frightened out +of my wits at the sight of her.” + +“Why indeed, ma'am,” said Morrice, “I must own her appearance is rather +against her: I had myself a great aversion to her at first sight. But +the house is chearful,--very chearful; I like to spend a few days there +now and then of all things. Miss Bennet, too, is agreeable enough, +and----” + +“Miss Bennet agreeable!” cried Mrs Harrel, “I think she's the most +odious creature I ever knew in my life; a nasty, spiteful old maid!” + +“Why indeed, ma'am, as you say,” answered Morrice, “she is not very +young; and as to her temper, I confess I know very little about it; and +Mr Monckton is likely enough to try it, for he is pretty severe.” + +“Mr Monckton,” cried Cecilia, extremely provoked at hearing him censured +by a man she thought highly honoured in being permitted to approach +him, “whenever _I_ have been his guest, has merited from me nothing but +praise and gratitude.” + +“O,” cried Morrice, eagerly, “there is not a more worthy man in the +world! he has so much wit, so much politeness! I don't know a more +charming man anywhere than my friend Mr Monckton.” Cecilia now +perceiving that the opinions of her new acquaintance were as pliant +as his bows, determined to pay him no further attention, and hoped by +sitting silent to force from him the business of his visit, if any +he had, or if, as she now suspected, he had none, to weary him into a +retreat. + +But this plan, though it would have succeeded with herself, failed with +Mr Morrice, who to a stock of good humour that made him always ready to +oblige others, added an equal portion of insensibility that hardened +him against all indignity. Finding, therefore, that Cecilia, to whom +his visit was intended, seemed already satisfied with its length, he +prudently forbore to torment her; but perceiving that the lady of the +house was more accessible, he quickly made a transfer of his attention, +and addressed his discourse to her with as much pleasure as if his only +view had been to see her, and as much ease as if he had known her all +his life. + +With Mrs Harrel this conduct was not injudicious; she was pleased with +his assiduity, amused with his vivacity, and sufficiently satisfied with +his understanding. They conversed, therefore, upon pretty equal terms, +and neither of them were yet tired, when they were interrupted by Mr +Harrel, who came into the room, to ask if they had seen or heard any +thing of Sir Robert Floyer? + +“No,” answered Mrs Harrel, “nothing at all.” + +“I wish he was hanged,” returned he, “for he has kept me waiting this +hour. He made me promise not to ride out till he called and now he'll +stay till the morning is over.” + +“Pray where does he live, sir?” cried Morrice, starting from his seat. + +“In Cavendish Square, sir,” answered Mr Harrel, looking at him with much +surprise. + +Not a word more said Morrice, but scampered out of the room. + +“Pray who is this Genius?” cried Mr Harrel, “and what has he run away +for?” + +“Upon my word I know nothing at all of him,” said Mrs Harrel; “he is a +visitor of Miss Beverley's.” + +“And I, too,” said Cecilia, “might almost equally disclaim all knowledge +of him; for though I once saw, I never was introduced to him.” + +She then began a relation of her meeting him at Mr Monckton's house, and +had hardly concluded it, before again, and quite out of breath, he made +his appearance. + +“Sir Robert Floyer, sir,” said he to Mr Harrel, “will be here in two +minutes.” + +“I hope, sir,” said Mr Harrel, “you have not given yourself the trouble +of going to him?” + +“No, sir, it has given me nothing but pleasure; a run these cold +mornings is the thing I like best.” + +“Sir, you are extremely good,” said Mr Harrel, “but I had not the least +intention of your taking such a walk upon my account.” + +He then begged him to be seated, to rest himself, and to take some +refreshment; which civilities he received without scruple. + +“But, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Harrel, turning suddenly to Cecilia, “you +don't tell me what you think of my friend?” + +“What friend, sir?” + +“Why, Sir Robert Floyer; I observed he never quitted you a moment while +he stayed at Mrs Mears.” + +“His stay, however, was too short,” said Cecilia, “to allow me to form a +fair opinion of him.” + +“But perhaps,” cried Morrice, “it was long enough to allow you to form a +_foul_ one.” + +Cecilia could not forbear laughing to hear the truth thus accidentally +blundered out; but Mr Harrel, looking very little pleased, said, “Surely +you can find no fault with him? he is one of the most fashionable men I +know.” + +“My finding fault with him then,” said Cecilia, “will only farther prove +what I believe is already pretty evident, that I am yet a novice in the +art of admiration.” + +Mr Arnott, animating at this speech, glided behind her chair, and said, +“I knew you could not like him! I knew it from the turn of your mind;--I +knew it even from your countenance!” + +Soon after, Sir Robert Floyer arrived. + +“You are a pretty fellow, a'n't you,” cried Mr Harrel, “to keep me +waiting so long.” + +“I could not come a moment sooner; I hardly expected to get here at all, +for my horse has been so confounded resty I could not tell how to get +him along.” + +“Do you come on horseback through the streets, Sir Robert?” asked Mrs +Harrel. + +“Sometimes; when I am lazy. But what the d---l is the matter with him I +don't know; he has started at everything. I suspect there has been some +foul play with him.” + +“Is he at the door, sir?” cried Morrice. + +“Yes,” answered Sir Robert. + +“Then I'll tell you what's the matter with him in a minute;” and away +again ran Morrice. + +“What time did you get off last night, Harrel?” said Sir Robert. + +“Not very early; but you were too much engaged to miss me. By the way,” + lowering his voice, “what do you think I lost?” + +“I can't tell indeed, but I know what I gained: I have not had such a +run of luck this winter.” + +They then went up to a window to carry on their enquiries more +privately. + +At the words _what do you think I lost_, Cecilia, half starting, cast +her eyes uneasily upon Mrs Harrel, but perceived not the least change +in her countenance. Mr Arnott, however, seemed as little pleased as +herself, and from a similar sensation looked anxiously at his sister. + +Morrice now returning, called out, “He's had a fall, I assure you!” + +“Curse him!” cried Sir Robert, “what shall I do now? he cost me the +d---l and all of money, and I have not had him a twelvemonth. Can you +lend me a horse for this morning, Harrel?” + +“No, I have not one that will do for you. You must send to Astley.” + +“Who can I send? John must take care of this.” + +“I'll go, sir,” cried Morrice, “if you'll give me the commission.” + +“By no means, sir,” said Sir Robert, “I can't think of giving you such +an office.” + +“It is the thing in the world I like best,” answered he; “I understand +horses, and had rather go to Astley's than any where.” + +The matter was now settled in a few minutes, and having received his +directions, and an invitation to dinner, Morrice danced off, with a +heart yet lighter than his heels. + +“Why, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Harrel, “this friend of yours is the most +obliging gentleman I ever met with; there was no avoiding asking him to +dinner.” + +“Remember, however,” said Cecilia, who was involuntarily diverted at the +successful officiousness of her new acquaintance, “that if you receive +him henceforth as your guest, he obtains admission through his own +merits, and not through my interest.” + +At dinner, Morrice, who failed not to accept the invitation of Mr +Harrel, was the gayest, and indeed the happiest man in the company: the +effort he had made to fasten himself upon Cecilia as an acquaintance, +had not, it is true, from herself met with much encouragement; but he +knew the chances were against him when he made the trial, and therefore +the prospect of gaining admission into such a house as Mr Harrel's, +was not only sufficient to make amends for what scarcely amounted to a +disappointment, but a subject of serious comfort from the credit of +the connection, and of internal exultation at his own management and +address. + +In the evening, the ladies, as usual, went to a private assembly, and, +as usual, were attended to it by Mr Arnott. The other gentlemen had +engagements elsewhere. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +A PROJECT. + + +Several days passed on nearly in the same manner; the mornings were +all spent in gossipping, shopping and dressing, and the evenings were +regularly appropriated to public places, or large parties of company. + +Meanwhile Mr Arnott lived almost entirely in Portman Square; he slept, +indeed, at his own lodgings, but he boarded wholly with Mr Harrel, whose +house he never for a moment quitted till night, except to attend Cecilia +and his sister in their visitings and rambles. + +Mr Arnott was a young man of unexceptionable character, and of a +disposition mild, serious and benignant: his principles and blameless +conduct obtained the universal esteem of the world, but his manners, +which were rather too precise, joined to an uncommon gravity of +countenance and demeanour, made his society rather permitted as a duty, +than sought as a pleasure. + +The charms of Cecilia had forcibly, suddenly and deeply penetrated his +heart; he only lived in her presence, away from her he hardly existed: +the emotions she excited were rather those of adoration than of love, +for he gazed upon her beauty till he thought her more than human, and +hung upon her accents till all speech seemed impertinent to him but her +own. Yet so small were his expectations of success, that not even to +his sister did he hint at the situation of his heart: happy in an easy +access to her, he contented himself with seeing, hearing and watching +her, beyond which bounds he formed not any plan, and scarce indulged any +hope. + +Sir Robert Floyer, too, was a frequent visitor in Portman Square, where +he dined almost daily. Cecilia was chagrined at seeing so much of +him, and provoked to find herself almost constantly the object of his +unrestrained examination; she was, however, far more seriously concerned +for Mrs Harrel, when she discovered that this favourite friend of her +husband was an unprincipled spendthrift, and an extravagant gamester, +for as he was the inseparable companion of Mr Harrel, she dreaded the +consequence both of his influence and his example. + +She saw, too, with an amazement that daily increased, the fatigue, yet +fascination of a life of pleasure: Mr Harrel seemed to consider his +own house merely as an hotel, where at any hour of the night he might +disturb the family to claim admittance, where letters and messages might +be left for him, where he dined when no other dinner was offered him, +and where, when he made an appointment, he was to be met with. His +lady, too, though more at home, was not therefore more solitary; her +acquaintance were numerous, expensive and idle, and every moment +not actually spent in company, was scrupulously devoted to making +arrangements for that purpose. + +In a short time Cecilia, who every day had hoped that the next would +afford her greater satisfaction, but who every day found the present +no better than the former, began to grow weary of eternally running the +same round, and to sicken at the irksome repetition of unremitting yet +uninteresting dissipation. She saw nobody she wished to see, as she had +met with nobody for whom she could care; for though sometimes those with +whom she mixed appeared to be amiable, she knew that their manners, like +their persons, were in their best array, and therefore she had too much +understanding to judge decisively of their characters. But what +chiefly damped her hopes of forming a friendship with any of the new +acquaintance to whom she was introduced, was the observation she herself +made how ill the coldness of their hearts accorded with the warmth of +their professions; upon every first meeting, the civilities which were +shewn her, flattered her into believing she had excited a partiality +that a very little time would ripen into affection; the next meeting +commonly confirmed the expectation; but the third, and every future +one, regularly destroyed it. She found that time added nothing to their +fondness, nor intimacy to their sincerity; that the interest in her +welfare which appeared to be taken at first sight, seldom, with whatever +reason, increased, and often without any, abated; that the distinction +she at first met with, was no effusion of kindness, but of curiosity, +which is scarcely sooner gratified than satiated; and that those who +lived always the life into which she had only lately been initiated, +were as much harassed with it as herself, though less spirited to +relinquish, and more helpless to better it, and that they coveted +nothing but what was new, because they had experienced the insufficiency +of whatever was familiar. + +She began now to regret the loss she sustained in quitting the +neighbourhood, and being deprived of the conversation of Mr Monckton, +and yet more earnestly to miss the affection and sigh for the society +of Mrs Charlton, the lady with whom she had long and happily resided +at Bury; for she was very soon compelled to give up all expectation of +renewing the felicity of her earlier years, by being restored to the +friendship of Mrs Harrel, in whom she had mistaken the kindness of +childish intimacy for the sincerity of chosen affection; and though +she saw her credulous error with mortification and displeasure, she +regretted it with tenderness and sorrow. “What, at last,” cried she, “is +human felicity, who has tasted, and where is it to be found? If I, +who, to others, seem marked out for even a partial possession of +it,--distinguished by fortune, caressed by the world, brought into the +circle of high life, and surrounded with splendour, seek without finding +it, yet losing, scarce know how I miss it!” + +Ashamed upon reflection to believe she was considered as an object of +envy by others, while repining and discontented herself, she determined +no longer to be the only one insensible to the blessings within her +reach, but by projecting and adopting some plan of conduct better suited +to her taste and feelings than the frivolous insipidity of her present +life, to make at once a more spirited and more worthy use of the +affluence, freedom, and power which she possessed. + +A scheme of happiness at once rational and refined soon presented itself +to her imagination. She purposed, for the basis of her plan, to become +mistress of her own time, and with this view, to drop all idle and +uninteresting acquaintance, who, while they contribute neither to use +nor pleasure, make so large a part of the community, that they may +properly be called the underminers of existence; she could then shew +some taste and discernment in her choice of friends, and she resolved +to select such only as by their piety could elevate her mind, by their +knowledge improve her understanding, or by their accomplishments and +manners delight her affections. This regulation, if strictly adhered to, +would soon relieve her from the fatigue of receiving many visitors, +and therefore she might have all the leisure she could desire for the +pursuit of her favourite studies, music and reading. + +Having thus, from her own estimation of human perfection, culled +whatever was noblest for her society, and from her own ideas of +sedentary enjoyments arranged the occupations of her hours of solitude, +she felt fully satisfied with the portion of happiness which her scheme +promised to herself, and began next to consider what was due from her to +the world. + +And not without trembling did she then look forward to the claims which +the splendid income she was soon to possess would call upon her to +discharge. A strong sense of DUTY, a fervent desire to ACT RIGHT, were +the ruling characteristics of her mind: her affluence she therefore +considered as a debt contracted with the poor, and her independence as a +tie upon her liberality to pay it with interest. + +Many and various, then, soothing to her spirit and grateful to her +sensibility, were the scenes which her fancy delineated; now she +supported an orphan, now softened the sorrows of a widow, now snatched +from iniquity the feeble trembler at poverty, and now rescued from shame +the proud struggler with disgrace. The prospect at once exalted her +hopes, and enraptured her imagination; she regarded herself as an agent +of Charity, and already in idea anticipated the rewards of a good +and faithful delegate; so animating are the designs of disinterested +benevolence! so pure is the bliss of intellectual philanthropy! + +Not immediately, however, could this plan be put in execution; the +society she meant to form could not be selected in the house of another, +where, though to some she might shew a preference, there were none she +could reject: nor had she yet the power to indulge, according to the +munificence of her wishes, the extensive generosity she projected: these +purposes demanded a house of her own, and the unlimited disposal of her +fortune, neither of which she could claim till she became of age. That +period, however, was only eight months distant, and she pleased +herself with the intention of meliorating her plan in the meantime, and +preparing to put it in practice. + +But though, in common with all the race of still-expecting man, she +looked for that happiness in the time to come which the present failed +to afford, she had yet the spirit and good sense to determine upon +making every effort in her power to render her immediate way of life +more useful and contented. + +Her first wish, therefore, now, was to quit the house of Mr Harrel, +where she neither met with entertainment nor instruction, but was +perpetually mortified by seeing the total indifference of the friend in +whose society she had hoped for nothing but affection. + +The will of her uncle, though it obliged her while under age to live +with one of her guardians, left her at liberty to chuse and to change +amongst them according to her wishes or convenience: she determined, +therefore, to make a visit herself to each of them, to observe their +manners and way of life, and then, to the best of her judgment, decide +with which she could be most contented: resolving, however, not to hint +at her intention till it was ripe for execution, and then honestly to +confess the reasons of her retreat. + +She had acquainted them both of her journey to town the morning after +her arrival. She was almost an entire stranger to each of them, as she +had not seen Mr Briggs since she was nine years old, nor Mr Delvile +within the time she could remember. + +The very morning that she had settled her proceedings for the +arrangement of this new plan, she intended to request the use of Mrs +Harrel's carriage, and to make, without delay, the visits preparatory +to her removal; but when she entered the parlour upon a summons to +breakfast, her eagerness to quit the house gave way, for the present, to +the pleasure she felt at the sight of Mr Monckton, who was just arrived +from Suffolk. + +She expressed her satisfaction in the most lively terms, and scrupled +not to tell him she had not once been so much pleased since her journey +to town, except at her first meeting with Mrs Harrel. + +Mr Monckton, whose delight was infinitely superior to her own, and whose +joy in seeing her was redoubled by the affectionate frankness of her +reception, stifled the emotions to which her sight gave rise, and +denying himself the solace of expressing his feelings, seemed much less +charmed than herself at the meeting, and suffered no word nor look to +escape him beyond what could be authorised by friendly civility. + +He then renewed with Mrs Harrel an acquaintance which had been formed +before her marriage, but which [he] had dropt when her distance from +Cecilia, upon whose account alone he had thought it worth cultivation, +made it no longer of use to him. She afterwards introduced her brother +to him; and a conversation very interesting to both the ladies took +place, concerning several families with which they had been formerly +connected, as well as the neighbourhood at large in which they had +lately dwelt. + +Very little was the share taken by Mr Arnott in these accounts and +enquiries; the unaffected joy with which Cecilia had received Mr +Monckton, had struck him with a sensation of envy as involuntary as it +was painful; he did not, indeed, suspect that gentleman's secret views; +no reason for suspicion was obvious, and his penetration sunk not deeper +than appearances; he knew, too, that he was married, and therefore no +jealousy occurred to him; but still she had smiled upon him!--and he +felt that to purchase for himself a smile of so much sweetness, he would +have sacrificed almost all else that was valuable to him upon earth. + +With an attention infinitely more accurate, Mr Monckton had returned his +observations. The uneasiness of his mind was apparent, and the anxious +watchfulness of his eyes plainly manifested whence it arose. From a +situation, indeed, which permitted an intercourse the most constant +and unrestrained with such an object as Cecilia, nothing less could be +expected, and therefore he considered his admiration as inevitable; all +that remained to be discovered, was the reception it had met from his +fair enslaver. Nor was he here long in doubt; he soon saw that she was +not merely free from all passion herself, but had so little watched Mr +Arnott as to be unconscious she had inspired any. + +Yet was his own serenity, though apparently unmoved, little less +disturbed in secret than that of his rival; he did not think him a +formidable candidate, but he dreaded the effects of intimacy, fearing +she might first grow accustomed to his attentions, and then become +pleased with them. He apprehended, also, the influence of his sister and +of Mr Harrel in his favour; and though he had no difficulty to persuade +himself that any offer he might now make would be rejected without +hesitation, he knew too well the insidious properties of perseverance, +to see him, without inquietude, situated so advantageously. + +The morning was far advanced before he took leave, yet he found no +opportunity of discoursing with Cecilia, though he impatiently desired +to examine into the state of her mind, and to discover whether her +London journey had added any fresh difficulties to the success of his +long-concerted scheme. But as Mrs Harrel invited him to dinner, he hoped +the afternoon would be more propitious to his wishes. + +Cecilia, too, was eager to communicate to him her favourite project, and +to receive his advice with respect to its execution. She had long been +used to his counsel, and she was now more than ever solicitous to obtain +it, because she considered him as the only person in London who was +interested in her welfare. + +He saw, however, no promise of better success when he made his +appearance at dinner time, for not only Mr Arnott was already arrived, +but Sir Robert Floyer, and he found Cecilia so much the object of their +mutual attention, that he had still less chance than in the morning of +speaking to her unheard. + +Yet was he not idle; the sight of Sir Robert gave abundant employment to +his penetration, which was immediately at work, to discover the motive +of his visit: but this, with all his sagacity, was not easily decided; +for though the constant direction of his eyes towards Cecilia, proved, +at least, that he was not insensible of her beauty, his carelessness +whether or not she was hurt by his examination, the little pains he took +to converse with her, and the invariable assurance and negligence of +his manners, seemed strongly to demonstrate an indifference to the +sentiments he inspired, totally incompatible with the solicitude of +affection. + +In Cecilia he had nothing to observe but what his knowledge of her +character prepared him to expect, a shame no less indignant than modest +at the freedom with which she saw herself surveyed. + +Very little, therefore, was the satisfaction which this visit procured +him, for soon after dinner the ladies retired; and as they had an early +engagement for the evening, the gentlemen received no summons to their +tea-table. But he contrived, before they quitted the room, to make an +appointment for attending them the next morning to a rehearsal of a new +serious Opera. + +He stayed not after their departure longer than decency required, +for too much in earnest was his present pursuit, to fit him for such +conversation as the house in Cecilia's absence could afford him. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +AN OPERA REHEARSAL. + + +The next day, between eleven and twelve o'clock, Mr Monckton was again +in Portman Square; he found, as he expected, both the ladies, and he +found, as he feared, Mr Arnott prepared to be of their party. He had, +however, but little time to repine at this intrusion, before he was +disturbed by another, for, in a few minutes, they were joined by Sir +Robert Floyer, who also declared his intention of accompanying them to +the Haymarket. + +Mr Monckton, to disguise his chagrin, pretended he was in great haste +to set off, lest they should be too late for the overture: they were, +therefore, quitting the breakfast room, when they were stopt by the +appearance of Mr Morrice. + +The surprise which the sight of him gave to Mr Monckton was extreme; +he knew that he was unacquainted with Mr Harrel, for he remembered +they were strangers to each other when they lately met at his house; he +concluded, therefore, that Cecilia was the object of his visit, but he +could frame no conjecture under what pretence. + +The easy terms upon which he seemed with all the family by no means +diminished his amazement; for when Mrs Harrel expressed some concern +that she was obliged to go out, he gaily begged her not to mind him, +assuring her he could not have stayed two minutes, and promising, +unasked, to call again the next day: and when she added, “We would +not hurry away so, only we are going to a rehearsal of an Opera,” he +exclaimed with quickness, “A rehearsal!--are you really? I have a great +mind to go too!” + +Then, perceiving Mr Monckton, he bowed to him with great respect, and +enquired, with no little solemnity, how he had left Lady Margaret, +hoped she was perfectly recovered from her late indisposition, and asked +sundry questions with regard to her plan for the winter. + +This discourse was ill constructed for rendering his presence desirable +to Mr Monckton; he answered him very drily, and again pressed their +departure. + +“O,” cried Morrice, “there's no occasion for such haste; the rehearsal +does not begin till one.” + +“You are mistaken, sir,” said Mr Monckton; “it is to begin at twelve +o'clock.” + +“O ay, very true,” returned Morrice; “I had forgot the dances, and I +suppose they are to be rehearsed first. Pray, Miss Beverley, did you +ever see any dances rehearsed?” + +“No, sir.” + +“You will be excessively entertained, then, I assure you. It's the most +comical thing in the world to see those signores and signoras cutting +capers in a morning. And the _figuranti_ will divert you beyond measure; +you never saw such a shabby set in your life: but the most amusing +thing is to look in their faces, for all the time they are jumping and +skipping about the stage as if they could not stand still for joy, they +look as sedate and as dismal as if they were so many undertaker's men.” + +“Not a word against dancing!” cried Sir Robert, “it's the only thing +carries one to the Opera; and I am sure it's the only thing one minds at +it.” + +The two ladies were then handed to Mrs Harrel's _vis-a-vis_; and the +gentlemen, joined without further ceremony by Mr Morrice, followed them +to the Haymarket. + +The rehearsal was not begun, and Mrs Harrel and Cecilia secured +themselves a box upon the stage, from which the gentlemen of their party +took care not to be very distant. + +They were soon perceived by Mr Gosport, who instantly entered into +conversation with Cecilia. Miss Larolles, who with some other ladies +came soon after into the next box, looked out to courtsie and nod, with +her usual readiness, at Mrs Harrel, but took not any notice of Cecilia, +though she made the first advances. + +“What's the matter now?” cried Mr Gosport; “have you affronted your +little prattling friend?” + +“Not with my own knowledge,” answered Cecilia; “perhaps she does not +recollect me.” + +Just then Miss Larolles, tapping at the door, came in from the next box +to speak to Mrs Harrel; with whom she stood chatting and laughing some +minutes, without seeming to perceive that Cecilia was of her party. + +“Why, what have you done to the poor girl?” whispered Mr Gosport; “did +you talk more than herself when you saw her last?” + +“Would that have been possible?” cried Cecilia; “however, I still fancy +she does not know me.” + +She then stood up, which making Miss Larolles involuntarily turn towards +her, she again courtsied; a civility which that young lady scarce +deigned to return, before, bridling with an air of resentment, she +hastily looked another way, and then, nodding good-humouredly at Mrs +Harrel, hurried back to her party. + +Cecilia, much amazed, said to Mr Gosport, “See now how great was our +presumption in supposing this young lady's loquacity always at our +devotion!” + +“Ah, madam!” cried he, laughing, “there is no permanency, no consistency +in the world! no, not even in the tongue of a VOLUBLE! and if that +fails, upon what may we depend?” + +“But seriously,” said Cecilia, “I am sorry I have offended her, and the +more because I so little know how, that I can offer her no apology.” + +“Will you appoint me your envoy? Shall I demand the cause of these +hostilities?” + +She thanked him, and he followed Miss Larolles; who was now addressing +herself with great earnestness to Mr Meadows, the gentleman with whom +she was conversing when Cecilia first saw her in Portman Square. He +stopt a moment to let her finish her speech, which, with no little +spirit, she did in these words, “I never knew anything like it in my +life; but I shan't put up with such airs, I assure her!” + +Mr Meadows made not any other return to her harangue, but stretching +himself with a languid smile, and yawning: Mr Gosport, therefore, +seizing the moment of cessation, said, “Miss Larolles, I hear a strange +report about you.” + +“Do you?” returned she, with quickness, “pray what is it? something +monstrous impertinent, I dare say,---however, I assure you it i'n't +true.” + +“Your assurance,” cried he, “carries conviction indisputable, for the +report was that you had left off talking.” + +“O, was that all?” cried she, disappointed, “I thought it had been +something about Mr Sawyer, for I declare I have been plagued so about +him, I am quite sick of his name.” + +“And for my part, I never heard it! so fear nothing from me upon his +account.” + +“Lord, Mr Gosport, how can you say so? I am sure you must know about the +Festino that night, for it was all over the town in a moment.” + +“What festino?” + +“Well, only conceive, how provoking!--why, I know nothing else was +talked of for a month!” + +“You are most formidably stout this morning! it is not two minutes since +I saw you fling the gauntlet at Miss Beverley, and yet you are already +prepared for another antagonist.” + +“O as to Miss Beverley, I must really beg you not to mention her; she +has behaved so impertinently, that I don't intend ever to speak to her +again.” + +“Why, what has she done?” + +“O she's been so rude you've no notion. I'll tell you how it was. You +must know I met her at Mrs Harrel's the day she came to town, and the +very next morning I waited on her myself, for I would not send a ticket, +because I really wished to be civil to her; well, the day after, she +never came near me, though I called upon her again; however, I did not +take any notice of that; but when the third day came, and I found she +had not even sent me a ticket, I thought it monstrous ill bred indeed; +and now there has passed more than a week, and yet she has never called: +so I suppose she don't like me; so I shall drop her acquaintance.” + +Mr Gosport, satisfied now with the subject of her complaint, returned to +Cecilia, and informed her of the heavy charge which was brought against +her. + +“I am glad, at least, to know my crime,” said she, “for otherwise I +should certainly have sinned on in ignorance, as I must confess I never +thought of returning her visits: but even if I had, I should not have +supposed I had yet lost much time.” + +“I beg your pardon there,” said Mrs Harrel; “a first visit ought to be +returned always by the third day.” + +“Then have I an unanswerable excuse,” said Cecilia, “for I remember that +on the third day I saw her at your house.” + +“O that's nothing at all to the purpose; you should have waited upon +her, or sent her a ticket, just the same as if you had not seen her.” + +The overture was now begun, and Cecilia declined any further +conversation. This was the first Opera she had ever heard, yet she +was not wholly a stranger to Italian compositions, having assiduously +studied music from a natural love of the art, attended all the best +concerts her neighbourhood afforded, and regularly received from London +the works of the best masters. But the little skill she had thus gained, +served rather to increase than to lessen the surprize with which she +heard the present performance,--a surprize of which the discovery of her +own ignorance made not the least part. Unconscious from the little she +had acquired how much was to be learnt, she was astonished to find the +inadequate power of written music to convey any idea of vocal abilities: +with just knowledge enough, therefore, to understand something of the +difficulties, and feel much of the merit, she gave to the whole Opera an +avidity of attention almost painful from its own eagerness. + +But both the surprize and the pleasure which she received from the +performance in general, were faint, cold, and languid, compared to +the strength of those emotions when excited by Signore Pacchierotti in +particular; and though not half the excellencies of that superior singer +were necessary either to amaze or charm her unaccustomed ears, though +the refinement of his taste and masterly originality of his genius, to +be praised as they deserved, called for the judgment and knowledge of +professors, yet a natural love of music in some measure supplied the +place of cultivation, and what she could neither explain nor understand, +she could feel and enjoy. + +The opera was Artaserse; and the pleasure she received from the music +was much augmented by her previous acquaintance with that interesting +drama; yet, as to all noviciates in science, whatever is least +complicated is most pleasing, she found herself by nothing so deeply +impressed, as by the plaintive and beautiful simplicity with which +Pacchierotti uttered the affecting repetition of _sono innocente_! his +voice, always either sweet or impassioned, delivered those words in +a tone of softness, pathos, and sensibility, that struck her with a +sensation not more new than delightful. + +But though she was, perhaps, the only person thus astonished, she was +by no means the only one enraptured; for notwithstanding she was too +earnestly engaged to remark the company in general, she could not avoid +taking notice of an old gentleman who stood by one of the side scenes, +against which he leant his head in a manner that concealed his face, +with an evident design to be wholly absorbed in listening: and during +the songs of Pacchierotti he sighed so deeply that Cecilia, struck by +his uncommon sensibility to the power of music, involuntarily watched +him, whenever her mind was sufficiently at liberty to attend to any +emotions but its own. + +As soon as the rehearsal was over, the gentlemen of Mrs Harrel's party +crowded before her box; and Cecilia then perceived that the person whose +musical enthusiasm had excited her curiosity, was the same old gentleman +whose extraordinary behaviour had so much surprized her at the house of +Mr Monckton. Her desire to obtain some information concerning him +again reviving, she was beginning to make fresh enquiries, when she was +interrupted by the approach of Captain Aresby. + +That gentleman, advancing to her with a smile of the extremest +self-complacency, after hoping, in a low voice, he had the honour +of seeing her well, exclaimed, “How wretchedly empty is the town! +petrifying to a degree! I believe you do not find yourself at present +_obsede_ by too much company?” + +“_At present_, I believe the contrary!” cried Mr Gosport. + +“Really!” said the Captain, unsuspicious of his sneer, “I protest I have +hardly seen a soul. Have you tried the Pantheon yet, ma'am?” + +“No, sir.” + +“Nor I; I don't know whether people go there this year. It is not a +favourite _spectacle_ with me; that sitting to hear the music is a +horrid bore. Have you done the Festino the honour to look in there yet?” + +“No, sir.” + +“Permit me, then, to have the honour to beg you will try it.” + +“O, ay, true,” cried Mrs Harrel; “I have really used you very ill about +that; I should have got you in for a subscriber: but Lord, I have done +nothing for you yet, and you never put me in mind. There's the ancient +music, and Abel's concert;--as to the opera, we may have a box between +us;--but there's the ladies' concert we must try for; and there's--O +Lord, fifty other places we must think of!” + +“Oh times of folly and dissipation!” exclaimed a voice at some distance; +“Oh mignons of idleness and luxury! What next will ye invent for +the perdition of your time! How yet further will ye proceed in the +annihilation of virtue!” + +Everybody stared; but Mrs Harrel coolly said, “Dear, it's only the +man-hater!” + +“The man-hater?” repeated Cecilia, who found that the speech was made +by the object of her former curiosity; “is that the name by which he is +known?” + +“He is known by fifty names,” said Mr Monckton; “his friends call him +the _moralist_; the young ladies, the _crazy-man_; the macaronies, the +_bore_; in short, he is called by any and every name but his own.” + +“He is a most petrifying wretch, I assure you,” said the Captain; “I am +_obsede_ by him _partout_; if I had known he had been so near, I should +certainly have said nothing.” + +“That you have done so well,” cried Mr Gosport, “that if you had known +it the whole time, you could have done it no better.” + +The Captain, who had not heard this speech, which was rather made at him +than to him, continued his address to Cecilia; “Give me leave to have +the honour of hoping you intend to honour our select masquerade at the +Pantheon with your presence. We shall have but five hundred tickets, and +the subscription will only be three guineas and a half.” + +“Oh objects of penury and want!” again exclaimed the incognito; “Oh +vassals of famine and distress! Come and listen to this wantonness of +wealth! Come, naked and breadless as ye are, and learn how that money is +consumed which to you might bring raiment and food!” + +“That strange wretch,” said the Captain, “ought really to be confined; +I have had the honour to be _degoute_ by him so often, that I think +him quite obnoxious. I make it quite a principle to seal up my lips the +moment I perceive him.” + +“Where is it, then,” said Cecilia, “that you have so often met him?” + +“O,” answered the Captain, “_partout_; there is no greater bore about +town. But the time I found him most petrifying was once when I happened +to have the honour of dancing with a very young lady, who was but just +come from a boarding-school, and whose friends had done me the honour +to fix upon me upon the principle of first bringing her out: and while +I was doing _mon possible_ for killing the time, he came up, and in his +particular manner, told her I had no meaning in any thing I said! I must +own I never felt more tempted to be _enrage_ with a person in years, in +my life.” + +Mr Arnott now brought the ladies word that their carriage was ready, +and they quitted their box: but as Cecilia had never before seen the +interior parts of a theatre, Mr Monckton, hoping while they loitered to +have an opportunity of talking with her, asked Morrice why he did not +_shew the lions?_ Morrice, always happy in being employed, declared +it was _just the thing he liked best_, and begged permission to do +the honours to Mrs Harrel, who, ever eager in the search of amusement, +willingly accepted his offer. + +They all, therefore, marched upon the stage, their own party now being +the only one that remained. + +“We shall make a triumphal entry here,” cried Sir Robert Floyer; “the +very tread of the stage half tempts me to turn actor.” + +“You are a rare man,” said Mr Gosport, “if, at your time of life, that +is a turn not already taken.” + +“My time of life!” repeated he; “what do you mean by that? do you take +me for an old man?” + +“No, sir, but I take you to be past childhood, and consequently to have +served your apprenticeship to the actors you have mixed with on the +great stage of the world, and, for some years at least, to have set up +for yourself.” + +“Come,” cried Morrice, “let's have a little spouting; 'twill make us +warm.” + +“Yes,” said Sir Robert, “if we spout to an animating object. If Miss +Beverley will be Juliet, I am Romeo at her service.” + +At this moment the incognito, quitting the corner in which he had +planted himself, came suddenly forward, and standing before the whole +group, cast upon Cecilia a look of much compassion, and called out, +“Poor simple victim! hast thou already so many pursuers? yet seest +not that thou art marked for sacrifice! yet knowest not that thou art +destined for prey!” + +Cecilia, extremely struck by this extraordinary address, stopt short +and looked much disturbed: which, when he perceived, he added, “Let the +danger, not the warning affect you! discard the sycophants that surround +you, seek the virtuous, relieve the poor, and save yourself from the +impending destruction of unfeeling prosperity!” + +Having uttered these words with vehemence and authority, he sternly +passed them, and disappeared. + +Cecilia, too much astonished for speech, stood for some time immoveable, +revolving in her mind various conjectures upon the meaning of an +exhortation so strange and so urgent. + +Nor was the rest of the company much less discomposed: Sir Robert, Mr +Monckton, and Mr Arnott, each conscious of their own particular plans, +were each apprehensive that the warning pointed at himself: Mr Gosport +was offended at being included in the general appellation of sycophants; +Mrs Harrel was provoked at being interrupted in her ramble; and Captain +Aresby, sickening at the very sight of him, retreated the moment he came +forth. + +“For heaven's sake,” cried Cecilia, when somewhat recovered from her +consternation, “who can this be, and what can he mean? You, Mr Monckton, +must surely know something of him; it was at your house I first saw +him.” + +“Indeed,” answered Mr Monckton, “I knew almost nothing of him then, and +I am but little better informed now. Belfield picked him up somewhere, +and desired to bring him to my house: he called him by the name of +Albany: I found him a most extraordinary character, and Belfield, who is +a worshipper of originality, was very fond of him.” + +“He's a devilish crabbed old fellow,” cried Sir Robert, “and if he goes +on much longer at this confounded rate, he stands a very fair chance of +getting his ears cropped.” + +“He is a man of the most singular conduct I have ever met with,” said +Mr Gosport; “he seems to hold mankind in abhorrence, yet he is never +a moment alone, and at the same time that he intrudes himself into all +parties, he associates with none: he is commonly a stern and silent +observer of all that passes, or when he speaks, it is but to utter some +sentence of rigid morality, or some bitterness of indignant reproof.” + +The carriage was now again announced, and Mr Monckton taking Cecilia's +hand, while Mr Morrice secured to himself the honour of Mrs Harrel's, +Sir Robert and Mr Gosport made their bows and departed. But though they +had now quitted the stage, and arrived at the head of a small stair case +by which they were to descend out of the theatre, Mr Monckton, finding +all his tormentors retired, except Mr Arnott, whom he hoped to elude, +could not resist making one more attempt for a few moments' conversation +with Cecilia; and therefore, again applying to Morrice, he called out, +“I don't think you have shewn the ladies any of the contrivances behind +the scenes?” + +“True,” cried Morrice, “no more I have; suppose we go back?” + +“I shall like it vastly,” said Mrs Harrel; and back they returned. + +Mr Monckton now soon found an opportunity to say to Cecilia, “Miss +Beverley, what I foresaw has exactly come to pass; you are surrounded by +selfish designers, by interested, double-minded people, who have nothing +at heart but your fortune, and whose mercenary views, if you are not +guarded against them---” + +Here a loud scream from Mrs Harrel interrupted his speech; Cecilia, +much alarmed, turned from him to enquire the cause, and Mr Monckton +was obliged to follow her example: but his mortification was almost +intolerable when he saw that lady in a violent fit of laughter, and +found her scream was only occasioned by seeing Mr Morrice, in his +diligence to do the honours, pull upon his own head one of the side +scenes! + +There was now no possibility of proposing any further delay; but Mr +Monckton, in attending the ladies to their carriage, was obliged to have +recourse to his utmost discretion and forbearance, in order to check his +desire of reprimanding Morrice for his blundering officiousness. + +Dressing, dining with company at home, and then going out with company +abroad, filled up, as usual, the rest of the day. + + + + +CHAPTER ix + +A SUPPLICATION. + + +The next morning Cecilia, at the repeated remonstrances of Mrs Harrel, +consented to call upon Miss Larolles. She felt the impracticability +of beginning at present the alteration in her way of life she had +projected, and therefore thought it most expedient to assume no +singularity till her independency should enable her to support it with +consistency; yet greater than ever was her internal eagerness to better +satisfy her inclination and her conscience in the disposition of her +time, and the distribution of her wealth, since she had heard the +emphatic charge of her unknown Mentor. + +Mrs Harrel declined accompanying her in this visit, because she had +appointed a surveyor to bring a plan for the inspection of Mr Harrel and +herself, of a small temporary building, to be erected at Violet-Bank, +for the purpose of performing plays in private the ensuing Easter. + +When the street door was opened for her to get into the carriage, she +was struck with the appearance of an elderly woman who was standing at +some distance, and seemed shivering with cold, and who, as she descended +the steps, joined her hands in an act of supplication, and advanced +nearer to the carriage. + +Cecilia stopt to look at her: her dress, though parsimonious, was too +neat for a beggar, and she considered a moment what she could offer her. +The poor woman continued to move forward, but with a slowness of pace +that indicated extreme weakness; and, as she approached and raised +her head, she exhibited a countenance so wretched, and a complexion so +sickly, that Cecilia was impressed with horror at the sight. + +With her hands still joined, and a voice that seemed fearful of its own +sound, “Oh madam,” she cried, “that you would but hear me!” + +“Hear you!” repeated Cecilia, hastily feeling for her purse; “most +certainly, and tell me how I shall assist you.” + +“Heaven bless you for speaking so kindly, madam!” cried the woman, with +a voice more assured; “I was sadly afraid you would be angry, but I saw +the carriage at the door, and I thought I would try; for I could be no +worse; and distress, madam, makes very bold.” + +“Angry!” said Cecilia, taking a crown from her purse; “no, indeed!--who +could see such wretchedness, and feel any thing but pity?” + +“Oh madam,” returned the poor woman, “I could almost cry to hear you +talk so, though I never thought to cry again, since I left it off for my +poor Billy!” + +“Have you, then, lost a son?” + +“Yes, madam; but he was a great deal too good to live, so I have quite +left off grieving for him now.” + +“Come in, good woman,” said Cecilia, “it is too cold to stand here, and +you seem half-starved already: come in, and let me have some talk with +you.” + +She then gave orders that the carriage should be driven round the square +till she was ready, and making the woman follow her into a parlour, +desired to know what she should do for her; changing, while she spoke, +from a movement of encreasing compassion, the crown which she held in +her hand for double that sum. + +“You can do everything, madam,” she answered, “if you will but plead for +us to his honour: he little thinks of our distress, because he has been +afflicted with none himself, and I would not be so troublesome to him, +but indeed, indeed, madam, we are quite pinched for want!” + +Cecilia, struck with the words, _he little thinks of our distress, +because he has been afflicted with none himself_, felt again ashamed +of the smallness of her intended donation, and taking from her purse +another half guinea, said, “Will this assist you? Will a guinea be +sufficient to you for the present?” + +“I humbly thank you, madam,” said the woman, curtsying low, “shall I +give you a receipt?” + +“A receipt?” cried Cecilia, with emotion, “for what? Alas, our accounts +are by no means balanced! but I shall do more for you if I find you as +deserving an object as you seem to be.” + +“You are very good, madam; but I only meant a receipt in part of +payment.” + +“Payment for what? I don't understand you.” + +“Did his honour never tell you, madam, of our account?” + +“What account?” + +“Our bill, madam, for work done to the new Temple at Violet-Bank: it was +the last great work my poor husband was able to do, for it was there he +met with his misfortune.” + +“What bill? What misfortune?” cried Cecilia; “what had your husband to +do at Violet-Bank?” + +“He was the carpenter, madam. I thought you might have seen poor Hill +the carpenter there.” + +“No, I never was there myself. Perhaps you mistake me for Mrs Harrel.” + +“Why, sure, madam, a'n't you his honour's lady?” + +“No. But tell me, what is this bill?” + +“'Tis a bill, madam, for very hard work, for work, madam, which I am +sure will cost my husband his life; and though I have been after his +honour night and day to get it, and sent him letters and petitions +with an account of our misfortunes, I have never received so much as +a shilling! and now the servants won't even let me wait in the hall to +speak to him. Oh, madam! you who seem so good, plead to his honour in +our behalf! tell him my poor husband cannot live! tell him my children +are starving! and tell him my poor Billy, that used to help to keep +us, is dead, and that all the work I can do by myself is not enough to +maintain us!” + +“Good heaven!” cried Cecilia, extremely moved, “is it then your own +money for which you sue thus humbly?” + +“Yes, madam, for my own just and honest money, as his honour knows, and +will tell you himself.” + +“Impossible!” cried Cecilia, “he cannot know it; but I will take care he +shall soon be informed of it. How much is the bill?” + +“Two-and-twenty pounds, madam.” + +“What, no more?” + +“Ah, madam, you gentlefolks little think how much that is to poor +people! A hard working family, like mine, madam, with the help of 20 +pounds will go on for a long while quite in paradise.” + +“Poor worthy woman!” cried Cecilia, whose eyes were filled with tears of +compassion, “if 20 pounds will place you in paradise, and that 20 +pounds only your just right, it is hard, indeed, that you should be kept +without it; especially when your debtors are too affluent to miss it. +Stay here a few moments, and I will bring you the money immediately.” + +Away she flew, and returned to the breakfast room, but found there only +Mr Arnott, who told her that Mr Harrel was in the library, with his +sister and some gentlemen. Cecilia briefly related her business, and +begged he would inform Mr Harrel she wished to speak to him directly. Mr +Arnott shook his head, but obeyed. + +They returned together, and immediately. + +“Miss Beverley,” cried Mr Harrel, gaily, “I am glad you are not gone, +for we want much to consult with you. Will you come up stairs?” + +“Presently,” answered she; “but first I must speak to you about a poor +woman with whom I have accidentally been talking, who has begged me +to intercede with you to pay a little debt that she thinks you have +forgotten, but that probably you have never heard mentioned.” + +“A debt?” cried he, with an immediate change of countenance, “to whom?” + +“Her name, I think, is Hill; she is wife to the carpenter you employed +about a new temple at Violet-Bank.” + +“O, what--what, that woman?--Well, well, I'll see she shall be paid. +Come, let us go to the library.” + +“What, with my commission so ill executed? I promised to petition for +her to have the money directly.” + +“Pho, pho, there's no such hurry; I don't know what I have done with her +bill.” + +“I'll run and get another.” + +“O upon no account! She may send another in two or three days. She +deserves to wait a twelvemonth for her impertinence in troubling you at +all about it.” + +“That was entirely accidental: but indeed you must give me leave to +perform my promise and plead for her. It must be almost the same to you +whether you pay such a trifle as 20 pounds now or a month hence, and to +this poor woman the difference seems little short of life or death, for +she tells me her husband is dying, and her children are half-famished; +and though she looks an object of the cruellest want and distress +herself, she appears to be their only support.” + +“O,” cried Mr Harrel, laughing, “what a dismal tale has she been telling +you! no doubt she saw you were fresh from the country! But if you give +credit to all the farragos of these trumpery impostors, you will never +have a moment to yourself, nor a guinea in your purse.” + +“This woman,”' answered Cecilia, “cannot be an impostor, she carries +marks but too evident and too dreadful in her countenance of the +sufferings which she relates.” + +“O,” returned he, “when you know the town better you will soon see +through tricks of this sort; a sick husband and five small children are +complaints so stale now, that they serve no other purpose in the world +but to make a joke.” + +“Those, however, who can laugh at them must have notions of merriment +very different to mine. And this poor woman, whose cause I have ventured +to undertake, had she no family at all, must still and indisputably be +an object of pity herself, for she is so weak she can hardly crawl, and +so pallid that she seems already half dead.” + +“All imposition, depend upon it! The moment she is out of your sight her +complaints will vanish.” + +“Nay, sir,” cried Cecilia, a little impatiently, “there is no reason to +suspect such deceit, since she does not come hither as a beggar, however +well the state of beggary may accord with her poverty: she only solicits +the payment of a bill, and if in that there is any fraud, nothing can be +so easy as detection.” + +Mr Harrel bit his lips at this speech, and for some instants looked much +disturbed; but soon recovering himself, he negligently said, “Pray, how +did she get at you?” + +“I met her at the street door. But tell me, is not her bill a just one?” + +“I cannot say; I have never had time to look at it.” + +“But you know who the woman is, and that her husband worked for you, and +therefore that in all probability it is right,--do you not?” + +“Yes, yes, I know who the woman is well enough; she has taken care of +that, for she has pestered me every day these nine months.” + +Cecilia was struck dumb by this speech: hitherto she had supposed that +the dissipation of his life kept him ignorant of his own injustice; +but when she found he was so well informed of it, yet, with such total +indifference, could suffer a poor woman to claim a just debt every day +for nine months together, she was shocked and astonished beyond measure. +They were both some time silent, and then Mr Harrel, yawning and +stretching out his arms, indolently asked, “Pray, why does not the man +come himself?” + +“Did I not tell you,” answered Cecilia, staring at so absent a question, +“that he was very ill, and unable even to work?” + +“Well, when he is better,” added he, moving towards the door, “he may +call, and I will talk to him.” + +Cecilia, all amazement at this unfeeling behaviour, turned involuntarily +to Mr Arnott, with a countenance that appealed for his assistance; but +Mr Arnott hung his head, ashamed to meet her eyes, and abruptly left the +room. + +Meantime Mr Harrel, half-turning back, though without looking Cecilia in +the face, carelessly said, “Well, won't you come?” + +“No, sir,” answered she, coldly. + +He then returned to the library, leaving her equally displeased, +surprised, and disconcerted at the conversation which had just passed +between them. “Good heaven,” cried she to herself, “what strange, what +cruel insensibility! to suffer a wretched family to starve, from an +obstinate determination to assert that they can live! to distress the +poor by retaining the recompense for which alone they labour, and +which at last they must have, merely from indolence, forgetfulness, or +insolence! Oh how little did my uncle know, how little did I imagine to +what a guardian I was entrusted!” She now felt ashamed even to return to +the poor woman, though she resolved to do all in her power to soften her +disappointment and relieve her distress. + +But before she had quitted the room one of the servants came to tell her +that his master begged the honor of her company up stairs. “Perhaps he +relents!” thought she; and pleased with the hope, readily obeyed the +summons. + +She found him, his lady, Sir Robert Floyer, and two other gentlemen, all +earnestly engaged in an argument over a large table, which was covered +with plans and elevations of small buildings. + +Mr Harrel immediately addressed her with an air of vivacity, and said, +“You are very good for coming; we can settle nothing without your +advice: pray look at these different plans for our theatre, and tell us +which is the best.” + +Cecilia advanced not a step: the sight of plans for new edifices when +the workmen were yet unpaid for old ones; the cruel wantonness of +raising fresh fabrics of expensive luxury, while those so lately built +had brought their neglected labourers to ruin, excited an indignation +she scarce thought right to repress: while the easy sprightliness of +the director of these revels, to whom but the moment before she had +represented the oppression of which they made him guilty, filled her +with aversion and disgust: and, recollecting the charge given her by the +stranger at the Opera rehearsal, she resolved to speed her departure +to another house, internally repeating, “Yes, I _will_ save myself from +_the impending destruction of unfeeling prosperity_!” + +Mrs Harrel, surprised at her silence and extreme gravity, enquired if +she was not well, and why she had put off her visit to Miss Larolles? +And Sir Robert Floyer, turning suddenly to look at her, said, “Do you +begin to feel the London air already?” + +Cecilia endeavoured to recover her serenity, and answer these questions +in her usual manner; but she persisted in declining to give any opinion +at all about the plans, and, after slightly looking at them, left the +room. + +Mr Harrel, who knew better how to account for her behaviour than he +thought proper to declare, saw with concern that she was more seriously +displeased than he had believed an occurrence which he had regarded as +wholly unimportant could have made her: and, therefore, desirous that +she should be appeased, he followed her out of the library, and said, +“Miss Beverley, will to-morrow be soon enough for your _protegee_?” + +“O yes, no doubt!” answered she, most agreeably surprised by the +question. + +“Well, then, will you take the trouble to bid her come to me in the +morning?” + +Delighted at this unexpected commission, she thanked him with smiles for +the office; and as she hastened down stairs to chear the poor expectant +with the welcome intelligence, she framed a thousand excuses for the +part he had hitherto acted, and without any difficulty, persuaded +herself he began to see the faults of his conduct, and to meditate a +reformation. + +She was received by the poor creature she so warmly wished to serve with +a countenance already so much enlivened, that she fancied Mr Harrel had +himself anticipated her intended information: this, however, she found +was not the case, for as soon as she heard his message, she shook her +head, and said, “Ah, madam, his honour always says to-morrow! but I can +better bear to be disappointed now, so I'll grumble no more; for indeed, +madam, I have been blessed enough to-day to comfort me for every thing +in the world, if I could but keep from thinking of poor Billy! I could +bear all the rest, madam, but whenever my other troubles go off, that +comes back to me so much the harder!” + +“There, indeed, I can afford you no relief,” said Cecilia, “but you must +try to think less of him, and more of your husband and children who are +now alive. To-morrow you will receive your money, and that, I hope, will +raise your spirits. And pray let your husband have a physician, to tell +you how to nurse and manage him; I will give you one fee for him now, +and if he should want further advice, don't fear to let me know.” + +Cecilia had again taken out her purse, but Mrs Hill, clasping her hands, +called out, “Oh madam no! I don't come here to fleece such goodness! but +blessed be the hour that brought me here to-day, and if my poor Billy +was alive, he should help me to thank you!” + +She then told her that she was now quite rich, for while she was gone, a +gentleman had come into the room, who had given her five guineas. + +Cecilia, by her description, soon found this gentleman was Mr Arnott, +and a charity so sympathetic with her own, failed not to raise him +greatly in her favour. But as her benevolence was a stranger to that +parade which is only liberal from emulation, when she found more money +not immediately wanted, she put up her purse, and charging Mrs Hill +to enquire for her the next morning when she came to be paid, bid her +hasten back to her sick husband. + +And then, again ordering the carriage to the door, she set off upon her +visit to Miss Larolles, with a heart happy in the good already done, and +happier still in the hope of doing more. + +Miss Larolles was out, and she returned home; for she was too sanguine +in her expectations from Mr Harrel, to have any desire of seeking her +other guardians. The rest of the day she was more than usually civil to +him, with a view to mark her approbation of his good intentions: while +Mr Arnott, gratified by meeting the smiles he so much valued, thought +his five guineas amply repaid, independently of the real pleasure which +he took in doing good. + + + + +CHAPTER x + +A PROVOCATION. + + +The next morning, when breakfast was over, Cecilia waited with much +impatience to hear some tidings of the poor carpenter's wife; but though +Mr Harrel, who had always that meal in his own room, came into his +lady's at his usual hour, to see what was going forward, he did not +mention her name. She therefore went into the hall herself, to enquire +among the servants if Mrs Hill was yet come? + +Yes, they answered, and had seen their master, and was gone. + +She then returned to the breakfast room, where her eagerness to procure +some information detained her, though the entrance of Sir Robert Floyer +made her wish to retire. But she was wholly at a loss whether to impute +to general forgetfulness, or to the failure of performing his promise, +the silence of Mr Harrel upon the subject of her petition. + +In a few minutes they were visited by Mr Morrice, who said he called to +acquaint the ladies that the next morning there was to be a rehearsal of +a very grand new dance at the Opera-House, where, though admission was +difficult, if it was agreeable to them to go, he would undertake to +introduce them. + +Mrs Harrel happened to be engaged, and therefore declined the offer. +He then turned to Cecilia, and said, “Well, ma'am, when did you see our +friend Monckton?” + +“Not since the rehearsal, sir.” + +“He is a mighty agreeable fellow,” he continued, “and his house in the +country is charming. One is as easy at it as at home. Were you ever +there, Sir Robert?” + +“Not I, truly,” replied Sir Robert; “what should I go for?--to see +an old woman with never a tooth in her head sitting at the top of the +table! Faith, I'd go an hundred miles a day for a month never to see +such a sight again.” + +“O but you don't know how well she does the honours,” said Morrice; “and +for my part, except just at meal times, I always contrive to keep out of +her way.” + +“I wonder when she intends to die,” said Mr Harrel. + +“She's been a long time about it,” cried Sir Robert; “but those tough +old cats last for ever. We all thought she was going when Monckton +married her; however, if he had not managed like a driveler, he might +have broke her heart nine years ago.” + +“I am sure I wish he had,” cried Mrs Harrel, “for she's an odious +creature, and used always to make me afraid of her.” + +“But an old woman,” answered Sir Robert, “is a person who has no sense +of decency; if once she takes to living, the devil himself can't get rid +of her.” + +“I dare say,” cried Morrice, “she'll pop off before long in one of those +fits of the asthma. I assure you sometimes you may hear her wheeze a +mile off.” + +“She'll go never the sooner for that,” said Sir Robert, “for I have got +an old aunt of my own, who has been puffing and blowing as if she was +at her last gasp ever since I can remember; and for all that, only +yesterday, when I asked her doctor when she'd give up the ghost, he told +me she might live these dozen years.” + +Cecilia was by no means sorry to have this brutal conversation +interrupted by the entrance of a servant with a letter for her. She was +immediately retiring to read it; but upon the petition of Mr Monckton, +who just then came into the room, she only went to a window. The letter +was as follows: + +_To Miss, at his Honour Squire Harrel's--These:_ + +Honoured Madam,--This with my humble duty. His Honour has given me +nothing. But I would not be troublesome, having wherewithal to wait, so +conclude, Honoured Madam, your dutiful servant to command, till death, +M. HILL. + +The vexation with which Cecilia read this letter was visible to the +whole company; and while Mr Arnott looked at her with a wish of enquiry +he did not dare express, and Mr Monckton, under an appearance of +inattention, concealed the most anxious curiosity, Mr Morrice alone had +courage to interrogate her; and, pertly advancing, said, “He is a happy +man who writ that letter, ma'am, for I am sure you have not read it with +indifference.” + +“Were I the writer,” said Mr Arnott, tenderly, “I am sure I should +reckon myself far otherwise, for Miss Beverley seems to have read it +with uneasiness.” + +“However, I have read it,” answered she, “I assure you it is not from +_any man_.” + +“O pray, Miss Beverley,” cried Sir Robert, coming forward, “are you any +better to-day?” + +“No, sir, for I have not been ill.” + +“A little vapoured, I thought, yesterday; perhaps you want exercise.” + +“I wish the ladies would put themselves under my care,” cried Morrice, +“and take a turn round the park.” + +“I don't doubt you, Sir,” said Mr Monckton, contemptuously, “and, but +for the check of modesty, probably there is not a man here who would not +wish the same.” + +“I could propose a much better scheme than that,” said Sir Robert; “what +if you all walk to Harley Street, and give me your notions of a house I +am about there? what say you, Mrs Harrel?” + +“O, I shall like it vastly.” + +“Done,” cried Mr Harrel; “'tis an excellent motion.” + +“Come then,” said Sir Robert, “let's be off. Miss Beverley, I hope you +have a good warm cloak?” + +“I must beg you to excuse my attending you, sir.” + +Mr Monckton, who had heard this proposal with the utmost dread of its +success, revived at the calm steadiness with which it was declined. Mr +and Mrs Harrel both teized Cecilia to consent; but the haughty Baronet, +evidently more offended than hurt by her refusal, pressed the matter no +further, either with her or the rest of the party, and the scheme was +dropt entirely. + +Mr Monckton failed not to remark this circumstance, which confirmed his +suspicions, that though the proposal seemed made by chance, its design +was nothing else than to obtain Cecilia's opinion concerning his house. +But while this somewhat alarmed him, the unabated insolence of his +carriage, and the confident defiance of his pride, still more surprized +him; and notwithstanding all he observed of Cecilia, seemed to +promise nothing but dislike; he could draw no other inference from his +behaviour, than that if he admired, he also concluded himself sure of +her. + +This was not a pleasant conjecture, however little weight he allowed +to it; and he resolved, by outstaying all the company, to have a few +minutes' private discourse with her upon the subject. + +In about half an hour, Sir Robert and Mr Harrel went out together: +Mr Monckton still persevered in keeping his ground, and tried, though +already weary, to keep up a general conversation; but what moved at once +his wonder and his indignation was the assurance of Morrice, who seemed +not only bent upon staying as long as himself, but determined, by +rattling away, to make his own entertainment. + +At length a servant came in to tell Mrs Harrel that a stranger, who was +waiting in the house-keeper's room, begged to speak with her upon very +particular business. + +“O, I know,” cried she, “'tis that odious John Groot: do pray, brother, +try to get rid of him for me, for he comes to teize me about his bill, +and I never know what to say to him.” + +Mr Arnott went immediately, and Mr Monckton could scarce refrain from +going too, that he might entreat John Groot by no means to be satisfied +without seeing Mrs Harrel herself: John Groot, however, wanted not his +entreaties, as the servant soon returned to summons his lady to the +conference. + +But though Mr Monckton now seemed near the completion of his purpose, +Morrice still remained; his vexation at this circumstance soon grew +intolerable; to see himself upon the point of receiving the recompense +of his perseverance, by the fortunate removal of all the obstacles in +its way, and then to have it held from him by a young fellow he so much +despised, and who had no entrance into the house but through his own +boldness, and no inducement to stay in it but from his own impertinence, +mortified him so insufferably, that it was with difficulty he even +forbore from affronting him. Nor would he have scrupled a moment +desiring him to leave the room, had he not prudently determined to guard +with the utmost sedulity against raising any suspicions of his passion +for Cecilia. + +He arose, however, and was moving towards her, with the intention to +occupy a part of a sofa on which she was seated, when Morrice, who was +standing at the back of it, with a sudden spring which made the whole +room shake, jumpt over, and sunk plump into the vacant place himself, +calling out at the same time, “Come, come, what have you married men to +do with young ladies? I shall seize this post for myself.” + +The rage of Mr Monckton at this feat, and still more at the words +_married men_, almost exceeded endurance; he stopt short, and looking at +him with a fierceness that overpowered his discretion, was bursting out +with, “Sir, you are an---_impudent fellow_,” but checking himself when +he got half way, concluded with, “a very facetious gentleman!” + +Morrice, who wished nothing so little as disobliging Mr Monckton, and +whose behaviour was merely the result of levity and a want of early +education, no sooner perceived his displeasure, than, rising with yet +more agility than he had seated himself, he resumed the obsequiousness +of which an uncommon flow of spirits had robbed him, and guessing no +other subject for his anger than the disturbance he had made, he bowed +almost to the ground, first to him, and afterwards to Cecilia, most +respectfully begging pardon of them both for his frolic, and protesting +he had no notion he should have made such a noise! + +Mrs Harrel and Mr Arnott, now hastening back, enquired what had been the +matter? Morrice, ashamed of his exploit, and frightened by the looks of +Mr Monckton, made an apology with the utmost humility, and hurried away: +and Mr Monckton, hopeless of any better fortune, soon did the same, +gnawn with a cruel discontent which he did not dare avow, and longing to +revenge himself upon Morrice, even by personal chastisement. + + + + +CHAPTER xi + +A NARRATION. + + +The moment Cecilia was at liberty, she sent her own servant to examine +into the real situation of the carpenter and his family, and to desire +his wife would call upon her as soon as she was at leisure. The account +which he brought back encreased her concern for the injuries of these +poor people, and determined her not to rest satisfied till she saw them +redressed. He informed her that they lived in a small lodging up two +pair of stairs; that there were five children, all girls, the +three eldest of whom were hard at work with their mother in matting +chair-bottoms, and the fourth, though a mere child, was nursing the +youngest; while the poor carpenter himself was confined to his bed, in +consequence of a fall from a ladder while working at Violet-Bank, by +which he was covered with wounds and contusions, and an object of misery +and pain. + +As soon as Mrs Hill came, Cecilia sent for her into her own room, where +she received her with the most compassionate tenderness, and desired to +know when Mr Harrel talked of paying her? + +“To-morrow, madam,” she answered, shaking her head, “that is always his +honour's speech: but I shall bear it while I can. However, though I dare +not tell his honour, something bad will come of it, if I am not paid +soon.” + +“Do you mean, then, to apply to the law?” + +“I must not tell you, madam; but to be sure we have thought of it many a +sad time and often; but still, while we could rub on, we thought it best +not to make enemies: but, indeed, madam, his honour was so hardhearted +this morning, that if I was not afraid you would be angry, I could not +tell how to bear it; for when I told him I had no help now, for I had +lost my Billy, he had the heart to say, 'So much the better, there's one +the less of you.'” + +“But what,” cried Cecilia, extremely shocked by this unfeeling speech, +“is the reason he gives for disappointing you so often?” + +“He says, madam, that none of the other workmen are paid yet; and that, +to be sure, is very true; but then they can all better afford to wait +than we can, for we were the poorest of all, madam, and have been +misfortunate from the beginning: and his honour would never have +employed us, only he had run up such a bill with Mr Wright, that he +would not undertake any thing more till he was paid. We were told from +the first we should not get our money; but we were willing to hope for +the best, for we had nothing to do, and were hard run, and had never had +the offer of so good a job before; and we had a great family to keep, +and many losses, and so much illness!--Oh madam! if you did but know +what the poor go through!” + +This speech opened to Cecilia a new view of life; that a young man could +appear so gay and happy, yet be guilty of such injustice and inhumanity, +that he could take pride in works which not even money had made his own, +and live with undiminished splendor, when his credit itself began to +fail, seemed to her incongruities so irrational, that hitherto she had +supposed them impossible. + +She then enquired if her husband had yet had any physician? + +“Yes, madam, I humbly thank your goodness,” she answered; “but I am +not the poorer for that, for the gentleman was so kind he would take +nothing.” + +“And does he give you any hopes? what does he say?” + +“He says he must die, madam, but I knew that before.” + +“Poor woman! and what will you do then?” + +“The same, madam, as I did when I lost my Billy, work on the harder!” + +“Good heaven, _how severe a lot_! but tell me, why is it you seem to +love your Billy so much better than the rest of your children?” + +“Because, madam, he was the only boy that ever I had; he was seventeen +years old, madam, and as tall and as pretty a lad! and so good, that he +never cost me a wet eye till I lost him. He worked with his father, and +all the folks used to say he was the better workman of the two.” + +“And what was the occasion of his death?” + +“A consumption, madam, that wasted him quite to nothing: and he was ill +a long time, and cost us a deal of money, for we spared neither for wine +nor any thing that we thought would but comfort him; and we loved him so +we never grudged it. But he died, madam! and if it had not been for very +hard work, the loss of him would quite have broke my heart.” + +“Try, however, to think less of him,” said Cecilia; “and depend upon +my speaking again for you to Mr Harrel. You shall certainly have your +money; take care, therefore, of your own health, and go home and give +comfort to your sick husband.” + +“Oh, madam,” cried the poor woman, tears streaming down her cheeks, “you +don't know how touching it is to hear gentlefolks talk so kindly! And I +have been used to nothing but roughness from his honour! But what I most +fear, madam, is that when my husband is gone, he will be harder to deal +with than ever; for a widow, madam, is always hard to be righted; and I +don't expect to hold out long myself, for sickness and sorrow wear fast: +and then, when we are both gone, who is to help our poor children?” + +“_I_ will!” cried the generous Cecilia; “I am able, and I am willing; +you shall not find all the rich hardhearted, and I will try to make you +some amends for the unkindness you have suffered.” + +The poor woman, overcome by a promise so unexpected, burst into a +passionate fit of tears, and sobbed out her thanks with a violence of +emotion that frightened Cecilia almost as much as it melted her. She +endeavoured, by re-iterated assurances of assistance, to appease her, +and solemnly pledged her own honour that she should certainly be paid +the following Saturday, which was only three days distant. + +Mrs Hill, when a little calmer, dried her eyes, and humbly begging her +to forgive a transport which she could not restrain, most gratefully +thanked her for the engagement into which she had entered, protesting +that she would not be _troublesome to her goodness_ as long as she could +help it; “And I believe,” she continued, “that if his honour will but +pay me time enough for the burial, I can make shift with what I have +till then. But when my poor Billy died, we were sadly off indeed, for we +could not bear but bury him prettily, because it was the last we could +do for him: but we could hardly scrape up enough for it, and yet we all +went without our dinners to help forward, except the little one of all. +But that did not much matter, for we had no great heart for eating.”. + +“I cannot bear this!” cried Cecilia; “you must tell me no more of your +Billy; but go home, and chear your spirits, and do every thing in your +power to save your husband.” + +“I will, madam,” answered the woman, “and his dying prayers shall bless +you! and all my children shall bless you, and every night they shall +pray for you. And oh!”--again bursting into tears, “that Billy was but +alive to pray for you too!” + +Cecilia kindly endeavoured to soothe her, but the poor creature, no +longer able to suppress the violence of her awakened sorrows, cried out, +“I must go, madam, and pray for you at home, for now I have once begun +crying again, I don't know how to have done!” and hurried away. + +Cecilia determined to make once more an effort with Mr Harrel for the +payment of the bill, and if that, in two days, did not succeed, to take +up money for the discharge of it herself, and rest all her security for +reimbursement upon the shame with which such a proceeding must overwhelm +him. Offended, however, by the repulse she had already received from +him, and disgusted by all she had heard of his unfeeling negligence, +she knew not how to address him, and resolved upon applying again to +Mr Arnott, who was already acquainted with the affair, for advice and +assistance. + +Mr Arnott, though extremely gratified that she consulted him, +betrayed by his looks a hopelessness of success, that damped all her +expectations. He promised, however, to speak to Mr Harrel upon the +subject, but the promise was evidently given to oblige the fair +mediatrix, without any hope of advantage to the cause. + +The next morning Mrs Hill again came, and again without payment was +dismissed. + +Mr Arnott then, at the request of Cecilia, followed Mr Harrel into +his room, to enquire into the reason of this breach of promise; they +continued some time together, and when he returned to Cecilia, he told +her, that his brother had assured him he would give orders to Davison, +his gentleman, to let her have the money the next day. + +The pleasure with which she would have heard this intelligence was much +checked by the grave and cold manner in which it was communicated: she +waited, therefore, with more impatience than confidence for the result +of this fresh assurance. + +The next morning, however, was the same as the last; Mrs Hill came, saw +Davison, and was sent away. + +Cecilia, to whom she related her grievances, then flew to Mr Arnott, +and entreated him to enquire at least of Davison why the woman had again +been disappointed. + +Mr Arnott obeyed her, and brought for answer, that Davison had received +no orders from his master. + +“I entreat you then,” cried she, with mingled eagerness and vexation, +“to go, for the last time, to Mr Harrel. I am sorry to impose upon you +an office so disagreeable, but I am sure you compassionate these poor +people, and will serve them now with your interest, as you have already +done with your purse. I only wish to know if there has been any mistake, +or if these delays are merely to sicken me of petitioning.” + +Mr Arnott, with a repugnance to the request which he could as ill +conceal as his admiration of the zealous requester, again forced himself +to follow Mr Harrel. His stay was not long, and Cecilia at his return +perceived that he was hurt and disconcerted. As soon as they were alone +together, she begged to know what had passed? “Nothing,” answered he, +“that will give you any pleasure. When I entreated my brother to come to +the point, he said it was his intention to pay all his workmen together, +for that if he paid any one singly, all the rest would be dissatisfied.” + +“And why,” said Cecilia, “should he not pay them at once? There can be +no more comparison in the value of the money to him and to them, than, +to speak with truth, there is in his and in their right to it.” + +“But, madam, the bills for the new house itself are none of them +settled, and he says that the moment he is known to discharge an account +for the Temple, he shall not have any rest for the clamours it will +raise among the workmen who were employed about the house.” + +“How infinitely strange!” exclaimed Cecilia; “will he not, then, pay +anybody?” + +“Next quarter, he says, he shall pay them all, but, at present, he has a +particular call for his money.” + +Cecilia would not trust herself to make any comments upon such an +avowal, but thanking Mr Arnott for the trouble which he had taken, she +determined, without any further application, to desire Mr Harrel to +advance her 20 pounds the next morning, and satisfy the carpenter +herself, be the risk what it might. + +The following day, therefore, which was the Saturday when payment was +promised, she begged an audience of Mr Harrel; which he immediately +granted; but, before she could make her demand, he said to her, with +an air of the utmost gaiety and good-humour, “Well, Miss Beverley, how +fares it with your _protegee_? I hope, at length, she is contented. But +I must beg you would charge her to keep her own counsel, as otherwise +she will draw me into a scrape I shall not thank her for.” + +“Have you, then, paid her?” cried Cecilia, with much amazement. + +“Yes; I promised you I would, you know.” + +This intelligence equally delighted and astonished her; she repeatedly +thanked him for his attention to her petition, and, eager to communicate +her success to Mr Arnott, she hastened to find him. “Now,” cried she, “I +shall torment you no more with painful commissions; the Hills, at last, +are paid!” + +“From you, madam,” answered he gravely, “no commissions could be +painful.” + +“Well, but,” said Cecilia, somewhat disappointed, “you don't seem glad +of this?” + +“Yes,” answered he, with a forced smile, “I am very glad to see you so.” + +“But how was it brought about? did Mr Harrel relent? or did you attack +him again?” + +The hesitation of his answer convinced her there was some mystery in the +transaction; she began to apprehend she had been deceived, and hastily +quitting the room, sent for Mrs Hill: but the moment the poor woman +appeared, she was satisfied of the contrary, for, almost frantic with +joy and gratitude, she immediately flung herself upon her knees, to +thank her benefactress for having _seen her righted_. + +Cecilia then gave her some general advice, promised to continue her +friend, and offered her assistance in getting her husband into an +hospital; but she told her he had already been in one many months, where +he had been pronounced incurable, and therefore was desirous to spend +his last days in his own lodgings. + +“Well,” said Cecilia, “make them as easy to him as you, can, and come to +me next week, and I will try to put you in a better way of living.” + +She then, still greatly perplexed about Mr Arnott, sought him again, +and, after various questions and conjectures, at length brought him to +confess he had himself lent his brother the sum with which the Hills had +been paid. + +Struck with his generosity, she poured forth thanks and praises so +grateful to his ears, that she soon gave him a recompense which he would +have thought cheaply purchased by half his fortune. + + + + +BOOK II + + +CHAPTER i + +A MAN OF WEALTH + + +The meanness with which Mr Harrel had assumed the credit, as well as +accepted the assistance of Mr Arnott, increased the disgust he had +already excited in Cecilia, and hastened her resolution of quitting his +house; and therefore, without waiting any longer for the advice of Mr +Monckton, she resolved to go instantly to her other guardians, and see +what better prospects their habitations might offer. + +For this purpose she borrowed one of the carriages, and gave orders to +be driven into the city to the house of Mr Briggs. + +She told her name, and was shewn, by a little shabby footboy, into a +parlour. + +Here she waited, with tolerable patience, for half an hour, but then, +imagining the boy had forgotten to tell his master she was in the house, +she thought it expedient to make some enquiry. + +No bell, however, could she find, and therefore she went into the +passage in search of the footboy; but, as she was proceeding to the head +of the kitchen stairs, she was startled by hearing a man's voice from +the upper part of the house exclaiming, in a furious passion, “Dare say +you've filched it for a dish-clout!” + +She called out, however, “Are any of Mr Briggs's servants below?” + +“Anan!” answered the boy, who came to the foot of the stairs, with +a knife in one hand and an old shoe, upon the sole of which he was +sharpening it, in the other, “Does any one call?” + +“Yes,” said Cecilia, “I do; for I could not find the bell.” + +“O, we have no bell in the parlour,” returned the boy, “master always +knocks with his stick.” + +“I am afraid Mr Briggs is too busy to see me, and if so, I will come +another time.” + +“No, ma'am,” said the boy, “master's only looking over his things from +the wash.” + +“Will you tell him, then, that I am waiting?” + +“I has, ma'am; but master misses his shaving-rag, and he says he +won't come to the Mogul till he's found it.” And then he went on with +sharpening his knife. + +This little circumstance was at least sufficient to satisfy Cecilia +that if she fixed her abode with Mr Briggs, she should not have much +uneasiness to fear from the sight of extravagance and profusion. + +She returned to the parlour, and after waiting another half-hour, Mr +Briggs made his appearance. + +Mr Briggs was a short, thick, sturdy man, with very small keen black +eyes, a square face, a dark complexion, and a snub nose. His constant +dress, both in winter and summer, was a snuff-colour suit of clothes, +blue and white speckled worsted stockings, a plain shirt, and a bob wig. +He was seldom without a stick in his hand, which he usually held to his +forehead when not speaking. + +This bob wig, however, to the no small amazement of Cecilia, he now +brought into the room upon the forefinger of his left hand, while, with +his right, he was smoothing the curls; and his head, in defiance of the +coldness of the weather, was bald and uncovered. + +“Well,” cried he, as he entered, “did you think I should not come?” + +“I was very willing, sir, to wait your leisure.” + +“Ay, ay, knew you had not much to do. Been looking for my shaving-rag. +Going out of town; never use such a thing at home, paper does as well. +Warrant Master Harrel never heard of such a thing; ever see him comb his +own wig? Warrant he don't know how! never trust mine out of my hands, +the boy would tear off half the hair; all one to master Harrel, I +suppose. Well, which is the warmer man, that's all? Will he cast an +account with me?” + +Cecilia, at a loss what to say to this singular exordium, began an +apology for not waiting upon him sooner. + +“Ay, ay,” cried he, “always gadding, no getting sight of you. Live +a fine life! A pretty guardian, Master Harrel! and where's t'other? +where's old Don Puffabout?” + +“If you mean Mr Delvile, sir, I have not yet seen him.” + +“Thought so. No matter, as well not. Only tell you he's a German Duke, +or a Spanish Don Ferdinand. Well, you've me! poorly off else. A couple +of ignoramuses! don't know when to buy nor when to sell. No doing +business with either of them. We met once or twice; all to no purpose; +only heard Don Vampus count his old Grandees; how will that get interest +for money? Then comes Master Harrel--twenty bows to a word,--looks at a +watch,--about as big as a sixpence,--poor raw ninny!--a couple of rare +guardians! Well, you've me, I say; mind that!” + +Cecilia was wholly unable to devise any answer to these effusions +of contempt and anger; and therefore his harangue lasted without +interruption, till he had exhausted all his subjects of complaint, and +emptied his mind of ill-will; and then, settling his wig, he drew a +chair near her, and twinkling his little black eyes in her face, his +rage subsided into the most perfect good humour; and, after peering at +her some time with a look of much approbation, he said, with an arch +nod, “Well, my duck, got ever a sweetheart yet?” + +Cecilia laughed, and said “No.” + +“Ah, little rogue, don't believe you! all a fib! better speak out: come, +fit I should know; a'n't you my own ward? to be sure, almost of age, but +not quite, so what's that to me?” + +She then, more seriously, assured him she had no intelligence of that +sort to communicate. + +“Well, when you have, tell, that's all. Warrant sparks enough +hankering. I'll give you some advice Take care of sharpers; don't trust +shoe-buckles, nothing but Bristol stones! tricks in all things. A fine +gentleman sharp as another man. Never give your heart to a gold-topped +cane, nothing but brass gilt over. Cheats everywhere: fleece you in a +year; won't leave you a groat. But one way to be safe,--bring 'em all to +me.” + +Cecilia thanked him for his caution, and promised not to forget his +advice. + +“That's the way,” he continued, “bring 'em to me. Won't be bamboozled. +Know their tricks. Shew 'em the odds on't. Ask for the rent-roll,--see +how they look! stare like stuck pigs! got no such thing.” + +“Certainly, sir, that will be an excellent method of trial.” + +“Ay, ay, know the way! soon find if they are above par. Be sure don't +mind gold waistcoats; nothing but tinsel, all shew and no substance; +better leave the matter to me; take care of you myself; know where to +find one will do.” + +She again thanked him; and, being fully satisfied with this specimen of +his conversation, and unambitious of any further counsel from him, she +arose to depart. + +“Well,” repeated he, nodding at her, with a look of much kindness, +“leave it to me, I say; I'll get you a careful husband, so take no +thought about the matter.” + +Cecilia, half-laughing, begged he would not give himself much trouble, +and assured him she was not in any haste. + +“All the better,” said he, “good girl; no fear for you: look out myself; +warrant I'll find one. Not very easy, neither! hard times! men scarce; +wars and tumults! stocks low! women chargeable!--but don't fear; do our +best; get you off soon.” + +She then returned to her carriage: full of reflection upon the scene in +which she had just been engaged, and upon the strangeness of hastening +from one house to avoid a vice the very want of which seemed to render +another insupportable! but she now found that though luxury was more +baneful in its consequences, it was less disgustful in its progress than +avarice; yet, insuperably averse to both, and almost equally desirous to +fly from the unjust extravagance of Mr Harrel, as from the comfortless +and unnecessary parsimony of Mr Briggs, she proceeded instantly to +St James's Square, convinced that her third guardian, unless exactly +resembling one of the others, must inevitably be preferable to both. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +A MAN OF FAMILY. + + +The house of Mr Delvile was grand and spacious, fitted up not with +modern taste, but with the magnificence of former times; the servants +were all veterans, gorgeous in their liveries, and profoundly respectful +in their manners; every thing had an air of state, but of a state so +gloomy, that while it inspired awe, it repressed pleasure. + +Cecilia sent in her name and was admitted without difficulty, and was +then ushered with great pomp through sundry apartments, and rows of +servants, before she came into the presence of Mr Delvile. + +He received her with an air of haughty affability which, to a spirit +open and liberal as that of Cecilia, could not fail being extremely +offensive; but too much occupied with the care of his own importance +to penetrate into the feelings of another, he attributed the uneasiness +which his reception occasioned to the overawing predominance of superior +rank and consequence. + +He ordered a servant to bring her a chair, while he only half rose +from his own upon her entering into the room; then, waving his hand and +bowing, with a motion that desired her to be seated, he said, “I am very +happy, Miss Beverley, that you have found me alone; you would rarely +have had the same good fortune. At this time of day I am generally in +a crowd. People of large connections have not much leisure in London, +especially if they see a little after their own affairs, and if their +estates, like mine, are dispersed in various parts of the kingdom. +However, I am glad it happened so. And I am glad, too, that you have +done me the favour of calling without waiting till I sent, which I +really would have done as soon as I heard of your arrival, but that the +multiplicity of my engagements allowed me no respite.” + +A display of importance so ostentatious made Cecilia already half repent +her visit, satisfied that the hope in which she had planned it would be +fruitless. + +Mr Delvile, still imputing to embarrassment, an inquietude of +countenance that proceeded merely from disappointment, imagined her +veneration was every moment increasing; and therefore, pitying a +timidity which both gratified and softened him, and equally pleased with +himself for inspiring, and with her for feeling it, he abated more +and more of his greatness, till he became, at length, so infinitely +condescending, with intention to give her courage, that he totally +depressed her with mortification and chagrin. + +After some general inquiries concerning her way of life, he told her +that he hoped she was contented with her situation at the Harrels, +adding, “If you have any thing to complain of, remember to whom you may +appeal.” He then asked if she had seen Mr Briggs? + +“Yes, sir, I am this moment come from his house.” + +“I am sorry for it; his house cannot be a proper one for the reception +of a young lady. When the Dean made application that I would be one of +your guardians, I instantly sent him a refusal, as is my custom upon +all such occasions, which indeed occur to me with a frequency extremely +importunate: but the Dean was a man for whom I had really a regard, and, +therefore, when I found my refusal had affected him, I suffered myself +to be prevailed upon to indulge him, contrary not only to my general +rule, but to my inclination.” + +Here he stopt, as if to receive some compliment, but Cecilia, very +little disposed to pay him any, went no farther than an inclination of +the head. + +“I knew not, however,” he continued, “at the time I was induced to give +my consent, with whom I was to be associated; nor could I have imagined +the Dean so little conversant with the distinctions of the world, as to +disgrace me with inferior coadjutors: but the moment I learnt the +state of the affair, I insisted upon withdrawing both my name and +countenance.” + +Here again he paused; not in expectation of an answer from Cecilia, but +merely to give her time to marvel in what manner he had at last been +melted. + +“The Dean,” he resumed, “was then very ill; my displeasure, I believe, +hurt him. I was sorry for it; he was a worthy man, and had not meant to +offend me; in the end, I accepted his apology, and was even persuaded to +accept the office. You have a right, therefore, to consider yourself as +_personally_ my ward, and though I do not think proper to mix much with +your other guardians, I shall always be ready to serve and advise you, +and much pleased to see you.” + +“You do me honour, sir,” said Cecilia, extremely wearied of such +graciousness, and rising to be gone. + +“Pray sit still,” said he, with a smile; “I have not many engagements +for this morning. You must give me some account how you pass your time. +Are you much out? The Harrels, I am told, live at a great expense. What +is their establishment?” + +“I don't exactly know, sir.” + +“They are decent sort of people, I believe; are they not?” + +“I hope so, sir!” + +“And they have a tolerable acquaintance, I believe: I am told so; for I +know nothing of them.” + +“They have, at least, a very numerous one, sir.” + +“Well, my dear,” said he, taking her hand, “now you have once ventured +to come, don't be apprehensive of repeating your visits. I must +introduce you to Mrs Delvile; I am sure she will be happy to shew you +any kindness. Come, therefore, when you please, and without scruple. I +would call upon you myself, but am fearful of being embarrassed by the +people with whom you live.” + +He then rang his bell, and with the same ceremonies which had attended +her admittance, she was conducted back to her carriage. + +And here died away all hope of putting into execution, during her +minority, the plan of which the formation had given her so much +pleasure. She found that her present situation, however wide of her +wishes, was by no means the most disagreeable in which she could be +placed; she was tired, indeed, of dissipation, and shocked at the sight +of unfeeling extravagance; but notwithstanding the houses of each of her +other guardians were exempt from these particular vices, she saw not any +prospect of happiness with either of them; vulgarity seemed leagued with +avarice to drive her from the mansion of Mr Briggs, and haughtiness with +ostentation to exclude her from that of Mr Delvile. + +She came back, therefore, to Portman Square, disappointed in her hopes, +and sick both of those whom she quitted and of those to whom she +was returning; but in going to her own apartment Mrs Harrel, eagerly +stopping her, begged she would come into the drawing-room, where she +promised her a most agreeable surprise. + +Cecilia, for an instant, imagined that some old acquaintance was just +arrived out of the country; but, upon her entrance, she saw only Mr +Harrel and some workmen, and found that the agreeable surprise was to +proceed from the sight of an elegant Awning, prepared for one of the +inner apartments, to be fixed over a long desert-table, which was to be +ornamented with various devices of cut glass. + +“Did you ever see any thing so beautiful in your life?” cried Mrs +Harrel; “and when the table is covered with the coloured ices and those +sort of things, it will be as beautiful again. We shall have it ready +for Tuesday se'nnight. + +“I understood you were engaged to go to the Masquerade?” + +“So we shall; only we intend to see masks at home first.” + +“I have some thoughts,” said Mr Harrel, leading the way to another small +room, “of running up a flight of steps and a little light gallery here, +and so making a little Orchestra. What would such a thing come to, Mr +Tomkins?” + +“O, a trifle, sir,” answered Mr Tomkins, “a mere nothing.” + +“Well, then, give orders for it, and let it be done directly. I don't +care how slight it is, but pray let it be very elegant. Won't it be a +great addition, Miss Beverley?” + +“Indeed, sir, I don't think it seems to be very necessary,” said +Cecilia, who wished much to take that moment for reminding him of the +debt he had contracted with Mr Arnott. + +“Lord, Miss Beverley is so grave!” cried Mrs Harrel; “nothing of this +sort gives her any pleasure.” + +“She has indeed,” answered Cecilia, trying to smile, “not much taste for +the pleasure of being always surrounded by workmen.” + +And, as soon as she was able, she retired to her room, feeling, both on +the part of Mr Arnott and the Hills, a resentment at the injustice of +Mr Harrel, which fixed her in the resolution of breaking through that +facility of compliance, which had hitherto confined her disapprobation +to her own breast, and venturing, henceforward, to mark the opinion +she entertained of his conduct by consulting nothing but reason and +principle in her own. + +Her first effort towards this change was made immediately, in begging +to be excused from accompanying Mrs Harrel to a large card assembly that +evening. + +Mrs Harrel, extremely surprised, asked a thousand times the reason of +her refusal, imagining it to proceed from some very extraordinary cause; +nor was she, without the utmost difficulty, persuaded at last that she +merely meant to pass one evening by herself. + +But the next day, when the refusal was repeated, she was still more +incredulous; it seemed to her impossible that any one who had the power +to be encircled with company, could by choice spend a second afternoon +alone: and she was so urgent in her request to be entrusted with the +secret, that Cecilia found no way left to appease her, but by frankly +confessing she was weary of eternal visiting, and sick of living always +in a crowd. + +“Suppose, then,” cried she, “I send for Miss Larolles to come and sit +with you?” + +Cecilia, not without laughing, declined this proposal, assuring her that +no such assistant was necessary for her entertainment: yet it was not +till after a long contention that she was able to convince her there +would be no cruelty in leaving her by herself. + +The following day, however, her trouble diminished; for Mrs Harrel, +ceasing to be surprised, thought little more of the matter, and forbore +any earnestness of solicitation: and, from that time, she suffered her +to follow her own humour with very little opposition. Cecilia was much +concerned to find her so unmoved; and not less disappointed at the +indifference of Mr Harrel, who, being seldom of the same parties with +his lady, and seeing her too rarely either to communicate or hear any +domestic occurrences, far from being struck, as she had hoped, with the +new way in which she passed her time, was scarce sensible of the change, +and interfered not upon the subject. + +Sir Robert Floyer, who continued to see her when he dined in Portman +Square, often enquired what she did with herself in an evening; but +never obtaining any satisfactory answer, he concluded her engagements +were with people to whom he was a stranger. + +Poor Mr Arnott felt the cruellest disappointment in being deprived +of the happiness of attending her in her evening's expeditions, when, +whether he conversed with her or not, he was sure of the indulgence of +seeing and hearing her. + +But the greatest sufferer from this new regulation was Mr Monckton, +who, unable any longer to endure the mortifications of which his morning +visits to Portman Square had been productive, determined not to trust +his temper with such provocations in future, but rather to take his +chance of meeting with her elsewhere: for which purpose, he assiduously +frequented all public places, and sought acquaintance with every +family and every person he believed to be known to the Harrels: but his +patience was unrewarded, and his diligence unsuccessful; he met with her +no where, and, while he continued his search, fancied every evil power +was at work to lead him whither he was sure never to find her. + +Meanwhile Cecilia passed her time greatly to her own satisfaction. Her +first care was to assist and comfort the Hills. She went herself to +their lodgings, ordered and paid for whatever the physician prescribed +to the sick man, gave clothes to the children, and money and various +necessaries to the wife. She found that the poor carpenter was not +likely to languish much longer, and therefore, for the present, only +thought of alleviating his sufferings, by procuring him such indulgences +as were authorised by his physician, and enabling his family to abate +so much of their labour as was requisite for obtaining time to nurse +and attend him: but she meant, as soon as the last duties should be paid +him, to assist his survivors in attempting to follow some better and +more profitable business. + +Her next solicitude was to furnish herself with a well-chosen collection +of books: and this employment, which to a lover of literature, young +and ardent in its pursuit, is perhaps the mind's first luxury, proved +a source of entertainment so fertile and delightful that it left her +nothing to wish. + +She confined not her acquisitions to the limits of her present power, +but, as she was laying in a stock for future as well as immediate +advantage, she was restrained by no expence from gratifying her taste +and her inclination. She had now entered the last year of her minority, +and therefore had not any doubt that her guardians would permit her to +take up whatever sum she should require for such a purpose. + +And thus, in the exercise of charity, the search of knowledge, and the +enjoyment of quiet, serenely in innocent philosophy passed the hours of +Cecilia. + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +A MASQUERADE. + + +The first check this tranquillity received was upon the day of the +masquerade, the preparations for which have been already mentioned. +The whole house was then in commotion from various arrangements and +improvements which were planned for almost every apartment that was to +be opened for the reception of masks. Cecilia herself, however little +pleased with the attendant circumstance of wantonly accumulating +unnecessary debts, was not the least animated of the party: she was a +stranger to every diversion of this sort, and from the novelty of the +scene, hoped for uncommon satisfaction. + +At noon Mrs Harrel sent for her to consult upon a new scheme which +occurred to Mr Harrel, of fixing in fantastic forms some coloured lamps +in the drawing-room. + +While they were all discoursing this matter over, one of the servants, +who had two or three times whispered some message to Mr Harrel, and then +retired, said, in a voice not too low to be heard by Cecilia, “Indeed, +Sir, I can't get him away.” + +“He's an insolent scoundrel,” answered Mr Harrel; “however, if I must +speak to him, I must;” and went out of the room. + +Mrs Harrel still continued to exercise her fancy upon this new project, +calling both upon Mr Arnott and Cecilia to admire her taste and +contrivance; till they were all interrupted by the loudness of a voice +from below stairs, which frequently repeated, “Sir, I can wait no +longer! I have been put off till I can be put off no more!” + +Startled by this, Mrs Harrel ceased her employment, and they all stood +still and silent. They then heard Mr Harrel with much softness answer, +“Good Mr Rawlins, have a little patience; I shall receive a large sum of +money to-morrow, or next day, and you may then depend upon being paid.” + +“Sir,” cried the man, “you have so often told me the same, that it goes +just for nothing: I have had a right to it a long time, and I have a +bill to make up that can't be waited for any longer.” + +“Certainly, Mr Rawlins,” replied Mr Harrel, with still increasing +gentleness, “and certainly you shall have it: nobody means to dispute +your right; I only beg you to wait a day, or two days at furthest, and +you may then depend upon being paid. And you shall not be the worse +for obliging me; I will never employ any body else, and I shall have +occasion for you very soon, as I intend to make some alterations at +Violet-Bank that will be very considerable.” + +“Sir,” said the man, still louder, “it is of no use your employing me, +if I can never get my money. All my workmen must be paid whether I am or +no; and so, if I must needs speak to a lawyer, why there's no help for +it.” + +“Did you ever hear any thing so impertinent?” exclaimed Mrs Harrel; “I +am sure Mr Harrel will be very much to blame, if ever he lets that man +do any thing more for him.” + +Just then Mr Harrel appeared, and, with an air of affected unconcern, +said, “Here's the most insolent rascal of a mason below stairs I ever +met with in my life; he has come upon me, quite unexpectedly, with a +bill of 400 pounds, and won't leave the house without the money. Brother +Arnott, I wish you would do me the favour to speak to the fellow, for I +could not bear to stay with him any longer.” + +“Do you wish me to give him a draft for the money upon my own banker?” + +“That would be vastly obliging,” answered Mr Harrel, “and I will give +you my note for it directly. And so we shall get rid of this fellow at +once: and he shall do nothing more for me as long as he lives. I will +run up a new building at Violet-Bank next summer, if only to shew him +what a job he has lost.” + +“Pay the man at once, there's a good brother,” cried Mrs Harrel, “and +let's hear no more of him.” + +The two gentlemen then retired to another room, and Mrs Harrel, after +praising the extreme good-nature of her brother, of whom she was very +fond, and declaring that the mason's impertinence had quite frightened +her, again returned to her plan of new decorations. + +Cecilia, amazed at this indifference to the state of her husband's +affairs, began to think it was her own duty to talk with her upon +the subject: and therefore, after a silence so marked that Mrs Harrel +enquired into its reason, she said, “Will you pardon me, my dear friend, +if I own I am rather surprized to see you continue these preparations?” + +“Lord, why?” + +“Because any fresh unnecessary expences just now, till Mr Harrel +actually receives the money he talks of--” + +“Why, my dear, the expence of such a thing as this is nothing; in Mr +Harrel's affairs I assure you it will not be at all felt. Besides, +he expects money so soon, that it is just the same as if he had it +already.” + +Cecilia, unwilling to be too officious, began then to express her +admiration of the goodness and generosity of Mr Arnott; taking frequent +occasion, in the course of her praise, to insinuate that those only can +be properly liberal, who are just and economical. + +She had prepared no masquerade habit for this evening, as Mrs Harrel, +by whose direction she was guided, informed her it was not necessary +for ladies to be masked at home, and said she should receive her company +herself in a dress which she might wear upon any other occasion. Mr +Harrel, also, and Mr Arnott made not any alteration in their appearance. + +At about eight o'clock the business of the evening began; and before +nine, there were so many masks that Cecilia wished she had herself made +one of the number, as she was far more conspicuous in being almost the +only female in a common dress, than any masquerade habit could have made +her. The novelty of the scene, however, joined to the general air +of gaiety diffused throughout the company, shortly lessened her +embarrassment; and, after being somewhat familiarized to the abruptness +with which the masks approached her, and the freedom with which they +looked at or addressed her, the first confusion of her situation +subsided, and in her curiosity to watch others, she ceased to observe +how much she was watched herself. + +Her expectations of entertainment were not only fulfilled but surpassed; +the variety of dresses, the medley of characters, the quick succession +of figures, and the ludicrous mixture of groups, kept her attention +unwearied: while the conceited efforts at wit, the total thoughtlessness +of consistency, and the ridiculous incongruity of the language with the +appearance, were incitements to surprise and diversion without end. Even +the local cant of, _Do you know me? Who are you?_ and _I know you_; with +the sly pointing of the finger, the arch nod of the head, and the +pert squeak of the voice, though wearisome to those who frequent such +assemblies, were, to her unhackneyed observation, additional subjects of +amusement. + +Soon after nine o'clock, every room was occupied, and the common crowd +of regular masqueraders were dispersed through the various apartments. +Dominos of no character, and fancy dresses of no meaning, made, as is +usual at such meetings, the general herd of the company: for the rest, +the men were Spaniards, chimney-sweepers, Turks, watchmen, conjurers, +and old women; and the ladies, shepherdesses, orange girls, Circassians, +gipseys, haymakers, and sultanas. + +Cecilia had, as yet, escaped any address beyond the customary enquiry +of _Do you know me?_ and a few passing compliments; but when the rooms +filled, and the general crowd gave general courage, she was attacked in +a manner more pointed and singular. + +The very first mask who approached her seemed to have nothing less in +view than preventing the approach of every other: yet had he little +reason to hope favour for himself, as the person he represented, of all +others least alluring to the view, was the devil! He was black from head +to foot, save that two red horns seemed to issue from his forehead; +his face was so completely covered that the sight only of his eyes was +visible, his feet were cloven, and in his right hand he held a wand the +colour of fire. + +Waving this wand as he advanced towards Cecilia, he cleared a +semi-circular space before her chair, thrice with the most profound +reverence bowed to her, thrice turned himself around with sundry +grimaces, and then fiercely planted himself at her side. + +Cecilia was amused by his mummery, but felt no great delight in his +guardianship, and, after a short time, arose, with intention to walk to +another place; but the black gentleman, adroitly moving round her, +held out his wand to obstruct her passage, and therefore, preferring +captivity to resistance, she was again obliged to seat herself. + +An Hotspur, who just then made his appearance, was now strutting boldly +towards her; but the devil, rushing furiously forwards, placed himself +immediately between them. Hotspur, putting his arms a-kimbo with an air +of defiance, gave a loud stamp with his right foot, and then--marched +into another room! + +The victorious devil ostentatiously waved his wand, and returned to his +station. + +Mr Arnott, who had never moved two yards from Cecilia, knowing her too +well to suppose she received any pleasure from being thus distinguished, +modestly advanced to offer his assistance in releasing her from +confinement; but the devil, again describing a circle with his wand, +gave him three such smart raps on the head that his hair was disordered, +and his face covered with powder. A general laugh succeeded, and Mr +Arnott, too diffident to brave raillery, or withstand shame, retired in +confusion. + +The black gentleman seemed now to have all authority in his own hands, +and his wand was brandished with more ferocity than ever, no one again +venturing to invade the domain he thought fit to appropriate for his +own. + +At length, however, a Don Quixote appeared, and every mask in the room +was eager to point out to him the imprisonment of Cecilia. + +This Don Quixote was accoutered with tolerable exactness according to +the description of the admirable Cervantes; his armour was rusty, his +helmet was a barber's basin, his shield, a pewter dish, and his lance, +an old sword fastened to a slim cane. His figure, tall and thin, was +well adapted to the character he represented, and his mask, which +depictured a lean and haggard face, worn with care, yet fiery with crazy +passions, exhibited, with propriety the most striking, the knight of the +doleful countenance. + +The complaints against the devil with which immediately and from all +quarters he was assailed, he heard with the most solemn taciturnity: +after which, making a motion for general silence, he stalked +majestically towards Cecilia, but stopping short of the limits +prescribed by her guard, he kissed his spear in token of allegiance, and +then, slowly dropping upon one knee, began the following address: + +“Most incomparable Princess!--Thus humbly prostrate at the feet of your +divine and ineffable beauty, graciously permit the most pitiful of your +servitors, Don Quixote De la Mancha, from your high and tender grace, to +salute the fair boards which sustain your corporeal machine.” + +Then, bending down his head, he kissed the floor; after which, raising +himself upon his feet, he proceeded in his speech. + +“Report, O most fair and unmatchable virgin! daringly affirmeth that a +certain discourteous person, who calleth himself the devil, even now, +and in thwart of your fair inclinations, keepeth and detaineth your +irradiant frame in hostile thraldom. Suffer then, magnanimous and +undescribable lady! that I, the most groveling of your unworthy vassals, +do sift the fair truth out of this foul sieve, and obsequiously bending +to your divine attractions, conjure your highness veritably to inform +me, if that honourable chair which haply supports your terrestrial +perfections, containeth the inimitable burthen with the free and legal +consent of your celestial spirit?” + +Here he ceased: and Cecilia, who laughed at this characteristic address, +though she had not courage to answer it, again made an effort to quit +her place, but again by the wand of her black persecutor was prevented. + +This little incident was answer sufficient for the valorous knight, who +indignantly exclaimed, + +“Sublime Lady!--I beseech but of your exquisite mercy to refrain +mouldering the clay composition of my unworthy body to impalpable dust, +by the refulgence of those bright stars vulgarly called eyes, till I +have lawfully wreaked my vengeance upon this unobliging caitiff, for his +most disloyal obstruction of your highness's adorable pleasure.” + +Then, bowing low, he turned from her, and thus addressed his intended +antagonist: + +“Uncourtly Miscreant,--The black garment which envellopeth thy most +unpleasant person, seemeth even of the most ravishing whiteness, in +compare of the black bile which floateth within thy sable interior. +Behold, then, my gauntlet! yet ere I deign to be the instrument of thy +extirpation, O thou most mean and ignoble enemy! that the honour of Don +Quixote De la Mancha may not be sullied by thy extinction, I do here +confer upon thee the honour of knighthood, dubbing thee, by my own +sword, Don Devil, knight of the horrible physiognomy.” + +He then attempted to strike his shoulder with his spear, but the black +gentleman, adroitly eluding the blow, defended himself with his wand: a +mock fight ensued, conducted on both sides with admirable dexterity; but +Cecilia, less eager to view it than to become again a free agent, made +her escape into another apartment; while the rest of the ladies, though +they almost all screamed, jumped upon chairs and sofas to peep at the +combat. + +In conclusion, the wand of the knight of the horrible physiognomy was +broken against the shield of the knight of the doleful countenance; +upon which Don Quixote called out _victoria_! the whole room echoed +the sound; the unfortunate new knight retired abruptly into another +apartment, and the conquering Don, seizing the fragments of the weapon +of his vanquished enemy went out in search of the lady for whose +releasement he had fought: and the moment he found her, prostrating both +himself and the trophies at her feet, he again pressed the floor with +his lips, and then, slowly arising, repeated his reverences with added +formality, and, without waiting her acknowledgments, gravely retired. + +The moment he departed a Minerva, not stately nor austere, not marching +in warlike majesty, but gay and airy, + + “Tripping on light fantastic toe,” + +ran up to Cecilia, and squeaked out, “Do you know me?” + +“Not,” answered she, instantly recollecting Miss Larolles, “by your +_appearance_, I own! but by your _voice_, I think I can guess you.” + +“I was monstrous sorry,” returned the goddess, without understanding +this distinction, “that I was not at home when you called upon me. Pray, +how do you like my dress? I assure you I think it's the prettiest here. +But do you know there's the most shocking thing in the world happened in +the next room! I really believe there's a common chimney-sweeper got +in! I assure you it's enough to frighten one to death, for every time he +moves the soot smells so you can't think; quite real soot, I assure you! +only conceive how nasty! I declare I wish with all my heart it would +suffocate him!” + +Here she was interrupted by the re-appearance of _Don Devil_; who, +looking around him, and perceiving that his antagonist was gone, again +advanced to Cecilia: not, however, with the authority of his first +approach, for with his wand he had lost much of his power; but to +recompense himself for this disgrace, he had recourse to another method +equally effectual for keeping his prey to himself, for he began a +growling, so dismal and disagreeable, that while many of the ladies, +and, among the first, the _Goddess of Wisdom and Courage_, ran away to +avoid him, the men all stood aloof to watch what next was to follow. + +Cecilia now became seriously uneasy; for she was made an object of +general attention, yet could neither speak nor be spoken to. She could +suggest no motive for behaviour so whimsical, though she imagined the +only person who could have the assurance to practise it was Sir Robert +Floyer. + +After some time spent thus disagreeably, a white domino, who for a few +minutes had been a very attentive spectator, suddenly came forward, +and exclaiming, “_I'll cross him though he blast me!_” rushed upon the +fiend, and grasping one of his horns, called out to a Harlequin who +stood near him, “Harlequin! do you fear to fight the devil?” + +“Not I truly!” answered Harlequin, whose voice immediately betrayed +young Morrice, and who, issuing from the crowd, whirled himself round +before the black gentleman with yet more agility than he had himself +done before Cecilia, giving him, from time to time, many smart blows on +his shoulders, head, and back, with his wooden sword. + +The rage of _Don Devil_ at this attack seemed somewhat beyond what a +masquerade character rendered necessary; he foamed at the mouth with +resentment, and defended himself with so much vehemence, that he soon +drove poor Harlequin into another room: but, when he would have returned +to his prey, the genius of pantomime, curbed, but not subdued, at +the instigation of the white domino, returned to the charge, and by +a perpetual rotation of attack and retreat, kept him in constant +employment, pursuing him from room to room, and teazing him without +cessation or mercy. + +Mean time Cecilia, delighted at being released, hurried into a corner, +where she hoped to breathe and look on in quiet; and the white domino +having exhorted Harlequin to torment the tormentor, and keep him at bay, +followed her with congratulations upon her recovered freedom. + +“It is you,” answered she, “I ought to thank for it, which indeed I do +most heartily. I was so tired of confinement, that my mind seemed almost +as little at liberty as my person.” + +“Your persecutor, I presume,” said the domino, “is known to you.” + +“I hope so,” answered she, “because there is one man I suspect, and I +should be sorry to find there was another equally disagreeable.” + +“O, depend upon it,” cried he, “there are many who would be happy +to confine you in the same manner; neither have you much cause for +complaint; you have, doubtless, been the aggressor, and played this +game yourself without mercy, for I read in your face the captivity of +thousands: have you, then, any right to be offended at the spirit of +retaliation which one, out of such numbers has courage to exert in +return?” + +“I protest,” cried Cecilia, “I took you for my defender! whence is it +you are become my accuser?” + +“From seeing the danger to which my incautious knight-errantry has +exposed me; I begin, indeed, to take you for a very mischievous sort of +person, and I fear the poor devil from whom I rescued you will be amply +revenged for his disgrace, by finding that the first use you make of +your freedom is to doom your deliverer to bondage.” + +Here they were disturbed by the extreme loquacity of two opposite +parties: and listening attentively, they heard from one side, “My +angel! fairest of creatures! goddess of my heart!” uttered in accents +of rapture; while from the other, the vociferation was so violent they +could distinctly hear nothing. + +The white domino satisfied his curiosity by going to both parties; and +then, returning to Cecilia, said, “Can you conjecture who was making +those soft speeches? a Shylock! his knife all the while in his hand, and +his design, doubtless, to _cut as near the heart as possible!_ while the +loud cackling from the other side is owing to the riotous merriment of a +noisy Mentor! when next I hear a disturbance, I shall expect to see some +simpering Pythagoras stunned by his talkative disciples.” + +“To own the truth,” said Cecilia, “the almost universal neglect of the +characters assumed by these masquers has been the chief source of my +entertainment this evening: for at a place of this sort, the next +best thing to a character well supported is a character ridiculously +burlesqued.” + +“You cannot, then, have wanted amusement,” returned the domino, “for +among all the persons assembled in these apartments, I have seen only +three who have seemed conscious that any change but that of dress was +necessary to disguise them.” + +“And pray who are those?” + +“A Don Quixote, a schoolmaster, and your friend the devil.” + +“O, call him not my friend,” exclaimed Cecilia, “for indeed in or out of +that garb he is particularly my aversion.” + +“_My_ friend, then, I will call him,” said the domino, “for so, were +he ten devils, I must think him, since I owe to him the honour of +conversing with you. And, after all, to give him his due, to which, you +know, he is even proverbially entitled, he has shewn such abilities in +the performance of his part, so much skill in the display of malice, and +so much perseverance in the art of tormenting, that I cannot but respect +his ingenuity and capacity. And, indeed, if instead of an evil genius, +he had represented a guardian angel, he could not have shewn a more +refined taste in his choice of an object to hover about.” + +Just then they were approached by a young haymaker, to whom the white +domino called out, “You look as gay and as brisk as if fresh from the +hay-field after only half a day's work. Pray, how is it you pretty +lasses find employment for the winter?” + +“How?” cried she, pertly, “why, the same as for the summer!” And pleased +with her own readiness at repartee, without feeling the ignorance it +betrayed, she tript lightly on. + +Immediately after the schoolmaster mentioned by the white domino +advanced to Cecilia. His dress was merely a long wrapping gown of green +stuff, a pair of red slippers, and a woollen night-cap of the same +colour; while, as the symbol of his profession, he held a rod in his +hand. + +“Ah, fair lady,” he cried, “how soothing were it to the austerity of my +life, how softening to the rigidity of my manners, might I--without a +_breaking out of bounds_, which I ought to be the first to discourage, +and a “confusion to all order” for which the school-boy should himself +chastise his master--be permitted to cast at your feet this emblem of my +authority! and to forget, in the softness of your conversation, all the +roughness of discipline!” + +“No, no,” cried Cecilia, “I will not be answerable for such corruption +of taste!” + +“This repulse,” answered he, “is just what I feared; for alas! under +what pretence could a poor miserable country pedagogue presume to +approach you? Should I examine you in the dead languages, would not your +living accents charm from me all power of reproof? Could I look at you, +and hear a false concord? Should I doom you to water-gruel as a dunce, +would not my subsequent remorse make me want it myself as a madman? Were +your fair hand spread out to me for correction, should I help applying +my lips to it, instead of my rat-tan? If I ordered you to be _called +up_, should I ever remember to have you sent back? And if I commanded +you to stand in a corner, how should I forbear following you thither +myself?” + +Cecilia, who had no difficulty in knowing this pretended schoolmaster +for Mr Gosport, was readily beginning to propose conditions for +according him her favour, when their ears were assailed by a forced +phthisical cough, which they found proceeded from an apparent old woman, +who was a young man in disguise, and whose hobbling gait, grunting +voice, and most grievous asthmatic complaints, seemed greatly enjoyed +and applauded by the company. + +“How true is it, yet how inconsistent,” cried the white domino, “that +while we all desire to live long, we have all a horror of being old! The +figure now passing is not meant to ridicule any particular person, nor +to stigmatize any particular absurdity; its sole view is to expose to +contempt and derision the general and natural infirmities of age! and +the design is not more disgusting than impolitic; for why, while so +carefully we guard from all approaches of death, should we close the +only avenues to happiness in long life, respect and tenderness?” + +Cecilia, delighted both by the understanding and humanity of her new +acquaintance, and pleased at being joined by Mr Gosport, was beginning +to be perfectly satisfied with her situation, when, creeping softly +towards her, she again perceived the black gentleman. + +“Ah!” cried she, with some vexation, “here comes my old tormentor! +screen me from him if possible, or he will again make me his prisoner.” + +“Fear not,” cried the white domino, “he is an evil spirit, and we will +surely lay him. If one spell fails, we must try another.” + +Cecilia then perceiving Mr Arnott, begged he would also assist in +barricading her from the fiend who so obstinately pursued her. + +Mr Arnott most gratefully acceded to the proposal; and the white domino, +who acted as commanding officer, assigned to each his station: +he desired Cecilia would keep quietly to her seat, appointed the +schoolmaster to be her guard on the left, took possession himself of the +opposite post, and ordered Mr Arnott to stand centinel in front. + +This arrangement being settled, the guards of the right and left wings +instantly secured their places; but while Mr Arnott was considering +whether it were better to face the besieged or the enemy, the arch-foe +rushed suddenly before him, and laid himself down at the feet of +Cecilia! + +Mr Arnott, extremely disconcerted, began a serious expostulation upon +the ill-breeding of this behaviour; but the devil, resting all excuse +upon supporting his character, only answered by growling. + +The white domino seemed to hesitate for a moment in what manner to +conduct himself, and with a quickness that marked his chagrin, said to +Cecilia, “You told me you knew him,--has he any right to follow you?” + +“If he thinks he has,” answered she, a little alarmed by his question, +“this is no time to dispute it.” + +And then, to avoid any hazard of altercation, she discreetly forbore +making further complaints, preferring any persecution to seriously +remonstrating with a man of so much insolence as the Baronet. + +The schoolmaster, laughing at the whole transaction, only said, “And +pray, madam, after playing the devil with all mankind, what right have +you to complain that one man plays the devil with you?” + +“We shall, at least, fortify you,” said the white domino, “from any +other assailant: no three-headed Cerberus could protect you more +effectually: but you will not, therefore, fancy yourself in the lower +regions, for, if I mistake not, the torment of _three guardians_ is +nothing new to you.” + +“And how,” said Cecilia, surprised, “should you know of my three +guardians? I hope I am not quite encompassed with evil spirits!” + +“No,” answered he; “you will find me as inoffensive as the hue of the +domino I wear;----and would I could add as insensible!” + +“This black gentleman,” said the schoolmaster, “who, and very +innocently, I was going to call your _black-guard_, has as noble and +fiend-like a disposition as I remember to have seen; for without even +attempting to take any diversion himself, he seems gratified to his +heart's content in excluding from it the lady he serves.” + +“He does me an honour I could well dispense with,” said Cecilia; “but I +hope he has some secret satisfaction in his situation which pays him for +its apparent inconvenience.” + +Here the black gentleman half-raised himself, and attempted to take +her hand. She started, and with much displeasure drew it back. He then +growled, and again sank prostrate. + +“This is a fiend,” said the schoolmaster, “who to himself sayeth, _Budge +not!_ let his conscience never so often say _budge!_ Well, fair lady, +your fortifications, however, may now be deemed impregnable, since I, +with a flourish of my rod, can keep off the young by recollection of the +past, and since the fiend, with a jut of his foot, may keep off the old +from dread of the future!” + +Here a Turk, richly habited and resplendent with jewels, stalked towards +Cecilia, and, having regarded her some time, called out, “I have been +looking hard about me the whole evening, and, faith, I have seen nothing +handsome before!” + +The moment he opened his mouth, his voice, to her utter astonishment, +betrayed Sir Robert Floyer! “Mercy on me,” cried she aloud, and pointing +to the fiend, “who, then, can this possibly be?” + +“Do you not know?” cried the white domino. + +“I thought I had known with certainty,” answered she, “but I now find I +was mistaken.” + +“He is a happy man,” said the schoolmaster, sarcastically looking at +the Turk, “who has removed your suspicions only by appearing in another +character!” + +“Why, what the deuce, then,” exclaimed the Turk, “have you taken that +black dog there for _me_?” + +Before this question could be answered, an offensive smell of soot, +making everybody look around the room, the chimney-sweeper already +mentioned by Miss Larolles was perceived to enter it. Every way he moved +a passage was cleared for him, as the company, with general disgust, +retreated wherever he advanced. + +He was short, and seemed somewhat incommoded by his dress; he held his +soot-bag over one arm, and his shovel under the other. As soon as he +espied Cecilia, whose situation was such as to prevent her eluding him, +he hooted aloud, and came stumping up to her; “Ah ha,” he cried, “found +at last;” then, throwing down his shovel, he opened the mouth of his +bag, and pointing waggishly to her head, said, “Come, shall I pop +you?--a good place for naughty girls; in, I say, poke in!--cram you up +the chimney.” + +And then he put forth his sooty hands to reach her cap. + +Cecilia, though she instantly knew the dialect of her guardian Mr +Briggs, was not therefore the more willing to be so handled, and started +back to save herself from his touch; the white domino also came forward, +and spread out his arms as a defence to her, while the devil, who was +still before her, again began to growl. + +“Ah ha!” cried the chimney-sweeper, laughing, “so did not know me? Poor +duck! won't hurt you; don't be frightened; nothing but old guardian; all +a joke!” And then, patting her cheek with his dirty hand, and nodding +at her with much kindness, “Pretty dove,” he added, “be of good heart! +shan't be meddled with; come to see after you. Heard of your tricks; +thought I'd catch you!--come o' purpose.--Poor duck! did not know me! +ha! ha!--good joke enough!” + +“What do you mean, you dirty dog,” cried the Turk, “by touching that +lady?” + +“Won't tell!” answered he; “not your business. Got a good right. Who +cares for pearls? Nothing but French beads.” Pointing with a sneer to +his turban. Then, again addressing Cecilia, “Fine doings!” he continued, +“Here's a place! never saw the like before! turn a man's noddle!--All +goings out; no comings in; wax candles in every room; servants thick as +mushrooms! And where's the cash? Who's to pay the piper? Come to more +than a guinea; warrant Master Harrel thinks that nothing!” + +“A guinea?” contemptuously repeated the Turk, “and what do you suppose a +guinea will do?” + +“What? Why, keep a whole family handsome a week;--never spend so much +myself; no, nor half neither.” + +“Why then, how the devil do you live? Do you beg?” + +“Beg? Who should I beg of? You?--Got anything to give? Are warm?” + +“Take the trouble to speak more respectfully, sir!” said the Turk, +haughtily; “I see you are some low fellow, and I shall not put up with +your impudence.” + +“Shall, shall! I say!” answered the chimneysweeper, sturdily; “Hark'ee, +my duck,” chucking Cecilia under the chin, “don't be cajoled, nick that +spark! never mind gold trappings; none of his own; all a take-in; hired +for eighteenpence; not worth a groat. Never set your heart on a fine +outside, nothing within. Bristol stones won't buy stock: only wants to +chouse you.” + +“What do you mean by that, you little old scrub!” cried the imperious +Turk; “would you provoke me to soil my fingers by pulling that beastly +snub nose?” For Mr Briggs had saved himself any actual mask, by merely +blacking his face with soot. + +“Beastly snub nose!” sputtered out the chimneysweeper in much wrath, +“good nose enough; don't want a better; good as another man's. Where's +the harm on't?” + +“How could this blackguard get in?” cried the Turk, “I believe he's a +mere common chimneysweeper out of the streets, for he's all over dirt +and filth. I never saw such a dress at a masquerade before in my life.” + +“All the better,” returned the other; “would not change. What do think +it cost?” + +“Cost? Why, not a crown.” + +“A crown? ha! ha!--a pot o' beer! Little Tom borrowed it; had it of our +own sweep. Said 'twas for himself. I bid him a pint; rascal would not +take less.” + +“Did your late uncle,” said the white domino in a low voice to Cecilia, +“chuse for two of your guardians Mr Harrel and Mr Briggs, to give you an +early lesson upon the opposite errors of profusion and meanness?” + +“My uncle?” cried Cecilia, starting, “were you acquainted with my +uncle?” + +“No,” said he, “for my happiness I knew him not.” + +“You would have owed no loss of happiness to an acquaintance with him,” + said Cecilia, very seriously, “for he was one who dispensed to his +friends nothing but good.” + +“Perhaps so,” said the domino; “but I fear I should have found the good +he dispensed through his niece not quite unmixed with evil!” + +“What's here?” cried the chimney-sweeper, stumbling over the fiend, +“what's this black thing? Don't like it; looks like the devil. You +shan't stay with it; carry you away; take care of you myself.” + +He then offered Cecilia his hand; but the black gentleman, raising +himself upon his knees before her, paid her, in dumb shew, the humblest +devoirs, yet prevented her from removing. + +“Ah ha!” cried the chimney-sweeper, significantly nodding his head, +“smell a rat! a sweetheart in disguise. No bamboozling! it won't do; +a'n't so soon put upon. If you've got any thing to say, tell _me_, +that's the way. Where's the cash? Got ever a _rental_? Are warm? That's +the point; are warm?” + +The fiend, without returning any answer, continued his homage to +Cecilia; at which the enraged chimney-sweeper exclaimed, “Come, come +with me! won't be imposed upon; an old fox,--understand trap!” + +He then again held out his hand, but Cecilia, pointing to the fiend, +answered, “How can I come, sir?” + +“Shew you the way,” cried he, “shovel him off.” And taking his shovel, +he very roughly set about removing him. + +The fiend then began a yell so horrid, that it disturbed the whole +company; but the chimney-sweeper, only saying, “Aye, aye, blacky, growl +away, blacky,--makes no odds,” sturdily continued his work, and, as +the fiend had no chance of resisting so coarse an antagonist without a +serious struggle, he was presently compelled to change his ground. + +“Warm work!” cried the victorious chimney-sweeper, taking off his wig, +and wiping his head with the sleeves of his dress, “pure warm work +this!” + +Cecilia, once again freed from her persecutor, instantly quitted her +place, almost equally desirous to escape the haughty Turk, who was +peculiarly her aversion, and the facetious chimney-sweeper, whose +vicinity, either on account of his dress or his conversation, was by no +means desirable. She was not, however, displeased that the white domino +and the schoolmaster still continued to attend her. + +“Pray, look,” said the white domino, as they entered another apartment, +“at that figure of Hope; is there any in the room half so expressive of +despondency?” + +“The reason, however,” answered the schoolmaster, “is obvious; that +light and beautiful silver anchor upon which she reclines presents an +occasion irresistible for an attitude of elegant dejection; and the +assumed character is always given up where an opportunity offers to +display any beauty, or manifest any perfection in the dear proper +person!” + +“But why,” said Cecilia, “should she assume the character of _Hope_? +Could she not have been equally dejected and equally elegant as Niobe, +or some tragedy queen?” + +“But she does not assume the character,” answered the schoolmaster, “she +does not even think of it: the dress is her object, and that alone fills +up all her ideas. Enquire of almost any body in the room concerning the +persons they seem to represent, and you will find their ignorance more +gross than you can imagine; they have not once thought upon the subject; +accident, or convenience, or caprice has alone directed their choice.” + +A tall and elegant youth now approached them, whose laurels and harp +announced Apollo. The white domino immediately enquired of him if the +noise and turbulence of the company had any chance of being stilled into +silence and rapture by the divine music of the inspired god? + +“No,” answered he, pointing to the room in which was erected the new +gallery, and whence, as he spoke, issued the sound of a _hautboy_, +“there is a flute playing there already.” + +“O for a Midas,” cried the white domino, “to return to this +leather-eared god the disgrace he received from him!” + +They now proceeded to the apartment which had been lately fitted up for +refreshments, and which was so full of company that they entered it +with difficulty. And here they were again joined by Minerva, who, taking +Cecilia's hand, said, “Lord, how glad I am you've got away from that +frightful black mask! I can't conceive who he is; nobody can find out; +it's monstrous odd, but he has not spoke a word all night, and he makes +such a shocking noise when people touch him, that I assure you it's +enough to put one in a fright.” + +“And pray,” cried the schoolmaster, disguising his voice, “how camest +thou to take the helmet of Minerva for a fool's cap?” + +“Lord, I have not,” cried she, innocently, “why, the whole dress is +Minerva's; don't you see?” + +“My dear child,” answered he, “thou couldst as well with that little +figure pass for a Goliath, as with that little wit for a Pallas.” + +Their attention was now drawn from the goddess of wisdom to a mad Edgar, +who so vehemently ran about the room calling out “Poor Tom's a cold!” + that, in a short time, he was obliged to take off his mask, from an +effect, not very delicate, of the heat! + +Soon after, a gentleman desiring some lemonade whose toga spoke the +consular dignity, though his broken English betrayed a native of France, +the schoolmaster followed him, and, with reverence the most profound, +began to address him in Latin; but, turning quick towards him, he +gaily said, “_Monsieur, j'ai l'honneur de representer Ciceron, le grand +Ciceron, pere de sa patrie! mais quoique j'ai cet honneur-la, je ne suit +pas pedant!--mon dieu, Monsieur, je ne parle que le Francois dans la +bonne compagnie_!” And, politely bowing, he went on. + +Just then Cecilia, while looking about the room for Mrs Harrel, found +herself suddenly pinched by the cheek, and hastily turning round, +perceived again her friend the chimney-sweeper, who, laughing, cried, +“Only me! don't be frightened. Have something to tell you;--had no +luck!--got never a husband yet! can't find one! looked all over, too; +sharp as a needle. Not one to be had! all catched up!” + +“I am glad to hear it, sir,” said Cecilia, somewhat vexed by observing +the white domino attentively listening; “and I hope, therefore, you will +give yourself no farther trouble.” + +“Pretty duck!” cried he, chucking her under the chin; “never mind, don't +be cast down; get one at last. Leave it to me. Nothing under a +plum; won't take up with less. Good-by, ducky, good-by! must go home +now,--begin to be nodding.” + +And then, repeating his kind caresses, he walked away. + +“Do you think, then,” said the white domino, “more highly of Mr Briggs +for discernment and taste than of any body?” + +“I hope not!” answered she, “for low indeed should I then think of the +rest of the world!” + +“The commission with which he is charged,” returned the domino, “has +then misled me; I imagined discernment and taste might be necessary +ingredients for making such a choice as your approbation would sanctify: +but perhaps his skill in guarding against any fraud or deduction in the +stipulation he mentioned, may be all that is requisite for the execution +of his trust.” + +“I understand very well,” said Cecilia, a little hurt, “the severity +of your meaning; and if Mr Briggs had any commission but of his own +suggestion, it would fill me with shame and confusion; but as that is +not the case, those at least are sensations which it cannot give me.” + +“My meaning,” cried the domino, with some earnestness, “should I express +it seriously, would but prove to you the respect and admiration with +which you have inspired me, and if indeed, as Mr Briggs hinted, such a +prize is to be purchased by riches, I know not, from what I have seen of +its merit, any sum I should think adequate to its value.” + +“You are determined, I see,” said Cecilia, smiling, “to make most +liberal amends for your asperity.” + +A loud clack of tongues now interrupted their discourse; and the domino, +at the desire of Cecilia, for whom he had procured a seat, went forward +to enquire what was the matter. But scarce had he given up his place +a moment, before, to her great mortification, it was occupied by the +fiend. + +Again, but with the same determined silence he had hitherto preserved, +he made signs of obedience and homage, and her perplexity to conjecture +who he could be, or what were his motives for this persecution, became +the more urgent as they seemed the less likely to be satisfied. But the +fiend, who was no other than Mr Monckton, had every instant less and +less encouragement to make himself known: his plan had in nothing +succeeded, and his provocation at its failure had caused him the +bitterest disappointment; he had intended, in the character of a +tormentor, not only to pursue and hover around her himself, but he had +also hoped, in the same character, to have kept at a distance all other +admirers: but the violence with which he had over-acted his part, by +raising her disgust and the indignation of the company, rendered his +views wholly abortive while the consciousness of an extravagance for +which, if discovered, he could assign no reason not liable to excite +suspicions of his secret motives, reduced him to guarding a painful +and most irksome silence the whole evening. And Cecilia, to whose +unsuspicious mind the idea of Mr Monckton had never occurred, added +continually to the cruelty of his situation, by an undisguised +abhorrence of his assiduity, as well as by a manifest preference to the +attendance of the white domino. All, therefore, that his disappointed +scheme now left in his power, was to watch her motions, listen to her +discourse, and inflict occasionally upon others some part of the chagrin +with which he was tormented himself. + +While they were in this situation, Harlequin, in consequence of being +ridiculed by the Turk for want of agility, offered to jump over the new +desert table, and desired to have a little space cleared to give +room for his motions. It was in vain the people who distributed the +refreshments, and who were placed at the other side of the table, +expostulated upon the danger of the experiment; Morrice had a rage of +enterprise untameable, and, therefore, first taking a run, he attempted +the leap. + +The consequence was such as might naturally be expected; he could not +accomplish his purpose, but, finding himself falling, imprudently caught +hold of the lately erected Awning, and pulled it entirely upon his own +head, and with it the new contrived lights, which, in various forms, +were fixed to it, and which all came down together. + +The mischief and confusion occasioned by this exploit were very +alarming, and almost dangerous; those who were near the table suffered +most by the crush, but splinters of the glass flew yet further; and as +the room, which was small, had been only lighted up by lamps hanging +from the Awning, it was now in total darkness, except close to the door, +which was still illuminated from the adjoining apartments. + +The clamour of Harlequin, who was covered with glass, papier-machee, +lamps and oil, the screams of the ladies, the universal buz of tongues, +and the struggle between the frighted crowd which was enclosed to +get out, and the curious crowd from the other apartments to get in, +occasioned a disturbance and tumult equally noisy and confused. But the +most serious sufferer was the unfortunate fiend, who, being nearer the +table than Cecilia, was so pressed upon by the numbers which poured from +it, that he found a separation unavoidable, and was unable, from the +darkness and the throng, to discover whether she was still in the same +place, or had made her escape into another. + +She had, however, encountered the white domino, and, under his +protection, was safely conveyed to a further part of the room. +Her intention and desire were to quit it immediately, but at the +remonstrance of her conductor, she consented to remain some time longer. +“The conflict at the door,” said he, “will quite overpower you. Stay +here but a few minutes, and both parties will have struggled themselves +tired, and you may then go without difficulty. Meantime, can you not, +by this faint light, suppose me one of your guardians, Mr Briggs, for +example, or, if he is too old for me, Mr Harrel, and entrust yourself to +my care?” + +“You seem wonderfully well acquainted with my guardians,” said Cecilia; +“I cannot imagine how you have had your intelligence.” + +“Nor can I,” answered the domino, “imagine how Mr Briggs became so +particularly your favourite as to be entrusted with powers to dispose of +you.” + +“You are mistaken indeed; he is entrusted with no powers but such as his +own fancy has suggested.” + +“But how has Mr Delvile offended you, that with him only you seem to +have no commerce or communication?” + +“Mr Delvile!” repeated Cecilia, still more surprised, “are you also +acquainted with Mr Delvile?” + +“He is certainly a man of fashion,” continued the domino, “and he +is also a man of honour; surely, then, he would be more pleasant for +confidence and consultation than one whose only notion of happiness +is money, whose only idea of excellence is avarice, and whose +only conception of sense is distrust!” Here a violent outcry again +interrupted their conversation; but not till Cecilia had satisfied her +doubts concerning the white domino, by conjecturing he was Mr Belfield, +who might easily, at the house of Mr Monckton, have gathered the little +circumstances of her situation to which he alluded, and whose size and +figure exactly resembled those of her new acquaintance. + +The author of the former disturbance was now the occasion of the +present: the fiend, having vainly traversed the room in search of +Cecilia, stumbled accidentally upon Harlequin, before he was freed from +the relicks of his own mischief; and unable to resist the temptation +of opportunity and the impulse of revenge, he gave vent to the wrath so +often excited by the blunders, forwardness, and tricks of Morrice, and +inflicted upon him, with his own wooden sword, which he seized for that +purpose, a chastisement the most serious and severe. + +Poor Harlequin, unable to imagine any reason for this violent attack, +and already cut with the glass, and bruised with the fall, spared not +his lungs in making known his disapprobation of such treatment: but the +fiend, regardless either of his complaints or his resistance, forbore +not to belabour him till compelled by the entrance of people with +lights. And then, after artfully playing sundry antics under pretence of +still supporting his character, with a motion too sudden for prevention, +and too rapid for pursuit, he escaped out of the room, and hurrying down +stairs, threw himself into an hackney chair, which conveyed him to a +place where he privately changed his dress before he returned home, +bitterly repenting the experiment he had made, and conscious too late +that, had he appeared in a character he might have avowed, he could, +without impropriety, have attended Cecilia the whole evening. But +such is deservedly the frequent fate of cunning, which, while it plots +surprise and detection of others, commonly overshoots its mark, and ends +in its own disgrace. + +The introduction of the lights now making manifest the confusion which +the frolic of Harlequin had occasioned, he was seized with such a dread +of the resentment of Mr Harrel, that, forgetting blows, bruises, and +wounds, not one of which were so frightful to him as reproof, he made +the last exhibition of his agility by an abrupt and hasty retreat. + +He had, however, no reason for apprehension, since, in every thing that +regarded expence, Mr Harrel had no feeling, and his lady had no thought. + +The rooms now began to empty very fast, but among the few masks +yet remaining, Cecilia again perceived Don Quixote; and while, in +conjunction with the white domino, she was allowing him the praise of +having supported his character with more uniform propriety than any +other person in the assembly, she observed him taking off his mask for +the convenience of drinking some lemonade, and, looking in his face, +found he was no other than Mr Belfield! Much astonished, and more than +ever perplexed, she again turned to the white domino, who, seeing in +her countenance a surprise of which he knew not the reason, said, +half-laughing, “You think, perhaps, I shall never be gone? And indeed +I am almost of the same opinion; but what can I do? Instead of growing +weary by the length of my stay, my reluctance to shorten it increases +with its duration; and all the methods I take, whether by speaking +to you or looking at you, with a view to be satiated, only double my +eagerness for looking and listening again! I must go, however; and if +I am happy, I may perhaps meet with you again,--though, if I am wise, I +shall never seek you more!” + +And then, with the last stragglers that reluctantly disappeared, he made +his exit, leaving Cecilia greatly pleased with his conversation and his +manners, but extremely perplexed to account for his knowledge of her +affairs and situation. + +The schoolmaster had already been gone some time. + +She was now earnestly pressed by the Harrels and Sir Robert, who still +remained, to send to a warehouse for a dress, and accompany them to the +Pantheon; but though she was not without some inclination to comply, +in the hope of further prolonging the entertainment of an evening from +which she had received much pleasure, she disliked the attendance of the +Baronet, and felt averse to grant any request that he could make, and +therefore she begged they would excuse her; and having waited to see +their dresses, which were very superb, she retired to her own apartment. + +A great variety of conjecture upon all that had passed, now, and till +the moment that she sunk to rest, occupied her mind; the extraordinary +persecution of the fiend excited at once her curiosity and amazement, +while the knowledge of her affairs shown by the white domino surprised +her not less, and interested her more. + + + + +CHAPTER iv + +AN AFFRAY. + +The next morning, during breakfast, Cecilia was informed that a +gentleman desired to speak with her. She begged permission of Mrs Harrel +to have him asked upstairs, and was not a little surprized when he +proved to be the same old gentleman whose singular exclamations had so +much struck her at Mr Monckton's, and at the rehearsal of Artaserse. + +Abruptly and with a stern aspect advancing to her, “You are rich,” he +cried; “are you therefore worthless?” + +“I hope not,” answered she, in some consternation; while Mrs Harrel, +believing his intention was to rob them, ran precipitately to the bell, +which she rang without ceasing till two or three servants hastened into +the room; by which time, being less alarmed, she only made signs to them +to stay, and stood quietly herself to wait what would follow. + +The old man, without attending to her, continued his dialogue with +Cecilia. + +“Know you then,” he said, “a blameless use of riches? such a use as +not only in the broad glare of day shall shine resplendent, but in +the darkness of midnight, and stillness of repose, shall give you +reflections unembittered, and slumbers unbroken? tell me, know you this +use?” + +“Not so well, perhaps,” answered she, “as I ought; but I am very willing +to learn better.” + +“Begin, then, while yet youth and inexperience, new to the callousness +of power and affluence, leave something good to work upon: yesterday you +saw the extravagance of luxury and folly; to-day look deeper, and see, +and learn to pity, the misery of disease and penury.” + +He then put into her hand a paper which contained a most affecting +account of the misery to which a poor and wretched family had been +reduced, by sickness and various other misfortunes. + +Cecilia, “open as day to melting charity,” having hastily perused it, +took out her purse, and offering to him three guineas, said, “You must +direct me, sir, what to give if this is insufficient.” + +“Hast thou so much heart?” cried he, with emotion, “and has fortune, +though it has cursed thee with the temptation of prosperity, not yet +rooted from thy mind its native benevolence? I return in part +thy liberal contribution; this,” taking one guinea, “doubles my +expectations; I will not, by making thy charity distress thee, +accelerate the fatal hour of hardness and degeneracy.” + +He was then going; but Cecilia, following him, said “No, take it all! +Who should assist the poor if I will not? Rich, without connections; +powerful, without wants; upon whom have they any claim if not upon me?” + +“True,” cried he, receiving the rest, “and wise as true. Give, +therefore, whilst yet thou hast the heart to give, and make, in thy days +of innocence and kindness, some interest with Heaven and the poor!” + +And then he disappeared. + +“Why, my dear,” cried Mrs Harrel, “what could induce you to give the man +so much money? Don't you see he is crazy? I dare say he would have been +just as well contented with sixpence.” + +“I know not what he is,” said Cecilia, “but his manners are not more +singular than his sentiments are affecting; and if he is actuated by +charity to raise subscriptions for the indigent, he can surely apply to +no one who ought so readily to contribute as myself.” + +Mr Harrel then came in, and his lady most eagerly told him the +transaction. + +“Scandalous!” he exclaimed; “why, this is no better than being a +housebreaker! Pray give orders never to admit him again. Three guineas! +I never heard so impudent a thing in my life! Indeed, Miss Beverley, you +must be more discreet in future, you will else be ruined before you know +where you are.” + +“Thus it is,” said Cecilia, half smiling, “that we can all lecture one +another! to-day you recommend economy to me; yesterday I with difficulty +forbore recommending it to you.” + +“Nay,” answered he, “that was quite another matter; expence incurred in +the common way of a man's living is quite another thing to an extortion +of this sort.” + +“It is another thing indeed,” said she, “but I know not that it is +therefore a better.” + +Mr Harrel made no answer: and Cecilia, privately moralizing upon the +different estimates of expence and economy made by the dissipated and +the charitable, soon retired to her own apartment, determined firmly to +adhere to her lately adopted plan, and hoping, by the assistance of her +new and very singular monitor, to extend her practice of doing good, by +enlarging her knowledge of distress. + +Objects are, however, never wanting for the exercise of benevolence; +report soon published her liberality, and those who wished to believe +it, failed not to enquire into its truth. She was soon at the head of a +little band of pensioners, and, never satisfied with the generosity of +her donations, found in a very short time that the common allowance of +her guardians was scarce adequate to the calls of her munificence. + +And thus, in acts of goodness and charity, passed undisturbed another +week of the life of Cecilia: but when the fervour of self-approbation +lost its novelty, the pleasure with which her new plan was begun first +subsided into tranquillity, and then sunk into languor. To a heart +formed for friendship and affection the charms of solitude are very +short-lived; and though she had sickened of the turbulence of perpetual +company, she now wearied of passing all her time by herself, and sighed +for the comfort of society and the relief of communication. But she saw +with astonishment the difficulty with which this was to be obtained: the +endless succession of diversions, the continual rotation of assemblies, +the numerousness of splendid engagements, of which, while every one +complained, every one was proud to boast, so effectually impeded private +meetings and friendly intercourse, that, whichever way she turned +herself, all commerce seemed impracticable, but such as either led to +dissipation, or accidentally flowed from it. + +Yet, finding the error into which her ardour of reformation had hurried +her, and that a rigid seclusion from company was productive of a +lassitude as little favourable to active virtue as dissipation itself, +she resolved to soften her plan, and by mingling amusement with +benevolence, to try, at least, to approach that golden mean, which, like +the philosopher's stone, always eludes our grasp, yet always invites our +wishes. + +For this purpose she desired to attend Mrs Harrel to the next Opera that +should be represented. + +The following Saturday, therefore, she accompanied that lady and Mrs +Mears to the Haymarket, escorted by Mr Arnott. + +They were very late; the Opera was begun, and even in the lobby the +crowd was so great that their passage was obstructed. Here they were +presently accosted by Miss Larolles, who, running up to Cecilia and +taking her hand, said, “Lord, you can't conceive how glad I am to see +you! why, my dear creature, where have you hid yourself these twenty +ages? You are quite in luck in coming to-night, I assure you; it's +the best Opera we have had this season: there's such a monstrous crowd +there's no stirring. We shan't get in this half hour. The coffee-room is +quite full; only come and see; is it not delightful?” + +This intimation was sufficient for Mrs Harrel, whose love of the Opera +was merely a love of company, fashion, and shew; and therefore to the +coffee-room she readily led the way. + +And here Cecilia found rather the appearance of a brilliant assembly +of ladies and gentlemen, collected merely to see and to entertain +one another, than of distinct and casual parties, mixing solely from +necessity, and waiting only for room to enter a theatre. + +The first person that addressed them was Captain Aresby, who, with his +usual delicate languishment, smiled upon Cecilia, and softly whispering, +“How divinely you look to-night!” proceeded to pay his compliments to +some other ladies. + +“Do, pray, now,” cried Miss Larolles, “observe Mr Meadows! only just +see where he has fixed himself! in the very best place in the room, and +keeping the fire from every body! I do assure you that's always his way, +and it's monstrous provoking, for if one's ever so cold, he lollops so, +that one's quite starved. But you must know there's another thing he +does that is quite as bad, for if he gets a seat, he never offers +to move, if he sees one sinking with fatigue. And besides, if one is +waiting for one's carriage two hours together, he makes it a rule never +to stir a step to see for it. Only think how monstrous!” + +“These are heavy complaints, indeed,” said Cecilia, looking at him +attentively; “I should have expected from his appearance a very +different account of his gallantry, for he seems dressed with more +studied elegance than anybody here.” + +“O yes,” cried Miss Larolles, “he is the sweetest dresser in the world; +he has the most delightful taste you can conceive, nobody has half so +good a fancy. I assure you it's a great thing to be spoke to by him: we +are all of us quite angry when he won't take any notice of us.” + +“Is your anger,” said Cecilia, laughing, “in honour of himself or of his +coat?” + +“Why, Lord, don't you know all this time that he is an _ennuye_? + +“I know, at least,” answered Cecilia, “that he would soon make one of +me.” + +“O, but one is never affronted with an _ennuye_, if he is ever so +provoking, because one always knows what it means.” + +“Is he agreeable?” + +“Why, to tell you the truth,--but pray now, don't mention it,--I think +him most excessive disagreeable! He yawns in one's face every time +one looks at him. I assure you sometimes I expect to see him fall fast +asleep while I am talking to him, for he is so immensely absent he don't +hear one half that one says; only conceive how horrid!” + +“But why, then, do you encourage him? why do you take any notice of +him?” + +“O, every body does, I assure you, else I would not for the world; but +he is so courted you have no idea. However, of all things let me advise +you never to dance with him; I did once myself, and I declare I was +quite distressed to death the whole time, for he was taken with such +a fit of absence he knew nothing he was about, sometimes skipping and +jumping with all the violence in the world, just as if he only danced +for exercise, and sometimes standing quite still, or lolling against +the wainscoat and gaping, and taking no more notice of me than if he had +never seen me in his life!” + +The Captain now, again advancing to Cecilia, said, “So you would not do +us the honour to try the masquerade at the Pantheon? however, I hear +you had a very brilliant spectacle at Mr Harrel's. I was quite _au +desespoir_ that I could not get there. I did _mon possible_, but it was +quite beyond me.” + +“We should have been very happy,” said Mrs Harrel, “to have seen you; I +assure you we had some excellent masks.” + +“So I have heard _partout_, and I am reduced to despair that I could not +have the honour of sliding in. But I was _accable_ with affairs all day. +Nothing could be so mortifying.” + +Cecilia now, growing very impatient to hear the Opera, begged to know if +they might not make a trial to get into the pit? + +“I fear,” said the Captain, smiling as they passed him, without offering +any assistance, “you will find it extreme petrifying; for my part, I +confess I am not upon the principle of crowding.” + +The ladies, however, accompanied by Mr Arnott, made the attempt, and +soon found, according to the custom of report, that the difficulty, for +the pleasure of talking of it, had been considerably exaggerated. They +were separated, indeed, but their accommodation was tolerably good. + +Cecilia was much vexed to find the first act of the Opera almost over; +but she was soon still more dissatisfied when she discovered that she +had no chance of hearing the little which remained: the place she had +happened to find vacant was next to a party of young ladies, who were +so earnestly engaged in their own discourse, that they listened not to a +note of the Opera, and so infinitely diverted with their own witticisms, +that their tittering and loquacity allowed no one in their vicinity +to hear better than themselves. Cecilia tried in vain to confine her +attention to the singers; she was distant from the stage, and to them +she was near, and her fruitless attempts all ended in chagrin and +impatience. + +At length she resolved to make an effort for entertainment in another +way, and since the expectations which brought her to the Opera were +destroyed, to try by listening to her fair neighbours, whether those who +occasioned her disappointment could make her any amends. + +For this purpose she turned to them wholly; yet was at first in no +little perplexity to understand what was going forward, since so +universal was the eagerness for talking, and so insurmountable the +antipathy to listening, that every one seemed to have her wishes bounded +by a continual utterance of words, without waiting for any answer, or +scarce even desiring to be heard. + +But when, somewhat more used to their dialect and manner, she began +better to comprehend their discourse, wretchedly indeed did it supply +to her the loss of the Opera. She heard nothing but descriptions of +trimmings, and complaints of hair-dressers, hints of conquest that +teemed with vanity, and histories of engagements which were inflated +with exultation. + +At the end of the act, by the crowding forward of the gentlemen to +see the dance, Mrs Harrel had an opportunity of making room for her by +herself, and she had then some reason to expect hearing the rest of the +Opera in peace, for the company before her, consisting entirely of young +men, seemed, even during the dance, fearful of speaking, lest their +attention should be drawn for a moment from the stage. + +But to her infinite surprize, no sooner was the second act begun, than +their attention ended! they turned from the performers to each other, +and entered into a whispering but gay conversation, which, though not +loud enough to disturb the audience in general, kept in the ears of +their neighbours a buzzing which interrupted all pleasure from the +representation. Of this effect of their gaiety it seemed uncertain +whether they were conscious, but very evident that they were totally +careless. + +The desperate resource which she had tried during the first act, of +seeking entertainment from the very conversation which prevented her +enjoying it, was not now even in her power: for these gentlemen, though +as negligent as the young ladies had been whom they disturbed, were much +more cautious whom they instructed: their language was ambiguous, and +their terms, to Cecilia, were unintelligible: their subjects, +indeed, required some discretion, being nothing less than a ludicrous +calculation of the age and duration of jointured widows, and of the +chances and expectations of unmarried young ladies. + +But what more even than their talking provoked her, was finding that the +moment the act was over, when she cared not if their vociferation had +been incessant, one of them called out, “Come, be quiet, the dance is +begun;” and then they were again all silent attention! + +In the third act, however, she was more fortunate; the gentlemen again +changed their places, and they were succeeded by others who came to the +Opera not to hear themselves but the performers: and as soon as she was +permitted to listen, the voice of Pacchierotti took from her all desire +to hear any thing but itself. + +During the last dance she was discovered by Sir Robert Floyer, who, +sauntering down fop's alley, stationed himself by her side, and whenever +the _figurante_ relieved the principal dancers, turned his eyes from the +stage to her face, as better worth his notice, and equally destined for +his amusement. + +Mr Monckton, too, who for some time had seen and watched her, now +approached; he had observed with much satisfaction that her whole mind +had been intent upon the performance, yet still the familiarity of Sir +Robert Floyer's admiration disturbed and perplexed him; he determined, +therefore, to make an effort to satisfy his doubts by examining into +his intentions: and, taking him apart, before the dance was quite over, +“Well,” he said, “who is so handsome here as Harrel's ward?” + +“Yes,” answered he, calmly, “she is handsome, but I don't like her +expression.” + +“No? why, what is the fault of it?” + +“Proud, cursed proud. It is not the sort of woman I like. If one says a +civil thing to her, she only wishes one at the devil for one's pains.” + +“O, you have tried her, then, have you? why, you are not, in general, +much given to say civil things.” + +“Yes, you know, I said something of that sort to her once about Juliet, +at the rehearsal. Was not you by?” + +“What, then, was that all? and did you imagine one compliment would do +your business with her?” + +“O, hang it, who ever dreams of complimenting the women now? that's all +at an end.” + +“You won't find she thinks so, though; for, as you well say, her pride +is insufferable, and I, who have long known her, can assure you it does +not diminish upon intimacy.” + +“Perhaps not,--but there's very pretty picking in 3000 pounds per annum! +one would not think much of a little encumbrance upon such an estate.” + +“Are you quite sure the estate is so considerable? Report is mightily +given to magnify.” + +“O, I have pretty good intelligence: though, after all, I don't know but +I may be off; she'll take a confounded deal of time and trouble.” + +Monckton, too much a man of interest and of the world to cherish +that delicacy which covets universal admiration for the object of +its fondness, then artfully enlarged upon the obstacles he already +apprehended, and insinuated such others as he believed would be +most likely to intimidate him. But his subtlety was lost upon the +impenetrable Baronet, who possessed that hard insensibility which +obstinately pursues its own course, deaf to what is said, and +indifferent to what is thought. + +Meanwhile the ladies were now making way to the coffee-room, though very +slowly on account of the crowd; and just as they got near the lobby, +Cecilia perceived Mr Belfield, who, immediately making himself known +to her, was offering his service to hand her out of the pit, when Sir +Robert Floyer, not seeing or not heeding him, pressed forward, and said, +“Will you let me have the honour, Miss Beverley, of taking care of you?” + +Cecilia, to whom he grew daily more disagreeable, coldly declined his +assistance, while she readily accepted that which had first been offered +her by Mr Belfield. + +The haughty Baronet, extremely nettled, forced his way on, and rudely +stalking up to Mr Belfield, motioned with his hand for room to pass him, +and said, “Make way, sir!” + +“Make way for _me_, Sir!” cried Belfield, opposing him with one hand, +while with the other he held Cecilia. + +“You, Sir? and who are you, Sir?” demanded the Baronet, disdainfully. + +“Of that, Sir, I shall give you an account whenever you please,” + answered Belfield, with equal scorn. + +“What the devil do you mean, Sir?” + +“Nothing very difficult to be understood,” replied Belfield, and +attempted to draw on Cecilia, who, much alarmed, was shrinking back. + +Sir Robert then, swelling with rage, reproachfully turned to her, +and said, “Will you suffer such an impertinent fellow as that, Miss +Beverley, to have the honour of taking your hand?” + +Belfield, with great indignation, demanded what he meant by the term +impertinent fellow; and Sir Robert yet more insolently repeated it: +Cecilia, extremely shocked, earnestly besought them both to be quiet; +but Belfield, at the repetition of this insult, hastily let go her hand +and put his own upon his sword, whilst Sir Robert, taking advantage +of his situation in being a step higher than his antagonist, fiercely +pushed him back, and descended into the lobby. + +Belfield, enraged beyond endurance, instantly drew his sword, and Sir +Robert was preparing to follow his example, when Cecilia, in an agony +of fright, called out, “Good Heaven! will nobody interfere?” And then a +young man, forcing his way through the crowd, exclaimed, “For shame, for +shame, gentlemen! is this a place for such violence?” + +Belfield, endeavouring to recover himself, put up his sword, and, though +in a voice half choaked with passion, said, “I thank you, Sir! I was off +my guard. I beg pardon of the whole company.” + +Then, walking up to Sir Robert, he put into his hand a card with his +name and direction, saying, “With you, Sir, I shall be happy to settle +what apologies are necessary at your first leisure;” and hurried away. + +Sir Robert, exclaiming aloud that he should soon teach him to whom he +had been so impertinent, was immediately going to follow him, when the +affrighted Cecilia again called out aloud, “Oh, stop him!--good God! +will nobody stop him!” + +The rapidity with which this angry scene had passed had filled her with +amazement, and the evident resentment of the Baronet upon her refusing +his assistance, gave her an immediate consciousness that she was +herself the real cause of the quarrel; while the manner in which he was +preparing to follow Mr Belfield convinced her of the desperate scene +which was likely to succeed; fear, therefore, overcoming every other +feeling, forced from her this exclamation before she knew what she said. + +The moment she had spoken, the young man who had already interposed +again rushed forward, and seizing Sir Robert by the arm, warmly +remonstrated against the violence of his proceedings, and being +presently seconded by other gentlemen, almost compelled him to give up +his design. + +Then, hastening to Cecilia, “Be not alarmed, madam,” he cried, “all is +over, and every body is safe.” + +Cecilia, finding herself thus addressed by a gentleman she had never +before seen, felt extremely ashamed of having rendered her interest +in the debate so apparent; she courtsied to him in some confusion, and +taking hold of Mrs Harrel's arm, hurried her back into the pit, in order +to quit a crowd, of which she now found herself the principal object. + +Curiosity, however, was universally excited, and her retreat served +but to inflame it: some of the ladies, and most of the gentlemen, upon +various pretences, returned into the pit merely to look at her, and in a +few minutes the report was current that the young lady who had been the +occasion of the quarrel, was dying with love for Sir Robert Floyer. + +Mr Monckton, who had kept by her side during the whole affair, felt +thunderstruck by the emotion she had shewn; Mr Arnott too, who had never +quitted her, wished himself exposed to the same danger as Sir Robert, so +that he might be honoured with the same concern: but they were both too +much the dupes of their own apprehensions and jealousy, to perceive that +what they instantly imputed to fondness, proceeded simply from general +humanity, accidentally united with the consciousness of being accessary +to the quarrel. + +The young stranger who had officiated as mediator between the +disputants, in a few moments followed her with a glass of water, which +he had brought from the coffee-room, begging her to drink it and compose +herself. + +Cecilia, though she declined his civility with more vexation than +gratitude, perceived, as she raised her eyes to thank him, that her +new friend was a young man very strikingly elegant in his address and +appearance. + +Miss Larolles next, who, with her party, came back into the pit, ran +up to Cecilia, crying, “O my dear creature, what a monstrous shocking +thing! You've no Idea how I am frightened; do you know I happened to be +quite at the further end of the coffee-room when it began, and I could +not get out to see what was the matter for ten ages; only conceive what +a situation!” + +“Would your fright, then, have been less,” said Cecilia, “had you been +nearer the danger?” + +“O Lord no, for when I came within sight I was fifty times worse! I gave +such a monstrous scream, that it quite made Mr Meadows start. I dare say +he'll tell me of it these hundred years: but really when I saw them draw +their swords I thought I should have died; I was so amazingly surprized +you've no notion.” + +Here she was interrupted by the re-appearance of the active stranger, +who again advancing to Cecilia, said, “I am in doubt whether the efforts +I make to revive will please or irritate you, but though you rejected +the last cordial I ventured to present you, perhaps you will look with a +more favourable eye towards that of which I am now the herald.” + +Cecilia then, casting her eyes around, saw that he was followed by Sir +Robert Floyer. Full of displeasure both at this introduction and at his +presence, she turned hastily to Mr Arnott, and entreated him to enquire +if the carriage was not yet ready. + +Sir Robert, looking at her with all the exultation of new-raised vanity, +said, with more softness than he had ever before addressed her, “Have +you been frightened?” + +“Every body, I believe was frightened,” answered Cecilia, with an air of +dignity intended to check his rising expectations. + +“There was no sort of cause,” answered he; “the fellow did not know whom +he spoke [to], that was all.” + +“Lord, Sir Robert,” cried Miss Larolles, “how could you be so shocking +as to draw your sword? you can't conceive how horrid it looked.” + +“Why I did not draw my sword,” cried he, “I only had my hand on the +hilt.” + +“Lord, did not you, indeed! well, every body said you did, and I'm sure +I thought I saw five-and-twenty swords all at once. I thought one of you +would be killed every moment. It was horrid disagreeable, I assure you.” + +Sir Robert was now called away by some gentlemen; and Mr Monckton, +earnest to be better informed of Cecilia's real sentiments, said, with +affected concern, “At present this matter is merely ridiculous; I am +sorry to think in how short a time it may become more important.” + +“Surely,” cried Cecilia with quickness, “some of their friends will +interfere! surely upon so trifling a subject they will not be so mad, so +inexcusable, as to proceed to more serious resentment!” + +“Whichever of them,” said the stranger, “is most honoured by this +anxiety, will be mad indeed to risk a life so valued!” + +“Cannot you, Mr Monckton,” continued Cecilia, too much alarmed to regard +this insinuation, “speak with Mr Belfield? You are acquainted with him, +I know; is it impossible you can follow him?” + +“I will with pleasure do whatever you wish; but still if Sir Robert--” + +“O, as to Sir Robert, Mr Harrel, I am very sure, will undertake him; I +will try to see him to-night myself, and entreat him to exert all his +influence.” + +“Ah, madam,” cried the stranger, archly, and lowering his voice, “those +_French beads_ and _Bristol stones_ have not, I find, shone in vain!” + +At these words Cecilia recognised her white domino acquaintance at +the masquerade; she had before recollected his voice, but was too much +perturbed to consider where or when she had heard it. + +“If Mr Briggs,” continued he, “does not speedily come forth with his +plum friend, before the glittering of swords and spears is joined to +that of jewels, the glare will be so resplendent, that he will fear +to come within the influence of its rays. Though, perhaps, he may only +think the stronger the light, the better he shall see to count his +guineas: for as + + '---in ten thousand pounds + Ten thousand charms are centred,' + +in an hundred thousand, the charms may have such magic power, that he +may defy the united efforts of tinsel and knight-errantry to deliver you +from the golden spell.” + +Here the Captain, advancing to Cecilia, said, “I have been looking +for you in vain _partout_, but the crowd has been so _accablant_ I was +almost reduced to despair. Give me leave to hope you are now recovered +from the _horreur_ of this little _fracas_?” + +Mr Arnott then brought intelligence that the carriage was ready. +Cecilia, glad to be gone, instantly hastened to it; and, as she was +conducted by Mr Monckton, most earnestly entreated him to take an active +part, in endeavouring to prevent the fatal consequences with which the +quarrel seemed likely to terminate. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +A FASHIONABLE FRIEND. + + +As soon as they returned home, Cecilia begged Mrs Harrel not to lose +a moment before she tried to acquaint Mr Harrel with the state of the +affair. But that lady was too helpless to know in what manner to set +about it; she could not tell where he was, she could not conjecture +where he might be. + +Cecilia then rang for his own man, and upon enquiry, heard that he was, +in all probability, at Brookes's in St James's-Street. + +She then begged Mrs Harrel would write to him. + +Mrs Harrel knew not what to say. + +Cecilia therefore, equally quick in forming and executing her designs, +wrote to him herself, and entreated that without losing an instant he +would find out his friend Sir Robert Floyer, and endeavour to effect +an accommodation between him and Mr Belfield, with whom he had had a +dispute at the Opera-house. + +The man soon returned with an answer that Mr Harrel would not fail to +obey her commands. + +She determined to sit up till he came home in order to learn the event +of the negociation. She considered herself as the efficient cause of the +quarrel, yet scarce knew how or in what to blame herself; the behaviour +of Sir Robert had always been offensive to her; she disliked his +manners, and detested his boldness; and she had already shewn her +intention to accept the assistance of Mr Belfield before he had followed +her with an offer of his own. She was uncertain, indeed, whether he +had remarked what had passed, but she had reason to think that, so +circumstanced, to have changed her purpose, would have been construed +into an encouragement that might have authorised his future presumption +of her favour. All she could find to regret with regard to herself, was +wanting the presence of mind to have refused the civilities of both. + +Mrs Harrel, though really sorry at the state of the affair, regarded +herself as so entirely unconcerned in it, that, easily wearied when out +of company, she soon grew sleepy, and retired to her own room. + +The anxious Cecilia, hoping every instant the return of Mr Harrel, sat +up by herself: but it was not till near four o'clock in the morning that +he made his appearance. + +“Well, sir,” cried she, the moment she saw him, “I fear by your +coming home so late you have had much trouble, but I hope it has been +successful?” + +Great, however, was her mortification when he answered that he had not +even seen the Baronet, having been engaged himself in so particular a +manner, that he could not possibly break from his party till past three +o'clock, at which time he drove to the house of Sir Robert, but heard +that he was not yet come home. + +Cecilia, though much disgusted by such a specimen of insensibility +towards a man whom he pretended to call his friend, would not leave +him till he had promised to arise as soon as it was light, and make an +effort to recover the time lost. + +She was now no longer surprised either at the debts of Mr Harrel, or at +his _particular occasions_ for money. She was convinced he spent half +the night in gaming, and the consequences, however dreadful, were but +natural. That Sir Robert Floyer also did the same was a matter of much +less importance to her, but that the life of any man should through her +means be endangered, disturbed her inexpressibly. + +She went, however, to bed, but arose again at six o'clock, and dressed +herself by candle light. In an hour's time she sent to enquire if Mr +Harrel was stirring, and hearing he was asleep, gave orders to have +him called. Yet he did not rise till eight o'clock, nor could all her +messages or expostulations drive him out of the house till nine. + +He was scarcely gone before Mr Monckton arrived, who now for the first +time had the satisfaction of finding her alone. + +“You are very good for coming so early,” cried she; “have you seen Mr +Belfield? Have you had any conversation with him?” + +Alarmed at her eagerness, and still more at seeing by her looks the +sleepless night she had passed, he made at first no reply; and when, +with increasing impatience, she repeated her question, he only said, +“Has Belfield ever visited you since he had the honour of meeting you at +my house?” + +“No, never.” + +“Have you seen him often in public?” + +“No, I have never seen him at all but the evening Mrs Harrel received +masks, and last night at the Opera.” + +“Is it, then, for the safety of Sir Robert you are so extremely +anxious?” + +“It is for the safety of both; the cause of their quarrel was so +trifling, that I cannot bear to think its consequence should be +serious.” + +“But do you not wish better to one of them than to the other?” + +“As a matter of justice I do, but not from any partiality: Sir Robert +was undoubtedly the aggressor, and Mr Belfield, though at first too +fiery, was certainly ill-used.” + +The candour of this speech recovered Mr Monckton from his apprehensions; +and, carefully observing her looks while he spoke, he gave her the +following account. + +That he had hastened to Belfield's lodgings the moment he left the +Opera-house, and, after repeated denials, absolutely forced himself into +his room, where he was quite alone, and in much agitation: he conversed +with him for more than an hour upon the subject of the quarrel, but +found he so warmly resented the personal insult given him by Sir Robert, +that no remonstrance had any effect in making him alter his resolution +of demanding satisfaction. + +“And could you bring him to consent to no compromise before you left +him?” cried Cecilia. + +“No; for before I got to him--the challenge had been sent.” + +“The challenge! good heaven!--and do you know the event?” + +“I called again this morning at his lodgings, but he was not returned +home.” + +“And was it impossible to follow him? Were there no means to discover +whither he was gone?” + +“None; to elude all pursuit, he went out before any body in the house +was stirring, and took his servant with him.” + +“Have you, then, been to Sir Robert?” + +“I have been to Cavendish-Square, but there, it seems, he has not +appeared all night; I traced him, through his servants, from the +Opera to a gaminghouse, where I found he had amused himself till this +morning.” + +The uneasiness of Cecilia now encreased every moment; and Mr Monckton, +seeing he had no other chance of satisfying her, offered his service +to go again in search of both the gentlemen, and endeavour to bring her +better information. She accepted the proposal with gratitude, and he +departed. + +Soon after she was joined by Mr Arnott, who, though seized with all the +horrors of jealousy at sight of her apprehensions, was so desirous to +relieve them, that without even making any merit of obliging her, he +almost instantly set out upon the same errand that employed Mr Monckton, +and determined not to mention his design till he found whether it would +enable him to bring her good tidings. + +He was scarce gone when she was told that Mr Delvile begged to have the +honour of speaking to her. Surprised at this condescension, she desired +he might immediately be admitted; but much was her surprise augmented, +when, instead of seeing her ostentatious guardian, she again beheld her +masquerade friend, the white domino. + +He entreated her pardon for an intrusion neither authorised by +acquaintance nor by business, though somewhat, he hoped, palliated, by +his near connection with one who was privileged to take an interest in +her affairs: and then, hastening to the motives which had occasioned his +visit, “when I had the honour,” he said, “of seeing you last night +at the Opera-house, the dispute which had just happened between two +gentlemen, seemed to give you an uneasiness which could not but be +painful to all who observed it, and as among that number I was not the +least moved, you will forgive, I hope, my eagerness to be the first to +bring you intelligence that nothing fatal has happened, or is likely to +happen.” + +“You do me, sir,” said Cecilia, “much honour; and indeed you relieve me +from a suspense extremely disagreeable. The accommodation, I suppose, +was brought about this morning?” + +“I find,” answered he, smiling, “you now expect too much; but hope is +never so elastic as when it springs from the ruins of terror.” + +“What then is the matter? Are they at last, not safe?” + +“Yes, perfectly safe; but I cannot tell you they have never been in +danger.” + +“Well, if it is now over I am contented: but you will very much oblige +me, sir, if you will inform me what has passed.” + +“You oblige me, madam, by the honour of your commands. I saw but too +much reason to apprehend that measures the most violent would follow +the affray of last night; yet as I found that the quarrel had been +accidental, and the offence unpremeditated, I thought it not absolutely +impossible that an expeditious mediation might effect a compromise: +at least it was worth trying; for though wrath slowly kindled or long +nourished is sullen and intractable, the sudden anger that has not had +time to impress the mind with a deep sense of injury, will, when gently +managed, be sometimes appeased with the same quickness it is excited: I +hoped, therefore, that some trifling concession from Sir Robert, as the +aggressor,--” + +“Ah sir!” cried Cecilia, “that, I fear, was not to be obtained!” + +“Not by me, I must own,” he answered; “but I was not willing to think of +the difficulty, and therefore ventured to make the proposal: nor did +I leave the Opera-house till I had used every possible argument to +persuade Sir Robert an apology would neither stain his courage nor his +reputation. But his spirit brooked not the humiliation.” + +“Spirit!” cried Cecilia, “how mild a word! What, then, could poor Mr +Belfield resolve upon?” + +“That, I believe, took him very little time to decide. I discovered, by +means of a gentleman at the Opera who was acquainted with him, where +he lived, and I waited upon him with an intention to offer my services +towards settling the affair by arbitration: for since you call him +poor Mr Belfield, I think you will permit me, without offence to +his antagonist, to own that his gallantry, though too impetuous for +commendation, engaged me in his interest.” + +“I hope you don't think,” cried Cecilia, “that an offence to his +antagonist must necessarily be an offence to me?” + +“Whatever I may have thought,” answered he, looking at her with evident +surprise, “I certainly did not wish that a sympathy offensive and +defensive had been concluded between you. I could not, however, gain +access to Mr Belfield last night, but the affair dwelt upon my mind, and +this morning I called at his lodging as soon as it was light.” + +“How good you have been!” cried Cecilia; “your kind offices have not, I +hope, all proved ineffectual!” + +“So valorous a Don Quixote,” returned he, laughing, “certainly merited +a faithful Esquire! He was, however, gone out, and nobody knew whither. +About half an hour ago I called upon him again; he was then just +returned home.” + +“Well, Sir?” + +“I saw him; the affair was over; and in a short time he will be able, if +you will allow him so much honour, to thank you for these enquiries.” + +“He is then wounded?” + +“He is a little hurt, but Sir Robert is perfectly safe. Belfield fired +first, and missed; the Baronet was not so successless.” + +“I am grieved to hear it, indeed! And where is the wound?” + +“The ball entered his right side, and the moment he felt it, he fired +his second pistol in the air. This I heard from his servant. He was +brought home carefully and slowly; no surgeon had been upon the spot, +but one was called to him immediately. I stayed to enquire his opinion +after the wound had been dressed: he told me he had extracted the ball, +and assured me Mr Belfield was not in any danger. Your alarm, madam, +last night, which had always been present to me, then encouraged me to +take the liberty of waiting upon you; for I concluded you could yet have +had no certain intelligence, and thought it best to let the plain and +simple fact out-run the probable exaggeration of rumour.” + +Cecilia thanked him for his attention, and Mrs Harrel then making her +appearance, he arose and said, “Had my father known the honour I have +had this morning of waiting upon Miss Beverley, I am sure I should have +been charged with his compliments, and such a commission would somewhat +have lessened the presumption of this visit; but I feared lest while I +should be making interest for my credentials, the pretence of my +embassy might be lost, and other couriers, less scrupulous, might obtain +previous audiences, and anticipate my dispatches.” + +He then took his leave. + +“This white domino, at last then,” said Cecilia, “is the son of Mr +Delvile! and thence the knowledge of my situation which gave me so much +surprise:--a son how infinitely unlike his father!” + +“Yes,” said Mrs Harrel, “and as unlike his mother too, for I assure you +she is more proud and haughty even than the old gentleman. I hate the +very sight of her, for she keeps every body in such awe that there's +nothing but restraint in her presence. But the son is a very pretty +young man, and much admired; though I have only seen him in public, for +none of the family visit here.” + +Mr Monckton, who now soon returned, was not a little surprised to find +that all the intelligence he meant to communicate was already known: and +not the more pleased to hear that the white domino, to whom before he +owed no good-will, had thus officiously preceded him. + +Mr Arnott, who also came just after him, had been so little satisfied +with the result of his enquiries, that from the fear of encreasing +Cecilia's uneasiness, he determined not to make known whither he had +been; but he soon found his forbearance was of no avail, as she +was already acquainted with the duel and its consequences. Yet his +unremitting desire to oblige her urged him twice in the course of the +same day to again call at Mr Belfield's lodgings, in order to bring her +thence fresh and unsolicited intelligence. + +Before breakfast was quite over, Miss Larolles, out of breath with +eagerness, came to tell the news of the duel, in her way to church, as +it was Sunday morning! and soon after Mrs Mears, who also was followed +by other ladies, brought the same account, which by all was addressed to +Cecilia, with expressions of concern that convinced her, to her infinite +vexation, she was generally regarded as the person chiefly interested in +the accident. + +Mr Harrel did not return till late, but then seemed in very high +spirits: “Miss Beverley,” he cried, “I bring you news that will +repay all your fright; Sir Robert is not only safe, but is come off +conqueror.” + +“I am very sorry, Sir,” answered Cecilia, extremely provoked to be thus +congratulated, “that any body conquered, or any body was vanquished.” + +“There is no need for sorrow,” cried Mr Harrel, “or for any thing but +joy, for he has not killed his man; the victory, therefore, will neither +cost him a flight nor a trial. To-day he means to wait upon you, and lay +his laurels at your feet.” + +“He means, then, to take very fruitless trouble,” said Cecilia, “for I +have not any ambition to be so honoured.” + +“Ah, Miss Beverley,” returned he, laughing, “this won't do now! it might +have passed a little while ago, but it won't do now, I promise you!” + +Cecilia, though much displeased by this accusation, found that +disclaiming it only excited further raillery, and therefore prevailed +upon herself to give him a quiet hearing, and scarce any reply. + +At dinner, when Sir Robert arrived, the dislike she had originally taken +to him, encreased already into disgust by his behaviour the preceding +evening, was now fixed into the strongest aversion by the horror she +conceived of his fierceness, and the indignation she felt excited by his +arrogance. He seemed, from the success of this duel, to think himself +raised to the highest pinnacle of human glory; triumph sat exulting +on his brow; he looked down on whoever he deigned to look at all, and +shewed that he thought his notice an honour, however imperious the +manner in which it was accorded. + +Upon Cecilia, however, he cast an eye of more complacency; he now +believed her subdued, and his vanity revelled in the belief: her anxiety +had so thoroughly satisfied him of her love, that she had hardly +the power left to undeceive him; her silence he only attributed to +admiration, her coldness to fear, and her reserve to shame. + +Sickened by insolence so undisguised and unauthorised, and incensed +at the triumph of his successful brutality, Cecilia with pain kept her +seat, and with vexation reflected upon the necessity she was under of +passing so large a portion of her time in company to which she was so +extremely averse. + +After dinner, when Mrs Harrel was talking of her party for the evening, +of which Cecilia declined making one, Sir Robert, with a sort of +proud humility, that half feared rejection, and half proclaimed an +indifference to meeting it, said, “I don't much care for going further +myself, if Miss Beverley will give me the honour of taking my tea with +her.” + +Cecilia, regarding him with much surprise, answered that she had letters +to write into the country, which would confine her to her own room for +the rest of the evening. The Baronet, looking at his watch, instantly +cried, “Faith, that is very fortunate, for I have just recollected an +engagement at the other end of the town which had slipt my memory.” + +Soon after they were all gone, Cecilia received a note from Mrs Delvile, +begging the favour of her company the next morning to breakfast. She +readily accepted the invitation, though she was by no means prepared, +by the character she had heard of her, to expect much pleasure from an +acquaintance with that lady. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A FAMILY PARTY. + + +Cecilia the next morning, between nine and ten o'clock, went to St +James'-Square; she found nobody immediately ready to receive her, but in +a short time was waited upon by Mr Delvile. + +After the usual salutations, “Miss Beverley,” he said, “I have given +express orders to my people, that I may not be interrupted while I have +the pleasure of passing some minutes in conversation with you before you +are presented to Mrs Delvile.” + +And then, with an air of solemnity, he led her to a seat, and having +himself taken possession of another, continued his speech. + +“I have received information, from authority which I cannot doubt, +that the indiscretion of certain of your admirers last Saturday at the +Opera-house occasioned a disturbance which to a young woman of delicacy +I should imagine must be very alarming: now as I consider myself +concerned in your fame and welfare from regarding you as my ward, +I think it is incumbent upon me to make enquiries into such of your +affairs as become public; for I should feel in some measure disgraced +myself, should it appear to the world, while you are under my +guardianship, that there was any want of propriety in the direction of +your conduct.” + +Cecilia, not much flattered by this address, gravely answered that she +fancied the affair had been misrepresented to him. + +“I am not much addicted,” he replied, “to give ear to any thing lightly; +you must therefore permit me to enquire into the merits of the cause, +and then to draw my own inferences. And let me, at the same time, assure +you there is no other young lady who has any right to expect such an +attention from me. I must begin by begging you to inform me upon what +grounds the two gentlemen in question, for such, by courtesy, I presume +they are called, thought themselves entitled publicly to dispute your +favour?” + +“My favour, Sir!” cried Cecilia, much amazed. + +“My dear,” said he, with a complacency meant to give her courage, “I +know the question is difficult for a young lady to answer; but be not +abashed, I should be sorry to distress you, and mean to the utmost of my +power to save your blushes. Do not, therefore, fear me; consider me +as your guardian, and assure yourself I am perfectly well disposed +to consider you as my ward. Acquaint me, then, freely, what are the +pretensions of these gentlemen?” + +“To me, Sir, they have, I believe, no pretensions at all.” + +“I see you are shy,” returned he, with encreasing gentleness, “I see +you cannot be easy with me; and when I consider how little you are +accustomed to me, I do not wonder. But pray take courage; I think it +necessary to inform myself of your affairs, and therefore I beg you will +speak to me with freedom.” + +Cecilia, more and more mortified by this humiliating condescension, +again assured him he had been misinformed, and was again, though +discredited, praised for her modesty, when, to her great relief, they +were interrupted by the entrance of her friend the _white domino_. + +“Mortimer,” said Mr Delvile, “I understand you have already had the +pleasure of seeing this young lady?” + +“Yes, Sir,” he answered, “I have more than once had that happiness, but +I have never had the honour of being introduced to her.” + +“Miss Beverley, then,” said the father, “I must present to you Mr +Mortimer Delvile, my son; and, Mortimer, in Miss Beverley I desire you +will remember that you respect a ward of your father's.” + +“I will not, Sir,” answered he, “forget an injunction my own +inclinations had already out-run.” + +Mortimer Delvile was tall and finely formed, his features, though not +handsome, were full of expression, and a noble openness of manners and +address spoke the elegance of his education, and the liberality of his +mind. + +When this introduction was over, a more general conversation took place, +till Mr Delvile, suddenly rising, said to Cecilia, “You will pardon me, +Miss Beverley, if I leave you for a few minutes; one of my tenants sets +out to-morrow morning for my estate in the North, and he has been +two hours waiting to speak with me. But if my son is not particularly +engaged, I am sure he will be so good as to do the honours of the house +till his mother is ready to receive you.” + +And then, graciously waving his hand, he quitted the room. + +“My father,” cried young Delvile, “has left me an office which, could I +execute it as perfectly as I shall willingly, would be performed without +a fault.” + +“I am very sorry,” said Cecilia, “that I have so much mistaken your hour +of breakfast; but let me not be any restraint upon you, I shall find a +book, or a newspaper, or something to fill up the time till Mrs Delvile +honours me with a summons.” + +“You can only be a restraint upon me,” answered he, “by commanding me +from your presence. I breakfasted long ago, and am now just come from Mr +Belfield. I had the pleasure, this morning, of being admitted into his +room.” + +“And how, Sir, did you find him?” + +“Not so well, I fear, as he thinks himself; but he was in high spirits, +and surrounded by his friends, whom he was entertaining with all the +gaiety of a man in full health, and entirely at his ease; though I +perceived, by the frequent changes of his countenance, signs of pain +and indisposition, that made me, however pleased with his conversation, +think it necessary to shorten my own visit, and to hint to those who +were near me the propriety of leaving him quiet.” + +“Did you see his surgeon, Sir?” + +“No; but he told me he should only have one dressing more of his wound, +and then get rid of the whole business by running into the country.” + +“Were you acquainted with him, Sir, before this accident?” + +“No, not at all; but the little I have seen of him has strongly +interested me in his favour: at Mr Harrel's masquerade, where I first +met with him, I was extremely entertained by his humour,--though there, +perhaps, as I had also the honour of first seeing Miss Beverley, I might +be too happy to feel much difficulty in being pleased. And even at +the Opera he had the advantage of finding me in the same favourable +disposition, as I had long distinguished you before I had taken any +notice of him. I must, however, confess I did not think his anger that +evening quite without provocation,--but I beg your pardon, I may perhaps +be mistaken, and you, who know the whole affair, must undoubtedly be +better able to account for what happened.” + +Here he fixed his eyes upon Cecilia, with a look of curiosity that +seemed eager to penetrate into her sentiments of the two antagonists. + +“No, certainly,” she answered, “he had all the provocation that +ill-breeding could give him.” + +“And do you, madam,” cried he, with much surprize, “judge of this matter +with such severity?” + +“No, not with severity, simply with candour.” + +“With candour? alas, then, poor Sir Robert! Severity were not half so +bad a sign for him!” + +A servant now came in, to acquaint Cecilia that Mrs Delvile waited +breakfast for her. + +This summons was immediately followed by the re-entrance of Mr Delvile, +who, taking her hand, said he would himself present her to his lady, and +with much graciousness assured her of a kind reception. + +The ceremonies preceding this interview, added to the character she had +already heard of Mrs Delvile, made Cecilia heartily wish it over; but, +assuming all the courage in her power, she determined to support herself +with a spirit that should struggle against the ostentatious superiority +she was prepared to expect. + +She found her seated upon a sofa, from which, however, she arose at +her approach; but the moment Cecilia beheld her, all the unfavourable +impressions with which she came into her presence immediately vanished, +and that respect which the formalities of her introduction had failed to +inspire, her air, figure, and countenance instantaneously excited. + +She was not more than fifty years of age; her complection, though faded, +kept the traces of its former loveliness, her eyes, though they had +lost their youthful fire, retained a lustre that evinced their primeval +brilliancy, and the fine symmetry of her features, still uninjured by +the siege of time, not only indicated the perfection of her juvenile +beauty, but still laid claim to admiration in every beholder. Her +carriage was lofty and commanding; but the dignity to which high birth +and conscious superiority gave rise, was so judiciously regulated by +good sense, and so happily blended with politeness, that though the +world at large envied or hated her, the few for whom she had herself any +regard, she was infallibly certain to captivate. + +The surprise and admiration with which Cecilia at the first glance was +struck proved reciprocal: Mrs Delvile, though prepared for youth and +beauty, expected not to see a countenance so intelligent, nor manners so +well formed as those of Cecilia: thus mutually astonished and mutually +pleased, their first salutations were accompanied by looks so flattering +to both, that each saw in the other, an immediate prepossession in her +favour, and from the moment that they met, they seemed instinctively +impelled to admire. + +“I have promised Miss Beverley, madam,” said Mr Delvile to his lady, +“that you would give her a kind reception; and I need not remind you +that my promises are always held sacred.” + +“But I hope you have not also promised,” cried she, with quickness, +“that I should give _you_ a kind reception, for I feel at this very +moment extremely inclined to quarrel with you.” + +“Why so, madam?” + +“For not bringing us together sooner; for now I have seen her, I already +look back with regret to the time I have lost without the pleasure of +knowing her.” + +“What a claim is this,” cried young Delvile, “upon the benevolence of +Miss Beverley! for if she has not now the indulgence by frequent and +diligent visits to make some reparation, she must consider herself as +responsible for the dissension she will occasion.” + +“If peace depends upon my visits,” answered Cecilia, “it may immediately +be proclaimed; were it to be procured only by my absence, I know not if +I should so readily agree to the conditions.” + +“I must request of you, madam,” said Mr Delvile, “that when my son and +I retire, you will bestow half an hour upon this young lady, in making +enquiries concerning the disturbance last Saturday at the Opera-house. I +have not, myself, so much time to spare, as I have several appointments +for this morning; but I am sure you will not object to the office, as +I know you to be equally anxious with myself, that the minority of Miss +Beverley should pass without reproach.” + +“Not only her minority, but her maturity,” cried young Delvile, warmly, +“and not only her maturity, but her decline of life will pass, I hope, +not merely without reproach, but with fame and applause!” + +“I hope so too;” replied Mr Delvile: “I wish her well through every +stage of her life, but for her minority alone it is my business to +do more than wish. For that, I feel my own honour and my own credit +concerned; my honour, as I gave it to the Dean that I would superintend +her conduct, and my credit, as the world is acquainted with the claim +she has to my protection.” + +“I will not make any enquiries,” said Mrs Delvile, turning to Cecilia +with a sweetness that recompensed her for the haughtiness of her +guardian, “till I have had some opportunity of convincing Miss Beverley, +that my regard for her merits they should be answered.” + +“You see, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Delvile, “how little reason you had +to be afraid of us; Mrs Delvile is as much disposed in your favour as +myself, and as desirous to be of service to you. Endeavour, therefore, +to cast off this timidity, and to make yourself easy. You must come to +us often; use will do more towards removing your fears, than all the +encouragement we can give you.” + +“But what are the fears,” cried Mrs Delvile, “that Miss Beverley can +have to remove? unless, indeed, she apprehends her visits will make us +encroachers, and that the more we are favoured with her presence, the +less we shall bear her absence.” + +“Pray, son,” said Mr Delvile, “what was the name of the person who was +Sir Robert Floyer's opponent? I have again forgotten it.” + +“Belfield, sir.” + +“True; it is a name I am perfectly unacquainted with: however, he may +possibly be a very good sort of man; but certainly his opposing himself +to Sir Robert Floyer, a man of some family, a gentleman, rich, and +allied to some people of distinction, was a rather strange circumstance: +I mean not, however, to prejudge the case; I will hear it fairly stated; +and am the more disposed to be cautious in what I pronounce, because I +am persuaded Miss Beverley has too much sense to let my advice be thrown +away upon her.” + +“I hope so, Sir; but with respect to the disturbance at the Opera, I +know not that I have the least occasion to trouble you.” + +“If your measures,” said he, very gravely, “are already taken, the Dean +your uncle prevailed upon me to accept a very useless office; but if any +thing is yet undecided, it will not, perhaps, be amiss that I should be +consulted. Mean time, I will only recommend to you to consider that Mr +Belfield is a person whose name nobody has heard, and that a connection +with Sir Robert Floyer would certainly be very honourable for you.” + +“Indeed, Sir,” said Cecilia, “here is some great mistake; neither of +these gentlemen, I believe, think of me at all.” + +“They have taken, then,” cried young Delvile with a laugh, “a very +extraordinary method to prove their indifference!” + +“The affairs of Sir Robert Floyer,” continued Mr Delvile, “are indeed, +I am informed, in some disorder; but he has a noble estate, and your +fortune would soon clear all its incumbrances. Such an alliance, +therefore, would be mutually advantageous: but what would result from a +union with such a person as Mr Belfield? he is of no family, though in +that, perhaps, you would not be very scrupulous; but neither has he any +money; what, then, recommends him?” + +“To me, Sir, nothing!” answered Cecilia. + +“And to me,” cried young Delvile, “almost every thing! he has wit, +spirit, and understanding, talents to create admiration, and qualities, +I believe, to engage esteem!” + +“You speak warmly,” said Mrs Delvile; “but if such is his character, he +merits your earnestness. What is it you know of him?” + +“Not enough, perhaps,” answered he, “to coolly justify my praise; but he +is one of those whose first appearance takes the mind by surprise, and +leaves the judgment to make afterwards such terms as it can. Will you, +madam, when he is recovered, permit me to introduce him to you?” + +“Certainly;” said she, smiling; “but have a care your recommendation +does not disgrace your discernment.” + +“This warmth of disposition, Mortimer,” cried Mr Delvile, “produces +nothing but difficulties and trouble: you neglect the connections I +point out, and which a little attention might render serviceable as well +as honourable, and run precipitately into forming such as can do you no +good among people of rank, and are not only profitless in themselves, +but generally lead you into expence and inconvenience. You are now of +an age to correct this rashness: think, therefore, better of your own +consequence, than thus idly to degrade yourself by forming friendships +with every shewy adventurer that comes in your way.” + +“I know not, Sir,” answered he, “how Mr Belfield deserves to be called +an adventurer: he is not, indeed, rich; but he is in a profession where +parts such as his seldom fail to acquire riches; however, as to me his +wealth can be of no consequence, why should my regard to him wait for +it? if he is a young man of worth and honour--” + +“Mortimer,” interrupted Mr Delvile, “whatever he is, we know he is not +a man of rank, and whatever he may be, we know he cannot become a man of +family, and consequently for Mortimer Delvile he is no companion. If you +can render him any service, I shall commend your so doing; it becomes +your birth, it becomes your station in life to assist individuals, and +promote the general good: but never in your zeal for others forget what +is due to yourself, and to the ancient and honourable house from which +you are sprung.” + +“But can we entertain Miss Beverley with nothing better than family +lectures?” cried Mrs Delvile. + +“It is for me,” said young Delvile, rising, “to beg pardon of Miss +Beverley for having occasioned them: but when she is so good as to +honour us with her company again, I hope I shall have more discretion.” + +He then left the room; and Mr Delvile also rising to go, said, “My dear, +I commit you to very kind hands; Mrs Delvile, I am sure, will be happy +to hear your story; speak to her, therefore, without reserve. And +pray don't imagine that I make you over to her from any slight; on the +contrary, I admire and commend your modesty very much; but my time is +extremely precious, and I cannot devote so much of it to an explanation +as your diffidence requires.” + +And then, to the great joy of Cecilia, he retired; leaving her much in +doubt whether his haughtiness or his condescension humbled her most. + +“These men,” said Mrs Delvile, “can never comprehend the pain of a +delicate female mind upon entering into explanations of this sort: I +understand it, however, too well to inflict it. We will, therefore, have +no explanations at all till we are better acquainted, and then if you +will venture to favour me with any confidence, my best advice, and, +should any be in my power, my best services shall be at your command.” + +“You do me, madam, much honour,” answered Cecilia, “but I must assure +you I have no explanation to give.” + +“Well, well, at present,” returned Mrs Delvile, “I am content to hear +that answer, as I have acquired no right to any other: but hereafter I +shall hope for more openness: it is promised me by your countenance, and +I mean to claim the promise by my friendship.” + +“Your friendship will both honour and delight me, and whatever are your +enquiries, I shall always be proud to answer them; but indeed, with +regard to this affair--” + +“My dear Miss Beverley,” interrupted Mrs Delvile, with a look of arch +incredulity, “men seldom risk their lives where an escape is without +hope of recompence. But we will not now say a word more upon the +subject. I hope you will often favour me with your company, and by +the frequency of your visits, make us both forget the shortness of our +acquaintance.” + +Cecilia, finding her resistance only gave birth to fresh suspicion, now +yielded, satisfied that a very little time must unavoidably clear up the +truth. But her visit was not therefore shortened; the sudden partiality +with which the figure and countenance of Mrs Delvile had impressed her, +was quickly ripened into esteem by the charms of her conversation: she +found her sensible, well bred, and high spirited, gifted by nature +with superior talents, and polished by education and study with all +the elegant embellishments of cultivation. She saw in her, indeed, some +portion of the pride she had been taught to expect, but it was so +much softened by elegance, and so well tempered with kindness, that it +elevated her character, without rendering her manners offensive. + +With such a woman, subjects of discourse could never be wanting, nor +fertility of powers to make them entertaining: and so much was Cecilia +delighted with her visit, that though her carriage was announced at +twelve o'clock, she reluctantly concluded it at two; and in taking her +leave, gladly accepted an invitation to dine with her new friend three +days after; who, equally pleased with her young guest, promised before +that time to return her visit. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +AN EXAMINATION. + +Cecilia found Mrs Harrel eagerly waiting to hear some account how she +had passed the morning, and fully persuaded that she would leave the +Delviles with a determination never more, but by necessity, to see them: +she was, therefore, not only surprised but disappointed, when instead of +fulfilling her expectations, she assured her that she had been delighted +with Mrs Delvile, whose engaging qualities amply recompensed her for the +arrogance of her husband; that her visit had no fault but that of being +too short, and that she had already appointed an early day for repeating +it. + +Mrs Harrel was evidently hurt by this praise, and Cecilia, who perceived +among all her guardians a powerful disposition to hatred and jealousy, +soon dropt the subject: though so much had she been charmed with +Mrs Delvile, that a scheme of removal once more occurred to her, +notwithstanding her dislike of her stately guardian. + +At dinner, as usual, they were joined by Sir Robert Floyer, who grew +more and more assiduous in his attendance, but who, this day, contrary +to his general custom of remaining with the gentlemen, made his exit +before the ladies left the table; and as soon as he was gone, Mr Harrel +desired a private conference with Cecilia. + +They went together to the drawing-room, where, after a flourishing +preface upon the merits of Sir Robert Floyer, he formally acquainted her +that he was commissioned by that gentleman, to make her a tender of his +hand and fortune. + +Cecilia, who had not much reason to be surprised at this overture, +desired him to tell the Baronet, she was obliged to him for the honour +he intended her, at the same time that she absolutely declined receiving +it. + +Mr Harrel, laughing, told her this answer was very well for a +beginning, though it would by no means serve beyond the first day of the +declaration; but when Cecilia assured him she should firmly adhere to +it, he remonstrated with equal surprise and discontent upon the reasons +of her refusal. She thought it sufficient to tell him that Sir Robert +did not please her, but, with much raillery, he denied the assertion +credit, assuring her that he was universally admired by the ladies, that +she could not possibly receive a more honourable offer, and that he was +reckoned by every body the finest gentleman about the town. His fortune, +he added, was equally unexceptionable with his figure and his rank in +life; all the world, he was certain, would approve the connexion, and +the settlement made upon her should be dictated by herself. + +Cecilia begged him to be satisfied with an answer which she never could +change, and to spare her the enumeration of particular objections, since +Sir Robert was wholly and in every respect disagreeable to her. + +“What, then,” cried he, “could make you so frightened for him at the +Opera-house? There has been but one opinion about town ever since of +your prepossession in his favour.” + +“I am extremely concerned to hear it; my fright was but the effect of +surprise, and belonged not more to Sir Robert than to Mr Belfield.” + +He told her that nobody else thought the same, that her marriage +with the Baronet was universally expected, and, in conclusion, +notwithstanding her earnest desire that he would instantly and +explicitly inform Sir Robert of her determination, he repeatedly +refused to give him any final answer till she had taken more time for +consideration. + +Cecilia was extremely displeased at this irksome importunity, and still +more chagrined to find her incautious emotion at the Opera-house, had +given rise to suspicions of her harbouring a partiality for a man whom +every day she more heartily disliked. + +While she was deliberating in what manner she could clear up this +mistake, which, after she was left alone, occupied all her thoughts, she +was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Monckton, whose joy in meeting +her at length by herself exceeded not her own, for charmed as he was +that he could now examine into the state of her affairs, she was not +less delighted that she could make them known to him. + +After mutual expressions, guarded, however, on the part of Mr. Monckton, +though unreserved on that of Cecilia, of their satisfaction in being +again able to converse as in former times, he asked if she would permit +him, as the privilege of their long acquaintance, to speak to her with +sincerity. + +She assured him he could not more oblige her. + +“Let me, then,” said he, “enquire if yet that ardent confidence in your +own steadiness, which so much disdained my fears that the change of +your residence might produce a change in your sentiments, is still as +unshaken as when we parted in Suffolk? Or whether experience, that foe +to unpractised refinement, has already taught you the fallibility of +theory?” + +“When I assure you,” replied Cecilia, “that your enquiry gives me no +pain, I think I have sufficiently answered it, for were I conscious of +any alteration, it could not but embarrass and distress me. Very far, +however, from finding myself in the danger with which you threatened +me, of _forgetting Bury, its inhabitants and its environs_, I think +with pleasure of little else, since London, instead of bewitching, has +greatly disappointed me.” + +“How so?” cried Mr Monckton, much delighted. + +“Not,” answered she, “in itself, not in its magnificence, nor in its +diversions, which seem to be inexhaustible; but these, though copious as +instruments of pleasure, are very shallow as sources of happiness: +the disappointment, therefore, comes nearer home, and springs not from +London, but from my own situation.” + +“Is that, then, disagreeable to you?” + +“You shall yourself judge, when I have told you that from the time of +my quitting your house till this very moment, when I have again the +happiness of talking with you, I have never once had any conversation, +society or intercourse, in which friendship or affection have had any +share, or my mind has had the least interest.” + +She then entered into a detail of her way of life, told him how little +suited to her taste was the unbounded dissipation of the Harrels, and +feelingly expatiated upon the disappointment she had received from the +alteration in the manners and conduct of her young friend. “In her,” + she continued, “had I found the companion I came prepared to meet, +the companion from whom I had so lately parted, and in whose society +I expected to find consolation for the loss of yours and of Mrs +Charlton's, I should have complained of nothing; the very places that +now tire, might then have entertained me, and all that now passes for +unmeaning dissipation, might then have worn the appearance of variety +and pleasure. But where the mind is wholly without interest, every thing +is languid and insipid; and accustomed as I have long been to think +friendship the first of human blessings, and social converse the +greatest of human enjoyments, how ever can I reconcile myself to a state +of careless indifference, to making acquaintance without any concern +either for preserving or esteeming them, and to going on from day to +day in an eager search of amusement, with no companion for the hours +of retirement, and no view beyond that of passing the present moment in +apparent gaiety and thoughtlessness?” + +Mr Monckton, who heard these complaints with secret rapture, far from +seeking to soften or remove, used his utmost endeavours to strengthen +and encrease them, by artfully retracing her former way of life, and +pointing out with added censures the change in it she had been lately +compelled to make: “a change,” he continued, “which though ruinous +of your time, and detrimental to your happiness, use will, I fear, +familiarize, and familiarity render pleasant.” + +“These suspicions, sir,” said Cecilia, “mortify me greatly; and why, +when far from finding me pleased, you hear nothing but repining, should +you still continue to harbour them?” + +“Because your trial has yet been too short to prove your firmness, and +because there is nothing to which time cannot contentedly accustom us.” + +“I feel not much fear,” said Cecilia, “of standing such a test as might +fully satisfy you; but nevertheless, not to be too presumptuous, I have +by no means exposed myself to all the dangers which you think surround +me, for of late I have spent almost every evening at home and by +myself.” + +This intelligence was to Mr Monckton a surprise the most agreeable he +could receive. Her distaste for the amusements which were offered her +greatly relieved his fears of her forming any alarming connection, and +the discovery that while so anxiously he had sought her every where in +public, she had quietly passed her time by her own fireside, not only +re-assured him for the present, but gave him information where he might +meet with her in future. + +He then talked of the duel, and solicitously led her to speak [openly] +of Sir Robert Floyer; and here too, his satisfaction was entire; he +found her dislike of him such as his knowledge of her disposition made +him expect, and she wholly removed his suspicions concerning her anxiety +about the quarrel, by explaining to him her apprehensions of having +occasioned it herself, from accepting the civility of Mr Belfield, at +the very moment she shewed her aversion to receiving that of Sir Robert. + +Neither did her confidence rest here; she acquainted him with the +conversation she had just had with Mr Harrel, and begged his advice in +what manner she might secure herself from further importunity. + +Mr Monckton had now a new subject for his discernment. Every thing had +confirmed to him the passion which Mr Arnott had conceived for Cecilia, +and he had therefore concluded the interest of the Harrels would be all +in his favour: other ideas now struck him; he found that Mr Arnott +was given up for Sir Robert, and he determined carefully to watch the +motions both of the Baronet and her young guardian, in order to discover +the nature of their plans and connection. Mean time, convinced by her +unaffected aversion to the proposals she had received, that she was at +present in no danger from the league he suspected, he merely advised her +to persevere in manifesting a calm repugnance to their solicitations, +which could not fail, before long, to dishearten them both. + +“But Sir,” cried Cecilia, “I now fear this man as much as I dislike him, +for his late fierceness and brutality, though they have encreased my +disgust, make me dread to shew it. I am impatient, therefore, to have +done with him, and to see him no more. And for this purpose, I wish to +quit the house of Mr Harrel, where he has access at his pleasure.” + +“You can wish nothing more judiciously,” cried he; “would you, then, +return into the country?” + +“That is not yet in my power; I am obliged to reside with one of my +guardians. To-day I have seen Mrs Delvile, and--” + +“Mrs Delvile?” interrupted Mr Monckton, in a voice of astonishment. +“Surely you do not think of removing into that family?” + +“What can I do so well? Mrs Delvile is a charming woman, and her +conversation would afford me more entertainment and instruction in a +single day, than under this roof I should obtain in a twelvemonth.” + +“Are you serious? Do you really think of making such a change?” + +“I really wish it, but I know not yet if it is practicable: on Thursday, +however, I am to dine with her, and then, if it is in my power, I will +hint to her my desire.” + +“And can Miss Beverley possibly wish,” cried Mr Monckton with +earnestness, “to reside in such a house? Is not Mr Delvile the most +ostentatious, haughty, and self-sufficient of men? Is not his wife the +proudest of women? And is not the whole family odious to all the world?” + +“You amaze me!” cried Cecilia; “surely that cannot be their general +character? Mr Delvile, indeed, deserves all the censure he can meet for +his wearisome parade of superiority; but his lady by no means merits to +be included in the same reproach. I have spent this whole morning +with her, and though I waited upon her with a strong prejudice in +her disfavour, I observed in her no pride that exceeded the bounds of +propriety and native dignity.” + +“Have you often been at the house? Do you know the son, too?” + +“I have seen him three or four times.” + +“And what do you think of him?” + +“I hardly know enough of him to judge fairly.” + +“But what does he seem to you? Do you not perceive in him already all +the arrogance, all the contemptuous insolence of his father?” + +“O no! far from it indeed; his mind seems to be liberal and noble, open +to impressions of merit, and eager to honour and promote it.” + +“You are much deceived; you have been reading your own mind, and thought +you had read his: I would advise you sedulously to avoid the whole +family; you will find all intercourse with them irksome and comfortless: +such as the father appears at once, the wife and the son will, in a few +more meetings, appear also. They are descended from the same stock, and +inherit the same self-complacency. Mr Delvile married his cousin, and +each of them instigates the other to believe that all birth and rank +would be at an end in the world, if their own superb family had not a +promise of support from their hopeful Mortimer. Should you precipitately +settle yourself in their house, you would very soon be totally weighed +down by their united insolence.” + +Cecilia again and warmly attempted to defend them; but Mr Monckton was +so positive in his assertions, and so significant in his insinuations +to their discredit, that she was at length persuaded she had judged too +hastily, and, after thanking him for his counsel, promised not to take +any measures towards a removal without his advice. + +This was all he desired; and now, enlivened by finding that his +influence with her was unimpaired, and that her heart was yet her own, +he ceased his exhortations, and turned the discourse to subjects more +gay and general, judiciously cautious neither by tedious admonitions +to disgust, nor by fretful solicitude to alarm her. He did not quit her +till the evening was far advanced, and then, in returning to his own +house, felt all his anxieties and disappointments recompensed by the +comfort this long and satisfactory conversation had afforded him. +While Cecilia, charmed with having spent the morning with her new +acquaintance, and the evening with her old friend, retired to rest +better pleased with the disposal of her time than she had yet been since +her journey from Suffolk. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +A TETE A TETE. + + +The two following days had neither event nor disturbance, except some +little vexation occasioned by the behaviour of Sir Robert Floyer, +who still appeared not to entertain any doubt of the success of his +addresses. This impertinent confidence she could only attribute to +the officious encouragement of Mr Harrel, and therefore she determined +rather to seek than to avoid an explanation with him. But she had, in +the mean time, the satisfaction of hearing from Mr Arnott, who, ever +eager to oblige her, was frequent in his enquiries, that Mr Belfield was +almost entirely recovered. + +On Thursday, according to her appointment, she again went to St James' +Square, and being shewn into the drawing-room till dinner was ready, +found there only young Mr Delvile. + +After some general conversation, he asked her how lately she had had any +news of Mr Belfield? + +“This morning,” she answered, “when I had the pleasure of hearing he was +quite recovered. Have you seen him again, sir?” + +“Yes madam, twice.” + +“And did you think him almost well?” + +“I thought,” answered he, with some hesitation, “and I think still, that +your enquiries ought to be his cure.” + +“O,” cried Cecilia, “I hope he has far better medicines: but I am afraid +I have been misinformed, for I see you do not think him better.” + +“You must not, however,” replied he, “blame those messengers whose +artifice has only had your satisfaction in view; nor should I be +so malignant as to blast their designs, if I did not fear that Mr +Belfield's actual safety may be endangered by your continual deception.” + +“What deception, sir? I don't at all understand you. How is his safety +endangered?” + +“Ah madam!” said he smiling, “what danger indeed is there that any man +would not risk to give birth to such solicitude! Mr Belfield however, I +believe is in none from which a command of yours cannot rescue him.” + +“Then were I an hard-hearted damsel indeed not to issue it! but if my +commands are so medicinal, pray instruct me how to administer them.” + +“You must order him to give up, for the present, his plan of going into +the country, where he can have no assistance, and where his wound must +be dressed only by a common servant, and to remain quietly in town till +his surgeon pronounces that he may travel without any hazard.” + +“But is he, seriously, so mad as to intend leaving town without the +consent of his surgeon?” + +“Nothing less than such an intention could have induced me to undeceive +you with respect to his recovery. But indeed I am no friend to those +artifices which purchase present relief by future misery: I venture, +therefore, to speak to you the simple truth, that by a timely exertion +of your influence you may prevent further evil.” + +“I know not, Sir,” said Cecilia, with the utmost surprise, “why you +should suppose I have any such influence; nor can I imagine that any +deception has been practiced.” + +“It is possible,” answered he, “I may have been too much alarmed; but in +such a case as this, no information ought to be depended upon but that +of his surgeon. You, madam, may probably know his opinion?” + +“Me?--No, indeed? I never saw his surgeon; I know not even who he is.” + +“I purpose calling upon him to-morrow morning; will Miss Beverley permit +me afterwards the honour of communicating to her what may pass?” + +“I thank you, sir,” said she, colouring very high; “but my impatience is +by no means so great as to occasion my giving you that trouble.” + +Delvile, perceiving her change of countenance, instantly, and with much +respect, entreated her pardon for the proposal; which, however, she had +no sooner granted, than he said very archly, “Why indeed you have not +much right to be angry, since it was your own frankness that excited +mine. And thus, you find, like most other culprits, I am ready to +cast the blame of the offence upon the offended. I feel, however, an +irresistible propensity to do service to Mr Belfield;--shall I sin quite +beyond forgiveness if I venture to tell you how I found him situated +this morning?” + +“No, certainly,--if you wish it, I can have no objection.” + +“I found him, then, surrounded by a set of gay young men, who, by way +of keeping up his spirits, made him laugh and talk without ceasing: he +assured me himself that he was perfectly well, and intended to gallop +out of town to-morrow morning; though, when I shook hands with him at +parting, I was both shocked and alarmed to feel by the burning heat of +the skin, that far from discarding his surgeon, he ought rather to call +in a physician.” + +“I am very much concerned to hear this account,” said Cecilia; “but I do +not well understand what you mean should on my part follow it?” + +“That,” answered he, bowing, with a look of mock gravity, “I pretend not +to settle! In stating the case I have satisfied my conscience, and if +in hearing it you can pardon the liberty I have taken, I shall as +much honour the openness of your character, as I admire that of your +countenance.” + +Cecilia now, to her no little astonishment, found she had the same +mistake to clear up at present concerning Mr Belfield, that only three +days before she had explained with respect to the Baronet. But she +had no time to speak further upon the subject, as the entrance of Mrs +Delvile put an end to their discourse. + +That lady received her with the most distinguishing kindness; apologised +for not sooner waiting upon her, and repeatedly declared that nothing +but indisposition should have prevented her returning the favour of her +first visit. + +They were soon after summoned to dinner. Mr Delvile, to the infinite joy +of Cecilia, was out. + +The day was spent greatly to her satisfaction. There was no interruption +from visitors, she was tormented by the discussion of no disagreeable +subjects, the duel was not mentioned, the antagonists were not hinted +at, she was teized with no self-sufficient encouragement, and wearied +with no mortifying affability; the conversation at once was lively +and rational, and though general, was rendered interesting, by a +reciprocation of good-will and pleasure in the conversers. + +The favourable opinion she had conceived both of the mother and the +son this long visit served to confirm: in Mrs Delvile she found strong +sense, quick parts, and high breeding; in Mortimer, sincerity and +vivacity joined with softness and elegance; and in both there seemed +the most liberal admiration of talents, with an openness of heart that +disdained all disguise. Greatly pleased with their manners, and struck +with all that was apparent in their characters, she much regretted the +prejudice of Mr Monckton, which now, with the promise she had given him, +was all that opposed her making an immediate effort towards a change in +her abode. + +She did not take her leave till eleven o'clock, when Mrs Delvile, +after repeatedly thanking her for her visit, said she would not so much +encroach upon her good nature as to request another till she had waited +upon her in return; but added, that she meant very speedily to pay that +debt, in order to enable herself, by friendly and frequent meetings, +to enter upon the confidential commission with which her guardian had +entrusted her. + +Cecilia was pleased with the delicacy which gave rise to this +forbearance, yet having in fact nothing either to relate or conceal, +she was rather sorry than glad at the delay of an explanation, since she +found the whole family was in an error with respect to the situation of +her affairs. + + + +BOOK THREE + + + +CHAPTER i + +AN APPLICATION. + + +Cecilia, upon her return home, heard with some surprise that Mr and Mrs +Harrel were by themselves in the drawing-room; and, while she was upon +the stairs, Mrs Harrel ran out, calling eagerly, “Is that my brother?” + +Before she could make an answer, Mr Harrel, in the same impatient tone, +exclaimed, “Is it Mr Arnott?” + +“No;” said Cecilia, “did you expect him so late?” + +“Expect him? Yes,” answered Mr Harrel, “I have expected him the whole +evening, and cannot conceive what he has done with himself.” + +“'Tis abominably provoking,” said Mrs Harrel, “that he should be out of +the way just now when he is wanted. However, I dare say to-morrow will +do as well.” + +“I don't know that,” cried Mr Harrel. “Reeves is such a wretch that I am +sure he will give me all the trouble in his power.” + +Here Mr Arnott entered; and Mrs Harrel called out “O brother, we have +been distressed for you cruelly; we have had a man here who has plagued +Mr Harrel to death, and we wanted you sadly to speak to him.” + +“I should have been very glad,” said Mr Arnott, “to have been of any +use, and perhaps it is not yet too late; who is the man?” + +“O,” cried Mr Harrel, carelessly, “only a fellow from that rascally +taylor who has been so troublesome to me lately. He has had the +impudence, because I did not pay him the moment he was pleased to want +his money, to put the bill into the hands of one Reeves, a griping +attorney, who has been here this evening, and thought proper to talk to +me pretty freely. I can tell the gentleman I shall not easily forget his +impertinence! however, I really wish mean time I could get rid of him.” + +“How much is the bill, Sir?” said Mr Arnott. + +“Why it's rather a round sum; but I don't know how it is, one's bills +mount up before one is aware: those fellows charge such confounded sums +for tape and buckram; I hardly know what I have had of him, and yet he +has run me up a bill of between three and four hundred pound.” + +Here there was a general silence; till Mrs Harrel said “Brother, can't +you be so good as to lend us the money? Mr Harrel says he can pay it +again very soon.” + +“O yes, very soon,” said Mr Harrel, “for I shall receive a great deal of +money in a little time; I only want to stop this fellow's mouth for the +present.” + +“Suppose I go and talk with him?” said Mr Arnott. + +“O, he's a brute, a stock!” cried Mr Harrel, “nothing but the money will +satisfy him: he will hear no reason; one might as well talk to a stone.” + +Mr Arnott now looked extremely distressed; but upon his sister's warmly +pressing him not to lose any time, he gently said, “If this person will +but wait a week or two, I should be extremely glad, for really just +now I cannot take up so much money, without such particular loss and +inconvenience, that I hardly know how to do it:--but yet, if he will not +be appeased, he must certainly have it.” + +“Appeased?” cried Mr Harrel, “you might as well appease the sea in a +storm! he is hard as iron.” + +Mr Arnott then, forcing a smile, though evidently in much uneasiness, +said he would not fail to raise the money the next morning, and was +taking his leave, when Cecilia, shocked that such tenderness and +good-nature should be thus grossly imposed upon, hastily begged to speak +with Mrs Harrel, and taking her into another room, said, “I beseech you, +my dear friend, let not your worthy brother suffer by his generosity; +permit me in the present exigence to assist Mr Harrel: my having such a +sum advanced can be of no consequence; but I should grieve indeed that +your brother, who so nobly understands the use of money, should take it +up at any particular disadvantage.” + +“You are vastly kind,” said Mrs Harrel, “and I will run and speak to +them about it: but which ever of you lends the money, Mr Harrel has +assured me he shall pay it very soon.” + +She then returned with the proposition. Mr Arnott strongly opposed it, +but Mr Harrel seemed rather to prefer it, yet spoke so confidently of +his speedy payment, that he appeared to think it a matter of little +importance from which he accepted it. A generous contest ensued between +Mr Arnott and Cecilia, but as she was very earnest, she at length +prevailed, and settled to go herself the next morning into the city, in +order to have the money advanced by Mr Briggs, who had the management of +her fortune entirely to himself, her other guardians never interfering +in the executive part of her affairs. + +This arranged, they all retired. + +And then, with encreasing astonishment, Cecilia reflected upon the +ruinous levity of Mr Harrel, and the blind security of his wife; she saw +in their situation danger the most alarming, and in the behaviour of Mr +Harrel selfishness the most inexcusable; such glaring injustice to his +creditors, such utter insensibility to his friends, took from her all +wish of assisting him, though the indignant compassion with which she +saw the easy generosity of Mr Arnott so frequently abused, had now, for +his sake merely, induced her to relieve him. + +She resolved, however, as soon as the present difficulty was surmounted, +to make another attempt to open the eyes of Mrs Harrel to the evils +which so apparently threatened her, and press her to exert all her +influence with her husband, by means both of example and advice, to +retrench his expences before it should be absolutely too late to save +him from ruin. + +She determined also at the same time that she applied for the money +requisite for this debt, to take up enough for discharging her own bill +at the bookseller's, and putting in execution her plan of assisting the +Hills. + +The next morning she arose early, and attended by her servant, set out +for the house of Mr Briggs, purposing, as the weather was clear and +frosty, to walk through Oxford Road, and then put herself into a chair; +and hoping to return to Mr Harrel's by the usual hour of breakfast. + +She had not proceeded far, before she saw a mob gathering, and the +windows of almost all the houses filling with spectators. She desired +her servant to enquire what this meant, and was informed that the people +were assembling to see some malefactors pass by in their way to Tyburn. + +Alarmed at this intelligence from the fear of meeting the unhappy +criminals, she hastily turned down the next street, but found that also +filling with people who were running to the scene she was trying to +avoid: encircled thus every way, she applied to a maidservant who was +standing at the door of a large house, and begged leave to step in till +the mob was gone by. The maid immediately consented, and she waited here +while she sent her man for a chair. + +He soon arrived with one; but just as she returned to the street door, a +gentleman, who was hastily entering the house, standing back to let +her pass, suddenly exclaimed, “Miss Beverley!” and looking at him, she +perceived young Delvile. + +“I cannot stop an instant,” cried she, running down the steps, “lest the +crowd should prevent the chair from going on.” + +“Will you not first,” said he, handing her in, “tell me what news you +have heard?” + +“News?” repeated she. “No, I have heard none!” + +“You will only, then, laugh at me for those officious offers you did so +well to reject?” + +“I know not what offers you mean!” + +“They were indeed superfluous, and therefore I wonder not you have +forgotten them. Shall I tell the chairmen whither to go?” + +“To Mr Briggs. But I cannot imagine what you mean.” + +“To Mr Briggs!” repeated he, “O live for ever French beads and Bristol +stones! fresh offers may perhaps be made there, impertinent, officious, +and useless as mine!” + +He then told her servant the direction, and, making his bow, went into +the house she had just quitted. + +Cecilia, extremely amazed by this short, but unintelligible +conversation, would again have called upon him to explain his meaning, +but found the crowd encreasing so fast that she could not venture to +detain the chair, which with difficulty made its way to the adjoining +streets: but her surprize at what had passed so entirely occupied her, +that when she stopt at the house of Mr Briggs, she had almost forgotten +what had brought her thither. + +The foot-boy, who came to the door, told her that his master was at +home, but not well. + +She desired he might be acquainted that she wished to speak to him upon +business, and would wait upon him again at any hour when he thought he +should be able to see her. + +The boy returned with an answer that she might call again the next week. + +Cecilia, knowing that so long a delay would destroy all the kindness of +her intention, determined to write to him for the money, and therefore +went into the parlour, and desired to have pen and ink. + +The boy, after making her wait some time in a room without any fire, +brought her a pen and a little ink in a broken tea-cup, saying “Master +begs you won't spirt it about, for he's got no more; and all our +blacking's as good as gone.” + +“Blacking?” repeated Cecilia. + +“Yes, Miss; when Master's shoes are blacked, we commonly gets a little +drap of fresh ink.” + +Cecilia promised to be careful, but desired him to fetch her a sheet of +paper. + +“Law, Miss,” cried the boy, with a grin, “I dare say master'd as soon +give you a bit of his nose! howsever, I'll go ax.” + +In a few minutes he again returned, and brought in his hand a slate and +a black lead pencil; “Miss,” cried he, “Master says how you may write +upon this, for he supposes you've no great matters to say.” + +Cecilia, much astonished at this extreme parsimony, was obliged to +consent, but as the point of the pencil was very blunt, desired the +boy to get her a knife that she might cut it. He obeyed, but said “Pray +Miss, take care it ben't known, for master don't do such a thing once in +a year, and if he know'd I'd got you the knife, he'd go nigh to give me +a good polt of the head.” + +Cecilia then wrote upon the slate her desire to be informed in what +manner she should send him her receipt for 600 pounds, which she begged +to have instantly advanced. + +The boy came back grinning, and holding up his hands, and said, “Miss, +there's a fine piece of work upstairs! Master's in a peck of troubles; +but he says how he'll come down, if you'll stay till he's got his things +on.” + +“Does he keep his bed, then? I hope I have not made him rise?” + +“No, Miss, he don't keep his bed, only he must get ready, for he wears +no great matters of cloaths when he's alone. You are to know, Miss,” + lowering his voice, “that that day as he went abroad with our sweep's +cloaths on, he comed home in sich a pickle you never see! I believe +somebody'd knocked him in the kennel; so does Moll; but don't you say as +I told you! He's been special bad ever since. Moll and I was as glad as +could be, because he's so plaguy sharp; for, to let you know, Miss, he's +so near, it's partly a wonder how he lives at all: and yet he's worth a +power of money, too.” + +“Well, well,” said Cecilia, not very desirous to encourage his +forwardness, “if I want any thing, I'll call for you.” + +The boy, however, glad to tell his tale, went on. + +“Our Moll won't stay with him above a week longer, Miss, because she +says how she can get nothing to eat, but just some old stinking salt +meat, that's stayed in the butcher's shop so long, it would make a horse +sick to look at it. But Moll's pretty nice; howsever, Miss, to let you +know, we don't get a good meal so often as once a quarter! why this last +week we ha'n't had nothing at all but some dry musty red herrings; so +you may think, Miss, we're kept pretty sharp!” + +He was now interrupted by hearing Mr Briggs coming down the stairs, upon +which, abruptly breaking off his complaints, he held up his finger to +his nose in token of secrecy, and ran hastily into the kitchen. + +The appearance of Mr Briggs was by no means rendered more attractive by +illness and negligence of dress. He had on a flannel gown and night cap; +his black beard, of many days' growth, was long and grim, and upon his +nose and one of his cheeks was a large patch of brown paper, which, as +he entered the room, he held on with both his hands. + +Cecilia made many apologies for having disturbed him, and some civil +enquiries concerning his health. + +“Ay, ay,” cried he, pettishly, “bad enough: all along of that trumpery +masquerade; wish I had not gone! Fool for my pains.” + +“When were you taken ill, Sir?” + +“Met with an accident; got a fall, broke my head, like to have lost my +wig. Wish the masquerade at old Nick! thought it would cost nothing, or +would not have gone. Warrant sha'n't get me so soon to another!” + +“Did you fall in going home, Sir?” + +“Ay, ay, plump in the kennel; could hardly get out of it; felt myself a +going, was afraid to tear my cloaths, knew the rascal would make me pay +for them, so by holding up the old sack, come bolt on my face! off pops +my wig; could not tell what to do; all as dark as pitch!” + +“Did not you call for help?” + +“Nobody by but scrubs, knew they would not help for nothing. Scrawled +out as I could, groped about for my wig, found it at last, all soused in +the mud; stuck to my head like Turner's cerate.” + +“I hope, then, you got into a hackney coach?” + +“What for? to make things worse? was not bad enough, hay?--must pay two +shillings beside?” + +“But how did you find yourself when you got home, Sir?” + +“How? why wet as muck; my head all bumps, my cheek all cut, my nose big +as two! forced to wear a plaister; half ruined in vinegar. Got a great +cold; put me in a fever; never been well since.” + +“But have you had no advice, Sir? Should not you send for a physician?” + +“What to do, hay? fill me with jallop? can get it myself, can't I? Had +one once; was taken very bad, thought should have popt off; began to +flinch, sent for the doctor, proved nothing but a cheat! cost me a +guinea, gave it at fourth visit, and he never came again!---warrant +won't have no more!” + +Then perceiving upon the table some dust from the black lead pencil, +“What's here?” cried he, angrily, “who's been cutting the pencil? wish +they were hanged; suppose it's the boy; deserves to be horsewhipped: +give him a good banging.” + +Cecilia immediately cleared him, by acknowledging she had herself been +the culprit. + +“Ay, ay,” cried he, “thought as much all the time! guessed how it was; +nothing but ruin and waste; sending for money, nobody knows why; wanting +600 pounds--what to do? throw it in the dirt? Never heard the like! +Sha'n't have it, promise you that,” nodding his head, “shan't have no +such thing!” + +“Sha'n't have it?” cried Cecilia, much surprised, “why not, Sir?” + +“Keep it for your husband; get you one soon: won't have no juggling. +Don't be in a hurry; one in my eye.” + +Cecilia then began a very earnest expostulation, assuring him she really +wanted the money, for an occasion which would not admit of delay. Her +remonstrances, however, he wholly disregarded, telling her that girls +knew nothing of the value of money, and ought not to be trusted with +it; that he would not hear of such extravagance, and was resolved not +to advance her a penny. Cecilia was both provoked and confounded by a +refusal so unexpected, and as she thought herself bound in honour to +Mr Harrel not to make known the motive of her urgency, she was for +some time totally silenced: till recollecting her account with the +bookseller, she determined to rest her plea upon that, persuaded that he +could not, at least, deny her money to pay her own bills. He heard her, +however, with the utmost contempt; “Books?” he cried, “what do you want +with books? do no good; all lost time; words get no cash.” She informed +him his admonitions were now too late, as she had already received them, +and must therefore necessarily pay for them. “No, no,” cried he, “send +'em back, that's best; keep no such rubbish, won't turn to account; do +better without 'em.” “That, Sir, will be impossible, for I have had them +some time, and cannot expect the bookseller to take them again.” “Must, +must,” cried he, “can't help himself; glad to have 'em too. Are but +a minor, can't be made pay a farthing.” Cecilia with much indignation +heard such fraud recommended, and told him she could by no means consent +to follow his advice. But she soon found, to her utter amazement, that +he steadily refused to give her any other, or to bestow the slightest +attention upon her expostulations, sturdily saying that her uncle had +left her a noble estate, and he would take care to see it put in proper +hands, by getting her a good and careful husband. + +“I have no intention, no wish, Sir,” cried she, “to break into the +income or estate left me by my uncle; on the contrary, I hold them +sacred, and think myself bound in conscience never to live beyond them: +but the L10,000 bequeathed me by my Father, I regard as more peculiarly +my own property, and therefore think myself at liberty to dispose of it +as I please.” + +“What,” cried he, in a rage, “make it over to a scrubby bookseller! give +it up for an old pot-hook? no, no, won't suffer it; sha'n't be, sha'n't +be, I say! if you want some books, go to Moorfields, pick up enough at +an old stall; get 'em at two pence a-piece; dear enough, too.” + +Cecilia for some time hoped he was merely indulging his strange and +sordid humour by an opposition that was only intended to teize her; +but she soon found herself extremely mistaken: he was immoveable in +obstinacy, as he was incorrigible in avarice; he neither troubled +himself with enquiries nor reasoning, but was contented with refusing +her as a child might be refused, by peremptorily telling her she did not +know what she wanted, and therefore should not have what she asked. + +And with this answer, after all that she could urge, she was compelled +to leave the house, as he complained that his brown paper plaister +wanted fresh dipping in vinegar, and he could stay talking no longer. + +The disgust with which this behaviour filled her, was doubled by +the shame and concern of returning to the Harrels with her promise +unperformed; she deliberated upon every method that occurred to her +of still endeavouring to serve them, but could suggest nothing, except +trying to prevail upon Mr Delvile to interfere in her favour. She liked +not, indeed, the office of solicitation to so haughty a man, but, having +no other expedient, her repugnance gave way to her generosity, and she +ordered the chairmen to carry her to St James's Square. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +A PERPLEXITY. + + +And here, at the door of his Father's house, and just ascending the +steps, she perceived young Delvile. + +“Again!” cried he, handing her out of the chair, “surely some good +genius is at work for me this morning!” + +She told him she should not have called so early, now she was acquainted +with the late hours of Mrs Delvile, but that she merely meant to speak +with his Father, for two minutes, upon business. + +He attended her up stairs; and finding she was in haste, went himself +with her message to Mr Delvile: and soon returned with an answer that he +would wait upon her presently. + +The strange speeches he had made to her when they first met in the +morning now recurring to her memory, she determined to have them +explained, and in order to lead to the subject, mentioned the +disagreeable situation in which he had found her, while she was standing +up to avoid the sight of the condemned malefactors. + +“Indeed?” cried he, in a tone of voice somewhat incredulous, “and was +that the purpose for which you stood up?” + +“Certainly, Sir;--what other could I have?” + +“None, surely!” said he, smiling, “but the accident was singularly +opportune.” + +“Opportune?” cried Cecilia, staring, “how opportune? this is the second +time in the same morning that I am not able to understand you!” + +“How _should_ you understand what is so little intelligible?” + +“I see you have some meaning which I cannot fathom, why, else, should it +be so extraordinary that I should endeavour to avoid a mob? or how could +it be opportune that I should happen to meet with one?” + +He laughed at first without making any answer; but perceiving she looked +at him with impatience, he half gaily, half reproachfully, said, “Whence +is it that young ladies, even such whose principles are most strict, +seem universally, in those affairs where their affections are concerned, +to think hypocrisy necessary, and deceit amiable? and hold it graceful +to disavow to-day, what they may perhaps mean publicly to acknowledge +to-morrow?” + +Cecilia, who heard these questions with unfeigned astonishment, looked +at him with the utmost eagerness for an explanation. + +“Do you so much wonder,” he continued, “that I should have hoped in Miss +Beverley to have seen some deviation from such rules? and have expected +more openness and candour in a young lady who has given so noble a proof +of the liberality of her mind and understanding?” + +“You amaze me beyond measure!” cried she, “what rules, what candour, +what liberality, do you mean?” + +“Must I speak yet more plainly? and if I do, will you bear to hear me?” + +“Indeed I should be extremely glad if you would give me leave to +understand you.” + +“And may I tell you what has charmed me, as well as what I have presumed +to wonder at?” + +“You may tell me any thing, if you will but be less mysterious.” + +“Forgive then the frankness you invite, and let me acknowledge to you +how greatly I honour the nobleness of your conduct. Surrounded as +you are by the opulent and the splendid, unshackled by dependance, +unrestrained by authority, blest by nature with all that is attractive, +by situation with all that is desirable,--to slight the rich, and +disregard the powerful, for the purer pleasure of raising oppressed +merit, and giving to desert that wealth in which alone it seemed +deficient--how can a spirit so liberal be sufficiently admired, or a +choice of so much dignity be too highly extolled?” + +“I find,” cried Cecilia, “I must forbear any further enquiry, for the +more I hear, the less I understand.” + +“Pardon me, then,” cried he, “if here I return to my first question: +whence is it that a young lady who can think so nobly, and act so +disinterestedly, should not be uniformly great, simple in truth, and +unaffected in sincerity? Why should she be thus guarded, where frankness +would do her so much honour? Why blush in owning what all others may +blush in envying?” + +“Indeed you perplex me intolerably,” cried Cecilia, with some vexation, +“why Sir, will you not be more explicit?” + +“And why, Madam,” returned he, with a laugh, “would you tempt me to be +more impertinent? have I not said strange things already?” + +“Strange indeed,” cried she, “for not one of them can I comprehend!” + +“Pardon, then,” cried he, “and forget them all! I scarce know myself +what urged me to say them, but I began inadvertently, without intending +to go on, and I have proceeded involuntarily, without knowing how to +stop. The fault, however, is ultimately your own, for the sight of +you creates an insurmountable desire to converse with you, and your +conversation a propensity equally incorrigible to take some interest in +your welfare.” + +He would then have changed the discourse, and Cecilia, ashamed of +pressing him further, was for some time silent; but when one of the +servants came to inform her that his master meant to wait upon her +directly, her unwillingness to leave the matter in suspense induced +her, somewhat abruptly, to say, “Perhaps, Sir, you are thinking of Mr +Belfield?” + +“A happy conjecture!” cried he, “but so wild a one, I cannot but marvel +how it should occur to you!” + +“Well, Sir,” said she, “I must acknowledge I now understand your +meaning; but with respect to what has given rise to it, I am as much a +stranger as ever.” + +The entrance of Mr Delvile here closed the conversation. + +He began with his usual ostentatious apologies, declaring he had so many +people to attend, so many complaints to hear, and so many grievances to +redress, that it was impossible for him to wait upon her sooner, and not +without difficulty that he waited upon her now. + +Mean time his son almost immediately retired: and Cecilia, instead of +listening to this harangue, was only disturbing herself with conjectures +upon what had just passed. She saw that young Delvile concluded she was +absolutely engaged to Mr Belfield, and though she was better pleased +that any suspicion should fall there than upon Sir Robert Floyer, she +was yet both provoked and concerned to be suspected at all. An attack so +earnest from almost any other person could hardly have failed being very +offensive to her, but in the manners of young Delvile good breeding was +so happily blended with frankness, that his freedom seemed merely to +result from the openness of his disposition, and even in its very act +pleaded its own excuse. + +Her reverie was at length interrupted by Mr Delvile's desiring to know +in what he could serve her. + +She told him she had present occasion for L600, and hoped he would not +object to her taking up that sum. + +“Six hundred pounds,” said he, after some deliberation, “is rather an +extraordinary demand for a young lady in your situation; your allowance +is considerable, you have yet no house, no equipage, no establishment; +your expences, I should imagine, cannot be very great--” + +He stopt, and seemed weighing her request. + +Cecilia, shocked at appearing extravagant, yet too generous to mention +Mr Harrel, had again recourse to her bookseller's bill, which she told +him she was anxious to discharge. + +“A bookseller's bill?” cried he; “and do you want L600 for a +bookseller's bill?” + +“No, Sir,” said she, stammering, “no,--not all for that,--I have some +other--I have a particular occasion--” + +“But what bill at all,” cried he, with much surprise, “can a young lady +have with a bookseller? The Spectator, Tatler and Guardian, would make +library sufficient for any female in the kingdom, nor do I think it +like a gentlewoman to have more. Besides, if you ally yourself in such +a manner as I shall approve and recommend, you will, in all probability, +find already collected more books than there can ever be any possible +occasion for you to look into. And let me counsel you to remember that +a lady, whether so called from birth or only from fortune, should never +degrade herself by being put on a level with writers, and such sort of +people.” + +Cecilia thanked him for his advice, but confessed that upon the present +occasion it came too late, as the books were now actually in her own +possession. + +“And have you taken,” cried he, “such a measure as this without +consulting me? I thought I had assured you my opinion was always at your +service when you were in any dilemma.” + +“Yes, Sir,” answered Cecilia; “but I knew how much you were occupied, +and wished to avoid taking up your time.” + +“I cannot blame your modesty,” he replied, “and therefore, as you have +contracted the debt, you are, in honour, bound to pay it. Mr Briggs, +however, has the entire management of your fortune, my many avocations +obliging me to decline so laborious a trust; apply, therefore, to him, +and, as things are situated, I will make no opposition to your demand.” + +“I have already, Sir,” said Cecilia, “spoke to Mr Briggs, but--” + +“You went to him first, then?” interrupted Mr Delvile, with a look of +much displeasure. + +“I was unwilling, Sir, to trouble you till I found it unavoidable.” She +then acquainted him with Mr Briggs' refusal, and entreated he would +do her the favour to intercede in her behalf, that the money might no +longer be denied her. + +Every word she spoke his pride seemed rising to resent, and when, she +had done, after regarding her some time with apparent indignation, he +said, “_I_ intercede! _I_ become an agent!” + +Cecilia, amazed to find him thus violently irritated, made a very +earnest apology for her request; but without paying her any attention, +he walked up and down the room, exclaiming, “an agent! and to Mr +Briggs!--This is an affront I could never have expected! why did I +degrade myself by accepting this humiliating office? I ought to have +known better!” Then, turning to Cecilia, “Child,” he added, “for whom is +it you take me, and for what?” + +Cecilia again, though affronted in her turn, began some protestations of +respect; but haughtily interrupting her, he said, “If of me, and of my +rank in life you judge by Mr Briggs or by Mr Harrel, I may be subject to +proposals such as these every day; suffer me, therefore, for your better +information, to hint to you, that the head of an ancient and honourable +house, is apt to think himself somewhat superior to people but just +rising from dust and obscurity.” + +Thunderstruck by this imperious reproof, she could attempt no further +vindication; but when he observed her consternation, he was somewhat +appeased, and hoping he had now impressed her with a proper sense of his +dignity, he more gently said, “You did not, I believe, intend to insult +me.” + +“Good Heaven, Sir; no!” cried Cecilia, “nothing was more distant from +my thoughts: if my expressions have been faulty, it has been wholly from +ignorance.” + +“Well, well, we will think then no more of it.” + +She then said she would no longer detain him, and, without daring to +again mention her petition, she wished him good morning. + +He suffered her to go, yet, as she left the room, graciously said, +“Think no more of my displeasure, for it is over: I see you were not +aware of the extraordinary thing you proposed. I am sorry I cannot +possibly assist you; on any other occasion you may depend upon my +services; but you know Mr Briggs, you have seen him yourself,--judge, +then, how a man of any fashion is to accommodate himself with such a +person!” + +Cecilia concurred, and, courtsying, took her leave. + +“Ah!” thought she, in her way home, “how happy is it for me that I +followed the advice of Mr Monckton! else I had surely made interest to +become an inmate of that house, and then indeed, as he wisely foresaw, +I should inevitably have been overwhelmed by this pompous insolence! no +family, however amiable, could make amends for such a master of it.” + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +AN ADMONITION. + + +The Harrels and Mr Arnott waited the return of Cecilia with the utmost +impatience; she told them with much concern the failure of her embassy, +which Mr Harrel heard with visible resentment and discontent, while Mr +Arnott, entreating him not to think of it, again made an offer of his +services, and declared he would disregard all personal convenience for +the pleasure of making him and his sister easy. + +Cecilia was much mortified that she had not the power to act the same +part, and asked Mr Harrel whether he believed his own influence with Mr +Briggs would be more successful. + +“No, no,” answered he, “the old curmudgeon would but the rather refuse. +I know his reason, and therefore am sure all pleas will be vain. He has +dealings in the alley, and I dare say games with your money as if it +were his own. There is, indeed, one way--but I do not think you would +like it--though I protest I hardly know why not--however, 'tis as well +let alone.” + +Cecilia insisted upon hearing what he meant, and, after some +hesitation, he hinted that there were means by which, with very little +inconvenience, she might borrow the money. + +Cecilia, with that horror natural to all unpractised minds at the first +idea of contracting a voluntary debt, started at this suggestion, and +seemed very ill disposed to listen to it. Mr Harrel, perceiving her +repugnance, turned to Mr Arnott, and said, “Well, my good brother, I +hardly know how to suffer you to sell out at such a loss, but yet, my +present necessity is so urgent--” + +“Don't mention it,” cried Mr Arnott, “I am very sorry I let you know +it; be certain, however, that while I have anything, it is yours and my +sister's.” + +The two gentlemen we then retiring together; but Cecilia, shocked for Mr +Arnott, though unmoved by Mr Harrel, stopt them to enquire what was the +way by which it was meant she could borrow the money? + +Mr Harrel seemed averse to answer, but she would not be refused; and +then he mentioned a Jew, of whose honesty he had made undoubted trial, +and who, as she was so near being of age, would accept very trifling +interest for whatever she should like to take up. + +The heart of Cecilia recoiled at the very mention of a _Jew_, and +_taking up money upon interest_; but, impelled strongly by her own +generosity to emulate that of Mr Arnott, she agreed, after some +hesitation, to have recourse to this method. + +Mr Harrel then made some faint denials, and Mr Arnott protested he had +a thousand times rather sell out at any discount, than consent to her +taking such a measure; but, when her first reluctance was conquered, all +that he urged served but to shew his worthiness in a stronger light, and +only increased her desire of saving him from such repeated imposition. + +Her total ignorance in what manner to transact this business, made her +next put it wholly into the hands of Mr Harrel, whom she begged to take +up 600 pounds, upon such terms as he thought equitable, and to which, +what ever they might be, she would sign her name. + +He seemed somewhat surprised at the sum, but without any question or +objection undertook the commission: and Cecilia would not lessen it, +because unwilling to do more for the security of the luxurious Mr +Harrel, than for the distresses of the laborious Hills. + +Nothing could be more speedy than the execution of this affair, Mr +Harrel was diligent and expert, the whole was settled that morning, and, +giving to the Jew her bond for the payment at the interest he required, +she put into the hands of Mr Harrel L350, for which he gave his receipt, +and she kept the rest for her own purposes. + +She intended the morning after this transaction to settle her account +with the bookseller. When she went into the parlour to breakfast, +she was somewhat surprised to see Mr Harrel seated there, in earnest +discourse with his wife. Fearful of interrupting a _tete-a-tete_ so +uncommon, she would have retired, but Mr Harrel, calling after her, +said, “O pray come in! I am only telling Priscilla a piece of my usual +ill luck. You must know I happen to be in immediate want of L200, though +only for three or four days, and I sent to order honest old Aaron to +come hither directly with the money, but it so happens that he went out +of town the moment he had done with us yesterday, and will not be back +again this week. Now I don't believe there is another Jew in the kingdom +who will let me have money upon the same terms; they are such notorious +rascals, that I hate the very thought of employing them.” + +Cecilia, who could not but understand what this meant, was too much +displeased both by his extravagance and his indelicacy, to feel at all +inclined to change the destination of the money she had just received; +and therefore coolly agreed that it was unfortunate, but added nothing +more. + +“O, it is provoking indeed,” cried he, “for the extra-interest I must +pay one of those extortioners is absolutely so much money thrown away.” + +Cecilia, still without noticing these hints, began her breakfast. Mr +Harrel then said he would take his tea with them: and, while he was +buttering some dry toast, exclaimed, as if from sudden recollection, “O +Lord, now I think of it, I believe, Miss Beverley, you can lend me this +money yourself for a day or two. The moment old Aaron comes to town, I +will pay you.” + +Cecilia, whose generosity, however extensive, was neither thoughtless +nor indiscriminate, found something so repulsive in this gross +procedure, that instead of assenting to his request with her usual +alacrity, she answered very gravely that the money she had just received +was already appropriated to a particular purpose, and she knew not how +to defer making use of it. + +Mr Harrel was extremely chagrined by this reply, which was by no means +what he expected; but, tossing down a dish of tea, he began humming an +air, and soon recovered his usual unconcern. + +In a few minutes, ringing his bell, he desired a servant to go to Mr +Zackery, and inform him that he wanted to speak with him immediately. + +“And now,” said he, with a look in which vexation seemed struggling with +carelessness, “the thing is done! I don't like, indeed, to get into such +hands, for 'tis hard ever to get out of them when once one begins,--and +hitherto I have kept pretty clear. But there's no help for it--Mr +Arnott cannot just now assist me--and so the thing must take its course. +Priscilla, why do you look so grave?” + +“I am thinking how unlucky it is my Brother should happen to be unable +to lend you this money.” + +“O, don't think about it; I shall get rid of the man very soon I dare +say--I hope so, at least--I am sure I mean it.” + +Cecilia now grew a little disturbed; she looked at Mrs. Harrel, who +seemed also uneasy, and then, with some hesitation, said “Have you +really never, Sir, employed this man before?” + +“Never in my life: never any but old Aaron. I dread the whole race; +I have a sort of superstitious notion that if once I get into their +clutches, I shall never be my own man again; and that induced me to beg +your assistance. However, 'tis no great matter.” + +She then began to waver; she feared there might be future mischief +as well as present inconvenience, in his applying to new usurers, and +knowing she had now the power to prevent him, thought herself half cruel +in refusing to exert it. She wished to consult Mr. Monckton, but found +it necessary to take her measures immediately, as the Jew was already +sent for, and must in a few moments be either employed or discarded. + +Much perplext how to act, between a desire of doing good, and a fear +of encouraging evil, she weighed each side hastily, but while still +uncertain which ought to preponderate, her kindness for Mrs. Harrel +interfered, and, in the hope of rescuing her husband from further bad +practices, she said she would postpone her own business for the few days +he mentioned, rather than see him compelled to open any new account with +so dangerous a set of men. + +He thanked her in his usual negligent manner, and accepting the 200 +pounds, gave her his receipt for it, and a promise she should be paid in +a week. + +Mrs. Harrel, however, seemed more grateful, and with many embraces spoke +her sense of this friendly good nature. Cecilia, happy from believing +she had revived in her some spark of sensibility, determined to +avail herself of so favourable a symptom, and enter at once upon the +disagreeable task she had set herself, of representing to her the danger +of her present situation. + +As soon, therefore, as breakfast was done, and Mr Arnott, who came in +before it was over, was gone, with a view to excite her attention by +raising her curiosity, she begged the favour of a private conference in +her own room, upon matters of some importance. + +She began with hoping that the friendship in which they had so long +lived would make her pardon the liberty she was going to take, and which +nothing less than their former intimacy, joined to strong apprehensions +for her future welfare, could authorise; “But oh Priscilla!” she +continued, “with open eyes to see your danger, yet not warn you of +it, would be a reserve treacherous in a friend, and cruel even in a +fellow-creature.” + +“What danger?” cried Mrs Harrel, much alarmed, “do you think me ill? do +I look consumptive?” + +“Yes, consumptive indeed!” said Cecilia, “but not, I hope, in your +constitution.” + +And then, with all the tenderness in her power, she came to the point, +and conjured her without delay to retrench her expences, and change her +thoughtless way of life for one more considerate and domestic. + +Mrs Harrel, with much simplicity, assured her _she did nothing but +what every body else did_, and that it was quite impossible for her to +_appear in the world_ in any other manner. + +“But how are you to appear hereafter?” cried Cecilia, “if now you live +beyond your income, you must consider that in time your income by such +depredations will be exhausted.” + +“But I declare to you,” answered Mrs Harrel, “I never run in debt +for more than half a year, for as soon as I receive my own money, I +generally pay it away every shilling: and so borrow what I want till pay +day comes round again.” + +“And that,” said Cecilia, “seems a method expressly devised for keeping +you eternally comfortless: pardon me, however, for speaking so openly, +but I fear Mr Harrel himself must be even still less attentive and +accurate in his affairs, or he could not so frequently be embarrassed. +And what is to be the result? look but, my dear Priscilla, a little +forward, and you will tremble at the prospect before you!” + +Mrs Harrel seemed frightened at this speech, and begged to know what she +would have them do? + +Cecilia then, with equal wisdom and friendliness, proposed a general +reform in the household, the public and private expences of both; she +advised that a strict examination might be made into the state of their +affairs, that all their bills should be called in, and faithfully paid, +and that an entire new plan of life should be adopted, according to the +situation of their fortune and income when cleared of all incumbrances. + +“Lord, my dear!” exclaimed Mrs Harrel, with a look of astonishment, “why +Mr Harrel would no more do all this than fly! If I was only to make such +a proposal, I dare say he would laugh in my face.” + +“And why?” + +“Why?--why because it would seem such an odd thing--it's what nobody +thinks of--though I am sure I am very much obliged to you for mentioning +it. Shall we go down stairs? I think I heard somebody come in. + +“No matter who comes in,” said Cecilia, “reflect for a moment upon my +proposal, and, at least, if you disapprove it, suggest something more +eligible.” + +“Oh, it's a very good proposal, that I agree,” said Mrs Harrel, looking +very weary, “but only the thing is it's quite impossible.” + +“Why so? why is it impossible?” + +“Why because--dear, I don't know--but I am sure it is.” + +“But what is your reason? What makes you sure of it?” + +“Lord, I can't tell--but I know it is--because--I am very certain it +is.” + +Argument such as this, though extremely fatiguing to the understanding +of Cecilia, had yet no power to _blunt her purpose_: she warmly +expostulated against the weakness of her defence, strongly represented +the imprudence of her conduct, and exhorted her by every tie of justice, +honour and discretion to set about a reformation. + +“Why what can I do?” cried Mrs Harrel, impatiently, “one must live a +little like other people. You would not have me stared at, I suppose; +and I am sure I don't know what I do that every body else does not do +too.” + +“But were it not better,” said Cecilia, with more energy, “to think less +of _other people_, and more of _yourself?_ to consult your own fortune, +and your own situation in life, instead of being blindly guided by those +of _other people_? If, indeed, _other people_ would be responsible for +your losses, for the diminution of your wealth, and for the disorder +of your affairs, then might you rationally make their way of life the +example of yours: but you cannot flatter yourself such will be the case; +you know better; your losses, your diminished fortune, your embarrassed +circumstances will be all your own! pitied, perhaps, by some, but blamed +by more, and assisted by none!” + +“Good Lord, Miss Beverley!” cried Mrs Harrel, starting, “you talk just +as if we were ruined!” + +“I mean not that,” replied Cecilia, “but I would fain, by pointing +out your danger, prevail with you to prevent in time so dreadful a +catastrophe.” + +Mrs Harrel, more affronted than alarmed, heard this answer with much +displeasure, and after a sullen hesitation, peevishly said, “I must own +I don't take it very kind of you to say such frightful things to me; I +am sure we only live like the rest of the world, and I don't see why a +man of Mr Harrel's fortune should live any worse. As to his having now +and then a little debt or two, it is nothing but what every body else +has. You only think it so odd, because you a'n't used to it: but you are +quite mistaken if you suppose he does not mean to pay, for he told me +this morning that as soon as ever he receives his rents, he intends to +discharge every bill he has in the world.” + +“I am very glad to hear it,” answered Cecilia, “and I heartily wish he +may have the resolution to adhere to his purpose. I feared you +would think me impertinent, but you do worse in believing me unkind: +friendship and good-will could alone have induced me to hazard what I +have said to you. I must, however, have done; though I cannot forbear +adding that I hope what has already passed will sometimes recur to you.” + +They then separated; Mrs Harrel half angry at remonstrances she thought +only censorious, and Cecilia offended at her pettishness and folly, +though grieved at her blindness. + +She was soon, however, recompensed for this vexation by a visit from +Mrs Delvile, who, finding her alone, sat with her some time, and by her +spirit, understanding and elegance, dissipated all her chagrin. + +From another circumstance, also, she received much pleasure, though a +little perplexity; Mr Arnott brought her word that Mr Belfield, almost +quite well, had actually left his lodgings, and was gone into the +country. + +She now half suspected that the account of his illness given her by +young Delvile, was merely the effect of his curiosity to discover her +sentiments of him; yet when she considered how foreign to his character +appeared every species of artifice, she exculpated him from the design, +and concluded that the impatient spirit of Belfield had hurried him +away, when really unfit for travelling. She had no means, however, to +hear more of him now he had quitted the town, and therefore, though +uneasy, she was compelled to be patient. + +In the evening she had again a visit from Mr Monckton, who, though he +was now acquainted how much she was at home, had the forbearance to +avoid making frequent use of that knowledge, that his attendance might +escape observation. + +Cecilia, as usual, spoke to him of all her affairs with the utmost +openness; and as her mind was now chiefly occupied by her apprehensions +for the Harrels, she communicated to him the extravagance of which +they were guilty, and hinted at the distress that from time to time it +occasioned; but the assistance she had afforded them her own delicacy +prevented her mentioning. + +Mr Monckton scrupled not from this account instantly to pronounce Harrel +a _ruined man_; and thinking Cecilia, from her connection with him, +in much danger of being involved in his future difficulties, he most +earnestly exhorted her to suffer no inducement to prevail with her +to advance him any money, confidently affirming she would have little +chance of being ever repaid. + +Cecilia listened to this charge with much alarm, but readily promised +future circumspection. She confessed to him the conference she had +had in the morning with Mrs Harrel, and after lamenting her determined +neglect of her affairs, she added, “I cannot but own that my esteem for +her, even more than my affection, has lessened almost every day since +I have been in her house; but this morning, when I ventured to speak to +her with earnestness, I found her powers of reasoning so weak, and her +infatuation to luxury and expence so strong, that I have ever since felt +ashamed of my own discernment in having formerly selected her for my +friend.” + +“When you gave her that title,” said Mr Monckton, “you had little choice +in your power; her sweetness and good-nature attracted you; childhood +is never troubled with foresight, and youth is seldom difficult: she +was lively and pleasing, you were generous and affectionate; your +acquaintance with her was formed while you were yet too young to know +your own worth, your fondness of her grew from habit, and before the +inferiority of her parts had weakened your regard, by offending your +judgment, her early marriage separated you from her entirely. But now +you meet again the scene is altered; three years of absence spent in +the cultivation of an understanding naturally of the first order, by +encreasing your wisdom, has made you more fastidious; while the same +time spent by her in mere idleness and shew, has hurt her disposition, +without adding to her knowledge, and robbed her of her natural +excellencies, without enriching her with acquired ones. You see her now +with impartiality, for you see her almost as a stranger, and all those +deficiencies which retirement and inexperience had formerly concealed, +her vanity, and her superficial acquaintance with the world, have now +rendered glaring. But folly weakens all bands: remember, therefore, if +you would form a solid friendship, to consult not only the heart but the +head, not only the temper, but the understanding.” + +“Well, then,” said Cecilia, “at least it must be confessed I have +judiciously chosen _you_!” + +“You have, indeed, done me the highest honour,” he answered. + +They then talked of Belfield, and Mr Monckton confirmed the account +of Mr Arnott, that he had left London in good health. After which, he +enquired if she had seen any thing more of the Delviles? + +“Yes,” said Cecilia, “Mrs. Delvile called upon me this morning. She is a +delightful woman; I am sorry you know her not enough to do her justice.” + +“Is she civil to you?” + +“Civil? she is all kindness!” + +“Then depend upon it she has something in view: whenever that is not the +case she is all insolence. And Mr Delvile,--pray what do you think of +him?” + +“O, I think him insufferable! and I cannot sufficiently thank you for +that timely caution which prevented my change of habitation. I would not +live under the same roof with him for the world!” + +“Well, and do you not now begin also to see the son properly?” + +“Properly? I don't understand you.” + +“Why as the very son of such parents, haughty and impertinent.” + +“No, indeed; he has not the smallest resemblance [to] his father, and +if he resembles his mother, it is only what every one must wish who +impartially sees her.” + +“You know not that family. But how, indeed, should you, when they are +in a combination to prevent your getting that knowledge? They have all +their designs upon you, and if you are not carefully upon your guard, +you will be the dupe to them.” + +“What can you possibly mean?” + +“Nothing but what every body else must immediately see; they have a +great share of pride, and a small one of wealth; you seem by fortune +to be flung in their way, and doubtless they mean not to neglect so +inviting an opportunity of repairing their estates.” + +“Indeed you are mistaken; I am certain they have no such intention: on +the contrary, they all even teasingly persist in thinking me already +engaged elsewhere.” + +She then gave him a history of their several suspicions. + +“The impertinence of report,” she added, “has so much convinced them +that Sir Robert Floyer and Mr Belfield fought merely as rivals, that +I can only clear myself of partiality for one of them, to have it +instantly concluded I feel it for the other. And, far from seeming +hurt that I appear to be disposed of, Mr Delvile openly seconds the +pretensions of Sir Robert, and his son officiously persuades me that I +am already Mr Belfield's.” + +“Tricks, nothing but tricks to discover your real situation.” + +He then gave her some general cautions to be upon her guard against +their artifices, and changing the subject, talked, for the rest of his +visit, upon matters of general entertainment. + + + + +CHAPTER iv + +AN EVASION. + + +Cecilia now for about a fortnight passed her time without incident; +the Harrels continued their accustomed dissipation, Sir Robert Floyer, +without even seeking a private conference, persevered in his attentions, +and Mr Arnott, though still silent and humble, seemed only to live +by the pleasure of beholding her. She spent two whole days with Mrs +Delvile, both of which served to confirm her admiration of that lady and +of her son; and she joined the parties of the Harrels, or stayed quietly +at home, according to her spirits and inclinations: while she was +visited by Mr Monckton often enough to satisfy him with her proceedings, +yet too seldom to betray either to herself or to the world any suspicion +of his designs. + +Her L200 pounds however, which was to have been returned at the end if +the first week, though a fortnight was now elapsed, had not even been +mentioned; she began to grow very impatient, but not knowing what course +to pursue, and wanting courage to remind Mr Harrel of his promise, she +still waited the performance of it without speaking. + +At this time, preparations were making in the family for removing to +Violet-bank to spend the Easter holidays: but Cecilia, who was too much +grieved at such perpetual encrease of unnecessary expences to have +any enjoyment in new prospects of entertainment, had at present some +business of her own which gave her full employment. + +The poor carpenter, whose family she had taken under her protection, was +just dead, and, as soon as the last duties had been paid him, she sent +for his widow, and after trying to console her for the loss she had +suffered, assured her she was immediately ready to fulfil the engagement +into which she had entered, of assisting her to undertake some better +method of procuring a livelihood; and therefore desired to know in what +manner she could serve her, and what she thought herself able to do. + +The good woman, pouring forth thanks and praises innumerable, answered +that she had a Cousin, who had offered, for a certain premium, to take +her into partnership in a small haberdasher's shop. “But then, madam,” + continued she, “it's quite morally impossible I should raise such a +sum, or else, to be sure, such a shop as that, now I am grown so poorly, +would be quite a heaven upon earth to me: for my strength, madam, is +almost all gone away, and when I do any hard work, it's quite a piteous +sight to see me, for I am all in a tremble after it, just as if I had +an ague, and yet all the time my hands, madam, will be burning like a +coal!” + +“You have indeed been overworked,” said Cecilia, “and it is high time +your feeble frame should have some rest. What is the sum your cousin +demands?” + +“O madam, more than I should be able to get together in all my life! +for earn what I will, it goes as fast as it cones, because there's many +mouths, and small pay, and two of the little ones that can't help at +all;--and there's no Billy, madam, to work for us now!” + +“But tell me, what is the sum?” + +“Sixty pound, madam.” + +“You shall have it!” cried the generous Cecilia, “if the situation will +make you happy, I will give it you myself.” + +The poor woman wept her thanks, and was long before she could +sufficiently compose herself to answer the further questions of Cecilia, +who next enquired what could be done with the children? Mrs Hill, +however, hitherto hopeless of such a provision for herself, had for +them formed no plan. She told her, therefore, to go to her cousin, and +consult upon this subject, as well as to make preparations for her own +removal. + +The arrangement of this business now became her favourite occupation. +She went herself to the shop, which was a very small one in Fetter-lane, +and spoke with Mrs Roberts, the cousin; who agreed to take the eldest +girl, now sixteen years of age, by way of helper; but said she had room +for no other: however, upon Cecilia's offering to raise the premium, she +consented that the two little children should also live in the house, +where they might be under the care of their mother and sister. + +There were still two others to be disposed of; but as no immediate +method of providing for them occurred to Cecilia, she determined, for +the present, to place them in some cheap school, where they might be +taught plain work, which could not but prove a useful qualification for +whatever sort of business they might hereafter attempt. + +Her plan was to bestow upon Mrs Hill and her children L100 by way of +putting them all into a decent way of living; and, then, from time to +time, to make them such small presents as their future exigencies or +changes of situation might require. + +Now, therefore, payment from Mr Harrel became immediately necessary, for +she had only L50 of the L600 she had taken up in her own possession, and +her customary allowance was already so appropriated that she could make +from it no considerable deduction. + +There is something in the sight of laborious indigence so affecting and +so respectable, that it renders dissipation peculiarly contemptible, +and doubles the odium of extravagance: every time Cecilia saw this poor +family, her aversion to the conduct and the principles of Mr Harrel +encreased, while her delicacy of shocking or shaming him diminished, and +she soon acquired for them what she had failed to acquire for herself, +the spirit and resolution to claim her debt. + +One morning, therefore, as he was quitting the breakfast room, she +hastily arose, and following, begged to have a moment's discourse with +him. They went together to the library, and after some apologies, and +much hesitation, she told him she fancied he had forgotten the L200 +which she had lent him. + +“The L200,” cried he; “O, ay, true!--I protest it had escaped me. Well, +but you don't want it immediately?” + +“Indeed I do, if you can conveniently spare it.” + +“O yes, certainly!--without the least doubt!--Though now I think of +it--it's extremely unlucky, but really just at this time--why did not +you put me in mind of it before?” + +“I hoped you would have remembered it yourself.” + +“I could have paid you two days ago extremely well--however, you shall +certainly have it very soon, that you may depend upon, and a day or two +can make no great difference to you.” + +He then wished her good morning, and left her. + +Cecilia, very much provoked, regretted that she had ever lent it at +all, and determined for the future strictly to follow the advice of Mr. +Monckton in trusting him no more. + +Two or three days passed on, but still no notice was taken either of the +payment or of the debt. She then resolved to renew her application, and +be more serious and more urgent with him; but she found, to her utter +surprise, this was not in her power, and that though she lived under +the same roof with him, she had no opportunity to enforce her claim. Mr. +Harrel, whenever she desired to speak with him, protested he was so +much hurried he had not a moment to spare: and even when, tired of his +excuses, she pursued him out of the room, he only quickened his speed, +smiling, however, and bowing, and calling out “I am vastly sorry, but +I am so late now I cannot stop an instant; however, as soon as I come +back, I shall be wholly at your command.” + +When he came back, however, Sir Robert Floyer, or some other gentleman, +was sure to be with him, and the difficulties of obtaining an audience +were sure to be encreased. And by this method, which he constantly +practised, of avoiding any private conversation, he frustrated all her +schemes of remonstrating upon his delay, since her resentment, however +great, could never urge her to the indelicacy of dunning him in presence +of a third person. + +She was now much perplext herself how to put into execution her plans +for the Hills: she knew it would be as vain to apply for money to Mr. +Briggs, as for payment to Mr. Harrel. Her word, however, had been given, +and her word she held sacred: she resolved, therefore, for the present, +to bestow upon them the 50 pounds she still retained, and, if the rest +should be necessary before she became of age, to spare it, however +inconveniently, from her private allowance, which, by the will of her +uncle, was 500 pounds a year, 250 pounds of which Mr Harrel received for +her board and accommodations. + +Having settled this matter in her own mind, she went to the lodging of +Mrs Hill, in order to conclude the affair. She found her and all her +children, except the youngest, hard at work, and their honest industry +so much strengthened her compassion, that her wishes for serving them +grew every instant more liberal. + +Mrs Hill readily undertook to make her cousin accept half the premium +for the present, which would suffice to fix her, with three of her +children, in the shop: Cecilia then went with her to Fetter-lane, +and there, drawing up herself an agreement for their entering into +partnership, she made each of them sign it and take a copy, and kept a +third in her own possession: after which, she gave a promissory note to +Mrs Roberts for the rest of the money. + +She presented Mrs Hill, also, with 10 pounds to clothe them all +decently, and enable her to send two of the children to school; and +assured her that she would herself pay for their board and instruction, +till she should be established in her business, and have power to save +money for that purpose. + +She then put herself into a chair to return home, followed by the +prayers and blessings of the whole family. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +AN ADVENTURE. + + +Never had the heart of Cecilia felt so light, so gay, so glowing as +after the transaction of this affair: her life had never appeared to her +so important, nor her wealth so valuable. To see five helpless children +provided for by herself, rescued from the extremes of penury and +wretchedness, and put in a way to become useful to society, and +comfortable to themselves; to behold their feeble mother, snatched +from the hardship of that labour which, over-powering her strength, +had almost destroyed her existence, now placed in a situation where a +competent maintenance might be earned without fatigue, and the remnant +of her days pass in easy employment--to view such sights, and have power +to say “_These deeds are mine!_” what, to a disposition fraught with +tenderness and benevolence, could give purer self-applause, or more +exquisite satisfaction? + +Such were the pleasures which regaled the reflections of Cecilia when, +in her way home, having got out of her chair to walk through the upper +part of Oxford Street, she was suddenly met by the old gentleman whose +emphatical addresses to her had so much excited her astonishment. + +He was passing quick on, but stopping the moment he perceived her, he +sternly called out “Are you proud? are you callous? are you hard of +heart so soon?” + +“Put me, if you please, to some trial!” cried Cecilia, with the virtuous +courage of a self-acquitting conscience. + +“I already have!” returned he, indignantly, “and already I have found +you faulty!” + +“I am sorry to hear it,” said the amazed Cecilia, “but at least I hope +you will tell me in what?” + +“You refused me admittance,” he answered, “yet I was your friend, yet +I was willing to prolong the term of your genuine [tranquillity]! I +pointed out to you a method of preserving peace with your own soul; I +came to you in behalf of the poor, and instructed you how to merit their +prayers; you heard me, you were susceptible, you complied! I meant to +have repeated the lesson, to have tuned your whole heart to compassion, +and to have taught you the sad duties of sympathising humanity. For +this purpose I called again, but again I was not admitted! Short was +the period of my absence, yet long enough for the completion of your +downfall!” + +“Good heaven,” cried Cecilia, “how dreadful is this language! when +have you called, Sir? I never heard you had been at the house. Far from +refusing you admittance, I wished to see you.” + +“Indeed?” cried he, with some softness, “and are you, in truth, not +proud? not callous? not hard of heart? Follow me, then, and visit the +humble and the poor, follow me, and give comfort to the fallen and +dejected!” + +At this invitation, however desirous to do good, Cecilia started; the +strangeness of the inviter, his flightiness, his authoritative manner, +and the uncertainty whither or to whom he might carry her, made her +fearful of proceeding: yet a benevolent curiosity to see as well as +serve the objects of his recommendation, joined to the eagerness of +youthful integrity to clear her own character from the aspersion of +hard-heartedness, soon conquered her irresolution, and making a sign to +her servant to keep near her, she followed as her conductor led. + +He went on silently and solemnly till he came to Swallow-street, then +turning into it, he stopt at a small and mean-looking house, knocked +at the door, and without asking any question of the man who opened it, +beckoned her to come after him, and hastened up some narrow winding +stairs. + +Cecilia again hesitated; but when she recollected that this old man, +though little known, was frequently seen, and though with few people +acquainted, was by many personally recognized, she thought it impossible +he could mean her any injury. She ordered her servant, however, to come +in, and bid him keep walking up and down the stairs till she returned to +him. And then she obeyed the directions of her guide. + +He proceeded till he came to the second floor, then, again beckoning +her to follow him, he opened a door, and entered a small and very meanly +furnished apartment. + +And here, to her infinite astonishment, she perceived, employed in +washing some china, a very lovely young woman, [genteelly] dressed, and +appearing hardly seventeen years of age. + +The moment they came in, with evident marks of confusion, she instantly +gave over her work, hastily putting the basin she was washing upon the +table, and endeavouring to hide the towel with which she was wiping it +behind her chair. + +The old gentleman, advancing to her with quickness, said, “How is he +now? Is he better? will he live?” + +“Heaven forbid he should not!” answered the young woman with emotion, +“but, indeed, he is no better!” + +“Look here,” said he, pointing to Cecilia, “I have brought you one who +has power to serve you, and to relieve your distress: one who is rolling +in affluence, a stranger to ill, a novice in the world; unskilled in the +miseries she is yet to endure, unconscious of the depravity into which +she is to sink! receive her benefactions while yet she is untainted, +satisfied that while, she aids you, she is blessing herself!” + +The young woman, blushing and abashed, said, “You are very good to +me, Sir, but there is no occasion--there is no need--I have not any +necessity--I am far from being so very much in want--” + +“Poor, simple soul!” interrupted the old man, “and art thou ashamed of +poverty? Guard, guard thyself from other shames, and the wealthiest may +envy thee! Tell her thy story, plainly, roundly, truly; abate nothing +of thy indigence, repress nothing of her liberality. The Poor not +impoverished by their own Guilt, are Equals of the Affluent, not +enriched by their own Virtue. Come, then, and let me present ye to +each other! young as ye both are, with many years and many sorrows +to encounter, lighten the burthen of each other's cares, by the +heart-soothing exchange of gratitude for beneficence!” + +He then took a hand of each, and joining them between his own, “_You_,” + he continued, “who, though rich, are not hardened, and you, who though +poor, are not debased, why should ye not love, why should ye not +cherish each other? The afflictions of life are tedious, its joys are +evanescent; ye are now both young, and, with little to enjoy, will +find much to suffer. Ye are both, too, I believe, innocent--Oh could +ye always remain so!--Cherubs were ye then, and the sons of men might +worship you!” + +He stopt, checked by his own rising emotion; but soon resuming his +usual austerity, “Such, however,” he continued, “is not the condition of +humanity; in pity, therefore, to the evils impending over both, be kind +to each other! I leave you together, and to your mutual tenderness I +recommend you!” + +Then, turning particularly to Cecilia, “Disdain not,” he said, “to +console the depressed; look upon her without scorn, converse with her +without contempt: like you, she is an orphan, though not like you, an +heiress;--like her, you are fatherless, though not like her friendless! +If she is awaited by the temptations of adversity, you, also, are +surrounded by the corruptions of prosperity. Your fall is most probable, +her's most excusable;--commiserate _her_ therefore now,--by and by she +may commiserate _you_?” + +And with these words he left the room. + +A total silence for some time succeeded his departure: Cecilia found it +difficult to recover from the surprise into which she had been thrown +sufficiently for speech: in following her extraordinary director, +her imagination had painted to her a scene such as she had so lately +quitted, and prepared her to behold some family in distress, some +helpless creature in sickness, or some children in want; but of these +to see none, to meet but one person, and that one fair, young, and +delicate,--an introduction so singular to an object so unthought of, +deprived her of all power but that of shewing her amazement. + +Mean while the young woman looked scarcely less surprised, and +infinitely more embarrassed. She surveyed her apartment with vexation, +and her guest with confusion; she had listened to the exhortation of the +old man with visible uneasiness, and now he was gone, seemed overwhelmed +with shame and chagrin. + +Cecilia, who in observing these emotions felt both her curiosity and her +compassion encrease, pressed her hand as she parted with it, and, when +a little recovered, said, “You must think this a strange intrusion; but +the gentleman who brought me hither is perhaps so well known to you, as +to make his singularities plead with you their own apology.” + +“No indeed, madam,” she answered, bashfully, “he is very little known +to me; but he is very good, and very desirous to do me service:--not +but what I believe he thinks me much worse off than I really am, for, +I assure you, madam, whatever he has said, I am not ill off at +all--hardly.” + +The various doubts to her disadvantage, which had at first, from her +uncommon situation, arisen in the mind of Cecilia, this anxiety to +disguise, not display her distress, considerably removed, since it +cleared her of all suspicion of seeking by artifice and imposition to +play upon her feelings. + +With a gentleness, therefore, the most soothing, she replied, “I should +by no means have broken in upon you thus unexpectedly, if I had not +concluded my conductor had some right to bring me. However, since we are +actually met, let us remember his injunctions, and endeavour not to part +till, by a mutual exchange of good-will, each has added a friend to the +other.” + +“You are condescending, indeed, madam,” answered the young woman, with +an air the most humble, “looking as you look, to talk of a friend when +you come to such a place as this! up two pair of stairs! no furniture! +no servant! every thing in such disorder!--indeed I wonder at Mr. +Albany! he should not--but he thinks every body's affairs may be made +public, and does not care what he tells, nor who hears him;--he knows +not the pain he gives, nor the mischief he may do.” + +“I am very much concerned,” cried Cecilia, more and more surprised at +all she heard, “to find I have been thus instrumental to distressing +you. I was ignorant whither I was coming, and followed him, believe me, +neither from curiosity nor inclination, but simply because I knew not +how to refuse him. He is gone, however, and I will therefore relieve you +by going too: but permit me to leave behind me a small testimony that +the intention of my coming was not mere impertinence.” + +She then took out her purse; but the young woman, starting back with a +look of resentful mortification, exclaimed, “No, madam! you are +quite mistaken; pray put up your purse; I am no beggar! Mr Albany has +misrepresented me, if he has told you I am.” + +Cecilia, mortified in her turn at this unexpected rejection of an offer +she had thought herself invited to make, stood some moments silent; and +then said, “I am far from meaning to offend you, and I sincerely beg +your pardon if I have misunderstood the charge just now given to me.” + +“I have nothing to pardon, madam,” said she, more calmly, “except, +indeed, to Mr Albany; and to him, 'tis of no use to be angry, for he +minds not what I say! he is very good, but he is very strange, for he +thinks the whole world made to live in common, and that every one who is +poor should ask, and every one who is rich should give: he does not know +that there are many who would rather starve.” + +“And are you,” said Cecilia, half-smiling, “of that number?” + +“No, indeed, madam! I have not so much greatness of mind. But those +to whom I belong have more fortitude and higher spirit. I wish I could +imitate them!” + +Struck with the candour and simplicity of this speech, Cecilia now felt +a warm desire to serve her, and taking her hand, said, “Forgive me, but +though I see you wish me gone, I know not how to leave you: recollect, +therefore, the charge that has been given to us both, and if you refuse +my assistance one way, point out to me in what other I may offer it.” + +“You are very kind, madam,” she answered, “and I dare say you are very +good; I am sure you look so, at least. But I want nothing; I do very +well, and I have hopes of doing better. Mr Albany is too impatient. He +knows, indeed, that I am not extremely rich, but he is much to blame if +he supposes me therefore an object of charity, and thinks me so mean as +to receive money from a stranger.” + +“I am truly sorry,” cried Cecilia, “for the error I have committed, but +you must suffer me to make my peace with you before we part: yet, till +I am better known to you, I am fearful of proposing terms. Perhaps you +will permit me to leave you my direction, and do me the favour to call +upon me yourself?” + +“O no, madam! I have a sick relation whom I cannot leave: and indeed, if +he were well, he would not like to have me make an acquaintance while I +am in this place.” + +“I hope you are not his only nurse? I am sure you do not look able to +bear such fatigue. Has he a physician? Is he properly attended?” + +“No, madam; he has no physician, and no attendance at all!” + +“And is it possible that in such a situation you can refuse to be +assisted? Surely you should accept some help for him, if not for +yourself.” + +“But what will that signify when, if I do, he will not make use of it? +and when he had a thousand and a thousand times rather die, than let any +one know he is in want?” + +“Take it, then, unknown to him; serve him without acquainting him you +serve him. Surely you would not suffer him to perish without aid?” + +“Heaven forbid! But what can I do? I am under his command, madam, not he +under mine!” + +“Is he your father?--Pardon my question, but your youth seems much to +want such a protector.” + +“No, madam, I have no father! I was happier when I had! He is my +brother.” + +“And what is his illness?” + +“A fever.” + +“A fever, and without a physician! Are you sure, too, it is not +infectious?” + +“O yes, too sure!” + +“Too sure? how so?” + +“Because I know too well the occasion of it!” + +“And what is the occasion?” cried Cecilia, again taking her hand, “pray +trust me; indeed you shall not repent your confidence. Your reserve +hitherto has only raised you in my esteem, but do not carry it so far as +to mortify me by a total rejection of my good offices.” + +“Ah madam!” said the young woman, sighing, “you ought to be good, I +am sure, for you will draw all out of me by such kindness as this! the +occasion was a neglected wound, never properly healed.” + +“A wound? is he in the army?” + +“No,--he was shot through the side in a duel.” + +“In a duel?” exclaimed Cecilia, “pray what is his name?” + +“O that I must not tell you! his name is a great secret now, while he is +in this poor place, for I know he had almost rather never see the light +again than have it known.” + +“Surely, surely,” cried Cecilia, with much emotion, “he cannot--I hope +he cannot be Mr Belfield?” + +“Ah Heaven!” cried the young woman, screaming, “do you then know him?” + +Here, in mutual astonishment, they looked at each other. + +“You are then,” said Cecilia, “the sister of Mr Belfield? And Mr +Belfield is thus sick, his wound is not yet healed,--and he is without +any help!” + +“And who, madam, are _you_?” cried she, “and how is it you know him?” + +“My name is Beverley.” + +“Ah!” exclaimed she again, “I fear I have done nothing but mischief! I +know very well who you are now, madam, but if my brother discovers that +I have betrayed him, he will take it very unkind, and perhaps never +forgive me.” + +“Be not alarmed,” cried Cecilia; “rest assured he shall never know it. +Is he not now in the country?” + +“No, madam, he is now in the very next room.” + +“But what is become of the surgeon who used to attend him, and why does +he not still visit him?” + +“It is in vain, now, to hide any thing from you; my brother deceived +him, and said he was going out of town merely to get rid of him.” + +“And what could induce him to act so strangely?” + +“A reason which you, madam, I hope, will never know, Poverty!--he would +not run up a bill he could not pay.” + +“Good Heaven!--But what can be done for him? He must not be suffered +to linger thus; we must contrive some method of relieving and assisting +him, whether he will consent or not.” + +“I fear that will not be possible. One of his friends has already found +him out, and has written him the kindest letter! but he would not answer +it, and would not see him, and was only fretted and angry.” + +“Well,” said Cecilia, “I will not keep you longer, lest he should be +alarmed by your absence. To-morrow morning, with your leave, I will call +upon you again, and then, I hope, you will permit me to make some effort +to assist you.” + +“If it only depended upon me, madam,” she answered, “now I have the +honour to know who you are, I believe I should not make much scruple, +for I was not brought up to notions so high as my brother. Ah! happy +had it been for him, for me, for all his family, if he had not had them +neither!” + +Cecilia then repeated her expressions of comfort and kindness, and took +her leave. + +This little adventure gave her infinite concern; all the horror which +the duel had originally occasioned her, again returned; she accused +herself with much bitterness for having brought it on; and finding +that Mr Belfield was so cruelly a sufferer both in his health and his +affairs, she thought it incumbent upon her to relieve him to the utmost +of her ability. + +His sister, too, had extremely interested her; her youth, and the +uncommon artlessness of her conversation, added to her melancholy +situation, and the loveliness of her person, excited in her a desire to +serve, and an inclination to love her; and she determined, if she found +her as deserving as she seemed engaging, not only to assist her at +present, but, if her distresses continued, to received her into her own +house in future. + +Again she regretted the undue detention of her L200. What she now had to +spare was extremely inadequate to what she now wished to bestow, and +she looked forward to the conclusion of her minority with encreasing +eagerness. The generous and elegant plan of life she then intended +to pursue, daily gained ground in her imagination, and credit in her +opinion. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A MAN OF GENIUS. + + +The next morning, as soon as breakfast was over, Cecilia went in a chair +to Swallow-street; she enquired for Miss Belfield, and was told to go up +stairs: but what was her amazement to meet, just coming out of the room +into which she was entering, young Delvile! + +They both started, and Cecilia, from the seeming strangeness of +her situation, felt a confusion with which she had hitherto been +unacquainted. But Delvile, presently recovering from his surprise, said +to her, with an expressive smile, “How good is Miss Beverley thus to +visit the sick! and how much better might I have had the pleasure of +seeing Mr Belfield, had I but, by prescience, known her design, and +deferred my own enquiries till he had been revived by hers!” + +And then, bowing and wishing her good morning, he glided past her. + +Cecilia, notwithstanding the openness and purity of her intentions, was +so much disconcerted by this unexpected meeting, and pointed speech, +that she had not the presence of mind to call him back and clear +herself: and the various interrogatories and railleries which had +already passed between them upon the subject of Mr Belfield, made +her suppose that what he had formerly suspected he would now think +confirmed, and conclude that all her assertions of indifference, +proceeded merely from that readiness at hypocrisy upon particular +subjects, of which he had openly accused her whole Sex. + +This circumstance and this apprehension took from her for a while all +interest in the errand upon which she came; but the benevolence of her +heart soon brought it back, when, upon going into the room, she saw her +new favourite in tears. + +“What is the matter?” cried she, tenderly; “no new affliction I hope has +happened? Your brother is not worse?” + +“No, madam, he is much the same; I was not then crying for him.” + +“For what then? tell me, acquaint me with your sorrows, and assure +yourself you tell them to a friend.” + +“I was crying, madam, to find so much goodness in the world, when I +thought there was so little! to find I have some chance of being again +happy, when I thought I was miserable for ever! Two whole years have I +spent in nothing but unhappiness, and I thought there was nothing else +to be had; but yesterday, madam, brought me you, with every promise +of nobleness and protection; and to-day, a friend of my brother's has +behaved so generously, that even my brother has listened to him, and +almost consented to be obliged to him!” + +“And have you already known so much sorrow,” said Cecilia, “that this +little dawn of prosperity should wholly overpower your spirits? Gentle, +amiable girl! may the future recompense you for the past, and may Mr +Albany's kind wishes be fulfilled in the reciprocation of our comfort +and affection!” + +They then entered into a conversation which the sweetness of Cecilia, +and the gratitude of Miss Belfield, soon rendered interesting, friendly +and unreserved: and in a very short time, whatever was essential in +the story or situation of the latter was fully communicated. She gave, +however, a charge the most earnest, that her brother should never be +acquainted with the confidence she had made. + +Her father, who had been dead only two years, was a linen-draper in the +city; he had six daughters, of whom herself was the youngest, and only +one son. This son, Mr Belfield, was alike the darling of his father, +mother, and sisters: he was brought up at Eton, no expence was spared +in his education, nothing was denied that could make him happy. With +an excellent understanding he had uncommon quickness of parts, and his +progress in his studies was rapid and honourable: his father, though +he always meant him for his successor in his business, heard of his +improvement with rapture, often saying, “My boy will be the ornament of +the city, he will be the best scholar in any shop in London.” + +He was soon, however, taught another lesson; when, at the age of +sixteen, he returned home, and was placed in the shop, instead of +applying his talents, as his father had expected, to trade, he both +despised and abhorred the name of it; when serious, treating it with +contempt, when gay, with derision. + +He was seized, also, with a most ardent desire to finish his education, +like those of his school-fellows who left Eton at the same time, at one +of the Universities; and, after many difficulties, this petition, at the +intercession of his mother, was granted, old Mr Belfield telling him +he hoped a little more learning would give him a little more sense, and +that when he became a _finished student_, he would not only know the +true value of business, but understand how to get money, and make a +bargain, better than any man whatsoever within Temple Bar. + +These expectations, equally shortsighted, were also equally fallacious +with the former: the son again returned, and returned, as his father +had hoped, a _finished student_; but, far from being more tractable, +or better disposed for application to trade, his aversion to it now was +more stubborn, and his opposition more hardy than ever. The young men +of fashion with whom he had formed friendships at school, or at the +University, and with whom, from the indulgence of his father, he was +always able to vie in expence, and from the indulgence of Nature to +excel in capacity, earnestly sought the continuance of his acquaintance, +and courted and coveted the pleasure of his conversation: but though he +was now totally disqualified for any other society, he lost all delight +in their favour from the fear they should discover his abode, and +sedulously endeavoured to avoid even occasionally meeting them, lest any +of his family should at the same time approach him: for of his family, +though wealthy, worthy, and independent, he was now so utterly ashamed, +that the mortification the most cruel he could receive, was to be asked +his address, or told he should be visited. + +Tired, at length, of evading the enquiries made by some, and forcing +faint laughs at the detection made by others, he privately took a +lodging at the west end of the town, to which he thence forward directed +all his friends, and where, under various pretences, he contrived to +spend the greatest part of his time. + +In all his expensive deceits and frolics, his mother was his +never-failing confidant and assistant; for when she heard that the +companions of her son were men of fashion, some born to titles, others +destined to high stations, she concluded he was in the certain road +to honour and profit, and frequently distressed herself, without +ever repining, in order to enable him to preserve upon equal terms, +connections which she believed so conducive to his future grandeur. + +In this wild and unsettled manner he passed some time, struggling +incessantly against the authority of his father, privately abetted by +his mother, and constantly aided and admired by his sisters: till, sick +of so desultory a way of life, he entered himself a volunteer in the +army. + +How soon he grew tired of this change has already been related, +[Footnote: Book 1, Chap. II.] as well as his reconciliation with his +father, and his becoming a student at the Temple: for the father now +grew as weary of opposing, as the young man of being opposed. + +Here, for two or three years, he lived in happiness uninterrupted; he +extended his acquaintance among the great, by whom he was no sooner +known than caressed and admired, and he frequently visited his family, +which, though he blushed to own in public, he affectionately loved +in private. His profession, indeed, was but little in his thoughts, +successive engagements occupying almost all his hours. Delighted with +the favour of the world, and charmed to find his presence seemed the +signal for entertainment, he soon forgot the uncertainty of his fortune, +and the inferiority of his rank: the law grew more and more fatiguing, +pleasure became more and more alluring, and, by degrees, he had not a +day unappropriated to some party or amusement; voluntarily consigning +the few leisure moments his gay circle afforded him, to the indulgence +of his fancy in some hasty compositions in verse, which were handed +about in manuscript, and which contributed to keep him in fashion. + +Such was his situation at the death of his father; a new scene was then +opened to him, and for some time he hesitated what course to pursue. + +Old Mr Belfield, though he lived in great affluence, left not behind him +any considerable fortune, after the portions of his daughters, to each +of whom he bequeathed L2000, had been deducted from it. But his stock in +trade was great, and his business was prosperous and lucrative. + +His son, however, did not merely want application and fortitude to +become his successor, but skill and knowledge; his deliberation, +therefore, was hasty, and his resolution improvident; he determined to +continue at the Temple himself, while the shop, which he could by no +means afford to relinquish, should be kept up by another name, and the +business of it be transacted by an agent; hoping thus to secure and +enjoy its emoluments, without either the trouble or the humiliation of +attendance. + +But this scheme, like most others that have their basis in vanity, ended +in nothing but mortification and disappointment: the shop which under +old Mr. Belfield had been flourishing and successful, and enriched +himself and all his family, could now scarce support the expences of +an individual. Without a master, without that diligent attention to +its prosperity which the interest of possession alone can give, and the +authority of a principal alone can enforce, it quickly lost its fame +for the excellence of its goods, and soon after its customers from +the report of its declension. The produce, therefore, diminished every +month; he was surprised, he was provoked; he was convinced he was +cheated, and that his affairs were neglected; but though he threatened +from time to time to enquire into the real state of the business, and +investigate the cause of its decay, he felt himself inadequate to the +task; and now first lamented that early contempt of trade, which by +preventing him acquiring some knowledge of it while he had youth and +opportunity, made him now ignorant what redress to seek, though certain +of imposition and injury. + +But yet, however disturbed by alarming suggestions in his hours of +retirement, no alteration was made in the general course of his life; he +was still the darling of his friends, and the leader in all parties, and +still, though his income was lessened, his expences encreased. + +Such were his circumstances at the time Cecilia first saw him at the +house of Mr. Monckton: from which, two days after her arrival in town, +he was himself summoned, by an information that his agent had suddenly +left the kingdom. + +The fatal consequence of this fraudulent elopement was immediate +bankruptcy. + +His spirits, however, did not yet fail him; as he had never been the +nominal master of the shop, he escaped all dishonour from its ruin, and +was satisfied to consign what remained to the mercy of the creditors, so +that his own name should not appear in the _Gazette_. + +Three of his sisters were already extremely well married to reputable +tradesmen; the two elder of those who were yet single were settled with +two of those who were married, and Henrietta, the youngest, resided +with her mother, who had a comfortable annuity, and a small house at +Padington. + +Bereft thus through vanity and imprudence of all the long labours of his +father, he was now compelled to think seriously of some actual method of +maintenance; since his mother, though willing to sacrifice to him even +the nourishment which sustained her, could do for him but little, and +that little he had too much justice to accept. The law, even to the most +diligent and successful, is extremely slow of profit, and whatever, +from his connections and abilities might be hoped hereafter, at present +required an expence which he was no longer able to support. + +It remained then to try his influence with his friends among the great +and the powerful. + +His canvas proved extremely honourable; every one promised something, +and all seemed delighted to have an opportunity of serving him. + +Pleased with finding the world so much better than report had made it, +he now saw the conclusion of his difficulties in the prospect of a place +at court. + +Belfield, with half the penetration with which he was gifted, would have +seen in any other man the delusive idleness of expectations no better +founded; but though discernment teaches us the folly of others, +experience singly can teach us our own! he flattered himself that his +friends had been more wisely selected than the friends of those who in +similar circumstances had been beguiled, and he suspected not the fraud +of his vanity, till he found his invitations daily slacken, and that his +time was at his own command. + +All his hopes now rested upon one friend and patron, + +Mr Floyer, an uncle of Sir Robert Floyer, a man of power in the royal +household, with whom he had lived in great intimacy, and who at this +period had the disposal of a place which he solicited. The only obstacle +that seemed in his way was from Sir Robert himself, who warmly exerted +his interest in favour of a friend of his own. Mr Floyer, however, +assured Belfield of the preference, and only begged his patience till he +could find some opportunity of appeasing his nephew. + +And this was the state of his affairs at the time of his quarrel at the +Opera-house. Already declared opponents of each other, Sir Robert felt +double wrath that for _him_ Cecilia should reject his civilities; while +Belfield, suspecting he presumed upon his known dependence on his uncle +to affront him, felt also double indignation at the haughtiness of his +behaviour. And thus, slight as seemed to the world the cause of their +contest, each had private motives of animosity that served to stimulate +revenge. + +The very day after this duel, Mr Floyer wrote him word that he was now +obliged in common decency to take the part of his nephew, and therefore +had already given the place to the friend he had recommended. + +This was the termination of his hopes, and the signal of his ruin! To +the pain of his wound he became insensible, from the superior pain of +this unexpected miscarriage; yet his pride still enabled him to disguise +his distress, and to see all the friends whom this accident induced to +seek him, while from the sprightliness he forced in order to conceal +his anguish, he appeared to them more lively and more entertaining than +ever. + +But these efforts, when left to himself and to nature, only sunk him the +deeper in sadness; he found an immediate change in his way of life was +necessary, yet could not brook to make it in sight of those with whom he +had so long lived in all the brilliancy of equality. A high principle +of honour which still, in the midst of his gay career, had remained +uncorrupted, had scrupulously guarded him from running in debt, and +therefore, though of little possessed, that little was strictly his own. +He now published that he was going out of town for the benefit of +purer air, discharged his surgeon, took a gay leave of his friends, and +trusting no one with his secret but his servant, was privately conveyed +to mean and cheap lodgings in Swallow-street. + +Here, shut up from every human being he had formerly known, he purposed +to remain till he grew better, and then again to seek his fortune in the +army. + +His present situation, however, was little calculated to contribute to +his recovery; the dismission of the surgeon, the precipitation of his +removal, the inconveniencies of his lodgings, and the unseasonable +deprivation of long customary indulgencies, were unavoidable delays of +his amendment; while the mortification of his present disgrace, and the +bitterness of his late disappointment, preyed incessantly upon his mind, +robbed him of rest, heightened his fever, and reduced him by degrees to +a state so low and dangerous, that his servant, alarmed for his life, +secretly acquainted his mother with his illness and retreat. + +The mother, almost distracted by this intelligence, instantly, with her +daughter, flew to his lodgings. She wished to have taken him immediately +to her house at Padington, but he had suffered so much from his first +removal, that he would not consent to another. She would then have +called in a physician, but he refused even to see one; and she had too +long given way to all his desires and opinions, to have now the force of +mind for exerting the requisite authority of issuing her orders without +consulting him. + +She begged, she pleaded, indeed, and Henrietta joined in her entreaties; +but sickness and vexation had not rendered him tame, though they had +made him sullen: he resisted their prayers, and commonly silenced them +by assurances that their opposition to the plan he had determined to +pursue, only inflamed his fever, and retarded his recovery. + +The motive of an obduracy so cruel to his friends was the fear of a +detection which he thought not merely prejudicial to his affairs, but +dishonourable to his character: for, without betraying any symptom of +his distress, he had taken a general leave of his acquaintance upon +pretence of going out of town, and he could ill endure to make a +discovery which would at once proclaim his degradation and his deceit. + +Mr. Albany had accidentally broken in upon him, by mistaking his room +for that of another sick person in the same house, to whom his visit had +been intended; but as he knew and reverenced that old gentleman, he did +not much repine at his intrusion. + +He was not so easy when the same discovery was made by young Delvile, +who, chancing to meet his servant in the street, enquired concerning his +master's health, and surprising from him its real state, followed him +home; where, soon certain of the change in his affairs by the change of +his habitation, he wrote him a letter, in which, after apologizing for +his freedom, he warmly declared that nothing could make him so happy +as being favoured with his commands, if, either through himself or his +friends, he could be so fortunate as to do him any service. + +Belfield, deeply mortified at this detection of his situation, returned +only a verbal answer of cold thanks, and desired he would not speak of +his being in town, as he was not well enough to be seen. + +This reply gave almost equal mortification to young Delvile, who +continued, however, to call at the door with enquiries how he went on, +though he made no further attempt to see him. + +Belfield, softened at length by the kindness of this conduct, determined +to admit him; and he was just come from paying his first visit, when he +was met by Cecilia upon the stairs. + +His stay with him had been short, and he had taken no notice either of +his change of abode, or his pretence of going into the country; he had +talked to him only in general terms, and upon general subjects, till he +arose to depart, and then he re-urged his offers of service with so +much openness and warmth, that Belfield, affected by his earnestness, +promised he would soon see him again, and intimated to his delighted +mother and sister, that he would frankly consult with him upon his +affairs. + +Such was the tale which, with various minuter circumstances, Miss +Belfield communicated to Cecilia. “My mother,” she added, “who never +quits him, knows that you are here, madam, for she heard me talking with +somebody yesterday, and she made me tell her all that had passed, and +that you said you would come again this morning.” + +Cecilia returned many acknowledgments for this artless and unreserved +communication, but could not, when it was over, forbear enquiring by +what early misery she had already, though so very young, spent _two +years in nothing but unhappiness_? + +“Because,” she answered, “when my poor father died all our family +separated, and I left every body to go and live with my mother at +Padington; and I was never a favourite with my mother--no more, indeed, +was any body but my brother, for she thinks all the rest of the world +only made for his sake. So she used to deny both herself and me almost +common necessaries, in order to save up money to make him presents: +though, if he had known how it was done, he would only have been angry +instead of taking them. However, I should have regarded nothing that had +but been for his benefit, for I loved him a great deal more than my +own convenience; but sums that would distress us for months to save up, +would by him be spent in a day, and then thought of no more! Nor was +that all--O no! I had much greater uneasiness to suffer; for I was +informed by one of my brothers-in-law how ill every thing went, and that +certain ruin would come to my poor brother from the treachery of his +agent; and the thought of this was always preying upon my mind, for +I did not dare tell it my mother, for fear it should put her out of +humour, for, sometimes, she is not very patient; and it mattered little +what any of us said to my brother, for he was too gay and too confident +to believe his danger.” + +“Well but,” said Cecilia, “I hope, now, all will go better; if your +brother will consent to see a physician--” + +“Ah, madam! that is the thing I fear he never will do, because of being +seen in these bad lodgings. I would kneel whole days to prevail with +him, but he is unused to controul, and knows not how to submit to it; +and he has lived so long among the great, that he forgets he was not +born as high as themselves. Oh that he had never quitted his own +family! If he had not been spoilt by ambition, he had the best heart and +sweetest disposition in the world. But living always with his superiors, +taught him to disdain his own relations, and be ashamed of us all; and +yet now, in the hour of his distress--who else comes to help him?” + +Cecilia then enquired if she wanted not assistance for herself and her +mother, observing that they did not seem to have all the conveniencies +to which they were entitled. + +“Why indeed, madam,” she replied, with an ingenuous smile, “when you +first came here I was a little like my brother, for I was sadly ashamed +to let you see how ill we lived! but now you know the worst, so I shall +fret about it no more.” + +“But this cannot be your usual way of life; I fear the misfortunes of Mr +Belfield have spread a ruin wider than his own.” + +“No indeed; he took care from the first not to involve us in his +hazards, for he is very generous, madam, and very noble in all his +notions, and could behave to us all no better about money matters than +he has ever done. But from the moment we came to this dismal place, +and saw his distress, and that he was sunk so low who used always to be +higher than any of us, we had a sad scene indeed! My poor mother, whose +whole delight was to think that he lived like a nobleman, and who always +flattered herself that he would rise to be as great as the company he +kept, was so distracted with her disappointment, that she would not +listen to reason, but immediately discharged both our servants, said she +and I should do all the work ourselves, hired this poor room for us to +live in, and sent to order a bill to be put upon her house at Padington, +for she said she would never return to it any more.” + +“But are you, then,” cried Cecilia, “without any servant?” + +“We have my brother's man, madam, and so he lights our fires, and takes +away some of our litters; and there is not much else to be done, except +sweeping the rooms, for we eat nothing but cold meat from the cook +shops.” + +“And how long is this to last?” + +“Indeed I cannot tell; for the real truth is, my poor mother has +almost lost her senses; and ever since our coming here, she has been so +miserable and so complaining, that indeed, between her and my brother, +I have almost lost mine too! For when she found all her hopes at an +end, and that her darling son, instead of being rich and powerful, and +surrounded by friends and admirers, all trying who should do the most +for him, was shut up by himself in this poor little lodging, and +instead of gaining more, had spent all he was worth at first, with not +a creature to come near him, though ill, though confined, though keeping +his bed!--Oh madam, had you seen my poor mother when she first cast her +eyes upon him in that condition!--indeed you could never have forgotten +it!” + +“I wonder not at her disappointment,” cried Cecilia; “with expectations +so sanguine, and a son of so much merit, it might well indeed be +bitter.” + +“Yes, and besides the disappointment, she is now continually reproaching +herself for always complying with his humours, and assisting him to +appear better than the rest of his family, though my father never +approved her doing so. But she thought herself so sure of his rising, +that she believed we should all thank her for it in the end. And she +always used to say that he was born to be a gentleman, and what a +grievous thing it would be to have him made a tradesman.” + +“I hope, at least, she has not the additional misery of seeing him +ungrateful for her fondness, however injudicious it may have been?” + +“O no! he does nothing but comfort and cheer her! and indeed it is +very good of him, for he has owned to me in private, that but for her +encouragement, he could not have run the course he has run, for he +should have been obliged to enter into business, whether he had liked it +or not. But my poor mother knows this, though he will not tell it her, +and therefore she says that unless he gets well, she will punish herself +all the rest of her life, and never go back to her house, and never hire +another servant, and never eat any thing but bread, nor drink any thing +but water!” + +“Poor unhappy woman!” cried Cecilia, “how dearly does she pay for her +imprudent and short-sighted indulgence! but surely you are not also to +suffer in the same manner?” + +“No, madam, not by her fault, for she wants me to go and live with one +of my sisters: but I would not quit her for the world; I should think +myself wicked indeed to leave her now. Besides, I don't at all repine at +the little hardships I go through at present, because my poor brother is +in so much distress, that all we save may be really turned to account; +but when we lived so hardly only to procure him luxuries he had no right +to, I must own I used often to think it unfair, and if I had not loved +him dearly, I should not have borne it so well, perhaps, as I ought.” + +Cecilia now began to think it high time to release her new acquaintance +by quitting her, though she felt herself so much interested in her +affairs, that every word she spoke gave her a desire to lengthen the +conversation. She ardently wished to make her some present, but was +restrained by the fear of offending, or of being again refused; she had, +however, devised a private scheme for serving her more effectually than +by the donation of a few guineas, and therefore, after earnestly begging +to hear from her if she could possibly be of any use, she told her that +she should not find her confidence misplaced, and promising again to see +her soon, reluctantly departed. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +AN EXPEDIENT. + + +The scheme now projected by Cecilia, was to acquaint the surgeon who had +already attended Mr. Belfield with his present situation and address, +and to desire him to continue his visits, for the payment of which she +would herself be accountable. + +The raillery of young Delvile, however, had taught her to fear the +constructions of the world, and she therefore purposed to keep both the +surgeon and Mr Belfield ignorant to whom they were indebted. She was +aware, indeed, that whatever might be her management, that high-spirited +and unfortunate young man would be extremely hurt to find himself thus +detected and pursued; but she thought his life too well worth preserving +to let it be sacrificed to his pride, and her internal conviction of +being herself the immediate cause of its present danger, gave to her an +anxious and restless desire to be herself the means of extricating him +from it. + +Rupil, the name of the surgeon, she had already heard mentioned by Mr. +Arnott, and in getting into her chair, she ordered Ralph, her man, to +enquire where he lived. + +“I know already where he lives, madam,” answered Ralph, “for I saw his +name over a door in Cavendish-street, Oxford-road; I took particular +notice of it, because it was at the house where you stood up that day +on account of the mob that was waiting to see the malefactors go to +Tyburn.” + +This answer unravelled to Cecilia a mystery which had long perplext +her; for the speeches of young Delvile when he had surprised her in +that situation were now fully explained. In seeing her come out of the +surgeon's house, he had naturally concluded she had only entered it +to ask news of his patient, Mr. Belfield; her protestations of merely +standing up to avoid the crowd, he had only laughed at; and his hints +at her reserve and dissimulation, were meant but to reproach her for +refusing his offer of procuring her intelligence, at the very time when, +to all appearance, she anxiously, though clandestinely, sought it for +herself. + +This discovery, notwithstanding it relieved her from all suspense of his +meaning, gave her much vexation: to be supposed to take an interest +so ardent, yet so private, in the affairs of Mr Belfield, might well +authorise all suspicions of her partiality for him: and even if any +doubt had yet remained, the unlucky meeting upon the stairs at his +lodgings, would not fail to dispel it, and confirm the notion of her +secret regard. She hoped, however, to have soon some opportunity of +clearing up the mistake, and resolved in the mean time to be studiously +cautious in avoiding all appearances that might strengthen it. + +No caution, however, and no apprehension, could intimidate her active +humanity from putting into immediate execution a plan in which she +feared any delay might be fatal; and therefore the moment she got home, +she wrote the following note to the surgeon. + + +_“To------Rupil, Esq._ + +_“March 27, 1779_. + +“A friend of Mr Belfield begs Mr Rupil will immediately call upon that +gentleman, who is in lodgings about the middle of Swallow-street, and +insist upon visiting him till he is perfectly recovered. Mr Rupil +is entreated not to make known this request, nor to receive from Mr +Belfield any return for his attendance; but to attribute the discovery +of his residence to accident, and to rest assured he shall be amply +recompensed for his time and trouble by the friend who makes this +application, and who is willing to give any security that Mr Rupil shall +think proper to mention, for the performance of this engagement.” + +Her next difficulty was in what manner to have this note conveyed; to +send her own servant was inevitably betraying herself, to employ any +other was risking a confidence that might be still more dangerous, +and she could not trust to the penny-post, as her proposal required +an answer. After much deliberation, she at length determined to have +recourse to Mrs Hill, to whose services she was entitled, and upon whose +fidelity she could rely. + +The morning was already far advanced, but the Harrels dined late, and +she would not lose a day where even an hour might be of importance. She +went therefore immediately to Mrs. Hill, whom she found already removed +into her new habitation in Fetter-lane, and equally busy and happy in +the change of scene and of employment. She gave to her the note, which +she desired her to carry to Cavendish-street directly, and either to +deliver it into Mr. Rupil's own hands, or to bring it back if he was +out; but upon no consideration to make known whence or from whom it +came. + +She then went into the back part of the shop, which by Mrs. Roberts +was called the parlour, and amused herself during the absence of her +messenger, by playing with the children. + +Mrs. Hill at her return said she had found Mr. Rupil at home, and as +she refused to give the letter to the servant, she had been taken into +a room where he was talking with a gentleman, to whom, as soon as he had +read it, he said with a laugh, “Why here's another person with the same +proposal as yours! however, I shall treat you both alike.” And then +he wrote an answer, which he sealed up, and bid her take care of. This +answer was as follows: + +“Mr. Rupil will certainly attend Mr. Belfield, whose friends may be +satisfied he will do all in his power to recover him, without receiving +any recompense but the pleasure of serving a gentleman who is so much +beloved.” + +Cecilia, charmed at this unhoped for success, was making further +enquiries into what had passed, when Mrs Hill, in a low voice, said, +“There's the gentleman, madam, who was with Mr. Rupil when I gave him +the letter. I had a notion he was dodging me all the way I came, for I +saw him just behind me, turn which way I would.” + +Cecilia then looked--and perceived young Delvile! who, after stopping +a moment at the door, came into the shop, and desired to be shewn some +gloves, which, among other things, were laid in the window. + +Extremely disconcerted at the sight of him, she began now almost to +fancy there was some fatality attending her acquaintance with him, since +she was always sure of meeting, when she had any reason to wish avoiding +him. + +As soon as he saw he was observed by her, he bowed with the utmost +respect: she coloured in returning the salutation, and prepared, with no +little vexation, for another attack, and further [raillery], similar to +what she had already received from him: but, as soon as he had made his +purchase, he bowed to her again, and, without speaking, left the shop. + +A silence so unexpected at once astonished and disturbed her; she +again desired to hear all that had passed at Mr. Rupil's, and from the +relation gathered that Delvile had himself undertaken to be responsible +for his attendance upon Mr. Belfield. + +A liberality so like her own failed not to impress her with the most +lively esteem: but this served rather to augment than lessen the pain +with which she considered the clandestine appearance she thus repeatedly +made to him. She had no doubt he had immediately concluded she was +author of the application to the surgeon, and that he followed her +messenger merely to ascertain the fact; while his silence when he had +made the discovery, she could only attribute to his now believing that +her regard for Mr Belfield was too serious for raillery. + +Doubly, however, she rejoiced at the generosity of Mr Rupil, as it +rendered wholly unnecessary her further interference: for she now saw +with some alarm the danger to which benevolence itself, directed towards +a youthful object, might expose her. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +A REMONSTRANCE. + + +Cecilia returned home so late, that she was summoned to the dining +parlour the moment she entered the house. Her morning dress, and her +long absence, excited much curiosity in Mrs Harrel, which a quick +succession of questions evasively answered soon made general; and Sir +Robert Floyer, turning to her with a look of surprise, said, “If you +have such freaks as these, Miss Beverley, I must begin to enquire a +little more into your proceedings.” + +“That, Sir,” said Cecilia, very coldly, “would ill repay your trouble.” + +“When we get her to Violet Bank,” cried Mr Harrel, “we shall be able to +keep a better watch over her.” + +“I hope so,” answered Sir Robert; “though faith she has been so demure, +that I never supposed she did any thing but read sermons. However, I +find there's no going upon trust with women, any more than with money.” + +“Ay, Sir Robert,” cried Mrs Harrel, “you know I always advised you not +to be quite so easy, and I am sure I really think you deserve a little +severity, for not being more afraid.” + +“Afraid of what, madam?” cried the baronet; “of a young lady's walking +out without me? Do you think I wish to be any restraint upon Miss +Beverley's time in a morning, while I have the happiness of waiting upon +her every afternoon?” + +Cecilia was thunderstruck by this speech, which not only expressed an +open avowal of his pretensions, but a confident security of his success. +She was shocked that a man of such principles should even for a moment +presume upon her favour, and irritated at the stubbornness of Mr. Harrel +in not acquainting him with her refusal. + +His intimation of coming to the house for _the happiness of waiting upon +her_, made her determine, without losing a moment, to seek herself an +explanation with him: while the discovery that he was included in +the Easter party, which various other concomitant causes had already +rendered disagreeable to her, made her look forward to that purposed +expedition with nothing but unwillingness and distaste. + +But though her earnestness to conclude this affair made her now put +herself voluntarily in the way of the baronet, she found her plan always +counteracted by Mr. Harrel, who, with an officiousness too obvious to +pass for chance, constantly stopt the progress of any discourse in which +he did not himself bear a part. A more passionate admirer might not have +been so easily defeated; but Sir Robert, too proud for solicitation, +and too indolent for assiduity, was very soon checked, because very soon +wearied. + +The whole evening, therefore, to her infinite mortification, passed +away without affording her any opportunity of making known to him his +mistake. + +Her next effort was to remonstrate with Mr. Harrel himself; but this +scheme was not more easy of execution than the other, since Mr. Harrel, +suspecting she meant again to dun him for her money, avoided all +separate conversation with her so skilfully, that she could not find a +moment to make him hear her. + +She then resolved to apply to his lady; but here her success was not +better: Mrs. Harrel, dreading another lecture upon economy, peevishly +answered to her request of a conference, that she was not very well, and +could not talk gravely. + +Cecilia, justly offended with them all, had now no resource but in Mr. +Monckton, whose counsel for effectually dismissing the baronet, she +determined to solicit by the first opportunity. + +The moment, therefore, that she next saw him, she acquainted him with +the speeches of Sir Robert and the behaviour of Mr. Harrel. + +There needed no rhetoric to point out to Mr. Monckton the danger +of suffering such expectations, or the impropriety of her present +situation: he was struck with both in a manner the most forcible, and +spared not for warmth of expression to alarm her delicacy, or add to her +displeasure. But chiefly he was exasperated against Mr. Harrel, assuring +her there could be no doubt but that he had some particular interest in +so strenuously and artfully supporting the pretensions of Sir Robert. +Cecilia endeavoured to refute this opinion, which she regarded as +proceeding rather from prejudice than justice; but when she mentioned +that the baronet was invited to spent the Easter holidays at +Violet-Bank, he represented with such energy the consequent +constructions of the world, as well as the unavoidable encouragement +such intimacy would imply, that he terrified her into an earnest +entreaty to suggest to her some way of deliverance. + +“There is only one;” answered he, “you must peremptorily refuse to go to +Violet Bank yourself. If, after what has passed, you are included in the +same party with Sir Robert, you give a sanction yourself to the reports +already circulated of your engagements with him and the effect of such +a sanction will be more serious than you can easily imagine, since the +knowledge that a connection is believed in the world, frequently, if not +generally, leads by imperceptible degrees to its real ratification.” + +Cecilia, with the utmost alacrity, promised implicitly to follow his +advice, whatever might be the opposition of Mr Harrel. He quitted her, +therefore, with unusual satisfaction, happy in his power over her mind, +and anticipating with secret rapture the felicity he had in reserve from +visiting her during the absence of the family. + +As no private interview was necessary for making known her intention of +giving up the Easter party, which was to take place in two days' time, +she mentioned next morning her design of spending the holidays in town, +when Mr Harrel sauntered into the breakfast room to give some commission +to his lady. + +At first he only laughed at her plan, gaily rallying her upon her love +of solitude; but when he found it was serious, he very warmly opposed +it, and called upon Mrs Harrel to join in his expostulations. That lady +complied, but in so faint a manner, that Cecilia soon saw she did not +wish to prevail; and with a concern, that cost her infinite pain, now +finally perceived that not only all her former affection was subsided +into indifference, but that, since she had endeavoured to abridge her +amusements, she regarded her as a spy, and dreaded her as the censor of +her conduct. + +Mean while Mr Arnott, who was present, though he interfered not in the +debate, waited the event with anxiety; naturally hoping her objections +arose from her dislike of Sir Robert, and secretly resolving to +be guided himself by her motions. Cecilia at length, tired of the +importunities of Mr Harrel, gravely said, that if he desired to hear +the reasons which obliged her to refuse his request, she was ready to +communicate them. + +Mr Harrel, after a little hesitation, accompanied her into another room. + +She then declared her resolution not to live under the same roof with +Sir Robert, and very openly expressed her vexation and displeasure, that +he so evidently persisted in giving that gentleman encouragement. + +“My dear Miss Beverley,” answered he, carelessly, “when young ladies +will not know their own minds, it is necessary some friend should tell +it them: you were certainly very favourable to Sir Robert but a short +time ago, and so, I dare say, you will be again, when you have seen more +of him.” + +“You amaze me, Sir!” cried Cecilia: “when was I favourable to him? Has +he not always and regularly been my aversion?” + +“I fancy,” answered Mr Harrel, laughing, “you will not easily persuade +him to think so; your behaviour at the Opera-house was ill calculated to +give him that notion.” + +“My behaviour at the Opera-house, Sir, I have already explained to you; +and if Sir Robert himself has any doubts, either from that circumstance +or from any other, pardon me if I say they can only be attributed to +your unwillingness to remove them. I entreat you, therefore, to +trifle with him no longer, nor to subject me again to the freedom of +implications extremely disagreeable to me.” + +“O fie, fie, Miss Beverley! after all that has passed, after his long +expectations, and his constant attendance, you cannot for a moment think +seriously of discarding him.” + +Cecilia, equally surprised and provoked by this speech, could not for +a moment tell how to answer it; and Mr Harrel, wilfully misinterpreting +her silence, took her hand, and said, “Come, I am sure you have too +much, honour to make a fool of such a man as Sir Robert Floyer. There +is not a woman in town who will not envy your choice, and I assure you +there is not a man in England I would so soon recommend to you.” + +He would then have hurried her back to the next room; but, drawing away +her hand with undisguised resentment, “No, Sir,” she cried, “this +must not pass! my positive rejection of Sir Robert the instant you +communicated to me his proposals, you can neither have forgotten nor +mistaken: and you must not wonder if I acknowledge myself extremely +disobliged by your unaccountable perseverance in refusing to receive my +answer.” + +“Young ladies who have been brought up in the country,” returned Mr +Harrel, with his usual negligence, “are always so high flown in their +notions, it is difficult to deal with them; but as I am much better +acquainted with the world than you can be, you must give me leave to +tell you, that if, after all, you refuse Sir Robert, it will be using +him very ill.” + +“Why will you say so, Sir?” cried Cecilia, “when it is utterly +impossible you can have formed so preposterous an opinion. Pray hear me, +however, finally, and pray tell Sir Robert--” + +“No, no,” interrupted he, with affected gaiety, “you shall manage it all +your own way; I will have nothing to do with the quarrels of lovers.” + +And then, with a pretended laugh, he hastily left her. + +Cecilia was so much incensed by this impracticable behaviour, that +instead of returning to the family, she went directly to her own room. +It was easy for her to see that Mr Harrel was bent upon using every +method he could devise, to entangle her into some engagement with Sir +Robert, and though she could not imagine the meaning of such a +scheme, the littleness of his behaviour excited her contempt, and the +long-continued error of the baronet gave her the utmost uneasiness. She +again determined to seek an explanation with him herself, and immovably +to refuse joining the party to Violet Bank. + +The following day, while the ladies and Mr Arnott were at breakfast, Mr +Harrel came into the room to enquire if they should all be ready to +set off for his villa by ten o'clock the next day. Mrs Harrel and her +brother answered in the affirmative; but Cecilia was silent, and he +turned to her and repeated his question. + +“Do you think me so capricious, Sir,” said she, “that after telling you +but yesterday I could not be of your party, I shall tell you to-day that +I can?” + +“Why you do not really mean to remain in town by yourself?” replied he, +“you cannot suppose that will be an eligible plan for a young lady. On +the contrary, it will be so very improper, that I think myself, as your +Guardian, obliged to oppose it.” + +Amazed at this authoritative speech, Cecilia looked at him with a +mixture of mortification and anger; but knowing it would be vain to +resist his power if he was resolute to exert it, she made not any +answer. + +“Besides,” he continued, “I have a plan for some alterations in the +house during my absence; and I think your room, in particular, will be +much improved by them: but it will be impossible to employ any workmen, +if we do not all quit the premises.” + +This determined persecution now seriously alarmed her; she saw that Mr +Harrel would omit no expedient or stratagem to encourage the addresses +of Sir Robert, and force her into his presence; and she began next to +apprehend that her connivance in his conduct might be presumed upon by +that gentleman: she resolved, therefore, as the last and only effort in +her power for avoiding him, to endeavour to find an accommodation at the +house of Mrs Delvile, during the excursion to Violet Bank: and if, when +she returned to Portman-square, the baronet still persevered in his +attendance, to entreat her friend Mr Monckton would take upon himself +the charge of undeceiving him. + + + + +CHAPTER ix + +A VICTORY. + + +As not a moment was now to be lost, Cecilia had no sooner suggested +this scheme, than she hastened to St James's-Square, to try its +practicability. + +She found Mrs Delvile alone, and still at breakfast. + +After the first compliments were over, while she was considering in +what manner to introduce her proposal, Mrs Delvile herself led to the +subject, by saying, “I am very sorry to hear we are so soon to lose you; +but I hope Mr Harrel does not intend to make any long stay at his villa; +for if he does, I shall be half tempted to come and run away with you +from him.” + +“And that,” said Cecilia, delighted with this opening, “would be an +honour I am _more_ than half tempted to desire.” + +“Why indeed your leaving London at this time,” continued Mrs Delvile, +“is, for me, particularly unfortunate, as, if I could now be favoured +with your visits, I should doubly value them; for Mr Delvile is gone +to spend the holidays at the Duke of Derwent's, whither I was not well +enough to accompany him; my son has his own engagements, and there +are so few people I can bear to see, that I shall live almost entirely +alone.” + +“If I,” cried Cecilia, “in such a situation might hope to be admitted, +how gladly for that happiness would I exchange my expedition to Violet +Bank!” + +“You are very good, and very amiable,” said Mrs Devile, “and your +society would, indeed, give me infinite satisfaction. Yet I am no enemy +to solitude; on the contrary, company is commonly burthensome to me; I +find few who have any power to give me entertainment, and even of those +few, the chief part have in their manners, situation, or characters, +an unfortunate something, that generally renders a near connection with +them inconvenient or disagreeable. There are, indeed, so many drawbacks +to regard and intimacy, from pride, from propriety, and various other +collateral causes, that rarely as we meet with people of brilliant +parts, there is almost ever some objection to our desire of meeting them +again. Yet to live wholly alone is chearless and depressing; and with +you, at least,” taking Cecilia's hand, “I find not one single obstacle +to oppose to a thousand inducements, which invite me to form a +friendship that I can only hope may be as lasting, as I am sure it will +be pleasant.” + +Cecilia expressed her sense of this partiality in the warmest terms; +and Mrs Delvile, soon discovering by her manner that she took not any +delight in her intended visit to Violet Bank, began next to question her +whether it would be possible for her to give it up. + +She instantly answered in the affirmative. + +“And would you really be so obliging,” cried Mrs Delvile, with some +surprise, “as to bestow upon me the time you had destined for this gay +excursion?” + +“Most willingly,” answered Cecilia, “if you are so good as to wish it.” + +“But can you also--for you must by no means remain alone in Portman +Square--manage to live entirely in my house till Mr Harrel's return?” + +To this proposal, which was what she most desired, Cecilia gave a glad +assent; and Mrs Delvile, extremely pleased with her compliance, promised +to have an apartment prepared for her immediately. + +She then hastened home, to announce her new plan. + +This she took occasion to do when the family was assembled at dinner. +The surprize with which she was heard was very general: Sir Robert +seemed at a loss what conclusion to draw from her information; Mr Arnott +was half elated with pleasure, and half depressed with apprehension; Mrs +Harrel wondered, without any other sensation; and Mr Harrel himself was +evidently the most concerned of the party. + +Every effort of persuasion and importunity he now essayed to prevail +upon her to give up this scheme, and still accompany them to the +villa; but she coolly answered that her engagement with Mrs Delvile was +decided, and she had appointed to wait upon her the next morning. + +When her resolution was found so steady, a general ill humour took place +of surprise: Sir Robert now had the air of a man who thought himself +affronted; Mr Arnott was wretched from a thousand uncertainties; Mrs +Harrel, indeed, was still the most indifferent; but Mr Harrel could +hardly repress his disappointment and anger. + +Cecilia, however, was all gaiety and pleasure: in removing only from the +house of one guardian to another, she knew she could not be opposed; +and the flattering readiness with which Mrs Delvile had anticipated her +request, without enquiring into her motives, had relieved her from a +situation which now grew extremely distressing, without giving to her +the pain of making complaints of Mr Harrel. The absence of Mr Delvile +contributed to her happiness, and she much rejoiced in having now the +prospect of a speedy opportunity to explain to his son, whatever had +appeared mysterious in her conduct respecting Mr Belfield. If she had +any thing to regret, it was merely the impossibility, at this time, of +waiting for the counsel of Mr Monckton. + +The next morning, while the family was in the midst of preparation for +departure, she took leave of Mrs Harrel, who faintly lamented the loss +of her company, and then hastily made her compliments to Mr Harrel and +Mr Arnott, and putting herself into a chair, was conveyed to her new +habitation. + +Mrs Delvile received her with the most distinguished politeness; she +conducted her to the apartment which had been prepared for her, led her +to the library, which she desired her to make use of as her own, and +gave her the most obliging charges to remember that she was in a house +of which she had the command. + +Young Delvile did not make his appearance till dinner time. Cecilia, +from recollecting the strange situations in which she had lately been +seen by him, blushed extremely when she first met his eyes; but finding +him gay and easy, general in his conversation, and undesigning in his +looks, she soon recovered from her embarrassment, and passed the rest of +the day without restraint or uneasiness. + +Every hour she spent with Mrs Delvile, contributed to raise in her +esteem the mind and understanding of that lady. She found, indeed, that +it was not for nothing she was accused of pride, but she found at the +same time so many excellent qualities, so much true dignity of mind, and +so noble a spirit of liberality, that however great was the respect she +seemed to demand, it was always inferior to what she felt inclined to +pay. + +Nor was young Delvile less rapid in the progress he made in her favour; +his character, upon every opportunity of shewing it, rose in her +opinion, and his disposition and manners had a mingled sweetness and +vivacity that rendered his society attractive, and his conversation +spirited. + +Here, therefore, Cecilia experienced that happiness she so long had +coveted in vain: her life was neither public nor private, her amusements +were neither dissipated nor retired; the company she saw were either +people of high rank or strong parts, and their visits were neither +frequent nor long. The situation she quitted gave a zest to that into +which she entered, for she was now no longer shocked by extravagance +or levity, no longer tormented with addresses which disgusted her, nor +mortified by the ingratitude of the friend she had endeavoured to serve. +All was smooth and serene, yet lively and interesting. + +Her plan, however, of clearing to young Delvile his mistakes concerning +Belfield, she could not put in execution; for he now never led to the +subject, though he was frequently alone with her, nor seemed at all +desirous to renew his former raillery, or repeat his enquiries. She +wondered at this change in him, but chose rather to wait the revival +of his own curiosity, than to distress or perplex herself by contriving +methods of explanation. + +Situated thus happily, she had now one only anxiety, which was to know +whether, and in what manner, Mr Belfield had received his surgeon, as +well as the actual state of his own and his sister's affairs: but the +fear of again encountering young Delvile in suspicious circumstances, +deterred her at present from going to their house. Yet her natural +benevolence, which partial convenience never lulled to sleep, impressing +her with an apprehension that her services might be wanted, she was +induced to write to Miss Belfield, though she forbore to visit her. + +Her letter was short, but kind and to the purpose: she apologized for +her officiousness, desiring to know if her brother was better, and +entreated her, in terms the most delicate, to acquaint her if yet she +would accept from her any assistance. + +She sent this letter by her servant, who, after waiting a considerable +time, brought her the following answer. + +_To Miss Beverley_. + +Ah madam! your goodness quite melts me! we want nothing, however, yet, +though I fear we shall not say so much longer. But though I hope I shall +never forget myself so as to be proud and impertinent, I will rather +struggle with any hardship than beg, for I will not disoblige my poor +brother by any fault that I can help, especially now he is fallen so +low. But, thank heaven, his wound has at last been dressed, for the +surgeon has found him out, and he attends him for nothing; though my +brother is willing to part with every thing he is worth in the world, +rather than owe that obligation to him: yet I often wonder why he hates +so to be obliged, for when he was rich himself he was always doing +something to oblige other people. But I fear the surgeon thinks him very +bad! for he won't speak to us when we follow him down stairs. + +I am sadly ashamed to send this bad writing, but I dare not ask my +brother for any help, because he would only be angry that I wrote any +thing about him at all; but indeed I have seen too little good come of +pride to think of imitating it; and as I have not his genius, I am sure +there is no need I should have his defects: ill, therefore, as I write, +you, madam, who have so much goodness and gentleness, would forgive it, +I believe, if it was worse, almost. And though we are not in need of +your kind offers, it is a great comfort to me to think there is a lady +in the world that, if we come to be quite destitute, and if the proud +heart of my poor unhappy brother should be quite broke down, will look +upon our distress with pity, and generously help us from quite sinking +under it.--I remain, Madam, with the most humble respect, your ever most +obliged humble servant, HENRIETTA BELFIELD. + +Cecilia, much moved by the simplicity of this letter, determined that +her very first visit from Portman-square should be to its fair and +innocent writer. And having now an assurance that she was in no +immediate distress, and that her brother was actually under Mr Rupil's +care, she dismissed from her mind the only subject of uneasiness that at +present had endeavoured to disturb it, and gave herself wholly up to the +delightful serenity of [unalloyed] happiness. + +Few are the days of felicity unmixed which we acknowledge while we +experience, though many are those we deplore, when by sorrow taught +their value, and by misfortune, their loss. Time with Cecilia now glided +on with such rapidity, that before she thought the morning half over, +the evening was closed, and ere she was sensible the first week was +past, the second was departed for ever. More and more pleased with the +inmates of her new habitation, she found in the abilities of Mrs Delvile +sources inexhaustible of entertainment, and, in the disposition and +sentiments of her son something so concordant to her own, that almost +every word he spoke shewed the sympathy of their minds, and almost every +look which caught her eyes was a reciprocation of intelligence. Her +heart, deeply wounded of late by unexpected indifference, and unreserved +mortification, was now, perhaps, more than usually susceptible of +those penetrating and exquisite pleasures which friendship and kindness +possess the highest powers of bestowing. Easy, gay, and airy, she only +rose to happiness, and only retired to rest; and not merely heightened +was her present enjoyment by her past disappointment, but, carrying her +retrospection to her earliest remembrance, she still found her actual +situation more peculiarly adapted to her taste and temper, than any she +had hitherto at any time experienced. + +The very morning that the destined fortnight was elapsed, she received +a note from Mrs Harrel, with information of her arrival in town, and an +entreaty that she would return to Portman-square. + +Cecilia, who, thus happy, had forgot to mark the progress of time, was +now all amazement to find the term of her absence so soon past. She +thought of going back with the utmost reluctance, and of quitting +her new abode with the most lively regret. The representations of Mr +Monckton daily lost their force, and notwithstanding her dislike of +Mr Delvile, she had no wish so earnest as that of being settled in his +family for the rest of her minority. + +To effect this was her next thought; yet she knew not how to make the +proposal, but from the uncommon partiality of Mrs Delvile, she hoped, +with a very little encouragement, she would lead to it herself. + +Here, however, she was disappointed; Mrs Delvile, when she heard of the +summons from the Harrels, expressed her sorrow at losing her in terms +of the most flattering regret, yet seemed to think the parting +indispensable, and dropt not the most distant hint of attempting to +prevent it. + +Cecilia, vexed and disconcerted, then made arrangements for her +departure, which she fixed for the next morning. + +The rest of this day, unlike every other which for the last fortnight +had preceded it, was passed with little appearance, and no reality of +satisfaction: Mrs Delvile was evidently concerned, her son openly avowed +his chagrin, and Cecilia felt the utmost mortification; yet, though +every one was discontented, no effort was made towards obtaining any +delay. + +The next morning during breakfast, Mrs Delvile very elegantly thanked +her for granting to her so much of her time, and earnestly begged to +see her in future whenever she could be spared from her other friends; +protesting she was now so accustomed to her society, that she should +require both long and frequent visits to soften the separation. This +request was very eagerly seconded by young Delvile, who warmly spoke +his satisfaction that his mother had found so charming a friend, and +unaffectedly joined in her entreaties that the intimacy might be still +more closely cemented. + +Cecilia had no great difficulty in according her compliance to those +demands, of which the kindness and cordiality somewhat lessened her +disturbance at the parting. + +When Mrs Harrel's carriage arrived, Mrs Delvile took a most affectionate +leave of her, and her son attended her to the coach. + +In her way down stairs, he stopt her for a few moments, and in some +confusion said “I wish much to apologize to Miss Beverley, before her +departure, for the very gross mistake of which I have been guilty. I +know not if it is possible she can pardon me, and I hardly know myself +by what perversity and blindness I persisted so long in my error.” + +“O,” cried Cecilia, much rejoiced at this voluntary explanation, “if you +are but convinced you were really in an error, I have nothing more to +wish. Appearances, indeed, were so strangely against me, that I ought +not, perhaps, to wonder they deceived you.” + +“This is being candid indeed,” answered he, again leading her on: “and +in truth, though your anxiety was obvious, its cause was obscure, and +where any thing is left to conjecture, opinion interferes, and the +judgment is easily warped. My own partiality, however, for Mr Belfield, +will I hope plead my excuse, as from that, and not from any prejudice +against the Baronet, my mistake arose: on the contrary, so highly I +respect your taste and your discernment, that your approbation, when +known, can scarcely fail of securing mine.” + +Great as was the astonishment of Cecilia at the conclusion of this +speech; she was at the coach door before she could make any answer: but +Delvile, perceiving her surprise, added, while he handed her in, “Is +it possible--but no, it is _not_ possible I should be again mistaken. I +forbore to speak at all, till I had information by which I could not be +misled.” + +“I know not in what unaccountable obscurity,” cried Cecilia, “I, or +my affairs, may be involved, but I perceive that the cloud which I had +hoped was dissipated, is thicker and more impenetrable than ever.” + +Delvile then bowed to her with a look that accused her of insincerity, +and the carriage drove away. + +Teazed by these eternal mistakes, and provoked to find that though the +object of her supposed partiality was so frequently changed, the notion +of her positive engagement with one of the duelists was invariable, she +resolved with all the speed in her power, to commission Mr Monckton to +wait upon Sir Robert Floyer, and in her own name give a formal rejection +to his proposals, and desire him thenceforward to make known, by +every opportunity, their total independence of each other: for sick of +debating with Mr Harrel, and detesting all intercourse with Sir Robert, +she now dropt her design of seeking an explanation herself. + +She was received by Mrs Harrel with the same coldness with which she had +parted from her. That lady appeared now to have some uneasiness upon her +mind, and Cecilia endeavoured to draw from her its cause; but far from +seeking any alleviation in friendship, she studiously avoided her, +seeming pained by her conversation, and reproached by her sight. Cecilia +perceived this encreasing reserve with much concern, but with more +indignation, conscious that her good offices had merited a better +reception, and angry to find that her advice had not merely failed of +success, but even exposed her to aversion. + +Mr Harrel, on the contrary, behaved to her with unusual civility, seemed +eager to oblige her, and desirous to render his house more agreeable to +her than ever. But in this he did not prosper; for Cecilia, immediately +upon her return, looking in her apartment for the projected alterations, +and finding none had been made, was so disgusted by such a detection of +duplicity, that he sunk yet lower than before in her opinion, and she +repined at the necessity she was under of any longer continuing his +guest. + +The joy of Mr Arnott at again seeing her, was visible and sincere; and +not a little was it encreased by finding that Cecilia, who sought not +more to avoid Mr Harrel and Sir Robert, than she was herself avoided +by Mrs Harrel, talked with pleasure to nobody else in the house, and +scarcely attempted to conceal that he was the only one of the family who +possessed any portion of her esteem. + +Even Sir Robert appeared now to have formed a design of paying her +rather more respect than he had hitherto thought necessary; but the +violence he did himself was so evident, and his imperious nature seemed +so repugnant to the task, that his insolence, breaking forth by starts, +and checked only by compulsion, was but the more conspicuous from his +inadequate efforts to disguise it. + + + + +BOOK IV. + +[Illustration] + + + +CHAPTER i + +A COMPLAINT. + + +As Cecilia now found herself cleared, at least, of all suspicions +of harbouring too tender a regard for Mr Belfield, her objections to +visiting his sister were removed, and the morning after her return to Mr +Harrel's, she went in a chair to Swallow-street. + +She sent her servant up stairs to enquire if she might be admitted, +and was immediately taken into the room where she had twice before been +received. + +In a few minutes Miss Belfield, softly opening and shutting the door of +the next apartment, made her appearance. She looked thin and pale, but +much gratified by the sight of Cecilia. “Ah madam!” she cried, “you are +good indeed not to forget us! and you can little think how it cheers and +consoles me, that such a lady as you can condescend to be kind to me. It +is quite the only pleasure that I have now in the whole world.” + +“I grieve that you have no greater;” cried Cecilia, “you seem much +fatigued and harassed. How is your brother? I fear you neglect your own +health, by too much attention to his.” + +“No, indeed, madam; my mother does everything for him herself, and +hardly suffers anybody else to go near him.” + +“What, then, makes you so melancholy?” said Cecilia, taking her hand; +“you do not look well; your anxiety, I am sure, is too much for your +strength.” + +“How should I look well, madam,” answered she, “living as I live? +However, I will not talk of myself, but of my brother,--O he is so ill! +Indeed I am sadly, sadly afraid he will never be well again!” + +“What does his surgeon say? You are too tender, and too much frightened +to be any judge.” + +“It is not that I think myself he will die of his wound, for Mr Rupil +says the wound is almost nothing; but he is in a constant fever, and +so thin, and so weak, that indeed it is almost impossible he should +recover!” + +“You are too apprehensive,” said Cecilia, “you know not what effect the +country air may have upon him; there are many, many expedients that with +so young a man may yet be successful.” + +“O no, the country air can do nothing for him! for I will not deceive +you, madam, for that would be doubly a fault when I am so ready in +blaming other people for wearing false appearances: besides, you are +so good and so gentle, that it quite composes me to talk with you. So +I will honestly speak the truth, and the whole truth at once; my poor +brother is lost--O I fear for ever lost!--all by his own unhappy pride! +He forgets his father was a tradesman, he is ashamed of all his family, +and his whole desire is to live among the grandest people, as if he +belonged to no other. And now that he can no longer do that, he takes +the disappointment so to heart that he cannot get the better of it; and +he told me this morning that he wished he was dead, for he did not know +why he should live only to see his own ruin! But when he saw how I cried +at his saying so, he was very sorry indeed, for he has always been the +kindest brother in the world, when he has been away from the great folks +who have spoilt him: 'But why,' said he, 'Henrietta, why would you have +me live, when instead of raising you and my poor mother into an higher +station, I am sunk so low, that I only help to consume your own poor +pittances to support me in my disgrace!'” + +“I am sorry indeed,” said Cecilia, “to find he has so deep a sense of +the failure of his expectations: but how happens it that you are so much +wiser? Young and inexperienced as you are, and early as you must have +been accustomed, from your mother as well as from Mr Belfield, to far +other doctrine, the clearness of your judgment, and the justness of your +remarks, astonish as much as they charm me.” + +“Ah madam! Brought up as I have been brought up, there is little wonder +I should see the danger of an high education, let me be ever so ignorant +of everything else; for I, and all my sisters, have been the sufferers +the whole time: and while we were kept backward, that he might be +brought forward, while we were denied comforts, that he might have +luxuries, how could we help seeing the evil of so much vanity, and +wishing we had all been brought up according to our proper station? +instead of living in continual inconvenience, and having one part of a +family struggling with distress, only to let another part of it appear +in a way he had no right to!” + +“How rationally,” said Cecilia, “have you considered this subject! and +how much do I honour you for the affection you retain for your brother, +notwithstanding the wrongs you have suffered to promote his elevation!” + +“Indeed he deserves it; take but from him that one fault, pride, and I +believe he has not another: and humoured and darling child as from his +infancy he has always been, who at that can wonder, or be angry?” + +“And he has still no plan, no scheme for his future destination?” + +“No, madam, none at all; and that it is makes him so miserable, and +being so miserable makes him so ill, for Mr Rupil says that with such +uneasiness upon his mind, he can never, in his present low state, get +well. O it is melancholy to see how he is altered! and how he has lost +all his fine spirits! he that used to be the life of us all!--And now he +hardly ever speaks a word, or if he does, he says something so sorrowful +that it cuts us to the soul! But yesterday, when my mother and I thought +he was asleep, he lifted up his head, and looked at us both with the +tears in his eyes, which almost broke our hearts to see, and then, in +a low voice, he said 'What a lingering illness is this! Ah, my dear +mother, you and poor Henrietta ought to wish it quicker over! for should +I recover, my life, hereafter, will but linger like this illness.' And +afterwards he called out, 'what on earth is to become of me? I shall +never have health for the army, nor interest, nor means; what am I to +do? subsist in the very prime of my life upon the bounty of a widowed +mother! or, with such an education, such connections as mine, enter at +last into some mean and sordid business?'” + +“It seems, then,” said Cecilia, “he now less wants a physician than a +friend.” + +“He has a friend, madam, a noble friend, would he but accept his +services; but he never sees him without suffering fresh vexation, and +his fever encreases after every visit he pays him.” + +“Well,” said Cecilia, rising, “I find we shall not have an easy task to +manage him; but keep up your spirits, and assure yourself he shall not +be lost, if it be possible to save him.” + +She then, though with much fearfulness of offending, once more made an +offer of her purse. Miss Belfield no longer started at the proposal; +yet, gratefully thanking her, said she was not in any immediate +distress, and did not dare risk the displeasure of her brother, unless +driven to it by severer necessity. Cecilia, however, drew from her +a promise that she would apply to her in any sudden difficulty, and +charged her never to think herself without a banker while her direction +was known to her. + +She then bid her adieu, and returned home; meditating the whole way upon +some plan of employment and advantage for Mr Belfield, which by clearing +his prospects, might revive his spirits, and facilitate his recovery: +for since his mind was so evidently the seat of his disease, she saw +that unless she could do more for him, she had yet done nothing. + +Her meditation, however, turned to no account; she could suggest +nothing, for she was ignorant what was eligible to suggest. The stations +and employments of men she only knew by occasionally hearing that such +were their professions, and such their situations in life; but with +the means and gradations by which they arose to them she was wholly +unacquainted. + +Mr Monckton, her constant resource in all cases of difficulty, +immediately occurred to her as her most able counsellor, and she +determined by the first opportunity to consult with him upon the +subject, certain of advice the most judicious from his experience, and +knowledge of the world. + +But though she rested upon him her serious expectations of assistance, +another idea entered her mind not less pleasant, though less promising +of utility: this was to mention her views to young Delvile. He was +already, she knew, well informed of the distress of Mr Belfield, and she +hoped, by openly asking his opinion, to confirm to him her freedom from +any engagement with that gentleman, and convince him, at the same time, +by her application to himself, that she was equally clear of any tie +with the Baronet. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +A SYMPATHY. + + +The next day Cecilia had appointed to spend in St James'-square; and +she knew by experience that in its course, she should in all probability +find some opportunity of speaking with Delvile alone. + +This accordingly happened; for in the evening Mrs Delvile quitted the +room for a few moments to answer a letter. Cecilia then, left with +her son, said, after a little hesitation, “Will you not think me very +strange if I should take the liberty to consult you upon some business?” + +“I already think you very strange,” answered he; “so strange that I know +not any one who at all resembles you. But what is this consultation in +which you will permit me to have a voice?” + +“You are acquainted, I believe, with the distress of Mr Belfield?” + +“I am; and I think his situation the most melancholy that can be +imagined. I pity him with my whole soul, and nothing would give me +greater joy than an opportunity of serving him.” + +“He is, indeed, much to be compassionated,” returned Cecilia; “and if +something is not speedily done for him, I fear he will be utterly lost. +The agitation of his mind baffles all the power of medicine, and +till that is relieved, his health can never be restored. His, spirit, +probably always too high for his rank in life, now struggles against +every attack of sickness and of poverty, in preference to yielding to +his fate, and applying to his friends for their interest and assistance. +I mean not to vindicate his obduracy, yet I wish it were possible it +could be surmounted. Indeed I dread to think what may become of him! +feeling at present nothing but wretchedness and pain, looking forward in +future to nothing but ruin and despair!” + +“There is no man,” cried young Delvile, with emotion, “who might not +rather envy than pity sufferings which give rise to such compassion!” + +“Pecuniary assistance he will not accept,” she continued, “and, indeed, +his mind is superior to receiving consolation from such temporary +relief; I wish him, therefore, to be put into some way of life by which +his own talents, which have long enough amused the world, may at length +become serviceable to himself. Do you think, Sir, this is possible?” + +“How do I rejoice,” cried Delvile, colouring with pleasure while he +spoke, “in this flattering concurrence of our opinions! see, madam,” + taking from his pocket a letter, “how I have been this very morning +occupied, in endeavouring to procure for Mr Belfield some employment by +which his education might be rendered useful, and his parts redound to +his own credit and advantage.” + +He then broke the seal, and put into her hand a letter to a nobleman, +whose son was soon going abroad, strongly recommending Belfield to him +in capacity of a tutor. + +A sympathy of sentiment so striking impressed them at the same moment +with surprise and esteem; Delvile earnestly regarded her with eyes of +speaking admiration, while the occasion of his notice rendered it too +pleasant to distress her, and filled her with an inward satisfaction +which brightened her whole countenance. + +She had only time, in a manner that strongly marked her approbation, to +return the letter, before Mrs Delvile again made her appearance. + +During the rest of the evening but little was said; Cecilia was not +talkative, and young Delvile was so absent, that three times his mother +reminded him of an engagement to meet his father, who that night was +expected at the Duke of Derwent's house in town, before he heard that +she spoke to him, and three times more before, when he had heard, he +obeyed. + +Cecilia, when she came back to Mr Harrel's, found the house full of +company. She went into the drawing-room, but did not remain there +long: she was grave and thoughtful, she wished to be alone, and by the +earliest opportunity, stole away to her own apartment. + +Her mind was now occupied by new ideas, and her fancy was busied in the +delineation of new prospects. She had been struck from her first +meeting young Delvile with an involuntary admiration of his manners and +conversation; she had found upon every succeeding interview something +further to approve, and felt for him a rising partiality which made her +always see him with pleasure, and never part from him without a wish to +see him again. Yet, as she was not of that inflammable nature which is +always ready to take fire, as her passions were under the controul of +her reason, and she suffered not her affections to triumph over her +principles, she started at her danger the moment she perceived it, and +instantly determined to give no weak encouragement to a prepossession +which neither time nor intimacy had justified. She denied herself the +deluding satisfaction of dwelling upon the supposition of his worth, was +unusually assiduous to occupy all her time, that her heart might have +less leisure for imagination; and had she found that his character +degenerated from the promise of his appearance, the well regulated +purity of her mind would soon have enabled her to have driven him wholly +from her thoughts. + +Such was her situation when the circumstances of her affairs occasioned +her becoming an inmate of his house; and here she grew less guarded, +because less clear-sighted to the danger of negligence, for the +frequency of their conversation allowed her little time to consider +their effects. If at first she had been pleased with his deportment and +elegance, upon intimacy she was charmed with his disposition and his +behaviour; she found him manly, generous, open-hearted and amiable, fond +of literature, delighting in knowledge, kind in his temper, and spirited +in his actions. + +Qualities such as these, when recommended by high birth, a striking +figure, and polished manners, formed but a dangerous companion for a +young woman, who, without the guard of any former prepossession, was +so fervent an admirer of excellence as Cecilia. Her heart made no +resistance, for the attack was too gentle and too gradual to alarm her +vigilance, and therefore, though always sensible of the pleasure +she received from his society, it was not till she returned to +Portman-square, after having lived under the same roof with him for a +fortnight, that she was conscious her happiness was no longer in her own +power. + +Mr Harrel's house, which had never pleased her, now became utterly +disgustful; she was wearied and uncomfortable, yet, willing to attribute +her uneasiness to any other than the true cause, she fancied the house +itself was changed, and that all its inhabitants and visitors were more +than unusually disagreeable: but this idle error was of short duration, +the moment of self-conviction was at hand, and when Delvile presented +her the letter he had written for Mr Belfield, it flashed in her eyes! + +This detection of the altered state of her mind opened to her views and +her hopes a scene entirely new, for neither the exertion of the most +active benevolence, nor the steady course of the most virtuous conduct, +sufficed any longer to wholly engage her thoughts, or constitute +her felicity; she had purposes that came nearer home, and cares that +threatened to absorb in themselves that heart and those faculties which +hitherto had only seemed animated for the service of others. + +Yet this loss of mental freedom gave her not much uneasiness, since the +choice of her heart, though involuntary, was approved by her principles, +and confirmed by her judgment. Young Delvile's situation in life was +just what she wished, more elevated than her own, yet not so exalted +as to humble her with a sense of inferiority; his connections were +honourable, his mother appeared to her the first of women, his character +and disposition seemed formed to make her happy, and her own fortune was +so large, that to the state of his she was indifferent. + +Delighted with so flattering a union of inclination with propriety, +she now began to cherish the partiality she at first had repressed, +and thinking the future destination of her life already settled, looked +forward with grateful joy to the prospect of ending her days with the +man she thought most worthy to be entrusted with the disposal of her +fortune. + +She had not, indeed, any certainty that the regard of young Delvile was +reciprocal, but she had every reason to believe he greatly admired her, +and to suspect that his mistaken notion of her prior engagement, first +with Mr Belfield, and afterwards with Sir Robert Floyer, made him at +present check those sentiments in her favour which, when that error was +removed, she hoped to see I encouraged. + +Her purpose, therefore, was quietly to wait an explanation, which she +rather wished retarded than forwarded, that her leisure and opportunity +might be more for investigating his character, and saving herself from +repentance. + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +A CONFLICT. + + +The day following this happy intellectual arrangement, Cecilia was +visited by Mr Monckton. That gentleman, who had enquired for her +immediately after the Harrels went to their villa, and who had flattered +himself with reaping much advantage from their absence, by frequent +meetings and confidential discourses, suffered the severest +mortification when he found that her stay in town rendered her not the +less inaccessible to him, since he had no personal acquaintance with the +Delviles, and could not venture to present himself at their house. + +He was now received by her with more than usual pleasure; the time had +seemed long to her since she had conversed with him, and she was eager +to ask his counsel and assistance in her affairs. She related to him +the motives which had induced her to go to St James'-square, and the +incorrigible obstinacy with which Mr Harrel still continued to encourage +the addresses of Sir Robert Floyer; she earnestly entreated him +to become her agent in a business to which she was unequal, by +expostulating in her cause with Mr Harrel, and by calling upon +Sir Robert himself to insist upon his foregoing his unauthorised +pretensions. + +Mr Monckton listened eagerly to her account and request, and when she +had finished, assured her he would deliberate upon each circumstance +of the affair, and then maturely weigh every method he could devise, to +extricate her from an embarrassment which now grew far too serious to be +safely neglected. + +“I will not, however,” continued he, “either act or give my opinion +without further enquiry, as I am confident there is a mystery in this +business which lies deeper than we can at present fathom. Mr Harrel has +doubtless purposes of his own to answer by this pretended zeal for Sir +Robert; nor is it difficult to conjecture what they may be. Friendship, +in a man of his light cast, is a mere cover, a mere name, to conceal a +connection which has its basis solely in the licentious convenience +of borrowing money, going to the same gaming house, and mutually +communicating and boasting their mutual vices and intrigues, while, +all the time, their regard for each other is equally hollow with their +regard for truth and integrity.” + +He then cautioned her to be extremely careful with respect to any money +transactions with Mr Harrel, whose splendid extravagance he assured her +was universally known to exceed his fortune. + +The countenance of Cecilia during this exhortation was testimony +sufficient to the penetrating eyes of Mr Monckton that his advice +came not too soon: a suspicion of the real state of the case speedily +occurred to him, and he questioned her minutely upon the subject. She +endeavoured to avoid making him any answer, but his discernment was too +keen for her inartificial evasion, and he very soon gathered all the +particulars of her transactions with Mr Harrel. + +He was less alarmed at the sum she had lent him, which was rather within +his expectations, than at the method she had been induced to take to +procure it. He represented to her in the strongest manner the danger +of imposition, nay of ruin, from the extortions and the craft of +money-lenders; and he charged her upon no consideration to be tempted or +persuaded again to have recourse to such perilous expedients. + +She promised the most attentive observance of his advice: and then told +him the acquaintance she had made with Miss Belfield, and her sorrow for +the situation of her brother; though, satisfied for the present with +the plan of young Delvile, she now gave up her design of soliciting his +counsel. + +In the midst of this conversation, a note was delivered to her from Mr +Delvile senior, acquainting her with his return to town, and begging +the favour of her to call in St James's-square the next morning, as he +wished to speak to her upon some business of importance. + +The eager manner in which Cecilia accepted this invitation, and her +repeated and earnest exclamation of wonder at what Mr Delvile could +have to say, past not unnoticed by Mr Monckton; he instantly turned the +discourse from the Belfields, the Harrels, and the Baronet, to enquire +how she had spent her time during her visit in St James's-square, and +what was her opinion of the family after her late opportunities of +intimacy? + +Cecilia answered that she had yet seen nothing more of Mr Delvile, who +had been absent the whole time, but with equal readiness and pleasure +she replied to all his questions concerning his lady, expatiating with +warmth and fervour upon her many rare and estimable qualities. + +But when the same interrogatories were transferred to the son, she +spoke no longer with the same ease, nor with her usual promptitude +of sincerity; she was embarrassed, her answers were short, and she +endeavoured to hasten from the subject. + +Mr Monckton remarked this change with the most apprehensive quickness, +but, forcing a smile, “Have you yet,” he said, “observed the family +compact in which those people are bound to besiege you, and draw you +into their snares?” + +“No, indeed,” cried Cecilia, much hurt by the question, “I am sure no +such compact has been formed; and I am sure, too, that if you knew them +better, you would yourself be the first to admire and do them justice.” + +“My dear Miss Beverley,” cried he, “I know them already; I do not, +indeed, visit them, but I am perfectly acquainted with their characters, +which have been drawn to me by those who are most closely connected with +them, and who have had opportunities of inspection which I hope will +never fall to your share, since I am satisfied the trial would pain, +though the proof would convince you.” + +“What then have you heard of them?” cried Cecilia, with much +earnestness: “It is, at least, not possible any ill can be said of Mrs +Delvile.” + +“I beg your pardon,” returned he. “Mrs Delvile is not nearer perfection +than the rest of her family, she has only more art in disguising her +foibles; because, tho' she is the daughter of pride, she is the slave of +interest.” + +“I see you have been greatly misinformed,” said Cecilia warmly; +“Mrs Delvile is the noblest of women! she may, indeed, from her very +exaltation, have enemies, but they are the enemies of envy, not of +resentment, enemies raised by superior merit, not excited by injury or +provocation!” + +“You will know her better hereafter;” said Mr Monckton calmly, “I only +hope your knowledge will not be purchased by the sacrifice of your +happiness.” + +“And what knowledge of her, Sir,” cried Cecilia, starting, “can have +power to put my happiness in any danger?” + +“I will tell you,” answered he, “with all the openness you have a claim +to from my regard, and then leave to time to shew if I am mistaken. The +Delvile family, notwithstanding its ostentatious magnificence, I +can solemnly assure you, is poor in every branch, alike lineal and +collateral.” + +“But is it therefore the less estimable?” + +“Yes, because the more rapacious. And while they count on each side +Dukes, Earls and Barons in their genealogy, the very wealth with which, +through your means, they project the support of their insolence, and +which they will grasp with all the greediness of avarice, they will +think honoured by being employed in their service, while the instrument, +all amiable as she is, by which they attain it, will be constantly held +down as the disgrace of their alliance.” + +Cecilia, stung to the soul by this speech, rose from her chair, +unwilling to answer it, yet unable to conceal how much it shocked her. +Mr Monckton, perceiving her emotion, followed her, and taking her hand, +said, “I would not give this warning to one I thought too weak to profit +from it; but as I am well informed of the use that is meant to be made +of your fortune, and the abuse that will follow of yourself, I think it +right to prepare you for their artifices, which merely to point out, may +render abortive.” + +Cecilia, too much disturbed to thank him, drew back her hand, and +continued silent. Mr Monckton, reading through her displeasure the state +of her affections, saw with terror the greatness of the danger which +threatened him. He found, however, that the present was no time for +enforcing objections, and perceiving he had already gone too far, though +he was by no means disposed to recant, he thought it most prudent to +retreat, and let her meditate upon his exhortation while its impression +was yet strong in her mind. + +He would now, therefore, have taken leave; but Cecilia, endeavouring to +recollect herself, and fully persuaded that however he had shocked her, +he had only her interest in view, stopt him, saying, “You think +me, perhaps, ungrateful, but believe me I am not; I must, however, +acknowledge that your censure of Mrs Delvile hurts me extremely. Indeed +I cannot doubt her worthiness, I must still, therefore, plead for her, +and I hope the time may come when you will allow I have not pleaded +unjustly.” + +“Justly or unjustly,” answered Mr Monckton, “I am at least sure you can +never plead vainly. I give up, therefore, to your opinion my attack of +Mrs Delvile, and am willing from your commendations to suppose her the +best of the race. Nay, I will even own that perhaps Mr Delvile himself, +as well as his lady, might pass through life and give but little +offence, had they only themselves to think of, and no son to stimulate +their arrogance.” + +“Is the son, then,” said Cecilia faintly, “so much the most culpable?” + +“The son, I believe,” answered he, “is at least the chief incentive to +insolence and ostentation in the parents, since it is for his sake they +covet with such avidity honours and riches, since they plume themselves +upon regarding him as the support of their name and, family, and since +their pride in him even surpasses their pride in their lineage and +themselves.” + +“Ah!” thought Cecilia, “and of such a son who could help being proud!” + +“Their purpose, therefore,” he continued, “is to, secure through his +means your fortune, which they will no sooner obtain, than, to my +certain knowledge, they mean instantly, and most unmercifully, to employ +it in repairing all their dilapidated estates.” + +And then he quitted the subject; and, with that guarded warmth which +accompanied all his expressions, told her he would carefully watch for +her honour and welfare, and, repeating his promise of endeavouring to +discover the tie by which Mr Harrel seemed bound to the Baronet, he left +her--a prey himself to an anxiety yet more severe than that with which +he had filled her! He now saw all his long cherished hopes in danger +of final destruction, and suddenly cast upon the brink of a precipice, +where, while he struggled to protect them from falling, his eyes were +dazzled by beholding them totter. + +Mean while Cecilia, disturbed from the calm of soft serenity to which +she had yielded every avenue of her soul, now looked forward with +distrust and uneasiness, even to the completion of the views which but +a few minutes before had comprised all her notions of felicity. The +alliance which so lately had seemed wholly unexceptionable, now +appeared teeming with objections, and threatening with difficulties. +The representations of Mr Monckton had cruelly mortified her; well +acquainted with his knowledge of the world, and wholly unsuspicious of +his selfish motives, she gave to his assertions involuntary credit, +and even while she attempted to combat them, they made upon her mind an +impression scarce ever to be erased. + +Full, therefore, of doubt and inquietude, she passed the night in +discomfort and irresolution, now determining to give way to her +feelings, and now to be wholly governed by the counsel of Mr Monckton. + + + +CHAPTER iv + +AN EXPECTATION. + + +In this disposition of mind Cecilia the next morning obeyed the summons +of Mr Delvile, and for the first time went to St James'-square in +a humour to look for evil instead of good, and meanness instead of +nobleness. + +She was shewn into an apartment where she found Mr Delvile alone, and +was received by him, as usual, with the most stately solemnity. + +When she was seated, “I have given you, Miss Beverley,” said he, “the +trouble of calling, in order to discuss with you the internal state of +your affairs; a duty which, at this juncture, I hold to be incumbent +upon my character. The delicacy due to your sex would certainly have +induced me to wait upon you myself for this purpose, but for the reasons +I have already hinted to you, of fearing the people with whom you live +might think it necessary to return my visit. Persons of low origin are +commonly in those matters the most forward. Not, however, that I would +prejudice you against them; though, for myself, it is fit I remember +that a general and indiscriminate acquaintance, by levelling all ranks, +does injury to the rites of society.” + +Ah! thought Cecilia, how infallible is Mr Monckton! and how inevitably, +in a family of which Mr Delvile is the head, should I be cruelly _held +down, as the disgrace of their alliance_! + +“I have applied,” continued he, “to Mrs Delvile, to know if the +communication which I had recommended to you, and to which she had +promised her attention, had yet passed; but I am informed you have not +spoken to her upon the subject.” + +“I had nothing, Sir, to communicate,” answered Cecilia, “and I had +hoped, as Mrs Delvile made no enquiries, she was satisfied she had +nothing to hear.” + +“With respect to enquiries,” said Mr Delvile, “I fear you are not +sufficiently aware of the distance between a lady of Mrs Delvile's rank, +both by birth and alliance, and such a young woman as Mrs Harrel, whose +ancestors, but a short time since, were mere Suffolk farmers. But I beg +your pardon;--I mean not any reflection upon yours: I have always +heard they were very worthy people. And a farmer is certainly a very +respectable person. Your father, I think, no more than the Dean your +uncle, did nothing in that way himself?” + +“No, Sir,” said Cecilia, drily, and much provoked by this contemptuous +courtesy. + +“I have always been told he was a very good sort of man: I knew none +of the family myself, but the Dean. His connections with the Bishop of +------, my relation, put him often in my way. Though his naming me for +one of his trustees, I must own, was rather extraordinary; but I mean +not to hurt you; on the contrary, I should be much concerned to give you +any uneasiness.” + +Again Mr Monckton arose in the mind of Cecilia, and again she +acknowledged the truth of his strictures; and though she much wondered +in what an harangue so pompous was to end, her disgust so far conquered +her curiosity, that without hearing it, she wished herself away. + +“To return,” said he, “to my purpose. The present period of your life is +such as to render advice particularly seasonable; I am sorry, therefore, +as I before said, you have not disclosed your situation to Mrs Delvile. +A young lady on the point of making an establishment, and with many +engagements in her power, is extremely liable to be mistaken in her +judgment, and therefore should solicit instruction from those who are +able to acquaint her what connection would be most to her advantage. One +thing, however, I am happy to commend, the young man who was wounded in +the duel--I cannot recollect his name--is, I hear, totally out of the +question.” + +What next? thought Cecilia; though still she gave him no interruption, +for the haughtiness of his manner was repulsive to reply. + +“My design, therefore, is to speak to you of Sir Robert Floyer. When +I had last the pleasure of addressing you upon this subject, you may +probably remember my voice was in his favour; but I then regarded him +merely as the rival of an inconsiderable young man, to rescue you from +whom he appeared an eligible person. The affair is now altered, that +young man is thought of no more, and another rival comes forward, to +whom Sir Robert is as inconsiderable as the first rival was to Sir +Robert.” + +Cecilia started at this information, livelier sensations stimulated +her curiosity, and surmises in which she was most deeply interested +quickened her attention. + +“This rival,” proceeded he, “I should imagine no young lady would a +moment hesitate in electing; he is every way the superior of Sir Robert +except in fortune, and the deficiencies of that the splendour of your +own may amply supply.” + +The deepest crimson now tinged the cheeks of Cecilia; the prophecy of Mr +Monckton seemed immediately fulfilling, and she trembled with a rising +conflict between her approbation of the offer, and her dread of its +consequences. + +“I know not, indeed,” continued he, “in what estimation you may have +been accustomed to hold rank and connection, nor whether you are +impressed with a proper sense of their superiority and value; for early +prejudices are not easily rooted out, and those who have lived chiefly +with monied people, regard even birth itself as unimportant when +compared with wealth.” + +The colour which first glowed in the cheeks of Cecilia from expectation, +now rose yet higher from resentment: she thought herself already +insulted by a prelude so ostentatious and humiliating to the proposals +which were to follow; and she angrily determined, with whatever pain to +her heart, to assert her own dignity by refusing them at once, too well +satisfied by what she now saw of the present, that Mr Monckton had been +just in his prediction of the future. + +“Your rejection, therefore,” continued he, “of this honourable offer, +may perhaps have been merely the consequence of the principles in which +you have been educated.--” + +“Rejection?” interrupted Cecilia, amazed, “what rejection, Sir?” + +“Have you not refused the proposals of my Lord Ernolf for his son?” + +“Lord Ernolf? never! nor have I ever seen either his Lordship or his son +but in public.” + +“That,” replied Mr Delvile, “is little to the purpose; where the +connexion is a proper one, a young lady of delicacy has only to accede +to it. But though this rejection came not immediately from yourself, it +had doubtless your concurrence.” + +“It had not, Sir, even my knowledge.” + +“Your alliance then with Sir Robert Floyer is probably nearer a +conclusion than I had imagined, for otherwise Mr Harrel would not, +without consulting you, have given the Earl so determinate an answer.” + +“No, Sir,” said Cecilia, impatiently, “my alliance with him was never +more distant, nor do I mean it should ever approach more near.” + +She was now little disposed for further conversation. Her heroic design +of refusing young Delvile by no means reconciled her to the discovery +she now made that he had not meant to address her; and though she was +provoked and fretted at this new proof that Mr Harrel scrupled neither +assertions nor actions to make her engagement with Sir Robert credited, +her disappointment in finding that Mr Delvile, instead of pleading the +cause of his son, was exerting his interest for another person, affected +her so much more nearly, that notwithstanding he still continued his +parading harangue, she scarcely knew even the subject of his discourse, +and seized the first opportunity of a cessation to rise and take her +leave. + +He asked her if she would not call upon Mrs Delvile; but desirous to be +alone, she declined the invitation; he then charged her to proceed no +further with Sir Robert till he had made some enquiries concerning Lord +Ernolf, and graciously promising his protection and counsel, suffered +her to depart. + +Cecilia now perceived she might plan her rejections, or study her +dignity at her leisure, for neither Mr Delvile nor his son seemed in +any haste to put her fortitude to the proof. With regard, therefore, to +their plots and intentions, Mr Monckton she found was wrong, but with +respect to their conduct and sentiments, she had every reason to believe +him right: and though her heart refused to rejoice in escaping a trial +of its strength, her judgment was so well convinced that his painting +was from the life, that she determined to conquer her partiality for +young Delvile, since she looked forward to nothing but mortification in +a connexion with his family. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +AN AGITATION. + + +With this intention, and every faculty of her mind absorbed in +reflecting upon the reasons which gave rise to it, she returned to +Portman-square. + +As her chair was carried into the hall, she observed, with some alarm, a +look of consternation among the servants, and an appearance of confusion +in the whole house. She was proceeding to her own room, intending to +enquire of her maid if any evil had happened, when she was crossed +upon the stairs by Mr Harrel, who passed her with an air so wild and +perturbed, that he hardly seemed to know her. + +Frightened and amazed, she stopt short, irresolute which way to go; but, +hastily returning, he beckoned her to follow him. + +She obeyed, and he led her to the library. He then shut the door, and +abruptly seizing her hand, called out, “Miss Beverley, I am ruined!--I +am undone!--I am blasted for ever!” + +“I hope not, Sir!” said Cecilia, extremely terrified, “I hope not! Where +is Mrs Harrel?” + +“O I know not! I know not!” cried he, in a frantic manner, “but I have +not seen her,--I cannot see her,--I hope I shall never see her more!--” + +“O fie! fie!” said Cecilia, “let me call her, I beg; you should consult +with her in this distress, and seek comfort from her affection.” + +“From her affection?” repeated he, fiercely, “from her hatred you +mean! do you not know that she, too, is ruined? Oh past redemption +ruined!--and yet that I should hesitate, that I should a moment hesitate +to conclude the whole business at once!” + +“How dreadful!” cried Cecilia, “what horrible thing has happened?” + +“I have undone Priscilla!” cried he, “I have blasted my credit! I have +destroyed--no, not yet quite destroyed myself!” + +“O yet nor ever!” cried Cecilia, whose agitation now almost equalled +his own, “be not so desperate, I conjure you! speak to me more +intelligibly,--what does all this mean? How has it come to pass?” + +“My debts!--my creditors!--one way only,” striking his hand upon his +forehead, “is left for me!” + +“Do not say so, Sir!” said Cecilia, “you shall find many ways; pray have +courage! pray speak calmly; and if you will but be more prudent, will +but, in future, better regulate your affairs, I will myself undertake--” + +She stopt; checked in the full career of her overflowing compassion, by +a sense of the worthlessness of its object; and by the remembrance of +the injunctions of Mr Monckton. + +“What will you undertake?” cried he, eagerly, “I know you are an +angel!--tell me, what will you undertake?” + +“I will,--” said Cecilia, hesitating, “I will speak to Mr Monckton,--I +will consult--” + +“You may as well consult with every cursed creditor in the house!” + interrupted he; “but do so, if you please; my disgrace must perforce +reach him soon, and a short anticipation is not worth begging off.” + +“Are your creditors then actually in the house?” + +“O yes, yes! and therefore it is high time I should be out of it!--Did +you not see them?--Do they not line the hall?--They threaten me with +three executions before night!--three executions unless I satisfy their +immediate demands!--” + +“And to what do their demands amount?” + +“I know not!--I dare not ask!--to some thousand pounds, perhaps,--and I +have not, at this minute, forty guineas in the house!” + +“Nay, then,” cried Cecilia, retreating, “I can indeed do nothing! if +their demands are so high, I _ought_ to do nothing.” + +She would then have quitted him, not more shocked at his situation, than +indignant at the wilful extravagance which had occasioned it. + +“Stay,” cried he, “and hear me!” then, lowering his voice, “seek +out,” he continued, “your unfortunate friend,--go to the poor ruined +Priscilla,--prepare her for tidings of horror! and do not, though you +renounce Me, do not abandon Her!” + +Then, fiercely passing her, he was himself leaving the room; but +Cecilia, alarmed by the fury of his manner, called out, “What is it you +mean? what tidings of horror? whither are you going?” + +“To hell!” cried he, and rushed out of the apartment. + +Cecilia screamed aloud, and conjuring him to hear her, ran after him; +he paid her no regard, but, flying faster than she had power to pursue, +reached his own dressing-room, shut himself into it with violence, and +just as she arrived at the door, turned the key, and bolted it. + +Her terror was now inexpressible; she believed him in the very act of +suicide, and her refusal of assistance seemed the signal for the deed: +her whole fortune, at that moment, was valueless and unimportant to her, +compared with the preservation of a fellow-creature: she called out with +all the vehemence of agony to beg he would open the door, and eagerly +promised by all that was sacred to do everything in her power to save +him. + +At these words he opened it; his face was totally without colour, and he +grasped a razor in his hand. + +“You have stopt me,” said he, in a voice scarce audible, “at the very +moment I had gathered courage for the blow: but if indeed you will +assist me, I will shut this up,--if not, I will steep it in my blood!” + +“I will! I will!” cried Cecilia, “I will do every thing you desire!” + +“And quickly?” + +“Immediately.” + +“Before my disgrace is known? and while all may yet be hushed up?” + +“Yes, yes! all--any--every thing you wish!” + +“Swear, then!” + +Here Cecilia drew back; her recollection returned as her terror abated, +and her repugnance to entering into an engagement for she knew not +what, with a man whose actions she condemned, and whose principles she +abhorred, made all her fright now give way to indignation, and, after a +short pause, she angrily answered, “No, Sir, I will not swear!--but yet, +all that is reasonable, all that is friendly--” + +“Hear me swear, then!” interrupted he, furiously, “which at this moment +I do, by every thing eternal, and by every thing infernal, that I +will not outlive the seizure of my property, and that the moment I am +informed there is an execution in my house, shall be the last of my +existence!” + +“What cruelty! what compulsion! what impiety!” cried Cecilia: “give me, +however, that horrible instrument, and prescribe to me what conditions +you please.” + +A noise was now heard below stairs, at which Cecilia, who had not dared +call for help lest he should quicken his desperation, was secretly +beginning to rejoice, when, starting at the sound, he exclaimed, “I +believe you are too late!--the ruffians have already seized my house!” + then, endeavouring to force her out of the room, “Go,” he cried, “to my +wife;--I want to be alone!” + +“Oh give me first,” cried she, “that weapon, and I will take what oath +you please!” + +“No, no!--go,--leave me,--” cried he, almost breathless with emotion, “I +must not now be trifled with.” + +“I do not trifle! indeed I do not!” cried Cecilia, holding by his arm: +“try, put me to the proof!” + +“Swear, solemnly swear, to empty my house of these creditors this +moment!” + +“I do swear,” cried she, with energy, “and Heaven prosper me as I am +sincere!” + +“I see, I see you are an angel!” cried he, rapturously, “and as such I +worship and adore you! O you have restored me to life, and rescued me +from perdition!” + +“Give me, then, that fatal instrument!” + +“That instrument,” returned he, “is nothing, since so many others are in +my power; but you have now taken from me all desire of using them. Go, +then, and stop those wretches from coming to me,--send immediately for +the Jew!--he will advance what money you please,--my man knows where +to find him; consult with Mr Arnott,--speak a word of comfort to +Priscilla,--but do nothing, nothing at all, till you have cleared my +house of those cursed scoundrels!” + +Cecilia, whose heart sunk within her at the solemn promise she had +given, the mention of the Jew, and the arduous task she had undertaken, +quitted him without reply, and was going to her own room, to compose her +hurried spirits, and consider what steps she had to take, when hearing +the noise in the hall grow louder, she stopt to listen, and catching +some words that greatly alarmed her, went half way down stairs, when +she was met by Davison, Mr Harrel's man, of whom she enquired into the +occasion of the disturbance. + +He answered that he must go immediately to his master, for the bailiffs +were coming into the house. + +“Let him not know it if you value his life!” cried she, with new terror. +“Where is Mr Arnott? call him to me,--beg him to come this moment;--I +will wait for him here.” + +The man flew to obey her; and Cecilia, finding she had time neither for +deliberation nor regret, and dreading lest Mr Harrel, by hearing of the +arrival of the bailiffs, should relapse into despair, determined to call +to her aid all the courage, prudence, and judgment she possessed, and, +since to act she was compelled, endeavour with her best ability, to save +his credit, and retrieve his affairs. + +The moment Mr Arnott came, she ordered Davison to hasten to his master, +and watch his motions. + +Then, addressing Mr Arnott, “Will you. Sir,” she said, “go and tell +those people that if they will instantly quit the house, every thing +shall be settled, and Mr Harrel will satisfy their demands?” + +“Ah madam!” cried Mr Arnott, mournfully, “and how? he has no means to +pay them, and I have none--without ruin to myself,--to help him!” + +“Send them but away,” said Cecilia, “and I will myself be your security +that your promise shall not be disgraced.” + +“Alas, madam,” cried he, “what are you doing? well as I wish to Mr +Harrel, miserable as I am for my unfortunate sister, I yet cannot bear +that such goodness, such beneficence should be injured!” + +Cecilia, however, persisted, and with evident reluctance he obeyed her. + +While she waited his return, Davison came from Mr Harrel, who had +ordered him to run instantly for the Jew. + +Good Heaven, thought Cecilia, that a man so wretchedly selfish and +worldly, should dare, with all his guilt upon his head, + + To rush unlicenced on eternity! [Footnote: Mason's Elfrida] + +Mr Arnott was more than half an hour with the people; and when, at last, +he returned, his countenance immediately proclaimed the ill success of +his errand. The creditors, he said, declared they had so frequently +been deceived, that they would not dismiss the bailiffs, or retire +themselves, without actual payment. + +“Tell them, then, Sir,” said Cecilia, “to send me their accounts, and, +if it be possible, I will discharge them directly.” + +Mr Arnott's eyes were filled with tears at this declaration, and he +protested, be the consequence to himself what it might, he would pay +away every shilling he was worth, rather than witness such injustice. + +“No,” cried Cecilia, exerting more spirit, that she might shock him +less, “I did not save Mr Harrel, to destroy so much better a man! you +have suffered but too much oppression already; the present evil is mine; +and from me, at least, none I hope will ever spread to Mr Arnott.” + +Mr Arnott could not bear this; he was struck with grief, with +admiration, and with gratitude, and finding his tears now refused to be +restrained, he went to execute her commission in silent dejection. + +The dejection, however, was encreased, though his tears were dispersed, +when he returned; “Oh madam!” he cried, “all your efforts, generous as +they are, will be of no avail! the bills even now in the house amount to +more than L7000!” + +Cecilia, amazed and confounded, started and clasped her hands, calling +out, “What must I do! to what have I bound myself! and how can I answer +to my conscience,--to my successors, such a disposal, such an abuse of +so large a part of my fortune!” + +Mr Arnott could make no answer; and they stood looking at each other in +silent irresolution, till Davison brought intelligence that the Jew was +already come, and waited to speak with her. + +“And what can I say to him?” cried she, more and more agitated; “I +understand nothing of usury; how am I to deal with him?” + +Mr Arnott then confessed that he should himself have instantly been bail +for his brother, but that his fortune, originally not large, was now so +much impaired by the many debts which from time to time he had paid for +him, that as he hoped some day to have a family of his own, he dare not +run a risk by which he might be utterly ruined, and the less, as his +sister had at Violet Bank been prevailed upon to give up her settlement. + +This account, which explained the late uneasiness of Mrs Harrel, still +encreased the distress of Cecilia; and every moment she obtained for +reflection, augmented her reluctance to parting with _so_ large a sum of +money for so worthless an object, and added strength to her resentment +for the unjustifiable menaces which had extorted from her such a +promise. Yet not an instant would she listen to Mr Arnott's offer of +fulfilling her engagement, and charged him, as he considered her +own self-esteem worth her keeping, not to urge to her a proposal so +ungenerous and selfish. + +Davison now came again to hasten her, and said that the Jew was with his +master, and they both impatiently expected her. + +Cecilia, half distracted with her uncertainty how to act, changed colour +at this message, and exclaimed “Oh Mr Arnott, run I beseech you for Mr +Monckton! bring him hither directly,--if any body can save me it is him; +but if I go back to Mr Harrel, I know it will be all over!” + +“Certainly,” said Mr Arnott, “I will run to him this moment.” + +“Yet no!--stop!--” cried the trembling Cecilia, “he can now do me no +good,--his counsel will arrive too late to serve me,--it cannot call +back the oath I have given! it cannot, compulsatory as it was, make me +break it, and not be miserable for ever!” + +This idea sufficed to determine her; and the apprehension of +self-reproach, should the threat of Mr Harrel be put in execution, was +more insupportable to her blameless and upright mind, than any loss or +diminution which her fortune could sustain. + +Slowly however, with tardy and unwilling steps, her judgment repugnant, +and her spirit repining, she obeyed the summons of Mr Harrel, who, +impatient of her delay, came forward to meet her. + +“Miss Beverley,” he cried, “there is not a moment to be lost; this good +man will bring you any sum of money, upon a proper consideration, that +you will command; but if he is not immediately commissioned, and +these cursed fellows are not got out of my house, the affair will be +blown,”---“and what will follow,” added he, lowering his voice, “I will +not again frighten you by repeating, though I shall never recant.” + +Cecilia turned from him in horror; and, with a faltering voice and heavy +heart, entreated Mr Arnott to settle for her with the Jew. + +Large as was the sum, she was so near being of age, and her security +was so good, that the transaction was soon finished: 7500 pounds was +received of the Jew, Mr Harrel gave Cecilia his bond for the payment, +the creditors were satisfied, the bailiffs were dismissed, and the house +was soon restored to its customary appearance of splendid gaiety. + +Mrs Harrel, who during this scene had shut herself up in her own room +to weep and lament, now flew to Cecilia, and in a transport of joy and +gratitude, thanked her upon her knees for thus preserving her from utter +ruin: the gentle Mr Arnott seemed uncertain whether most to grieve or +rejoice; and Mr Harrel repeatedly protested she should have the sole +guidance of his future conduct. + +This promise, the hope of his amendment, and the joy she had expanded, +somewhat revived the spirits of Cecilia; who, however, deeply affected +by what had passed, hastened from them all to her own room. + +She had now parted with 8050 pounds to Mr Harrel, without any security +when or how it was to be paid; and that ardour of benevolence which +taught her to value her riches merely as they enabled her to do good and +generous actions, was here of no avail to console or reward her, for +her gift was compelled, and its receiver was all but detested. “How much +better,” cried she, “would this have been bestowed upon the amiable Miss +Belfield! or upon her noble-minded, though proud-spirited brother! and +how much less a sum would have made the virtuous and industrious +Hills easy and happy for life! but here, to become the tool of the +extravagance I abhor! to be made responsible for the luxury I condemn! +to be liberal in opposition to my principles, and lavish in defiance of +my judgment!--Oh that my much-deceived Uncle had better known to what +dangerous hands he committed me! and that my weak and unhappy friend had +met with a worthier protector of her virtue and safety!” + +As soon, however, as she recovered from the first shock of her +reflections, she turned her thoughts from herself to the formation +of some plan that might, at least, render her donation of serious and +lasting use. The signal service she had just done them gave her at +present an ascendency over the Harrels, which she hoped, if immediately +exerted, might prevent the return of so calamitous a scene, by engaging +them both to an immediate change of conduct. But unequal herself +to contriving expedients for this purpose that might not easily be +controverted, she determined to send the next morning a petition to +Mr Monckton to call upon her, reveal to him the whole transaction, and +entreat him to suggest to her what, with most probability of success, +she might offer to their consideration. + +While this was passing in her mind, on the evening of the day in +which she had so dearly purchased the right of giving counsel, she was +summoned to tea. + +She found Mr Harrel and his lady engaged in earnest discourse; as soon +as she appeared, the former said, “My dear Miss Beverley, after the +extraordinary kindness you have shewn me this morning, you will not, I +am sure, deny me one trifling favour which I mean to ask this evening.” + +“No,” said Mrs Harrel, “that I am sure she will not, when she knows that +our future appearance in the world depends upon her granting it.” + +“I hope, then,” said Cecilia, “I shall not wish to refuse it.” + +“It is nothing in the world,” said Mr Harrel, “but to go with us +to-night to the Pantheon.” + +Cecilia was struck with the utmost indignation at this proposal; +that the man who in the morning had an execution in his house, should +languish in the evening for the amusement of a public place,--that he +who but a few hours before was plunging uncalled into eternity, should, +while the intended instrument of death was yet scarce cold from the +grasp of his hand, deliberately court a return of his distress, by +instantly recurring to the methods which had involved him in it, +irritated and shocked her beyond even a wish of disguising her +displeasure, and therefore, after an expressive silence, she gave a +cold, but absolute denial. + +“I see,” said Mr Harrel, somewhat confused, “you do not understand the +motives of our request. The unfortunate affair of this morning is very +likely to spread presently all over the town; the only refutation that +can be given to it, is by our all appearing in public before any body +knows whether to believe it or not.” + +“Do, my dearest friend,” cried his lady, “oblige me by your compliance; +indeed our whole reputation depends upon it. I made an engagement +yesterday to go with Mrs Mears, and if I disappoint her, every body will +be guessing the reason.” + +“At least,” answered Cecilia, “my going can answer no purpose to you: +pray, therefore, do not ask me; I am ill disposed for such sort of +amusement, and have by no means your opinion of its necessity.” + +“But if we do not _all_ go,” said Mr Harrel, “we do almost nothing: you +are known to live with us, and, your appearance at this critical time is +important to our credit. If this misfortune gets wind, the consequence +is that every dirty tradesman in town to whom I owe a shilling, will +be forming the same cursed combination those scoundrels formed this +morning, of coming in a body, and waiting for their money, or else +bringing an execution into my house.. The only way to silence report is +by putting a good face upon the matter at once, and shewing ourselves +to the world as if nothing had happened. Favour us, therefore, to-night +with your company, which is really important to us, or ten to one, but +in another fortnight, I shall be just in the same scrape.” + +Cecilia, however incensed at this intelligence that his debts were still +so numerous, felt now so much alarmed at the mention of an execution, +as if she was in actual danger of ruin herself. Terrified, therefore, +though not convinced, she yielded to their persuasions, and consented to +accompany them. + +They soon after separated to make some alteration in their dress, +and then, calling in their way for Mrs Mears, they proceeded to the +Pantheon. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A MAN OF THE TON. + + +At the door of the Pantheon they were joined by Mr Arnott and Sir Robert +Floyer, whom Cecilia now saw with added aversion: they entered the great +room during the second act of the Concert, to which as no one of the +party but herself had any desire to listen, no sort of attention was +paid; the ladies entertaining themselves as if no Orchestra was in the +room, and the gentlemen, with an equal disregard to it, struggling for +a place by the fire, about which they continued hovering till the music +was over. + +Soon after they were seated, Mr Meadows, sauntering towards them, +whispered something to Mrs Mears, who, immediately rising, introduced +him to Cecilia; after which, the place next to her being vacant, he cast +himself upon it, and lolling as much at his ease as his situation would +permit, began something like a conversation with her. + +“Have you been long in town, ma'am?” + +“No, Sir.” + +“This is not your first winter?” + +“Of being in town, it is.” + +“Then you have something new to see; O charming! how I envy you!--Are +you pleased with the Pantheon?” + +“Very much; I have seen no building at all equal to it.” + +“You have not been abroad. Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! +There's no looking at a building here after seeing Italy.” + +“Does all happiness, then, depend upon the sight of buildings?” said +Cecilia, when, turning towards her companion, she perceived him yawning, +with such evident inattention to her answer, that not chusing to +interrupt his reverie, she turned her head another way. + +For some minutes he took no notice of this; and then, as if suddenly +recollecting himself, he called out hastily, “I beg your pardon, ma'am, +you were saying something?” + +“No, Sir, nothing worth repeating.” + +“O pray don't punish me so severely as not to let me hear it!” + +Cecilia, though merely not to seem offended at his negligence, was +then again beginning an answer, when, looking at him as she spoke, she +perceived that he was biting his nails with so absent an air, that he +appeared not to know he had asked any question. She therefore broke off, +and left him to his cogitation. + +Sometime after he addressed her again, saying, “Don't you find this +place extremely tiresome, ma'am?” + +“Yes, Sir,” said she, half laughing, “it is, indeed, not very +entertaining!” + +“Nothing is entertaining,” answered he, “for two minutes together. +Things are so little different one from another, that there is no making +pleasure out of any thing. We go the same dull round for ever; nothing +new, no variety! all the same thing over again! Are you fond of public +places, ma'am?” + +“Yes, Sir, _soberly_, as Lady Grace says.” + +“Then I envy you extremely, for you have some amusement always in your +own power. How desirable that is!” + +“And have not you the same resources?” + +“O no! I am tired to death! tired of every thing! I would give the +universe for a disposition less difficult to please. Yet, after all, +what is there to give pleasure? When one has seen one thing, one has +seen every thing. O, 'tis heavy work! Don't you find it so, ma'am?” + +This speech was ended with so violent a fit of yawning, that Cecilia +would not trouble herself to answer it: but her silence, as before, +passed wholly unnoticed, exciting neither question nor comment. + +A long pause now succeeded, which he broke at last, by saying, as he +writhed himself about upon his seat, “These forms would be much more +agreeable if there were backs to them. 'Tis intolerable to be forced +to sit like a school-boy. The first study of life is ease. There is, +indeed, no other study that pays the trouble of attainment. Don't you +think so, ma'am?” + +“But may not even that,” said Cecilia, “by so much study, become +labour?” + +“I am vastly happy you think so.” + +“Sir?” + +“I beg your pardon, ma'am, but I thought you said--I really beg your +pardon, but I was thinking of something else.” + +“You did very right, Sir,” said Cecilia, laughing, “for what I said by +no means merited any attention.” + +“Will you do me the favour to repeat it?” cried he, taking out his glass +to examine some lady at a distance. + +“O no,” said Cecilia, “that would be trying your patience too severely.” + +“These glasses shew one nothing but defects,” said he; “I am sorry they +were ever invented. They are the ruin of all beauty; no complexion can +stand them. I believe that solo will never be over; I hate a solo; it +sinks, it depresses me intolerably.” + +“You will presently, Sir,” said Cecilia, looking at the bill of the +concert, “have a full piece; and that, I hope, will revive you.” + +“A full piece! oh insupportable! it stuns, it fatigues, it overpowers me +beyond endurance! no taste in it, no delicacy, no room for the smallest +feeling.” + +“Perhaps, then, you are only fond of singing?” + +“I should be, if I could hear it; but we are now so miserably off in +voices, that I hardly ever attempt to listen to a song, without fancying +myself deaf from the feebleness of the performers. I hate every thing +that requires attention. Nothing gives pleasure that does not force its +own way.” + +“You only, then, like loud voices, and great powers?” + +“O worse and worse!--no, nothing is so disgusting to me. All my +amazement is that these people think it worth while to give Concerts at +all; one is sick to death of music.” + +“Nay,” cried Cecilia, “if it gives no pleasure, at least it takes none +away; for, far from being any impediment to conversation, I think every +body talks more during the performance than between the acts. And what +is there better you could substitute in its place?” + +Cecilia, receiving no answer to this question, again looked round to see +if she had been heard; when she observed her new acquaintance, with a +very thoughtful air, had turned from her to fix his eyes upon the statue +of Britannia. + +Very soon after, he hastily arose, and seeming entirely to forget that +he had spoke to her, very abruptly walked away. + +Mr Gosport, who was advancing to Cecilia, and had watched part of this +scene, stopt him as he was retreating, and said “Why Meadows, how's +this? are you caught at last?” + +“O worn to death! worn to a thread!” cried he, stretching himself, and +yawning; “I have been talking with a young lady to entertain her! O such +heavy work! I would not go through it again for millions! + +“What, have you talked yourself out of breath?” + +“No; but the effort! the effort!--O, it has unhinged me for a +fortnight!--Entertaining a young lady!--one had better be a galley-slave +at once!” + +“Well but, did she not pay your toils? She is surely a sweet creature.” + +“Nothing can pay one for such insufferable exertion! though she's well +enough, too--better than the common run,--but shy, quite too shy; no +drawing her out.” + +“I thought that was to your taste. You commonly hate much volubility. +How have I heard you bemoan yourself when attacked by Miss Larolles!” + +“Larolles? O distraction! She talks me into a fever in two minutes. But +so it is for ever! nothing but extremes to be met with! common girls are +too forward, this lady is too reserved--always some fault! always some +drawback! nothing ever perfect!” + +“Nay, nay,” cried Mr Gosport, “you do not know her; she is perfect +enough in all conscience.” + +“Better not know her, then,” answered he, again yawning, “for she cannot +be pleasing. Nothing perfect is natural;--I hate every thing out of +nature.” + +He then strolled on, and Mr Gosport approached Cecilia. + +“I have been wishing,” cried he, “to address you this half hour, but as +you were engaged with Mr Meadows, I did not dare advance.” + +“O, I see your malice!” cried Cecilia; “you were determined to add +weight to the value of your company, by making me fully sensible where +the balance would preponderate.” + +“Nay, if you do not admire Mr Meadows,” cried he, “you must not even +whisper it to the winds.” + +“Is he, then, so very admirable?” + +“O, he is now in the very height of fashionable favour: his dress is +a model, his manners are imitated, his attention is courted, and his +notice is envied.” + +“Are you not laughing?” + +“No, indeed; his privileges are much more extensive than I have +mentioned: his decision fixes the exact limits between what is vulgar +and what is elegant, his praise gives reputation, and a word from him in +public confers fashion!” + +“And by what wonderful powers has he acquired such influence?” + +“By nothing but a happy art in catching the reigning foibles of the +times, and carrying them to an extreme yet more absurd than any one had +done before him. Ceremony, he found, was already exploded for ease, he, +therefore, exploded ease for indolence; devotion to the fair sex, had +given way to a more equal and rational intercourse, which, to push +still farther, he presently exchanged for rudeness; joviality, too, was +already banished for philosophical indifference, and that, therefore, he +discarded, for weariness and disgust.” + +“And is it possible that qualities such as these should recommend him to +favour and admiration?” + +“Very possible, for qualities such as these constitute the present taste +of the times. A man of the _Ton_, who would now be conspicuous in the +gay world, must invariably be insipid, negligent, and selfish.” + +“Admirable requisites!” cried Cecilia; “and Mr Meadows, I acknowledge, +seems to have attained them all.” + +“He must never,” continued Mr Gosport, “confess the least pleasure from +any thing, a total apathy being the chief ingredient of his character: +he must, upon no account, sustain a conversation with any spirit, lest +he should appear, to his utter disgrace, interested in what is said: and +when he is quite tired of his existence, from a total vacuity of ideas, +he must affect a look of absence, and pretend, on the sudden, to be +wholly lost in thought.” + +“I would not wish,” said Cecilia, laughing, “a more amiable companion!” + +“If he is asked his opinion of any lady,” he continued, “he must +commonly answer by a grimace; and if he is seated next to one, he +must take the utmost pains to shew by his listlessness, yawning, and +inattention, that he is sick of his situation; for what he holds of all +things to be most gothic, is gallantry to the women. To avoid this +is, indeed, the principal solicitude of his life. If he sees a lady in +distress for her carriage, he is to enquire of her what is the matter, +and then, with a shrug, wish her well through her fatigues, wink at some +bye-stander, and walk away. If he is in a room where there is a crowd of +company, and a scarcity of seats, he must early ensure one of the best +in the place, be blind to all looks of fatigue, and deaf to all hints of +assistance, and seeming totally to forget himself, lounge at his ease, +and appear an unconscious spectator of what is going forward. If he is +at a ball where there are more women than men, he must decline dancing +at all, though it should happen to be his favourite amusement, and +smiling as he passes the disengaged young ladies, wonder to see them sit +still, and perhaps ask them the reason!” + +“A most alluring character indeed!” cried Cecilia; “and pray how long +have these been the accomplishments of a fine gentleman?” + +“I am but an indifferent chronologer of the modes,” he answered, “but +I know it has been long enough to raise just expectations that some new +folly will be started soon, by which the present race of INSENSIBLISTS +may be driven out. Mr Meadows is now at the head of this sect, as Miss +Larolles is of the VOLUBLE, and Miss Leeson of the SUPERCILIOUS. But +this way comes another, who, though in a different manner, labours +with the same view, and aspires at the same reward, which stimulate +the ambition of this happy _Triplet_, that of exciting wonder by +peculiarity, and envy by wonder.” + +This description announced Captain Aresby; who, advancing from the +fire-place, told Cecilia how much he rejoiced in seeing her, said he had +been _reduced to despair_ by so long missing that honour, and that he +had feared she _made it a principle_ to avoid coming in public, having +sought her in vain _partout_. + +He then smiled, and strolled on to another party. + +“And pray of what sect,” said Cecilia, “is this gentleman?” + +“Of the sect of JARGONISTS,” answered Mr Gosport; “he has not an +ambition beyond paying a passing compliment, nor a word to make use of +that he has not picked up at public places. Yet this dearth of language, +however you may despise it, is not merely owing to a narrow capacity: +foppery and conceit have their share in the limitation, for though his +phrases are almost always ridiculous or misapplied, they are selected +with much study, and introduced with infinite pains.” + +“Poor man!” cried Cecilia, “is it possible it can cost him any trouble +to render himself so completely absurd?” + +“Yes; but not more than it costs his neighbours to keep him in +countenance. Miss Leeson, since she has presided over the sect of the +SUPERCILIOUS, spends at least half her life in wishing the annihilation +of the other half; for as she must only speak in her own Coterie, she +is compelled to be frequently silent, and therefore, having nothing to +think of, she is commonly gnawn with self-denial, and soured with want +of amusement: Miss Larolles, indeed, is better off, for in talking +faster than she thinks, she has but followed the natural bent of her +disposition: as to this poor JARGONIST, he has, I must own, rather a +hard task, from the continual restraint of speaking only out of his +own [Lilliputian] vocabulary, and denying himself the relief of ever +uttering one word by the call of occasion but what hardship is that, +compared with what is borne by Mr Meadows? who, since he commenced +INSENSIBLIST, has never once dared to be pleased, nor ventured for a +moment to look in good humour!” + +“Surely, then,” said Cecilia, “in a short time, the punishment of this +affectation will bring its cure.” + +“No; for the trick grows into habit, and habit is a second nature. A +secret idea of fame makes his forbearance of happiness supportable to +him: for he has now the self-satisfaction of considering himself raised +to that highest pinnacle of fashionable refinement which is built upon +apathy and scorn, and from which, proclaiming himself superior to +all possibility of enjoyment, he views the whole world with contempt! +holding neither beauty, virtue, wealth, nor power of importance +sufficient to kindle the smallest emotion!” + +“O that they could all round listen to you!” cried Cecilia; “they would +soon, I think, sicken of their folly, if they heard it thus admirably +exposed.” + +“No; they would but triumph that it had obtained them so much +notice!--But pray do you see that gentleman, or don't you chuse to know +him, who has been bowing to you this half hour?” + +“Where?” cried Cecilia, and, looking round, perceived Mr Morrice; who, +upon her returning his salutation, instantly approached her, though he +had never ventured to shew himself at Mr Harrel's, since his unfortunate +accident on the evening of the masquerade. + +Entirely casting aside the easy familiarity at which he had latterly +arrived, he enquired after her health with the most fearful diffidence, +and then, bowing profoundly, was modestly retiring; when Mrs Harrel +perceiving him, smiled with so much good-humour, that he gathered +courage to return and address her, and found her, to his infinite +delight, as obliging and civil as ever. + +The Concert was now over; the ladies arose, and the gentlemen joined +them. Morrice, at sight of Mr Harrel, was again shrinking; but Mr +Harrel, immediately shaking hands with him, enquired what had kept +him so long from Portman-Square? Morrice then, finding, to his great +surprise, that no one had thought more of the mischief but himself +who had committed it, joyously discarded his timidity, and became as +sprightly as before his mortification. + +A motion was now made for going to the tea-room; and as they walked +on, Cecilia, in looking up to examine the building, saw in one of the +galleries young Delvile, and almost at the same time caught his eye. + +Scarcely now did a moment elapse before he joined her. The sight of him, +strongly reviving in her mind the painful contrariety of opinion with +which she had lately thought of him, the sentiments so much in his +favour which but a few days before she had encouraged, and which it was +only that morning she had endeavoured to crush, made her meet him with a +kind of melancholy that almost induced her to lament he was amiable, and +repine that she knew none like him. + +His appearance, meantime, was far different; he seemed enchanted at the +sight of her, he flew eagerly to meet her, and his eyes sparkled +with pleasure as he approached her; a pleasure neither moderate nor +disguised, but lively, unrestrained, and expressive. + +Cecilia, whose plans since she had last seen him had twice varied, +who first had looked forward to being united with him for ever, and +afterwards had determined to avoid with him even a common acquaintance, +could not, while these thoughts were all recurring to her memory, +receive much delight from observing his gaiety, or feel at all gratified +by his unembarrassed manners. The openness of his attentions, and the +frankness of his admiration, which hitherto had charmed her as marks +of the sincerity of his character, now shocked her as proofs of the +indifference of his heart, which feeling for her a mere common regard, +that affected neither his spirits nor his peace, he manifested without +scruple, since it was not accompanied with even a wish beyond the +present hour. + +She now, too, recollected that such had always been his conduct, one +single and singular moment excepted, when, as he gave to her his +letter for Mr Belfield, he seemed struck as she was herself by the +extraordinary co-incidence of their ideas and proceedings: that emotion, +however, she now regarded as casual and transitory, and seeing him so +much happier than herself, she felt ashamed of her delusion, and angry +at her easy captivation. + +Reflections such as these, though they added fresh motives to her +resolution of giving up all thoughts of his alliance, were yet so +humiliating, that they robbed her of all power of receiving pleasure +from what was passing, and made her forget that the place she was in was +even intended for a place of entertainment. + +Young Delvile, after painting in lively colours the loss his house had +sustained by her quitting it, and dwelling with equal force upon the +regret of his mother and his own, asked in a low voice if she would do +him so much honour as to introduce him to Mr Harrel; “As the son,” + added he, “of a brother guardian, I think I have a kind of claim to his +acquaintance.” + +Cecilia could not refuse, though as the request was likely to occasion +more frequent meetings, she persuaded herself she was unwilling to +comply. The ceremony therefore past, and was again repeated with Mrs +Harrel, who, though she had several times seen him, had never been +formally made known to him. + +The Harrels were both of them much pleased at this mark of civility in a +young man whose family had prepared them rather to expect his scorn, and +expressed their wishes that he would drink his tea in their party; he +accepted their invitation with alacrity, and turning to Cecilia, said, +“Have I not skilfully timed my introduction! But though you have done me +this honour with Mr and Mrs Harrel, I must not yet, I presume, entreat +you to extend it to a certain happy gentleman of this company;” glancing +his eyes toward Sir Robert Floyer. + +“No, Sir,” answered she, with quickness, “yet, nor ever!” + +They were now at the door leading down stairs to the tea-room. Cecilia +saw that Sir Robert, who had hitherto been engaged with some gentlemen, +seemed to be seeking her; and the remembrance of the quarrel which had +followed her refusal of his assistance at the Opera-house, obliged +her to determine, should he offer it again, to accept it: but the +same brutality which forced this intention, contributed to render it +repugnant to her, and she resolved if possible to avoid him, by hurrying +down stairs before he reached her. She made, therefore, a sudden attempt +to slip through the crowd, and as she was light and active, she easily +succeeded; but though her hasty motion separated her from the rest of +her party, Delvile, who was earnestly looking at her, to discover her +meaning in the disclaiming speech she made about Sir Robert, saw into +her design, but suffered her not to go alone; he contrived in a moment +to follow and join her, while she was stopping at the foot of the stairs +for Mrs Harrel. + +“Why what a little thief you are,” cried he, “to run away from us thus! +what do you think Sir Robert will say? I saw him looking for you at the +very instant of your flight.” + +“Then you saw at the same time,” said Cecilia, “the reason of it.” + +“Will you give me leave,” cried he, laughing, “to repeat this to my Lord +Ernolf?” + +“You may repeat it, Sir, if you please,” said Cecilia, piqued that he +had not rather thought of himself than of Lord Ernolf, “to the whole +Pantheon.” + +“And if I should,” cried he, “half of it, at least, would thank me; and +to obtain the applause of so noble an assembly, what would it signify +that Sir Robert should cut my throat?” + +“I believe,” said Cecilia, deeply mortified by a raillery that shewed +so little interest in her avowal of indifference, “you are determined to +make me as sick of that man's name, as I am of his conversation.” + +“And is it possible,” exclaimed Delvile, in a tone of surprise, “that +such can be your opinion, and yet, situated as you are, the whole world +at your command, and all mankind at your devotion--but I am answering +you seriously, when you are only speaking by rule.” + +“What rule, Sir?” + +“That which young ladies, upon certain occasions, always prescribe +themselves.” + +Here they were interrupted by the arrival of the rest of the company; +though not before Cecilia had received some little consolation for +her displeasure, by finding that young Delvile still supposed she was +engaged, and flattering herself his language would be different were he +informed of the contrary. + +Morrice now undertook to procure them a table for tea, which, as the +room was very full, was not easily done; and while they were waiting his +success, Miss Larolles, who from the stairs had perceived Cecilia, +came running up to her, and taking her hand, called out “Lord, my +dear creature, who'd have thought of seeing you here? I was never so +surprised in my life! I really thought you was gone into a convent, it's +so extreme long since I've seen you. But of all things in the world, +why was you not at Lady Nyland's last assembly? I thought of asking Mrs +Harrel fifty times why you did not come, but it always went out of my +head. You've no notion how excessively I was disappointed.” + +“You are very obliging,” said Cecilia laughing, “but I hope, since +you so often forgot it, the disappointment did [not] much lessen your +entertainment.” + +“O Lord no! I was never so happy in my life. There was such a crowd, you +could not move a finger. Every body in the world was there. You've no +idea how delightful it was. I thought verily I should have fainted with +the heat.” + +“That was delightful indeed! And how long did you stay?” + +“Why we danced till three in the morning. We began with Cotillons, and +finished with country dances. It was the most elegant thing you ever +saw in your life; every thing quite in a style. I was so monstrously +fatigued, I could hardly get through the last dance. I really thought I +should have dropt down dead. Only conceive dancing five hours in such a +monstrous crowd! I assure you when I got home my feet were all blisters. +You have no idea how they smarted.” + +“And whence comes it,” cried young Delvile, “that _you_ partake so +little of these delights?” + +“Because I fear,” answered Cecilia, “I came too late into the school of +fashion to be a ductile pupil.” + +“Do you know,” continued Miss Larolles, “Mr Meadows has not spoke one +word to me all the evening! Though I am sure he saw me, for I sat at +the outside on purpose to speak to a person or two, that I knew would be +strolling about; for if one sits on the inside, there's no speaking to +a creature, you know, so I never do it at the Opera, nor in the boxes at +Ranelagh, nor any where. It's the shockingest thing you can conceive to +be made sit in the middle of those forms; one might as well be at home, +for nobody can speak to one.” + +“But you don't seem to have had much better success,” said Cecilia, “in +keeping at the outside.” + +“O yes I have, for I got a little chat with two or three people as they +were passing, for, you know, when one sits there, they can't help saying +something; though I assure you all the men are so exceedingly odd they +don't care whether they speak to one or no. As to Mr Meadows, he's +really enough to provoke one to death. I suppose he's in one of his +absent fits. However, I assure you I think it's extreme impertinent of +him, and so I shall tell Mr Sawyer, for I know he'll make a point of +telling him of it again.” + +“I rather think,” said Cecilia, “the best would be to return the +compliment in kind, and when he next recollects you, appear to have +forgotten him.” + +“O Lord, that's a very good notion! so I will, I declare. But you can't +conceive how glad I am the Concert's over; for I assure you, though I +sat as near the fire as possible, I was so extreme cold you've no idea, +for Mr Meadows never would let me have the least peep at it. I declare +I believe he does it on purpose to plague one, for he grows worse and +worse every day. You can't think how I hate him!” + +“Not easily, I believe indeed!” said Cecilia, archly. + +“O do but look!” resumed the fair VOLUBLE, “if there is not Mrs Mears +in her old red gown again! I begin to think she'll never have another. +I wish she was to have an execution in her house, if it was only to get +rid of it! I am so fatigued with the sight of it you can't conceive.” + +Mr Morrice now brought intelligence that he had secured one side of a +table which would very well accommodate the ladies; and that the other +side was only occupied by one gentleman, who, as he was not drinking tea +himself, would doubtless give up his place when the party appeared. + +Miss Larolles then ran back to her own set, and the rest followed Mr +Morrice; Mrs Harrell, Mrs Mears and Cecilia took their places. The +gentleman opposite to them proved to be Mr Meadows: Morrice, therefore, +was much deceived in his expectations, for, far from giving up his +place, he had flung himself all along upon the form in such a lounging +posture, while he rested one arm upon the table, that, not contented +with merely keeping his own seat, he filled up a space meant for three. + +Mr Harrel had already walked off to another party: Delvile stood aloof +for some minutes, expecting Sir Robert Floyer would station himself +behind Cecilia; but Sir Robert, who would scarce have thought such a +condescension due to a princess, disdained any appearance of assiduity, +even while he made it his care to publish his pretensions: and +therefore, finding no accommodation to please him, he stalked towards +some gentlemen in another part of the room. Delvile then took the post +he had neglected, and Mr Arnott, who had not had courage to make any +effort in his own favour, modestly stood near him. Cecilia contrived to +make room for Mr Gosport next to herself, and Morrice was sufficiently +happy in being allowed to call the waiters, superintend, the provisions, +and serve the whole party. + +The task of making tea fell upon Cecilia, who being somewhat incommoded +by the vicinity of her neighbours, Mrs Mears called out to Mr Meadows +“Do pray, Sir, be so good as to make room for one of us at your side.” + +Mr Meadows, who was indolently picking his teeth, and examining them +with a tooth pick case glass, did not, at first, seem to hear her; and +when she repeated her request, he only looked at her, and said “umph?” + +“Now really, Mr Meadows,” said she, “when you see any ladies in such +distress, I wonder how you can forbear helping them.” + +“In distress, are you?” cried he, with a vacant smile, “pray, what's the +matter?” + +“Don't you see? we are so crowded we can hardly sit.” + +“Can't you?” cried he, “upon my honour it's very shameful that these +people don't contrive some seats more convenient.” + +“Yes,” said Mrs Mears; “but if you would be so kind as to let somebody +else sit by you we should not want any contrivance.” + +Here Mr Meadows was seized with a furious fit of yawning, which as much +diverted Cecilia and Mr Gosport, as it offended Mrs Mears, who with +great displeasure added, “Indeed, Mr Meadows, it's very strange that you +never hear what's said to you.” + +“I beg your pardon,” said he, “were you speaking to me?” and again began +picking his teeth. + +Morrice, eager to contrast his civility with the inattention of Mr +Meadows, now flew round to the other side of the table, and calling out +“let _me_ help you, Miss Beverley, I can make tea better than anybody,” + he lent over that part of the form which Mr Meadows had occupied with +one of his feet, in order to pour it out himself: but Mr Meadows, by +an unfortunate removal of his foot, bringing him forwarder than he was +prepared to go, the tea pot and its contents were overturned immediately +opposite to Cecilia. + +Young Delvile, who saw the impending evil, from an impetuous impulse +to prevent her suffering by it, hastily drew her back, and bending down +before her, secured her preservation by receiving himself the mischief +with which she was threatened. + +Mrs Mears and Mrs Harrel vacated their seats in a moment, and Mr Gosport +and Mr Arnott assisted in clearing the table, and removing Cecilia, who +was very slightly hurt, and at once surprised, ashamed, and pleased at +the manner in which she had been saved. + +Young Delvile, though a sufferer from his gallantry, the hot water +having penetrated through his coat to his arm and shoulder, was at first +insensible to his situation, from an apprehension that Cecilia had not +wholly escaped; and his enquiries were so eager and so anxious, made +with a look of such solicitude, and a voice of such alarm, that, equally +astonished and gratified, she secretly blest the accident which had +given birth to his uneasiness, however she grieved for its consequence +to himself. + +But no sooner was he satisfied of her safety, than he felt himself +obliged to retire; yet attributing to inconvenience what was really the +effect of pain, he hurried away with an appearance of sport, saying, +“There is something I must own, rather _unknightly_ in quitting the +field for a wet jacket, but the company, I hope, will only give me +credit for flying away to Ranelagh. So + + “Like a brave general after being beat, + I'll exult and rejoice in a prudent retreat.” [Footnote: Smart] + +He then hastened to his carriage: and poor Morrice, frightened and +confounded at the disaster he had occasioned, sneaked after him with +much less ceremony. While Mr Meadows, wholly unconcerned by the distress +and confusion around him, sat quietly picking his teeth, and looking +on, during the whole transaction, with an unmeaning stare, that made it +doubtful whether he had even perceived it. + +Order being now soon restored, the ladies finished their tea, and went +up stairs. Cecilia, to whom the late accident had afforded much new and +interesting matter for reflection, wished immediately to have returned +home, but she was not the leader of the party, and therefore could not +make the proposal. + +They then strolled through all the apartments, and having walked about +till the fashionable time of retiring, they were joined by Sir Robert +Floyer, and proceeded to the little room near the entrance to the great +one, in order to wait for their carriages. + +Here Cecilia again met Miss Larolles, who came to make various remarks, +and infinite ridicule, upon sundry unfashionable or uncostly articles in +the dresses of the surrounding company; as well as to complain, with no +little resentment, that Mr Meadows was again standing before the fire! + +Captain Aresby also advanced, to tell her he was quite _abattu_ by +having so long lost sight of her, to hope she _would make a renounce_ of +mortifying the world by discarding it, and to protest he had waited for +his carriage till he was actually upon the point of being [_accable_.] + +In the midst of this _jargon_, to which the fulness of Cecilia's mind +hardly permitted her to listen, there suddenly appeared at the door of +the apartment, Mr Albany, who, with his usual austerity of countenance, +stopt to look round upon the company. + +“Do you see,” cried Mr Gosport to Cecilia, “who approaches? your poor +_sycophants_ will again be taken to task, and I, for one, tremble at the +coming storm!” + +“O Lord,” cried Miss Larolles, “I wish I was safe in my chair! that man +always frightens me out of my senses. You've no notion what disagreeable +things he says to one. I assure you I've no doubt but he's crazy; and +I'm always in the shockingest fright in the world for fear he should be +taken with a fit while I'm near him.” + +“It is really a petrifying thing,” said the Captain, “that one can go to +no _spectacle_ without the _horreur_ of being _obsede_ by that person! +if he comes this way, I shall certainly make a renounce, and retire.” + +“Why so?” said Sir Robert, “what the d---l do you mind him for?” + +“O he is the greatest bore in nature!” cried the Captain, “and I always +do _mon possible_ to avoid him; for he breaks out in such barbarous +phrases, that I find myself _degoute_ with him in a moment.” + +“O, I assure you,” said Miss Larolles, “he attacks one sometimes in a +manner you've no idea. One day he came up to me all of a sudden, and +asked me what good I thought I did by dressing so much? Only conceive +how shocking!” + +“O, I have had the _horreur_ of questions of that sort from him _sans +fin_,” said the Captain; “once he took the liberty to ask me, what +service I was of to the world! and another time, he desired me to inform +him whether I had ever made any poor person pray for me! and, in short, +he has so frequently inconvenienced me by his impertinences, that he +really bores me to a degree.” + +“That's just the thing that makes him hunt you down,” said Sir Robert; +“if he were to ask me questions for a month together, I should never +trouble myself to move a muscle.” + +“The matter of his discourse,” said Mr Gosport, “is not more singular +than the manner, for without any seeming effort or consciousness, he +runs into blank verse perpetually. I have made much enquiry about him, +but all I am able to learn, is that he was certainly confined, at one +part of his life, in a private mad-house: and though now, from not +being mischievous, he is set at liberty, his looks, language, and whole +behaviour, announce the former injury of his intellects.” + +“O Lord,” cried Miss Larolles, half-screaming, “what shocking notions +you put in one's head! I declare I dare say I sha'n't get safe home +for him, for I assure you I believe he's taken a spite to me! and all +because one day, before I knew of his odd ways, I happened to fall a +laughing at his going about in that old coat. Do you know it put him +quite in a passion! only conceive how ill-natured!” + +“O he has distressed me,” exclaimed the Captain, with a shrug, +“_partout_! and found so much fault with every thing I have done, that I +should really be glad to have the honour to cut, for the moment he comes +up to me, I know what I have to expect!” + +“But I must tell you,” cried Miss Larolles, “how monstrously he put +me in a fright one evening when I was talking with Miss Moffat. Do you +know, he came up to us, and asked what we were saying! and because +we could not think in a minute of something to answer him, he said he +supposed we were only talking some scandal, and so we had better go +home, and employ ourselves in working for the poor! only think how +horrid! and after that, he was so excessive impertinent in his remarks, +there was quite no bearing him. I assure you he cut me up so you've no +notion.” + +Here Mr Albany advanced; and every body but Sir Robert moved out of the +way. + +Fixing his eyes upon Cecilia, with an expression _more in sorrow than in +anger_, after contemplating her some time in silence, he exclaimed, “Ah +lovely, but perishable flower! how long will that ingenuous countenance, +wearing, because wanting no disguise, look responsive of the whiteness +of the region within? How long will that air of innocence irradiate your +whole appearance? unspoilt by prosperity, unperverted by power! pure +in the midst of surrounding depravity! unsullied in the tainted air of +infectious perdition!” + +The confusion of Cecilia at this public address, which drew upon her the +eyes and attention of all the company, was inexpressible; she arose from +her seat, covered with blushes, and saying, “I fancy the carriage must +be ready,” pressed forward to quit the room, followed by Sir Robert, who +answered, “No, no, they'll call it when it comes up. Arnott, will you go +and see where it is?” + +Cecilia stopt, but whispered Mrs Harrel to stand near her. + +“And whither,” cried Albany indignantly, “whither wouldst thou go? Art +thou already disdainful of my precepts? and canst thou not one short +moment spare from the tumultuous folly which encircles thee? Many and +many are the hours thou mayst spend with such as these; the world, +alas! is full of them; weary not then, so soon, of an old man that +would admonish thee,--he cannot call upon thee long, for soon he will be +called upon himself!” + +This solemn exhortation extremely distressed her; and fearing to still +further offend him by making another effort to escape, she answered in +a low voice, “I will not only hear, but thank you for your precepts, if +you will forbear to give them before so many witnesses.” + +“Whence,” cried he sternly, “these vain and superficial distinctions? Do +you not dance in public? What renders you more conspicuous? Do you not +dress to be admired, and walk to be observed? Why then this fantastical +scruple, unjustified by reason, unsupported by analogy? Is folly only +to be published? Is vanity alone to be exhibited? Oh slaves of senseless +contradiction! Oh feeble followers of yet feebler prejudice! daring to +be wicked, yet fearing to be wise; dauntless in levity, yet shrinking +from the name of virtue!” + +The latter part of this speech, during which he turned with energy to +the whole company, raised such a general alarm, that all the ladies +hastily quitted the room, and all the gentlemen endeavoured to enter +it, equally curious to see the man who made the oration, and the lady +to whom it was addressed. Cecilia, therefore, found her situation +unsupportable; “I must go,” she cried, “whether there is a carriage or +not! pray, Mrs Harrel, let us go!” + +Sir Robert then offered to take her hand, which she was extremely ready +to give him; but while the crowd made their passage difficult, Albany, +following and stopping her, said, “What is it you fear? a miserable old +man, worn out by the sorrows of that experience from which he offers +you counsel? What, too, is it you trust? a libertine wretch, coveting +nothing but your wealth, for the gift of which he will repay you by the +perversion of your principles!” + +“What the d--l do you mean by that?” cried the Baronet. + +“To shew,” answered he, austerely, “the inconsistency of false delicacy; +to show how those who are too timid for truth, can fearless meet +licentiousness.” + +“For Heaven's sake, Sir,” cried Cecilia, “say no more to me now: call +upon me in Portman-square when you please,--reprove me in whatever +you think me blameable, I shall be grateful for your instructions, and +bettered, perhaps, by your care;--but lessons and notice thus public can +do me nothing but injury.” + +“How happy,” cried he, “were no other injury near thee! spotless were +then the hour of thy danger, bright, fair and refulgent thy passage +to security! the Good would receive thee with praise, the Guilty would +supplicate thy prayers, the Poor would follow thee with blessings, and +Children would be taught by thy example!” + +He then quitted her, every body making way as he moved, and proceeded +into the great room. Mrs Harrel's carriage being announced at the same +time, Cecilia lost not an instant in hastening away. + +Sir Robert, as he conducted her, disdainfully laughed at the adventure, +which the general licence allowed to Mr Albany prevented his resenting, +and which therefore he scorned to appear moved at. + +Mrs. Harrel could talk of nothing else, neither was Cecilia disposed +to change the subject, for the remains of insanity which seemed to hang +upon him were affecting without being alarming, and her desire to know +more of him grew every instant stronger. + +This desire, however, outlived not the conversation to which it gave +rise; when she returned to her own room, no vestige of it remained upon +her mind, which a nearer concern and deeper interest wholly occupied. + +The behaviour of young Delvile had pained, pleased, and disturbed +her; his activity to save her from mischief might proceed merely from +gallantry or good nature; upon that, therefore, she dwelt little: but +his eagerness, his anxiety, his insensibility to himself, were more +than good breeding could claim, and seemed to spring from a motive less +artificial. + +She now, therefore, believed that her partiality was returned; and +this belief had power to shake all her resolves, and enfeeble all her +objections. The arrogance of Mr Delvile lessened in her reflections, the +admonitions of Mr Monckton abated in their influence. With the first she +considered that though connected she need not live, and for the second, +though she acknowledged the excellence of his judgment, she concluded +him wholly ignorant of her sentiments of Delvile; which she imagined, +when once revealed, would make every obstacle to the alliance seem +trifling, when put in competition with mutual esteem and affection. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +A REPROOF. + + +The attention of Cecilia to her own affairs, did not make her forgetful +of those of the Harrels: and the morning after the busy day which was +last recorded, as soon as she quitted the breakfast-room, she began a +note to Mr Monckton, but was interrupted with information that he was +already in the house. + +She went to him immediately, and had the satisfaction of finding him +alone: but desirous as she was to relate to him the transactions of the +preceding day, there was in his countenance a gravity so unusual, that +her impatience was involuntarily checked, and she waited first to hear +if he had himself any thing to communicate. + +He kept her not long in suspence; “Miss Beverley,” he said, “I bring you +intelligence which though I know you will be very sorry to hear, it is +absolutely necessary should be told you immediately: you may otherwise, +from however laudable motives, be drawn into some action which you may +repent for life.” + +“What now!” cried Cecilia, much alarmed. + +“All that I suspected,” said he, “and more than I hinted to you, is +true; Mr Harrel is a ruined man! he is not worth a groat, and he is in +debt beyond what he ever possessed.” + +Cecilia made no answer: she knew but too fatally the desperate state of +his affairs, yet that _his debts were more than he had ever possessed_, +she had not thought possible. + +“My enquiries,” continued he, “have been among principals, and such +as would not dare deceive me. I hastened, therefore, to you, that this +timely notice might enforce the injunctions I gave you when I had the +pleasure of seeing you last, and prevent a misjudging generosity from +leading you into any injury of your own fortune, for a man who is past +all relief from it, and who cannot be saved, even though you were to be +destroyed for his sake.” + +“You are very good,” said Cecilia, “but your counsel is now too late!” + She then briefly acquainted him with what passed, and with how large a +sum she had parted. + +He heard her with rage, amazement, and horror: and after inveighing +against Mr Harrel in the bitterest terms, he said, “But why, before you +signed your name to so base an imposition, could you not send for me?” + +“I wished, I meant to have done it,” cried she, “but I thought the time +past when you could help me: how, indeed, could you have saved me? my +word was given, given with an oath the most solemn, and the first I have +ever taken in my life.” + +“An oath so forced,” answered he, “the most delicate conscience would +have absolved you from performing. You have, indeed, been grossly +imposed upon, and pardon me if I add unaccountably to blame. Was it not +obvious that relief so circumstanced must be temporary? If his ruin +had been any thing less than certain, what tradesmen would have been +insolent? You have therefore deprived yourself of the power of doing +good to a worthier object, merely to grant a longer date to extravagance +and villainy.” + +“Yet how,” cried Cecilia, deeply touched by this reproof, “how could +I do otherwise! Could I see a man in the agonies of despair, hear him +first darkly hint his own destruction, and afterwards behold him +almost in the very act of suicide, the instrument of self-murder in his +desperate hand--and yet, though he put his life in my power, though he +told me I could preserve him, and told me he had no other reliance +or resource, could I leave him to his dreadful despondence, refuse my +assisting hand to raise him from perdition, and, to save what, after +all, I am well able to spare, suffer a fellow-creature, who flung +himself upon my mercy, to offer up his last accounts with an action +blacker than any which had preceded it?--No, I cannot repent what I have +done, though I lament, indeed, that the object was not more deserving.” + +“Your representation,” said Mr Monckton, “like every thing else that I +ever heard you utter, breathes nothing but benevolence and goodness: +but your pity has been abused, and your understanding imposed upon. Mr +Harrel had no intention to destroy himself; the whole was an infamous +trick, which, had not your generosity been too well known, would never +have been played.” + +“I cannot think quite so ill of him,” said Cecilia, “nor for the world +would I have risked my own future reproaches by trusting to such a +suspicion, which, had it proved wrong, and had Mr Harrel, upon my +refusal committed the fatal deed, would have made his murder upon my +own conscience rest for ever! surely the experiment would have been too +hazardous, when the consequence had all my future peace in its power. + +“It is impossible not to revere your scruples,” said Mr Monckton, “even +while I consider them as causeless; for causeless they undoubtedly were: +the man who could act so atrocious a part, who could so scandalously +pillage a young lady who was his guest and his ward, take advantage of +her temper for the plunder of her fortune, and extort her compliance by +the basest and most dishonourable arts, meant only to terrify her into +compliance, for he can be nothing less than a downright and thorough +scoundrel, capable of every species of mean villainy.” + +He then protested he would at least acquaint her other guardians with +what had passed, whose business it would be to enquire if there was any +chance of redress. + +Cecilia, however, had not much trouble in combating this proposal; for +though her objections, which were merely those of punctilious honour and +delicacy, weighed nothing with a man who regarded them as absurdities, +yet his own apprehensions of appearing too officious in her affairs, +forced him, after a little deliberation, to give up the design. + +“Besides,” said Cecilia, “as I have his bond for what I have parted +with, I have, at least, no right to complain, unless, after he receives +his rents, he refuses to pay me.” + +“His bonds! his rents!” exclaimed Mr Monckton, “what is a man's bond who +is not worth a guinea? and what are his rents, when all he ever owned +must be sold before they are due, and when he will not himself receive +a penny from the sale, as he has neither land, house, nor possession of +any sort that is not mortgaged?” + +“Nay, then,” said Cecilia, “if so, it is indeed all, over! I am sorry, I +am grieved!--but it is past, and nothing, therefore, remains, but that I +try to forget I ever was richer!” + +“This is very youthful philosophy,” said Mr Monckton; “but it will not +lessen your regret hereafter, when the value of money is better known to +you.” + +“If I shall dearly buy my experience,” said Cecilia, “let me be the +more attentive to making good use of it; and, since my loss seems +irremediable to myself, let me at least endeavour to secure its utility +to Mr Harrel.” + +She then told him her wish to propose to that gentleman some scheme of +reformation, while yesterday's events were yet recent in his mind: but +Mr Monckton, who had hardly patience to hear her, exclaimed, “He is a +wretch, and deserves the full force of the disgrace he is courting. What +is now most necessary is to guard you from his further machinations, for +you may else be involved in ruin as deep as his own. He now knows the +way to frighten you, and he will not fail to put it in practice.” + +“No, Sir,” answered Cecilia, “he would vainly apply to me in future: I +cannot repent that I ventured not yesterday to brave his menaces, but +too little is the comfort I feel from what I have bestowed, to suffer +any consideration to make me part with more.” + +“Your resolution,” answered he, “will be as feeble as your generosity +will be potent: depend nothing upon yourself, but instantly quit +his house. You will else be made responsible for every debt that he +contracts; and whatever may be his difficulties hereafter, he will know +that to extricate himself from them, he has but to talk of dying, and to +shew you a sword or a pistol.” + +“If so, then,” said Cecilia, looking down while she spoke, “I suppose I +must again go to Mr Delvile's.” + +This was by no means the purpose of Mr Monckton, who saw not more danger +to her fortune with one of her guardians, than to her person with the +other. He ventured, therefore, to recommend to her a residence with +Mr Briggs, well knowing that his house would be a security against her +seeing any man equal to himself, and hoping that under his roof he might +again be as unrivalled in her opinion and esteem, as he formerly was in +the country. + +But here the opposition of Cecilia was too earnest for any hope that +it might be surmounted; for, added to her dislike of Mr Briggs, +her repugnance to such an habitation was strongly, though silently +increased, by her secret inclination to return to St James's-square. + +“I mention not Mr Briggs as an eligible host,” said Mr Monckton, after +listening to her objections, “but merely as one more proper for you than +Mr Delvile, with whom your fixing at present would but be ill thought of +in the world.” + +“Ill thought of, Sir? Why so?” + +“Because he has a son; for whose sake alone it would be universally +concluded you changed your abode: and to give any pretence for such +a report, would by no means accord with the usual delicacy of your +conduct.” + +Cecilia was confounded by this speech: the truth of the charge she felt, +and the probability of the censure she did not dare dispute. + +He then gave her a thousand exhortations to beware of the schemes and +artifices of Mr Harrel, which he foresaw would be innumerable. He told +her, too, that with respect to Sir Robert Floyer, he thought she had +better suffer the report to subside of itself, which in time it must +necessarily do, than give to it so much consequence as to send a message +to the Baronet, from which he might pretend to infer that hitherto she +had been wavering, or she would have sent to him sooner. + +But the real motive of this advice was, that as he found Sir Robert by +no means to be dreaded, he hoped the report, if generally circulated +and credited, might keep off other pretenders, and intimidate or deceive +young Delvile. + +The purport for which Cecilia had wished this conference was, however, +wholly unanswered; Mr Monckton, enraged by the conduct of Mr Harrel, +refused to talk of his affairs, and could only mention him with +detestation: but Cecilia, less severe in her judgment, and more tender +in her heart, would not yet give up the hope of an amendment she so +anxiously wished; and having now no other person to whom she could +apply, determined to consult with Mr Arnott, whose affection for his +sister would give him a zeal in the affair that might somewhat supply +the place of superior abilities. There was, indeed, no time to be lost +in making the projected attempt, for no sooner was the immediate danger +of suffering removed, than the alarm wore away, and the penitence was +forgotten; every thing went on as usual, no new regulations were made, +no expences abated, no pleasures forborn, not a thought of hereafter +admitted: and ruinous and terrible as had been the preceding storm, no +trace of it was visible in the serenity of the present calm. + +An occasion of discussion with Mr Arnott very speedily offered. Mr +Harrel said he had observed in the looks of his friends at the Pantheon +much surprise at the sight of him, and declared he should take yet +another measure for removing all suspicion. This was to give a splendid +entertainment at his own house to all his acquaintance, to which he +meant to invite every body of any consequence he had ever seen, and +almost every body he had ever heard of, in his life. + +Levity so unfeeling, and a spirit of extravagance so irreclaimable, were +hopeless prognostics; yet Cecilia would not desist from her design. She +therefore took the earliest opportunity of speaking with Mr Arnott upon +the subject, when she openly expressed her uneasiness at the state of +his brother's affairs, and warmly acknowledged her displeasure at his +dissipated way of life. + +Mr Arnott soon shewed that example was all he wanted to declare the same +sentiments. He owned he had long disapproved the conduct of Mr Harrel, +and trembled at the situation of his sister. They then considered +what it was possible to propose that might retrieve their affairs, and +concluded that entirely to quit London for some years, was the only +chance that remained of saving them from absolute destruction. + +Mr Arnott, therefore, though fearfully, and averse to the talk, told his +sister their mutual advice. She thanked him, said she was much obliged +to him, and would certainly consider his proposal, and mention it to Mr +Harrel.--Parties of pleasure, however, intervened, and the promise was +neglected. + +Cecilia then again spoke herself. Mrs Harrel, much softened by her +late acts of kindness, was no longer offended by her interference, but +contented herself with confessing that she quite hated the country, +and could only bear to live in it in summer time. And when Cecilia very +earnestly expostulated on the weakness of such an objection to a step +absolutely necessary for her future safety and happiness, she said, _she +could do no worse than that if already ruined_, and therefore that +she thought _it would be very hard to expect from her such a sacrifice +before-hand_. + +It was in vain Cecilia remonstrated: Mrs Harrel's love of pleasure was +stronger than her understanding, and therefore, though she listened to +her with patience, she concluded with the same answer she had begun. + +Cecilia then, though almost heartless, resolved upon talking with Mr +Harrel himself: and therefore, taking an opportunity which he had not +time to elude, she ingenuously told him her opinion of his danger, and +of the manner in which it might be avoided. + +He paid unusual attention to her advice, but said she was much mistaken +with respect to his affairs, which he believed he should now very +speedily retrieve, as he had had the preceding night an uncommon _run of +luck_, and flattered himself with being able very shortly to pay all his +debts, and begin the world again upon a new score. + +This open confession of gaming was but a new shock to Cecilia, who +scrupled not to represent to him the uncertainty of so hazardous a +reliance, and the inevitable evils of so destructive a practice. + +She made not, however, the least impression upon his mind; he assured +her he doubted not giving her shortly a good account of himself, and +that living in the country was a resource of desperation which need not +be anticipated. + +Cecilia, though grieved and provoked by their mutual folly and +blindness, could proceed no further: advice and admonition she spared +not, but authority she had none to use. She regretted her ineffectual +attempt to Mr Arnott, who was yet more cruelly afflicted at it; but +though they conversed upon the subject by every opportunity, they were +equally unable to relate any success from their efforts, or to devise +any plan more likely to ensure it. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +A MISTAKE. + + +Mean time young Delvile failed not to honour Cecilia's introduction +of him to Mr Harrel, by waiting upon that gentleman as soon as the ill +effects of his accident at the Pantheon permitted him to leave his own +house. Mr Harrel, though just going out when he called, was desirous of +being upon good terms with his family, and therefore took him up stairs +to present him to his lady, and invited him to tea and cards the next +evening. + +Cecilia, who was with Mrs Harrel, did not see him without emotion; which +was not much lessened by the task of thanking him for his assistance at +the Pantheon, and enquiring how he had himself fared. No sign, however, +of emotion appeared in return, either when he first addressed, or +afterwards answered her: the look of solicitude with which she had been +so much struck when they last parted was no longer discernible, and the +voice of sensibility which had removed all her doubts, was no longer to +be heard. His general ease, and natural gaiety were again unruffled, and +though he had never seemed really indifferent to her, there was not the +least appearance of any added partiality. + +Cecilia felt an involuntary mortification as she observed this change: +yet, upon reflection, she still attributed his whole behaviour to his +mistake with respect to her situation, and therefore was but the more +gratified by the preference he occasionally betrayed. + +The invitation for the next evening was accepted, and Cecilia, for once, +felt no repugnance to joining the company. Young Delvile again was in +excellent spirits; but though his chief pleasure was evidently derived +from conversing with her, she had the vexation to observe that he seemed +to think her the undoubted property of the Baronet, always retreating +when he approached, and as careful, when next her, to yield his place if +he advanced, as, when he was distant, to guard it from all others. + +But when Sir Robert was employed at cards, all scruples ceasing, he +neglected not to engross her almost wholly. He was eager to speak to +her of the affairs of Mr Belfield, which he told her wore now a better +aspect. The letter, indeed, of recommendation which he had shewn to her, +had failed, as the nobleman to whom it was written had already entered +into an engagement for his son; but he had made application elsewhere +which he believed would be successful, and he had communicated his +proceedings to Mr Belfield, whose spirits he hoped would recover by this +prospect of employment and advantage. “It is, however, but too true,” + he added, “that I have rather obtained his consent to the steps I am +taking, than his approbation of them: nor do I believe, had I previously +consulted him, I should have had even that. Disappointed in his higher +views, his spirit is broken, and he is heartless and hopeless, scarce +condescending to accept relief, from the bitter remembrance that he +expected preferment. Time, however, will blunt this acute sensibility, +and reflection will make him blush at this unreasonable delicacy. But we +must patiently soothe him till he is more himself, or while we mean to +serve, we shall only torment him. Sickness, sorrow, and poverty have all +fallen heavily upon him, and they have all fallen at once: we must not, +therefore, wonder to find him intractable, when his mind is as much +depressed, as his body is enervated.” + +Cecilia, to whom his candour and generosity always gave fresh delight, +strengthened his opinions by her concurrence, and confirmed his designs +by the interest which she took in them. + +From this time, he found almost daily some occasion for calling in +Portman-square. The application of Cecilia in favour of Mr Belfield gave +him a right to communicate to her all his proceedings concerning him; +and he had some letter to shew, some new scheme to propose, some refusal +to lament, or some hope to rejoice over, almost perpetually: or even +when these failed, Cecilia had a cold, which he came to enquire +after, or Mrs Harrel gave him an invitation, which rendered any excuse +unnecessary. But though his intimacy with Cecilia was encreased, though +his admiration of her was conspicuous, and his fondness for her society +seemed to grow with the enjoyment of it, he yet never manifested any +doubt of her engagement with the Baronet, nor betrayed either intention +or desire to supplant him. Cecilia, however, repined not much at the +mistake, since she thought it might be instrumental to procuring her +a more impartial acquaintance with his character, than she could +rationally expect, if, as she hoped, the explanation of his error should +make him seek her good opinion with more study and design. + +To satisfy herself not only concerning the brother but the sister, she +again visited Miss Belfield, and had the pleasure of finding her in +better spirits, and hearing that the _noble friend_ of her brother, whom +she had already mentioned, and whom Cecilia had before suspected to be +young Delvile, had now pointed out to him a method of conduct by +which his affairs might be decently retrieved, and himself creditably +employed. Miss Belfield spoke of the plan with the highest satisfaction; +yet she acknowledged that her mother was extremely discontented with it, +and that her brother himself was rather led by shame than inclination to +its adoption. Yet he was evidently easier in his mind, though far from +happy, and already so much better, that Mr Rupil said he would very soon +be able to leave his room. + +Such was the quiet and contented situation of Cecilia, when one evening, +which was destined for company at home, while she was alone in the +drawing-room, which Mrs Harrel had just left to answer a note, Sir +Robert Floyer accidentally came up stairs before the other gentlemen. + +“Ha!” cried he, the moment he saw her, “at last have I the good fortune +to meet with you alone! this, indeed, is a favour I thought I was always +to be denied.” + +He was then approaching her; but Cecilia, who shrunk involuntarily at +the sight of him, was retreating hastily to quit the room, when suddenly +recollecting that no better opportunity might ever offer for a +final explanation with him, she irresolutely stopt; and Sir Robert, +immediately following, took her hand, and pressing it to his lips as +she endeavoured to withdraw it, exclaimed, “You are a most charming +creature!” when the door was opened, and young Delvile at the same +moment was announced and appeared. + +Cecilia, colouring violently, and extremely chagrined, hastily +disengaged herself from his hold. Delvile seemed uncertain whether he +ought not to retire, which Sir Robert perceiving, bowed to him with an +air of mingled triumph and vexation, and said, “Sir your most obedient!” + +The doubt, however, in which every one appeared of what was next to +be done, was immediately removed by the return of Mrs Harrel, and the +arrival at almost the same moment of more company. + +The rest of the evening was spent, on the part of Cecilia, most +painfully: the explanation she had planned had ended in worse than +nothing, for by suffering the Baronet to detain her, she had rather +shewn a disposition to oblige, than any intention to discard him; and +the situation in which she had been surprised by young Delvile, was the +last to clear the suspicions she so little wished him to harbour: while, +on his part, the accident seemed to occasion no other alteration than +that of rendering him more than usually assiduous to give way to Sir +Robert whenever he approached her. + +Nor was Sir Robert slack in taking advantage of this attention: he was +highly in spirits, talked to her with more than common freedom, and wore +the whole evening an air of exulting satisfaction. + +Cecilia, provoked by this presumption, hurt by the behaviour of young +Delvile, and mortified by the whole affair, determined to leave this +mistake no longer in the power of accident, but to apply immediately +to Mr Delvile senior, and desire him, as her guardian, to wait upon Sir +Robert himself, and acquaint him that his perseverance in pursuing her +was both useless and offensive: and by this method she hoped at once +to disentangle herself for ever from the Baronet, and to discover more +fully the sentiments of young Delvile: for the provocation she had +just endured, robbed her of all patience for waiting the advice of Mr +Monckton. + + + + +CHAPTER ix + +AN EXPLANATION. + + +The following morning, therefore, Cecilia went early to St +James's-square: and, after the usual ceremonies of messages and long +waiting, she was shewn into an apartment where she found Mr Delvile and +his son. + +She rejoiced to see them together, and determined to make known to them +both the purport of her visit: and therefore, after some apologies and a +little hesitation, she told Mr Delvile, that encouraged by his offers of +serving her, she had taken the liberty to call upon him with a view to +entreat his assistance. + +Young Delvile, immediately arising, would have quitted the room; but +Cecilia, assuring him she rather desired what she had to say should be +known than kept secret, begged that he would not disturb himself. + +Delvile, pleased with this permission to hear her, and curious to know +what would follow, very readily returned to his seat. + +“I should by no means,” she continued, “have thought of proclaiming +even to the most intimate of my friends, the partiality which Sir Robert +Floyer has been pleased to shew me, had he left to me the choice of +publishing or concealing it: but, on the contrary, his own behaviour +seems intended not merely to display it, but to insinuate that it +meets with my approbation. Mr Harrel, also, urged by too much warmth +of friendship, has encouraged this belief; nor, indeed, do I know at +present where the mistake stops, nor what it is report has not scrupled +to affirm. But I think I ought no longer to neglect it, and therefore +I have presumed to solicit your advice in what manner I may most +effectually contradict it.” + +The extreme surprise of young Delvile at this speech was not more +evident than pleasant to Cecilia, to whom it accounted for all that had +perplext her in his conduct, while it animated every expectation she +wished to encourage. + +“The behaviour of Mr Harrel,” answered Mr Delvile, “has by no means been +such as to lead me to forget that his father was the son of a steward of +Mr Grant, who lived in the neighbourhood of my friend and relation the +Duke of Derwent: nor can I sufficiently congratulate myself that I have +always declined acting with him. The late Dean, indeed, never committed +so strange an impropriety as that of nominating Mr Harrel and Mr Briggs +coadjutors with Mr Delvile. The impropriety, however, though extremely +offensive to me, has never obliterated from my mind the esteem I +bore the Dean: nor can I possibly give a greater proof of it than the +readiness I have always shewn to offer my counsel and instruction to his +niece. Mr Harrel, therefore, ought certainly to have desired Sir Robert +Floyer to acquaint me with his proposals before he gave to him any +answer.” + +“Undoubtedly, Sir,” said Cecilia, willing to shorten this parading +harangue, “but as he neglected that intention, will you think me too +impertinent should I entreat the favour of you to speak with Sir Robert +yourself, and explain to him the total inefficacy of his pursuit, since +my determination against him is unalterable?” + +Here the conference was interrupted by the entrance of a servant who +said something to Mr Delvile, which occasioned his apologizing to +Cecilia for leaving her for a few moments, and ostentatiously assuring +her that no business, however important, should prevent his thinking of +her affairs, or detain him from returning to her as soon as possible. + +The astonishment of young Delvile at the strength of her last expression +kept him silent some time after his father left the room; and then, with +a countenance that still marked his amazement, he said “Is it possible, +Miss Beverley, that I should twice have been thus egregiously deceived? +or rather, that the whole town, and even the most intimate of your +friends, should so unaccountably have persisted in a mistake.” + +“For the town,” answered Cecilia, “I know not how it can have had any +concern in so small a matter; but for my intimate friends, I have +too few to make it probable they should ever have been so strangely +misinformed.” + +“Pardon me,” cried he, “it was from one who ought to know, that I had +myself the intelligence.” + +“I entreat you, then,” said Cecilia, “to acquaint me who it was?” + +“Mr Harrel himself; who communicated it to a lady in my hearing, and at +a public place.” + +Cecilia cast up her eyes in wonder and indignation at a proof so +incontrovertible of his falsehood, but made not any answer. + +“Even yet,” continued he, “I can scarcely feel undeceived; +your engagement seemed so positive, your connection so +irretrievable,--so,--so _fixed_, I mean.--” + +He hesitated, a little embarrassed; but then suddenly exclaimed, “Yet +whence, if to _neither_ favourable, if indifferent alike to Sir Robert +and to Belfield, whence that animated apprehension for their safety at +the Opera-house? whence that never to be forgotten _oh stop him! good +God! will nobody stop him!_--Words of anxiety so tender! and sounds that +still vibrate in my ear!” + +Cecilia, struck with amazement in her turn at the strength of his own +expressions, blushed, and for a few minutes hesitated how to answer him: +but then, to leave nothing that related to so disagreeable a report in +any doubt, she resolved to tell him ingenuously the circumstances that +had occasioned her alarm: and therefore, though with some pain to her +modesty, she confessed her fears that she had herself provoked the +affront, though her only view had been to discountenance Sir Robert, +without meaning to shew any distinction to Mr Belfield. + +Delvile, who seemed charmed with the candour of this explanation, said, +when she had finished it, “You are then at liberty?---Ah madam!--how +many may rue so dangerous a discovery!” + +“Could you think,” said Cecilia, endeavouring to speak with her usual +ease, “that Sir Robert Floyer would be found so irresistible?” + +“Oh no!” cried he, “far otherwise; a thousand times I have wondered at +his happiness; a thousand times, when I have looked at you, and +listened to you, I have thought it impossible!--yet my authority seemed +indisputable. And how was I to discredit what was not uttered as a +conjecture, but asserted as a fact? asserted, too, by the guardian with +whom you lived? and not hinted as a secret, but affirmed as a point +settled?” + +“Yet surely,” said Cecilia, “you have heard me make use of expressions +that could not but lead you to suppose there was some mistake, whatever +might be the authority which had won your belief.” + +“No,” answered he, “I never supposed any mistake, though sometimes I +thought you repented your engagement. I concluded, indeed, you had +been unwarily drawn in, and I have even, at times, been tempted to +acknowledge my suspicions to you, state your independence, and exhort +you--as a _friend_, exhort you--to use it with spirit, and, if you were +shackled unwillingly, incautiously, or unworthily, to break the chains +by which you were confined, and restore to yourself that freedom of +choice upon the use of which all your happiness must ultimately depend. +But I doubted if this were honourable to the Baronet,--and what, indeed, +was my right to such a liberty? none that every man might not be proud +of, a wish to do honour to myself, under the officious pretence of +serving the most amiable of women.” + +“Mr Harrel,” said Cecilia, “has been so strangely bigoted to his friend, +that in his eagerness to manifest his regard for him, he seems to have +forgotten every other consideration; he would not, else, have spread so +widely a report that could so ill stand enquiry.” + +“If Sir Robert,” returned he, “is himself deceived while he deceives +others, who can forbear to pity him? for my own part, instead of +repining that hitherto I have been mistaken, ought I not rather to bless +an error that may have been my preservative from danger?” + +Cecilia, distressed in what manner to support her part in the +conversation, began now to wish the return of Mr Delvile; and, not +knowing what else to say, she expressed her surprise at his long +absence. + +“It is not, indeed, well timed,” said young Delvile, “just now,--at +the moment when--” he stopt, and presently exclaiming “Oh dangerous +interval!” he arose from his seat in manifest disorder. + +Cecilia arose too, and hastily ringing the bell, said, “Mr Delvile I am +sure is detained, and therefore I will order my chair, and call another +time.” + +“Do I frighten you away?” said he, assuming an appearance more placid. + +“No,” answered she, “but I would not hasten Mr Delvile.” + +A servant then came, and said the chair was ready. + +She would immediately have followed him, but young Delvile again +speaking, she stopt a moment to hear him. “I fear,” said he, with much +hesitation, “I have strangely exposed myself--and that you cannot--but +the extreme astonishment--” he stopt again in the utmost confusion, and +then adding, “you will permit me to attend you to the chair,” he handed +her down stairs, and in quitting her, bowed without saying a word more. + +Cecilia, who was almost wholly indifferent to every part of the +explanation but that which had actually passed, was now in a state of +felicity more delightful than any she had ever experienced. She had not +a doubt remaining of her influence over the mind of young Delvile, and +the surprise which had made him rather betray than express his regard, +was infinitely more flattering and satisfactory to her than any formal +or direct declaration. She had now convinced him she was disengaged, and +in return, though without seeming to intend it, he had convinced her of +the deep interest which he took in the discovery. His perturbation, the +words which escaped him, and his evident struggle to say no more, were +proofs just such as she wished to receive of his partial admiration, +since while they satisfied her heart, they also soothed her pride, by +shewing a diffidence of success which assured her that her own secret +was still sacred, and that no weakness or inadvertency on her part had +robbed her of the power of mingling dignity with the frankness with +which she meant to receive his addresses. All, therefore, that now +employed her care, was to keep off any indissoluble engagement till each +should be better known to the other. + +For this reserve, however, she had less immediate occasion than she +expected; she saw no more of young Delvile that day; neither did he +appear the next. The third she fully expected him,--but still he came +not. And while she wondered at an absence so uncommon, she received +a note from Lord Ernolf, to beg permission to wait upon her for two +minutes, at any time she would appoint. + +She readily sent word that she should be at home for the rest of the +day, as she wished much for an opportunity of immediately finishing +every affair but one, and setting her mind at liberty to think only of +that which she desired should prosper. + +Lord Ernolf was with her in half an hour. She found him sensible and +well bred, extremely desirous to promote her alliance with his son, +and apparently as much pleased with herself as with her fortune. He +acquainted her that he had addressed himself to Mr Harrel long since, +but had been informed that she was actually engaged to Sir Robert +Floyer: he should, therefore, have forborn taking up any part of +her time, had he not, on the preceding day, while on a visit at Mr +Delvile's, been assured that Mr Harrel was mistaken, and that she had +not yet declared for any body. He hoped, therefore, that she would allow +his son the honour of waiting upon her, and permit him to talk with Mr +Briggs, who he understood was her acting guardian, upon such matters as +ought to be speedily adjusted. + +Cecilia thanked him for the honour he intended her, and confirmed the +truth of the account he had heard in St James'-square, but at the same +time told him she must decline receiving any visits from his lordship's +son, and entreated him to take no measure towards the promotion of an +affair which never could succeed. + +He seemed much concerned at her answer, and endeavoured for some time to +soften her, but found her so steady, though civil in her refusal, that +he was obliged, however unwillingly, to give up his attempt. + +Cecilia, when he was gone, reflected with much vexation on the readiness +of the Delviles to encourage his visit; she considered, however, that +the intelligence he had heard might possibly be gathered in general +conversation; but she blamed herself that she had not led to some +enquiry what part of the family he had seen, and who was present when +the information was given him. + +Mean while she found that neither coldness, distance, nor aversion were +sufficient to repress Sir Robert Floyer, who continued to persecute her +with as much confidence of success as could have arisen from the utmost +encouragement. She again, though with much difficulty, contrived +to speak with Mr Harrel upon the subject, and openly accused him of +spreading a report abroad, as well as countenancing an expectation at +home, that had neither truth nor justice to support them. + +Mr Harrel, with his usual levity and carelessness, laughed at the +charge, but denied any belief in her displeasure, and affected to think +she was merely playing the coquet, while Sir Robert was not the less her +decided choice. + +Provoked and wearied, Cecilia resolved no longer to depend upon any body +but herself for the management of her own affairs, and therefore, to +conclude the business without any possibility of further cavilling, she +wrote the following note to Sir Robert herself. + +_To Sir Robert Floyer, Bart._ + +Miss BEVERLEY presents her compliments to Sir Robert Floyer, and as she +has some reason to fear Mr Harrel did not explicitly acquaint him with +her answer to the commission with which he was entrusted, she thinks it +necessary, in order to obviate any possible misunderstanding, to take +this method of returning him thanks for the honour of his good opinion, +but of begging at the same time that he would not lose a moment upon her +account, as her thanks are all she can now, or ever, offer in return. + +_Portman-square,_ _May_ 11th, 1779. + +To this note Cecilia received no answer: but she had the pleasure to +observe that Sir Robert forbore his usual visit on the day she sent it, +and, though he appeared again the day following, he never spoke to her +and seemed sullen and out of humour. + +Yet still young Delvile came not, and still, as her surprise encreased, +her tranquillity was diminished. She could form no excuse for his delay, +nor conjecture any reason for his absence. Every motive seemed to favour +his seeking, and not one his shunning her: the explanation which had so +lately passed had informed him he had no rival to fear, and the manner +in which he had heard it assured her the information was not indifferent +to him; why, then, so assiduous in his visits when he thought her +engaged, and so slack in all attendance when he knew she was at liberty? + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Cecilia, Volume 1 (of 3), by Frances Burney + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CECILIA, VOLUME 1 (OF 3) *** + +***** This file should be named 6346-0.txt or 6346-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/4/6346/ + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Cecilia, Volume 1 (of 3) + +Author: Frances Burney + + +Release Date: August, 2004 [EBook #6346] +This file was first posted on November 29, 2002 +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CECILIA, VOLUME 1 (OF 3) *** + + + + +Text file produced by Delphine Lettau, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + CECILIA, + </h1> + <h4> + or + </h4> + <h2> + MEMOIRS OF AN HEIRESS + </h2> + <h4> + Volume 1 (of 3) + </h4> + <h2> + By Frances Burney + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER i. — A JOURNEY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER ii. — AN ARGUMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER iii. — AN ARRIVAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER iv. — A SKETCH OF HIGH LIFE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER v. — AN ASSEMBLY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER vi. — A BREAKFAST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER vii. — A PROJECT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER viii. — AN OPERA REHEARSAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER ix. — A SUPPLICATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER x. — A PROVOCATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER xi. — A NARRATION. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER i. — A MAN OF WEALTH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER ii. — A MAN OF FAMILY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER iii. — A MASQUERADE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER iv. — AN AFFRAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER v. — A FASHIONABLE FRIEND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER vi. — A FAMILY PARTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER vii. — AN EXAMINATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER viii. — A TETE A TETE. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> <b>BOOK III.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER i. — AN APPLICATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER ii. — A PERPLEXITY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER iii. — AN ADMONITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER iv. — AN EVASION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER v. — AN ADVENTURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER vi. — A MAN OF GENIUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER vii. — AN EXPEDIENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER viii. — A REMONSTRANCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER ix. — A VICTORY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> <b>BOOK IV.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER i. — A COMPLAINT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER ii. — A SYMPATHY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER iii. — A CONFLICT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER iv. — AN EXPECTATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER v. — AN AGITATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER vi. — A MAN OF THE TON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER vii. — A REPROOF. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER viii. — A MISTAKE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER ix. — AN EXPLANATION. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + “Fanny's Cecilia came out last summer, and is as much liked and read, I + believe, as any book ever was,” wrote Charlotte Burney in Jan. 1783. “She + had 250 pounds for it from Payne and Cadell. Most people say she ought to + have had a thousand. It is now going into the third edition, though Payne + owns that they printed two thousand at the first edition, and Lowndes told + me five hundred was the common number for a novel.” {Footnote: <i>The + Early Diary of Frances Burney, with a selection from her correspondence, + and from the journals of her sisters Susan and Charlotte Burney.</i> + Edited by Annie Raine Ellis. 1889. Vol. II. p. 307.} + </p> + <p> + The manuscript of <i>Cecilia</i> was submitted to Dr Burney and Mr Crisp + during its composition, and their suggestions were in some cases adopted, + as we learn from the <i>Diary</i>. Dr Johnson was not consulted, but a + desire at once to imitate and to please him evidently controlled the work. + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances it is naturally less fresh and spontaneous than + <i>Evelina</i>, but it is more mature. The touch is surer and the plot + more elaborate. We cannot to-day fully appreciate the “conflict scene + between mother and son,” for which, Miss Burney tells us, the book was + written; but the pictures of eighteenth century affectations are all + alive, and the story is thoroughly absorbing, except, perhaps, in the last + book. + </p> + <p> + Miss Burney often took the name of her characters from her acquaintances, + and it seems probable that some of the “types” in <i>Cecilia</i> are also + drawn from real life. The title of Miss Austen's <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> + was borrowed from <i>Cecilia</i>, and some points of resemblance may be + traced between the two novels. + </p> + <p> + The present edition is reprinted from:— + </p> + <p> + CECILIA, or, Memoirs of an Heiress. By the author of Evelina. In five + volumes. London: Printed for T. Payne and Son, at the Newsgate, and T. + Cadell in the Strand. MDCCLXXXII. R. B. J. + </p> + <h3> + THE RIGHT HON. EDMUND BURKE TO MISS F. BURNEY. (AFTER READING CECILIA.) + </h3> + <p> + Madam,—I should feel exceedingly to blame if I could refuse to + myself the natural satisfaction, and to you the just but poor return, of + my best thanks for the very great instruction and entertainment I have + received from the new present you have bestowed on the public. There are + few—I believe I may say fairly there are none at all—that will + not find themselves better informed concerning human nature, and their + stock of observation enriched, by reading your “Cecilia.” They certainly + will, let their experience in life and manners be what it may. The + arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth. You have crowded into + a few small volumes an incredible variety of characters; most of them well + planned, well supported, and well contrasted with each other. If there be + any fault in this respect, it is one in which you are in no great danger + of being imitated. Justly as your characters are drawn, perhaps they are + too numerous. But I beg pardon; I fear it is quite in vain to preach + economy to those who are come young to excessive and sudden opulence. + </p> + <p> + I might trespass on your delicacy if I should fill my letter to you with + what I fill my conversation to others. I should be troublesome to you + alone if I should tell you all I feel and think on the natural vein of + humour, the tender pathetic, the comprehensive and noble moral, and the + sagacious observation, that appear quite throughout that extraordinary + performance. + </p> + <p> + In an age distinguished by producing extraordinary women, I hardly dare to + tell you where my opinion would place you amongst them. I respect your + modesty, that will not endure the commendations which your merit forces + from everybody. + </p> + <p> + I have the honour to be, with great gratitude, respect, and esteem, madam, + your most obedient and most humble servant, + </p> + <h3> + EDM. BURKE + </h3> + <p> + WHITEHALL, <i>July 19, 1782</i>. + </p> + <p> + My best compliments and congratulations to Dr Burney on the great honour + acquired to his family. + </p> + <h3> + ADVERTISEMENT. + </h3> + <p> + The indulgence shewn by the Public to Evelina, which, unpatronized, + unaided, and unowned, past through Four Editions in one Year, has + encouraged its Author to risk this SECOND attempt. The animation of + success is too universally acknowledged, to make the writer of the + following sheets dread much censure of temerity; though the precariousness + of any power to give pleasure, suppresses all vanity of confidence, and + sends CECILIA into the world with scarce more hope, though far more + encouragement, than attended her highly-honoured predecessor, Evelina. + </p> + <p> + July, 1782 + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK I. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER i. — A JOURNEY. + </h2> + <p> + “Peace to the spirits of my honoured parents, respected be their remains, + and immortalized their virtues! may time, while it moulders their frail + relicks to dust, commit to tradition the record of their goodness; and Oh, + may their orphan-descendant be influenced through life by the remembrance + of their purity, and be solaced in death, that by her it was unsullied!” + </p> + <p> + Such was the secret prayer with which the only survivor of the Beverley + family quitted the abode of her youth, and residence of her forefathers; + while tears of recollecting sorrow filled her eyes, and obstructed the + last view of her native town which had excited them. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, this fair traveller, had lately entered into the + one-and-twentieth year of her age. Her ancestors had been rich farmers in + the county of Suffolk, though her father, in whom a spirit of elegance had + supplanted the rapacity of wealth, had spent his time as a private country + gentleman, satisfied, without increasing his store, to live upon what he + inherited from the labours of his predecessors. She had lost him in her + early youth, and her mother had not long survived him. They had bequeathed + to her 10,000 pounds, and consigned her to the care of the Dean of ———, + her uncle. With this gentleman, in whom, by various contingencies, the + accumulated possessions of a rising and prosperous family were centred, + she had passed the last four years of her life; and a few weeks only had + yet elapsed since his death, which, by depriving her of her last relation, + made her heiress to an estate of 3000 pounds per annum; with no other + restriction than that of annexing her name, if she married, to the + disposal of her hand and her riches. + </p> + <p> + But though thus largely indebted to fortune, to nature she had yet greater + obligations: her form was elegant, her heart was liberal; her countenance + announced the intelligence of her mind, her complexion varied with every + emotion of her soul, and her eyes, the heralds of her speech, now beamed + with understanding and now glistened with sensibility. + </p> + <p> + For the short period of her minority, the management of her fortune and + the care of her person, had by the Dean been entrusted to three guardians, + among whom her own choice was to settle her residence: but her mind, + saddened by the loss of all her natural friends, coveted to regain its + serenity in the quietness of the country, and in the bosom of an aged and + maternal counsellor, whom she loved as her mother, and to whom she had + been known from her childhood. + </p> + <p> + The Deanery, indeed, she was obliged to relinquish, a long repining + expectant being eager, by entering it, to bequeath to another the anxiety + and suspense he had suffered himself; though probably without much + impatience to shorten their duration in favour of the next successor; but + the house of Mrs Charlton, her benevolent friend, was open for her + reception, and the alleviating tenderness of her conversation took from + her all wish of changing it. + </p> + <p> + Here she had dwelt since the interment of her uncle; and here, from the + affectionate gratitude of her disposition, she had perhaps been content to + dwell till her own, had not her guardians interfered to remove her. + </p> + <p> + Reluctantly she complied; she quitted her early companions, the friend she + most revered, and the spot which contained the relicks of all she had yet + lived to lament; and, accompanied by one of her guardians, and attended by + two servants, she began her journey from Bury to London. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel, this gentleman, though in the prime of his life, though gay, + fashionable and splendid, had been appointed by her uncle to be one of her + trustees; a choice which had for object the peculiar gratification of his + niece, whose most favourite young friend Mr Harrel had married, and in + whose house he therefore knew she would most wish to live. + </p> + <p> + Whatever good-nature could dictate or politeness suggest to dispel her + melancholy, Mr Harrel failed not to urge; and Cecilia, in whose + disposition sweetness was tempered with dignity, and gentleness with + fortitude, suffered not his kind offices to seem ineffectual; she kissed + her hand at the last glimpse a friendly hill afforded of her native town, + and made an effort to forget the regret with which she lost sight of it. + She revived her spirits by plans of future happiness, dwelt upon the + delight with which she should meet her young friend, and, by accepting his + consolation, amply rewarded his trouble. + </p> + <p> + Her serenity, however, had yet another, though milder trial to undergo, + since another friend was yet to be met, and another farewell was yet to be + taken. + </p> + <p> + At the distance of seven miles from Bury resided Mr Monckton, the richest + and most powerful man in that neighbourhood, at whose house Cecilia and + her guardian were invited to breakfast in their journey. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, who was the younger son of a noble family, was a man of + parts, information and sagacity; to great native strength of mind he added + a penetrating knowledge of the world, and to faculties the most skilful of + investigating the character of every other, a dissimulation the most + profound in concealing his own. In the bloom of his youth, impatient for + wealth and ambitious of power, he had tied himself to a rich dowager of + quality, whose age, though sixty-seven, was but among the smaller species + of her evil properties, her disposition being far more repulsive than her + wrinkles. An inequality of years so considerable, had led him to expect + that the fortune he had thus acquired, would speedily be released from the + burthen with which it was at present incumbered; but his expectations + proved as vain as they were mercenary, and his lady was not more the dupe + of his protestations than he was himself of his own purposes. Ten years he + had been married to her, yet her health was good, and her faculties were + unimpaired; eagerly he had watched for her dissolution, yet his eagerness + had injured no health but his own! So short-sighted is selfish cunning, + that in aiming no further than at the gratification of the present moment, + it obscures the evils of the future, while it impedes the perception of + integrity and honour. + </p> + <p> + His ardour, however, to attain the blessed period of returning liberty, + deprived him neither of spirit nor inclination for intermediate enjoyment; + he knew the world too well to incur its censure by ill-treating the woman + to whom he was indebted for the rank he held in it; he saw her, indeed, + but seldom, yet he had the decency, alike in avoiding as in meeting her, + to shew no abatement of civility and good breeding: but, having thus + sacrificed to ambition all possibility of happiness in domestic life, he + turned his thoughts to those other methods of procuring it, which he had + so dearly purchased the power of essaying. + </p> + <p> + The resources of pleasure to the possessors of wealth are only to be cut + off by the satiety of which they are productive: a satiety which the + vigorous mind of Mr Monckton had not yet suffered him to experience; his + time, therefore, was either devoted to the expensive amusements of the + metropolis, or spent in the country among the gayest of its diversions. + </p> + <p> + The little knowledge of fashionable manners and of the characters of the + times of which Cecilia was yet mistress, she had gathered at the house of + this gentleman, with whom the Dean her uncle had been intimately + connected: for as he preserved to the world the same appearance of decency + he supported to his wife, he was everywhere well received, and being but + partially known, was extremely respected: the world, with its wonted + facility, repaying his circumspect attention to its laws, by silencing the + voice of censure, guarding his character from impeachment, and his name + from reproach. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia had been known to him half her life; she had been caressed in his + house as a beautiful child, and her presence was now solicited there as an + amiable acquaintance. Her visits, indeed, had by no means been frequent, + as the ill-humour of Lady Margaret Monckton had rendered them painful to + her; yet the opportunities they had afforded her of mixing with people of + fashion, had served to prepare her for the new scenes in which she was + soon to be a performer. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, in return, had always been a welcome guest at the Deanery; + his conversation was to Cecilia a never-failing source of information, as + his knowledge of life and manners enabled him to start those subjects of + which she was most ignorant; and her mind, copious for the admission and + intelligent for the arrangement of knowledge, received all new ideas with + avidity. + </p> + <p> + Pleasure given in society, like money lent in usury, returns with interest + to those who dispense it: and the discourse of Mr Monckton conferred not a + greater favour upon Cecilia than her attention to it repaid. And thus, the + speaker and the hearer being mutually gratified, they had always met with + complacency, and commonly parted with regret. + </p> + <p> + This reciprocation of pleasure had, however, produced different effects + upon their minds; the ideas of Cecilia were enlarged, while the + reflections of Mr Monckton were embittered. He here saw an object who to + all the advantages of that wealth he had so highly prized, added youth, + beauty, and intelligence; though much her senior, he was by no means of an + age to render his addressing her an impropriety, and the entertainment she + received from his conversation, persuaded him that her good opinion might + with ease be improved into a regard the most partial. He regretted the + venal rapacity with which he had sacrificed himself to a woman he + abhorred, and his wishes for her final decay became daily more fervent. He + knew that the acquaintance of Cecilia was confined to a circle of which he + was himself the principal ornament, that she had rejected all the + proposals of marriage which had hitherto been made to her, and, as he had + sedulously watched her from her earliest years, he had reason to believe + that her heart had escaped any dangerous impression. This being her + situation, he had long looked upon her as his future property; as such he + had indulged his admiration, and as such he had already appropriated her + estate, though he had not more vigilantly inspected into her sentiments, + than he had guarded his own from a similar scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + The death of the Dean her uncle had, indeed, much alarmed him; he grieved + at her leaving Suffolk, where he considered himself the first man, alike + in parts and in consequence, and he dreaded her residing in London, where + he foresaw that numerous rivals, equal to himself in talents and in + riches, would speedily surround her; rivals, too, youthful and sanguine, + not shackled by present ties, but at liberty to solicit her immediate + acceptance. Beauty and independence, rarely found together, would attract + a crowd of suitors at once brilliant and assiduous; and the house of Mr + Harrel was eminent for its elegance and gaiety; but yet, undaunted by + danger, and confiding in his own powers, he determined to pursue the + project he had formed, not fearing by address and perseverance to ensure + its success. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ii. — AN ARGUMENT. + </h2> + <p> + Mr Monckton had, at this time, a party of company assembled at his house + for the purpose of spending the Christmas holidays. He waited with anxiety + the arrival of Cecilia, and flew to hand her from the chaise before Mr + Harrel could alight. He observed the melancholy of her countenance, and + was much pleased to find that her London journey had so little power to + charm her. He conducted her to the breakfast parlour, where Lady Margaret + and his friends expected her. + </p> + <p> + Lady Margaret received her with a coldness that bordered upon incivility; + irascible by nature and jealous by situation, the appearance of beauty + alarmed, and of chearfulness disgusted her. She regarded with watchful + suspicion whoever was addressed by her husband, and having marked his + frequent attendance at the Deanery, she had singled out Cecilia for the + object of her peculiar antipathy; while Cecilia, perceiving her aversion + though ignorant of its cause, took care to avoid all intercourse with her + but what ceremony exacted, and pitied in secret the unfortunate lot of her + friend. + </p> + <p> + The company now present consisted of one lady and several gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + Miss Bennet, the lady, was in every sense of the phrase, the humble + companion of Lady Margaret; she was low-born, meanly educated, and + narrow-minded; a stranger alike to innate merit or acquired + accomplishments, yet skilful in the art of flattery, and an adept in every + species of low cunning. With no other view in life than the attainment of + affluence without labour, she was not more the slave of the mistress of + the house, than the tool of its master; receiving indignity without + murmur, and submitting to contempt as a thing of course. + </p> + <p> + Among the gentlemen, the most conspicuous, by means of his dress, was Mr + Aresby, a captain in the militia; a young man who having frequently heard + the words red-coat and gallantry put together, imagined the conjunction + not merely customary, but honourable, and therefore, without even + pretending to think of the service of his country, he considered a cockade + as a badge of politeness, and wore it but to mark his devotion to the + ladies, whom he held himself equipped to conquer, and bound to adore. + </p> + <p> + The next who by forwardness the most officious took care to be noticed, + was Mr Morrice, a young lawyer, who, though rising in his profession, owed + his success neither to distinguished abilities, nor to skill-supplying + industry, but to the art of uniting suppleness to others with confidence + in himself. To a reverence of rank, talents, and fortune the most + profound, he joined an assurance in his own merit, which no superiority + could depress; and with a presumption which encouraged him to aim at all + things, he blended a good-humour that no mortification could lessen. And + while by the pliability of his disposition he avoided making enemies, by + his readiness to oblige, he learned the surest way of making friends by + becoming useful to them. + </p> + <p> + There were also some neighbouring squires; and there was one old + gentleman, who, without seeming to notice any of the company, sat frowning + in a corner. + </p> + <p> + But the principal figure in the circle was Mr Belfield, a tall, thin young + man, whose face was all animation, and whose eyes sparkled with + intelligence. He had been intended by his father for trade, but his + spirit, soaring above the occupation for which he was designed, from + repining led him to resist, and from resisting, to rebel. He eloped from + his friends, and contrived to enter the army. But, fond of the polite + arts, and eager for the acquirement of knowledge, he found not this way of + life much better adapted to his inclination than that from which he had + escaped; he soon grew weary of it, was reconciled to his father, and + entered at the Temple. But here, too volatile for serious study, and too + gay for laborious application, he made little progress: and the same + quickness of parts and vigour of imagination which united with prudence, + or accompanied by judgment, might have raised him to the head of his + profession, being unhappily associated with fickleness and caprice, served + only to impede his improvement, and obstruct his preferment. And now, with + little business, and that little neglected, a small fortune, and that + fortune daily becoming less, the admiration of the world, but that + admiration ending simply in civility, he lived an unsettled and + unprofitable life, generally caressed, and universally sought, yet + careless of his interest and thoughtless of the future; devoting his time + to company, his income to dissipation, and his heart to the Muses. + </p> + <p> + “I bring you,” said Mr Monckton, as he attended Cecilia into the room, “a + subject of sorrow in a young lady who never gave disturbance to her + friends but in quitting them.” + </p> + <p> + “If sorrow,” cried Mr Belfield, darting upon her his piercing eyes, “wears + in your part of the world a form such as this, who would wish to change it + for a view of joy?” + </p> + <p> + “She's divinely handsome, indeed!” cried the Captain, affecting an + involuntary exclamation. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Cecilia, who was placed next to the lady of the house, quietly + began her breakfast; Mr Morrice, the young lawyer, with the most easy + freedom, seating himself at her side, while Mr Monckton was elsewhere + arranging the rest of his guests, in order to secure that place for + himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr Morrice, without ceremony, attacked his fair neighbour; he talked of + her journey, and the prospects of gaiety which it opened to her view; but + by these finding her unmoved, he changed his theme, and expatiated upon + the delights of the spot she was quitting. Studious to recommend himself + to her notice, and indifferent by what means, one moment he flippantly + extolled the entertainments of the town; and the next, rapturously + described the charms of the country. A word, a look sufficed to mark her + approbation or dissent, which he no sooner discovered, than he slided into + her opinion, with as much facility and satisfaction as if it had + originally been his own. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, suppressing his chagrin, waited some time in expectation that + when this young man saw he was standing, he would yield to him his chair: + but the remark was not made, and the resignation was not thought of. The + Captain, too, regarding the lady as his natural property for the morning, + perceived with indignation by whom he was supplanted; while the company in + general, saw with much surprize, the place they had severally foreborne to + occupy from respect to their host, thus familiarly seized upon by the man + who, in the whole room, had the least claim, either from age or rank, to + consult nothing but his own inclination. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, however, when he found that delicacy and good manners had no + weight with his guest, thought it most expedient to allow them none with + himself; and therefore, disguising his displeasure under an appearance of + facetiousness, he called out, “Come, Morrice, you that love Christmas + sports, what say you to the game of move-all?” + </p> + <p> + “I like it of all things!” answered Morrice, and starting from his chair, + he skipped to another. + </p> + <p> + “So should I too,” cried Mr Monckton, instantly taking his place, “were I + to remove from any seat but this.” + </p> + <p> + Morrice, though he felt himself outwitted, was the first to laugh, and + seemed as happy in the change as Mr Monckton himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton now, addressing himself to Cecilia, said, “We are going to + lose you, and you seem concerned at leaving us; yet, in a very few months + you will forget Bury, forget its inhabitants, and forget its environs.” + </p> + <p> + “If you think so,” answered Cecilia, “must I not thence infer that Bury, + its inhabitants, and its environs, will in a very few months forget me?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, and so much the better!” said Lady Margaret, muttering between + her teeth, “so much the better!” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry you think so, madam,” cried Cecilia, colouring at her + ill-breeding. + </p> + <p> + “You will find,” said Mr Monckton, affecting the same ignorance of her + meaning that Cecilia really felt, “as you mix with the world, you will + find that Lady Margaret has but expressed what by almost every body is + thought: to neglect old friends, and to court new acquaintance, though + perhaps not yet avowedly delivered as a precept from parents to children, + is nevertheless so universally recommended by example, that those who act + differently, incur general censure for affecting singularity.” + </p> + <p> + “It is happy then, for me,” answered Cecilia, “that neither my actions nor + myself will be sufficiently known to attract public observation.” + </p> + <p> + “You intend, then, madam,” said Mr Belfield, “in defiance of these maxims + of the world, to be guided by the light of your own understanding.” + </p> + <p> + “And such,” returned Mr Monckton, “at first setting out in life, is the + intention of every one. The closet reasoner is always refined in his + sentiments, and always confident in his virtue; but when he mixes with the + world, when he thinks less and acts more, he soon finds the necessity of + accommodating himself to such customs as are already received, and of + pursuing quietly the track that is already marked out.” + </p> + <p> + “But not,” exclaimed Mr Belfield, “if he has the least grain of spirit! + the beaten track will be the last that a man of parts will deign to tread, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + For common rules were ne'er designed + Directors of a noble mind.” + </pre> + <p> + “A pernicious maxim! a most pernicious maxim!” cried the old gentleman, + who sat frowning in a corner of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Deviations from common rules,” said Mr Monckton, without taking any + notice of this interruption, “when they proceed from genius, are not + merely pardonable, but admirable; and you, Belfield, have a peculiar right + to plead their merits; but so little genius as there is in the world, you + must surely grant that pleas of this sort are very rarely to be urged.” + </p> + <p> + “And why rarely,” cried Belfield, “but because your general rules, your + appropriated customs, your settled forms, are but so many absurd + arrangements to impede not merely the progress of genius, but the use of + understanding? If man dared act for himself, if neither worldly views, + contracted prejudices, eternal precepts, nor compulsive examples, swayed + his better reason and impelled his conduct, how noble indeed would he be! + <i>how infinite in faculties! in apprehension how like a God!</i>” + {Footnote: Hamlet.} + </p> + <p> + “All this,” answered Mr Monckton, “is but the doctrine of a lively + imagination, that looks upon impossibilities simply as difficulties, and + upon difficulties as mere invitations to victory. But experience teaches + another lesson; experience shows that the opposition of an individual to a + community is always dangerous in the operation, and seldom successful in + the event;—never, indeed, without a concurrence strange as + desirable, of fortunate circumstances with great abilities.” + </p> + <p> + “And why is this,” returned Belfield, “but because the attempt is so + seldom made? The pitiful prevalence of general conformity extirpates + genius, and murders originality; the man is brought up, not as if he were + 'the noblest work of God,' but as a mere ductile machine of human + formation: he is early taught that he must neither consult his + understanding, nor pursue his inclinations, lest, unhappily for his + commerce with the world, his understanding should be averse to fools, and + provoke him to despise them; and his inclinations to the tyranny of + perpetual restraint, and give him courage to abjure it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready enough to allow,” answered Mr Monckton, “that an eccentric + genius, such, for example, as yours, may murmur at the tediousness of + complying with the customs of the world, and wish, unconfined, and at + large, to range through life without any settled plan or prudential + restriction; but would you, therefore, grant the same licence to every + one? would you wish to see the world peopled with defiers of order, and + contemners of established forms? and not merely excuse the irregularities + resulting from uncommon parts, but encourage those, also, to lead, who + without blundering cannot even follow?” + </p> + <p> + “I would have <i>all</i> men,” replied Belfield, “whether philosophers or + ideots, act for themselves. Every one would then appear what he is; + enterprize would be encouraged, and imitation abolished; genius would feel + its superiority, and folly its insignificance; and then, and then only, + should we cease to be surfeited with that eternal sameness of manner and + appearance which at present runs through all ranks of men.” + </p> + <p> + “Petrifying dull work this, <i>mon ami!</i>” said the Captain, in a + whisper to Morrice, “<i>de grace</i>, start some new game.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” answered he; and then, suddenly jumping up, + exclaimed, “A hare! a hare!” + </p> + <p> + “Where?—where?—which way?” and all the gentlemen arose, and + ran to different windows, except the master of the house, the object of + whose pursuit was already near him. + </p> + <p> + Morrice, with much pretended earnestness, flew from window to window, to + trace footsteps upon the turf which he knew had not printed it: yet, never + inattentive to his own interest, when he perceived in the midst of the + combustion he had raised, that Lady Margaret was incensed at the noise it + produced, he artfully gave over his search, and seating himself in a chair + next to her, eagerly offered to assist her with cakes, chocolate, or + whatever the table afforded. + </p> + <p> + He had, however, effectually broken up the conversation; and breakfast + being over, Mr Harrel ordered his chaise, and Cecilia arose to take leave. + </p> + <p> + And now not without some difficulty could Mr Monckton disguise the uneasy + fears which her departure occasioned him. Taking her hand, “I suppose,” he + said, “you will not permit an old friend to visit you in town, lest the + sight of him should prove a disagreeable memorial of the time you will + soon regret having wasted in the country?” + </p> + <p> + “Why will you say this, Mr Monckton?” cried Cecilia; “I am sure you cannot + think it.” + </p> + <p> + “These profound studiers of mankind, madam,” said Belfield, “are mighty + sorry champions for constancy or friendship. They wage war with all + expectations but of depravity, and grant no quarter even to the purest + designs, where they think there will be any temptation to deviate from + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Temptation,” said Mr Monckton, “is very easy of resistance in theory; but + if you reflect upon the great change of situation Miss Beverley will + experience, upon the new scenes she will see, the new acquaintance she + must make, and the new connections she may form, you will not wonder at + the anxiety of a friend for her welfare.” + </p> + <p> + “But I presume,” cried Belfield, with a laugh, “Miss Beverley does not + mean to convey her person to town, and leave her understanding locked up, + with other natural curiosities, in the country? Why, therefore, may not + the same discernment regulate her adoption of new acquaintance, and choice + of new connections, that guided her selection of old ones? Do you suppose + that because she is to take leave of you, she is to take leave of + herself?” + </p> + <p> + “Where fortune smiles upon youth and beauty,” answered Mr Monckton, “do + you think it nothing that their fair possessor should make a sudden + transition of situation from the quietness of a retired life in the + country, to the gaiety of a splendid town residence?” + </p> + <p> + “Where fortune <i>frowns</i> upon youth and beauty,” returned Belfield, + “they may not irrationally excite commiseration; but where nature and + chance unite their forces to bless the same object, what room there may be + for alarm or lamentation I confess I cannot divine.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried Mr Monckton, with some emotion, “are there not sharpers, + fortune-hunters, sycophants, wretches of all sorts and denominations, who + watch the approach of the rich and unwary, feed upon their inexperience, + and prey upon their property?” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” cried Mr Harrel, “it is time I should hasten my fair ward + away, if this is your method of describing the place she is going to live + in.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” cried the Captain, advancing to Cecilia, “that this lady + has never yet tried the town?” and then, lowering his voice, and smiling + languishingly in her face, he added, “Can anything so divinely handsome + have been immured in the country? Ah! <i>quelle honte!</i> do you make it + a principle to be so cruel?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, thinking such a compliment merited not any other notice than a + slight bow, turned to Lady Margaret, and said, “Should your ladyship be in + town this winter, may I expect the honour of hearing where I may wait upon + you?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether I shall go or not,” answered the old lady, with her + usual ungraciousness. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia would now have hastened away, but Mr Monckton, stopping her, again + expressed his fears of the consequences of her journey; “Be upon your + guard,” he cried, “with all new acquaintance; judge nobody from + appearances; form no friendship rashly; take time to look about you, and + remember you can make no alteration in your way of life, without greater + probability of faring worse, than chance of faring better. Keep therefore + as you are, and the more you see of others, the more you will rejoice that + you neither resemble nor are connected with them.” + </p> + <p> + “This from you, Mr Monckton!” cried Belfield, “what is become of your + conformity system? I thought all the world was to be alike, or only so + much the worse for any variation?” + </p> + <p> + “I spoke,” said Mr Monckton, “of the world in general, not of this lady in + particular; and who that knows, who that sees her, would not wish it were + possible she might continue in every respect exactly and unalterably what + she is at present?” + </p> + <p> + “I find,” said Cecilia, “you are determined that flattery at least, should + I meet with it, shall owe no pernicious effects to its novelty.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Miss Beverley,” cried Mr Harrel, “will you now venture to accompany + me to town? Or has Mr Monckton frightened you from proceeding any + farther?” + </p> + <p> + “If,” replied Cecilia, “I felt no more sorrow in quitting my friends, than + I feel terror in venturing to London, with how light a heart should I make + the journey!” + </p> + <p> + “Brava!” cried Belfield, “I am happy to find the discourse of Mr Monckton + has not intimidated you, nor prevailed upon you to deplore your condition + in having the accumulated misery of being young, fair and affluent.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! poor thing!” exclaimed the old gentleman who sat in the corner, + fixing his eyes upon Cecilia with an expression of mingled grief and pity. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia started, but no one else paid him any attention. + </p> + <p> + The usual ceremonies of leave-taking now followed, and the Captain, with + most obsequious reverence, advanced to conduct Cecilia to the carriage; + but in the midst of the dumb eloquence of his bows and smiles, Mr Morrice, + affecting not to perceive his design, skipped gaily between them, and, + without any previous formality, seized the hand of Cecilia himself; + failing not, however, to temper the freedom of his action by a look of + respect the most profound. + </p> + <p> + The Captain shrugged and retired. But Mr Monckton, enraged at his + assurance, and determined it should nothing avail him, exclaimed, “Why how + now, Morrice, do you take away the privilege of my house?” + </p> + <p> + “True, true;” answered Morrice, “you members of parliament have an + undoubted right to be tenacious of your privileges.” Then, bowing with a + look of veneration to Cecilia, he resigned her hand with an air of as much + happiness as he had taken it. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, in leading her to the chaise, again begged permission to wait + upon her in town: Mr Harrel took the hint, and entreated him to consider + his house as his own; and Cecilia, gratefully thanking him for his + solicitude in her welfare, added, “And I hope, sir, you will honour me + with your counsel and admonitions with respect to my future conduct, + whenever you have the goodness to let me see you.” + </p> + <p> + This was precisely his wish. He begged, in return, that she would treat + him with confidence, and then suffered the chaise to drive off. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iii. — AN ARRIVAL. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as they lost sight of the house, Cecilia expressed her surprise at + the behaviour of the old gentleman who sat in the corner, whose general + silence, seclusion from the company, and absence of mind, had strongly + excited her curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel could give her very little satisfaction: he told her that he had + twice or thrice met him in public places, where everybody remarked the + singularity of his manners and appearance, but that he had never + discoursed with anyone to whom he seemed known; and that he was as much + surprised as herself in seeing so strange a character at the house of Mr + Monckton. + </p> + <p> + The conversation then turned upon the family they had just quitted, and + Cecilia warmly declared the good opinion she had of Mr Monckton, the + obligations she owed to him for the interest which, from her childhood, he + had always taken in her affairs; and her hopes of reaping much instruction + from the friendship of a man who had so extensive a knowledge of the + world. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel professed himself well satisfied that she should have such a + counsellor; for though but little acquainted with him, he knew he was a + man of fortune and fashion, and well esteemed in the world. They mutually + compassionated his unhappy situation in domestic life, and Cecilia + innocently expressed her concern at the dislike Lady Margaret seemed to + have taken to her; a dislike which Mr Harrel naturally enough imputed to + her youth and beauty, yet without suspecting any cause more cogent than a + general jealousy of attractions of which she had herself so long outlived + the possession. + </p> + <p> + As their journey drew near to its conclusion, all the uneasy and + disagreeable sensations which in the bosom of Cecilia had accompanied its + commencement, gave way to the expectation of quick approaching happiness + in again meeting her favourite young friend. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel had in childhood been her playmate, and in youth her + school-fellow; a similarity of disposition with respect to sweetness of + temper, had early rendered them dear to each other, though the resemblance + extended no farther, Mrs Harrel having no pretensions to the wit or + understanding of her friend; but she was amiable and obliging, and + therefore sufficiently deserving affection, though neither blazing with + attractions which laid claim to admiration, nor endowed with those + superior qualities which mingle respect in the love they inspire. + </p> + <p> + From the time of her marriage, which was near three years, she had + entirely quitted Suffolk, and had had no intercourse with Cecilia but by + letter. She was now just returned from Violet Bank, the name given by Mr + Harrel to a villa about twelve miles from London, where with a large party + of company she had spent the Christmas holidays. + </p> + <p> + Their meeting was tender and affectionate; the sensibility of Cecilia's + heart flowed from her eyes, and the gladness of Mrs Harrel's dimpled her + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + As soon as their mutual salutations, expressions of kindness, and general + inquiries had been made, Mrs Harrel begged to lead her to the + drawing-room, “where,” she added, “you will see some of my friends, who + are impatient to be presented to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I could have wished,” said Cecilia, “after so long an absence, to have + passed this first evening alone with you.” + </p> + <p> + “They are all people who particularly desired to see you,” she answered, + “and I had them by way of entertaining you, as I was afraid you would be + out of spirits at leaving Bury.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, finding the kindness of her intentions, forbore any further + expostulation, and quietly followed her to the drawing-room. But as the + door was opened, she was struck with amazement upon finding that the + apartment, which was spacious, lighted with brilliancy, and decorated with + magnificence, was more than half filled with company, every one of which + was dressed with gaiety and profusion. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who from the word friends, expected to have seen a small and + private party, selected for the purpose of social converse, started + involuntarily at the sight before her, and had hardly courage to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, however, took her hand and introduced her to the whole + company, who were all severally named to her; a ceremonial which though + not merely agreeable but even necessary to those who live in the gay + world, in order to obviate distressing mistakes, or unfortunate + implications in discourse, would by Cecilia have been willingly dispensed + with, since to her their names were as new as their persons, and since + knowing nothing of their histories, parties or connections, she could to + nothing allude: it therefore served but to heighten her colour and + increase her embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + A native dignity of mind, however, which had early taught her to + distinguish modesty from bashfulness, enabled her in a short time to + conquer her surprise, and recover her composure. She entreated Mrs Harrel + to apologise for her appearance, and being seated between two young + ladies, endeavoured to seem reconciled to it herself. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this very difficult; for while her dress, which she had not + changed since her journey, joined to the novelty of her face, attracted + general observation, the report of her fortune, which had preceded her + entrance, secured to her general respect. She soon found, too, that a + company was not necessarily formidable because full dressed, that + familiarity could be united with magnificence, and that though to her, + every one seemed attired to walk in a procession, or to grace a + drawing-room, no formality was assumed, and no solemnity was affected: + every one was without restraint, even rank obtained but little + distinction; ease was the general plan, and entertainment the general + pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though new to London, which city the ill-health of her uncle had + hitherto prevented her seeing, was yet no stranger to company; she had + passed her time in retirement, but not in obscurity, since for some years + past she had presided at the table of the Dean, who was visited by the + first people of the county in which he lived: and notwithstanding his + parties, which were frequent though small, and elegant though private, had + not prepared her for the splendour or the diversity of a London assembly, + they yet, by initiating her in the practical rules of good breeding, had + taught her to subdue the timid fears of total inexperience, and to repress + the bashful feelings of shamefaced awkwardness; fears and feelings which + rather call for compassion than admiration, and which, except in extreme + youth, serve but to degrade the modesty they indicate. + </p> + <p> + She regarded, therefore, the two young ladies between whom she was seated, + rather with a wish of addressing, than a shyness of being attacked by + them; but the elder, Miss Larolles, was earnestly engaged in discourse + with a gentleman, and the younger, Miss Leeson, totally discouraged her, + by the invariable silence and gravity with which from time to time she met + her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Uninterrupted, therefore, except by occasional speeches from Mr and Mrs + Harrel, she spent the first part of the evening merely in surveying the + company. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the company dilatory in returning her notice, since from the time + of her entrance into the room, she had been the object of general regard. + </p> + <p> + The ladies took an exact inventory of her dress, and internally settled + how differently they would have been attired if blessed with equal + affluence. + </p> + <p> + The men disputed among themselves whether or not she was painted; and one + of them asserting boldly that she rouged well, a debate ensued, which + ended in a bet, and the decision was mutually agreed to depend upon the + colour of her cheeks by the beginning of April, when, if unfaded by bad + hours and continual dissipation, they wore the same bright bloom with + which they were now glowing, her champion acknowledged that his wager + would be lost. + </p> + <p> + In about half an hour the gentleman with whom Miss Larolles had been + talking, left the room, and then that young lady, turning suddenly to + Cecilia, exclaimed, “How odd Mr Meadows is! Do you know, he says he shan't + be well enough to go to Lady Nyland's assembly! How ridiculous! as if that + could hurt him.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, surprised at an attack so little ceremonious, lent her a civil, + but silent attention. + </p> + <p> + “You shall be there, shan't you?” she added. + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am, I have not the honour of being at all known to her ladyship.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there's nothing in that,” returned she, “for Mrs Harrel can acquaint + her you are here, and then, you know, she'll send you a ticket, and then + you can go.” + </p> + <p> + “A ticket?” repeated Cecilia, “does Lady Nyland only admit her company + with tickets?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, lord!” cried Miss Larolles, laughing immoderately, “don't you know + what I mean? Why, a ticket is only a visiting card, with a name upon it; + but we all call them tickets now.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia thanked her for the information, and then Miss Larolles enquired + how many miles she had travelled since morning? + </p> + <p> + “Seventy-three,” answered Cecilia, “which I hope will plead my apology for + being so little dressed.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you're vastly well,” returned the other, “and for my part, I never + think about dress. But only conceive what happened to me last year! Do you + know I came to town the twentieth of March! was not that horrid + provoking?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so,” said Cecilia, “but I am sure I cannot tell why.” + </p> + <p> + “Not tell why?” repeated Miss Larolles, “why, don't you know it was the + very night of the grand private masquerade at Lord Darien's? I would not + have missed it for the whole universe. I never travelled in such an agony + in my life: we did not get to town till monstrous late, and then do you + know I had neither a ticket nor a habit! Only conceive what a distress! + well, I sent to every creature I knew for a ticket, but they all said + there was not one to be had; so I was just like a mad creature—but + about ten or eleven o'clock, a young lady of my particular acquaintance, + by the greatest good luck in the world happened to be taken suddenly ill; + so she sent me her ticket,—was not that delightful?” + </p> + <p> + “For <i>her</i>, extremely!” said Cecilia, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she continued, “then I was almost out of my wits with joy; and I + went about, and got one of the sweetest dresses you ever saw. If you'll + call upon me some morning, I'll shew it you.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, not prepared for an invitation so abrupt, bowed without speaking, + and Miss Larolles, too happy in talking herself to be offended at the + silence of another, continued her narration. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but now comes the vilest part of the business; do you know, when + everything else was ready, I could not get my hair-dresser! I sent all + over the town,—he was nowhere to be found; I thought I should have + died with vexation; I assure you I cried so that if I had not gone in a + mask, I should have been ashamed to be seen. And so, after all this + monstrous fatigue, I was forced to have my hair dressed by my own maid, + quite in a common way; was not it cruelly mortifying?” + </p> + <p> + “Why yes,” answered Cecilia, “I should think it was almost sufficient to + make you regret the illness of the young lady who sent you her ticket.” + </p> + <p> + They were now interrupted by Mrs Harrel, who advanced to them followed by + a young man of a serious aspect and modest demeanour, and said, “I am + happy to see you both so well engaged; but my brother has been reproaching + me with presenting everybody to Miss Beverley but himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot hope,” said Mr Arnott, “that I have any place in the + recollection of Miss Beverley, but long as I have been absent from + Suffolk, and unfortunate as I was in not seeing her during my last visit + there, I am yet sure, even at this distance of time, grown and formed as + she is, I should instantly have known her.” + </p> + <p> + “Amazing!” cried an elderly gentleman, in a tone of irony, who was + standing near them, “for the face is a very common one!” + </p> + <p> + “I remember well,” said Cecilia, “that when you left Suffolk I thought I + had lost my best friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that possible?” cried Mr Arnott, with a look of much delight. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed, and not without reason, for in all disputes you were my + advocate; in all plays, my companion; and in all difficulties, my + assistant.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” cried the same gentleman, “if you liked him because he was your + advocate, companion, and assistant, pray like me too, for I am ready to + become all three at once.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good,” said Cecilia, laughing, “but at present I find no + want of any defender.” + </p> + <p> + “That's pity,” he returned, “for Mr Arnott seems to me very willing to act + the same parts over again with you.” + </p> + <p> + “But for that purpose he must return to the days of his childhood.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, would to heaven it were possible!” cried Mr Arnott, “for they were + the happiest of my life.” + </p> + <p> + “After such a confession,” said his companion, “surely you will let him + attempt to renew them? 'tis but taking a walk backwards; and though it is + very early in life for Mr Arnott to sigh for that retrograde motion, + which, in the regular course of things, we shall all in our turns desire, + yet with such a motive as recovering Miss Beverley for a playfellow, who + can wonder that he anticipates in youth the hopeless wishes of age?” + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Larolles, who was one of that numerous tribe of young ladies to + whom all conversation is irksome in which they are not themselves engaged, + quitted her place, of which Mr Gosport, Cecilia's new acquaintance, + immediately took possession. + </p> + <p> + “Is it utterly impossible,” continued this gentleman, “that I should + assist in procuring Mr Arnott such a renovation? Is there no subaltern + part I can perform to facilitate the project? for I will either <i>hide</i> + or <i>seek</i> with any boy in the parish; and for a <i>Q in the corner</i>, + there is none more celebrated.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt, sir,” answered Cecilia, “of your accomplishments; and I + should be not a little entertained with the surprize of the company if you + could persuade yourself to display them.” + </p> + <p> + “And what,” cried he, “could the company do half so well as to rise also, + and join in the sport? it would but interrupt some tale of scandal, or + some description of a <i>toupee</i>. Active wit, however despicable when + compared with intellectual, is yet surely better than the insignificant + click-clack of modish conversation,” casting his eyes towards Miss + Larolles, “or even the pensive dullness of affected silence,” changing + their direction towards Miss Leeson. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though surprised at an attack upon the society her friend had + selected, by one who was admitted to make a part of it, felt its justice + too strongly to be offended at its severity. + </p> + <p> + “I have often wished,” he continued, “that when large parties are + collected, as here, without any possible reason why they might not as well + be separated, something could be proposed in which each person might + innocently take a share: for surely after the first half-hour, they can + find little new to observe in the dress of their neighbours, or to display + in their own; and with whatever seeming gaiety they may contrive to fill + up the middle and end of the evening, by wire-drawing the comments + afforded by the beginning, they are yet so miserably fatigued, that if + they have not four or five places to run to every night, they suffer + nearly as much from weariness of their friends in company, as they would + do from weariness of themselves in solitude.” + </p> + <p> + Here, by the general breaking up of the party, the conversation was + interrupted, and Mr Gosport was obliged to make his exit; not much to the + regret of Cecilia, who was impatient to be alone with Mrs Harrel. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the evening, therefore, was spent much more to her + satisfaction; it was devoted to friendship, to mutual enquiries, to kind + congratulations, and endearing recollections; and though it was late when + she retired, she retired with reluctance. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iv. — A SKETCH OF HIGH LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + Eager to renew a conversation which had afforded her so much pleasure, + Cecilia, neither sensible of fatigue from her change of hours nor her + journey, arose with the light, and as soon as she was dressed, hastened to + the breakfast apartment. + </p> + <p> + She had not, however, been more impatient to enter than she soon became to + quit it; for though not much surprized to find herself there before her + friend, her ardour for waiting her arrival was somewhat chilled, upon + finding the fire but just lighted, the room cold, and the servants still + employed in putting it in order. + </p> + <p> + At 10 o'clock she made another attempt: the room was then better prepared + for her reception, but still it was empty. Again she was retiring, when + the appearance of Mr Arnott stopped her. + </p> + <p> + He expressed his surprize at her early rising, in a manner that marked the + pleasure it gave to him; and then, returning to the conversation of the + preceding evening, he expatiated with warmth and feeling upon the + happiness of his boyish days, remembered every circumstance belonging to + the plays in which they had formerly been companions, and dwelt upon every + incident with a minuteness of delight that shewed his unwillingness ever + to have done with the subject. + </p> + <p> + This discourse detained her till they were joined by Mrs Harrel, and then + another, more gay and more general succeeded to it. + </p> + <p> + During their breakfast, Miss Larolles was announced as a visitor to + Cecilia, to whom she immediately advanced with the intimacy of an old + acquaintance, taking her hand, and assuring her she could no longer defer + the honour of waiting upon her. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, much amazed at this warmth of civility from one to whom she was + almost a stranger, received her compliment rather coldly; but Miss + Larolles, without consulting her looks, or attending to her manner, + proceeded to express the earnest desire she had long had to be known to + her; to hope they should meet very often; to declare nothing could make + her so happy; and to beg leave to recommend to her notice her own + milliner. + </p> + <p> + “I assure you,” she continued, “she has all Paris in her disposal; the + sweetest caps! the most beautiful trimmings! and her ribbons are quite + divine! It is the most dangerous thing you can conceive to go near her; I + never trust myself in her room but I am sure to be ruined. If you please, + I'll take you to her this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “If her acquaintance is so ruinous,” said Cecilia, “I think I had better + avoid it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, impossible! there's no such thing as living without her. To be sure + she's shockingly dear, that I must own; but then who can wonder? She makes + such sweet things, 'tis impossible to pay her too much for them.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel now joining in the recommendation, the party was agreed upon, + and accompanied by Mr Arnott, the ladies proceeded to the house of the + milliner. + </p> + <p> + Here the raptures of Miss Larolles were again excited: she viewed the + finery displayed with delight inexpressible, enquired who were the + intended possessors, heard their names with envy, and sighed with all the + bitterness of mortification that she was unable to order home almost + everything she looked at. + </p> + <p> + Having finished their business here, they proceeded to various other dress + manufacturers, in whose praises Miss Larolles was almost equally eloquent, + and to appropriate whose goods she was almost equally earnest: and then, + after attending this loquacious young lady to her father's house, Mrs + Harrel and Cecilia returned to their own. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia rejoiced at the separation, and congratulated herself that the + rest of the day might be spent alone with her friend. + </p> + <p> + “Why, no,” said Mrs Harrel, “not absolutely alone, for I expect some + company at night.” + </p> + <p> + “Company again to-night?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, don't be frightened, for it will be a very small party; not more + than fifteen or twenty in all.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so small a party?” said Cecilia, smiling; “and how short a time + since would you, as well as I, have reckoned it a large one!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you mean when I lived in the country,” returned Mrs Harrel; “but what + in the world could I know of parties or company then?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much, indeed,” said Cecilia, “as my present ignorance shews.” + </p> + <p> + They then parted to dress for dinner. + </p> + <p> + The company of this evening were again all strangers to Cecilia, except + Miss Leeson, who was seated next to her, and whose frigid looks again + compelled her to observe the same silence she so resolutely practised + herself. Yet not the less was her internal surprise that a lady who seemed + determined neither to give nor receive any entertainment, should + repeatedly chuse to show herself in a company with no part of which she + associated. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, who contrived to occupy the seat on her other side, suffered + not the silence with which her fair neighbour had infected her to spread + any further: he talked, indeed, upon no new subject; and upon the old one, + of their former sports and amusements, he had already exhausted all that + was worth being mentioned; but not yet had he exhausted the pleasure he + received from the theme; it seemed always fresh and always enchanting to + him; it employed his thoughts, regaled his imagination, and enlivened his + discourse. Cecilia in vain tried to change it for another; he quitted it + only by compulsion, and returned to it with redoubled eagerness. + </p> + <p> + When the company was retired, and Mr Arnott only remained with the ladies, + Cecilia, with no little surprise, inquired for Mr Harrel, observing that + she had not seen him the whole day. + </p> + <p> + “O!” cried his lady, “don't think of wondering at that, for it happens + continually. He dines at home, indeed, in general, but otherwise I should + see nothing of him at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed? why, how does he fill up his time?” + </p> + <p> + “That I am sure I cannot tell, for he never consults me about it; but I + suppose much in the same way that other people do.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Priscilla!” cried Cecilia, with some earnestness, “how little did I + ever expect to see you so much a fine lady!” + </p> + <p> + “A fine lady?” repeated Mrs Harrel; “why, what is it I do? Don't I live + exactly like every body else that mixes at all with the world?” + </p> + <p> + “You, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Arnott in a low voice, “will I hope give to + the world an example, not take one from it.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after, they separated for the night. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, Cecilia took care to fill up her time more + advantageously, than in wandering about the house in search of a companion + she now expected not to find: she got together her books, arranged them to + her fancy, and secured to herself for the future occupation of her leisure + hours, the exhaustless fund of entertainment which reading, that richest, + highest, and noblest source of intellectual enjoyment, perpetually + affords. + </p> + <p> + While they were yet at breakfast, they were again visited by Miss + Larolles. “I am come,” cried she, eagerly, “to run away with you both to + my Lord Belgrade's sale. All the world will be there; and we shall go in + with tickets, and you have no notion how it will be crowded.” + </p> + <p> + “What is to be sold there?” said Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, every thing you can conceive; house, stables, china, laces, horses, + caps, everything in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you intend to buy any thing?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, no; but one likes to see the people's things.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then begged they would excuse her attendance. + </p> + <p> + “O, by no means!” cried Miss Larolles; “you must go, I assure you; + there'll be such a monstrous crowd as you never saw in your life. I dare + say we shall be half squeezed to death.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Cecilia, “is an inducement which you must not expect will + have much weight with a poor rustic just out of the country: it must + require all the polish of a long residence in the metropolis to make it + attractive.” + </p> + <p> + “O but do go, for I assure you it will be the best sale we shall have this + season. I can't imagine, Mrs Harrel, what poor Lady Belgrade will do with + herself; I hear the creditors have seized every thing; I really believe + creditors are the cruelest set of people in the world! they have taken + those beautiful buckles out of her shoes! Poor soul! I declare it will + make my heart ache to see them put up. It's quite shocking, upon my word. + I wonder who'll buy them. I assure you they were the prettiest fancied I + ever saw. But come, if we don't go directly, there will be no getting in.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia again desired to be excused accompanying them, adding that she + wished to spend the day at home. + </p> + <p> + “At home, my dear?” cried Mrs Harrel; “why we have been engaged to Mrs + Mears this month, and she begged me to prevail with you to be of the + party. I expect she'll call, or send you a ticket, every moment.” + </p> + <p> + “How unlucky for me,” said Cecilia, “that you should happen to have so + many engagements just at this time! I hope, at least, there will not be + any for to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes; to-morrow we go to Mrs Elton's.” + </p> + <p> + “Again to-morrow? and how long is this to last?” + </p> + <p> + “O, heaven knows; I'll shew you my catalogue.” + </p> + <p> + She then produced a book which contained a list of engagements for more + than three weeks. “And as these,” she said, “are struck off, new ones are + made; and so it is we go on till after the birth-day.” + </p> + <p> + When this list had been examined and commented upon by Miss Larolles, and + viewed and wondered at by Cecilia, it was restored to its place, the two + ladies went together to the auction, permitting Cecilia, at her repeated + request, to return to her own apartment. + </p> + <p> + She returned, however, neither satisfied with the behaviour of her friend, + nor pleased with her own situation: the sobriety of her education, as it + had early instilled into her mind the pure dictates of religion, and + strict principles of honour, had also taught her to regard continual + dissipation as an introduction to vice, and unbounded extravagance as the + harbinger of injustice. Long accustomed to see Mrs Harrel in the same + retirement in which she had hitherto lived herself, when books were their + first amusement, and the society of each other was their chief happiness, + the change she now perceived in her mind and manners equally concerned and + surprised her. She found her insensible to friendship, indifferent to her + husband, and negligent of all social felicity. Dress, company, parties of + pleasure, and public places, seemed not merely to occupy all her time; but + to gratify all her wishes. Cecilia, in whose heart glowed the warmest + affections and most generous virtue, was cruelly depressed and mortified + by this disappointment; yet she had the good sense to determine against + upbraiding her, well aware that if reproach has any power over + indifference, it is only that of changing it into aversion. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, in truth, was innocent of heart, though dissipated in life; + married very young, she had made an immediate transition from living in a + private family and a country town, to becoming mistress of one of the most + elegant houses in Portman-square, at the head of a splendid fortune, and + wife to a man whose own pursuits soon showed her the little value he + himself set upon domestic happiness. Immersed in the fashionable round of + company and diversions, her understanding, naturally weak, was easily + dazzled by the brilliancy of her situation; greedily, therefore, sucking + in air impregnated with luxury and extravagance, she had soon no pleasure + but to vie with some rival in elegance, and no ambition but to exceed some + superior in expence. + </p> + <p> + The Dean of——in naming Mr Harrel for one of the guardians of + his niece, had no other view than that of indulging her wishes by allowing + her to reside in the house of her friend: he had little personal knowledge + of him, but was satisfied with the nomination, because acquainted with his + family, fortune, and connections, all which persuaded him to believe + without further enquiry, that it was more peculiarly proper for his niece + than any other he could make. + </p> + <p> + In his choice of the other two trustees he had been more prudent; the + first of these, the honourable Mr Delvile, was a man of high birth and + character; the second, Mr Briggs, had spent his whole life in business, in + which he had already amassed an immense fortune, and had still no greater + pleasure than that of encreasing it. From the high honour, therefore, of + Mr Delvile, he expected the most scrupulous watchfulness that his niece + should in nothing be injured, and from the experience of Mr Briggs in + money matters, and his diligence in transacting business, he hoped for the + most vigilant observance that her fortune, while under his care, should be + turned to the best account. And thus, as far as he was able, he had + equally consulted her pleasure, her security, and her pecuniary advantage. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel returned home only in time to dress for the rest of the day. + </p> + <p> + When Cecilia was summoned to dinner, she found, besides her host and + hostess and Mr Arnott, a gentleman she had not before seen, but who as + soon as she entered the parlour, Mr Harrel presented to her, saying at the + same time he was one of the most intimate of his friends. + </p> + <p> + This gentleman, Sir Robert Floyer, was about thirty years of age; his face + was neither remarkable for its beauty nor its ugliness, but sufficiently + distinguished by its expression of invincible assurance; his person, too, + though neither striking for its grace nor its deformity, attracted notice + from the insolence of his deportment. His manners, haughty and + supercilious, marked the high opinion he cherished of his own importance; + and his air and address, at once bold and negligent, announced his happy + perfection in the character at which he aimed, that of an accomplished man + of the town. + </p> + <p> + The moment Cecilia appeared, she became the object of his attention, + though neither with the look of admiration due to her beauty, nor yet with + that of curiosity excited by her novelty, but with the scrutinizing + observation of a man on the point of making a bargain, who views with + fault-seeking eyes the property he means to cheapen. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, wholly unused to an examination so little ceremonious, shrunk + abashed from his regards: but his conversation was not less displeasing to + her than his looks; his principal subjects, which were horse-racing, + losses at play, and disputes at gaming-tables, could afford her but little + amusement, because she could not understand them; and the episodes with + which they were occasionally interspersed, consisting chiefly of + comparative strictures upon celebrated beauties, hints of impending + bankruptcies, and witticisms upon recent divorces, were yet more + disagreeable to her, because more intelligible. Wearied, therefore, with + uninteresting anecdotes, and offended with injudicious subjects of + pleasantry, she waited with impatience for the moment of retiring; but Mrs + Harrel, less eager, because better entertained, was in no haste to remove, + and therefore she was compelled to remain quiet, till they were both + obliged to arise, in order to fulfil their engagement with Mrs Mears. + </p> + <p> + As they went together to the house of that lady, in Mrs Harrel's + vis-a-vis, Cecilia, not doubting but their opinions concerning the Baronet + would accord, instantly and openly declared her disapprobation of every + thing he had uttered; but Mrs Harrel, far from confirming her + expectations, only said, “I am sorry you don't like him, for he is almost + always with us?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you like him, then, yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Extremely; he is very entertaining and clever, and knows the world.” + </p> + <p> + “How judiciously do you praise him!” cried Cecilia; “and how long might + you deliberate before you could add another word to his panegyric!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, satisfied to commend, without even attempting to vindicate + him, was soon content to change the subject; and Cecilia, though much + concerned that the husband of her friend had made so disgraceful an + election of a favourite, yet hoped that the lenity of Mrs Harrel resulted + from her desire to excuse his choice, not from her own approbation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER v. — AN ASSEMBLY. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs Mears, whose character was of that common sort which renders + delineation superfluous, received them with the customary forms of good + breeding. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel soon engaged herself at a card-table; and Cecilia, who declined + playing, was seated next to Miss Leeson, who arose to return the courtesy + she made in advancing to her, but that past, did not again even look at + her. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though fond of conversation and formed for society, was too + diffident to attempt speaking where so little encouraged; they both, + therefore, continued silent, till Sir Robert Floyer, Mr Harrel, and Mr + Arnott entered the room together, and all at the same time advanced to + Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “What,” cried Mr Harrel, “don't you chuse to play, Miss Beverley?” + </p> + <p> + “I flatter myself,” cried Mr Arnott, “that Miss Beverley never plays at + all, for then, in one thing, I shall have the honour to resemble her.” + </p> + <p> + “Very seldom, indeed,” answered Cecilia, “and consequently very ill.” + </p> + <p> + “O, you must take a few lessons,” said Mr Harrel, “Sir Robert Floyer, I am + sure, will be proud to instruct you.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert, who had placed himself opposite to her, and was staring full + in her face, made a slight inclination of his head, and said, “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be a very unpromising pupil,” returned Cecilia, “for I fear I + should not only want diligence to improve, but desire.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you will learn better things,” said Mr Harrel; “we have had you yet + but three days amongst us,—in three months we shall see the + difference.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not,” cried Mr Arnott, “I earnestly hope there will be none!” + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel now joined another party; and Mr Arnott seeing no seat vacant + near that of Cecilia, moved round to the back of her chair, where he + patiently stood for the rest of the evening. But Sir Robert still kept his + post, and still, without troubling himself to speak, kept his eyes fixed + upon the same object. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, offended by his boldness, looked a thousand ways to avoid him; + but her embarrassment, by giving greater play to her features, served only + to keep awake an attention which might otherwise have wearied. She was + almost tempted to move her chair round and face Mr Arnott, but though she + wished to shew her disapprobation of the Baronet, she had not yet been + reconciled by fashion to turning her back upon the company at large, for + the indulgence of conversing with some particular person: a fashion which + to unaccustomed observers seems rude and repulsive, but which, when once + adopted, carries with it imperceptibly its own recommendation, in the + ease, convenience and freedom it promotes. + </p> + <p> + Thus disagreeably stationed, she found but little assistance from the + neighbourhood of Mr Arnott, since even his own desire of conversing with + her, was swallowed up by an anxious and involuntary impulse to watch the + looks and motions of Sir Robert. + </p> + <p> + At length, quite tired of sitting as if merely an object to be gazed at, + she determined to attempt entering into conversation with Miss Leeson. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty, however, was not inconsiderable how to make the attack; + she was unacquainted with her friends and connections, uninformed of her + way of thinking, or her way of life, ignorant even of the sound of her + voice, and chilled by the coldness of her aspect: yet, having no other + alternative, she was more willing to encounter the forbidding looks of + this lady, than to continue silently abashed under the scrutinizing eyes + of Sir Robert. + </p> + <p> + After much deliberation with what subject to begin, she remembered that + Miss Larolles had been present the first time they had met, and thought it + probable they might be acquainted with each other; and therefore, bending + forward, she ventured to enquire if she had lately seen that young lady? + </p> + <p> + Miss Leeson, in a voice alike inexpressive of satisfaction or displeasure, + quietly answered, “No, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, discouraged by this conciseness, was a few minutes silent; but + the perseverance of Sir Robert in staring at her, exciting her own in + trying to avoid his eyes, she exerted herself so far as to add, “Does Mrs + Mears expect Miss Larolles here this evening?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Leeson, without raising her head, gravely replied, “I don't know, + ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + All was now to be done over again, and a new subject to be started, for + she could suggest nothing further to ask concerning Miss Larolles. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia had seen, little of life, but that little she had well marked, and + her observation had taught her, that among fashionable people, public + places seemed a never-failing source of conversation and entertainment: + upon this topic, therefore, she hoped for better success; and as to those + who have spent more time in the country than in London, no place of + amusement is so interesting as a theatre, she opened the subject she had + so happily suggested, by an enquiry whether any new play had lately come + out? + </p> + <p> + Miss Leeson, with the same dryness, only answered, “Indeed, I can't tell.” + </p> + <p> + Another pause now followed, and the spirits of Cecilia were considerably + dampt; but happening accidentally to recollect the name of Almack, she + presently revived, and, congratulating herself that she should now be able + to speak of a place too fashionable for disdain, she asked her, in a + manner somewhat more assured, if she was a subscriber to his assemblies? + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you go to them constantly?” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + Again they were both silent. And now, tired of finding the ill-success of + each particular enquiry, she thought a more general one might obtain an + answer less laconic, and therefore begged she would inform her what was + the most fashionable place of diversion for the present season? + </p> + <p> + This question, however, cost Miss Leeson no more trouble than any which + had preceded it, for she only replied, “Indeed I don't know.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia now began to sicken of her attempt, and for some minutes to give + it up as hopeless; but afterwards when she reflected how frivolous were + the questions she had asked, she felt more inclined to pardon the answers + she had received, and in a short time to fancy she had mistaken contempt + for stupidity, and to grow less angry with Miss Leeson than ashamed of + herself. + </p> + <p> + This supposition excited her to make yet another trial of her talents for + conversation, and therefore, summoning all the courage in her power, she + modestly apologised for the liberty she was taking, and then begged her + permission to enquire whether there was anything new in the literary way + that she thought worth recommending? + </p> + <p> + Miss Leeson now turned her eyes towards her, with a look that implied a + doubt whether she had heard right; and when the attentive attitude of + Cecilia confirmed her question, surprise for a few instants took place of + insensibility, and with rather more spirit than she had yet shown, she + answered, “Indeed, I know nothing of the matter.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was now utterly disconcerted; and half angry with herself, and + wholly provoked with her sullen neighbour, she resolved to let nothing in + future provoke her to a similar trial with so unpromising a subject. + </p> + <p> + She had not, however, much longer to endure the examination of Sir Robert, + who being pretty well satisfied with staring, turned upon his heel, and + was striding out of the room, when he was stopt by Mr Gosport, who for + some time had been watching him. + </p> + <p> + Mr Gosport was a man of good parts, and keen satire: minute in his + observations, and ironical in his expressions. + </p> + <p> + “So you don't play, Sir Robert?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “What, here? No, I am going to Brookes's.” + </p> + <p> + “But how do you like Harrel's ward? You have taken a pretty good survey of + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, faith, I don't know; but not much, I think; she's a devilish fine + woman, too; but she has no spirit, no life.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you try her? Have you talked to her?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, truly!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then how do you mean to judge of her?” + </p> + <p> + “O, faith, that's all over, now; one never thinks of talking to the women + by way of trying them.” + </p> + <p> + “What other method, then, have you adopted?” + </p> + <p> + “None.” + </p> + <p> + “None? Why, then, how do you go on?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, they talk to us. The women take all that trouble upon themselves + now.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray how long may you have commenced <i>fade macaroni?</i> For this + is a part of your character with which I was not acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hang it, 'tis not from <i>ton</i>; no, it's merely from laziness. Who + the d—-l will fatigue himself with dancing attendance upon the + women, when keeping them at a distance makes them dance attendance upon + us?” + </p> + <p> + Then stalking from him to Mr Harrel, he took him by the arm, and they left + the room together. + </p> + <p> + Mr Gosport now advanced to Cecilia, and addressing her so as not to be + heard by Miss Leeson, said, “I have been wishing to approach you, some + time, but the fear that you are already overpowered by the loquacity of + your fair neighbour makes me cautious of attempting to engage you.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean,” said Cecilia, “to laugh at <i>my</i> loquacity, and indeed its + ill success has rendered it sufficiently ridiculous.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you, then, yet to learn,” cried he, “that there are certain young + ladies who make it a rule never to speak but to their own cronies? Of this + class is Miss Leeson, and till you get into her particular coterie, you + must never expect to hear from her a word of two syllables. The TON + misses, as they are called, who now infest the town, are in two divisions, + the SUPERCILIOUS, and the VOLUBLE. The SUPERCILIOUS, like Miss Leeson, are + silent, scornful, languid, and affected, and disdain all converse but with + those of their own set: the VOLUBLE, like Miss Larolles, are flirting, + communicative, restless, and familiar, and attack without the smallest + ceremony, every one they think worthy their notice. But this they have in + common, that at home they think of nothing but dress, abroad, of nothing + but admiration, and that every where they hold in supreme contempt all but + themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably, then,” said Cecilia, “I have passed tonight, for one of the + VOLUBLES; however, all the advantage has been with the SUPERCILIOUS, for I + have suffered a total repulse.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure, however, you have not talked too well for her?” + </p> + <p> + “O, a child of five years old ought to have been whipt for not talking + better!” + </p> + <p> + “But it is not capacity alone you are to consult when you talk with misses + of the TON; were their understandings only to be considered, they would + indeed be wonderfully easy of access! in order, therefore, to render their + commerce somewhat difficult, they will only be pleased by an observance of + their humours: which are ever most various and most exuberant where the + intellects are weakest and least cultivated. I have, however, a receipt + which I have found infallible for engaging the attention of young ladies + of whatsoever character or denomination.” + </p> + <p> + “O, then,” cried Cecilia, “pray favour me with it, for I have here an + admirable opportunity to try its efficacy.” + </p> + <p> + “I will give it you,” he answered, “with full directions. When you meet + with a young lady who seems resolutely determined not to speak, or who, if + compelled by a direct question to make some answer, drily gives a brief + affirmative, or coldly a laconic negative—-” + </p> + <p> + “A case in point,” interrupted Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “Well, thus circumstanced,” he continued, “the remedy I have to propose + consists of three topics of discourse.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray what are they?” + </p> + <p> + “Dress, public places, and love.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, half surprised and half diverted, waited a fuller explanation + without giving any interruption. + </p> + <p> + “These three topics,” he continued, “are to answer three purposes, since + there are no less than three causes from which the silence of young ladies + may proceed: sorrow, affectation, and stupidity.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you, then,” cried Cecilia, “give nothing at all to modesty?” + </p> + <p> + “I give much to it,” he answered, “as an excuse, nay almost as an + equivalent for wit; but for that sullen silence which resists all + encouragement, modesty is a mere pretence, not a cause.” + </p> + <p> + “You must, however, be somewhat more explicit, if you mean that I should + benefit from your instructions.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” he answered, “I will briefly enumerate the three causes, + with directions for the three methods of cure. To begin with sorrow. The + taciturnity which really results from that is attended with an incurable + absence of mind, and a total unconsciousness of the observation which it + excites; upon this occasion, public places may sometimes be tried in vain, + and even dress may fail; but love—” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure, then,” said Cecilia, with a laugh, “that sorrow has but + that one source?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” answered he, “for perhaps papa may have been angry, or mama + may have been cross; a milliner may have sent a wrong pompoon, or a + chaperon to an assembly may have been taken ill—” + </p> + <p> + “Bitter subjects of affliction, indeed! And are these all you allow us?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I speak but of young ladies of fashion, and what of greater + importance can befall them? If, therefore, the grief of the fair patient + proceeds from papa, mama, or the chaperon, then the mention of public + places, those endless incentives of displeasure between the old and the + young, will draw forth her complaints, and her complaints will bring their + own cure, for those who lament find speedy consolation: if the milliner + has occasioned the calamity, the discussion of dress will have the same + effect; should both these medicines fail, love, as I said before, will be + found infallible, for you will then have investigated every subject of + uneasiness which a youthful female in high life can experience.” + </p> + <p> + “They are greatly obliged to you,” cried Cecilia, bowing, “for granting + them motives of sorrow so honourable, and I thank you in the name of the + whole sex.” + </p> + <p> + “You, madam,” said he, returning her bow, “are I hope an exception in the + happiest way, that of having no sorrow at all. I come, now, to the silence + of affectation, which is presently discernible by the roving of the eye + round the room to see if it is heeded, by the sedulous care to avoid an + accidental smile, and by the variety of disconsolate attitudes exhibited + to the beholders. This species of silence has almost without exception its + origin in that babyish vanity which is always gratified by exciting + attention, without ever perceiving that it provokes contempt. In these + cases, as nature is wholly out of the question, and the mind is guarded + against its own feelings, dress and public places are almost certain of + failing, but here again love is sure to vanquish; as soon as it is named, + attention becomes involuntary, and in a short time a struggling simper + discomposes the arrangement of the features, and then the business is + presently over, for the young lady is either supporting some system, or + opposing some proposition, before she is well aware that she has been + cheated out of her sad silence at all.” + </p> + <p> + “So much,” said Cecilia, “for sorrow and for affectation. Proceed next to + stupidity; for that, in all probability, I shall most frequently + encounter.” + </p> + <p> + “That always must be heavy work,” returned he, “yet the road is plain, + though it is all up hill. Love, here, may be talked of without exciting + any emotion, or provoking any reply, and dress may be dilated upon without + producing any other effect than that of attracting a vacant stare; but + public places are indubitably certain of success. Dull and heavy + characters, incapable of animating from wit or from reason, because unable + to keep pace with them, and void of all internal sources of entertainment, + require the stimulation of shew, glare, noise, and bustle, to interest or + awaken them. Talk to them of such subjects, and they adore you; no matter + whether you paint to them joy or horror, let there but be action, and they + are content; a battle has charms for them equal to a coronation, and a + funeral amuses them as much as a wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to you,” said Cecilia, smiling, “for these + instructions; yet I must confess I know not how upon the present occasion + to make use of them: public places I have already tried, but tried in + vain; dress I dare not mention, as I have not yet learned its technical + terms—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” interrupted he, “be not desperate; you have yet the third + topic unessayed.” + </p> + <p> + “O, that,” returned she, laughing, “I leave to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” cried he; “love is a source of loquacity only with + yourselves: when it is started by men, young ladies dwindle into mere + listeners. <i>Simpering</i> listeners, I confess; but it is only with one + another that you will discuss its merits.” + </p> + <p> + At this time they were interrupted by the approach of Miss Larolles, who, + tripping towards Cecilia, exclaimed, “Lord, how glad I am to see you! So + you would not go to the auction! Well, you had a prodigious loss, I assure + you. All the wardrobe was sold, and all Lady Belgrade's trinkets. I never + saw such a collection of sweet things in my life. I was ready to cry that + I could not bid for half a hundred of them. I declare I was kept in an + agony the whole morning. I would not but have been there for the world. + Poor Lady Belgrade! you really can't conceive how I was shocked for her. + All her beautiful things sold for almost nothing. I assure you, if you had + seen how they went, you would have lost all patience. It's a thousand + pities you were not there.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” said Cecilia, “I think I had a very fortunate escape, + for the loss of patience without the acquisition of the trinkets, would + have been rather mortifying.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mr Gosport; “but when you have lived some time longer in this + commercial city, you will find the exchange of patience for mortification + the most common and constant traffic amongst its inhabitants.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, have you been here long?” cried Miss Larolles, “for I have been to + twenty places, wondering I did not meet with you before. But whereabouts + is Mrs Mears? O, I see her now; I'm sure there's no mistaking her; I could + know her by that old red gown half a mile off. Did you ever see such a + frightful thing in your life? And it's never off her back. I believe she + sleeps in it. I am sure I have seen her in nothing else all winter. It + quite tires one's eye. She's a monstrous shocking dresser. But do you know + I have met with the most provoking thing in the world this evening? I + declare it has made me quite sick. I was never in such a passion in my + life. You can conceive nothing like it.” + </p> + <p> + “Like what?” cried Cecilia, laughing; “your passion, or your provocation?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I'll tell you what it was, and then you shall judge if it was not + quite past endurance. You must know I commissioned a particular friend of + mine, Miss Moffat, to buy me a trimming when she went to Paris; well, she + sent it me over about a month ago by Mr Meadows, and it's the sweetest + thing you ever saw in your life; but I would not make it up, because there + was not a creature in town, so I thought to bring it out quite new in + about a week's time, for you know any thing does till after Christmas. + Well, to-night at Lady Jane Dranet's, who should I meet but Miss Moffat! + She had been in town some days, but so monstrously engaged I could never + find her at home. Well, I was quite delighted to see her, for you must + know she's a prodigious favourite with me, so I ran up to her in a great + hurry to shake hands, and what do you think was the first thing that + struck my eyes? Why, just such a trimming as my own, upon a nasty, odious + gown, and half dirty! Can you conceive anything so distressing? I could + have cried with pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” said Cecilia. “If her trimming is dirty, yours will look the + more delicate.” + </p> + <p> + “O Lord! but it's making it seem quite an old thing! Half the town will + get something like it. And I quite ruined myself to buy it. I declare, I + don't think anything was ever half so mortifying. It distressed me so, I + could hardly speak to her. If she had stayed a month or two longer, I + should not have minded it, but it was the cruellest thing in the world to + come over just now. I wish the Custom-house officers had kept all her + cloaths till summer.” + </p> + <p> + “The wish is tender, indeed,” said Cecilia, “for a <i>particular friend</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Mears now rising from the card-table, Miss Larolles tript away to pay + her compliments to her. + </p> + <p> + “Here, at least,” cried Cecilia, “no receipt seems requisite for the cure + of silence! I would have Miss Larolles be the constant companion of Miss + Leeson: they could not but agree admirably, since that SUPERCILIOUS young + lady seems determined never to speak, and the VOLUBLE Miss Larolles never + to be silent. Were each to borrow something of the other, how greatly + would both be the better!” + </p> + <p> + “The composition would still be a sorry one,” answered Mr Gosport, “for I + believe they are equally weak, and equally ignorant; the only difference + is, that one, though silly, is quick, the other, though deliberate, is + stupid. Upon a short acquaintance, that heaviness which leaves to others + the whole weight of discourse, and whole search of entertainment, is the + most fatiguing, but, upon a longer intimacy, even that is less irksome and + less offensive, than the flippancy which hears nothing but itself.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel arose now to depart, and Cecilia, not more tired of the + beginning of the evening than entertained with its conclusion, was handed + to the carriage by Mr Arnott. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vi. — A BREAKFAST. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, during breakfast, a servant acquainted Cecilia that a + young gentleman was in the hall, who begged to speak with her. She desired + he might be admitted; and Mrs Harrel, laughing, asked if she ought not to + quit the room; while Mr Arnott, with even more than his usual gravity, + directed his eye towards the door to watch who should enter. + </p> + <p> + Neither of them, however, received any satisfaction when it was opened, + for the gentleman who made his appearance was unknown to both: but great + was the amazement of Cecilia, though little her emotion, when she saw Mr + Morrice! + </p> + <p> + He came forward with an air of the most profound respect for the company + in general, and obsequiously advancing to Cecilia, made an earnest enquiry + into her health after her journey, and hoped she had heard good news from + her friends in the country. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, naturally concluding both from his visit and behaviour, that + he was an acquaintance of some intimacy, very civilly offered him a seat + and some breakfast, which, very frankly, he accepted. But Mr Arnott, who + already felt the anxiety of a rising passion which was too full of + veneration to be sanguine, looked at him with uneasiness, and waited his + departure with impatience. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia began to imagine he had been commissioned to call upon her with + some message from Mr Monckton: for she knew not how to suppose that merely + and accidentally having spent an hour or two in the same room with her, + would authorize a visiting acquaintance. Mr Morrice, however, had a + faculty the most happy of reconciling his pretensions to his inclination; + and therefore she soon found that the pretence she had suggested appeared + to him unnecessary. To lead, however, to the subject from which she + expected his excuse, she enquired how long he had left Suffolk? + </p> + <p> + “But yesterday noon, ma'am,” he answered, “or I should certainly have + taken the liberty to wait upon you before.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who had only been perplexing herself to devise some reason why he + came at all, now looked at him with a grave surprize, which would totally + have abashed a man whose courage had been less, or whose expectations had + been greater; but Mr Morrice, though he had hazarded every danger upon the + slightest chance of hope, knew too well the weakness of his claims to be + confident of success, and had been too familiar with rebuffs to be much + hurt by receiving them. He might possibly have something to gain, but he + knew he had nothing to lose. + </p> + <p> + “I had the pleasure,” he continued, “to leave all our friends well, except + poor Lady Margaret, and she has had an attack of the asthma; yet she would + not have a physician, though Mr Monckton would fain have persuaded her: + however, I believe the old lady knows better things.” And he looked archly + at Cecilia: but perceiving that the insinuation gave her nothing but + disgust, he changed his tone, and added, “It is amazing how well they live + together; nobody would imagine the disparity in their years. Poor old + lady! Mr Monckton will really have a great loss of her when she dies.” + </p> + <p> + “A loss of her!” repeated Mrs Harrel, “I am sure she is an exceeding + ill-natured old woman. When I lived at Bury, I was always frightened out + of my wits at the sight of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Why indeed, ma'am,” said Morrice, “I must own her appearance is rather + against her: I had myself a great aversion to her at first sight. But the + house is chearful,—very chearful; I like to spend a few days there + now and then of all things. Miss Bennet, too, is agreeable enough, and——” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Bennet agreeable!” cried Mrs Harrel, “I think she's the most odious + creature I ever knew in my life; a nasty, spiteful old maid!” + </p> + <p> + “Why indeed, ma'am, as you say,” answered Morrice, “she is not very young; + and as to her temper, I confess I know very little about it; and Mr + Monckton is likely enough to try it, for he is pretty severe.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr Monckton,” cried Cecilia, extremely provoked at hearing him censured + by a man she thought highly honoured in being permitted to approach him, + “whenever <i>I</i> have been his guest, has merited from me nothing but + praise and gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “O,” cried Morrice, eagerly, “there is not a more worthy man in the world! + he has so much wit, so much politeness! I don't know a more charming man + anywhere than my friend Mr Monckton.” Cecilia now perceiving that the + opinions of her new acquaintance were as pliant as his bows, determined to + pay him no further attention, and hoped by sitting silent to force from + him the business of his visit, if any he had, or if, as she now suspected, + he had none, to weary him into a retreat. + </p> + <p> + But this plan, though it would have succeeded with herself, failed with Mr + Morrice, who to a stock of good humour that made him always ready to + oblige others, added an equal portion of insensibility that hardened him + against all indignity. Finding, therefore, that Cecilia, to whom his visit + was intended, seemed already satisfied with its length, he prudently + forbore to torment her; but perceiving that the lady of the house was more + accessible, he quickly made a transfer of his attention, and addressed his + discourse to her with as much pleasure as if his only view had been to see + her, and as much ease as if he had known her all his life. + </p> + <p> + With Mrs Harrel this conduct was not injudicious; she was pleased with his + assiduity, amused with his vivacity, and sufficiently satisfied with his + understanding. They conversed, therefore, upon pretty equal terms, and + neither of them were yet tired, when they were interrupted by Mr Harrel, + who came into the room, to ask if they had seen or heard any thing of Sir + Robert Floyer? + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Mrs Harrel, “nothing at all.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish he was hanged,” returned he, “for he has kept me waiting this + hour. He made me promise not to ride out till he called and now he'll stay + till the morning is over.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray where does he live, sir?” cried Morrice, starting from his seat. + </p> + <p> + “In Cavendish Square, sir,” answered Mr Harrel, looking at him with much + surprise. + </p> + <p> + Not a word more said Morrice, but scampered out of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Pray who is this Genius?” cried Mr Harrel, “and what has he run away + for?” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word I know nothing at all of him,” said Mrs Harrel; “he is a + visitor of Miss Beverley's.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, too,” said Cecilia, “might almost equally disclaim all knowledge + of him; for though I once saw, I never was introduced to him.” + </p> + <p> + She then began a relation of her meeting him at Mr Monckton's house, and + had hardly concluded it, before again, and quite out of breath, he made + his appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Robert Floyer, sir,” said he to Mr Harrel, “will be here in two + minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope, sir,” said Mr Harrel, “you have not given yourself the trouble of + going to him?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, it has given me nothing but pleasure; a run these cold mornings + is the thing I like best.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you are extremely good,” said Mr Harrel, “but I had not the least + intention of your taking such a walk upon my account.” + </p> + <p> + He then begged him to be seated, to rest himself, and to take some + refreshment; which civilities he received without scruple. + </p> + <p> + “But, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Harrel, turning suddenly to Cecilia, “you + don't tell me what you think of my friend?” + </p> + <p> + “What friend, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Sir Robert Floyer; I observed he never quitted you a moment while he + stayed at Mrs Mears.” + </p> + <p> + “His stay, however, was too short,” said Cecilia, “to allow me to form a + fair opinion of him.” + </p> + <p> + “But perhaps,” cried Morrice, “it was long enough to allow you to form a + <i>foul</i> one.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia could not forbear laughing to hear the truth thus accidentally + blundered out; but Mr Harrel, looking very little pleased, said, “Surely + you can find no fault with him? he is one of the most fashionable men I + know.” + </p> + <p> + “My finding fault with him then,” said Cecilia, “will only farther prove + what I believe is already pretty evident, that I am yet a novice in the + art of admiration.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, animating at this speech, glided behind her chair, and said, “I + knew you could not like him! I knew it from the turn of your mind;—I + knew it even from your countenance!” + </p> + <p> + Soon after, Sir Robert Floyer arrived. + </p> + <p> + “You are a pretty fellow, a'n't you,” cried Mr Harrel, “to keep me waiting + so long.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not come a moment sooner; I hardly expected to get here at all, + for my horse has been so confounded resty I could not tell how to get him + along.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you come on horseback through the streets, Sir Robert?” asked Mrs + Harrel. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes; when I am lazy. But what the d—-l is the matter with him + I don't know; he has started at everything. I suspect there has been some + foul play with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he at the door, sir?” cried Morrice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Sir Robert. + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll tell you what's the matter with him in a minute;” and away + again ran Morrice. + </p> + <p> + “What time did you get off last night, Harrel?” said Sir Robert. + </p> + <p> + “Not very early; but you were too much engaged to miss me. By the way,” + lowering his voice, “what do you think I lost?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell indeed, but I know what I gained: I have not had such a run + of luck this winter.” + </p> + <p> + They then went up to a window to carry on their enquiries more privately. + </p> + <p> + At the words <i>what do you think I lost</i>, Cecilia, half starting, cast + her eyes uneasily upon Mrs Harrel, but perceived not the least change in + her countenance. Mr Arnott, however, seemed as little pleased as herself, + and from a similar sensation looked anxiously at his sister. + </p> + <p> + Morrice now returning, called out, “He's had a fall, I assure you!” + </p> + <p> + “Curse him!” cried Sir Robert, “what shall I do now? he cost me the d—-l + and all of money, and I have not had him a twelvemonth. Can you lend me a + horse for this morning, Harrel?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have not one that will do for you. You must send to Astley.” + </p> + <p> + “Who can I send? John must take care of this.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go, sir,” cried Morrice, “if you'll give me the commission.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means, sir,” said Sir Robert, “I can't think of giving you such an + office.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the thing in the world I like best,” answered he; “I understand + horses, and had rather go to Astley's than any where.” + </p> + <p> + The matter was now settled in a few minutes, and having received his + directions, and an invitation to dinner, Morrice danced off, with a heart + yet lighter than his heels. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Harrel, “this friend of yours is the most + obliging gentleman I ever met with; there was no avoiding asking him to + dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember, however,” said Cecilia, who was involuntarily diverted at the + successful officiousness of her new acquaintance, “that if you receive him + henceforth as your guest, he obtains admission through his own merits, and + not through my interest.” + </p> + <p> + At dinner, Morrice, who failed not to accept the invitation of Mr Harrel, + was the gayest, and indeed the happiest man in the company: the effort he + had made to fasten himself upon Cecilia as an acquaintance, had not, it is + true, from herself met with much encouragement; but he knew the chances + were against him when he made the trial, and therefore the prospect of + gaining admission into such a house as Mr Harrel's, was not only + sufficient to make amends for what scarcely amounted to a disappointment, + but a subject of serious comfort from the credit of the connection, and of + internal exultation at his own management and address. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, the ladies, as usual, went to a private assembly, and, as + usual, were attended to it by Mr Arnott. The other gentlemen had + engagements elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vii. — A PROJECT. + </h2> + <p> + Several days passed on nearly in the same manner; the mornings were all + spent in gossipping, shopping and dressing, and the evenings were + regularly appropriated to public places, or large parties of company. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Mr Arnott lived almost entirely in Portman Square; he slept, + indeed, at his own lodgings, but he boarded wholly with Mr Harrel, whose + house he never for a moment quitted till night, except to attend Cecilia + and his sister in their visitings and rambles. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott was a young man of unexceptionable character, and of a + disposition mild, serious and benignant: his principles and blameless + conduct obtained the universal esteem of the world, but his manners, which + were rather too precise, joined to an uncommon gravity of countenance and + demeanour, made his society rather permitted as a duty, than sought as a + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The charms of Cecilia had forcibly, suddenly and deeply penetrated his + heart; he only lived in her presence, away from her he hardly existed: the + emotions she excited were rather those of adoration than of love, for he + gazed upon her beauty till he thought her more than human, and hung upon + her accents till all speech seemed impertinent to him but her own. Yet so + small were his expectations of success, that not even to his sister did he + hint at the situation of his heart: happy in an easy access to her, he + contented himself with seeing, hearing and watching her, beyond which + bounds he formed not any plan, and scarce indulged any hope. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert Floyer, too, was a frequent visitor in Portman Square, where he + dined almost daily. Cecilia was chagrined at seeing so much of him, and + provoked to find herself almost constantly the object of his unrestrained + examination; she was, however, far more seriously concerned for Mrs + Harrel, when she discovered that this favourite friend of her husband was + an unprincipled spendthrift, and an extravagant gamester, for as he was + the inseparable companion of Mr Harrel, she dreaded the consequence both + of his influence and his example. + </p> + <p> + She saw, too, with an amazement that daily increased, the fatigue, yet + fascination of a life of pleasure: Mr Harrel seemed to consider his own + house merely as an hotel, where at any hour of the night he might disturb + the family to claim admittance, where letters and messages might be left + for him, where he dined when no other dinner was offered him, and where, + when he made an appointment, he was to be met with. His lady, too, though + more at home, was not therefore more solitary; her acquaintance were + numerous, expensive and idle, and every moment not actually spent in + company, was scrupulously devoted to making arrangements for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + In a short time Cecilia, who every day had hoped that the next would + afford her greater satisfaction, but who every day found the present no + better than the former, began to grow weary of eternally running the same + round, and to sicken at the irksome repetition of unremitting yet + uninteresting dissipation. She saw nobody she wished to see, as she had + met with nobody for whom she could care; for though sometimes those with + whom she mixed appeared to be amiable, she knew that their manners, like + their persons, were in their best array, and therefore she had too much + understanding to judge decisively of their characters. But what chiefly + damped her hopes of forming a friendship with any of the new acquaintance + to whom she was introduced, was the observation she herself made how ill + the coldness of their hearts accorded with the warmth of their + professions; upon every first meeting, the civilities which were shewn + her, flattered her into believing she had excited a partiality that a very + little time would ripen into affection; the next meeting commonly + confirmed the expectation; but the third, and every future one, regularly + destroyed it. She found that time added nothing to their fondness, nor + intimacy to their sincerity; that the interest in her welfare which + appeared to be taken at first sight, seldom, with whatever reason, + increased, and often without any, abated; that the distinction she at + first met with, was no effusion of kindness, but of curiosity, which is + scarcely sooner gratified than satiated; and that those who lived always + the life into which she had only lately been initiated, were as much + harassed with it as herself, though less spirited to relinquish, and more + helpless to better it, and that they coveted nothing but what was new, + because they had experienced the insufficiency of whatever was familiar. + </p> + <p> + She began now to regret the loss she sustained in quitting the + neighbourhood, and being deprived of the conversation of Mr Monckton, and + yet more earnestly to miss the affection and sigh for the society of Mrs + Charlton, the lady with whom she had long and happily resided at Bury; for + she was very soon compelled to give up all expectation of renewing the + felicity of her earlier years, by being restored to the friendship of Mrs + Harrel, in whom she had mistaken the kindness of childish intimacy for the + sincerity of chosen affection; and though she saw her credulous error with + mortification and displeasure, she regretted it with tenderness and + sorrow. “What, at last,” cried she, “is human felicity, who has tasted, + and where is it to be found? If I, who, to others, seem marked out for + even a partial possession of it,—distinguished by fortune, caressed + by the world, brought into the circle of high life, and surrounded with + splendour, seek without finding it, yet losing, scarce know how I miss + it!” + </p> + <p> + Ashamed upon reflection to believe she was considered as an object of envy + by others, while repining and discontented herself, she determined no + longer to be the only one insensible to the blessings within her reach, + but by projecting and adopting some plan of conduct better suited to her + taste and feelings than the frivolous insipidity of her present life, to + make at once a more spirited and more worthy use of the affluence, + freedom, and power which she possessed. + </p> + <p> + A scheme of happiness at once rational and refined soon presented itself + to her imagination. She purposed, for the basis of her plan, to become + mistress of her own time, and with this view, to drop all idle and + uninteresting acquaintance, who, while they contribute neither to use nor + pleasure, make so large a part of the community, that they may properly be + called the underminers of existence; she could then shew some taste and + discernment in her choice of friends, and she resolved to select such only + as by their piety could elevate her mind, by their knowledge improve her + understanding, or by their accomplishments and manners delight her + affections. This regulation, if strictly adhered to, would soon relieve + her from the fatigue of receiving many visitors, and therefore she might + have all the leisure she could desire for the pursuit of her favourite + studies, music and reading. + </p> + <p> + Having thus, from her own estimation of human perfection, culled whatever + was noblest for her society, and from her own ideas of sedentary + enjoyments arranged the occupations of her hours of solitude, she felt + fully satisfied with the portion of happiness which her scheme promised to + herself, and began next to consider what was due from her to the world. + </p> + <p> + And not without trembling did she then look forward to the claims which + the splendid income she was soon to possess would call upon her to + discharge. A strong sense of DUTY, a fervent desire to ACT RIGHT, were the + ruling characteristics of her mind: her affluence she therefore considered + as a debt contracted with the poor, and her independence as a tie upon her + liberality to pay it with interest. + </p> + <p> + Many and various, then, soothing to her spirit and grateful to her + sensibility, were the scenes which her fancy delineated; now she supported + an orphan, now softened the sorrows of a widow, now snatched from iniquity + the feeble trembler at poverty, and now rescued from shame the proud + struggler with disgrace. The prospect at once exalted her hopes, and + enraptured her imagination; she regarded herself as an agent of Charity, + and already in idea anticipated the rewards of a good and faithful + delegate; so animating are the designs of disinterested benevolence! so + pure is the bliss of intellectual philanthropy! + </p> + <p> + Not immediately, however, could this plan be put in execution; the society + she meant to form could not be selected in the house of another, where, + though to some she might shew a preference, there were none she could + reject: nor had she yet the power to indulge, according to the munificence + of her wishes, the extensive generosity she projected: these purposes + demanded a house of her own, and the unlimited disposal of her fortune, + neither of which she could claim till she became of age. That period, + however, was only eight months distant, and she pleased herself with the + intention of meliorating her plan in the meantime, and preparing to put it + in practice. + </p> + <p> + But though, in common with all the race of still-expecting man, she looked + for that happiness in the time to come which the present failed to afford, + she had yet the spirit and good sense to determine upon making every + effort in her power to render her immediate way of life more useful and + contented. + </p> + <p> + Her first wish, therefore, now, was to quit the house of Mr Harrel, where + she neither met with entertainment nor instruction, but was perpetually + mortified by seeing the total indifference of the friend in whose society + she had hoped for nothing but affection. + </p> + <p> + The will of her uncle, though it obliged her while under age to live with + one of her guardians, left her at liberty to chuse and to change amongst + them according to her wishes or convenience: she determined, therefore, to + make a visit herself to each of them, to observe their manners and way of + life, and then, to the best of her judgment, decide with which she could + be most contented: resolving, however, not to hint at her intention till + it was ripe for execution, and then honestly to confess the reasons of her + retreat. + </p> + <p> + She had acquainted them both of her journey to town the morning after her + arrival. She was almost an entire stranger to each of them, as she had not + seen Mr Briggs since she was nine years old, nor Mr Delvile within the + time she could remember. + </p> + <p> + The very morning that she had settled her proceedings for the arrangement + of this new plan, she intended to request the use of Mrs Harrel's + carriage, and to make, without delay, the visits preparatory to her + removal; but when she entered the parlour upon a summons to breakfast, her + eagerness to quit the house gave way, for the present, to the pleasure she + felt at the sight of Mr Monckton, who was just arrived from Suffolk. + </p> + <p> + She expressed her satisfaction in the most lively terms, and scrupled not + to tell him she had not once been so much pleased since her journey to + town, except at her first meeting with Mrs Harrel. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, whose delight was infinitely superior to her own, and whose + joy in seeing her was redoubled by the affectionate frankness of her + reception, stifled the emotions to which her sight gave rise, and denying + himself the solace of expressing his feelings, seemed much less charmed + than herself at the meeting, and suffered no word nor look to escape him + beyond what could be authorised by friendly civility. + </p> + <p> + He then renewed with Mrs Harrel an acquaintance which had been formed + before her marriage, but which {he} had dropt when her distance from + Cecilia, upon whose account alone he had thought it worth cultivation, + made it no longer of use to him. She afterwards introduced her brother to + him; and a conversation very interesting to both the ladies took place, + concerning several families with which they had been formerly connected, + as well as the neighbourhood at large in which they had lately dwelt. + </p> + <p> + Very little was the share taken by Mr Arnott in these accounts and + enquiries; the unaffected joy with which Cecilia had received Mr Monckton, + had struck him with a sensation of envy as involuntary as it was painful; + he did not, indeed, suspect that gentleman's secret views; no reason for + suspicion was obvious, and his penetration sunk not deeper than + appearances; he knew, too, that he was married, and therefore no jealousy + occurred to him; but still she had smiled upon him!—and he felt that + to purchase for himself a smile of so much sweetness, he would have + sacrificed almost all else that was valuable to him upon earth. + </p> + <p> + With an attention infinitely more accurate, Mr Monckton had returned his + observations. The uneasiness of his mind was apparent, and the anxious + watchfulness of his eyes plainly manifested whence it arose. From a + situation, indeed, which permitted an intercourse the most constant and + unrestrained with such an object as Cecilia, nothing less could be + expected, and therefore he considered his admiration as inevitable; all + that remained to be discovered, was the reception it had met from his fair + enslaver. Nor was he here long in doubt; he soon saw that she was not + merely free from all passion herself, but had so little watched Mr Arnott + as to be unconscious she had inspired any. + </p> + <p> + Yet was his own serenity, though apparently unmoved, little less disturbed + in secret than that of his rival; he did not think him a formidable + candidate, but he dreaded the effects of intimacy, fearing she might first + grow accustomed to his attentions, and then become pleased with them. He + apprehended, also, the influence of his sister and of Mr Harrel in his + favour; and though he had no difficulty to persuade himself that any offer + he might now make would be rejected without hesitation, he knew too well + the insidious properties of perseverance, to see him, without inquietude, + situated so advantageously. + </p> + <p> + The morning was far advanced before he took leave, yet he found no + opportunity of discoursing with Cecilia, though he impatiently desired to + examine into the state of her mind, and to discover whether her London + journey had added any fresh difficulties to the success of his + long-concerted scheme. But as Mrs Harrel invited him to dinner, he hoped + the afternoon would be more propitious to his wishes. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, too, was eager to communicate to him her favourite project, and + to receive his advice with respect to its execution. She had long been + used to his counsel, and she was now more than ever solicitous to obtain + it, because she considered him as the only person in London who was + interested in her welfare. + </p> + <p> + He saw, however, no promise of better success when he made his appearance + at dinner time, for not only Mr Arnott was already arrived, but Sir Robert + Floyer, and he found Cecilia so much the object of their mutual attention, + that he had still less chance than in the morning of speaking to her + unheard. + </p> + <p> + Yet was he not idle; the sight of Sir Robert gave abundant employment to + his penetration, which was immediately at work, to discover the motive of + his visit: but this, with all his sagacity, was not easily decided; for + though the constant direction of his eyes towards Cecilia, proved, at + least, that he was not insensible of her beauty, his carelessness whether + or not she was hurt by his examination, the little pains he took to + converse with her, and the invariable assurance and negligence of his + manners, seemed strongly to demonstrate an indifference to the sentiments + he inspired, totally incompatible with the solicitude of affection. + </p> + <p> + In Cecilia he had nothing to observe but what his knowledge of her + character prepared him to expect, a shame no less indignant than modest at + the freedom with which she saw herself surveyed. + </p> + <p> + Very little, therefore, was the satisfaction which this visit procured + him, for soon after dinner the ladies retired; and as they had an early + engagement for the evening, the gentlemen received no summons to their + tea-table. But he contrived, before they quitted the room, to make an + appointment for attending them the next morning to a rehearsal of a new + serious Opera. + </p> + <p> + He stayed not after their departure longer than decency required, for too + much in earnest was his present pursuit, to fit him for such conversation + as the house in Cecilia's absence could afford him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER viii. — AN OPERA REHEARSAL. + </h2> + <p> + The next day, between eleven and twelve o'clock, Mr Monckton was again in + Portman Square; he found, as he expected, both the ladies, and he found, + as he feared, Mr Arnott prepared to be of their party. He had, however, + but little time to repine at this intrusion, before he was disturbed by + another, for, in a few minutes, they were joined by Sir Robert Floyer, who + also declared his intention of accompanying them to the Haymarket. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, to disguise his chagrin, pretended he was in great haste to + set off, lest they should be too late for the overture: they were, + therefore, quitting the breakfast room, when they were stopt by the + appearance of Mr Morrice. + </p> + <p> + The surprise which the sight of him gave to Mr Monckton was extreme; he + knew that he was unacquainted with Mr Harrel, for he remembered they were + strangers to each other when they lately met at his house; he concluded, + therefore, that Cecilia was the object of his visit, but he could frame no + conjecture under what pretence. + </p> + <p> + The easy terms upon which he seemed with all the family by no means + diminished his amazement; for when Mrs Harrel expressed some concern that + she was obliged to go out, he gaily begged her not to mind him, assuring + her he could not have stayed two minutes, and promising, unasked, to call + again the next day: and when she added, “We would not hurry away so, only + we are going to a rehearsal of an Opera,” he exclaimed with quickness, “A + rehearsal!—are you really? I have a great mind to go too!” + </p> + <p> + Then, perceiving Mr Monckton, he bowed to him with great respect, and + enquired, with no little solemnity, how he had left Lady Margaret, hoped + she was perfectly recovered from her late indisposition, and asked sundry + questions with regard to her plan for the winter. + </p> + <p> + This discourse was ill constructed for rendering his presence desirable to + Mr Monckton; he answered him very drily, and again pressed their + departure. + </p> + <p> + “O,” cried Morrice, “there's no occasion for such haste; the rehearsal + does not begin till one.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, sir,” said Mr Monckton; “it is to begin at twelve + o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “O ay, very true,” returned Morrice; “I had forgot the dances, and I + suppose they are to be rehearsed first. Pray, Miss Beverley, did you ever + see any dances rehearsed?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be excessively entertained, then, I assure you. It's the most + comical thing in the world to see those signores and signoras cutting + capers in a morning. And the <i>figuranti</i> will divert you beyond + measure; you never saw such a shabby set in your life: but the most + amusing thing is to look in their faces, for all the time they are jumping + and skipping about the stage as if they could not stand still for joy, + they look as sedate and as dismal as if they were so many undertaker's + men.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word against dancing!” cried Sir Robert, “it's the only thing + carries one to the Opera; and I am sure it's the only thing one minds at + it.” + </p> + <p> + The two ladies were then handed to Mrs Harrel's <i>vis-a-vis</i>; and the + gentlemen, joined without further ceremony by Mr Morrice, followed them to + the Haymarket. + </p> + <p> + The rehearsal was not begun, and Mrs Harrel and Cecilia secured themselves + a box upon the stage, from which the gentlemen of their party took care + not to be very distant. + </p> + <p> + They were soon perceived by Mr Gosport, who instantly entered into + conversation with Cecilia. Miss Larolles, who with some other ladies came + soon after into the next box, looked out to courtsie and nod, with her + usual readiness, at Mrs Harrel, but took not any notice of Cecilia, though + she made the first advances. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter now?” cried Mr Gosport; “have you affronted your little + prattling friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Not with my own knowledge,” answered Cecilia; “perhaps she does not + recollect me.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Miss Larolles, tapping at the door, came in from the next box to + speak to Mrs Harrel; with whom she stood chatting and laughing some + minutes, without seeming to perceive that Cecilia was of her party. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what have you done to the poor girl?” whispered Mr Gosport; “did you + talk more than herself when you saw her last?” + </p> + <p> + “Would that have been possible?” cried Cecilia; “however, I still fancy + she does not know me.” + </p> + <p> + She then stood up, which making Miss Larolles involuntarily turn towards + her, she again courtsied; a civility which that young lady scarce deigned + to return, before, bridling with an air of resentment, she hastily looked + another way, and then, nodding good-humouredly at Mrs Harrel, hurried back + to her party. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, much amazed, said to Mr Gosport, “See now how great was our + presumption in supposing this young lady's loquacity always at our + devotion!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam!” cried he, laughing, “there is no permanency, no consistency + in the world! no, not even in the tongue of a VOLUBLE! and if that fails, + upon what may we depend?” + </p> + <p> + “But seriously,” said Cecilia, “I am sorry I have offended her, and the + more because I so little know how, that I can offer her no apology.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you appoint me your envoy? Shall I demand the cause of these + hostilities?” + </p> + <p> + She thanked him, and he followed Miss Larolles; who was now addressing + herself with great earnestness to Mr Meadows, the gentleman with whom she + was conversing when Cecilia first saw her in Portman Square. He stopt a + moment to let her finish her speech, which, with no little spirit, she did + in these words, “I never knew anything like it in my life; but I shan't + put up with such airs, I assure her!” + </p> + <p> + Mr Meadows made not any other return to her harangue, but stretching + himself with a languid smile, and yawning: Mr Gosport, therefore, seizing + the moment of cessation, said, “Miss Larolles, I hear a strange report + about you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you?” returned she, with quickness, “pray what is it? something + monstrous impertinent, I dare say,—-however, I assure you it i'n't + true.” + </p> + <p> + “Your assurance,” cried he, “carries conviction indisputable, for the + report was that you had left off talking.” + </p> + <p> + “O, was that all?” cried she, disappointed, “I thought it had been + something about Mr Sawyer, for I declare I have been plagued so about him, + I am quite sick of his name.” + </p> + <p> + “And for my part, I never heard it! so fear nothing from me upon his + account.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, Mr Gosport, how can you say so? I am sure you must know about the + Festino that night, for it was all over the town in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “What festino?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, only conceive, how provoking!—why, I know nothing else was + talked of for a month!” + </p> + <p> + “You are most formidably stout this morning! it is not two minutes since I + saw you fling the gauntlet at Miss Beverley, and yet you are already + prepared for another antagonist.” + </p> + <p> + “O as to Miss Beverley, I must really beg you not to mention her; she has + behaved so impertinently, that I don't intend ever to speak to her again.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what has she done?” + </p> + <p> + “O she's been so rude you've no notion. I'll tell you how it was. You must + know I met her at Mrs Harrel's the day she came to town, and the very next + morning I waited on her myself, for I would not send a ticket, because I + really wished to be civil to her; well, the day after, she never came near + me, though I called upon her again; however, I did not take any notice of + that; but when the third day came, and I found she had not even sent me a + ticket, I thought it monstrous ill bred indeed; and now there has passed + more than a week, and yet she has never called: so I suppose she don't + like me; so I shall drop her acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Gosport, satisfied now with the subject of her complaint, returned to + Cecilia, and informed her of the heavy charge which was brought against + her. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad, at least, to know my crime,” said she, “for otherwise I should + certainly have sinned on in ignorance, as I must confess I never thought + of returning her visits: but even if I had, I should not have supposed I + had yet lost much time.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon there,” said Mrs Harrel; “a first visit ought to be + returned always by the third day.” + </p> + <p> + “Then have I an unanswerable excuse,” said Cecilia, “for I remember that + on the third day I saw her at your house.” + </p> + <p> + “O that's nothing at all to the purpose; you should have waited upon her, + or sent her a ticket, just the same as if you had not seen her.” + </p> + <p> + The overture was now begun, and Cecilia declined any further conversation. + This was the first Opera she had ever heard, yet she was not wholly a + stranger to Italian compositions, having assiduously studied music from a + natural love of the art, attended all the best concerts her neighbourhood + afforded, and regularly received from London the works of the best + masters. But the little skill she had thus gained, served rather to + increase than to lessen the surprize with which she heard the present + performance,—a surprize of which the discovery of her own ignorance + made not the least part. Unconscious from the little she had acquired how + much was to be learnt, she was astonished to find the inadequate power of + written music to convey any idea of vocal abilities: with just knowledge + enough, therefore, to understand something of the difficulties, and feel + much of the merit, she gave to the whole Opera an avidity of attention + almost painful from its own eagerness. + </p> + <p> + But both the surprize and the pleasure which she received from the + performance in general, were faint, cold, and languid, compared to the + strength of those emotions when excited by Signore Pacchierotti in + particular; and though not half the excellencies of that superior singer + were necessary either to amaze or charm her unaccustomed ears, though the + refinement of his taste and masterly originality of his genius, to be + praised as they deserved, called for the judgment and knowledge of + professors, yet a natural love of music in some measure supplied the place + of cultivation, and what she could neither explain nor understand, she + could feel and enjoy. + </p> + <p> + The opera was Artaserse; and the pleasure she received from the music was + much augmented by her previous acquaintance with that interesting drama; + yet, as to all noviciates in science, whatever is least complicated is + most pleasing, she found herself by nothing so deeply impressed, as by the + plaintive and beautiful simplicity with which Pacchierotti uttered the + affecting repetition of <i>sono innocente</i>! his voice, always either + sweet or impassioned, delivered those words in a tone of softness, pathos, + and sensibility, that struck her with a sensation not more new than + delightful. + </p> + <p> + But though she was, perhaps, the only person thus astonished, she was by + no means the only one enraptured; for notwithstanding she was too + earnestly engaged to remark the company in general, she could not avoid + taking notice of an old gentleman who stood by one of the side scenes, + against which he leant his head in a manner that concealed his face, with + an evident design to be wholly absorbed in listening: and during the songs + of Pacchierotti he sighed so deeply that Cecilia, struck by his uncommon + sensibility to the power of music, involuntarily watched him, whenever her + mind was sufficiently at liberty to attend to any emotions but its own. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the rehearsal was over, the gentlemen of Mrs Harrel's party + crowded before her box; and Cecilia then perceived that the person whose + musical enthusiasm had excited her curiosity, was the same old gentleman + whose extraordinary behaviour had so much surprized her at the house of Mr + Monckton. Her desire to obtain some information concerning him again + reviving, she was beginning to make fresh enquiries, when she was + interrupted by the approach of Captain Aresby. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman, advancing to her with a smile of the extremest + self-complacency, after hoping, in a low voice, he had the honour of + seeing her well, exclaimed, “How wretchedly empty is the town! petrifying + to a degree! I believe you do not find yourself at present <i>obsede</i> + by too much company?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>At present</i>, I believe the contrary!” cried Mr Gosport. + </p> + <p> + “Really!” said the Captain, unsuspicious of his sneer, “I protest I have + hardly seen a soul. Have you tried the Pantheon yet, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I; I don't know whether people go there this year. It is not a + favourite <i>spectacle</i> with me; that sitting to hear the music is a + horrid bore. Have you done the Festino the honour to look in there yet?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Permit me, then, to have the honour to beg you will try it.” + </p> + <p> + “O, ay, true,” cried Mrs Harrel; “I have really used you very ill about + that; I should have got you in for a subscriber: but Lord, I have done + nothing for you yet, and you never put me in mind. There's the ancient + music, and Abel's concert;—as to the opera, we may have a box + between us;—but there's the ladies' concert we must try for; and + there's—O Lord, fifty other places we must think of!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh times of folly and dissipation!” exclaimed a voice at some distance; + “Oh mignons of idleness and luxury! What next will ye invent for the + perdition of your time! How yet further will ye proceed in the + annihilation of virtue!” + </p> + <p> + Everybody stared; but Mrs Harrel coolly said, “Dear, it's only the + man-hater!” + </p> + <p> + “The man-hater?” repeated Cecilia, who found that the speech was made by + the object of her former curiosity; “is that the name by which he is + known?” + </p> + <p> + “He is known by fifty names,” said Mr Monckton; “his friends call him the + <i>moralist</i>; the young ladies, the <i>crazy-man</i>; the macaronies, + the <i>bore</i>; in short, he is called by any and every name but his + own.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a most petrifying wretch, I assure you,” said the Captain; “I am <i>obsede</i> + by him <i>partout</i>; if I had known he had been so near, I should + certainly have said nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “That you have done so well,” cried Mr Gosport, “that if you had known it + the whole time, you could have done it no better.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who had not heard this speech, which was rather made at him + than to him, continued his address to Cecilia; “Give me leave to have the + honour of hoping you intend to honour our select masquerade at the + Pantheon with your presence. We shall have but five hundred tickets, and + the subscription will only be three guineas and a half.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh objects of penury and want!” again exclaimed the incognito; “Oh + vassals of famine and distress! Come and listen to this wantonness of + wealth! Come, naked and breadless as ye are, and learn how that money is + consumed which to you might bring raiment and food!” + </p> + <p> + “That strange wretch,” said the Captain, “ought really to be confined; I + have had the honour to be <i>degoute</i> by him so often, that I think him + quite obnoxious. I make it quite a principle to seal up my lips the moment + I perceive him.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is it, then,” said Cecilia, “that you have so often met him?” + </p> + <p> + “O,” answered the Captain, “<i>partout</i>; there is no greater bore about + town. But the time I found him most petrifying was once when I happened to + have the honour of dancing with a very young lady, who was but just come + from a boarding-school, and whose friends had done me the honour to fix + upon me upon the principle of first bringing her out: and while I was + doing <i>mon possible</i> for killing the time, he came up, and in his + particular manner, told her I had no meaning in any thing I said! I must + own I never felt more tempted to be <i>enrage</i> with a person in years, + in my life.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott now brought the ladies word that their carriage was ready, and + they quitted their box: but as Cecilia had never before seen the interior + parts of a theatre, Mr Monckton, hoping while they loitered to have an + opportunity of talking with her, asked Morrice why he did not <i>shew the + lions?</i> Morrice, always happy in being employed, declared it was <i>just + the thing he liked best</i>, and begged permission to do the honours to + Mrs Harrel, who, ever eager in the search of amusement, willingly accepted + his offer. + </p> + <p> + They all, therefore, marched upon the stage, their own party now being the + only one that remained. + </p> + <p> + “We shall make a triumphal entry here,” cried Sir Robert Floyer; “the very + tread of the stage half tempts me to turn actor.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a rare man,” said Mr Gosport, “if, at your time of life, that is + a turn not already taken.” + </p> + <p> + “My time of life!” repeated he; “what do you mean by that? do you take me + for an old man?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, but I take you to be past childhood, and consequently to have + served your apprenticeship to the actors you have mixed with on the great + stage of the world, and, for some years at least, to have set up for + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” cried Morrice, “let's have a little spouting; 'twill make us + warm.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Sir Robert, “if we spout to an animating object. If Miss + Beverley will be Juliet, I am Romeo at her service.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the incognito, quitting the corner in which he had planted + himself, came suddenly forward, and standing before the whole group, cast + upon Cecilia a look of much compassion, and called out, “Poor simple + victim! hast thou already so many pursuers? yet seest not that thou art + marked for sacrifice! yet knowest not that thou art destined for prey!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, extremely struck by this extraordinary address, stopt short and + looked much disturbed: which, when he perceived, he added, “Let the + danger, not the warning affect you! discard the sycophants that surround + you, seek the virtuous, relieve the poor, and save yourself from the + impending destruction of unfeeling prosperity!” + </p> + <p> + Having uttered these words with vehemence and authority, he sternly passed + them, and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, too much astonished for speech, stood for some time immoveable, + revolving in her mind various conjectures upon the meaning of an + exhortation so strange and so urgent. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the rest of the company much less discomposed: Sir Robert, Mr + Monckton, and Mr Arnott, each conscious of their own particular plans, + were each apprehensive that the warning pointed at himself: Mr Gosport was + offended at being included in the general appellation of sycophants; Mrs + Harrel was provoked at being interrupted in her ramble; and Captain + Aresby, sickening at the very sight of him, retreated the moment he came + forth. + </p> + <p> + “For heaven's sake,” cried Cecilia, when somewhat recovered from her + consternation, “who can this be, and what can he mean? You, Mr Monckton, + must surely know something of him; it was at your house I first saw him.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” answered Mr Monckton, “I knew almost nothing of him then, and I + am but little better informed now. Belfield picked him up somewhere, and + desired to bring him to my house: he called him by the name of Albany: I + found him a most extraordinary character, and Belfield, who is a + worshipper of originality, was very fond of him.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a devilish crabbed old fellow,” cried Sir Robert, “and if he goes on + much longer at this confounded rate, he stands a very fair chance of + getting his ears cropped.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a man of the most singular conduct I have ever met with,” said Mr + Gosport; “he seems to hold mankind in abhorrence, yet he is never a moment + alone, and at the same time that he intrudes himself into all parties, he + associates with none: he is commonly a stern and silent observer of all + that passes, or when he speaks, it is but to utter some sentence of rigid + morality, or some bitterness of indignant reproof.” + </p> + <p> + The carriage was now again announced, and Mr Monckton taking Cecilia's + hand, while Mr Morrice secured to himself the honour of Mrs Harrel's, Sir + Robert and Mr Gosport made their bows and departed. But though they had + now quitted the stage, and arrived at the head of a small stair case by + which they were to descend out of the theatre, Mr Monckton, finding all + his tormentors retired, except Mr Arnott, whom he hoped to elude, could + not resist making one more attempt for a few moments' conversation with + Cecilia; and therefore, again applying to Morrice, he called out, “I don't + think you have shewn the ladies any of the contrivances behind the + scenes?” + </p> + <p> + “True,” cried Morrice, “no more I have; suppose we go back?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall like it vastly,” said Mrs Harrel; and back they returned. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton now soon found an opportunity to say to Cecilia, “Miss + Beverley, what I foresaw has exactly come to pass; you are surrounded by + selfish designers, by interested, double-minded people, who have nothing + at heart but your fortune, and whose mercenary views, if you are not + guarded against them—-” + </p> + <p> + Here a loud scream from Mrs Harrel interrupted his speech; Cecilia, much + alarmed, turned from him to enquire the cause, and Mr Monckton was obliged + to follow her example: but his mortification was almost intolerable when + he saw that lady in a violent fit of laughter, and found her scream was + only occasioned by seeing Mr Morrice, in his diligence to do the honours, + pull upon his own head one of the side scenes! + </p> + <p> + There was now no possibility of proposing any further delay; but Mr + Monckton, in attending the ladies to their carriage, was obliged to have + recourse to his utmost discretion and forbearance, in order to check his + desire of reprimanding Morrice for his blundering officiousness. + </p> + <p> + Dressing, dining with company at home, and then going out with company + abroad, filled up, as usual, the rest of the day. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ix. — A SUPPLICATION. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Cecilia, at the repeated remonstrances of Mrs Harrel, + consented to call upon Miss Larolles. She felt the impracticability of + beginning at present the alteration in her way of life she had projected, + and therefore thought it most expedient to assume no singularity till her + independency should enable her to support it with consistency; yet greater + than ever was her internal eagerness to better satisfy her inclination and + her conscience in the disposition of her time, and the distribution of her + wealth, since she had heard the emphatic charge of her unknown Mentor. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel declined accompanying her in this visit, because she had + appointed a surveyor to bring a plan for the inspection of Mr Harrel and + herself, of a small temporary building, to be erected at Violet-Bank, for + the purpose of performing plays in private the ensuing Easter. + </p> + <p> + When the street door was opened for her to get into the carriage, she was + struck with the appearance of an elderly woman who was standing at some + distance, and seemed shivering with cold, and who, as she descended the + steps, joined her hands in an act of supplication, and advanced nearer to + the carriage. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia stopt to look at her: her dress, though parsimonious, was too neat + for a beggar, and she considered a moment what she could offer her. The + poor woman continued to move forward, but with a slowness of pace that + indicated extreme weakness; and, as she approached and raised her head, + she exhibited a countenance so wretched, and a complexion so sickly, that + Cecilia was impressed with horror at the sight. + </p> + <p> + With her hands still joined, and a voice that seemed fearful of its own + sound, “Oh madam,” she cried, “that you would but hear me!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear you!” repeated Cecilia, hastily feeling for her purse; “most + certainly, and tell me how I shall assist you.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven bless you for speaking so kindly, madam!” cried the woman, with a + voice more assured; “I was sadly afraid you would be angry, but I saw the + carriage at the door, and I thought I would try; for I could be no worse; + and distress, madam, makes very bold.” + </p> + <p> + “Angry!” said Cecilia, taking a crown from her purse; “no, indeed!—who + could see such wretchedness, and feel any thing but pity?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh madam,” returned the poor woman, “I could almost cry to hear you talk + so, though I never thought to cry again, since I left it off for my poor + Billy!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, then, lost a son?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam; but he was a great deal too good to live, so I have quite + left off grieving for him now.” + </p> + <p> + “Come in, good woman,” said Cecilia, “it is too cold to stand here, and + you seem half-starved already: come in, and let me have some talk with + you.” + </p> + <p> + She then gave orders that the carriage should be driven round the square + till she was ready, and making the woman follow her into a parlour, + desired to know what she should do for her; changing, while she spoke, + from a movement of encreasing compassion, the crown which she held in her + hand for double that sum. + </p> + <p> + “You can do everything, madam,” she answered, “if you will but plead for + us to his honour: he little thinks of our distress, because he has been + afflicted with none himself, and I would not be so troublesome to him, but + indeed, indeed, madam, we are quite pinched for want!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, struck with the words, <i>he little thinks of our distress, + because he has been afflicted with none himself</i>, felt again ashamed of + the smallness of her intended donation, and taking from her purse another + half guinea, said, “Will this assist you? Will a guinea be sufficient to + you for the present?” + </p> + <p> + “I humbly thank you, madam,” said the woman, curtsying low, “shall I give + you a receipt?” + </p> + <p> + “A receipt?” cried Cecilia, with emotion, “for what? Alas, our accounts + are by no means balanced! but I shall do more for you if I find you as + deserving an object as you seem to be.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good, madam; but I only meant a receipt in part of payment.” + </p> + <p> + “Payment for what? I don't understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “Did his honour never tell you, madam, of our account?” + </p> + <p> + “What account?” + </p> + <p> + “Our bill, madam, for work done to the new Temple at Violet-Bank: it was + the last great work my poor husband was able to do, for it was there he + met with his misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + “What bill? What misfortune?” cried Cecilia; “what had your husband to do + at Violet-Bank?” + </p> + <p> + “He was the carpenter, madam. I thought you might have seen poor Hill the + carpenter there.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I never was there myself. Perhaps you mistake me for Mrs Harrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sure, madam, a'n't you his honour's lady?” + </p> + <p> + “No. But tell me, what is this bill?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a bill, madam, for very hard work, for work, madam, which I am sure + will cost my husband his life; and though I have been after his honour + night and day to get it, and sent him letters and petitions with an + account of our misfortunes, I have never received so much as a shilling! + and now the servants won't even let me wait in the hall to speak to him. + Oh, madam! you who seem so good, plead to his honour in our behalf! tell + him my poor husband cannot live! tell him my children are starving! and + tell him my poor Billy, that used to help to keep us, is dead, and that + all the work I can do by myself is not enough to maintain us!” + </p> + <p> + “Good heaven!” cried Cecilia, extremely moved, “is it then your own money + for which you sue thus humbly?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam, for my own just and honest money, as his honour knows, and + will tell you himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” cried Cecilia, “he cannot know it; but I will take care he + shall soon be informed of it. How much is the bill?” + </p> + <p> + “Two-and-twenty pounds, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “What, no more?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam, you gentlefolks little think how much that is to poor people! + A hard working family, like mine, madam, with the help of 20 pounds will + go on for a long while quite in paradise.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor worthy woman!” cried Cecilia, whose eyes were filled with tears of + compassion, “if 20 pounds will place you in paradise, and that 20 pounds + only your just right, it is hard, indeed, that you should be kept without + it; especially when your debtors are too affluent to miss it. Stay here a + few moments, and I will bring you the money immediately.” + </p> + <p> + Away she flew, and returned to the breakfast room, but found there only Mr + Arnott, who told her that Mr Harrel was in the library, with his sister + and some gentlemen. Cecilia briefly related her business, and begged he + would inform Mr Harrel she wished to speak to him directly. Mr Arnott + shook his head, but obeyed. + </p> + <p> + They returned together, and immediately. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Beverley,” cried Mr Harrel, gaily, “I am glad you are not gone, for + we want much to consult with you. Will you come up stairs?” + </p> + <p> + “Presently,” answered she; “but first I must speak to you about a poor + woman with whom I have accidentally been talking, who has begged me to + intercede with you to pay a little debt that she thinks you have + forgotten, but that probably you have never heard mentioned.” + </p> + <p> + “A debt?” cried he, with an immediate change of countenance, “to whom?” + </p> + <p> + “Her name, I think, is Hill; she is wife to the carpenter you employed + about a new temple at Violet-Bank.” + </p> + <p> + “O, what—what, that woman?—Well, well, I'll see she shall be + paid. Come, let us go to the library.” + </p> + <p> + “What, with my commission so ill executed? I promised to petition for her + to have the money directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Pho, pho, there's no such hurry; I don't know what I have done with her + bill.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll run and get another.” + </p> + <p> + “O upon no account! She may send another in two or three days. She + deserves to wait a twelvemonth for her impertinence in troubling you at + all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “That was entirely accidental: but indeed you must give me leave to + perform my promise and plead for her. It must be almost the same to you + whether you pay such a trifle as 20 pounds now or a month hence, and to + this poor woman the difference seems little short of life or death, for + she tells me her husband is dying, and her children are half-famished; and + though she looks an object of the cruellest want and distress herself, she + appears to be their only support.” + </p> + <p> + “O,” cried Mr Harrel, laughing, “what a dismal tale has she been telling + you! no doubt she saw you were fresh from the country! But if you give + credit to all the farragos of these trumpery impostors, you will never + have a moment to yourself, nor a guinea in your purse.” + </p> + <p> + “This woman,”' answered Cecilia, “cannot be an impostor, she carries marks + but too evident and too dreadful in her countenance of the sufferings + which she relates.” + </p> + <p> + “O,” returned he, “when you know the town better you will soon see through + tricks of this sort; a sick husband and five small children are complaints + so stale now, that they serve no other purpose in the world but to make a + joke.” + </p> + <p> + “Those, however, who can laugh at them must have notions of merriment very + different to mine. And this poor woman, whose cause I have ventured to + undertake, had she no family at all, must still and indisputably be an + object of pity herself, for she is so weak she can hardly crawl, and so + pallid that she seems already half dead.” + </p> + <p> + “All imposition, depend upon it! The moment she is out of your sight her + complaints will vanish.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir,” cried Cecilia, a little impatiently, “there is no reason to + suspect such deceit, since she does not come hither as a beggar, however + well the state of beggary may accord with her poverty: she only solicits + the payment of a bill, and if in that there is any fraud, nothing can be + so easy as detection.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel bit his lips at this speech, and for some instants looked much + disturbed; but soon recovering himself, he negligently said, “Pray, how + did she get at you?” + </p> + <p> + “I met her at the street door. But tell me, is not her bill a just one?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say; I have never had time to look at it.” + </p> + <p> + “But you know who the woman is, and that her husband worked for you, and + therefore that in all probability it is right,—do you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I know who the woman is well enough; she has taken care of + that, for she has pestered me every day these nine months.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was struck dumb by this speech: hitherto she had supposed that the + dissipation of his life kept him ignorant of his own injustice; but when + she found he was so well informed of it, yet, with such total + indifference, could suffer a poor woman to claim a just debt every day for + nine months together, she was shocked and astonished beyond measure. They + were both some time silent, and then Mr Harrel, yawning and stretching out + his arms, indolently asked, “Pray, why does not the man come himself?” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not tell you,” answered Cecilia, staring at so absent a question, + “that he was very ill, and unable even to work?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, when he is better,” added he, moving towards the door, “he may + call, and I will talk to him.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, all amazement at this unfeeling behaviour, turned involuntarily + to Mr Arnott, with a countenance that appealed for his assistance; but Mr + Arnott hung his head, ashamed to meet her eyes, and abruptly left the + room. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Mr Harrel, half-turning back, though without looking Cecilia in + the face, carelessly said, “Well, won't you come?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” answered she, coldly. + </p> + <p> + He then returned to the library, leaving her equally displeased, + surprised, and disconcerted at the conversation which had just passed + between them. “Good heaven,” cried she to herself, “what strange, what + cruel insensibility! to suffer a wretched family to starve, from an + obstinate determination to assert that they can live! to distress the poor + by retaining the recompense for which alone they labour, and which at last + they must have, merely from indolence, forgetfulness, or insolence! Oh how + little did my uncle know, how little did I imagine to what a guardian I + was entrusted!” She now felt ashamed even to return to the poor woman, + though she resolved to do all in her power to soften her disappointment + and relieve her distress. + </p> + <p> + But before she had quitted the room one of the servants came to tell her + that his master begged the honor of her company up stairs. “Perhaps he + relents!” thought she; and pleased with the hope, readily obeyed the + summons. + </p> + <p> + She found him, his lady, Sir Robert Floyer, and two other gentlemen, all + earnestly engaged in an argument over a large table, which was covered + with plans and elevations of small buildings. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel immediately addressed her with an air of vivacity, and said, + “You are very good for coming; we can settle nothing without your advice: + pray look at these different plans for our theatre, and tell us which is + the best.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia advanced not a step: the sight of plans for new edifices when the + workmen were yet unpaid for old ones; the cruel wantonness of raising + fresh fabrics of expensive luxury, while those so lately built had brought + their neglected labourers to ruin, excited an indignation she scarce + thought right to repress: while the easy sprightliness of the director of + these revels, to whom but the moment before she had represented the + oppression of which they made him guilty, filled her with aversion and + disgust: and, recollecting the charge given her by the stranger at the + Opera rehearsal, she resolved to speed her departure to another house, + internally repeating, “Yes, I <i>will</i> save myself from <i>the + impending destruction of unfeeling prosperity</i>!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, surprised at her silence and extreme gravity, enquired if she + was not well, and why she had put off her visit to Miss Larolles? And Sir + Robert Floyer, turning suddenly to look at her, said, “Do you begin to + feel the London air already?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia endeavoured to recover her serenity, and answer these questions in + her usual manner; but she persisted in declining to give any opinion at + all about the plans, and, after slightly looking at them, left the room. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel, who knew better how to account for her behaviour than he + thought proper to declare, saw with concern that she was more seriously + displeased than he had believed an occurrence which he had regarded as + wholly unimportant could have made her: and, therefore, desirous that she + should be appeased, he followed her out of the library, and said, “Miss + Beverley, will to-morrow be soon enough for your <i>protegee</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, no doubt!” answered she, most agreeably surprised by the question. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, will you take the trouble to bid her come to me in the + morning?” + </p> + <p> + Delighted at this unexpected commission, she thanked him with smiles for + the office; and as she hastened down stairs to chear the poor expectant + with the welcome intelligence, she framed a thousand excuses for the part + he had hitherto acted, and without any difficulty, persuaded herself he + began to see the faults of his conduct, and to meditate a reformation. + </p> + <p> + She was received by the poor creature she so warmly wished to serve with a + countenance already so much enlivened, that she fancied Mr Harrel had + himself anticipated her intended information: this, however, she found was + not the case, for as soon as she heard his message, she shook her head, + and said, “Ah, madam, his honour always says to-morrow! but I can better + bear to be disappointed now, so I'll grumble no more; for indeed, madam, I + have been blessed enough to-day to comfort me for every thing in the + world, if I could but keep from thinking of poor Billy! I could bear all + the rest, madam, but whenever my other troubles go off, that comes back to + me so much the harder!” + </p> + <p> + “There, indeed, I can afford you no relief,” said Cecilia, “but you must + try to think less of him, and more of your husband and children who are + now alive. To-morrow you will receive your money, and that, I hope, will + raise your spirits. And pray let your husband have a physician, to tell + you how to nurse and manage him; I will give you one fee for him now, and + if he should want further advice, don't fear to let me know.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia had again taken out her purse, but Mrs Hill, clasping her hands, + called out, “Oh madam no! I don't come here to fleece such goodness! but + blessed be the hour that brought me here to-day, and if my poor Billy was + alive, he should help me to thank you!” + </p> + <p> + She then told her that she was now quite rich, for while she was gone, a + gentleman had come into the room, who had given her five guineas. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, by her description, soon found this gentleman was Mr Arnott, and + a charity so sympathetic with her own, failed not to raise him greatly in + her favour. But as her benevolence was a stranger to that parade which is + only liberal from emulation, when she found more money not immediately + wanted, she put up her purse, and charging Mrs Hill to enquire for her the + next morning when she came to be paid, bid her hasten back to her sick + husband. + </p> + <p> + And then, again ordering the carriage to the door, she set off upon her + visit to Miss Larolles, with a heart happy in the good already done, and + happier still in the hope of doing more. + </p> + <p> + Miss Larolles was out, and she returned home; for she was too sanguine in + her expectations from Mr Harrel, to have any desire of seeking her other + guardians. The rest of the day she was more than usually civil to him, + with a view to mark her approbation of his good intentions: while Mr + Arnott, gratified by meeting the smiles he so much valued, thought his + five guineas amply repaid, independently of the real pleasure which he + took in doing good. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER x. — A PROVOCATION. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, when breakfast was over, Cecilia waited with much + impatience to hear some tidings of the poor carpenter's wife; but though + Mr Harrel, who had always that meal in his own room, came into his lady's + at his usual hour, to see what was going forward, he did not mention her + name. She therefore went into the hall herself, to enquire among the + servants if Mrs Hill was yet come? + </p> + <p> + Yes, they answered, and had seen their master, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + She then returned to the breakfast room, where her eagerness to procure + some information detained her, though the entrance of Sir Robert Floyer + made her wish to retire. But she was wholly at a loss whether to impute to + general forgetfulness, or to the failure of performing his promise, the + silence of Mr Harrel upon the subject of her petition. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes they were visited by Mr Morrice, who said he called to + acquaint the ladies that the next morning there was to be a rehearsal of a + very grand new dance at the Opera-House, where, though admission was + difficult, if it was agreeable to them to go, he would undertake to + introduce them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel happened to be engaged, and therefore declined the offer. He + then turned to Cecilia, and said, “Well, ma'am, when did you see our + friend Monckton?” + </p> + <p> + “Not since the rehearsal, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a mighty agreeable fellow,” he continued, “and his house in the + country is charming. One is as easy at it as at home. Were you ever there, + Sir Robert?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, truly,” replied Sir Robert; “what should I go for?—to see an + old woman with never a tooth in her head sitting at the top of the table! + Faith, I'd go an hundred miles a day for a month never to see such a sight + again.” + </p> + <p> + “O but you don't know how well she does the honours,” said Morrice; “and + for my part, except just at meal times, I always contrive to keep out of + her way.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder when she intends to die,” said Mr Harrel. + </p> + <p> + “She's been a long time about it,” cried Sir Robert; “but those tough old + cats last for ever. We all thought she was going when Monckton married + her; however, if he had not managed like a driveler, he might have broke + her heart nine years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I wish he had,” cried Mrs Harrel, “for she's an odious + creature, and used always to make me afraid of her.” + </p> + <p> + “But an old woman,” answered Sir Robert, “is a person who has no sense of + decency; if once she takes to living, the devil himself can't get rid of + her.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say,” cried Morrice, “she'll pop off before long in one of those + fits of the asthma. I assure you sometimes you may hear her wheeze a mile + off.” + </p> + <p> + “She'll go never the sooner for that,” said Sir Robert, “for I have got an + old aunt of my own, who has been puffing and blowing as if she was at her + last gasp ever since I can remember; and for all that, only yesterday, + when I asked her doctor when she'd give up the ghost, he told me she might + live these dozen years.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was by no means sorry to have this brutal conversation interrupted + by the entrance of a servant with a letter for her. She was immediately + retiring to read it; but upon the petition of Mr Monckton, who just then + came into the room, she only went to a window. The letter was as follows: + </p> + <p> + <i>To Miss, at his Honour Squire Harrel's—These:</i> + </p> + <p> + Honoured Madam,—This with my humble duty. His Honour has given me + nothing. But I would not be troublesome, having wherewithal to wait, so + conclude, Honoured Madam, your dutiful servant to command, till death, M. + HILL. + </p> + <p> + The vexation with which Cecilia read this letter was visible to the whole + company; and while Mr Arnott looked at her with a wish of enquiry he did + not dare express, and Mr Monckton, under an appearance of inattention, + concealed the most anxious curiosity, Mr Morrice alone had courage to + interrogate her; and, pertly advancing, said, “He is a happy man who writ + that letter, ma'am, for I am sure you have not read it with indifference.” + </p> + <p> + “Were I the writer,” said Mr Arnott, tenderly, “I am sure I should reckon + myself far otherwise, for Miss Beverley seems to have read it with + uneasiness.” + </p> + <p> + “However, I have read it,” answered she, “I assure you it is not from <i>any + man</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “O pray, Miss Beverley,” cried Sir Robert, coming forward, “are you any + better to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, for I have not been ill.” + </p> + <p> + “A little vapoured, I thought, yesterday; perhaps you want exercise.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish the ladies would put themselves under my care,” cried Morrice, + “and take a turn round the park.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't doubt you, Sir,” said Mr Monckton, contemptuously, “and, but for + the check of modesty, probably there is not a man here who would not wish + the same.” + </p> + <p> + “I could propose a much better scheme than that,” said Sir Robert; “what + if you all walk to Harley Street, and give me your notions of a house I am + about there? what say you, Mrs Harrel?” + </p> + <p> + “O, I shall like it vastly.” + </p> + <p> + “Done,” cried Mr Harrel; “'tis an excellent motion.” + </p> + <p> + “Come then,” said Sir Robert, “let's be off. Miss Beverley, I hope you + have a good warm cloak?” + </p> + <p> + “I must beg you to excuse my attending you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, who had heard this proposal with the utmost dread of its + success, revived at the calm steadiness with which it was declined. Mr and + Mrs Harrel both teized Cecilia to consent; but the haughty Baronet, + evidently more offended than hurt by her refusal, pressed the matter no + further, either with her or the rest of the party, and the scheme was + dropt entirely. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton failed not to remark this circumstance, which confirmed his + suspicions, that though the proposal seemed made by chance, its design was + nothing else than to obtain Cecilia's opinion concerning his house. But + while this somewhat alarmed him, the unabated insolence of his carriage, + and the confident defiance of his pride, still more surprized him; and + notwithstanding all he observed of Cecilia, seemed to promise nothing but + dislike; he could draw no other inference from his behaviour, than that if + he admired, he also concluded himself sure of her. + </p> + <p> + This was not a pleasant conjecture, however little weight he allowed to + it; and he resolved, by outstaying all the company, to have a few minutes' + private discourse with her upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + In about half an hour, Sir Robert and Mr Harrel went out together: Mr + Monckton still persevered in keeping his ground, and tried, though already + weary, to keep up a general conversation; but what moved at once his + wonder and his indignation was the assurance of Morrice, who seemed not + only bent upon staying as long as himself, but determined, by rattling + away, to make his own entertainment. + </p> + <p> + At length a servant came in to tell Mrs Harrel that a stranger, who was + waiting in the house-keeper's room, begged to speak with her upon very + particular business. + </p> + <p> + “O, I know,” cried she, “'tis that odious John Groot: do pray, brother, + try to get rid of him for me, for he comes to teize me about his bill, and + I never know what to say to him.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott went immediately, and Mr Monckton could scarce refrain from + going too, that he might entreat John Groot by no means to be satisfied + without seeing Mrs Harrel herself: John Groot, however, wanted not his + entreaties, as the servant soon returned to summons his lady to the + conference. + </p> + <p> + But though Mr Monckton now seemed near the completion of his purpose, + Morrice still remained; his vexation at this circumstance soon grew + intolerable; to see himself upon the point of receiving the recompense of + his perseverance, by the fortunate removal of all the obstacles in its + way, and then to have it held from him by a young fellow he so much + despised, and who had no entrance into the house but through his own + boldness, and no inducement to stay in it but from his own impertinence, + mortified him so insufferably, that it was with difficulty he even forbore + from affronting him. Nor would he have scrupled a moment desiring him to + leave the room, had he not prudently determined to guard with the utmost + sedulity against raising any suspicions of his passion for Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + He arose, however, and was moving towards her, with the intention to + occupy a part of a sofa on which she was seated, when Morrice, who was + standing at the back of it, with a sudden spring which made the whole room + shake, jumpt over, and sunk plump into the vacant place himself, calling + out at the same time, “Come, come, what have you married men to do with + young ladies? I shall seize this post for myself.” + </p> + <p> + The rage of Mr Monckton at this feat, and still more at the words <i>married + men</i>, almost exceeded endurance; he stopt short, and looking at him + with a fierceness that overpowered his discretion, was bursting out with, + “Sir, you are an—-<i>impudent fellow</i>,” but checking himself when + he got half way, concluded with, “a very facetious gentleman!” + </p> + <p> + Morrice, who wished nothing so little as disobliging Mr Monckton, and + whose behaviour was merely the result of levity and a want of early + education, no sooner perceived his displeasure, than, rising with yet more + agility than he had seated himself, he resumed the obsequiousness of which + an uncommon flow of spirits had robbed him, and guessing no other subject + for his anger than the disturbance he had made, he bowed almost to the + ground, first to him, and afterwards to Cecilia, most respectfully begging + pardon of them both for his frolic, and protesting he had no notion he + should have made such a noise! + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel and Mr Arnott, now hastening back, enquired what had been the + matter? Morrice, ashamed of his exploit, and frightened by the looks of Mr + Monckton, made an apology with the utmost humility, and hurried away: and + Mr Monckton, hopeless of any better fortune, soon did the same, gnawn with + a cruel discontent which he did not dare avow, and longing to revenge + himself upon Morrice, even by personal chastisement. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER xi. — A NARRATION. + </h2> + <p> + The moment Cecilia was at liberty, she sent her own servant to examine + into the real situation of the carpenter and his family, and to desire his + wife would call upon her as soon as she was at leisure. The account which + he brought back encreased her concern for the injuries of these poor + people, and determined her not to rest satisfied till she saw them + redressed. He informed her that they lived in a small lodging up two pair + of stairs; that there were five children, all girls, the three eldest of + whom were hard at work with their mother in matting chair-bottoms, and the + fourth, though a mere child, was nursing the youngest; while the poor + carpenter himself was confined to his bed, in consequence of a fall from a + ladder while working at Violet-Bank, by which he was covered with wounds + and contusions, and an object of misery and pain. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Mrs Hill came, Cecilia sent for her into her own room, where + she received her with the most compassionate tenderness, and desired to + know when Mr Harrel talked of paying her? + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, madam,” she answered, shaking her head, “that is always his + honour's speech: but I shall bear it while I can. However, though I dare + not tell his honour, something bad will come of it, if I am not paid + soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean, then, to apply to the law?” + </p> + <p> + “I must not tell you, madam; but to be sure we have thought of it many a + sad time and often; but still, while we could rub on, we thought it best + not to make enemies: but, indeed, madam, his honour was so hardhearted + this morning, that if I was not afraid you would be angry, I could not + tell how to bear it; for when I told him I had no help now, for I had lost + my Billy, he had the heart to say, 'So much the better, there's one the + less of you.'” + </p> + <p> + “But what,” cried Cecilia, extremely shocked by this unfeeling speech, “is + the reason he gives for disappointing you so often?” + </p> + <p> + “He says, madam, that none of the other workmen are paid yet; and that, to + be sure, is very true; but then they can all better afford to wait than we + can, for we were the poorest of all, madam, and have been misfortunate + from the beginning: and his honour would never have employed us, only he + had run up such a bill with Mr Wright, that he would not undertake any + thing more till he was paid. We were told from the first we should not get + our money; but we were willing to hope for the best, for we had nothing to + do, and were hard run, and had never had the offer of so good a job + before; and we had a great family to keep, and many losses, and so much + illness!—Oh madam! if you did but know what the poor go through!” + </p> + <p> + This speech opened to Cecilia a new view of life; that a young man could + appear so gay and happy, yet be guilty of such injustice and inhumanity, + that he could take pride in works which not even money had made his own, + and live with undiminished splendor, when his credit itself began to fail, + seemed to her incongruities so irrational, that hitherto she had supposed + them impossible. + </p> + <p> + She then enquired if her husband had yet had any physician? + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam, I humbly thank your goodness,” she answered; “but I am not + the poorer for that, for the gentleman was so kind he would take nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “And does he give you any hopes? what does he say?” + </p> + <p> + “He says he must die, madam, but I knew that before.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor woman! and what will you do then?” + </p> + <p> + “The same, madam, as I did when I lost my Billy, work on the harder!” + </p> + <p> + “Good heaven, <i>how severe a lot</i>! but tell me, why is it you seem to + love your Billy so much better than the rest of your children?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, madam, he was the only boy that ever I had; he was seventeen + years old, madam, and as tall and as pretty a lad! and so good, that he + never cost me a wet eye till I lost him. He worked with his father, and + all the folks used to say he was the better workman of the two.” + </p> + <p> + “And what was the occasion of his death?” + </p> + <p> + “A consumption, madam, that wasted him quite to nothing: and he was ill a + long time, and cost us a deal of money, for we spared neither for wine nor + any thing that we thought would but comfort him; and we loved him so we + never grudged it. But he died, madam! and if it had not been for very hard + work, the loss of him would quite have broke my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Try, however, to think less of him,” said Cecilia; “and depend upon my + speaking again for you to Mr Harrel. You shall certainly have your money; + take care, therefore, of your own health, and go home and give comfort to + your sick husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, madam,” cried the poor woman, tears streaming down her cheeks, “you + don't know how touching it is to hear gentlefolks talk so kindly! And I + have been used to nothing but roughness from his honour! But what I most + fear, madam, is that when my husband is gone, he will be harder to deal + with than ever; for a widow, madam, is always hard to be righted; and I + don't expect to hold out long myself, for sickness and sorrow wear fast: + and then, when we are both gone, who is to help our poor children?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> will!” cried the generous Cecilia; “I am able, and I am willing; + you shall not find all the rich hardhearted, and I will try to make you + some amends for the unkindness you have suffered.” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman, overcome by a promise so unexpected, burst into a + passionate fit of tears, and sobbed out her thanks with a violence of + emotion that frightened Cecilia almost as much as it melted her. She + endeavoured, by re-iterated assurances of assistance, to appease her, and + solemnly pledged her own honour that she should certainly be paid the + following Saturday, which was only three days distant. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Hill, when a little calmer, dried her eyes, and humbly begging her to + forgive a transport which she could not restrain, most gratefully thanked + her for the engagement into which she had entered, protesting that she + would not be <i>troublesome to her goodness</i> as long as she could help + it; “And I believe,” she continued, “that if his honour will but pay me + time enough for the burial, I can make shift with what I have till then. + But when my poor Billy died, we were sadly off indeed, for we could not + bear but bury him prettily, because it was the last we could do for him: + but we could hardly scrape up enough for it, and yet we all went without + our dinners to help forward, except the little one of all. But that did + not much matter, for we had no great heart for eating.”. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot bear this!” cried Cecilia; “you must tell me no more of your + Billy; but go home, and chear your spirits, and do every thing in your + power to save your husband.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, madam,” answered the woman, “and his dying prayers shall bless + you! and all my children shall bless you, and every night they shall pray + for you. And oh!”—again bursting into tears, “that Billy was but + alive to pray for you too!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia kindly endeavoured to soothe her, but the poor creature, no longer + able to suppress the violence of her awakened sorrows, cried out, “I must + go, madam, and pray for you at home, for now I have once begun crying + again, I don't know how to have done!” and hurried away. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia determined to make once more an effort with Mr Harrel for the + payment of the bill, and if that, in two days, did not succeed, to take up + money for the discharge of it herself, and rest all her security for + reimbursement upon the shame with which such a proceeding must overwhelm + him. Offended, however, by the repulse she had already received from him, + and disgusted by all she had heard of his unfeeling negligence, she knew + not how to address him, and resolved upon applying again to Mr Arnott, who + was already acquainted with the affair, for advice and assistance. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, though extremely gratified that she consulted him, betrayed by + his looks a hopelessness of success, that damped all her expectations. He + promised, however, to speak to Mr Harrel upon the subject, but the promise + was evidently given to oblige the fair mediatrix, without any hope of + advantage to the cause. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Mrs Hill again came, and again without payment was + dismissed. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott then, at the request of Cecilia, followed Mr Harrel into his + room, to enquire into the reason of this breach of promise; they continued + some time together, and when he returned to Cecilia, he told her, that his + brother had assured him he would give orders to Davison, his gentleman, to + let her have the money the next day. + </p> + <p> + The pleasure with which she would have heard this intelligence was much + checked by the grave and cold manner in which it was communicated: she + waited, therefore, with more impatience than confidence for the result of + this fresh assurance. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, however, was the same as the last; Mrs Hill came, saw + Davison, and was sent away. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, to whom she related her grievances, then flew to Mr Arnott, and + entreated him to enquire at least of Davison why the woman had again been + disappointed. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott obeyed her, and brought for answer, that Davison had received no + orders from his master. + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you then,” cried she, with mingled eagerness and vexation, “to + go, for the last time, to Mr Harrel. I am sorry to impose upon you an + office so disagreeable, but I am sure you compassionate these poor people, + and will serve them now with your interest, as you have already done with + your purse. I only wish to know if there has been any mistake, or if these + delays are merely to sicken me of petitioning.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, with a repugnance to the request which he could as ill conceal + as his admiration of the zealous requester, again forced himself to follow + Mr Harrel. His stay was not long, and Cecilia at his return perceived that + he was hurt and disconcerted. As soon as they were alone together, she + begged to know what had passed? “Nothing,” answered he, “that will give + you any pleasure. When I entreated my brother to come to the point, he + said it was his intention to pay all his workmen together, for that if he + paid any one singly, all the rest would be dissatisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “And why,” said Cecilia, “should he not pay them at once? There can be no + more comparison in the value of the money to him and to them, than, to + speak with truth, there is in his and in their right to it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, madam, the bills for the new house itself are none of them settled, + and he says that the moment he is known to discharge an account for the + Temple, he shall not have any rest for the clamours it will raise among + the workmen who were employed about the house.” + </p> + <p> + “How infinitely strange!” exclaimed Cecilia; “will he not, then, pay + anybody?” + </p> + <p> + “Next quarter, he says, he shall pay them all, but, at present, he has a + particular call for his money.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia would not trust herself to make any comments upon such an avowal, + but thanking Mr Arnott for the trouble which he had taken, she determined, + without any further application, to desire Mr Harrel to advance her 20 + pounds the next morning, and satisfy the carpenter herself, be the risk + what it might. + </p> + <p> + The following day, therefore, which was the Saturday when payment was + promised, she begged an audience of Mr Harrel; which he immediately + granted; but, before she could make her demand, he said to her, with an + air of the utmost gaiety and good-humour, “Well, Miss Beverley, how fares + it with your <i>protegee</i>? I hope, at length, she is contented. But I + must beg you would charge her to keep her own counsel, as otherwise she + will draw me into a scrape I shall not thank her for.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, then, paid her?” cried Cecilia, with much amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I promised you I would, you know.” + </p> + <p> + This intelligence equally delighted and astonished her; she repeatedly + thanked him for his attention to her petition, and, eager to communicate + her success to Mr Arnott, she hastened to find him. “Now,” cried she, “I + shall torment you no more with painful commissions; the Hills, at last, + are paid!” + </p> + <p> + “From you, madam,” answered he gravely, “no commissions could be painful.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” said Cecilia, somewhat disappointed, “you don't seem glad of + this?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered he, with a forced smile, “I am very glad to see you so.” + </p> + <p> + “But how was it brought about? did Mr Harrel relent? or did you attack him + again?” + </p> + <p> + The hesitation of his answer convinced her there was some mystery in the + transaction; she began to apprehend she had been deceived, and hastily + quitting the room, sent for Mrs Hill: but the moment the poor woman + appeared, she was satisfied of the contrary, for, almost frantic with joy + and gratitude, she immediately flung herself upon her knees, to thank her + benefactress for having <i>seen her righted</i>. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then gave her some general advice, promised to continue her + friend, and offered her assistance in getting her husband into an + hospital; but she told her he had already been in one many months, where + he had been pronounced incurable, and therefore was desirous to spend his + last days in his own lodgings. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cecilia, “make them as easy to him as you, can, and come to + me next week, and I will try to put you in a better way of living.” + </p> + <p> + She then, still greatly perplexed about Mr Arnott, sought him again, and, + after various questions and conjectures, at length brought him to confess + he had himself lent his brother the sum with which the Hills had been + paid. + </p> + <p> + Struck with his generosity, she poured forth thanks and praises so + grateful to his ears, that she soon gave him a recompense which he would + have thought cheaply purchased by half his fortune. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER i. — A MAN OF WEALTH + </h2> + <p> + The meanness with which Mr Harrel had assumed the credit, as well as + accepted the assistance of Mr Arnott, increased the disgust he had already + excited in Cecilia, and hastened her resolution of quitting his house; and + therefore, without waiting any longer for the advice of Mr Monckton, she + resolved to go instantly to her other guardians, and see what better + prospects their habitations might offer. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose she borrowed one of the carriages, and gave orders to be + driven into the city to the house of Mr Briggs. + </p> + <p> + She told her name, and was shewn, by a little shabby footboy, into a + parlour. + </p> + <p> + Here she waited, with tolerable patience, for half an hour, but then, + imagining the boy had forgotten to tell his master she was in the house, + she thought it expedient to make some enquiry. + </p> + <p> + No bell, however, could she find, and therefore she went into the passage + in search of the footboy; but, as she was proceeding to the head of the + kitchen stairs, she was startled by hearing a man's voice from the upper + part of the house exclaiming, in a furious passion, “Dare say you've + filched it for a dish-clout!” + </p> + <p> + She called out, however, “Are any of Mr Briggs's servants below?” + </p> + <p> + “Anan!” answered the boy, who came to the foot of the stairs, with a knife + in one hand and an old shoe, upon the sole of which he was sharpening it, + in the other, “Does any one call?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Cecilia, “I do; for I could not find the bell.” + </p> + <p> + “O, we have no bell in the parlour,” returned the boy, “master always + knocks with his stick.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid Mr Briggs is too busy to see me, and if so, I will come + another time.” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am,” said the boy, “master's only looking over his things from the + wash.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell him, then, that I am waiting?” + </p> + <p> + “I has, ma'am; but master misses his shaving-rag, and he says he won't + come to the Mogul till he's found it.” And then he went on with sharpening + his knife. + </p> + <p> + This little circumstance was at least sufficient to satisfy Cecilia that + if she fixed her abode with Mr Briggs, she should not have much uneasiness + to fear from the sight of extravagance and profusion. + </p> + <p> + She returned to the parlour, and after waiting another half-hour, Mr + Briggs made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + Mr Briggs was a short, thick, sturdy man, with very small keen black eyes, + a square face, a dark complexion, and a snub nose. His constant dress, + both in winter and summer, was a snuff-colour suit of clothes, blue and + white speckled worsted stockings, a plain shirt, and a bob wig. He was + seldom without a stick in his hand, which he usually held to his forehead + when not speaking. + </p> + <p> + This bob wig, however, to the no small amazement of Cecilia, he now + brought into the room upon the forefinger of his left hand, while, with + his right, he was smoothing the curls; and his head, in defiance of the + coldness of the weather, was bald and uncovered. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” cried he, as he entered, “did you think I should not come?” + </p> + <p> + “I was very willing, sir, to wait your leisure.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, knew you had not much to do. Been looking for my shaving-rag. + Going out of town; never use such a thing at home, paper does as well. + Warrant Master Harrel never heard of such a thing; ever see him comb his + own wig? Warrant he don't know how! never trust mine out of my hands, the + boy would tear off half the hair; all one to master Harrel, I suppose. + Well, which is the warmer man, that's all? Will he cast an account with + me?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, at a loss what to say to this singular exordium, began an apology + for not waiting upon him sooner. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” cried he, “always gadding, no getting sight of you. Live a fine + life! A pretty guardian, Master Harrel! and where's t'other? where's old + Don Puffabout?” + </p> + <p> + “If you mean Mr Delvile, sir, I have not yet seen him.” + </p> + <p> + “Thought so. No matter, as well not. Only tell you he's a German Duke, or + a Spanish Don Ferdinand. Well, you've me! poorly off else. A couple of + ignoramuses! don't know when to buy nor when to sell. No doing business + with either of them. We met once or twice; all to no purpose; only heard + Don Vampus count his old Grandees; how will that get interest for money? + Then comes Master Harrel—twenty bows to a word,—looks at a + watch,—about as big as a sixpence,—poor raw ninny!—a + couple of rare guardians! Well, you've me, I say; mind that!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was wholly unable to devise any answer to these effusions of + contempt and anger; and therefore his harangue lasted without + interruption, till he had exhausted all his subjects of complaint, and + emptied his mind of ill-will; and then, settling his wig, he drew a chair + near her, and twinkling his little black eyes in her face, his rage + subsided into the most perfect good humour; and, after peering at her some + time with a look of much approbation, he said, with an arch nod, “Well, my + duck, got ever a sweetheart yet?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia laughed, and said “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, little rogue, don't believe you! all a fib! better speak out: come, + fit I should know; a'n't you my own ward? to be sure, almost of age, but + not quite, so what's that to me?” + </p> + <p> + She then, more seriously, assured him she had no intelligence of that sort + to communicate. + </p> + <p> + “Well, when you have, tell, that's all. Warrant sparks enough hankering. + I'll give you some advice Take care of sharpers; don't trust shoe-buckles, + nothing but Bristol stones! tricks in all things. A fine gentleman sharp + as another man. Never give your heart to a gold-topped cane, nothing but + brass gilt over. Cheats everywhere: fleece you in a year; won't leave you + a groat. But one way to be safe,—bring 'em all to me.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia thanked him for his caution, and promised not to forget his + advice. + </p> + <p> + “That's the way,” he continued, “bring 'em to me. Won't be bamboozled. + Know their tricks. Shew 'em the odds on't. Ask for the rent-roll,—see + how they look! stare like stuck pigs! got no such thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir, that will be an excellent method of trial.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, know the way! soon find if they are above par. Be sure don't mind + gold waistcoats; nothing but tinsel, all shew and no substance; better + leave the matter to me; take care of you myself; know where to find one + will do.” + </p> + <p> + She again thanked him; and, being fully satisfied with this specimen of + his conversation, and unambitious of any further counsel from him, she + arose to depart. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” repeated he, nodding at her, with a look of much kindness, “leave + it to me, I say; I'll get you a careful husband, so take no thought about + the matter.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, half-laughing, begged he would not give himself much trouble, and + assured him she was not in any haste. + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” said he, “good girl; no fear for you: look out myself; + warrant I'll find one. Not very easy, neither! hard times! men scarce; + wars and tumults! stocks low! women chargeable!—but don't fear; do + our best; get you off soon.” + </p> + <p> + She then returned to her carriage: full of reflection upon the scene in + which she had just been engaged, and upon the strangeness of hastening + from one house to avoid a vice the very want of which seemed to render + another insupportable! but she now found that though luxury was more + baneful in its consequences, it was less disgustful in its progress than + avarice; yet, insuperably averse to both, and almost equally desirous to + fly from the unjust extravagance of Mr Harrel, as from the comfortless and + unnecessary parsimony of Mr Briggs, she proceeded instantly to St James's + Square, convinced that her third guardian, unless exactly resembling one + of the others, must inevitably be preferable to both. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ii. — A MAN OF FAMILY. + </h2> + <p> + The house of Mr Delvile was grand and spacious, fitted up not with modern + taste, but with the magnificence of former times; the servants were all + veterans, gorgeous in their liveries, and profoundly respectful in their + manners; every thing had an air of state, but of a state so gloomy, that + while it inspired awe, it repressed pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia sent in her name and was admitted without difficulty, and was then + ushered with great pomp through sundry apartments, and rows of servants, + before she came into the presence of Mr Delvile. + </p> + <p> + He received her with an air of haughty affability which, to a spirit open + and liberal as that of Cecilia, could not fail being extremely offensive; + but too much occupied with the care of his own importance to penetrate + into the feelings of another, he attributed the uneasiness which his + reception occasioned to the overawing predominance of superior rank and + consequence. + </p> + <p> + He ordered a servant to bring her a chair, while he only half rose from + his own upon her entering into the room; then, waving his hand and bowing, + with a motion that desired her to be seated, he said, “I am very happy, + Miss Beverley, that you have found me alone; you would rarely have had the + same good fortune. At this time of day I am generally in a crowd. People + of large connections have not much leisure in London, especially if they + see a little after their own affairs, and if their estates, like mine, are + dispersed in various parts of the kingdom. However, I am glad it happened + so. And I am glad, too, that you have done me the favour of calling + without waiting till I sent, which I really would have done as soon as I + heard of your arrival, but that the multiplicity of my engagements allowed + me no respite.” + </p> + <p> + A display of importance so ostentatious made Cecilia already half repent + her visit, satisfied that the hope in which she had planned it would be + fruitless. + </p> + <p> + Mr Delvile, still imputing to embarrassment, an inquietude of countenance + that proceeded merely from disappointment, imagined her veneration was + every moment increasing; and therefore, pitying a timidity which both + gratified and softened him, and equally pleased with himself for + inspiring, and with her for feeling it, he abated more and more of his + greatness, till he became, at length, so infinitely condescending, with + intention to give her courage, that he totally depressed her with + mortification and chagrin. + </p> + <p> + After some general inquiries concerning her way of life, he told her that + he hoped she was contented with her situation at the Harrels, adding, “If + you have any thing to complain of, remember to whom you may appeal.” He + then asked if she had seen Mr Briggs? + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I am this moment come from his house.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for it; his house cannot be a proper one for the reception of + a young lady. When the Dean made application that I would be one of your + guardians, I instantly sent him a refusal, as is my custom upon all such + occasions, which indeed occur to me with a frequency extremely + importunate: but the Dean was a man for whom I had really a regard, and, + therefore, when I found my refusal had affected him, I suffered myself to + be prevailed upon to indulge him, contrary not only to my general rule, + but to my inclination.” + </p> + <p> + Here he stopt, as if to receive some compliment, but Cecilia, very little + disposed to pay him any, went no farther than an inclination of the head. + </p> + <p> + “I knew not, however,” he continued, “at the time I was induced to give my + consent, with whom I was to be associated; nor could I have imagined the + Dean so little conversant with the distinctions of the world, as to + disgrace me with inferior coadjutors: but the moment I learnt the state of + the affair, I insisted upon withdrawing both my name and countenance.” + </p> + <p> + Here again he paused; not in expectation of an answer from Cecilia, but + merely to give her time to marvel in what manner he had at last been + melted. + </p> + <p> + “The Dean,” he resumed, “was then very ill; my displeasure, I believe, + hurt him. I was sorry for it; he was a worthy man, and had not meant to + offend me; in the end, I accepted his apology, and was even persuaded to + accept the office. You have a right, therefore, to consider yourself as <i>personally</i> + my ward, and though I do not think proper to mix much with your other + guardians, I shall always be ready to serve and advise you, and much + pleased to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me honour, sir,” said Cecilia, extremely wearied of such + graciousness, and rising to be gone. + </p> + <p> + “Pray sit still,” said he, with a smile; “I have not many engagements for + this morning. You must give me some account how you pass your time. Are + you much out? The Harrels, I am told, live at a great expense. What is + their establishment?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't exactly know, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “They are decent sort of people, I believe; are they not?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “And they have a tolerable acquaintance, I believe: I am told so; for I + know nothing of them.” + </p> + <p> + “They have, at least, a very numerous one, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear,” said he, taking her hand, “now you have once ventured to + come, don't be apprehensive of repeating your visits. I must introduce you + to Mrs Delvile; I am sure she will be happy to shew you any kindness. + Come, therefore, when you please, and without scruple. I would call upon + you myself, but am fearful of being embarrassed by the people with whom + you live.” + </p> + <p> + He then rang his bell, and with the same ceremonies which had attended her + admittance, she was conducted back to her carriage. + </p> + <p> + And here died away all hope of putting into execution, during her + minority, the plan of which the formation had given her so much pleasure. + She found that her present situation, however wide of her wishes, was by + no means the most disagreeable in which she could be placed; she was + tired, indeed, of dissipation, and shocked at the sight of unfeeling + extravagance; but notwithstanding the houses of each of her other + guardians were exempt from these particular vices, she saw not any + prospect of happiness with either of them; vulgarity seemed leagued with + avarice to drive her from the mansion of Mr Briggs, and haughtiness with + ostentation to exclude her from that of Mr Delvile. + </p> + <p> + She came back, therefore, to Portman Square, disappointed in her hopes, + and sick both of those whom she quitted and of those to whom she was + returning; but in going to her own apartment Mrs Harrel, eagerly stopping + her, begged she would come into the drawing-room, where she promised her a + most agreeable surprise. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, for an instant, imagined that some old acquaintance was just + arrived out of the country; but, upon her entrance, she saw only Mr Harrel + and some workmen, and found that the agreeable surprise was to proceed + from the sight of an elegant Awning, prepared for one of the inner + apartments, to be fixed over a long desert-table, which was to be + ornamented with various devices of cut glass. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever see any thing so beautiful in your life?” cried Mrs Harrel; + “and when the table is covered with the coloured ices and those sort of + things, it will be as beautiful again. We shall have it ready for Tuesday + se'nnight. + </p> + <p> + “I understood you were engaged to go to the Masquerade?” + </p> + <p> + “So we shall; only we intend to see masks at home first.” + </p> + <p> + “I have some thoughts,” said Mr Harrel, leading the way to another small + room, “of running up a flight of steps and a little light gallery here, + and so making a little Orchestra. What would such a thing come to, Mr + Tomkins?” + </p> + <p> + “O, a trifle, sir,” answered Mr Tomkins, “a mere nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, give orders for it, and let it be done directly. I don't care + how slight it is, but pray let it be very elegant. Won't it be a great + addition, Miss Beverley?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir, I don't think it seems to be very necessary,” said Cecilia, + who wished much to take that moment for reminding him of the debt he had + contracted with Mr Arnott. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, Miss Beverley is so grave!” cried Mrs Harrel; “nothing of this sort + gives her any pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “She has indeed,” answered Cecilia, trying to smile, “not much taste for + the pleasure of being always surrounded by workmen.” + </p> + <p> + And, as soon as she was able, she retired to her room, feeling, both on + the part of Mr Arnott and the Hills, a resentment at the injustice of Mr + Harrel, which fixed her in the resolution of breaking through that + facility of compliance, which had hitherto confined her disapprobation to + her own breast, and venturing, henceforward, to mark the opinion she + entertained of his conduct by consulting nothing but reason and principle + in her own. + </p> + <p> + Her first effort towards this change was made immediately, in begging to + be excused from accompanying Mrs Harrel to a large card assembly that + evening. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, extremely surprised, asked a thousand times the reason of her + refusal, imagining it to proceed from some very extraordinary cause; nor + was she, without the utmost difficulty, persuaded at last that she merely + meant to pass one evening by herself. + </p> + <p> + But the next day, when the refusal was repeated, she was still more + incredulous; it seemed to her impossible that any one who had the power to + be encircled with company, could by choice spend a second afternoon alone: + and she was so urgent in her request to be entrusted with the secret, that + Cecilia found no way left to appease her, but by frankly confessing she + was weary of eternal visiting, and sick of living always in a crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose, then,” cried she, “I send for Miss Larolles to come and sit with + you?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, not without laughing, declined this proposal, assuring her that + no such assistant was necessary for her entertainment: yet it was not till + after a long contention that she was able to convince her there would be + no cruelty in leaving her by herself. + </p> + <p> + The following day, however, her trouble diminished; for Mrs Harrel, + ceasing to be surprised, thought little more of the matter, and forbore + any earnestness of solicitation: and, from that time, she suffered her to + follow her own humour with very little opposition. Cecilia was much + concerned to find her so unmoved; and not less disappointed at the + indifference of Mr Harrel, who, being seldom of the same parties with his + lady, and seeing her too rarely either to communicate or hear any domestic + occurrences, far from being struck, as she had hoped, with the new way in + which she passed her time, was scarce sensible of the change, and + interfered not upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert Floyer, who continued to see her when he dined in Portman + Square, often enquired what she did with herself in an evening; but never + obtaining any satisfactory answer, he concluded her engagements were with + people to whom he was a stranger. + </p> + <p> + Poor Mr Arnott felt the cruellest disappointment in being deprived of the + happiness of attending her in her evening's expeditions, when, whether he + conversed with her or not, he was sure of the indulgence of seeing and + hearing her. + </p> + <p> + But the greatest sufferer from this new regulation was Mr Monckton, who, + unable any longer to endure the mortifications of which his morning visits + to Portman Square had been productive, determined not to trust his temper + with such provocations in future, but rather to take his chance of meeting + with her elsewhere: for which purpose, he assiduously frequented all + public places, and sought acquaintance with every family and every person + he believed to be known to the Harrels: but his patience was unrewarded, + and his diligence unsuccessful; he met with her no where, and, while he + continued his search, fancied every evil power was at work to lead him + whither he was sure never to find her. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Cecilia passed her time greatly to her own satisfaction. Her + first care was to assist and comfort the Hills. She went herself to their + lodgings, ordered and paid for whatever the physician prescribed to the + sick man, gave clothes to the children, and money and various necessaries + to the wife. She found that the poor carpenter was not likely to languish + much longer, and therefore, for the present, only thought of alleviating + his sufferings, by procuring him such indulgences as were authorised by + his physician, and enabling his family to abate so much of their labour as + was requisite for obtaining time to nurse and attend him: but she meant, + as soon as the last duties should be paid him, to assist his survivors in + attempting to follow some better and more profitable business. + </p> + <p> + Her next solicitude was to furnish herself with a well-chosen collection + of books: and this employment, which to a lover of literature, young and + ardent in its pursuit, is perhaps the mind's first luxury, proved a source + of entertainment so fertile and delightful that it left her nothing to + wish. + </p> + <p> + She confined not her acquisitions to the limits of her present power, but, + as she was laying in a stock for future as well as immediate advantage, + she was restrained by no expence from gratifying her taste and her + inclination. She had now entered the last year of her minority, and + therefore had not any doubt that her guardians would permit her to take up + whatever sum she should require for such a purpose. + </p> + <p> + And thus, in the exercise of charity, the search of knowledge, and the + enjoyment of quiet, serenely in innocent philosophy passed the hours of + Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iii. — A MASQUERADE. + </h2> + <p> + The first check this tranquillity received was upon the day of the + masquerade, the preparations for which have been already mentioned. The + whole house was then in commotion from various arrangements and + improvements which were planned for almost every apartment that was to be + opened for the reception of masks. Cecilia herself, however little pleased + with the attendant circumstance of wantonly accumulating unnecessary + debts, was not the least animated of the party: she was a stranger to + every diversion of this sort, and from the novelty of the scene, hoped for + uncommon satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + At noon Mrs Harrel sent for her to consult upon a new scheme which + occurred to Mr Harrel, of fixing in fantastic forms some coloured lamps in + the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + While they were all discoursing this matter over, one of the servants, who + had two or three times whispered some message to Mr Harrel, and then + retired, said, in a voice not too low to be heard by Cecilia, “Indeed, + Sir, I can't get him away.” + </p> + <p> + “He's an insolent scoundrel,” answered Mr Harrel; “however, if I must + speak to him, I must;” and went out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel still continued to exercise her fancy upon this new project, + calling both upon Mr Arnott and Cecilia to admire her taste and + contrivance; till they were all interrupted by the loudness of a voice + from below stairs, which frequently repeated, “Sir, I can wait no longer! + I have been put off till I can be put off no more!” + </p> + <p> + Startled by this, Mrs Harrel ceased her employment, and they all stood + still and silent. They then heard Mr Harrel with much softness answer, + “Good Mr Rawlins, have a little patience; I shall receive a large sum of + money to-morrow, or next day, and you may then depend upon being paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” cried the man, “you have so often told me the same, that it goes + just for nothing: I have had a right to it a long time, and I have a bill + to make up that can't be waited for any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Mr Rawlins,” replied Mr Harrel, with still increasing + gentleness, “and certainly you shall have it: nobody means to dispute your + right; I only beg you to wait a day, or two days at furthest, and you may + then depend upon being paid. And you shall not be the worse for obliging + me; I will never employ any body else, and I shall have occasion for you + very soon, as I intend to make some alterations at Violet-Bank that will + be very considerable.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said the man, still louder, “it is of no use your employing me, if + I can never get my money. All my workmen must be paid whether I am or no; + and so, if I must needs speak to a lawyer, why there's no help for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever hear any thing so impertinent?” exclaimed Mrs Harrel; “I am + sure Mr Harrel will be very much to blame, if ever he lets that man do any + thing more for him.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Mr Harrel appeared, and, with an air of affected unconcern, + said, “Here's the most insolent rascal of a mason below stairs I ever met + with in my life; he has come upon me, quite unexpectedly, with a bill of + 400 pounds, and won't leave the house without the money. Brother Arnott, I + wish you would do me the favour to speak to the fellow, for I could not + bear to stay with him any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish me to give him a draft for the money upon my own banker?” + </p> + <p> + “That would be vastly obliging,” answered Mr Harrel, “and I will give you + my note for it directly. And so we shall get rid of this fellow at once: + and he shall do nothing more for me as long as he lives. I will run up a + new building at Violet-Bank next summer, if only to shew him what a job he + has lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Pay the man at once, there's a good brother,” cried Mrs Harrel, “and + let's hear no more of him.” + </p> + <p> + The two gentlemen then retired to another room, and Mrs Harrel, after + praising the extreme good-nature of her brother, of whom she was very + fond, and declaring that the mason's impertinence had quite frightened + her, again returned to her plan of new decorations. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, amazed at this indifference to the state of her husband's + affairs, began to think it was her own duty to talk with her upon the + subject: and therefore, after a silence so marked that Mrs Harrel enquired + into its reason, she said, “Will you pardon me, my dear friend, if I own I + am rather surprized to see you continue these preparations?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because any fresh unnecessary expences just now, till Mr Harrel actually + receives the money he talks of—” + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear, the expence of such a thing as this is nothing; in Mr + Harrel's affairs I assure you it will not be at all felt. Besides, he + expects money so soon, that it is just the same as if he had it already.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, unwilling to be too officious, began then to express her + admiration of the goodness and generosity of Mr Arnott; taking frequent + occasion, in the course of her praise, to insinuate that those only can be + properly liberal, who are just and economical. + </p> + <p> + She had prepared no masquerade habit for this evening, as Mrs Harrel, by + whose direction she was guided, informed her it was not necessary for + ladies to be masked at home, and said she should receive her company + herself in a dress which she might wear upon any other occasion. Mr + Harrel, also, and Mr Arnott made not any alteration in their appearance. + </p> + <p> + At about eight o'clock the business of the evening began; and before nine, + there were so many masks that Cecilia wished she had herself made one of + the number, as she was far more conspicuous in being almost the only + female in a common dress, than any masquerade habit could have made her. + The novelty of the scene, however, joined to the general air of gaiety + diffused throughout the company, shortly lessened her embarrassment; and, + after being somewhat familiarized to the abruptness with which the masks + approached her, and the freedom with which they looked at or addressed + her, the first confusion of her situation subsided, and in her curiosity + to watch others, she ceased to observe how much she was watched herself. + </p> + <p> + Her expectations of entertainment were not only fulfilled but surpassed; + the variety of dresses, the medley of characters, the quick succession of + figures, and the ludicrous mixture of groups, kept her attention + unwearied: while the conceited efforts at wit, the total thoughtlessness + of consistency, and the ridiculous incongruity of the language with the + appearance, were incitements to surprise and diversion without end. Even + the local cant of, <i>Do you know me? Who are you?</i> and <i>I know you</i>; + with the sly pointing of the finger, the arch nod of the head, and the + pert squeak of the voice, though wearisome to those who frequent such + assemblies, were, to her unhackneyed observation, additional subjects of + amusement. + </p> + <p> + Soon after nine o'clock, every room was occupied, and the common crowd of + regular masqueraders were dispersed through the various apartments. + Dominos of no character, and fancy dresses of no meaning, made, as is + usual at such meetings, the general herd of the company: for the rest, the + men were Spaniards, chimney-sweepers, Turks, watchmen, conjurers, and old + women; and the ladies, shepherdesses, orange girls, Circassians, gipseys, + haymakers, and sultanas. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia had, as yet, escaped any address beyond the customary enquiry of + <i>Do you know me?</i> and a few passing compliments; but when the rooms + filled, and the general crowd gave general courage, she was attacked in a + manner more pointed and singular. + </p> + <p> + The very first mask who approached her seemed to have nothing less in view + than preventing the approach of every other: yet had he little reason to + hope favour for himself, as the person he represented, of all others least + alluring to the view, was the devil! He was black from head to foot, save + that two red horns seemed to issue from his forehead; his face was so + completely covered that the sight only of his eyes was visible, his feet + were cloven, and in his right hand he held a wand the colour of fire. + </p> + <p> + Waving this wand as he advanced towards Cecilia, he cleared a + semi-circular space before her chair, thrice with the most profound + reverence bowed to her, thrice turned himself around with sundry grimaces, + and then fiercely planted himself at her side. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was amused by his mummery, but felt no great delight in his + guardianship, and, after a short time, arose, with intention to walk to + another place; but the black gentleman, adroitly moving round her, held + out his wand to obstruct her passage, and therefore, preferring captivity + to resistance, she was again obliged to seat herself. + </p> + <p> + An Hotspur, who just then made his appearance, was now strutting boldly + towards her; but the devil, rushing furiously forwards, placed himself + immediately between them. Hotspur, putting his arms a-kimbo with an air of + defiance, gave a loud stamp with his right foot, and then—marched + into another room! + </p> + <p> + The victorious devil ostentatiously waved his wand, and returned to his + station. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, who had never moved two yards from Cecilia, knowing her too + well to suppose she received any pleasure from being thus distinguished, + modestly advanced to offer his assistance in releasing her from + confinement; but the devil, again describing a circle with his wand, gave + him three such smart raps on the head that his hair was disordered, and + his face covered with powder. A general laugh succeeded, and Mr Arnott, + too diffident to brave raillery, or withstand shame, retired in confusion. + </p> + <p> + The black gentleman seemed now to have all authority in his own hands, and + his wand was brandished with more ferocity than ever, no one again + venturing to invade the domain he thought fit to appropriate for his own. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, a Don Quixote appeared, and every mask in the room was + eager to point out to him the imprisonment of Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + This Don Quixote was accoutered with tolerable exactness according to the + description of the admirable Cervantes; his armour was rusty, his helmet + was a barber's basin, his shield, a pewter dish, and his lance, an old + sword fastened to a slim cane. His figure, tall and thin, was well adapted + to the character he represented, and his mask, which depictured a lean and + haggard face, worn with care, yet fiery with crazy passions, exhibited, + with propriety the most striking, the knight of the doleful countenance. + </p> + <p> + The complaints against the devil with which immediately and from all + quarters he was assailed, he heard with the most solemn taciturnity: after + which, making a motion for general silence, he stalked majestically + towards Cecilia, but stopping short of the limits prescribed by her guard, + he kissed his spear in token of allegiance, and then, slowly dropping upon + one knee, began the following address: + </p> + <p> + “Most incomparable Princess!—Thus humbly prostrate at the feet of + your divine and ineffable beauty, graciously permit the most pitiful of + your servitors, Don Quixote De la Mancha, from your high and tender grace, + to salute the fair boards which sustain your corporeal machine.” + </p> + <p> + Then, bending down his head, he kissed the floor; after which, raising + himself upon his feet, he proceeded in his speech. + </p> + <p> + “Report, O most fair and unmatchable virgin! daringly affirmeth that a + certain discourteous person, who calleth himself the devil, even now, and + in thwart of your fair inclinations, keepeth and detaineth your irradiant + frame in hostile thraldom. Suffer then, magnanimous and undescribable + lady! that I, the most groveling of your unworthy vassals, do sift the + fair truth out of this foul sieve, and obsequiously bending to your divine + attractions, conjure your highness veritably to inform me, if that + honourable chair which haply supports your terrestrial perfections, + containeth the inimitable burthen with the free and legal consent of your + celestial spirit?” + </p> + <p> + Here he ceased: and Cecilia, who laughed at this characteristic address, + though she had not courage to answer it, again made an effort to quit her + place, but again by the wand of her black persecutor was prevented. + </p> + <p> + This little incident was answer sufficient for the valorous knight, who + indignantly exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “Sublime Lady!—I beseech but of your exquisite mercy to refrain + mouldering the clay composition of my unworthy body to impalpable dust, by + the refulgence of those bright stars vulgarly called eyes, till I have + lawfully wreaked my vengeance upon this unobliging caitiff, for his most + disloyal obstruction of your highness's adorable pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Then, bowing low, he turned from her, and thus addressed his intended + antagonist: + </p> + <p> + “Uncourtly Miscreant,—The black garment which envellopeth thy most + unpleasant person, seemeth even of the most ravishing whiteness, in + compare of the black bile which floateth within thy sable interior. + Behold, then, my gauntlet! yet ere I deign to be the instrument of thy + extirpation, O thou most mean and ignoble enemy! that the honour of Don + Quixote De la Mancha may not be sullied by thy extinction, I do here + confer upon thee the honour of knighthood, dubbing thee, by my own sword, + Don Devil, knight of the horrible physiognomy.” + </p> + <p> + He then attempted to strike his shoulder with his spear, but the black + gentleman, adroitly eluding the blow, defended himself with his wand: a + mock fight ensued, conducted on both sides with admirable dexterity; but + Cecilia, less eager to view it than to become again a free agent, made her + escape into another apartment; while the rest of the ladies, though they + almost all screamed, jumped upon chairs and sofas to peep at the combat. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, the wand of the knight of the horrible physiognomy was + broken against the shield of the knight of the doleful countenance; upon + which Don Quixote called out <i>victoria</i>! the whole room echoed the + sound; the unfortunate new knight retired abruptly into another apartment, + and the conquering Don, seizing the fragments of the weapon of his + vanquished enemy went out in search of the lady for whose releasement he + had fought: and the moment he found her, prostrating both himself and the + trophies at her feet, he again pressed the floor with his lips, and then, + slowly arising, repeated his reverences with added formality, and, without + waiting her acknowledgments, gravely retired. + </p> + <p> + The moment he departed a Minerva, not stately nor austere, not marching in + warlike majesty, but gay and airy, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Tripping on light fantastic toe,” + </pre> + <p> + ran up to Cecilia, and squeaked out, “Do you know me?” + </p> + <p> + “Not,” answered she, instantly recollecting Miss Larolles, “by your <i>appearance</i>, + I own! but by your <i>voice</i>, I think I can guess you.” + </p> + <p> + “I was monstrous sorry,” returned the goddess, without understanding this + distinction, “that I was not at home when you called upon me. Pray, how do + you like my dress? I assure you I think it's the prettiest here. But do + you know there's the most shocking thing in the world happened in the next + room! I really believe there's a common chimney-sweeper got in! I assure + you it's enough to frighten one to death, for every time he moves the soot + smells so you can't think; quite real soot, I assure you! only conceive + how nasty! I declare I wish with all my heart it would suffocate him!” + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted by the re-appearance of <i>Don Devil</i>; who, + looking around him, and perceiving that his antagonist was gone, again + advanced to Cecilia: not, however, with the authority of his first + approach, for with his wand he had lost much of his power; but to + recompense himself for this disgrace, he had recourse to another method + equally effectual for keeping his prey to himself, for he began a + growling, so dismal and disagreeable, that while many of the ladies, and, + among the first, the <i>Goddess of Wisdom and Courage</i>, ran away to + avoid him, the men all stood aloof to watch what next was to follow. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia now became seriously uneasy; for she was made an object of general + attention, yet could neither speak nor be spoken to. She could suggest no + motive for behaviour so whimsical, though she imagined the only person who + could have the assurance to practise it was Sir Robert Floyer. + </p> + <p> + After some time spent thus disagreeably, a white domino, who for a few + minutes had been a very attentive spectator, suddenly came forward, and + exclaiming, “<i>I'll cross him though he blast me!</i>” rushed upon the + fiend, and grasping one of his horns, called out to a Harlequin who stood + near him, “Harlequin! do you fear to fight the devil?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I truly!” answered Harlequin, whose voice immediately betrayed young + Morrice, and who, issuing from the crowd, whirled himself round before the + black gentleman with yet more agility than he had himself done before + Cecilia, giving him, from time to time, many smart blows on his shoulders, + head, and back, with his wooden sword. + </p> + <p> + The rage of <i>Don Devil</i> at this attack seemed somewhat beyond what a + masquerade character rendered necessary; he foamed at the mouth with + resentment, and defended himself with so much vehemence, that he soon + drove poor Harlequin into another room: but, when he would have returned + to his prey, the genius of pantomime, curbed, but not subdued, at the + instigation of the white domino, returned to the charge, and by a + perpetual rotation of attack and retreat, kept him in constant employment, + pursuing him from room to room, and teazing him without cessation or + mercy. + </p> + <p> + Mean time Cecilia, delighted at being released, hurried into a corner, + where she hoped to breathe and look on in quiet; and the white domino + having exhorted Harlequin to torment the tormentor, and keep him at bay, + followed her with congratulations upon her recovered freedom. + </p> + <p> + “It is you,” answered she, “I ought to thank for it, which indeed I do + most heartily. I was so tired of confinement, that my mind seemed almost + as little at liberty as my person.” + </p> + <p> + “Your persecutor, I presume,” said the domino, “is known to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” answered she, “because there is one man I suspect, and I + should be sorry to find there was another equally disagreeable.” + </p> + <p> + “O, depend upon it,” cried he, “there are many who would be happy to + confine you in the same manner; neither have you much cause for complaint; + you have, doubtless, been the aggressor, and played this game yourself + without mercy, for I read in your face the captivity of thousands: have + you, then, any right to be offended at the spirit of retaliation which + one, out of such numbers has courage to exert in return?” + </p> + <p> + “I protest,” cried Cecilia, “I took you for my defender! whence is it you + are become my accuser?” + </p> + <p> + “From seeing the danger to which my incautious knight-errantry has exposed + me; I begin, indeed, to take you for a very mischievous sort of person, + and I fear the poor devil from whom I rescued you will be amply revenged + for his disgrace, by finding that the first use you make of your freedom + is to doom your deliverer to bondage.” + </p> + <p> + Here they were disturbed by the extreme loquacity of two opposite parties: + and listening attentively, they heard from one side, “My angel! fairest of + creatures! goddess of my heart!” uttered in accents of rapture; while from + the other, the vociferation was so violent they could distinctly hear + nothing. + </p> + <p> + The white domino satisfied his curiosity by going to both parties; and + then, returning to Cecilia, said, “Can you conjecture who was making those + soft speeches? a Shylock! his knife all the while in his hand, and his + design, doubtless, to <i>cut as near the heart as possible!</i> while the + loud cackling from the other side is owing to the riotous merriment of a + noisy Mentor! when next I hear a disturbance, I shall expect to see some + simpering Pythagoras stunned by his talkative disciples.” + </p> + <p> + “To own the truth,” said Cecilia, “the almost universal neglect of the + characters assumed by these masquers has been the chief source of my + entertainment this evening: for at a place of this sort, the next best + thing to a character well supported is a character ridiculously + burlesqued.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot, then, have wanted amusement,” returned the domino, “for among + all the persons assembled in these apartments, I have seen only three who + have seemed conscious that any change but that of dress was necessary to + disguise them.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray who are those?” + </p> + <p> + “A Don Quixote, a schoolmaster, and your friend the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “O, call him not my friend,” exclaimed Cecilia, “for indeed in or out of + that garb he is particularly my aversion.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>My</i> friend, then, I will call him,” said the domino, “for so, were + he ten devils, I must think him, since I owe to him the honour of + conversing with you. And, after all, to give him his due, to which, you + know, he is even proverbially entitled, he has shewn such abilities in the + performance of his part, so much skill in the display of malice, and so + much perseverance in the art of tormenting, that I cannot but respect his + ingenuity and capacity. And, indeed, if instead of an evil genius, he had + represented a guardian angel, he could not have shewn a more refined taste + in his choice of an object to hover about.” + </p> + <p> + Just then they were approached by a young haymaker, to whom the white + domino called out, “You look as gay and as brisk as if fresh from the + hay-field after only half a day's work. Pray, how is it you pretty lasses + find employment for the winter?” + </p> + <p> + “How?” cried she, pertly, “why, the same as for the summer!” And pleased + with her own readiness at repartee, without feeling the ignorance it + betrayed, she tript lightly on. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after the schoolmaster mentioned by the white domino advanced + to Cecilia. His dress was merely a long wrapping gown of green stuff, a + pair of red slippers, and a woollen night-cap of the same colour; while, + as the symbol of his profession, he held a rod in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, fair lady,” he cried, “how soothing were it to the austerity of my + life, how softening to the rigidity of my manners, might I—without a + <i>breaking out of bounds</i>, which I ought to be the first to + discourage, and a “confusion to all order” for which the school-boy should + himself chastise his master—be permitted to cast at your feet this + emblem of my authority! and to forget, in the softness of your + conversation, all the roughness of discipline!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” cried Cecilia, “I will not be answerable for such corruption of + taste!” + </p> + <p> + “This repulse,” answered he, “is just what I feared; for alas! under what + pretence could a poor miserable country pedagogue presume to approach you? + Should I examine you in the dead languages, would not your living accents + charm from me all power of reproof? Could I look at you, and hear a false + concord? Should I doom you to water-gruel as a dunce, would not my + subsequent remorse make me want it myself as a madman? Were your fair hand + spread out to me for correction, should I help applying my lips to it, + instead of my rat-tan? If I ordered you to be <i>called up</i>, should I + ever remember to have you sent back? And if I commanded you to stand in a + corner, how should I forbear following you thither myself?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who had no difficulty in knowing this pretended schoolmaster for + Mr Gosport, was readily beginning to propose conditions for according him + her favour, when their ears were assailed by a forced phthisical cough, + which they found proceeded from an apparent old woman, who was a young man + in disguise, and whose hobbling gait, grunting voice, and most grievous + asthmatic complaints, seemed greatly enjoyed and applauded by the company. + </p> + <p> + “How true is it, yet how inconsistent,” cried the white domino, “that + while we all desire to live long, we have all a horror of being old! The + figure now passing is not meant to ridicule any particular person, nor to + stigmatize any particular absurdity; its sole view is to expose to + contempt and derision the general and natural infirmities of age! and the + design is not more disgusting than impolitic; for why, while so carefully + we guard from all approaches of death, should we close the only avenues to + happiness in long life, respect and tenderness?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, delighted both by the understanding and humanity of her new + acquaintance, and pleased at being joined by Mr Gosport, was beginning to + be perfectly satisfied with her situation, when, creeping softly towards + her, she again perceived the black gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” cried she, with some vexation, “here comes my old tormentor! screen + me from him if possible, or he will again make me his prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not,” cried the white domino, “he is an evil spirit, and we will + surely lay him. If one spell fails, we must try another.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then perceiving Mr Arnott, begged he would also assist in + barricading her from the fiend who so obstinately pursued her. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott most gratefully acceded to the proposal; and the white domino, + who acted as commanding officer, assigned to each his station: he desired + Cecilia would keep quietly to her seat, appointed the schoolmaster to be + her guard on the left, took possession himself of the opposite post, and + ordered Mr Arnott to stand centinel in front. + </p> + <p> + This arrangement being settled, the guards of the right and left wings + instantly secured their places; but while Mr Arnott was considering + whether it were better to face the besieged or the enemy, the arch-foe + rushed suddenly before him, and laid himself down at the feet of Cecilia! + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, extremely disconcerted, began a serious expostulation upon the + ill-breeding of this behaviour; but the devil, resting all excuse upon + supporting his character, only answered by growling. + </p> + <p> + The white domino seemed to hesitate for a moment in what manner to conduct + himself, and with a quickness that marked his chagrin, said to Cecilia, + “You told me you knew him,—has he any right to follow you?” + </p> + <p> + “If he thinks he has,” answered she, a little alarmed by his question, + “this is no time to dispute it.” + </p> + <p> + And then, to avoid any hazard of altercation, she discreetly forbore + making further complaints, preferring any persecution to seriously + remonstrating with a man of so much insolence as the Baronet. + </p> + <p> + The schoolmaster, laughing at the whole transaction, only said, “And pray, + madam, after playing the devil with all mankind, what right have you to + complain that one man plays the devil with you?” + </p> + <p> + “We shall, at least, fortify you,” said the white domino, “from any other + assailant: no three-headed Cerberus could protect you more effectually: + but you will not, therefore, fancy yourself in the lower regions, for, if + I mistake not, the torment of <i>three guardians</i> is nothing new to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “And how,” said Cecilia, surprised, “should you know of my three + guardians? I hope I am not quite encompassed with evil spirits!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered he; “you will find me as inoffensive as the hue of the + domino I wear;——and would I could add as insensible!” + </p> + <p> + “This black gentleman,” said the schoolmaster, “who, and very innocently, + I was going to call your <i>black-guard</i>, has as noble and fiend-like a + disposition as I remember to have seen; for without even attempting to + take any diversion himself, he seems gratified to his heart's content in + excluding from it the lady he serves.” + </p> + <p> + “He does me an honour I could well dispense with,” said Cecilia; “but I + hope he has some secret satisfaction in his situation which pays him for + its apparent inconvenience.” + </p> + <p> + Here the black gentleman half-raised himself, and attempted to take her + hand. She started, and with much displeasure drew it back. He then + growled, and again sank prostrate. + </p> + <p> + “This is a fiend,” said the schoolmaster, “who to himself sayeth, <i>Budge + not!</i> let his conscience never so often say <i>budge!</i> Well, fair + lady, your fortifications, however, may now be deemed impregnable, since + I, with a flourish of my rod, can keep off the young by recollection of + the past, and since the fiend, with a jut of his foot, may keep off the + old from dread of the future!” + </p> + <p> + Here a Turk, richly habited and resplendent with jewels, stalked towards + Cecilia, and, having regarded her some time, called out, “I have been + looking hard about me the whole evening, and, faith, I have seen nothing + handsome before!” + </p> + <p> + The moment he opened his mouth, his voice, to her utter astonishment, + betrayed Sir Robert Floyer! “Mercy on me,” cried she aloud, and pointing + to the fiend, “who, then, can this possibly be?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you not know?” cried the white domino. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I had known with certainty,” answered she, “but I now find I + was mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a happy man,” said the schoolmaster, sarcastically looking at the + Turk, “who has removed your suspicions only by appearing in another + character!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what the deuce, then,” exclaimed the Turk, “have you taken that + black dog there for <i>me</i>?” + </p> + <p> + Before this question could be answered, an offensive smell of soot, making + everybody look around the room, the chimney-sweeper already mentioned by + Miss Larolles was perceived to enter it. Every way he moved a passage was + cleared for him, as the company, with general disgust, retreated wherever + he advanced. + </p> + <p> + He was short, and seemed somewhat incommoded by his dress; he held his + soot-bag over one arm, and his shovel under the other. As soon as he + espied Cecilia, whose situation was such as to prevent her eluding him, he + hooted aloud, and came stumping up to her; “Ah ha,” he cried, “found at + last;” then, throwing down his shovel, he opened the mouth of his bag, and + pointing waggishly to her head, said, “Come, shall I pop you?—a good + place for naughty girls; in, I say, poke in!—cram you up the + chimney.” + </p> + <p> + And then he put forth his sooty hands to reach her cap. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though she instantly knew the dialect of her guardian Mr Briggs, + was not therefore the more willing to be so handled, and started back to + save herself from his touch; the white domino also came forward, and + spread out his arms as a defence to her, while the devil, who was still + before her, again began to growl. + </p> + <p> + “Ah ha!” cried the chimney-sweeper, laughing, “so did not know me? Poor + duck! won't hurt you; don't be frightened; nothing but old guardian; all a + joke!” And then, patting her cheek with his dirty hand, and nodding at her + with much kindness, “Pretty dove,” he added, “be of good heart! shan't be + meddled with; come to see after you. Heard of your tricks; thought I'd + catch you!—come o' purpose.—Poor duck! did not know me! ha! + ha!—good joke enough!” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, you dirty dog,” cried the Turk, “by touching that + lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Won't tell!” answered he; “not your business. Got a good right. Who cares + for pearls? Nothing but French beads.” Pointing with a sneer to his + turban. Then, again addressing Cecilia, “Fine doings!” he continued, + “Here's a place! never saw the like before! turn a man's noddle!—All + goings out; no comings in; wax candles in every room; servants thick as + mushrooms! And where's the cash? Who's to pay the piper? Come to more than + a guinea; warrant Master Harrel thinks that nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “A guinea?” contemptuously repeated the Turk, “and what do you suppose a + guinea will do?” + </p> + <p> + “What? Why, keep a whole family handsome a week;—never spend so much + myself; no, nor half neither.” + </p> + <p> + “Why then, how the devil do you live? Do you beg?” + </p> + <p> + “Beg? Who should I beg of? You?—Got anything to give? Are warm?” + </p> + <p> + “Take the trouble to speak more respectfully, sir!” said the Turk, + haughtily; “I see you are some low fellow, and I shall not put up with + your impudence.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall, shall! I say!” answered the chimneysweeper, sturdily; “Hark'ee, my + duck,” chucking Cecilia under the chin, “don't be cajoled, nick that + spark! never mind gold trappings; none of his own; all a take-in; hired + for eighteenpence; not worth a groat. Never set your heart on a fine + outside, nothing within. Bristol stones won't buy stock: only wants to + chouse you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that, you little old scrub!” cried the imperious + Turk; “would you provoke me to soil my fingers by pulling that beastly + snub nose?” For Mr Briggs had saved himself any actual mask, by merely + blacking his face with soot. + </p> + <p> + “Beastly snub nose!” sputtered out the chimneysweeper in much wrath, “good + nose enough; don't want a better; good as another man's. Where's the harm + on't?” + </p> + <p> + “How could this blackguard get in?” cried the Turk, “I believe he's a mere + common chimneysweeper out of the streets, for he's all over dirt and + filth. I never saw such a dress at a masquerade before in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” returned the other; “would not change. What do think it + cost?” + </p> + <p> + “Cost? Why, not a crown.” + </p> + <p> + “A crown? ha! ha!—a pot o' beer! Little Tom borrowed it; had it of + our own sweep. Said 'twas for himself. I bid him a pint; rascal would not + take less.” + </p> + <p> + “Did your late uncle,” said the white domino in a low voice to Cecilia, + “chuse for two of your guardians Mr Harrel and Mr Briggs, to give you an + early lesson upon the opposite errors of profusion and meanness?” + </p> + <p> + “My uncle?” cried Cecilia, starting, “were you acquainted with my uncle?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said he, “for my happiness I knew him not.” + </p> + <p> + “You would have owed no loss of happiness to an acquaintance with him,” + said Cecilia, very seriously, “for he was one who dispensed to his friends + nothing but good.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so,” said the domino; “but I fear I should have found the good he + dispensed through his niece not quite unmixed with evil!” + </p> + <p> + “What's here?” cried the chimney-sweeper, stumbling over the fiend, + “what's this black thing? Don't like it; looks like the devil. You shan't + stay with it; carry you away; take care of you myself.” + </p> + <p> + He then offered Cecilia his hand; but the black gentleman, raising himself + upon his knees before her, paid her, in dumb shew, the humblest devoirs, + yet prevented her from removing. + </p> + <p> + “Ah ha!” cried the chimney-sweeper, significantly nodding his head, “smell + a rat! a sweetheart in disguise. No bamboozling! it won't do; a'n't so + soon put upon. If you've got any thing to say, tell <i>me</i>, that's the + way. Where's the cash? Got ever a <i>rental</i>? Are warm? That's the + point; are warm?” + </p> + <p> + The fiend, without returning any answer, continued his homage to Cecilia; + at which the enraged chimney-sweeper exclaimed, “Come, come with me! won't + be imposed upon; an old fox,—understand trap!” + </p> + <p> + He then again held out his hand, but Cecilia, pointing to the fiend, + answered, “How can I come, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Shew you the way,” cried he, “shovel him off.” And taking his shovel, he + very roughly set about removing him. + </p> + <p> + The fiend then began a yell so horrid, that it disturbed the whole + company; but the chimney-sweeper, only saying, “Aye, aye, blacky, growl + away, blacky,—makes no odds,” sturdily continued his work, and, as + the fiend had no chance of resisting so coarse an antagonist without a + serious struggle, he was presently compelled to change his ground. + </p> + <p> + “Warm work!” cried the victorious chimney-sweeper, taking off his wig, and + wiping his head with the sleeves of his dress, “pure warm work this!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, once again freed from her persecutor, instantly quitted her + place, almost equally desirous to escape the haughty Turk, who was + peculiarly her aversion, and the facetious chimney-sweeper, whose + vicinity, either on account of his dress or his conversation, was by no + means desirable. She was not, however, displeased that the white domino + and the schoolmaster still continued to attend her. + </p> + <p> + “Pray, look,” said the white domino, as they entered another apartment, + “at that figure of Hope; is there any in the room half so expressive of + despondency?” + </p> + <p> + “The reason, however,” answered the schoolmaster, “is obvious; that light + and beautiful silver anchor upon which she reclines presents an occasion + irresistible for an attitude of elegant dejection; and the assumed + character is always given up where an opportunity offers to display any + beauty, or manifest any perfection in the dear proper person!” + </p> + <p> + “But why,” said Cecilia, “should she assume the character of <i>Hope</i>? + Could she not have been equally dejected and equally elegant as Niobe, or + some tragedy queen?” + </p> + <p> + “But she does not assume the character,” answered the schoolmaster, “she + does not even think of it: the dress is her object, and that alone fills + up all her ideas. Enquire of almost any body in the room concerning the + persons they seem to represent, and you will find their ignorance more + gross than you can imagine; they have not once thought upon the subject; + accident, or convenience, or caprice has alone directed their choice.” + </p> + <p> + A tall and elegant youth now approached them, whose laurels and harp + announced Apollo. The white domino immediately enquired of him if the + noise and turbulence of the company had any chance of being stilled into + silence and rapture by the divine music of the inspired god? + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered he, pointing to the room in which was erected the new + gallery, and whence, as he spoke, issued the sound of a <i>hautboy</i>, + “there is a flute playing there already.” + </p> + <p> + “O for a Midas,” cried the white domino, “to return to this leather-eared + god the disgrace he received from him!” + </p> + <p> + They now proceeded to the apartment which had been lately fitted up for + refreshments, and which was so full of company that they entered it with + difficulty. And here they were again joined by Minerva, who, taking + Cecilia's hand, said, “Lord, how glad I am you've got away from that + frightful black mask! I can't conceive who he is; nobody can find out; + it's monstrous odd, but he has not spoke a word all night, and he makes + such a shocking noise when people touch him, that I assure you it's enough + to put one in a fright.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray,” cried the schoolmaster, disguising his voice, “how camest thou + to take the helmet of Minerva for a fool's cap?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, I have not,” cried she, innocently, “why, the whole dress is + Minerva's; don't you see?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear child,” answered he, “thou couldst as well with that little + figure pass for a Goliath, as with that little wit for a Pallas.” + </p> + <p> + Their attention was now drawn from the goddess of wisdom to a mad Edgar, + who so vehemently ran about the room calling out “Poor Tom's a cold!” + that, in a short time, he was obliged to take off his mask, from an + effect, not very delicate, of the heat! + </p> + <p> + Soon after, a gentleman desiring some lemonade whose toga spoke the + consular dignity, though his broken English betrayed a native of France, + the schoolmaster followed him, and, with reverence the most profound, + began to address him in Latin; but, turning quick towards him, he gaily + said, “<i>Monsieur, j'ai l'honneur de representer Ciceron, le grand + Ciceron, pere de sa patrie! mais quoique j'ai cet honneur-la, je ne suit + pas pedant!—mon dieu, Monsieur, je ne parle que le Francois dans la + bonne compagnie</i>!” And, politely bowing, he went on. + </p> + <p> + Just then Cecilia, while looking about the room for Mrs Harrel, found + herself suddenly pinched by the cheek, and hastily turning round, + perceived again her friend the chimney-sweeper, who, laughing, cried, + “Only me! don't be frightened. Have something to tell you;—had no + luck!—got never a husband yet! can't find one! looked all over, too; + sharp as a needle. Not one to be had! all catched up!” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it, sir,” said Cecilia, somewhat vexed by observing the + white domino attentively listening; “and I hope, therefore, you will give + yourself no farther trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty duck!” cried he, chucking her under the chin; “never mind, don't + be cast down; get one at last. Leave it to me. Nothing under a plum; won't + take up with less. Good-by, ducky, good-by! must go home now,—begin + to be nodding.” + </p> + <p> + And then, repeating his kind caresses, he walked away. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think, then,” said the white domino, “more highly of Mr Briggs for + discernment and taste than of any body?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not!” answered she, “for low indeed should I then think of the + rest of the world!” + </p> + <p> + “The commission with which he is charged,” returned the domino, “has then + misled me; I imagined discernment and taste might be necessary ingredients + for making such a choice as your approbation would sanctify: but perhaps + his skill in guarding against any fraud or deduction in the stipulation he + mentioned, may be all that is requisite for the execution of his trust.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand very well,” said Cecilia, a little hurt, “the severity of + your meaning; and if Mr Briggs had any commission but of his own + suggestion, it would fill me with shame and confusion; but as that is not + the case, those at least are sensations which it cannot give me.” + </p> + <p> + “My meaning,” cried the domino, with some earnestness, “should I express + it seriously, would but prove to you the respect and admiration with which + you have inspired me, and if indeed, as Mr Briggs hinted, such a prize is + to be purchased by riches, I know not, from what I have seen of its merit, + any sum I should think adequate to its value.” + </p> + <p> + “You are determined, I see,” said Cecilia, smiling, “to make most liberal + amends for your asperity.” + </p> + <p> + A loud clack of tongues now interrupted their discourse; and the domino, + at the desire of Cecilia, for whom he had procured a seat, went forward to + enquire what was the matter. But scarce had he given up his place a + moment, before, to her great mortification, it was occupied by the fiend. + </p> + <p> + Again, but with the same determined silence he had hitherto preserved, he + made signs of obedience and homage, and her perplexity to conjecture who + he could be, or what were his motives for this persecution, became the + more urgent as they seemed the less likely to be satisfied. But the fiend, + who was no other than Mr Monckton, had every instant less and less + encouragement to make himself known: his plan had in nothing succeeded, + and his provocation at its failure had caused him the bitterest + disappointment; he had intended, in the character of a tormentor, not only + to pursue and hover around her himself, but he had also hoped, in the same + character, to have kept at a distance all other admirers: but the violence + with which he had over-acted his part, by raising her disgust and the + indignation of the company, rendered his views wholly abortive while the + consciousness of an extravagance for which, if discovered, he could assign + no reason not liable to excite suspicions of his secret motives, reduced + him to guarding a painful and most irksome silence the whole evening. And + Cecilia, to whose unsuspicious mind the idea of Mr Monckton had never + occurred, added continually to the cruelty of his situation, by an + undisguised abhorrence of his assiduity, as well as by a manifest + preference to the attendance of the white domino. All, therefore, that his + disappointed scheme now left in his power, was to watch her motions, + listen to her discourse, and inflict occasionally upon others some part of + the chagrin with which he was tormented himself. + </p> + <p> + While they were in this situation, Harlequin, in consequence of being + ridiculed by the Turk for want of agility, offered to jump over the new + desert table, and desired to have a little space cleared to give room for + his motions. It was in vain the people who distributed the refreshments, + and who were placed at the other side of the table, expostulated upon the + danger of the experiment; Morrice had a rage of enterprise untameable, + and, therefore, first taking a run, he attempted the leap. + </p> + <p> + The consequence was such as might naturally be expected; he could not + accomplish his purpose, but, finding himself falling, imprudently caught + hold of the lately erected Awning, and pulled it entirely upon his own + head, and with it the new contrived lights, which, in various forms, were + fixed to it, and which all came down together. + </p> + <p> + The mischief and confusion occasioned by this exploit were very alarming, + and almost dangerous; those who were near the table suffered most by the + crush, but splinters of the glass flew yet further; and as the room, which + was small, had been only lighted up by lamps hanging from the Awning, it + was now in total darkness, except close to the door, which was still + illuminated from the adjoining apartments. + </p> + <p> + The clamour of Harlequin, who was covered with glass, papier-machee, lamps + and oil, the screams of the ladies, the universal buz of tongues, and the + struggle between the frighted crowd which was enclosed to get out, and the + curious crowd from the other apartments to get in, occasioned a + disturbance and tumult equally noisy and confused. But the most serious + sufferer was the unfortunate fiend, who, being nearer the table than + Cecilia, was so pressed upon by the numbers which poured from it, that he + found a separation unavoidable, and was unable, from the darkness and the + throng, to discover whether she was still in the same place, or had made + her escape into another. + </p> + <p> + She had, however, encountered the white domino, and, under his protection, + was safely conveyed to a further part of the room. Her intention and + desire were to quit it immediately, but at the remonstrance of her + conductor, she consented to remain some time longer. “The conflict at the + door,” said he, “will quite overpower you. Stay here but a few minutes, + and both parties will have struggled themselves tired, and you may then go + without difficulty. Meantime, can you not, by this faint light, suppose me + one of your guardians, Mr Briggs, for example, or, if he is too old for + me, Mr Harrel, and entrust yourself to my care?” + </p> + <p> + “You seem wonderfully well acquainted with my guardians,” said Cecilia; “I + cannot imagine how you have had your intelligence.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor can I,” answered the domino, “imagine how Mr Briggs became so + particularly your favourite as to be entrusted with powers to dispose of + you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken indeed; he is entrusted with no powers but such as his + own fancy has suggested.” + </p> + <p> + “But how has Mr Delvile offended you, that with him only you seem to have + no commerce or communication?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr Delvile!” repeated Cecilia, still more surprised, “are you also + acquainted with Mr Delvile?” + </p> + <p> + “He is certainly a man of fashion,” continued the domino, “and he is also + a man of honour; surely, then, he would be more pleasant for confidence + and consultation than one whose only notion of happiness is money, whose + only idea of excellence is avarice, and whose only conception of sense is + distrust!” Here a violent outcry again interrupted their conversation; but + not till Cecilia had satisfied her doubts concerning the white domino, by + conjecturing he was Mr Belfield, who might easily, at the house of Mr + Monckton, have gathered the little circumstances of her situation to which + he alluded, and whose size and figure exactly resembled those of her new + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + The author of the former disturbance was now the occasion of the present: + the fiend, having vainly traversed the room in search of Cecilia, stumbled + accidentally upon Harlequin, before he was freed from the relicks of his + own mischief; and unable to resist the temptation of opportunity and the + impulse of revenge, he gave vent to the wrath so often excited by the + blunders, forwardness, and tricks of Morrice, and inflicted upon him, with + his own wooden sword, which he seized for that purpose, a chastisement the + most serious and severe. + </p> + <p> + Poor Harlequin, unable to imagine any reason for this violent attack, and + already cut with the glass, and bruised with the fall, spared not his + lungs in making known his disapprobation of such treatment: but the fiend, + regardless either of his complaints or his resistance, forbore not to + belabour him till compelled by the entrance of people with lights. And + then, after artfully playing sundry antics under pretence of still + supporting his character, with a motion too sudden for prevention, and too + rapid for pursuit, he escaped out of the room, and hurrying down stairs, + threw himself into an hackney chair, which conveyed him to a place where + he privately changed his dress before he returned home, bitterly repenting + the experiment he had made, and conscious too late that, had he appeared + in a character he might have avowed, he could, without impropriety, have + attended Cecilia the whole evening. But such is deservedly the frequent + fate of cunning, which, while it plots surprise and detection of others, + commonly overshoots its mark, and ends in its own disgrace. + </p> + <p> + The introduction of the lights now making manifest the confusion which the + frolic of Harlequin had occasioned, he was seized with such a dread of the + resentment of Mr Harrel, that, forgetting blows, bruises, and wounds, not + one of which were so frightful to him as reproof, he made the last + exhibition of his agility by an abrupt and hasty retreat. + </p> + <p> + He had, however, no reason for apprehension, since, in every thing that + regarded expence, Mr Harrel had no feeling, and his lady had no thought. + </p> + <p> + The rooms now began to empty very fast, but among the few masks yet + remaining, Cecilia again perceived Don Quixote; and while, in conjunction + with the white domino, she was allowing him the praise of having supported + his character with more uniform propriety than any other person in the + assembly, she observed him taking off his mask for the convenience of + drinking some lemonade, and, looking in his face, found he was no other + than Mr Belfield! Much astonished, and more than ever perplexed, she again + turned to the white domino, who, seeing in her countenance a surprise of + which he knew not the reason, said, half-laughing, “You think, perhaps, I + shall never be gone? And indeed I am almost of the same opinion; but what + can I do? Instead of growing weary by the length of my stay, my reluctance + to shorten it increases with its duration; and all the methods I take, + whether by speaking to you or looking at you, with a view to be satiated, + only double my eagerness for looking and listening again! I must go, + however; and if I am happy, I may perhaps meet with you again,—though, + if I am wise, I shall never seek you more!” + </p> + <p> + And then, with the last stragglers that reluctantly disappeared, he made + his exit, leaving Cecilia greatly pleased with his conversation and his + manners, but extremely perplexed to account for his knowledge of her + affairs and situation. + </p> + <p> + The schoolmaster had already been gone some time. + </p> + <p> + She was now earnestly pressed by the Harrels and Sir Robert, who still + remained, to send to a warehouse for a dress, and accompany them to the + Pantheon; but though she was not without some inclination to comply, in + the hope of further prolonging the entertainment of an evening from which + she had received much pleasure, she disliked the attendance of the + Baronet, and felt averse to grant any request that he could make, and + therefore she begged they would excuse her; and having waited to see their + dresses, which were very superb, she retired to her own apartment. + </p> + <p> + A great variety of conjecture upon all that had passed, now, and till the + moment that she sunk to rest, occupied her mind; the extraordinary + persecution of the fiend excited at once her curiosity and amazement, + while the knowledge of her affairs shown by the white domino surprised her + not less, and interested her more. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iv. — AN AFFRAY. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, during breakfast, Cecilia was informed that a gentleman + desired to speak with her. She begged permission of Mrs Harrel to have him + asked upstairs, and was not a little surprized when he proved to be the + same old gentleman whose singular exclamations had so much struck her at + Mr Monckton's, and at the rehearsal of Artaserse. + </p> + <p> + Abruptly and with a stern aspect advancing to her, “You are rich,” he + cried; “are you therefore worthless?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not,” answered she, in some consternation; while Mrs Harrel, + believing his intention was to rob them, ran precipitately to the bell, + which she rang without ceasing till two or three servants hastened into + the room; by which time, being less alarmed, she only made signs to them + to stay, and stood quietly herself to wait what would follow. + </p> + <p> + The old man, without attending to her, continued his dialogue with + Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “Know you then,” he said, “a blameless use of riches? such a use as not + only in the broad glare of day shall shine resplendent, but in the + darkness of midnight, and stillness of repose, shall give you reflections + unembittered, and slumbers unbroken? tell me, know you this use?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so well, perhaps,” answered she, “as I ought; but I am very willing + to learn better.” + </p> + <p> + “Begin, then, while yet youth and inexperience, new to the callousness of + power and affluence, leave something good to work upon: yesterday you saw + the extravagance of luxury and folly; to-day look deeper, and see, and + learn to pity, the misery of disease and penury.” + </p> + <p> + He then put into her hand a paper which contained a most affecting account + of the misery to which a poor and wretched family had been reduced, by + sickness and various other misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, “open as day to melting charity,” having hastily perused it, took + out her purse, and offering to him three guineas, said, “You must direct + me, sir, what to give if this is insufficient.” + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou so much heart?” cried he, with emotion, “and has fortune, + though it has cursed thee with the temptation of prosperity, not yet + rooted from thy mind its native benevolence? I return in part thy liberal + contribution; this,” taking one guinea, “doubles my expectations; I will + not, by making thy charity distress thee, accelerate the fatal hour of + hardness and degeneracy.” + </p> + <p> + He was then going; but Cecilia, following him, said “No, take it all! Who + should assist the poor if I will not? Rich, without connections; powerful, + without wants; upon whom have they any claim if not upon me?” + </p> + <p> + “True,” cried he, receiving the rest, “and wise as true. Give, therefore, + whilst yet thou hast the heart to give, and make, in thy days of innocence + and kindness, some interest with Heaven and the poor!” + </p> + <p> + And then he disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear,” cried Mrs Harrel, “what could induce you to give the man + so much money? Don't you see he is crazy? I dare say he would have been + just as well contented with sixpence.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not what he is,” said Cecilia, “but his manners are not more + singular than his sentiments are affecting; and if he is actuated by + charity to raise subscriptions for the indigent, he can surely apply to no + one who ought so readily to contribute as myself.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel then came in, and his lady most eagerly told him the + transaction. + </p> + <p> + “Scandalous!” he exclaimed; “why, this is no better than being a + housebreaker! Pray give orders never to admit him again. Three guineas! I + never heard so impudent a thing in my life! Indeed, Miss Beverley, you + must be more discreet in future, you will else be ruined before you know + where you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Thus it is,” said Cecilia, half smiling, “that we can all lecture one + another! to-day you recommend economy to me; yesterday I with difficulty + forbore recommending it to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered he, “that was quite another matter; expence incurred in + the common way of a man's living is quite another thing to an extortion of + this sort.” + </p> + <p> + “It is another thing indeed,” said she, “but I know not that it is + therefore a better.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel made no answer: and Cecilia, privately moralizing upon the + different estimates of expence and economy made by the dissipated and the + charitable, soon retired to her own apartment, determined firmly to adhere + to her lately adopted plan, and hoping, by the assistance of her new and + very singular monitor, to extend her practice of doing good, by enlarging + her knowledge of distress. + </p> + <p> + Objects are, however, never wanting for the exercise of benevolence; + report soon published her liberality, and those who wished to believe it, + failed not to enquire into its truth. She was soon at the head of a little + band of pensioners, and, never satisfied with the generosity of her + donations, found in a very short time that the common allowance of her + guardians was scarce adequate to the calls of her munificence. + </p> + <p> + And thus, in acts of goodness and charity, passed undisturbed another week + of the life of Cecilia: but when the fervour of self-approbation lost its + novelty, the pleasure with which her new plan was begun first subsided + into tranquillity, and then sunk into languor. To a heart formed for + friendship and affection the charms of solitude are very short-lived; and + though she had sickened of the turbulence of perpetual company, she now + wearied of passing all her time by herself, and sighed for the comfort of + society and the relief of communication. But she saw with astonishment the + difficulty with which this was to be obtained: the endless succession of + diversions, the continual rotation of assemblies, the numerousness of + splendid engagements, of which, while every one complained, every one was + proud to boast, so effectually impeded private meetings and friendly + intercourse, that, whichever way she turned herself, all commerce seemed + impracticable, but such as either led to dissipation, or accidentally + flowed from it. + </p> + <p> + Yet, finding the error into which her ardour of reformation had hurried + her, and that a rigid seclusion from company was productive of a lassitude + as little favourable to active virtue as dissipation itself, she resolved + to soften her plan, and by mingling amusement with benevolence, to try, at + least, to approach that golden mean, which, like the philosopher's stone, + always eludes our grasp, yet always invites our wishes. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose she desired to attend Mrs Harrel to the next Opera that + should be represented. + </p> + <p> + The following Saturday, therefore, she accompanied that lady and Mrs Mears + to the Haymarket, escorted by Mr Arnott. + </p> + <p> + They were very late; the Opera was begun, and even in the lobby the crowd + was so great that their passage was obstructed. Here they were presently + accosted by Miss Larolles, who, running up to Cecilia and taking her hand, + said, “Lord, you can't conceive how glad I am to see you! why, my dear + creature, where have you hid yourself these twenty ages? You are quite in + luck in coming to-night, I assure you; it's the best Opera we have had + this season: there's such a monstrous crowd there's no stirring. We shan't + get in this half hour. The coffee-room is quite full; only come and see; + is it not delightful?” + </p> + <p> + This intimation was sufficient for Mrs Harrel, whose love of the Opera was + merely a love of company, fashion, and shew; and therefore to the + coffee-room she readily led the way. + </p> + <p> + And here Cecilia found rather the appearance of a brilliant assembly of + ladies and gentlemen, collected merely to see and to entertain one + another, than of distinct and casual parties, mixing solely from + necessity, and waiting only for room to enter a theatre. + </p> + <p> + The first person that addressed them was Captain Aresby, who, with his + usual delicate languishment, smiled upon Cecilia, and softly whispering, + “How divinely you look to-night!” proceeded to pay his compliments to some + other ladies. + </p> + <p> + “Do, pray, now,” cried Miss Larolles, “observe Mr Meadows! only just see + where he has fixed himself! in the very best place in the room, and + keeping the fire from every body! I do assure you that's always his way, + and it's monstrous provoking, for if one's ever so cold, he lollops so, + that one's quite starved. But you must know there's another thing he does + that is quite as bad, for if he gets a seat, he never offers to move, if + he sees one sinking with fatigue. And besides, if one is waiting for one's + carriage two hours together, he makes it a rule never to stir a step to + see for it. Only think how monstrous!” + </p> + <p> + “These are heavy complaints, indeed,” said Cecilia, looking at him + attentively; “I should have expected from his appearance a very different + account of his gallantry, for he seems dressed with more studied elegance + than anybody here.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes,” cried Miss Larolles, “he is the sweetest dresser in the world; he + has the most delightful taste you can conceive, nobody has half so good a + fancy. I assure you it's a great thing to be spoke to by him: we are all + of us quite angry when he won't take any notice of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your anger,” said Cecilia, laughing, “in honour of himself or of his + coat?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Lord, don't you know all this time that he is an <i>ennuye</i>? + </p> + <p> + “I know, at least,” answered Cecilia, “that he would soon make one of me.” + </p> + <p> + “O, but one is never affronted with an <i>ennuye</i>, if he is ever so + provoking, because one always knows what it means.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he agreeable?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to tell you the truth,—but pray now, don't mention it,—I + think him most excessive disagreeable! He yawns in one's face every time + one looks at him. I assure you sometimes I expect to see him fall fast + asleep while I am talking to him, for he is so immensely absent he don't + hear one half that one says; only conceive how horrid!” + </p> + <p> + “But why, then, do you encourage him? why do you take any notice of him?” + </p> + <p> + “O, every body does, I assure you, else I would not for the world; but he + is so courted you have no idea. However, of all things let me advise you + never to dance with him; I did once myself, and I declare I was quite + distressed to death the whole time, for he was taken with such a fit of + absence he knew nothing he was about, sometimes skipping and jumping with + all the violence in the world, just as if he only danced for exercise, and + sometimes standing quite still, or lolling against the wainscoat and + gaping, and taking no more notice of me than if he had never seen me in + his life!” + </p> + <p> + The Captain now, again advancing to Cecilia, said, “So you would not do us + the honour to try the masquerade at the Pantheon? however, I hear you had + a very brilliant spectacle at Mr Harrel's. I was quite <i>au desespoir</i> + that I could not get there. I did <i>mon possible</i>, but it was quite + beyond me.” + </p> + <p> + “We should have been very happy,” said Mrs Harrel, “to have seen you; I + assure you we had some excellent masks.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have heard <i>partout</i>, and I am reduced to despair that I could + not have the honour of sliding in. But I was <i>accable</i> with affairs + all day. Nothing could be so mortifying.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia now, growing very impatient to hear the Opera, begged to know if + they might not make a trial to get into the pit? + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” said the Captain, smiling as they passed him, without offering + any assistance, “you will find it extreme petrifying; for my part, I + confess I am not upon the principle of crowding.” + </p> + <p> + The ladies, however, accompanied by Mr Arnott, made the attempt, and soon + found, according to the custom of report, that the difficulty, for the + pleasure of talking of it, had been considerably exaggerated. They were + separated, indeed, but their accommodation was tolerably good. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was much vexed to find the first act of the Opera almost over; but + she was soon still more dissatisfied when she discovered that she had no + chance of hearing the little which remained: the place she had happened to + find vacant was next to a party of young ladies, who were so earnestly + engaged in their own discourse, that they listened not to a note of the + Opera, and so infinitely diverted with their own witticisms, that their + tittering and loquacity allowed no one in their vicinity to hear better + than themselves. Cecilia tried in vain to confine her attention to the + singers; she was distant from the stage, and to them she was near, and her + fruitless attempts all ended in chagrin and impatience. + </p> + <p> + At length she resolved to make an effort for entertainment in another way, + and since the expectations which brought her to the Opera were destroyed, + to try by listening to her fair neighbours, whether those who occasioned + her disappointment could make her any amends. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose she turned to them wholly; yet was at first in no little + perplexity to understand what was going forward, since so universal was + the eagerness for talking, and so insurmountable the antipathy to + listening, that every one seemed to have her wishes bounded by a continual + utterance of words, without waiting for any answer, or scarce even + desiring to be heard. + </p> + <p> + But when, somewhat more used to their dialect and manner, she began better + to comprehend their discourse, wretchedly indeed did it supply to her the + loss of the Opera. She heard nothing but descriptions of trimmings, and + complaints of hair-dressers, hints of conquest that teemed with vanity, + and histories of engagements which were inflated with exultation. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the act, by the crowding forward of the gentlemen to see the + dance, Mrs Harrel had an opportunity of making room for her by herself, + and she had then some reason to expect hearing the rest of the Opera in + peace, for the company before her, consisting entirely of young men, + seemed, even during the dance, fearful of speaking, lest their attention + should be drawn for a moment from the stage. + </p> + <p> + But to her infinite surprize, no sooner was the second act begun, than + their attention ended! they turned from the performers to each other, and + entered into a whispering but gay conversation, which, though not loud + enough to disturb the audience in general, kept in the ears of their + neighbours a buzzing which interrupted all pleasure from the + representation. Of this effect of their gaiety it seemed uncertain whether + they were conscious, but very evident that they were totally careless. + </p> + <p> + The desperate resource which she had tried during the first act, of + seeking entertainment from the very conversation which prevented her + enjoying it, was not now even in her power: for these gentlemen, though as + negligent as the young ladies had been whom they disturbed, were much more + cautious whom they instructed: their language was ambiguous, and their + terms, to Cecilia, were unintelligible: their subjects, indeed, required + some discretion, being nothing less than a ludicrous calculation of the + age and duration of jointured widows, and of the chances and expectations + of unmarried young ladies. + </p> + <p> + But what more even than their talking provoked her, was finding that the + moment the act was over, when she cared not if their vociferation had been + incessant, one of them called out, “Come, be quiet, the dance is begun;” + and then they were again all silent attention! + </p> + <p> + In the third act, however, she was more fortunate; the gentlemen again + changed their places, and they were succeeded by others who came to the + Opera not to hear themselves but the performers: and as soon as she was + permitted to listen, the voice of Pacchierotti took from her all desire to + hear any thing but itself. + </p> + <p> + During the last dance she was discovered by Sir Robert Floyer, who, + sauntering down fop's alley, stationed himself by her side, and whenever + the <i>figurante</i> relieved the principal dancers, turned his eyes from + the stage to her face, as better worth his notice, and equally destined + for his amusement. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, too, who for some time had seen and watched her, now + approached; he had observed with much satisfaction that her whole mind had + been intent upon the performance, yet still the familiarity of Sir Robert + Floyer's admiration disturbed and perplexed him; he determined, therefore, + to make an effort to satisfy his doubts by examining into his intentions: + and, taking him apart, before the dance was quite over, “Well,” he said, + “who is so handsome here as Harrel's ward?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered he, calmly, “she is handsome, but I don't like her + expression.” + </p> + <p> + “No? why, what is the fault of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Proud, cursed proud. It is not the sort of woman I like. If one says a + civil thing to her, she only wishes one at the devil for one's pains.” + </p> + <p> + “O, you have tried her, then, have you? why, you are not, in general, much + given to say civil things.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you know, I said something of that sort to her once about Juliet, at + the rehearsal. Was not you by?” + </p> + <p> + “What, then, was that all? and did you imagine one compliment would do + your business with her?” + </p> + <p> + “O, hang it, who ever dreams of complimenting the women now? that's all at + an end.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't find she thinks so, though; for, as you well say, her pride is + insufferable, and I, who have long known her, can assure you it does not + diminish upon intimacy.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not,—but there's very pretty picking in 3000 pounds per + annum! one would not think much of a little encumbrance upon such an + estate.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you quite sure the estate is so considerable? Report is mightily + given to magnify.” + </p> + <p> + “O, I have pretty good intelligence: though, after all, I don't know but I + may be off; she'll take a confounded deal of time and trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Monckton, too much a man of interest and of the world to cherish that + delicacy which covets universal admiration for the object of its fondness, + then artfully enlarged upon the obstacles he already apprehended, and + insinuated such others as he believed would be most likely to intimidate + him. But his subtlety was lost upon the impenetrable Baronet, who + possessed that hard insensibility which obstinately pursues its own + course, deaf to what is said, and indifferent to what is thought. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the ladies were now making way to the coffee-room, though very + slowly on account of the crowd; and just as they got near the lobby, + Cecilia perceived Mr Belfield, who, immediately making himself known to + her, was offering his service to hand her out of the pit, when Sir Robert + Floyer, not seeing or not heeding him, pressed forward, and said, “Will + you let me have the honour, Miss Beverley, of taking care of you?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, to whom he grew daily more disagreeable, coldly declined his + assistance, while she readily accepted that which had first been offered + her by Mr Belfield. + </p> + <p> + The haughty Baronet, extremely nettled, forced his way on, and rudely + stalking up to Mr Belfield, motioned with his hand for room to pass him, + and said, “Make way, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Make way for <i>me</i>, Sir!” cried Belfield, opposing him with one hand, + while with the other he held Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “You, Sir? and who are you, Sir?” demanded the Baronet, disdainfully. + </p> + <p> + “Of that, Sir, I shall give you an account whenever you please,” answered + Belfield, with equal scorn. + </p> + <p> + “What the devil do you mean, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing very difficult to be understood,” replied Belfield, and attempted + to draw on Cecilia, who, much alarmed, was shrinking back. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert then, swelling with rage, reproachfully turned to her, and + said, “Will you suffer such an impertinent fellow as that, Miss Beverley, + to have the honour of taking your hand?” + </p> + <p> + Belfield, with great indignation, demanded what he meant by the term + impertinent fellow; and Sir Robert yet more insolently repeated it: + Cecilia, extremely shocked, earnestly besought them both to be quiet; but + Belfield, at the repetition of this insult, hastily let go her hand and + put his own upon his sword, whilst Sir Robert, taking advantage of his + situation in being a step higher than his antagonist, fiercely pushed him + back, and descended into the lobby. + </p> + <p> + Belfield, enraged beyond endurance, instantly drew his sword, and Sir + Robert was preparing to follow his example, when Cecilia, in an agony of + fright, called out, “Good Heaven! will nobody interfere?” And then a young + man, forcing his way through the crowd, exclaimed, “For shame, for shame, + gentlemen! is this a place for such violence?” + </p> + <p> + Belfield, endeavouring to recover himself, put up his sword, and, though + in a voice half choaked with passion, said, “I thank you, Sir! I was off + my guard. I beg pardon of the whole company.” + </p> + <p> + Then, walking up to Sir Robert, he put into his hand a card with his name + and direction, saying, “With you, Sir, I shall be happy to settle what + apologies are necessary at your first leisure;” and hurried away. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert, exclaiming aloud that he should soon teach him to whom he had + been so impertinent, was immediately going to follow him, when the + affrighted Cecilia again called out aloud, “Oh, stop him!—good God! + will nobody stop him!” + </p> + <p> + The rapidity with which this angry scene had passed had filled her with + amazement, and the evident resentment of the Baronet upon her refusing his + assistance, gave her an immediate consciousness that she was herself the + real cause of the quarrel; while the manner in which he was preparing to + follow Mr Belfield convinced her of the desperate scene which was likely + to succeed; fear, therefore, overcoming every other feeling, forced from + her this exclamation before she knew what she said. + </p> + <p> + The moment she had spoken, the young man who had already interposed again + rushed forward, and seizing Sir Robert by the arm, warmly remonstrated + against the violence of his proceedings, and being presently seconded by + other gentlemen, almost compelled him to give up his design. + </p> + <p> + Then, hastening to Cecilia, “Be not alarmed, madam,” he cried, “all is + over, and every body is safe.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, finding herself thus addressed by a gentleman she had never + before seen, felt extremely ashamed of having rendered her interest in the + debate so apparent; she courtsied to him in some confusion, and taking + hold of Mrs Harrel's arm, hurried her back into the pit, in order to quit + a crowd, of which she now found herself the principal object. + </p> + <p> + Curiosity, however, was universally excited, and her retreat served but to + inflame it: some of the ladies, and most of the gentlemen, upon various + pretences, returned into the pit merely to look at her, and in a few + minutes the report was current that the young lady who had been the + occasion of the quarrel, was dying with love for Sir Robert Floyer. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, who had kept by her side during the whole affair, felt + thunderstruck by the emotion she had shewn; Mr Arnott too, who had never + quitted her, wished himself exposed to the same danger as Sir Robert, so + that he might be honoured with the same concern: but they were both too + much the dupes of their own apprehensions and jealousy, to perceive that + what they instantly imputed to fondness, proceeded simply from general + humanity, accidentally united with the consciousness of being accessary to + the quarrel. + </p> + <p> + The young stranger who had officiated as mediator between the disputants, + in a few moments followed her with a glass of water, which he had brought + from the coffee-room, begging her to drink it and compose herself. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though she declined his civility with more vexation than + gratitude, perceived, as she raised her eyes to thank him, that her new + friend was a young man very strikingly elegant in his address and + appearance. + </p> + <p> + Miss Larolles next, who, with her party, came back into the pit, ran up to + Cecilia, crying, “O my dear creature, what a monstrous shocking thing! + You've no Idea how I am frightened; do you know I happened to be quite at + the further end of the coffee-room when it began, and I could not get out + to see what was the matter for ten ages; only conceive what a situation!” + </p> + <p> + “Would your fright, then, have been less,” said Cecilia, “had you been + nearer the danger?” + </p> + <p> + “O Lord no, for when I came within sight I was fifty times worse! I gave + such a monstrous scream, that it quite made Mr Meadows start. I dare say + he'll tell me of it these hundred years: but really when I saw them draw + their swords I thought I should have died; I was so amazingly surprized + you've no notion.” + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted by the re-appearance of the active stranger, who + again advancing to Cecilia, said, “I am in doubt whether the efforts I + make to revive will please or irritate you, but though you rejected the + last cordial I ventured to present you, perhaps you will look with a more + favourable eye towards that of which I am now the herald.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then, casting her eyes around, saw that he was followed by Sir + Robert Floyer. Full of displeasure both at this introduction and at his + presence, she turned hastily to Mr Arnott, and entreated him to enquire if + the carriage was not yet ready. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert, looking at her with all the exultation of new-raised vanity, + said, with more softness than he had ever before addressed her, “Have you + been frightened?” + </p> + <p> + “Every body, I believe was frightened,” answered Cecilia, with an air of + dignity intended to check his rising expectations. + </p> + <p> + “There was no sort of cause,” answered he; “the fellow did not know whom + he spoke {to}, that was all.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, Sir Robert,” cried Miss Larolles, “how could you be so shocking as + to draw your sword? you can't conceive how horrid it looked.” + </p> + <p> + “Why I did not draw my sword,” cried he, “I only had my hand on the hilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, did not you, indeed! well, every body said you did, and I'm sure I + thought I saw five-and-twenty swords all at once. I thought one of you + would be killed every moment. It was horrid disagreeable, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert was now called away by some gentlemen; and Mr Monckton, earnest + to be better informed of Cecilia's real sentiments, said, with affected + concern, “At present this matter is merely ridiculous; I am sorry to think + in how short a time it may become more important.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” cried Cecilia with quickness, “some of their friends will + interfere! surely upon so trifling a subject they will not be so mad, so + inexcusable, as to proceed to more serious resentment!” + </p> + <p> + “Whichever of them,” said the stranger, “is most honoured by this anxiety, + will be mad indeed to risk a life so valued!” + </p> + <p> + “Cannot you, Mr Monckton,” continued Cecilia, too much alarmed to regard + this insinuation, “speak with Mr Belfield? You are acquainted with him, I + know; is it impossible you can follow him?” + </p> + <p> + “I will with pleasure do whatever you wish; but still if Sir Robert—” + </p> + <p> + “O, as to Sir Robert, Mr Harrel, I am very sure, will undertake him; I + will try to see him to-night myself, and entreat him to exert all his + influence.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam,” cried the stranger, archly, and lowering his voice, “those <i>French + beads</i> and <i>Bristol stones</i> have not, I find, shone in vain!” + </p> + <p> + At these words Cecilia recognised her white domino acquaintance at the + masquerade; she had before recollected his voice, but was too much + perturbed to consider where or when she had heard it. + </p> + <p> + “If Mr Briggs,” continued he, “does not speedily come forth with his plum + friend, before the glittering of swords and spears is joined to that of + jewels, the glare will be so resplendent, that he will fear to come within + the influence of its rays. Though, perhaps, he may only think the stronger + the light, the better he shall see to count his guineas: for as + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + '—-in ten thousand pounds + Ten thousand charms are centred,' +</pre> + <p> + in an hundred thousand, the charms may have such magic power, that he may + defy the united efforts of tinsel and knight-errantry to deliver you from + the golden spell.” + </p> + <p> + Here the Captain, advancing to Cecilia, said, “I have been looking for you + in vain <i>partout</i>, but the crowd has been so <i>accablant</i> I was + almost reduced to despair. Give me leave to hope you are now recovered + from the <i>horreur</i> of this little <i>fracas</i>?” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott then brought intelligence that the carriage was ready. Cecilia, + glad to be gone, instantly hastened to it; and, as she was conducted by Mr + Monckton, most earnestly entreated him to take an active part, in + endeavouring to prevent the fatal consequences with which the quarrel + seemed likely to terminate. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER v. — A FASHIONABLE FRIEND. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as they returned home, Cecilia begged Mrs Harrel not to lose a + moment before she tried to acquaint Mr Harrel with the state of the + affair. But that lady was too helpless to know in what manner to set about + it; she could not tell where he was, she could not conjecture where he + might be. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then rang for his own man, and upon enquiry, heard that he was, in + all probability, at Brookes's in St James's-Street. + </p> + <p> + She then begged Mrs Harrel would write to him. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel knew not what to say. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia therefore, equally quick in forming and executing her designs, + wrote to him herself, and entreated that without losing an instant he + would find out his friend Sir Robert Floyer, and endeavour to effect an + accommodation between him and Mr Belfield, with whom he had had a dispute + at the Opera-house. + </p> + <p> + The man soon returned with an answer that Mr Harrel would not fail to obey + her commands. + </p> + <p> + She determined to sit up till he came home in order to learn the event of + the negociation. She considered herself as the efficient cause of the + quarrel, yet scarce knew how or in what to blame herself; the behaviour of + Sir Robert had always been offensive to her; she disliked his manners, and + detested his boldness; and she had already shewn her intention to accept + the assistance of Mr Belfield before he had followed her with an offer of + his own. She was uncertain, indeed, whether he had remarked what had + passed, but she had reason to think that, so circumstanced, to have + changed her purpose, would have been construed into an encouragement that + might have authorised his future presumption of her favour. All she could + find to regret with regard to herself, was wanting the presence of mind to + have refused the civilities of both. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, though really sorry at the state of the affair, regarded + herself as so entirely unconcerned in it, that, easily wearied when out of + company, she soon grew sleepy, and retired to her own room. + </p> + <p> + The anxious Cecilia, hoping every instant the return of Mr Harrel, sat up + by herself: but it was not till near four o'clock in the morning that he + made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” cried she, the moment she saw him, “I fear by your coming + home so late you have had much trouble, but I hope it has been + successful?” + </p> + <p> + Great, however, was her mortification when he answered that he had not + even seen the Baronet, having been engaged himself in so particular a + manner, that he could not possibly break from his party till past three + o'clock, at which time he drove to the house of Sir Robert, but heard that + he was not yet come home. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though much disgusted by such a specimen of insensibility towards + a man whom he pretended to call his friend, would not leave him till he + had promised to arise as soon as it was light, and make an effort to + recover the time lost. + </p> + <p> + She was now no longer surprised either at the debts of Mr Harrel, or at + his <i>particular occasions</i> for money. She was convinced he spent half + the night in gaming, and the consequences, however dreadful, were but + natural. That Sir Robert Floyer also did the same was a matter of much + less importance to her, but that the life of any man should through her + means be endangered, disturbed her inexpressibly. + </p> + <p> + She went, however, to bed, but arose again at six o'clock, and dressed + herself by candle light. In an hour's time she sent to enquire if Mr + Harrel was stirring, and hearing he was asleep, gave orders to have him + called. Yet he did not rise till eight o'clock, nor could all her messages + or expostulations drive him out of the house till nine. + </p> + <p> + He was scarcely gone before Mr Monckton arrived, who now for the first + time had the satisfaction of finding her alone. + </p> + <p> + “You are very good for coming so early,” cried she; “have you seen Mr + Belfield? Have you had any conversation with him?” + </p> + <p> + Alarmed at her eagerness, and still more at seeing by her looks the + sleepless night she had passed, he made at first no reply; and when, with + increasing impatience, she repeated her question, he only said, “Has + Belfield ever visited you since he had the honour of meeting you at my + house?” + </p> + <p> + “No, never.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen him often in public?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have never seen him at all but the evening Mrs Harrel received + masks, and last night at the Opera.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it, then, for the safety of Sir Robert you are so extremely anxious?” + </p> + <p> + “It is for the safety of both; the cause of their quarrel was so trifling, + that I cannot bear to think its consequence should be serious.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you not wish better to one of them than to the other?” + </p> + <p> + “As a matter of justice I do, but not from any partiality: Sir Robert was + undoubtedly the aggressor, and Mr Belfield, though at first too fiery, was + certainly ill-used.” + </p> + <p> + The candour of this speech recovered Mr Monckton from his apprehensions; + and, carefully observing her looks while he spoke, he gave her the + following account. + </p> + <p> + That he had hastened to Belfield's lodgings the moment he left the + Opera-house, and, after repeated denials, absolutely forced himself into + his room, where he was quite alone, and in much agitation: he conversed + with him for more than an hour upon the subject of the quarrel, but found + he so warmly resented the personal insult given him by Sir Robert, that no + remonstrance had any effect in making him alter his resolution of + demanding satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “And could you bring him to consent to no compromise before you left him?” + cried Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “No; for before I got to him—the challenge had been sent.” + </p> + <p> + “The challenge! good heaven!—and do you know the event?” + </p> + <p> + “I called again this morning at his lodgings, but he was not returned + home.” + </p> + <p> + “And was it impossible to follow him? Were there no means to discover + whither he was gone?” + </p> + <p> + “None; to elude all pursuit, he went out before any body in the house was + stirring, and took his servant with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, then, been to Sir Robert?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been to Cavendish-Square, but there, it seems, he has not appeared + all night; I traced him, through his servants, from the Opera to a + gaminghouse, where I found he had amused himself till this morning.” + </p> + <p> + The uneasiness of Cecilia now encreased every moment; and Mr Monckton, + seeing he had no other chance of satisfying her, offered his service to go + again in search of both the gentlemen, and endeavour to bring her better + information. She accepted the proposal with gratitude, and he departed. + </p> + <p> + Soon after she was joined by Mr Arnott, who, though seized with all the + horrors of jealousy at sight of her apprehensions, was so desirous to + relieve them, that without even making any merit of obliging her, he + almost instantly set out upon the same errand that employed Mr Monckton, + and determined not to mention his design till he found whether it would + enable him to bring her good tidings. + </p> + <p> + He was scarce gone when she was told that Mr Delvile begged to have the + honour of speaking to her. Surprised at this condescension, she desired he + might immediately be admitted; but much was her surprise augmented, when, + instead of seeing her ostentatious guardian, she again beheld her + masquerade friend, the white domino. + </p> + <p> + He entreated her pardon for an intrusion neither authorised by + acquaintance nor by business, though somewhat, he hoped, palliated, by his + near connection with one who was privileged to take an interest in her + affairs: and then, hastening to the motives which had occasioned his + visit, “when I had the honour,” he said, “of seeing you last night at the + Opera-house, the dispute which had just happened between two gentlemen, + seemed to give you an uneasiness which could not but be painful to all who + observed it, and as among that number I was not the least moved, you will + forgive, I hope, my eagerness to be the first to bring you intelligence + that nothing fatal has happened, or is likely to happen.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me, sir,” said Cecilia, “much honour; and indeed you relieve me + from a suspense extremely disagreeable. The accommodation, I suppose, was + brought about this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “I find,” answered he, smiling, “you now expect too much; but hope is + never so elastic as when it springs from the ruins of terror.” + </p> + <p> + “What then is the matter? Are they at last, not safe?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, perfectly safe; but I cannot tell you they have never been in + danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it is now over I am contented: but you will very much oblige me, + sir, if you will inform me what has passed.” + </p> + <p> + “You oblige me, madam, by the honour of your commands. I saw but too much + reason to apprehend that measures the most violent would follow the affray + of last night; yet as I found that the quarrel had been accidental, and + the offence unpremeditated, I thought it not absolutely impossible that an + expeditious mediation might effect a compromise: at least it was worth + trying; for though wrath slowly kindled or long nourished is sullen and + intractable, the sudden anger that has not had time to impress the mind + with a deep sense of injury, will, when gently managed, be sometimes + appeased with the same quickness it is excited: I hoped, therefore, that + some trifling concession from Sir Robert, as the aggressor,—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah sir!” cried Cecilia, “that, I fear, was not to be obtained!” + </p> + <p> + “Not by me, I must own,” he answered; “but I was not willing to think of + the difficulty, and therefore ventured to make the proposal: nor did I + leave the Opera-house till I had used every possible argument to persuade + Sir Robert an apology would neither stain his courage nor his reputation. + But his spirit brooked not the humiliation.” + </p> + <p> + “Spirit!” cried Cecilia, “how mild a word! What, then, could poor Mr + Belfield resolve upon?” + </p> + <p> + “That, I believe, took him very little time to decide. I discovered, by + means of a gentleman at the Opera who was acquainted with him, where he + lived, and I waited upon him with an intention to offer my services + towards settling the affair by arbitration: for since you call him poor Mr + Belfield, I think you will permit me, without offence to his antagonist, + to own that his gallantry, though too impetuous for commendation, engaged + me in his interest.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you don't think,” cried Cecilia, “that an offence to his + antagonist must necessarily be an offence to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever I may have thought,” answered he, looking at her with evident + surprise, “I certainly did not wish that a sympathy offensive and + defensive had been concluded between you. I could not, however, gain + access to Mr Belfield last night, but the affair dwelt upon my mind, and + this morning I called at his lodging as soon as it was light.” + </p> + <p> + “How good you have been!” cried Cecilia; “your kind offices have not, I + hope, all proved ineffectual!” + </p> + <p> + “So valorous a Don Quixote,” returned he, laughing, “certainly merited a + faithful Esquire! He was, however, gone out, and nobody knew whither. + About half an hour ago I called upon him again; he was then just returned + home.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw him; the affair was over; and in a short time he will be able, if + you will allow him so much honour, to thank you for these enquiries.” + </p> + <p> + “He is then wounded?” + </p> + <p> + “He is a little hurt, but Sir Robert is perfectly safe. Belfield fired + first, and missed; the Baronet was not so successless.” + </p> + <p> + “I am grieved to hear it, indeed! And where is the wound?” + </p> + <p> + “The ball entered his right side, and the moment he felt it, he fired his + second pistol in the air. This I heard from his servant. He was brought + home carefully and slowly; no surgeon had been upon the spot, but one was + called to him immediately. I stayed to enquire his opinion after the wound + had been dressed: he told me he had extracted the ball, and assured me Mr + Belfield was not in any danger. Your alarm, madam, last night, which had + always been present to me, then encouraged me to take the liberty of + waiting upon you; for I concluded you could yet have had no certain + intelligence, and thought it best to let the plain and simple fact out-run + the probable exaggeration of rumour.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia thanked him for his attention, and Mrs Harrel then making her + appearance, he arose and said, “Had my father known the honour I have had + this morning of waiting upon Miss Beverley, I am sure I should have been + charged with his compliments, and such a commission would somewhat have + lessened the presumption of this visit; but I feared lest while I should + be making interest for my credentials, the pretence of my embassy might be + lost, and other couriers, less scrupulous, might obtain previous + audiences, and anticipate my dispatches.” + </p> + <p> + He then took his leave. + </p> + <p> + “This white domino, at last then,” said Cecilia, “is the son of Mr + Delvile! and thence the knowledge of my situation which gave me so much + surprise:—a son how infinitely unlike his father!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mrs Harrel, “and as unlike his mother too, for I assure you + she is more proud and haughty even than the old gentleman. I hate the very + sight of her, for she keeps every body in such awe that there's nothing + but restraint in her presence. But the son is a very pretty young man, and + much admired; though I have only seen him in public, for none of the + family visit here.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, who now soon returned, was not a little surprised to find + that all the intelligence he meant to communicate was already known: and + not the more pleased to hear that the white domino, to whom before he owed + no good-will, had thus officiously preceded him. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, who also came just after him, had been so little satisfied with + the result of his enquiries, that from the fear of encreasing Cecilia's + uneasiness, he determined not to make known whither he had been; but he + soon found his forbearance was of no avail, as she was already acquainted + with the duel and its consequences. Yet his unremitting desire to oblige + her urged him twice in the course of the same day to again call at Mr + Belfield's lodgings, in order to bring her thence fresh and unsolicited + intelligence. + </p> + <p> + Before breakfast was quite over, Miss Larolles, out of breath with + eagerness, came to tell the news of the duel, in her way to church, as it + was Sunday morning! and soon after Mrs Mears, who also was followed by + other ladies, brought the same account, which by all was addressed to + Cecilia, with expressions of concern that convinced her, to her infinite + vexation, she was generally regarded as the person chiefly interested in + the accident. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel did not return till late, but then seemed in very high spirits: + “Miss Beverley,” he cried, “I bring you news that will repay all your + fright; Sir Robert is not only safe, but is come off conqueror.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry, Sir,” answered Cecilia, extremely provoked to be thus + congratulated, “that any body conquered, or any body was vanquished.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no need for sorrow,” cried Mr Harrel, “or for any thing but joy, + for he has not killed his man; the victory, therefore, will neither cost + him a flight nor a trial. To-day he means to wait upon you, and lay his + laurels at your feet.” + </p> + <p> + “He means, then, to take very fruitless trouble,” said Cecilia, “for I + have not any ambition to be so honoured.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Miss Beverley,” returned he, laughing, “this won't do now! it might + have passed a little while ago, but it won't do now, I promise you!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though much displeased by this accusation, found that disclaiming + it only excited further raillery, and therefore prevailed upon herself to + give him a quiet hearing, and scarce any reply. + </p> + <p> + At dinner, when Sir Robert arrived, the dislike she had originally taken + to him, encreased already into disgust by his behaviour the preceding + evening, was now fixed into the strongest aversion by the horror she + conceived of his fierceness, and the indignation she felt excited by his + arrogance. He seemed, from the success of this duel, to think himself + raised to the highest pinnacle of human glory; triumph sat exulting on his + brow; he looked down on whoever he deigned to look at all, and shewed that + he thought his notice an honour, however imperious the manner in which it + was accorded. + </p> + <p> + Upon Cecilia, however, he cast an eye of more complacency; he now believed + her subdued, and his vanity revelled in the belief: her anxiety had so + thoroughly satisfied him of her love, that she had hardly the power left + to undeceive him; her silence he only attributed to admiration, her + coldness to fear, and her reserve to shame. + </p> + <p> + Sickened by insolence so undisguised and unauthorised, and incensed at the + triumph of his successful brutality, Cecilia with pain kept her seat, and + with vexation reflected upon the necessity she was under of passing so + large a portion of her time in company to which she was so extremely + averse. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, when Mrs Harrel was talking of her party for the evening, of + which Cecilia declined making one, Sir Robert, with a sort of proud + humility, that half feared rejection, and half proclaimed an indifference + to meeting it, said, “I don't much care for going further myself, if Miss + Beverley will give me the honour of taking my tea with her.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, regarding him with much surprise, answered that she had letters + to write into the country, which would confine her to her own room for the + rest of the evening. The Baronet, looking at his watch, instantly cried, + “Faith, that is very fortunate, for I have just recollected an engagement + at the other end of the town which had slipt my memory.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after they were all gone, Cecilia received a note from Mrs Delvile, + begging the favour of her company the next morning to breakfast. She + readily accepted the invitation, though she was by no means prepared, by + the character she had heard of her, to expect much pleasure from an + acquaintance with that lady. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vi. — A FAMILY PARTY. + </h2> + <p> + Cecilia the next morning, between nine and ten o'clock, went to St + James'-Square; she found nobody immediately ready to receive her, but in a + short time was waited upon by Mr Delvile. + </p> + <p> + After the usual salutations, “Miss Beverley,” he said, “I have given + express orders to my people, that I may not be interrupted while I have + the pleasure of passing some minutes in conversation with you before you + are presented to Mrs Delvile.” + </p> + <p> + And then, with an air of solemnity, he led her to a seat, and having + himself taken possession of another, continued his speech. + </p> + <p> + “I have received information, from authority which I cannot doubt, that + the indiscretion of certain of your admirers last Saturday at the + Opera-house occasioned a disturbance which to a young woman of delicacy I + should imagine must be very alarming: now as I consider myself concerned + in your fame and welfare from regarding you as my ward, I think it is + incumbent upon me to make enquiries into such of your affairs as become + public; for I should feel in some measure disgraced myself, should it + appear to the world, while you are under my guardianship, that there was + any want of propriety in the direction of your conduct.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, not much flattered by this address, gravely answered that she + fancied the affair had been misrepresented to him. + </p> + <p> + “I am not much addicted,” he replied, “to give ear to any thing lightly; + you must therefore permit me to enquire into the merits of the cause, and + then to draw my own inferences. And let me, at the same time, assure you + there is no other young lady who has any right to expect such an attention + from me. I must begin by begging you to inform me upon what grounds the + two gentlemen in question, for such, by courtesy, I presume they are + called, thought themselves entitled publicly to dispute your favour?” + </p> + <p> + “My favour, Sir!” cried Cecilia, much amazed. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said he, with a complacency meant to give her courage, “I know + the question is difficult for a young lady to answer; but be not abashed, + I should be sorry to distress you, and mean to the utmost of my power to + save your blushes. Do not, therefore, fear me; consider me as your + guardian, and assure yourself I am perfectly well disposed to consider you + as my ward. Acquaint me, then, freely, what are the pretensions of these + gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + “To me, Sir, they have, I believe, no pretensions at all.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you are shy,” returned he, with encreasing gentleness, “I see you + cannot be easy with me; and when I consider how little you are accustomed + to me, I do not wonder. But pray take courage; I think it necessary to + inform myself of your affairs, and therefore I beg you will speak to me + with freedom.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, more and more mortified by this humiliating condescension, again + assured him he had been misinformed, and was again, though discredited, + praised for her modesty, when, to her great relief, they were interrupted + by the entrance of her friend the <i>white domino</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Mortimer,” said Mr Delvile, “I understand you have already had the + pleasure of seeing this young lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sir,” he answered, “I have more than once had that happiness, but I + have never had the honour of being introduced to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Beverley, then,” said the father, “I must present to you Mr Mortimer + Delvile, my son; and, Mortimer, in Miss Beverley I desire you will + remember that you respect a ward of your father's.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not, Sir,” answered he, “forget an injunction my own inclinations + had already out-run.” + </p> + <p> + Mortimer Delvile was tall and finely formed, his features, though not + handsome, were full of expression, and a noble openness of manners and + address spoke the elegance of his education, and the liberality of his + mind. + </p> + <p> + When this introduction was over, a more general conversation took place, + till Mr Delvile, suddenly rising, said to Cecilia, “You will pardon me, + Miss Beverley, if I leave you for a few minutes; one of my tenants sets + out to-morrow morning for my estate in the North, and he has been two + hours waiting to speak with me. But if my son is not particularly engaged, + I am sure he will be so good as to do the honours of the house till his + mother is ready to receive you.” + </p> + <p> + And then, graciously waving his hand, he quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + “My father,” cried young Delvile, “has left me an office which, could I + execute it as perfectly as I shall willingly, would be performed without a + fault.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry,” said Cecilia, “that I have so much mistaken your hour + of breakfast; but let me not be any restraint upon you, I shall find a + book, or a newspaper, or something to fill up the time till Mrs Delvile + honours me with a summons.” + </p> + <p> + “You can only be a restraint upon me,” answered he, “by commanding me from + your presence. I breakfasted long ago, and am now just come from Mr + Belfield. I had the pleasure, this morning, of being admitted into his + room.” + </p> + <p> + “And how, Sir, did you find him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so well, I fear, as he thinks himself; but he was in high spirits, + and surrounded by his friends, whom he was entertaining with all the + gaiety of a man in full health, and entirely at his ease; though I + perceived, by the frequent changes of his countenance, signs of pain and + indisposition, that made me, however pleased with his conversation, think + it necessary to shorten my own visit, and to hint to those who were near + me the propriety of leaving him quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see his surgeon, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but he told me he should only have one dressing more of his wound, + and then get rid of the whole business by running into the country.” + </p> + <p> + “Were you acquainted with him, Sir, before this accident?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not at all; but the little I have seen of him has strongly interested + me in his favour: at Mr Harrel's masquerade, where I first met with him, I + was extremely entertained by his humour,—though there, perhaps, as I + had also the honour of first seeing Miss Beverley, I might be too happy to + feel much difficulty in being pleased. And even at the Opera he had the + advantage of finding me in the same favourable disposition, as I had long + distinguished you before I had taken any notice of him. I must, however, + confess I did not think his anger that evening quite without provocation,—but + I beg your pardon, I may perhaps be mistaken, and you, who know the whole + affair, must undoubtedly be better able to account for what happened.” + </p> + <p> + Here he fixed his eyes upon Cecilia, with a look of curiosity that seemed + eager to penetrate into her sentiments of the two antagonists. + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly,” she answered, “he had all the provocation that + ill-breeding could give him.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you, madam,” cried he, with much surprize, “judge of this matter + with such severity?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not with severity, simply with candour.” + </p> + <p> + “With candour? alas, then, poor Sir Robert! Severity were not half so bad + a sign for him!” + </p> + <p> + A servant now came in, to acquaint Cecilia that Mrs Delvile waited + breakfast for her. + </p> + <p> + This summons was immediately followed by the re-entrance of Mr Delvile, + who, taking her hand, said he would himself present her to his lady, and + with much graciousness assured her of a kind reception. + </p> + <p> + The ceremonies preceding this interview, added to the character she had + already heard of Mrs Delvile, made Cecilia heartily wish it over; but, + assuming all the courage in her power, she determined to support herself + with a spirit that should struggle against the ostentatious superiority + she was prepared to expect. + </p> + <p> + She found her seated upon a sofa, from which, however, she arose at her + approach; but the moment Cecilia beheld her, all the unfavourable + impressions with which she came into her presence immediately vanished, + and that respect which the formalities of her introduction had failed to + inspire, her air, figure, and countenance instantaneously excited. + </p> + <p> + She was not more than fifty years of age; her complection, though faded, + kept the traces of its former loveliness, her eyes, though they had lost + their youthful fire, retained a lustre that evinced their primeval + brilliancy, and the fine symmetry of her features, still uninjured by the + siege of time, not only indicated the perfection of her juvenile beauty, + but still laid claim to admiration in every beholder. Her carriage was + lofty and commanding; but the dignity to which high birth and conscious + superiority gave rise, was so judiciously regulated by good sense, and so + happily blended with politeness, that though the world at large envied or + hated her, the few for whom she had herself any regard, she was infallibly + certain to captivate. + </p> + <p> + The surprise and admiration with which Cecilia at the first glance was + struck proved reciprocal: Mrs Delvile, though prepared for youth and + beauty, expected not to see a countenance so intelligent, nor manners so + well formed as those of Cecilia: thus mutually astonished and mutually + pleased, their first salutations were accompanied by looks so flattering + to both, that each saw in the other, an immediate prepossession in her + favour, and from the moment that they met, they seemed instinctively + impelled to admire. + </p> + <p> + “I have promised Miss Beverley, madam,” said Mr Delvile to his lady, “that + you would give her a kind reception; and I need not remind you that my + promises are always held sacred.” + </p> + <p> + “But I hope you have not also promised,” cried she, with quickness, “that + I should give <i>you</i> a kind reception, for I feel at this very moment + extremely inclined to quarrel with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “For not bringing us together sooner; for now I have seen her, I already + look back with regret to the time I have lost without the pleasure of + knowing her.” + </p> + <p> + “What a claim is this,” cried young Delvile, “upon the benevolence of Miss + Beverley! for if she has not now the indulgence by frequent and diligent + visits to make some reparation, she must consider herself as responsible + for the dissension she will occasion.” + </p> + <p> + “If peace depends upon my visits,” answered Cecilia, “it may immediately + be proclaimed; were it to be procured only by my absence, I know not if I + should so readily agree to the conditions.” + </p> + <p> + “I must request of you, madam,” said Mr Delvile, “that when my son and I + retire, you will bestow half an hour upon this young lady, in making + enquiries concerning the disturbance last Saturday at the Opera-house. I + have not, myself, so much time to spare, as I have several appointments + for this morning; but I am sure you will not object to the office, as I + know you to be equally anxious with myself, that the minority of Miss + Beverley should pass without reproach.” + </p> + <p> + “Not only her minority, but her maturity,” cried young Delvile, warmly, + “and not only her maturity, but her decline of life will pass, I hope, not + merely without reproach, but with fame and applause!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so too;” replied Mr Delvile: “I wish her well through every stage + of her life, but for her minority alone it is my business to do more than + wish. For that, I feel my own honour and my own credit concerned; my + honour, as I gave it to the Dean that I would superintend her conduct, and + my credit, as the world is acquainted with the claim she has to my + protection.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not make any enquiries,” said Mrs Delvile, turning to Cecilia with + a sweetness that recompensed her for the haughtiness of her guardian, + “till I have had some opportunity of convincing Miss Beverley, that my + regard for her merits they should be answered.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, Miss Beverley,” said Mr Delvile, “how little reason you had to + be afraid of us; Mrs Delvile is as much disposed in your favour as myself, + and as desirous to be of service to you. Endeavour, therefore, to cast off + this timidity, and to make yourself easy. You must come to us often; use + will do more towards removing your fears, than all the encouragement we + can give you.” + </p> + <p> + “But what are the fears,” cried Mrs Delvile, “that Miss Beverley can have + to remove? unless, indeed, she apprehends her visits will make us + encroachers, and that the more we are favoured with her presence, the less + we shall bear her absence.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, son,” said Mr Delvile, “what was the name of the person who was Sir + Robert Floyer's opponent? I have again forgotten it.” + </p> + <p> + “Belfield, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “True; it is a name I am perfectly unacquainted with: however, he may + possibly be a very good sort of man; but certainly his opposing himself to + Sir Robert Floyer, a man of some family, a gentleman, rich, and allied to + some people of distinction, was a rather strange circumstance: I mean not, + however, to prejudge the case; I will hear it fairly stated; and am the + more disposed to be cautious in what I pronounce, because I am persuaded + Miss Beverley has too much sense to let my advice be thrown away upon + her.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, Sir; but with respect to the disturbance at the Opera, I know + not that I have the least occasion to trouble you.” + </p> + <p> + “If your measures,” said he, very gravely, “are already taken, the Dean + your uncle prevailed upon me to accept a very useless office; but if any + thing is yet undecided, it will not, perhaps, be amiss that I should be + consulted. Mean time, I will only recommend to you to consider that Mr + Belfield is a person whose name nobody has heard, and that a connection + with Sir Robert Floyer would certainly be very honourable for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Sir,” said Cecilia, “here is some great mistake; neither of these + gentlemen, I believe, think of me at all.” + </p> + <p> + “They have taken, then,” cried young Delvile with a laugh, “a very + extraordinary method to prove their indifference!” + </p> + <p> + “The affairs of Sir Robert Floyer,” continued Mr Delvile, “are indeed, I + am informed, in some disorder; but he has a noble estate, and your fortune + would soon clear all its incumbrances. Such an alliance, therefore, would + be mutually advantageous: but what would result from a union with such a + person as Mr Belfield? he is of no family, though in that, perhaps, you + would not be very scrupulous; but neither has he any money; what, then, + recommends him?” + </p> + <p> + “To me, Sir, nothing!” answered Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “And to me,” cried young Delvile, “almost every thing! he has wit, spirit, + and understanding, talents to create admiration, and qualities, I believe, + to engage esteem!” + </p> + <p> + “You speak warmly,” said Mrs Delvile; “but if such is his character, he + merits your earnestness. What is it you know of him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not enough, perhaps,” answered he, “to coolly justify my praise; but he + is one of those whose first appearance takes the mind by surprise, and + leaves the judgment to make afterwards such terms as it can. Will you, + madam, when he is recovered, permit me to introduce him to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly;” said she, smiling; “but have a care your recommendation does + not disgrace your discernment.” + </p> + <p> + “This warmth of disposition, Mortimer,” cried Mr Delvile, “produces + nothing but difficulties and trouble: you neglect the connections I point + out, and which a little attention might render serviceable as well as + honourable, and run precipitately into forming such as can do you no good + among people of rank, and are not only profitless in themselves, but + generally lead you into expence and inconvenience. You are now of an age + to correct this rashness: think, therefore, better of your own + consequence, than thus idly to degrade yourself by forming friendships + with every shewy adventurer that comes in your way.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not, Sir,” answered he, “how Mr Belfield deserves to be called an + adventurer: he is not, indeed, rich; but he is in a profession where parts + such as his seldom fail to acquire riches; however, as to me his wealth + can be of no consequence, why should my regard to him wait for it? if he + is a young man of worth and honour—” + </p> + <p> + “Mortimer,” interrupted Mr Delvile, “whatever he is, we know he is not a + man of rank, and whatever he may be, we know he cannot become a man of + family, and consequently for Mortimer Delvile he is no companion. If you + can render him any service, I shall commend your so doing; it becomes your + birth, it becomes your station in life to assist individuals, and promote + the general good: but never in your zeal for others forget what is due to + yourself, and to the ancient and honourable house from which you are + sprung.” + </p> + <p> + “But can we entertain Miss Beverley with nothing better than family + lectures?” cried Mrs Delvile. + </p> + <p> + “It is for me,” said young Delvile, rising, “to beg pardon of Miss + Beverley for having occasioned them: but when she is so good as to honour + us with her company again, I hope I shall have more discretion.” + </p> + <p> + He then left the room; and Mr Delvile also rising to go, said, “My dear, I + commit you to very kind hands; Mrs Delvile, I am sure, will be happy to + hear your story; speak to her, therefore, without reserve. And pray don't + imagine that I make you over to her from any slight; on the contrary, I + admire and commend your modesty very much; but my time is extremely + precious, and I cannot devote so much of it to an explanation as your + diffidence requires.” + </p> + <p> + And then, to the great joy of Cecilia, he retired; leaving her much in + doubt whether his haughtiness or his condescension humbled her most. + </p> + <p> + “These men,” said Mrs Delvile, “can never comprehend the pain of a + delicate female mind upon entering into explanations of this sort: I + understand it, however, too well to inflict it. We will, therefore, have + no explanations at all till we are better acquainted, and then if you will + venture to favour me with any confidence, my best advice, and, should any + be in my power, my best services shall be at your command.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me, madam, much honour,” answered Cecilia, “but I must assure you + I have no explanation to give.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, at present,” returned Mrs Delvile, “I am content to hear that + answer, as I have acquired no right to any other: but hereafter I shall + hope for more openness: it is promised me by your countenance, and I mean + to claim the promise by my friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “Your friendship will both honour and delight me, and whatever are your + enquiries, I shall always be proud to answer them; but indeed, with regard + to this affair—” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Miss Beverley,” interrupted Mrs Delvile, with a look of arch + incredulity, “men seldom risk their lives where an escape is without hope + of recompence. But we will not now say a word more upon the subject. I + hope you will often favour me with your company, and by the frequency of + your visits, make us both forget the shortness of our acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, finding her resistance only gave birth to fresh suspicion, now + yielded, satisfied that a very little time must unavoidably clear up the + truth. But her visit was not therefore shortened; the sudden partiality + with which the figure and countenance of Mrs Delvile had impressed her, + was quickly ripened into esteem by the charms of her conversation: she + found her sensible, well bred, and high spirited, gifted by nature with + superior talents, and polished by education and study with all the elegant + embellishments of cultivation. She saw in her, indeed, some portion of the + pride she had been taught to expect, but it was so much softened by + elegance, and so well tempered with kindness, that it elevated her + character, without rendering her manners offensive. + </p> + <p> + With such a woman, subjects of discourse could never be wanting, nor + fertility of powers to make them entertaining: and so much was Cecilia + delighted with her visit, that though her carriage was announced at twelve + o'clock, she reluctantly concluded it at two; and in taking her leave, + gladly accepted an invitation to dine with her new friend three days + after; who, equally pleased with her young guest, promised before that + time to return her visit. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vii. — AN EXAMINATION. + </h2> + <p> + Cecilia found Mrs Harrel eagerly waiting to hear some account how she had + passed the morning, and fully persuaded that she would leave the Delviles + with a determination never more, but by necessity, to see them: she was, + therefore, not only surprised but disappointed, when instead of fulfilling + her expectations, she assured her that she had been delighted with Mrs + Delvile, whose engaging qualities amply recompensed her for the arrogance + of her husband; that her visit had no fault but that of being too short, + and that she had already appointed an early day for repeating it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel was evidently hurt by this praise, and Cecilia, who perceived + among all her guardians a powerful disposition to hatred and jealousy, + soon dropt the subject: though so much had she been charmed with Mrs + Delvile, that a scheme of removal once more occurred to her, + notwithstanding her dislike of her stately guardian. + </p> + <p> + At dinner, as usual, they were joined by Sir Robert Floyer, who grew more + and more assiduous in his attendance, but who, this day, contrary to his + general custom of remaining with the gentlemen, made his exit before the + ladies left the table; and as soon as he was gone, Mr Harrel desired a + private conference with Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + They went together to the drawing-room, where, after a flourishing preface + upon the merits of Sir Robert Floyer, he formally acquainted her that he + was commissioned by that gentleman, to make her a tender of his hand and + fortune. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who had not much reason to be surprised at this overture, desired + him to tell the Baronet, she was obliged to him for the honour he intended + her, at the same time that she absolutely declined receiving it. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel, laughing, told her this answer was very well for a beginning, + though it would by no means serve beyond the first day of the declaration; + but when Cecilia assured him she should firmly adhere to it, he + remonstrated with equal surprise and discontent upon the reasons of her + refusal. She thought it sufficient to tell him that Sir Robert did not + please her, but, with much raillery, he denied the assertion credit, + assuring her that he was universally admired by the ladies, that she could + not possibly receive a more honourable offer, and that he was reckoned by + every body the finest gentleman about the town. His fortune, he added, was + equally unexceptionable with his figure and his rank in life; all the + world, he was certain, would approve the connexion, and the settlement + made upon her should be dictated by herself. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia begged him to be satisfied with an answer which she never could + change, and to spare her the enumeration of particular objections, since + Sir Robert was wholly and in every respect disagreeable to her. + </p> + <p> + “What, then,” cried he, “could make you so frightened for him at the + Opera-house? There has been but one opinion about town ever since of your + prepossession in his favour.” + </p> + <p> + “I am extremely concerned to hear it; my fright was but the effect of + surprise, and belonged not more to Sir Robert than to Mr Belfield.” + </p> + <p> + He told her that nobody else thought the same, that her marriage with the + Baronet was universally expected, and, in conclusion, notwithstanding her + earnest desire that he would instantly and explicitly inform Sir Robert of + her determination, he repeatedly refused to give him any final answer till + she had taken more time for consideration. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was extremely displeased at this irksome importunity, and still + more chagrined to find her incautious emotion at the Opera-house, had + given rise to suspicions of her harbouring a partiality for a man whom + every day she more heartily disliked. + </p> + <p> + While she was deliberating in what manner she could clear up this mistake, + which, after she was left alone, occupied all her thoughts, she was + interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Monckton, whose joy in meeting her at + length by herself exceeded not her own, for charmed as he was that he + could now examine into the state of her affairs, she was not less + delighted that she could make them known to him. + </p> + <p> + After mutual expressions, guarded, however, on the part of Mr. Monckton, + though unreserved on that of Cecilia, of their satisfaction in being again + able to converse as in former times, he asked if she would permit him, as + the privilege of their long acquaintance, to speak to her with sincerity. + </p> + <p> + She assured him he could not more oblige her. + </p> + <p> + “Let me, then,” said he, “enquire if yet that ardent confidence in your + own steadiness, which so much disdained my fears that the change of your + residence might produce a change in your sentiments, is still as unshaken + as when we parted in Suffolk? Or whether experience, that foe to + unpractised refinement, has already taught you the fallibility of theory?” + </p> + <p> + “When I assure you,” replied Cecilia, “that your enquiry gives me no pain, + I think I have sufficiently answered it, for were I conscious of any + alteration, it could not but embarrass and distress me. Very far, however, + from finding myself in the danger with which you threatened me, of <i>forgetting + Bury, its inhabitants and its environs</i>, I think with pleasure of + little else, since London, instead of bewitching, has greatly disappointed + me.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” cried Mr Monckton, much delighted. + </p> + <p> + “Not,” answered she, “in itself, not in its magnificence, nor in its + diversions, which seem to be inexhaustible; but these, though copious as + instruments of pleasure, are very shallow as sources of happiness: the + disappointment, therefore, comes nearer home, and springs not from London, + but from my own situation.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that, then, disagreeable to you?” + </p> + <p> + “You shall yourself judge, when I have told you that from the time of my + quitting your house till this very moment, when I have again the happiness + of talking with you, I have never once had any conversation, society or + intercourse, in which friendship or affection have had any share, or my + mind has had the least interest.” + </p> + <p> + She then entered into a detail of her way of life, told him how little + suited to her taste was the unbounded dissipation of the Harrels, and + feelingly expatiated upon the disappointment she had received from the + alteration in the manners and conduct of her young friend. “In her,” she + continued, “had I found the companion I came prepared to meet, the + companion from whom I had so lately parted, and in whose society I + expected to find consolation for the loss of yours and of Mrs Charlton's, + I should have complained of nothing; the very places that now tire, might + then have entertained me, and all that now passes for unmeaning + dissipation, might then have worn the appearance of variety and pleasure. + But where the mind is wholly without interest, every thing is languid and + insipid; and accustomed as I have long been to think friendship the first + of human blessings, and social converse the greatest of human enjoyments, + how ever can I reconcile myself to a state of careless indifference, to + making acquaintance without any concern either for preserving or esteeming + them, and to going on from day to day in an eager search of amusement, + with no companion for the hours of retirement, and no view beyond that of + passing the present moment in apparent gaiety and thoughtlessness?” + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, who heard these complaints with secret rapture, far from + seeking to soften or remove, used his utmost endeavours to strengthen and + encrease them, by artfully retracing her former way of life, and pointing + out with added censures the change in it she had been lately compelled to + make: “a change,” he continued, “which though ruinous of your time, and + detrimental to your happiness, use will, I fear, familiarize, and + familiarity render pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “These suspicions, sir,” said Cecilia, “mortify me greatly; and why, when + far from finding me pleased, you hear nothing but repining, should you + still continue to harbour them?” + </p> + <p> + “Because your trial has yet been too short to prove your firmness, and + because there is nothing to which time cannot contentedly accustom us.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel not much fear,” said Cecilia, “of standing such a test as might + fully satisfy you; but nevertheless, not to be too presumptuous, I have by + no means exposed myself to all the dangers which you think surround me, + for of late I have spent almost every evening at home and by myself.” + </p> + <p> + This intelligence was to Mr Monckton a surprise the most agreeable he + could receive. Her distaste for the amusements which were offered her + greatly relieved his fears of her forming any alarming connection, and the + discovery that while so anxiously he had sought her every where in public, + she had quietly passed her time by her own fireside, not only re-assured + him for the present, but gave him information where he might meet with her + in future. + </p> + <p> + He then talked of the duel, and solicitously led her to speak {openly} of + Sir Robert Floyer; and here too, his satisfaction was entire; he found her + dislike of him such as his knowledge of her disposition made him expect, + and she wholly removed his suspicions concerning her anxiety about the + quarrel, by explaining to him her apprehensions of having occasioned it + herself, from accepting the civility of Mr Belfield, at the very moment + she shewed her aversion to receiving that of Sir Robert. + </p> + <p> + Neither did her confidence rest here; she acquainted him with the + conversation she had just had with Mr Harrel, and begged his advice in + what manner she might secure herself from further importunity. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton had now a new subject for his discernment. Every thing had + confirmed to him the passion which Mr Arnott had conceived for Cecilia, + and he had therefore concluded the interest of the Harrels would be all in + his favour: other ideas now struck him; he found that Mr Arnott was given + up for Sir Robert, and he determined carefully to watch the motions both + of the Baronet and her young guardian, in order to discover the nature of + their plans and connection. Mean time, convinced by her unaffected + aversion to the proposals she had received, that she was at present in no + danger from the league he suspected, he merely advised her to persevere in + manifesting a calm repugnance to their solicitations, which could not + fail, before long, to dishearten them both. + </p> + <p> + “But Sir,” cried Cecilia, “I now fear this man as much as I dislike him, + for his late fierceness and brutality, though they have encreased my + disgust, make me dread to shew it. I am impatient, therefore, to have done + with him, and to see him no more. And for this purpose, I wish to quit the + house of Mr Harrel, where he has access at his pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “You can wish nothing more judiciously,” cried he; “would you, then, + return into the country?” + </p> + <p> + “That is not yet in my power; I am obliged to reside with one of my + guardians. To-day I have seen Mrs Delvile, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs Delvile?” interrupted Mr Monckton, in a voice of astonishment. + “Surely you do not think of removing into that family?” + </p> + <p> + “What can I do so well? Mrs Delvile is a charming woman, and her + conversation would afford me more entertainment and instruction in a + single day, than under this roof I should obtain in a twelvemonth.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you serious? Do you really think of making such a change?” + </p> + <p> + “I really wish it, but I know not yet if it is practicable: on Thursday, + however, I am to dine with her, and then, if it is in my power, I will + hint to her my desire.” + </p> + <p> + “And can Miss Beverley possibly wish,” cried Mr Monckton with earnestness, + “to reside in such a house? Is not Mr Delvile the most ostentatious, + haughty, and self-sufficient of men? Is not his wife the proudest of + women? And is not the whole family odious to all the world?” + </p> + <p> + “You amaze me!” cried Cecilia; “surely that cannot be their general + character? Mr Delvile, indeed, deserves all the censure he can meet for + his wearisome parade of superiority; but his lady by no means merits to be + included in the same reproach. I have spent this whole morning with her, + and though I waited upon her with a strong prejudice in her disfavour, I + observed in her no pride that exceeded the bounds of propriety and native + dignity.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you often been at the house? Do you know the son, too?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen him three or four times.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you think of him?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly know enough of him to judge fairly.” + </p> + <p> + “But what does he seem to you? Do you not perceive in him already all the + arrogance, all the contemptuous insolence of his father?” + </p> + <p> + “O no! far from it indeed; his mind seems to be liberal and noble, open to + impressions of merit, and eager to honour and promote it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are much deceived; you have been reading your own mind, and thought + you had read his: I would advise you sedulously to avoid the whole family; + you will find all intercourse with them irksome and comfortless: such as + the father appears at once, the wife and the son will, in a few more + meetings, appear also. They are descended from the same stock, and inherit + the same self-complacency. Mr Delvile married his cousin, and each of them + instigates the other to believe that all birth and rank would be at an end + in the world, if their own superb family had not a promise of support from + their hopeful Mortimer. Should you precipitately settle yourself in their + house, you would very soon be totally weighed down by their united + insolence.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia again and warmly attempted to defend them; but Mr Monckton was so + positive in his assertions, and so significant in his insinuations to + their discredit, that she was at length persuaded she had judged too + hastily, and, after thanking him for his counsel, promised not to take any + measures towards a removal without his advice. + </p> + <p> + This was all he desired; and now, enlivened by finding that his influence + with her was unimpaired, and that her heart was yet her own, he ceased his + exhortations, and turned the discourse to subjects more gay and general, + judiciously cautious neither by tedious admonitions to disgust, nor by + fretful solicitude to alarm her. He did not quit her till the evening was + far advanced, and then, in returning to his own house, felt all his + anxieties and disappointments recompensed by the comfort this long and + satisfactory conversation had afforded him. While Cecilia, charmed with + having spent the morning with her new acquaintance, and the evening with + her old friend, retired to rest better pleased with the disposal of her + time than she had yet been since her journey from Suffolk. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER viii. — A TETE A TETE. + </h2> + <p> + The two following days had neither event nor disturbance, except some + little vexation occasioned by the behaviour of Sir Robert Floyer, who + still appeared not to entertain any doubt of the success of his addresses. + This impertinent confidence she could only attribute to the officious + encouragement of Mr Harrel, and therefore she determined rather to seek + than to avoid an explanation with him. But she had, in the mean time, the + satisfaction of hearing from Mr Arnott, who, ever eager to oblige her, was + frequent in his enquiries, that Mr Belfield was almost entirely recovered. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, according to her appointment, she again went to St James' + Square, and being shewn into the drawing-room till dinner was ready, found + there only young Mr Delvile. + </p> + <p> + After some general conversation, he asked her how lately she had had any + news of Mr Belfield? + </p> + <p> + “This morning,” she answered, “when I had the pleasure of hearing he was + quite recovered. Have you seen him again, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes madam, twice.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you think him almost well?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought,” answered he, with some hesitation, “and I think still, that + your enquiries ought to be his cure.” + </p> + <p> + “O,” cried Cecilia, “I hope he has far better medicines: but I am afraid I + have been misinformed, for I see you do not think him better.” + </p> + <p> + “You must not, however,” replied he, “blame those messengers whose + artifice has only had your satisfaction in view; nor should I be so + malignant as to blast their designs, if I did not fear that Mr Belfield's + actual safety may be endangered by your continual deception.” + </p> + <p> + “What deception, sir? I don't at all understand you. How is his safety + endangered?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah madam!” said he smiling, “what danger indeed is there that any man + would not risk to give birth to such solicitude! Mr Belfield however, I + believe is in none from which a command of yours cannot rescue him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then were I an hard-hearted damsel indeed not to issue it! but if my + commands are so medicinal, pray instruct me how to administer them.” + </p> + <p> + “You must order him to give up, for the present, his plan of going into + the country, where he can have no assistance, and where his wound must be + dressed only by a common servant, and to remain quietly in town till his + surgeon pronounces that he may travel without any hazard.” + </p> + <p> + “But is he, seriously, so mad as to intend leaving town without the + consent of his surgeon?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing less than such an intention could have induced me to undeceive + you with respect to his recovery. But indeed I am no friend to those + artifices which purchase present relief by future misery: I venture, + therefore, to speak to you the simple truth, that by a timely exertion of + your influence you may prevent further evil.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not, Sir,” said Cecilia, with the utmost surprise, “why you should + suppose I have any such influence; nor can I imagine that any deception + has been practiced.” + </p> + <p> + “It is possible,” answered he, “I may have been too much alarmed; but in + such a case as this, no information ought to be depended upon but that of + his surgeon. You, madam, may probably know his opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “Me?—No, indeed? I never saw his surgeon; I know not even who he + is.” + </p> + <p> + “I purpose calling upon him to-morrow morning; will Miss Beverley permit + me afterwards the honour of communicating to her what may pass?” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, sir,” said she, colouring very high; “but my impatience is + by no means so great as to occasion my giving you that trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Delvile, perceiving her change of countenance, instantly, and with much + respect, entreated her pardon for the proposal; which, however, she had no + sooner granted, than he said very archly, “Why indeed you have not much + right to be angry, since it was your own frankness that excited mine. And + thus, you find, like most other culprits, I am ready to cast the blame of + the offence upon the offended. I feel, however, an irresistible propensity + to do service to Mr Belfield;—shall I sin quite beyond forgiveness + if I venture to tell you how I found him situated this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly,—if you wish it, I can have no objection.” + </p> + <p> + “I found him, then, surrounded by a set of gay young men, who, by way of + keeping up his spirits, made him laugh and talk without ceasing: he + assured me himself that he was perfectly well, and intended to gallop out + of town to-morrow morning; though, when I shook hands with him at parting, + I was both shocked and alarmed to feel by the burning heat of the skin, + that far from discarding his surgeon, he ought rather to call in a + physician.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very much concerned to hear this account,” said Cecilia; “but I do + not well understand what you mean should on my part follow it?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” answered he, bowing, with a look of mock gravity, “I pretend not + to settle! In stating the case I have satisfied my conscience, and if in + hearing it you can pardon the liberty I have taken, I shall as much honour + the openness of your character, as I admire that of your countenance.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia now, to her no little astonishment, found she had the same mistake + to clear up at present concerning Mr Belfield, that only three days before + she had explained with respect to the Baronet. But she had no time to + speak further upon the subject, as the entrance of Mrs Delvile put an end + to their discourse. + </p> + <p> + That lady received her with the most distinguishing kindness; apologised + for not sooner waiting upon her, and repeatedly declared that nothing but + indisposition should have prevented her returning the favour of her first + visit. + </p> + <p> + They were soon after summoned to dinner. Mr Delvile, to the infinite joy + of Cecilia, was out. + </p> + <p> + The day was spent greatly to her satisfaction. There was no interruption + from visitors, she was tormented by the discussion of no disagreeable + subjects, the duel was not mentioned, the antagonists were not hinted at, + she was teized with no self-sufficient encouragement, and wearied with no + mortifying affability; the conversation at once was lively and rational, + and though general, was rendered interesting, by a reciprocation of + good-will and pleasure in the conversers. + </p> + <p> + The favourable opinion she had conceived both of the mother and the son + this long visit served to confirm: in Mrs Delvile she found strong sense, + quick parts, and high breeding; in Mortimer, sincerity and vivacity joined + with softness and elegance; and in both there seemed the most liberal + admiration of talents, with an openness of heart that disdained all + disguise. Greatly pleased with their manners, and struck with all that was + apparent in their characters, she much regretted the prejudice of Mr + Monckton, which now, with the promise she had given him, was all that + opposed her making an immediate effort towards a change in her abode. + </p> + <p> + She did not take her leave till eleven o'clock, when Mrs Delvile, after + repeatedly thanking her for her visit, said she would not so much encroach + upon her good nature as to request another till she had waited upon her in + return; but added, that she meant very speedily to pay that debt, in order + to enable herself, by friendly and frequent meetings, to enter upon the + confidential commission with which her guardian had entrusted her. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was pleased with the delicacy which gave rise to this forbearance, + yet having in fact nothing either to relate or conceal, she was rather + sorry than glad at the delay of an explanation, since she found the whole + family was in an error with respect to the situation of her affairs. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK III. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER i. — AN APPLICATION. + </h2> + <p> + Cecilia, upon her return home, heard with some surprise that Mr and Mrs + Harrel were by themselves in the drawing-room; and, while she was upon the + stairs, Mrs Harrel ran out, calling eagerly, “Is that my brother?” + </p> + <p> + Before she could make an answer, Mr Harrel, in the same impatient tone, + exclaimed, “Is it Mr Arnott?” + </p> + <p> + “No;” said Cecilia, “did you expect him so late?” + </p> + <p> + “Expect him? Yes,” answered Mr Harrel, “I have expected him the whole + evening, and cannot conceive what he has done with himself.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis abominably provoking,” said Mrs Harrel, “that he should be out of + the way just now when he is wanted. However, I dare say to-morrow will do + as well.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that,” cried Mr Harrel. “Reeves is such a wretch that I am + sure he will give me all the trouble in his power.” + </p> + <p> + Here Mr Arnott entered; and Mrs Harrel called out “O brother, we have been + distressed for you cruelly; we have had a man here who has plagued Mr + Harrel to death, and we wanted you sadly to speak to him.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have been very glad,” said Mr Arnott, “to have been of any use, + and perhaps it is not yet too late; who is the man?” + </p> + <p> + “O,” cried Mr Harrel, carelessly, “only a fellow from that rascally taylor + who has been so troublesome to me lately. He has had the impudence, + because I did not pay him the moment he was pleased to want his money, to + put the bill into the hands of one Reeves, a griping attorney, who has + been here this evening, and thought proper to talk to me pretty freely. I + can tell the gentleman I shall not easily forget his impertinence! + however, I really wish mean time I could get rid of him.” + </p> + <p> + “How much is the bill, Sir?” said Mr Arnott. + </p> + <p> + “Why it's rather a round sum; but I don't know how it is, one's bills + mount up before one is aware: those fellows charge such confounded sums + for tape and buckram; I hardly know what I have had of him, and yet he has + run me up a bill of between three and four hundred pound.” + </p> + <p> + Here there was a general silence; till Mrs Harrel said “Brother, can't you + be so good as to lend us the money? Mr Harrel says he can pay it again + very soon.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, very soon,” said Mr Harrel, “for I shall receive a great deal of + money in a little time; I only want to stop this fellow's mouth for the + present.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I go and talk with him?” said Mr Arnott. + </p> + <p> + “O, he's a brute, a stock!” cried Mr Harrel, “nothing but the money will + satisfy him: he will hear no reason; one might as well talk to a stone.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott now looked extremely distressed; but upon his sister's warmly + pressing him not to lose any time, he gently said, “If this person will + but wait a week or two, I should be extremely glad, for really just now I + cannot take up so much money, without such particular loss and + inconvenience, that I hardly know how to do it:—but yet, if he will + not be appeased, he must certainly have it.” + </p> + <p> + “Appeased?” cried Mr Harrel, “you might as well appease the sea in a + storm! he is hard as iron.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott then, forcing a smile, though evidently in much uneasiness, said + he would not fail to raise the money the next morning, and was taking his + leave, when Cecilia, shocked that such tenderness and good-nature should + be thus grossly imposed upon, hastily begged to speak with Mrs Harrel, and + taking her into another room, said, “I beseech you, my dear friend, let + not your worthy brother suffer by his generosity; permit me in the present + exigence to assist Mr Harrel: my having such a sum advanced can be of no + consequence; but I should grieve indeed that your brother, who so nobly + understands the use of money, should take it up at any particular + disadvantage.” + </p> + <p> + “You are vastly kind,” said Mrs Harrel, “and I will run and speak to them + about it: but which ever of you lends the money, Mr Harrel has assured me + he shall pay it very soon.” + </p> + <p> + She then returned with the proposition. Mr Arnott strongly opposed it, but + Mr Harrel seemed rather to prefer it, yet spoke so confidently of his + speedy payment, that he appeared to think it a matter of little importance + from which he accepted it. A generous contest ensued between Mr Arnott and + Cecilia, but as she was very earnest, she at length prevailed, and settled + to go herself the next morning into the city, in order to have the money + advanced by Mr Briggs, who had the management of her fortune entirely to + himself, her other guardians never interfering in the executive part of + her affairs. + </p> + <p> + This arranged, they all retired. + </p> + <p> + And then, with encreasing astonishment, Cecilia reflected upon the ruinous + levity of Mr Harrel, and the blind security of his wife; she saw in their + situation danger the most alarming, and in the behaviour of Mr Harrel + selfishness the most inexcusable; such glaring injustice to his creditors, + such utter insensibility to his friends, took from her all wish of + assisting him, though the indignant compassion with which she saw the easy + generosity of Mr Arnott so frequently abused, had now, for his sake + merely, induced her to relieve him. + </p> + <p> + She resolved, however, as soon as the present difficulty was surmounted, + to make another attempt to open the eyes of Mrs Harrel to the evils which + so apparently threatened her, and press her to exert all her influence + with her husband, by means both of example and advice, to retrench his + expences before it should be absolutely too late to save him from ruin. + </p> + <p> + She determined also at the same time that she applied for the money + requisite for this debt, to take up enough for discharging her own bill at + the bookseller's, and putting in execution her plan of assisting the + Hills. + </p> + <p> + The next morning she arose early, and attended by her servant, set out for + the house of Mr Briggs, purposing, as the weather was clear and frosty, to + walk through Oxford Road, and then put herself into a chair; and hoping to + return to Mr Harrel's by the usual hour of breakfast. + </p> + <p> + She had not proceeded far, before she saw a mob gathering, and the windows + of almost all the houses filling with spectators. She desired her servant + to enquire what this meant, and was informed that the people were + assembling to see some malefactors pass by in their way to Tyburn. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed at this intelligence from the fear of meeting the unhappy + criminals, she hastily turned down the next street, but found that also + filling with people who were running to the scene she was trying to avoid: + encircled thus every way, she applied to a maidservant who was standing at + the door of a large house, and begged leave to step in till the mob was + gone by. The maid immediately consented, and she waited here while she + sent her man for a chair. + </p> + <p> + He soon arrived with one; but just as she returned to the street door, a + gentleman, who was hastily entering the house, standing back to let her + pass, suddenly exclaimed, “Miss Beverley!” and looking at him, she + perceived young Delvile. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot stop an instant,” cried she, running down the steps, “lest the + crowd should prevent the chair from going on.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you not first,” said he, handing her in, “tell me what news you have + heard?” + </p> + <p> + “News?” repeated she. “No, I have heard none!” + </p> + <p> + “You will only, then, laugh at me for those officious offers you did so + well to reject?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not what offers you mean!” + </p> + <p> + “They were indeed superfluous, and therefore I wonder not you have + forgotten them. Shall I tell the chairmen whither to go?” + </p> + <p> + “To Mr Briggs. But I cannot imagine what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “To Mr Briggs!” repeated he, “O live for ever French beads and Bristol + stones! fresh offers may perhaps be made there, impertinent, officious, + and useless as mine!” + </p> + <p> + He then told her servant the direction, and, making his bow, went into the + house she had just quitted. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, extremely amazed by this short, but unintelligible conversation, + would again have called upon him to explain his meaning, but found the + crowd encreasing so fast that she could not venture to detain the chair, + which with difficulty made its way to the adjoining streets: but her + surprize at what had passed so entirely occupied her, that when she stopt + at the house of Mr Briggs, she had almost forgotten what had brought her + thither. + </p> + <p> + The foot-boy, who came to the door, told her that his master was at home, + but not well. + </p> + <p> + She desired he might be acquainted that she wished to speak to him upon + business, and would wait upon him again at any hour when he thought he + should be able to see her. + </p> + <p> + The boy returned with an answer that she might call again the next week. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, knowing that so long a delay would destroy all the kindness of + her intention, determined to write to him for the money, and therefore + went into the parlour, and desired to have pen and ink. + </p> + <p> + The boy, after making her wait some time in a room without any fire, + brought her a pen and a little ink in a broken tea-cup, saying “Master + begs you won't spirt it about, for he's got no more; and all our + blacking's as good as gone.” + </p> + <p> + “Blacking?” repeated Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss; when Master's shoes are blacked, we commonly gets a little + drap of fresh ink.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia promised to be careful, but desired him to fetch her a sheet of + paper. + </p> + <p> + “Law, Miss,” cried the boy, with a grin, “I dare say master'd as soon give + you a bit of his nose! howsever, I'll go ax.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes he again returned, and brought in his hand a slate and a + black lead pencil; “Miss,” cried he, “Master says how you may write upon + this, for he supposes you've no great matters to say.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, much astonished at this extreme parsimony, was obliged to + consent, but as the point of the pencil was very blunt, desired the boy to + get her a knife that she might cut it. He obeyed, but said “Pray Miss, + take care it ben't known, for master don't do such a thing once in a year, + and if he know'd I'd got you the knife, he'd go nigh to give me a good + polt of the head.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then wrote upon the slate her desire to be informed in what manner + she should send him her receipt for 600 pounds, which she begged to have + instantly advanced. + </p> + <p> + The boy came back grinning, and holding up his hands, and said, “Miss, + there's a fine piece of work upstairs! Master's in a peck of troubles; but + he says how he'll come down, if you'll stay till he's got his things on.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he keep his bed, then? I hope I have not made him rise?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss, he don't keep his bed, only he must get ready, for he wears no + great matters of cloaths when he's alone. You are to know, Miss,” lowering + his voice, “that that day as he went abroad with our sweep's cloaths on, + he comed home in sich a pickle you never see! I believe somebody'd knocked + him in the kennel; so does Moll; but don't you say as I told you! He's + been special bad ever since. Moll and I was as glad as could be, because + he's so plaguy sharp; for, to let you know, Miss, he's so near, it's + partly a wonder how he lives at all: and yet he's worth a power of money, + too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said Cecilia, not very desirous to encourage his + forwardness, “if I want any thing, I'll call for you.” + </p> + <p> + The boy, however, glad to tell his tale, went on. + </p> + <p> + “Our Moll won't stay with him above a week longer, Miss, because she says + how she can get nothing to eat, but just some old stinking salt meat, + that's stayed in the butcher's shop so long, it would make a horse sick to + look at it. But Moll's pretty nice; howsever, Miss, to let you know, we + don't get a good meal so often as once a quarter! why this last week we + ha'n't had nothing at all but some dry musty red herrings; so you may + think, Miss, we're kept pretty sharp!” + </p> + <p> + He was now interrupted by hearing Mr Briggs coming down the stairs, upon + which, abruptly breaking off his complaints, he held up his finger to his + nose in token of secrecy, and ran hastily into the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + The appearance of Mr Briggs was by no means rendered more attractive by + illness and negligence of dress. He had on a flannel gown and night cap; + his black beard, of many days' growth, was long and grim, and upon his + nose and one of his cheeks was a large patch of brown paper, which, as he + entered the room, he held on with both his hands. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia made many apologies for having disturbed him, and some civil + enquiries concerning his health. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” cried he, pettishly, “bad enough: all along of that trumpery + masquerade; wish I had not gone! Fool for my pains.” + </p> + <p> + “When were you taken ill, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Met with an accident; got a fall, broke my head, like to have lost my + wig. Wish the masquerade at old Nick! thought it would cost nothing, or + would not have gone. Warrant sha'n't get me so soon to another!” + </p> + <p> + “Did you fall in going home, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, plump in the kennel; could hardly get out of it; felt myself a + going, was afraid to tear my cloaths, knew the rascal would make me pay + for them, so by holding up the old sack, come bolt on my face! off pops my + wig; could not tell what to do; all as dark as pitch!” + </p> + <p> + “Did not you call for help?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody by but scrubs, knew they would not help for nothing. Scrawled out + as I could, groped about for my wig, found it at last, all soused in the + mud; stuck to my head like Turner's cerate.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope, then, you got into a hackney coach?” + </p> + <p> + “What for? to make things worse? was not bad enough, hay?—must pay + two shillings beside?” + </p> + <p> + “But how did you find yourself when you got home, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “How? why wet as muck; my head all bumps, my cheek all cut, my nose big as + two! forced to wear a plaister; half ruined in vinegar. Got a great cold; + put me in a fever; never been well since.” + </p> + <p> + “But have you had no advice, Sir? Should not you send for a physician?” + </p> + <p> + “What to do, hay? fill me with jallop? can get it myself, can't I? Had one + once; was taken very bad, thought should have popt off; began to flinch, + sent for the doctor, proved nothing but a cheat! cost me a guinea, gave it + at fourth visit, and he never came again!—-warrant won't have no + more!” + </p> + <p> + Then perceiving upon the table some dust from the black lead pencil, + “What's here?” cried he, angrily, “who's been cutting the pencil? wish + they were hanged; suppose it's the boy; deserves to be horsewhipped: give + him a good banging.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia immediately cleared him, by acknowledging she had herself been the + culprit. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” cried he, “thought as much all the time! guessed how it was; + nothing but ruin and waste; sending for money, nobody knows why; wanting + 600 pounds—what to do? throw it in the dirt? Never heard the like! + Sha'n't have it, promise you that,” nodding his head, “shan't have no such + thing!” + </p> + <p> + “Sha'n't have it?” cried Cecilia, much surprised, “why not, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep it for your husband; get you one soon: won't have no juggling. Don't + be in a hurry; one in my eye.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then began a very earnest expostulation, assuring him she really + wanted the money, for an occasion which would not admit of delay. Her + remonstrances, however, he wholly disregarded, telling her that girls knew + nothing of the value of money, and ought not to be trusted with it; that + he would not hear of such extravagance, and was resolved not to advance + her a penny. Cecilia was both provoked and confounded by a refusal so + unexpected, and as she thought herself bound in honour to Mr Harrel not to + make known the motive of her urgency, she was for some time totally + silenced: till recollecting her account with the bookseller, she + determined to rest her plea upon that, persuaded that he could not, at + least, deny her money to pay her own bills. He heard her, however, with + the utmost contempt; “Books?” he cried, “what do you want with books? do + no good; all lost time; words get no cash.” She informed him his + admonitions were now too late, as she had already received them, and must + therefore necessarily pay for them. “No, no,” cried he, “send 'em back, + that's best; keep no such rubbish, won't turn to account; do better + without 'em.” “That, Sir, will be impossible, for I have had them some + time, and cannot expect the bookseller to take them again.” “Must, must,” + cried he, “can't help himself; glad to have 'em too. Are but a minor, + can't be made pay a farthing.” Cecilia with much indignation heard such + fraud recommended, and told him she could by no means consent to follow + his advice. But she soon found, to her utter amazement, that he steadily + refused to give her any other, or to bestow the slightest attention upon + her expostulations, sturdily saying that her uncle had left her a noble + estate, and he would take care to see it put in proper hands, by getting + her a good and careful husband. + </p> + <p> + “I have no intention, no wish, Sir,” cried she, “to break into the income + or estate left me by my uncle; on the contrary, I hold them sacred, and + think myself bound in conscience never to live beyond them: but the + L10,000 bequeathed me by my Father, I regard as more peculiarly my own + property, and therefore think myself at liberty to dispose of it as I + please.” + </p> + <p> + “What,” cried he, in a rage, “make it over to a scrubby bookseller! give + it up for an old pot-hook? no, no, won't suffer it; sha'n't be, sha'n't + be, I say! if you want some books, go to Moorfields, pick up enough at an + old stall; get 'em at two pence a-piece; dear enough, too.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia for some time hoped he was merely indulging his strange and sordid + humour by an opposition that was only intended to teize her; but she soon + found herself extremely mistaken: he was immoveable in obstinacy, as he + was incorrigible in avarice; he neither troubled himself with enquiries + nor reasoning, but was contented with refusing her as a child might be + refused, by peremptorily telling her she did not know what she wanted, and + therefore should not have what she asked. + </p> + <p> + And with this answer, after all that she could urge, she was compelled to + leave the house, as he complained that his brown paper plaister wanted + fresh dipping in vinegar, and he could stay talking no longer. + </p> + <p> + The disgust with which this behaviour filled her, was doubled by the shame + and concern of returning to the Harrels with her promise unperformed; she + deliberated upon every method that occurred to her of still endeavouring + to serve them, but could suggest nothing, except trying to prevail upon Mr + Delvile to interfere in her favour. She liked not, indeed, the office of + solicitation to so haughty a man, but, having no other expedient, her + repugnance gave way to her generosity, and she ordered the chairmen to + carry her to St James's Square. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ii. — A PERPLEXITY. + </h2> + <p> + And here, at the door of his Father's house, and just ascending the steps, + she perceived young Delvile. + </p> + <p> + “Again!” cried he, handing her out of the chair, “surely some good genius + is at work for me this morning!” + </p> + <p> + She told him she should not have called so early, now she was acquainted + with the late hours of Mrs Delvile, but that she merely meant to speak + with his Father, for two minutes, upon business. + </p> + <p> + He attended her up stairs; and finding she was in haste, went himself with + her message to Mr Delvile: and soon returned with an answer that he would + wait upon her presently. + </p> + <p> + The strange speeches he had made to her when they first met in the morning + now recurring to her memory, she determined to have them explained, and in + order to lead to the subject, mentioned the disagreeable situation in + which he had found her, while she was standing up to avoid the sight of + the condemned malefactors. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” cried he, in a tone of voice somewhat incredulous, “and was that + the purpose for which you stood up?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Sir;—what other could I have?” + </p> + <p> + “None, surely!” said he, smiling, “but the accident was singularly + opportune.” + </p> + <p> + “Opportune?” cried Cecilia, staring, “how opportune? this is the second + time in the same morning that I am not able to understand you!” + </p> + <p> + “How <i>should</i> you understand what is so little intelligible?” + </p> + <p> + “I see you have some meaning which I cannot fathom, why, else, should it + be so extraordinary that I should endeavour to avoid a mob? or how could + it be opportune that I should happen to meet with one?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed at first without making any answer; but perceiving she looked + at him with impatience, he half gaily, half reproachfully, said, “Whence + is it that young ladies, even such whose principles are most strict, seem + universally, in those affairs where their affections are concerned, to + think hypocrisy necessary, and deceit amiable? and hold it graceful to + disavow to-day, what they may perhaps mean publicly to acknowledge + to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who heard these questions with unfeigned astonishment, looked at + him with the utmost eagerness for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Do you so much wonder,” he continued, “that I should have hoped in Miss + Beverley to have seen some deviation from such rules? and have expected + more openness and candour in a young lady who has given so noble a proof + of the liberality of her mind and understanding?” + </p> + <p> + “You amaze me beyond measure!” cried she, “what rules, what candour, what + liberality, do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Must I speak yet more plainly? and if I do, will you bear to hear me?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I should be extremely glad if you would give me leave to + understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “And may I tell you what has charmed me, as well as what I have presumed + to wonder at?” + </p> + <p> + “You may tell me any thing, if you will but be less mysterious.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive then the frankness you invite, and let me acknowledge to you how + greatly I honour the nobleness of your conduct. Surrounded as you are by + the opulent and the splendid, unshackled by dependance, unrestrained by + authority, blest by nature with all that is attractive, by situation with + all that is desirable,—to slight the rich, and disregard the + powerful, for the purer pleasure of raising oppressed merit, and giving to + desert that wealth in which alone it seemed deficient—how can a + spirit so liberal be sufficiently admired, or a choice of so much dignity + be too highly extolled?” + </p> + <p> + “I find,” cried Cecilia, “I must forbear any further enquiry, for the more + I hear, the less I understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, then,” cried he, “if here I return to my first question: + whence is it that a young lady who can think so nobly, and act so + disinterestedly, should not be uniformly great, simple in truth, and + unaffected in sincerity? Why should she be thus guarded, where frankness + would do her so much honour? Why blush in owning what all others may blush + in envying?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed you perplex me intolerably,” cried Cecilia, with some vexation, + “why Sir, will you not be more explicit?” + </p> + <p> + “And why, Madam,” returned he, with a laugh, “would you tempt me to be + more impertinent? have I not said strange things already?” + </p> + <p> + “Strange indeed,” cried she, “for not one of them can I comprehend!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, then,” cried he, “and forget them all! I scarce know myself what + urged me to say them, but I began inadvertently, without intending to go + on, and I have proceeded involuntarily, without knowing how to stop. The + fault, however, is ultimately your own, for the sight of you creates an + insurmountable desire to converse with you, and your conversation a + propensity equally incorrigible to take some interest in your welfare.” + </p> + <p> + He would then have changed the discourse, and Cecilia, ashamed of pressing + him further, was for some time silent; but when one of the servants came + to inform her that his master meant to wait upon her directly, her + unwillingness to leave the matter in suspense induced her, somewhat + abruptly, to say, “Perhaps, Sir, you are thinking of Mr Belfield?” + </p> + <p> + “A happy conjecture!” cried he, “but so wild a one, I cannot but marvel + how it should occur to you!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sir,” said she, “I must acknowledge I now understand your meaning; + but with respect to what has given rise to it, I am as much a stranger as + ever.” + </p> + <p> + The entrance of Mr Delvile here closed the conversation. + </p> + <p> + He began with his usual ostentatious apologies, declaring he had so many + people to attend, so many complaints to hear, and so many grievances to + redress, that it was impossible for him to wait upon her sooner, and not + without difficulty that he waited upon her now. + </p> + <p> + Mean time his son almost immediately retired: and Cecilia, instead of + listening to this harangue, was only disturbing herself with conjectures + upon what had just passed. She saw that young Delvile concluded she was + absolutely engaged to Mr Belfield, and though she was better pleased that + any suspicion should fall there than upon Sir Robert Floyer, she was yet + both provoked and concerned to be suspected at all. An attack so earnest + from almost any other person could hardly have failed being very offensive + to her, but in the manners of young Delvile good breeding was so happily + blended with frankness, that his freedom seemed merely to result from the + openness of his disposition, and even in its very act pleaded its own + excuse. + </p> + <p> + Her reverie was at length interrupted by Mr Delvile's desiring to know in + what he could serve her. + </p> + <p> + She told him she had present occasion for L600, and hoped he would not + object to her taking up that sum. + </p> + <p> + “Six hundred pounds,” said he, after some deliberation, “is rather an + extraordinary demand for a young lady in your situation; your allowance is + considerable, you have yet no house, no equipage, no establishment; your + expences, I should imagine, cannot be very great—” + </p> + <p> + He stopt, and seemed weighing her request. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, shocked at appearing extravagant, yet too generous to mention Mr + Harrel, had again recourse to her bookseller's bill, which she told him + she was anxious to discharge. + </p> + <p> + “A bookseller's bill?” cried he; “and do you want L600 for a bookseller's + bill?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir,” said she, stammering, “no,—not all for that,—I have + some other—I have a particular occasion—” + </p> + <p> + “But what bill at all,” cried he, with much surprise, “can a young lady + have with a bookseller? The Spectator, Tatler and Guardian, would make + library sufficient for any female in the kingdom, nor do I think it like a + gentlewoman to have more. Besides, if you ally yourself in such a manner + as I shall approve and recommend, you will, in all probability, find + already collected more books than there can ever be any possible occasion + for you to look into. And let me counsel you to remember that a lady, + whether so called from birth or only from fortune, should never degrade + herself by being put on a level with writers, and such sort of people.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia thanked him for his advice, but confessed that upon the present + occasion it came too late, as the books were now actually in her own + possession. + </p> + <p> + “And have you taken,” cried he, “such a measure as this without consulting + me? I thought I had assured you my opinion was always at your service when + you were in any dilemma.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sir,” answered Cecilia; “but I knew how much you were occupied, and + wished to avoid taking up your time.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot blame your modesty,” he replied, “and therefore, as you have + contracted the debt, you are, in honour, bound to pay it. Mr Briggs, + however, has the entire management of your fortune, my many avocations + obliging me to decline so laborious a trust; apply, therefore, to him, + and, as things are situated, I will make no opposition to your demand.” + </p> + <p> + “I have already, Sir,” said Cecilia, “spoke to Mr Briggs, but—” + </p> + <p> + “You went to him first, then?” interrupted Mr Delvile, with a look of much + displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “I was unwilling, Sir, to trouble you till I found it unavoidable.” She + then acquainted him with Mr Briggs' refusal, and entreated he would do her + the favour to intercede in her behalf, that the money might no longer be + denied her. + </p> + <p> + Every word she spoke his pride seemed rising to resent, and when, she had + done, after regarding her some time with apparent indignation, he said, “<i>I</i> + intercede! <i>I</i> become an agent!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, amazed to find him thus violently irritated, made a very earnest + apology for her request; but without paying her any attention, he walked + up and down the room, exclaiming, “an agent! and to Mr Briggs!—This + is an affront I could never have expected! why did I degrade myself by + accepting this humiliating office? I ought to have known better!” Then, + turning to Cecilia, “Child,” he added, “for whom is it you take me, and + for what?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia again, though affronted in her turn, began some protestations of + respect; but haughtily interrupting her, he said, “If of me, and of my + rank in life you judge by Mr Briggs or by Mr Harrel, I may be subject to + proposals such as these every day; suffer me, therefore, for your better + information, to hint to you, that the head of an ancient and honourable + house, is apt to think himself somewhat superior to people but just rising + from dust and obscurity.” + </p> + <p> + Thunderstruck by this imperious reproof, she could attempt no further + vindication; but when he observed her consternation, he was somewhat + appeased, and hoping he had now impressed her with a proper sense of his + dignity, he more gently said, “You did not, I believe, intend to insult + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heaven, Sir; no!” cried Cecilia, “nothing was more distant from my + thoughts: if my expressions have been faulty, it has been wholly from + ignorance.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, we will think then no more of it.” + </p> + <p> + She then said she would no longer detain him, and, without daring to again + mention her petition, she wished him good morning. + </p> + <p> + He suffered her to go, yet, as she left the room, graciously said, “Think + no more of my displeasure, for it is over: I see you were not aware of the + extraordinary thing you proposed. I am sorry I cannot possibly assist you; + on any other occasion you may depend upon my services; but you know Mr + Briggs, you have seen him yourself,—judge, then, how a man of any + fashion is to accommodate himself with such a person!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia concurred, and, courtsying, took her leave. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” thought she, in her way home, “how happy is it for me that I + followed the advice of Mr Monckton! else I had surely made interest to + become an inmate of that house, and then indeed, as he wisely foresaw, I + should inevitably have been overwhelmed by this pompous insolence! no + family, however amiable, could make amends for such a master of it.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iii. — AN ADMONITION. + </h2> + <p> + The Harrels and Mr Arnott waited the return of Cecilia with the utmost + impatience; she told them with much concern the failure of her embassy, + which Mr Harrel heard with visible resentment and discontent, while Mr + Arnott, entreating him not to think of it, again made an offer of his + services, and declared he would disregard all personal convenience for the + pleasure of making him and his sister easy. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was much mortified that she had not the power to act the same + part, and asked Mr Harrel whether he believed his own influence with Mr + Briggs would be more successful. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” answered he, “the old curmudgeon would but the rather refuse. I + know his reason, and therefore am sure all pleas will be vain. He has + dealings in the alley, and I dare say games with your money as if it were + his own. There is, indeed, one way—but I do not think you would like + it—though I protest I hardly know why not—however, 'tis as + well let alone.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia insisted upon hearing what he meant, and, after some hesitation, + he hinted that there were means by which, with very little inconvenience, + she might borrow the money. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, with that horror natural to all unpractised minds at the first + idea of contracting a voluntary debt, started at this suggestion, and + seemed very ill disposed to listen to it. Mr Harrel, perceiving her + repugnance, turned to Mr Arnott, and said, “Well, my good brother, I + hardly know how to suffer you to sell out at such a loss, but yet, my + present necessity is so urgent—” + </p> + <p> + “Don't mention it,” cried Mr Arnott, “I am very sorry I let you know it; + be certain, however, that while I have anything, it is yours and my + sister's.” + </p> + <p> + The two gentlemen we then retiring together; but Cecilia, shocked for Mr + Arnott, though unmoved by Mr Harrel, stopt them to enquire what was the + way by which it was meant she could borrow the money? + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel seemed averse to answer, but she would not be refused; and then + he mentioned a Jew, of whose honesty he had made undoubted trial, and who, + as she was so near being of age, would accept very trifling interest for + whatever she should like to take up. + </p> + <p> + The heart of Cecilia recoiled at the very mention of a <i>Jew</i>, and <i>taking + up money upon interest</i>; but, impelled strongly by her own generosity + to emulate that of Mr Arnott, she agreed, after some hesitation, to have + recourse to this method. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel then made some faint denials, and Mr Arnott protested he had a + thousand times rather sell out at any discount, than consent to her taking + such a measure; but, when her first reluctance was conquered, all that he + urged served but to shew his worthiness in a stronger light, and only + increased her desire of saving him from such repeated imposition. + </p> + <p> + Her total ignorance in what manner to transact this business, made her + next put it wholly into the hands of Mr Harrel, whom she begged to take up + 600 pounds, upon such terms as he thought equitable, and to which, what + ever they might be, she would sign her name. + </p> + <p> + He seemed somewhat surprised at the sum, but without any question or + objection undertook the commission: and Cecilia would not lessen it, + because unwilling to do more for the security of the luxurious Mr Harrel, + than for the distresses of the laborious Hills. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more speedy than the execution of this affair, Mr Harrel + was diligent and expert, the whole was settled that morning, and, giving + to the Jew her bond for the payment at the interest he required, she put + into the hands of Mr Harrel L350, for which he gave his receipt, and she + kept the rest for her own purposes. + </p> + <p> + She intended the morning after this transaction to settle her account with + the bookseller. When she went into the parlour to breakfast, she was + somewhat surprised to see Mr Harrel seated there, in earnest discourse + with his wife. Fearful of interrupting a <i>tete-a-tete</i> so uncommon, + she would have retired, but Mr Harrel, calling after her, said, “O pray + come in! I am only telling Priscilla a piece of my usual ill luck. You + must know I happen to be in immediate want of L200, though only for three + or four days, and I sent to order honest old Aaron to come hither directly + with the money, but it so happens that he went out of town the moment he + had done with us yesterday, and will not be back again this week. Now I + don't believe there is another Jew in the kingdom who will let me have + money upon the same terms; they are such notorious rascals, that I hate + the very thought of employing them.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who could not but understand what this meant, was too much + displeased both by his extravagance and his indelicacy, to feel at all + inclined to change the destination of the money she had just received; and + therefore coolly agreed that it was unfortunate, but added nothing more. + </p> + <p> + “O, it is provoking indeed,” cried he, “for the extra-interest I must pay + one of those extortioners is absolutely so much money thrown away.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, still without noticing these hints, began her breakfast. Mr + Harrel then said he would take his tea with them: and, while he was + buttering some dry toast, exclaimed, as if from sudden recollection, “O + Lord, now I think of it, I believe, Miss Beverley, you can lend me this + money yourself for a day or two. The moment old Aaron comes to town, I + will pay you.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, whose generosity, however extensive, was neither thoughtless nor + indiscriminate, found something so repulsive in this gross procedure, that + instead of assenting to his request with her usual alacrity, she answered + very gravely that the money she had just received was already appropriated + to a particular purpose, and she knew not how to defer making use of it. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel was extremely chagrined by this reply, which was by no means + what he expected; but, tossing down a dish of tea, he began humming an + air, and soon recovered his usual unconcern. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes, ringing his bell, he desired a servant to go to Mr + Zackery, and inform him that he wanted to speak with him immediately. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said he, with a look in which vexation seemed struggling with + carelessness, “the thing is done! I don't like, indeed, to get into such + hands, for 'tis hard ever to get out of them when once one begins,—and + hitherto I have kept pretty clear. But there's no help for it—Mr + Arnott cannot just now assist me—and so the thing must take its + course. Priscilla, why do you look so grave?” + </p> + <p> + “I am thinking how unlucky it is my Brother should happen to be unable to + lend you this money.” + </p> + <p> + “O, don't think about it; I shall get rid of the man very soon I dare say—I + hope so, at least—I am sure I mean it.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia now grew a little disturbed; she looked at Mrs. Harrel, who seemed + also uneasy, and then, with some hesitation, said “Have you really never, + Sir, employed this man before?” + </p> + <p> + “Never in my life: never any but old Aaron. I dread the whole race; I have + a sort of superstitious notion that if once I get into their clutches, I + shall never be my own man again; and that induced me to beg your + assistance. However, 'tis no great matter.” + </p> + <p> + She then began to waver; she feared there might be future mischief as well + as present inconvenience, in his applying to new usurers, and knowing she + had now the power to prevent him, thought herself half cruel in refusing + to exert it. She wished to consult Mr. Monckton, but found it necessary to + take her measures immediately, as the Jew was already sent for, and must + in a few moments be either employed or discarded. + </p> + <p> + Much perplext how to act, between a desire of doing good, and a fear of + encouraging evil, she weighed each side hastily, but while still uncertain + which ought to preponderate, her kindness for Mrs. Harrel interfered, and, + in the hope of rescuing her husband from further bad practices, she said + she would postpone her own business for the few days he mentioned, rather + than see him compelled to open any new account with so dangerous a set of + men. + </p> + <p> + He thanked her in his usual negligent manner, and accepting the 200 + pounds, gave her his receipt for it, and a promise she should be paid in a + week. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Harrel, however, seemed more grateful, and with many embraces spoke + her sense of this friendly good nature. Cecilia, happy from believing she + had revived in her some spark of sensibility, determined to avail herself + of so favourable a symptom, and enter at once upon the disagreeable task + she had set herself, of representing to her the danger of her present + situation. + </p> + <p> + As soon, therefore, as breakfast was done, and Mr Arnott, who came in + before it was over, was gone, with a view to excite her attention by + raising her curiosity, she begged the favour of a private conference in + her own room, upon matters of some importance. + </p> + <p> + She began with hoping that the friendship in which they had so long lived + would make her pardon the liberty she was going to take, and which nothing + less than their former intimacy, joined to strong apprehensions for her + future welfare, could authorise; “But oh Priscilla!” she continued, “with + open eyes to see your danger, yet not warn you of it, would be a reserve + treacherous in a friend, and cruel even in a fellow-creature.” + </p> + <p> + “What danger?” cried Mrs Harrel, much alarmed, “do you think me ill? do I + look consumptive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, consumptive indeed!” said Cecilia, “but not, I hope, in your + constitution.” + </p> + <p> + And then, with all the tenderness in her power, she came to the point, and + conjured her without delay to retrench her expences, and change her + thoughtless way of life for one more considerate and domestic. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, with much simplicity, assured her <i>she did nothing but what + every body else did</i>, and that it was quite impossible for her to <i>appear + in the world</i> in any other manner. + </p> + <p> + “But how are you to appear hereafter?” cried Cecilia, “if now you live + beyond your income, you must consider that in time your income by such + depredations will be exhausted.” + </p> + <p> + “But I declare to you,” answered Mrs Harrel, “I never run in debt for more + than half a year, for as soon as I receive my own money, I generally pay + it away every shilling: and so borrow what I want till pay day comes round + again.” + </p> + <p> + “And that,” said Cecilia, “seems a method expressly devised for keeping + you eternally comfortless: pardon me, however, for speaking so openly, but + I fear Mr Harrel himself must be even still less attentive and accurate in + his affairs, or he could not so frequently be embarrassed. And what is to + be the result? look but, my dear Priscilla, a little forward, and you will + tremble at the prospect before you!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel seemed frightened at this speech, and begged to know what she + would have them do? + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then, with equal wisdom and friendliness, proposed a general + reform in the household, the public and private expences of both; she + advised that a strict examination might be made into the state of their + affairs, that all their bills should be called in, and faithfully paid, + and that an entire new plan of life should be adopted, according to the + situation of their fortune and income when cleared of all incumbrances. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, my dear!” exclaimed Mrs Harrel, with a look of astonishment, “why + Mr Harrel would no more do all this than fly! If I was only to make such a + proposal, I dare say he would laugh in my face.” + </p> + <p> + “And why?” + </p> + <p> + “Why?—why because it would seem such an odd thing—it's what + nobody thinks of—though I am sure I am very much obliged to you for + mentioning it. Shall we go down stairs? I think I heard somebody come in. + </p> + <p> + “No matter who comes in,” said Cecilia, “reflect for a moment upon my + proposal, and, at least, if you disapprove it, suggest something more + eligible.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's a very good proposal, that I agree,” said Mrs Harrel, looking + very weary, “but only the thing is it's quite impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so? why is it impossible?” + </p> + <p> + “Why because—dear, I don't know—but I am sure it is.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is your reason? What makes you sure of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, I can't tell—but I know it is—because—I am very + certain it is.” + </p> + <p> + Argument such as this, though extremely fatiguing to the understanding of + Cecilia, had yet no power to <i>blunt her purpose</i>: she warmly + expostulated against the weakness of her defence, strongly represented the + imprudence of her conduct, and exhorted her by every tie of justice, + honour and discretion to set about a reformation. + </p> + <p> + “Why what can I do?” cried Mrs Harrel, impatiently, “one must live a + little like other people. You would not have me stared at, I suppose; and + I am sure I don't know what I do that every body else does not do too.” + </p> + <p> + “But were it not better,” said Cecilia, with more energy, “to think less + of <i>other people</i>, and more of <i>yourself?</i> to consult your own + fortune, and your own situation in life, instead of being blindly guided + by those of <i>other people</i>? If, indeed, <i>other people</i> would be + responsible for your losses, for the diminution of your wealth, and for + the disorder of your affairs, then might you rationally make their way of + life the example of yours: but you cannot flatter yourself such will be + the case; you know better; your losses, your diminished fortune, your + embarrassed circumstances will be all your own! pitied, perhaps, by some, + but blamed by more, and assisted by none!” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord, Miss Beverley!” cried Mrs Harrel, starting, “you talk just as + if we were ruined!” + </p> + <p> + “I mean not that,” replied Cecilia, “but I would fain, by pointing out + your danger, prevail with you to prevent in time so dreadful a + catastrophe.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, more affronted than alarmed, heard this answer with much + displeasure, and after a sullen hesitation, peevishly said, “I must own I + don't take it very kind of you to say such frightful things to me; I am + sure we only live like the rest of the world, and I don't see why a man of + Mr Harrel's fortune should live any worse. As to his having now and then a + little debt or two, it is nothing but what every body else has. You only + think it so odd, because you a'n't used to it: but you are quite mistaken + if you suppose he does not mean to pay, for he told me this morning that + as soon as ever he receives his rents, he intends to discharge every bill + he has in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad to hear it,” answered Cecilia, “and I heartily wish he may + have the resolution to adhere to his purpose. I feared you would think me + impertinent, but you do worse in believing me unkind: friendship and + good-will could alone have induced me to hazard what I have said to you. I + must, however, have done; though I cannot forbear adding that I hope what + has already passed will sometimes recur to you.” + </p> + <p> + They then separated; Mrs Harrel half angry at remonstrances she thought + only censorious, and Cecilia offended at her pettishness and folly, though + grieved at her blindness. + </p> + <p> + She was soon, however, recompensed for this vexation by a visit from Mrs + Delvile, who, finding her alone, sat with her some time, and by her + spirit, understanding and elegance, dissipated all her chagrin. + </p> + <p> + From another circumstance, also, she received much pleasure, though a + little perplexity; Mr Arnott brought her word that Mr Belfield, almost + quite well, had actually left his lodgings, and was gone into the country. + </p> + <p> + She now half suspected that the account of his illness given her by young + Delvile, was merely the effect of his curiosity to discover her sentiments + of him; yet when she considered how foreign to his character appeared + every species of artifice, she exculpated him from the design, and + concluded that the impatient spirit of Belfield had hurried him away, when + really unfit for travelling. She had no means, however, to hear more of + him now he had quitted the town, and therefore, though uneasy, she was + compelled to be patient. + </p> + <p> + In the evening she had again a visit from Mr Monckton, who, though he was + now acquainted how much she was at home, had the forbearance to avoid + making frequent use of that knowledge, that his attendance might escape + observation. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, as usual, spoke to him of all her affairs with the utmost + openness; and as her mind was now chiefly occupied by her apprehensions + for the Harrels, she communicated to him the extravagance of which they + were guilty, and hinted at the distress that from time to time it + occasioned; but the assistance she had afforded them her own delicacy + prevented her mentioning. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton scrupled not from this account instantly to pronounce Harrel a + <i>ruined man</i>; and thinking Cecilia, from her connection with him, in + much danger of being involved in his future difficulties, he most + earnestly exhorted her to suffer no inducement to prevail with her to + advance him any money, confidently affirming she would have little chance + of being ever repaid. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia listened to this charge with much alarm, but readily promised + future circumspection. She confessed to him the conference she had had in + the morning with Mrs Harrel, and after lamenting her determined neglect of + her affairs, she added, “I cannot but own that my esteem for her, even + more than my affection, has lessened almost every day since I have been in + her house; but this morning, when I ventured to speak to her with + earnestness, I found her powers of reasoning so weak, and her infatuation + to luxury and expence so strong, that I have ever since felt ashamed of my + own discernment in having formerly selected her for my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “When you gave her that title,” said Mr Monckton, “you had little choice + in your power; her sweetness and good-nature attracted you; childhood is + never troubled with foresight, and youth is seldom difficult: she was + lively and pleasing, you were generous and affectionate; your acquaintance + with her was formed while you were yet too young to know your own worth, + your fondness of her grew from habit, and before the inferiority of her + parts had weakened your regard, by offending your judgment, her early + marriage separated you from her entirely. But now you meet again the scene + is altered; three years of absence spent in the cultivation of an + understanding naturally of the first order, by encreasing your wisdom, has + made you more fastidious; while the same time spent by her in mere + idleness and shew, has hurt her disposition, without adding to her + knowledge, and robbed her of her natural excellencies, without enriching + her with acquired ones. You see her now with impartiality, for you see her + almost as a stranger, and all those deficiencies which retirement and + inexperience had formerly concealed, her vanity, and her superficial + acquaintance with the world, have now rendered glaring. But folly weakens + all bands: remember, therefore, if you would form a solid friendship, to + consult not only the heart but the head, not only the temper, but the + understanding.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said Cecilia, “at least it must be confessed I have + judiciously chosen <i>you</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “You have, indeed, done me the highest honour,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + They then talked of Belfield, and Mr Monckton confirmed the account of Mr + Arnott, that he had left London in good health. After which, he enquired + if she had seen any thing more of the Delviles? + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Cecilia, “Mrs. Delvile called upon me this morning. She is a + delightful woman; I am sorry you know her not enough to do her justice.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she civil to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Civil? she is all kindness!” + </p> + <p> + “Then depend upon it she has something in view: whenever that is not the + case she is all insolence. And Mr Delvile,—pray what do you think of + him?” + </p> + <p> + “O, I think him insufferable! and I cannot sufficiently thank you for that + timely caution which prevented my change of habitation. I would not live + under the same roof with him for the world!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and do you not now begin also to see the son properly?” + </p> + <p> + “Properly? I don't understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why as the very son of such parents, haughty and impertinent.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed; he has not the smallest resemblance {to} his father, and if + he resembles his mother, it is only what every one must wish who + impartially sees her.” + </p> + <p> + “You know not that family. But how, indeed, should you, when they are in a + combination to prevent your getting that knowledge? They have all their + designs upon you, and if you are not carefully upon your guard, you will + be the dupe to them.” + </p> + <p> + “What can you possibly mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing but what every body else must immediately see; they have a great + share of pride, and a small one of wealth; you seem by fortune to be flung + in their way, and doubtless they mean not to neglect so inviting an + opportunity of repairing their estates.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed you are mistaken; I am certain they have no such intention: on the + contrary, they all even teasingly persist in thinking me already engaged + elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + She then gave him a history of their several suspicions. + </p> + <p> + “The impertinence of report,” she added, “has so much convinced them that + Sir Robert Floyer and Mr Belfield fought merely as rivals, that I can only + clear myself of partiality for one of them, to have it instantly concluded + I feel it for the other. And, far from seeming hurt that I appear to be + disposed of, Mr Delvile openly seconds the pretensions of Sir Robert, and + his son officiously persuades me that I am already Mr Belfield's.” + </p> + <p> + “Tricks, nothing but tricks to discover your real situation.” + </p> + <p> + He then gave her some general cautions to be upon her guard against their + artifices, and changing the subject, talked, for the rest of his visit, + upon matters of general entertainment. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iv. — AN EVASION. + </h2> + <p> + Cecilia now for about a fortnight passed her time without incident; the + Harrels continued their accustomed dissipation, Sir Robert Floyer, without + even seeking a private conference, persevered in his attentions, and Mr + Arnott, though still silent and humble, seemed only to live by the + pleasure of beholding her. She spent two whole days with Mrs Delvile, both + of which served to confirm her admiration of that lady and of her son; and + she joined the parties of the Harrels, or stayed quietly at home, + according to her spirits and inclinations: while she was visited by Mr + Monckton often enough to satisfy him with her proceedings, yet too seldom + to betray either to herself or to the world any suspicion of his designs. + </p> + <p> + Her L200 pounds however, which was to have been returned at the end if the + first week, though a fortnight was now elapsed, had not even been + mentioned; she began to grow very impatient, but not knowing what course + to pursue, and wanting courage to remind Mr Harrel of his promise, she + still waited the performance of it without speaking. + </p> + <p> + At this time, preparations were making in the family for removing to + Violet-bank to spend the Easter holidays: but Cecilia, who was too much + grieved at such perpetual encrease of unnecessary expences to have any + enjoyment in new prospects of entertainment, had at present some business + of her own which gave her full employment. + </p> + <p> + The poor carpenter, whose family she had taken under her protection, was + just dead, and, as soon as the last duties had been paid him, she sent for + his widow, and after trying to console her for the loss she had suffered, + assured her she was immediately ready to fulfil the engagement into which + she had entered, of assisting her to undertake some better method of + procuring a livelihood; and therefore desired to know in what manner she + could serve her, and what she thought herself able to do. + </p> + <p> + The good woman, pouring forth thanks and praises innumerable, answered + that she had a Cousin, who had offered, for a certain premium, to take her + into partnership in a small haberdasher's shop. “But then, madam,” + continued she, “it's quite morally impossible I should raise such a sum, + or else, to be sure, such a shop as that, now I am grown so poorly, would + be quite a heaven upon earth to me: for my strength, madam, is almost all + gone away, and when I do any hard work, it's quite a piteous sight to see + me, for I am all in a tremble after it, just as if I had an ague, and yet + all the time my hands, madam, will be burning like a coal!” + </p> + <p> + “You have indeed been overworked,” said Cecilia, “and it is high time your + feeble frame should have some rest. What is the sum your cousin demands?” + </p> + <p> + “O madam, more than I should be able to get together in all my life! for + earn what I will, it goes as fast as it comes, because there's many + mouths, and small pay, and two of the little ones that can't help at all;—and + there's no Billy, madam, to work for us now!” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me, what is the sum?” + </p> + <p> + “Sixty pound, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have it!” cried the generous Cecilia, “if the situation will + make you happy, I will give it you myself.” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman wept her thanks, and was long before she could sufficiently + compose herself to answer the further questions of Cecilia, who next + enquired what could be done with the children? Mrs Hill, however, hitherto + hopeless of such a provision for herself, had for them formed no plan. She + told her, therefore, to go to her cousin, and consult upon this subject, + as well as to make preparations for her own removal. + </p> + <p> + The arrangement of this business now became her favourite occupation. She + went herself to the shop, which was a very small one in Fetter-lane, and + spoke with Mrs Roberts, the cousin; who agreed to take the eldest girl, + now sixteen years of age, by way of helper; but said she had room for no + other: however, upon Cecilia's offering to raise the premium, she + consented that the two little children should also live in the house, + where they might be under the care of their mother and sister. + </p> + <p> + There were still two others to be disposed of; but as no immediate method + of providing for them occurred to Cecilia, she determined, for the + present, to place them in some cheap school, where they might be taught + plain work, which could not but prove a useful qualification for whatever + sort of business they might hereafter attempt. + </p> + <p> + Her plan was to bestow upon Mrs Hill and her children L100 by way of + putting them all into a decent way of living; and, then, from time to + time, to make them such small presents as their future exigencies or + changes of situation might require. + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, payment from Mr Harrel became immediately necessary, for + she had only L50 of the L600 she had taken up in her own possession, and + her customary allowance was already so appropriated that she could make + from it no considerable deduction. + </p> + <p> + There is something in the sight of laborious indigence so affecting and so + respectable, that it renders dissipation peculiarly contemptible, and + doubles the odium of extravagance: every time Cecilia saw this poor + family, her aversion to the conduct and the principles of Mr Harrel + encreased, while her delicacy of shocking or shaming him diminished, and + she soon acquired for them what she had failed to acquire for herself, the + spirit and resolution to claim her debt. + </p> + <p> + One morning, therefore, as he was quitting the breakfast room, she hastily + arose, and following, begged to have a moment's discourse with him. They + went together to the library, and after some apologies, and much + hesitation, she told him she fancied he had forgotten the L200 which she + had lent him. + </p> + <p> + “The L200,” cried he; “O, ay, true!—I protest it had escaped me. + Well, but you don't want it immediately?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I do, if you can conveniently spare it.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, certainly!—without the least doubt!—Though now I think + of it—it's extremely unlucky, but really just at this time—why + did not you put me in mind of it before?” + </p> + <p> + “I hoped you would have remembered it yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I could have paid you two days ago extremely well—however, you + shall certainly have it very soon, that you may depend upon, and a day or + two can make no great difference to you.” + </p> + <p> + He then wished her good morning, and left her. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, very much provoked, regretted that she had ever lent it at all, + and determined for the future strictly to follow the advice of Mr. + Monckton in trusting him no more. + </p> + <p> + Two or three days passed on, but still no notice was taken either of the + payment or of the debt. She then resolved to renew her application, and be + more serious and more urgent with him; but she found, to her utter + surprise, this was not in her power, and that though she lived under the + same roof with him, she had no opportunity to enforce her claim. Mr. + Harrel, whenever she desired to speak with him, protested he was so much + hurried he had not a moment to spare: and even when, tired of his excuses, + she pursued him out of the room, he only quickened his speed, smiling, + however, and bowing, and calling out “I am vastly sorry, but I am so late + now I cannot stop an instant; however, as soon as I come back, I shall be + wholly at your command.” + </p> + <p> + When he came back, however, Sir Robert Floyer, or some other gentleman, + was sure to be with him, and the difficulties of obtaining an audience + were sure to be encreased. And by this method, which he constantly + practised, of avoiding any private conversation, he frustrated all her + schemes of remonstrating upon his delay, since her resentment, however + great, could never urge her to the indelicacy of dunning him in presence + of a third person. + </p> + <p> + She was now much perplext herself how to put into execution her plans for + the Hills: she knew it would be as vain to apply for money to Mr. Briggs, + as for payment to Mr. Harrel. Her word, however, had been given, and her + word she held sacred: she resolved, therefore, for the present, to bestow + upon them the 50 pounds she still retained, and, if the rest should be + necessary before she became of age, to spare it, however inconveniently, + from her private allowance, which, by the will of her uncle, was 500 + pounds a year, 250 pounds of which Mr Harrel received for her board and + accommodations. + </p> + <p> + Having settled this matter in her own mind, she went to the lodging of Mrs + Hill, in order to conclude the affair. She found her and all her children, + except the youngest, hard at work, and their honest industry so much + strengthened her compassion, that her wishes for serving them grew every + instant more liberal. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Hill readily undertook to make her cousin accept half the premium for + the present, which would suffice to fix her, with three of her children, + in the shop: Cecilia then went with her to Fetter-lane, and there, drawing + up herself an agreement for their entering into partnership, she made each + of them sign it and take a copy, and kept a third in her own possession: + after which, she gave a promissory note to Mrs Roberts for the rest of the + money. + </p> + <p> + She presented Mrs Hill, also, with 10 pounds to clothe them all decently, + and enable her to send two of the children to school; and assured her that + she would herself pay for their board and instruction, till she should be + established in her business, and have power to save money for that + purpose. + </p> + <p> + She then put herself into a chair to return home, followed by the prayers + and blessings of the whole family. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER v. — AN ADVENTURE. + </h2> + <p> + Never had the heart of Cecilia felt so light, so gay, so glowing as after + the transaction of this affair: her life had never appeared to her so + important, nor her wealth so valuable. To see five helpless children + provided for by herself, rescued from the extremes of penury and + wretchedness, and put in a way to become useful to society, and + comfortable to themselves; to behold their feeble mother, snatched from + the hardship of that labour which, over-powering her strength, had almost + destroyed her existence, now placed in a situation where a competent + maintenance might be earned without fatigue, and the remnant of her days + pass in easy employment—to view such sights, and have power to say “<i>These + deeds are mine!</i>” what, to a disposition fraught with tenderness and + benevolence, could give purer self-applause, or more exquisite + satisfaction? + </p> + <p> + Such were the pleasures which regaled the reflections of Cecilia when, in + her way home, having got out of her chair to walk through the upper part + of Oxford Street, she was suddenly met by the old gentleman whose + emphatical addresses to her had so much excited her astonishment. + </p> + <p> + He was passing quick on, but stopping the moment he perceived her, he + sternly called out “Are you proud? are you callous? are you hard of heart + so soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Put me, if you please, to some trial!” cried Cecilia, with the virtuous + courage of a self-acquitting conscience. + </p> + <p> + “I already have!” returned he, indignantly, “and already I have found you + faulty!” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear it,” said the amazed Cecilia, “but at least I hope you + will tell me in what?” + </p> + <p> + “You refused me admittance,” he answered, “yet I was your friend, yet I + was willing to prolong the term of your genuine {tranquillity}! I pointed + out to you a method of preserving peace with your own soul; I came to you + in behalf of the poor, and instructed you how to merit their prayers; you + heard me, you were susceptible, you complied! I meant to have repeated the + lesson, to have tuned your whole heart to compassion, and to have taught + you the sad duties of sympathising humanity. For this purpose I called + again, but again I was not admitted! Short was the period of my absence, + yet long enough for the completion of your downfall!” + </p> + <p> + “Good heaven,” cried Cecilia, “how dreadful is this language! when have + you called, Sir? I never heard you had been at the house. Far from + refusing you admittance, I wished to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” cried he, with some softness, “and are you, in truth, not proud? + not callous? not hard of heart? Follow me, then, and visit the humble and + the poor, follow me, and give comfort to the fallen and dejected!” + </p> + <p> + At this invitation, however desirous to do good, Cecilia started; the + strangeness of the inviter, his flightiness, his authoritative manner, and + the uncertainty whither or to whom he might carry her, made her fearful of + proceeding: yet a benevolent curiosity to see as well as serve the objects + of his recommendation, joined to the eagerness of youthful integrity to + clear her own character from the aspersion of hard-heartedness, soon + conquered her irresolution, and making a sign to her servant to keep near + her, she followed as her conductor led. + </p> + <p> + He went on silently and solemnly till he came to Swallow-street, then + turning into it, he stopt at a small and mean-looking house, knocked at + the door, and without asking any question of the man who opened it, + beckoned her to come after him, and hastened up some narrow winding + stairs. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia again hesitated; but when she recollected that this old man, + though little known, was frequently seen, and though with few people + acquainted, was by many personally recognized, she thought it impossible + he could mean her any injury. She ordered her servant, however, to come + in, and bid him keep walking up and down the stairs till she returned to + him. And then she obeyed the directions of her guide. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded till he came to the second floor, then, again beckoning her + to follow him, he opened a door, and entered a small and very meanly + furnished apartment. + </p> + <p> + And here, to her infinite astonishment, she perceived, employed in washing + some china, a very lovely young woman, {genteelly} dressed, and appearing + hardly seventeen years of age. + </p> + <p> + The moment they came in, with evident marks of confusion, she instantly + gave over her work, hastily putting the basin she was washing upon the + table, and endeavouring to hide the towel with which she was wiping it + behind her chair. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman, advancing to her with quickness, said, “How is he now? + Is he better? will he live?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid he should not!” answered the young woman with emotion, + “but, indeed, he is no better!” + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” said he, pointing to Cecilia, “I have brought you one who has + power to serve you, and to relieve your distress: one who is rolling in + affluence, a stranger to ill, a novice in the world; unskilled in the + miseries she is yet to endure, unconscious of the depravity into which she + is to sink! receive her benefactions while yet she is untainted, satisfied + that while, she aids you, she is blessing herself!” + </p> + <p> + The young woman, blushing and abashed, said, “You are very good to me, + Sir, but there is no occasion—there is no need—I have not any + necessity—I am far from being so very much in want—” + </p> + <p> + “Poor, simple soul!” interrupted the old man, “and art thou ashamed of + poverty? Guard, guard thyself from other shames, and the wealthiest may + envy thee! Tell her thy story, plainly, roundly, truly; abate nothing of + thy indigence, repress nothing of her liberality. The Poor not + impoverished by their own Guilt, are Equals of the Affluent, not enriched + by their own Virtue. Come, then, and let me present ye to each other! + young as ye both are, with many years and many sorrows to encounter, + lighten the burthen of each other's cares, by the heart-soothing exchange + of gratitude for beneficence!” + </p> + <p> + He then took a hand of each, and joining them between his own, “<i>You</i>,” + he continued, “who, though rich, are not hardened, and you, who though + poor, are not debased, why should ye not love, why should ye not cherish + each other? The afflictions of life are tedious, its joys are evanescent; + ye are now both young, and, with little to enjoy, will find much to + suffer. Ye are both, too, I believe, innocent—Oh could ye always + remain so!—Cherubs were ye then, and the sons of men might worship + you!” + </p> + <p> + He stopt, checked by his own rising emotion; but soon resuming his usual + austerity, “Such, however,” he continued, “is not the condition of + humanity; in pity, therefore, to the evils impending over both, be kind to + each other! I leave you together, and to your mutual tenderness I + recommend you!” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning particularly to Cecilia, “Disdain not,” he said, “to console + the depressed; look upon her without scorn, converse with her without + contempt: like you, she is an orphan, though not like you, an heiress;—like + her, you are fatherless, though not like her friendless! If she is awaited + by the temptations of adversity, you, also, are surrounded by the + corruptions of prosperity. Your fall is most probable, her's most + excusable;—commiserate <i>her</i> therefore now,—by and by she + may commiserate <i>you</i>?” + </p> + <p> + And with these words he left the room. + </p> + <p> + A total silence for some time succeeded his departure: Cecilia found it + difficult to recover from the surprise into which she had been thrown + sufficiently for speech: in following her extraordinary director, her + imagination had painted to her a scene such as she had so lately quitted, + and prepared her to behold some family in distress, some helpless creature + in sickness, or some children in want; but of these to see none, to meet + but one person, and that one fair, young, and delicate,—an + introduction so singular to an object so unthought of, deprived her of all + power but that of shewing her amazement. + </p> + <p> + Mean while the young woman looked scarcely less surprised, and infinitely + more embarrassed. She surveyed her apartment with vexation, and her guest + with confusion; she had listened to the exhortation of the old man with + visible uneasiness, and now he was gone, seemed overwhelmed with shame and + chagrin. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who in observing these emotions felt both her curiosity and her + compassion encrease, pressed her hand as she parted with it, and, when a + little recovered, said, “You must think this a strange intrusion; but the + gentleman who brought me hither is perhaps so well known to you, as to + make his singularities plead with you their own apology.” + </p> + <p> + “No indeed, madam,” she answered, bashfully, “he is very little known to + me; but he is very good, and very desirous to do me service:—not but + what I believe he thinks me much worse off than I really am, for, I assure + you, madam, whatever he has said, I am not ill off at all—hardly.” + </p> + <p> + The various doubts to her disadvantage, which had at first, from her + uncommon situation, arisen in the mind of Cecilia, this anxiety to + disguise, not display her distress, considerably removed, since it cleared + her of all suspicion of seeking by artifice and imposition to play upon + her feelings. + </p> + <p> + With a gentleness, therefore, the most soothing, she replied, “I should by + no means have broken in upon you thus unexpectedly, if I had not concluded + my conductor had some right to bring me. However, since we are actually + met, let us remember his injunctions, and endeavour not to part till, by a + mutual exchange of good-will, each has added a friend to the other.” + </p> + <p> + “You are condescending, indeed, madam,” answered the young woman, with an + air the most humble, “looking as you look, to talk of a friend when you + come to such a place as this! up two pair of stairs! no furniture! no + servant! every thing in such disorder!—indeed I wonder at Mr. + Albany! he should not—but he thinks every body's affairs may be made + public, and does not care what he tells, nor who hears him;—he knows + not the pain he gives, nor the mischief he may do.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very much concerned,” cried Cecilia, more and more surprised at all + she heard, “to find I have been thus instrumental to distressing you. I + was ignorant whither I was coming, and followed him, believe me, neither + from curiosity nor inclination, but simply because I knew not how to + refuse him. He is gone, however, and I will therefore relieve you by going + too: but permit me to leave behind me a small testimony that the intention + of my coming was not mere impertinence.” + </p> + <p> + She then took out her purse; but the young woman, starting back with a + look of resentful mortification, exclaimed, “No, madam! you are quite + mistaken; pray put up your purse; I am no beggar! Mr Albany has + misrepresented me, if he has told you I am.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, mortified in her turn at this unexpected rejection of an offer + she had thought herself invited to make, stood some moments silent; and + then said, “I am far from meaning to offend you, and I sincerely beg your + pardon if I have misunderstood the charge just now given to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to pardon, madam,” said she, more calmly, “except, indeed, + to Mr Albany; and to him, 'tis of no use to be angry, for he minds not + what I say! he is very good, but he is very strange, for he thinks the + whole world made to live in common, and that every one who is poor should + ask, and every one who is rich should give: he does not know that there + are many who would rather starve.” + </p> + <p> + “And are you,” said Cecilia, half-smiling, “of that number?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, madam! I have not so much greatness of mind. But those to + whom I belong have more fortitude and higher spirit. I wish I could + imitate them!” + </p> + <p> + Struck with the candour and simplicity of this speech, Cecilia now felt a + warm desire to serve her, and taking her hand, said, “Forgive me, but + though I see you wish me gone, I know not how to leave you: recollect, + therefore, the charge that has been given to us both, and if you refuse my + assistance one way, point out to me in what other I may offer it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind, madam,” she answered, “and I dare say you are very + good; I am sure you look so, at least. But I want nothing; I do very well, + and I have hopes of doing better. Mr Albany is too impatient. He knows, + indeed, that I am not extremely rich, but he is much to blame if he + supposes me therefore an object of charity, and thinks me so mean as to + receive money from a stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “I am truly sorry,” cried Cecilia, “for the error I have committed, but + you must suffer me to make my peace with you before we part: yet, till I + am better known to you, I am fearful of proposing terms. Perhaps you will + permit me to leave you my direction, and do me the favour to call upon me + yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “O no, madam! I have a sick relation whom I cannot leave: and indeed, if + he were well, he would not like to have me make an acquaintance while I am + in this place.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you are not his only nurse? I am sure you do not look able to bear + such fatigue. Has he a physician? Is he properly attended?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam; he has no physician, and no attendance at all!” + </p> + <p> + “And is it possible that in such a situation you can refuse to be + assisted? Surely you should accept some help for him, if not for + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “But what will that signify when, if I do, he will not make use of it? and + when he had a thousand and a thousand times rather die, than let any one + know he is in want?” + </p> + <p> + “Take it, then, unknown to him; serve him without acquainting him you + serve him. Surely you would not suffer him to perish without aid?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid! But what can I do? I am under his command, madam, not he + under mine!” + </p> + <p> + “Is he your father?—Pardon my question, but your youth seems much to + want such a protector.” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, I have no father! I was happier when I had! He is my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is his illness?” + </p> + <p> + “A fever.” + </p> + <p> + “A fever, and without a physician! Are you sure, too, it is not + infectious?” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, too sure!” + </p> + <p> + “Too sure? how so?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I know too well the occasion of it!” + </p> + <p> + “And what is the occasion?” cried Cecilia, again taking her hand, “pray + trust me; indeed you shall not repent your confidence. Your reserve + hitherto has only raised you in my esteem, but do not carry it so far as + to mortify me by a total rejection of my good offices.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah madam!” said the young woman, sighing, “you ought to be good, I am + sure, for you will draw all out of me by such kindness as this! the + occasion was a neglected wound, never properly healed.” + </p> + <p> + “A wound? is he in the army?” + </p> + <p> + “No,—he was shot through the side in a duel.” + </p> + <p> + “In a duel?” exclaimed Cecilia, “pray what is his name?” + </p> + <p> + “O that I must not tell you! his name is a great secret now, while he is + in this poor place, for I know he had almost rather never see the light + again than have it known.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, surely,” cried Cecilia, with much emotion, “he cannot—I + hope he cannot be Mr Belfield?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah Heaven!” cried the young woman, screaming, “do you then know him?” + </p> + <p> + Here, in mutual astonishment, they looked at each other. + </p> + <p> + “You are then,” said Cecilia, “the sister of Mr Belfield? And Mr Belfield + is thus sick, his wound is not yet healed,—and he is without any + help!” + </p> + <p> + “And who, madam, are <i>you</i>?” cried she, “and how is it you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Beverley.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” exclaimed she again, “I fear I have done nothing but mischief! I + know very well who you are now, madam, but if my brother discovers that I + have betrayed him, he will take it very unkind, and perhaps never forgive + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Be not alarmed,” cried Cecilia; “rest assured he shall never know it. Is + he not now in the country?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, he is now in the very next room.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is become of the surgeon who used to attend him, and why does he + not still visit him?” + </p> + <p> + “It is in vain, now, to hide any thing from you; my brother deceived him, + and said he was going out of town merely to get rid of him.” + </p> + <p> + “And what could induce him to act so strangely?” + </p> + <p> + “A reason which you, madam, I hope, will never know, Poverty!—he + would not run up a bill he could not pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heaven!—But what can be done for him? He must not be suffered + to linger thus; we must contrive some method of relieving and assisting + him, whether he will consent or not.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear that will not be possible. One of his friends has already found + him out, and has written him the kindest letter! but he would not answer + it, and would not see him, and was only fretted and angry.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cecilia, “I will not keep you longer, lest he should be + alarmed by your absence. To-morrow morning, with your leave, I will call + upon you again, and then, I hope, you will permit me to make some effort + to assist you.” + </p> + <p> + “If it only depended upon me, madam,” she answered, “now I have the honour + to know who you are, I believe I should not make much scruple, for I was + not brought up to notions so high as my brother. Ah! happy had it been for + him, for me, for all his family, if he had not had them neither!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then repeated her expressions of comfort and kindness, and took + her leave. + </p> + <p> + This little adventure gave her infinite concern; all the horror which the + duel had originally occasioned her, again returned; she accused herself + with much bitterness for having brought it on; and finding that Mr + Belfield was so cruelly a sufferer both in his health and his affairs, she + thought it incumbent upon her to relieve him to the utmost of her ability. + </p> + <p> + His sister, too, had extremely interested her; her youth, and the uncommon + artlessness of her conversation, added to her melancholy situation, and + the loveliness of her person, excited in her a desire to serve, and an + inclination to love her; and she determined, if she found her as deserving + as she seemed engaging, not only to assist her at present, but, if her + distresses continued, to received her into her own house in future. + </p> + <p> + Again she regretted the undue detention of her L200. What she now had to + spare was extremely inadequate to what she now wished to bestow, and she + looked forward to the conclusion of her minority with encreasing + eagerness. The generous and elegant plan of life she then intended to + pursue, daily gained ground in her imagination, and credit in her opinion. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vi. — A MAN OF GENIUS. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, as soon as breakfast was over, Cecilia went in a chair + to Swallow-street; she enquired for Miss Belfield, and was told to go up + stairs: but what was her amazement to meet, just coming out of the room + into which she was entering, young Delvile! + </p> + <p> + They both started, and Cecilia, from the seeming strangeness of her + situation, felt a confusion with which she had hitherto been unacquainted. + But Delvile, presently recovering from his surprise, said to her, with an + expressive smile, “How good is Miss Beverley thus to visit the sick! and + how much better might I have had the pleasure of seeing Mr Belfield, had I + but, by prescience, known her design, and deferred my own enquiries till + he had been revived by hers!” + </p> + <p> + And then, bowing and wishing her good morning, he glided past her. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, notwithstanding the openness and purity of her intentions, was so + much disconcerted by this unexpected meeting, and pointed speech, that she + had not the presence of mind to call him back and clear herself: and the + various interrogatories and railleries which had already passed between + them upon the subject of Mr Belfield, made her suppose that what he had + formerly suspected he would now think confirmed, and conclude that all her + assertions of indifference, proceeded merely from that readiness at + hypocrisy upon particular subjects, of which he had openly accused her + whole Sex. + </p> + <p> + This circumstance and this apprehension took from her for a while all + interest in the errand upon which she came; but the benevolence of her + heart soon brought it back, when, upon going into the room, she saw her + new favourite in tears. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” cried she, tenderly; “no new affliction I hope has + happened? Your brother is not worse?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, he is much the same; I was not then crying for him.” + </p> + <p> + “For what then? tell me, acquaint me with your sorrows, and assure + yourself you tell them to a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I was crying, madam, to find so much goodness in the world, when I + thought there was so little! to find I have some chance of being again + happy, when I thought I was miserable for ever! Two whole years have I + spent in nothing but unhappiness, and I thought there was nothing else to + be had; but yesterday, madam, brought me you, with every promise of + nobleness and protection; and to-day, a friend of my brother's has behaved + so generously, that even my brother has listened to him, and almost + consented to be obliged to him!” + </p> + <p> + “And have you already known so much sorrow,” said Cecilia, “that this + little dawn of prosperity should wholly overpower your spirits? Gentle, + amiable girl! may the future recompense you for the past, and may Mr + Albany's kind wishes be fulfilled in the reciprocation of our comfort and + affection!” + </p> + <p> + They then entered into a conversation which the sweetness of Cecilia, and + the gratitude of Miss Belfield, soon rendered interesting, friendly and + unreserved: and in a very short time, whatever was essential in the story + or situation of the latter was fully communicated. She gave, however, a + charge the most earnest, that her brother should never be acquainted with + the confidence she had made. + </p> + <p> + Her father, who had been dead only two years, was a linen-draper in the + city; he had six daughters, of whom herself was the youngest, and only one + son. This son, Mr Belfield, was alike the darling of his father, mother, + and sisters: he was brought up at Eton, no expence was spared in his + education, nothing was denied that could make him happy. With an excellent + understanding he had uncommon quickness of parts, and his progress in his + studies was rapid and honourable: his father, though he always meant him + for his successor in his business, heard of his improvement with rapture, + often saying, “My boy will be the ornament of the city, he will be the + best scholar in any shop in London.” + </p> + <p> + He was soon, however, taught another lesson; when, at the age of sixteen, + he returned home, and was placed in the shop, instead of applying his + talents, as his father had expected, to trade, he both despised and + abhorred the name of it; when serious, treating it with contempt, when + gay, with derision. + </p> + <p> + He was seized, also, with a most ardent desire to finish his education, + like those of his school-fellows who left Eton at the same time, at one + of the Universities; and, after many difficulties, this petition, at the + intercession of his mother, was granted, old Mr Belfield telling him he + hoped a little more learning would give him a little more sense, and that + when he became a <i>finished student</i>, he would not only know the true + value of business, but understand how to get money, and make a bargain, + better than any man whatsoever within Temple Bar. + </p> + <p> + These expectations, equally shortsighted, were also equally fallacious + with the former: the son again returned, and returned, as his father had + hoped, a <i>finished student</i>; but, far from being more tractable, or + better disposed for application to trade, his aversion to it now was more + stubborn, and his opposition more hardy than ever. The young men of + fashion with whom he had formed friendships at school, or at the + University, and with whom, from the indulgence of his father, he was + always able to vie in expence, and from the indulgence of Nature to excel + in capacity, earnestly sought the continuance of his acquaintance, and + courted and coveted the pleasure of his conversation: but though he was + now totally disqualified for any other society, he lost all delight in + their favour from the fear they should discover his abode, and sedulously + endeavoured to avoid even occasionally meeting them, lest any of his + family should at the same time approach him: for of his family, though + wealthy, worthy, and independent, he was now so utterly ashamed, that the + mortification the most cruel he could receive, was to be asked his + address, or told he should be visited. + </p> + <p> + Tired, at length, of evading the enquiries made by some, and forcing faint + laughs at the detection made by others, he privately took a lodging at the + west end of the town, to which he thence forward directed all his friends, + and where, under various pretences, he contrived to spend the greatest + part of his time. + </p> + <p> + In all his expensive deceits and frolics, his mother was his never-failing + confidant and assistant; for when she heard that the companions of her son + were men of fashion, some born to titles, others destined to high + stations, she concluded he was in the certain road to honour and profit, + and frequently distressed herself, without ever repining, in order to + enable him to preserve upon equal terms, connections which she believed so + conducive to his future grandeur. + </p> + <p> + In this wild and unsettled manner he passed some time, struggling + incessantly against the authority of his father, privately abetted by his + mother, and constantly aided and admired by his sisters: till, sick of so + desultory a way of life, he entered himself a volunteer in the army. + </p> + <p> + How soon he grew tired of this change has already been related, {Footnote: + Book 1, Chap. II.} as well as his reconciliation with his father, and his + becoming a student at the Temple: for the father now grew as weary of + opposing, as the young man of being opposed. + </p> + <p> + Here, for two or three years, he lived in happiness uninterrupted; he + extended his acquaintance among the great, by whom he was no sooner known + than caressed and admired, and he frequently visited his family, which, + though he blushed to own in public, he affectionately loved in private. + His profession, indeed, was but little in his thoughts, successive + engagements occupying almost all his hours. Delighted with the favour of + the world, and charmed to find his presence seemed the signal for + entertainment, he soon forgot the uncertainty of his fortune, and the + inferiority of his rank: the law grew more and more fatiguing, pleasure + became more and more alluring, and, by degrees, he had not a day + unappropriated to some party or amusement; voluntarily consigning the few + leisure moments his gay circle afforded him, to the indulgence of his + fancy in some hasty compositions in verse, which were handed about in + manuscript, and which contributed to keep him in fashion. + </p> + <p> + Such was his situation at the death of his father; a new scene was then + opened to him, and for some time he hesitated what course to pursue. + </p> + <p> + Old Mr Belfield, though he lived in great affluence, left not behind him + any considerable fortune, after the portions of his daughters, to each of + whom he bequeathed L2000, had been deducted from it. But his stock in + trade was great, and his business was prosperous and lucrative. + </p> + <p> + His son, however, did not merely want application and fortitude to become + his successor, but skill and knowledge; his deliberation, therefore, was + hasty, and his resolution improvident; he determined to continue at the + Temple himself, while the shop, which he could by no means afford to + relinquish, should be kept up by another name, and the business of it be + transacted by an agent; hoping thus to secure and enjoy its emoluments, + without either the trouble or the humiliation of attendance. + </p> + <p> + But this scheme, like most others that have their basis in vanity, ended + in nothing but mortification and disappointment: the shop which under old + Mr. Belfield had been flourishing and successful, and enriched himself and + all his family, could now scarce support the expences of an individual. + Without a master, without that diligent attention to its prosperity which + the interest of possession alone can give, and the authority of a + principal alone can enforce, it quickly lost its fame for the excellence + of its goods, and soon after its customers from the report of its + declension. The produce, therefore, diminished every month; he was + surprised, he was provoked; he was convinced he was cheated, and that his + affairs were neglected; but though he threatened from time to time to + enquire into the real state of the business, and investigate the cause of + its decay, he felt himself inadequate to the task; and now first lamented + that early contempt of trade, which by preventing him acquiring some + knowledge of it while he had youth and opportunity, made him now ignorant + what redress to seek, though certain of imposition and injury. + </p> + <p> + But yet, however disturbed by alarming suggestions in his hours of + retirement, no alteration was made in the general course of his life; he + was still the darling of his friends, and the leader in all parties, and + still, though his income was lessened, his expences encreased. + </p> + <p> + Such were his circumstances at the time Cecilia first saw him at the house + of Mr. Monckton: from which, two days after her arrival in town, he was + himself summoned, by an information that his agent had suddenly left the + kingdom. + </p> + <p> + The fatal consequence of this fraudulent elopement was immediate + bankruptcy. + </p> + <p> + His spirits, however, did not yet fail him; as he had never been the + nominal master of the shop, he escaped all dishonour from its ruin, and + was satisfied to consign what remained to the mercy of the creditors, so + that his own name should not appear in the <i>Gazette</i>. + </p> + <p> + Three of his sisters were already extremely well married to reputable + tradesmen; the two elder of those who were yet single were settled with + two of those who were married, and Henrietta, the youngest, resided with + her mother, who had a comfortable annuity, and a small house at Padington. + </p> + <p> + Bereft thus through vanity and imprudence of all the long labours of his + father, he was now compelled to think seriously of some actual method of + maintenance; since his mother, though willing to sacrifice to him even the + nourishment which sustained her, could do for him but little, and that + little he had too much justice to accept. The law, even to the most + diligent and successful, is extremely slow of profit, and whatever, from + his connections and abilities might be hoped hereafter, at present + required an expence which he was no longer able to support. + </p> + <p> + It remained then to try his influence with his friends among the great and + the powerful. + </p> + <p> + His canvas proved extremely honourable; every one promised something, and + all seemed delighted to have an opportunity of serving him. + </p> + <p> + Pleased with finding the world so much better than report had made it, he + now saw the conclusion of his difficulties in the prospect of a place at + court. + </p> + <p> + Belfield, with half the penetration with which he was gifted, would have + seen in any other man the delusive idleness of expectations no better + founded; but though discernment teaches us the folly of others, experience + singly can teach us our own! he flattered himself that his friends had + been more wisely selected than the friends of those who in similar + circumstances had been beguiled, and he suspected not the fraud of his + vanity, till he found his invitations daily slacken, and that his time was + at his own command. + </p> + <p> + All his hopes now rested upon one friend and patron, + </p> + <p> + Mr Floyer, an uncle of Sir Robert Floyer, a man of power in the royal + household, with whom he had lived in great intimacy, and who at this + period had the disposal of a place which he solicited. The only obstacle + that seemed in his way was from Sir Robert himself, who warmly exerted his + interest in favour of a friend of his own. Mr Floyer, however, assured + Belfield of the preference, and only begged his patience till he could + find some opportunity of appeasing his nephew. + </p> + <p> + And this was the state of his affairs at the time of his quarrel at the + Opera-house. Already declared opponents of each other, Sir Robert felt + double wrath that for <i>him</i> Cecilia should reject his civilities; + while Belfield, suspecting he presumed upon his known dependence on his + uncle to affront him, felt also double indignation at the haughtiness of + his behaviour. And thus, slight as seemed to the world the cause of their + contest, each had private motives of animosity that served to stimulate + revenge. + </p> + <p> + The very day after this duel, Mr Floyer wrote him word that he was now + obliged in common decency to take the part of his nephew, and therefore + had already given the place to the friend he had recommended. + </p> + <p> + This was the termination of his hopes, and the signal of his ruin! To the + pain of his wound he became insensible, from the superior pain of this + unexpected miscarriage; yet his pride still enabled him to disguise his + distress, and to see all the friends whom this accident induced to seek + him, while from the sprightliness he forced in order to conceal his + anguish, he appeared to them more lively and more entertaining than ever. + </p> + <p> + But these efforts, when left to himself and to nature, only sunk him the + deeper in sadness; he found an immediate change in his way of life was + necessary, yet could not brook to make it in sight of those with whom he + had so long lived in all the brilliancy of equality. A high principle of + honour which still, in the midst of his gay career, had remained + uncorrupted, had scrupulously guarded him from running in debt, and + therefore, though of little possessed, that little was strictly his own. + He now published that he was going out of town for the benefit of purer + air, discharged his surgeon, took a gay leave of his friends, and trusting + no one with his secret but his servant, was privately conveyed to mean and + cheap lodgings in Swallow-street. + </p> + <p> + Here, shut up from every human being he had formerly known, he purposed to + remain till he grew better, and then again to seek his fortune in the + army. + </p> + <p> + His present situation, however, was little calculated to contribute to his + recovery; the dismission of the surgeon, the precipitation of his removal, + the inconveniencies of his lodgings, and the unseasonable deprivation of + long customary indulgencies, were unavoidable delays of his amendment; + while the mortification of his present disgrace, and the bitterness of his + late disappointment, preyed incessantly upon his mind, robbed him of rest, + heightened his fever, and reduced him by degrees to a state so low and + dangerous, that his servant, alarmed for his life, secretly acquainted his + mother with his illness and retreat. + </p> + <p> + The mother, almost distracted by this intelligence, instantly, with her + daughter, flew to his lodgings. She wished to have taken him immediately + to her house at Padington, but he had suffered so much from his first + removal, that he would not consent to another. She would then have called + in a physician, but he refused even to see one; and she had too long given + way to all his desires and opinions, to have now the force of mind for + exerting the requisite authority of issuing her orders without consulting + him. + </p> + <p> + She begged, she pleaded, indeed, and Henrietta joined in her entreaties; + but sickness and vexation had not rendered him tame, though they had made + him sullen: he resisted their prayers, and commonly silenced them by + assurances that their opposition to the plan he had determined to pursue, + only inflamed his fever, and retarded his recovery. + </p> + <p> + The motive of an obduracy so cruel to his friends was the fear of a + detection which he thought not merely prejudicial to his affairs, but + dishonourable to his character: for, without betraying any symptom of his + distress, he had taken a general leave of his acquaintance upon pretence + of going out of town, and he could ill endure to make a discovery which + would at once proclaim his degradation and his deceit. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Albany had accidentally broken in upon him, by mistaking his room for + that of another sick person in the same house, to whom his visit had been + intended; but as he knew and reverenced that old gentleman, he did not + much repine at his intrusion. + </p> + <p> + He was not so easy when the same discovery was made by young Delvile, who, + chancing to meet his servant in the street, enquired concerning his + master's health, and surprising from him its real state, followed him + home; where, soon certain of the change in his affairs by the change of + his habitation, he wrote him a letter, in which, after apologizing for his + freedom, he warmly declared that nothing could make him so happy as being + favoured with his commands, if, either through himself or his friends, he + could be so fortunate as to do him any service. + </p> + <p> + Belfield, deeply mortified at this detection of his situation, returned + only a verbal answer of cold thanks, and desired he would not speak of his + being in town, as he was not well enough to be seen. + </p> + <p> + This reply gave almost equal mortification to young Delvile, who + continued, however, to call at the door with enquiries how he went on, + though he made no further attempt to see him. + </p> + <p> + Belfield, softened at length by the kindness of this conduct, determined + to admit him; and he was just come from paying his first visit, when he + was met by Cecilia upon the stairs. + </p> + <p> + His stay with him had been short, and he had taken no notice either of his + change of abode, or his pretence of going into the country; he had talked + to him only in general terms, and upon general subjects, till he arose to + depart, and then he re-urged his offers of service with so much openness + and warmth, that Belfield, affected by his earnestness, promised he would + soon see him again, and intimated to his delighted mother and sister, that + he would frankly consult with him upon his affairs. + </p> + <p> + Such was the tale which, with various minuter circumstances, Miss Belfield + communicated to Cecilia. “My mother,” she added, “who never quits him, + knows that you are here, madam, for she heard me talking with somebody + yesterday, and she made me tell her all that had passed, and that you said + you would come again this morning.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia returned many acknowledgments for this artless and unreserved + communication, but could not, when it was over, forbear enquiring by what + early misery she had already, though so very young, spent <i>two years in + nothing but unhappiness</i>? + </p> + <p> + “Because,” she answered, “when my poor father died all our family + separated, and I left every body to go and live with my mother at + Padington; and I was never a favourite with my mother—no more, + indeed, was any body but my brother, for she thinks all the rest of the + world only made for his sake. So she used to deny both herself and me + almost common necessaries, in order to save up money to make him presents: + though, if he had known how it was done, he would only have been angry + instead of taking them. However, I should have regarded nothing that had + but been for his benefit, for I loved him a great deal more than my own + convenience; but sums that would distress us for months to save up, would + by him be spent in a day, and then thought of no more! Nor was that all—O + no! I had much greater uneasiness to suffer; for I was informed by one of + my brothers-in-law how ill every thing went, and that certain ruin would + come to my poor brother from the treachery of his agent; and the thought + of this was always preying upon my mind, for I did not dare tell it my + mother, for fear it should put her out of humour, for, sometimes, she is + not very patient; and it mattered little what any of us said to my + brother, for he was too gay and too confident to believe his danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Well but,” said Cecilia, “I hope, now, all will go better; if your + brother will consent to see a physician—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam! that is the thing I fear he never will do, because of being + seen in these bad lodgings. I would kneel whole days to prevail with him, + but he is unused to controul, and knows not how to submit to it; and he + has lived so long among the great, that he forgets he was not born as high + as themselves. Oh that he had never quitted his own family! If he had not + been spoilt by ambition, he had the best heart and sweetest disposition in + the world. But living always with his superiors, taught him to disdain his + own relations, and be ashamed of us all; and yet now, in the hour of his + distress—who else comes to help him?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then enquired if she wanted not assistance for herself and her + mother, observing that they did not seem to have all the conveniencies to + which they were entitled. + </p> + <p> + “Why indeed, madam,” she replied, with an ingenuous smile, “when you first + came here I was a little like my brother, for I was sadly ashamed to let + you see how ill we lived! but now you know the worst, so I shall fret + about it no more.” + </p> + <p> + “But this cannot be your usual way of life; I fear the misfortunes of Mr + Belfield have spread a ruin wider than his own.” + </p> + <p> + “No indeed; he took care from the first not to involve us in his hazards, + for he is very generous, madam, and very noble in all his notions, and + could behave to us all no better about money matters than he has ever + done. But from the moment we came to this dismal place, and saw his + distress, and that he was sunk so low who used always to be higher than + any of us, we had a sad scene indeed! My poor mother, whose whole delight + was to think that he lived like a nobleman, and who always flattered + herself that he would rise to be as great as the company he kept, was so + distracted with her disappointment, that she would not listen to reason, + but immediately discharged both our servants, said she and I should do all + the work ourselves, hired this poor room for us to live in, and sent to + order a bill to be put upon her house at Padington, for she said she would + never return to it any more.” + </p> + <p> + “But are you, then,” cried Cecilia, “without any servant?” + </p> + <p> + “We have my brother's man, madam, and so he lights our fires, and takes + away some of our litters; and there is not much else to be done, except + sweeping the rooms, for we eat nothing but cold meat from the cook shops.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long is this to last?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I cannot tell; for the real truth is, my poor mother has almost + lost her senses; and ever since our coming here, she has been so miserable + and so complaining, that indeed, between her and my brother, I have almost + lost mine too! For when she found all her hopes at an end, and that her + darling son, instead of being rich and powerful, and surrounded by friends + and admirers, all trying who should do the most for him, was shut up by + himself in this poor little lodging, and instead of gaining more, had + spent all he was worth at first, with not a creature to come near him, + though ill, though confined, though keeping his bed!—Oh madam, had + you seen my poor mother when she first cast her eyes upon him in that + condition!—indeed you could never have forgotten it!” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder not at her disappointment,” cried Cecilia; “with expectations so + sanguine, and a son of so much merit, it might well indeed be bitter.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and besides the disappointment, she is now continually reproaching + herself for always complying with his humours, and assisting him to appear + better than the rest of his family, though my father never approved her + doing so. But she thought herself so sure of his rising, that she believed + we should all thank her for it in the end. And she always used to say that + he was born to be a gentleman, and what a grievous thing it would be to + have him made a tradesman.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope, at least, she has not the additional misery of seeing him + ungrateful for her fondness, however injudicious it may have been?” + </p> + <p> + “O no! he does nothing but comfort and cheer her! and indeed it is very + good of him, for he has owned to me in private, that but for her + encouragement, he could not have run the course he has run, for he should + have been obliged to enter into business, whether he had liked it or not. + But my poor mother knows this, though he will not tell it her, and + therefore she says that unless he gets well, she will punish herself all + the rest of her life, and never go back to her house, and never hire + another servant, and never eat any thing but bread, nor drink any thing + but water!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor unhappy woman!” cried Cecilia, “how dearly does she pay for her + imprudent and short-sighted indulgence! but surely you are not also to + suffer in the same manner?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, not by her fault, for she wants me to go and live with one of + my sisters: but I would not quit her for the world; I should think myself + wicked indeed to leave her now. Besides, I don't at all repine at the + little hardships I go through at present, because my poor brother is in so + much distress, that all we save may be really turned to account; but when + we lived so hardly only to procure him luxuries he had no right to, I must + own I used often to think it unfair, and if I had not loved him dearly, I + should not have borne it so well, perhaps, as I ought.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia now began to think it high time to release her new acquaintance by + quitting her, though she felt herself so much interested in her affairs, + that every word she spoke gave her a desire to lengthen the conversation. + She ardently wished to make her some present, but was restrained by the + fear of offending, or of being again refused; she had, however, devised a + private scheme for serving her more effectually than by the donation of a + few guineas, and therefore, after earnestly begging to hear from her if + she could possibly be of any use, she told her that she should not find + her confidence misplaced, and promising again to see her soon, reluctantly + departed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vii. — AN EXPEDIENT. + </h2> + <p> + The scheme now projected by Cecilia, was to acquaint the surgeon who had + already attended Mr. Belfield with his present situation and address, and + to desire him to continue his visits, for the payment of which she would + herself be accountable. + </p> + <p> + The raillery of young Delvile, however, had taught her to fear the + constructions of the world, and she therefore purposed to keep both the + surgeon and Mr Belfield ignorant to whom they were indebted. She was + aware, indeed, that whatever might be her management, that high-spirited + and unfortunate young man would be extremely hurt to find himself thus + detected and pursued; but she thought his life too well worth preserving + to let it be sacrificed to his pride, and her internal conviction of being + herself the immediate cause of its present danger, gave to her an anxious + and restless desire to be herself the means of extricating him from it. + </p> + <p> + Rupil, the name of the surgeon, she had already heard mentioned by Mr. + Arnott, and in getting into her chair, she ordered Ralph, her man, to + enquire where he lived. + </p> + <p> + “I know already where he lives, madam,” answered Ralph, “for I saw his + name over a door in Cavendish-street, Oxford-road; I took particular + notice of it, because it was at the house where you stood up that day on + account of the mob that was waiting to see the malefactors go to Tyburn.” + </p> + <p> + This answer unravelled to Cecilia a mystery which had long perplext her; + for the speeches of young Delvile when he had surprised her in that + situation were now fully explained. In seeing her come out of the + surgeon's house, he had naturally concluded she had only entered it to ask + news of his patient, Mr. Belfield; her protestations of merely standing up + to avoid the crowd, he had only laughed at; and his hints at her reserve + and dissimulation, were meant but to reproach her for refusing his offer + of procuring her intelligence, at the very time when, to all appearance, + she anxiously, though clandestinely, sought it for herself. + </p> + <p> + This discovery, notwithstanding it relieved her from all suspense of his + meaning, gave her much vexation: to be supposed to take an interest so + ardent, yet so private, in the affairs of Mr Belfield, might well + authorise all suspicions of her partiality for him: and even if any doubt + had yet remained, the unlucky meeting upon the stairs at his lodgings, + would not fail to dispel it, and confirm the notion of her secret regard. + She hoped, however, to have soon some opportunity of clearing up the + mistake, and resolved in the mean time to be studiously cautious in + avoiding all appearances that might strengthen it. + </p> + <p> + No caution, however, and no apprehension, could intimidate her active + humanity from putting into immediate execution a plan in which she feared + any delay might be fatal; and therefore the moment she got home, she wrote + the following note to the surgeon. + </p> + <p> + <i>“To———Rupil, Esq.</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 27, 1779</i>. + </p> + <p> + “A friend of Mr Belfield begs Mr Rupil will immediately call upon that + gentleman, who is in lodgings about the middle of Swallow-street, and + insist upon visiting him till he is perfectly recovered. Mr Rupil is + entreated not to make known this request, nor to receive from Mr Belfield + any return for his attendance; but to attribute the discovery of his + residence to accident, and to rest assured he shall be amply recompensed + for his time and trouble by the friend who makes this application, and who + is willing to give any security that Mr Rupil shall think proper to + mention, for the performance of this engagement.” + </p> + <p> + Her next difficulty was in what manner to have this note conveyed; to send + her own servant was inevitably betraying herself, to employ any other was + risking a confidence that might be still more dangerous, and she could not + trust to the penny-post, as her proposal required an answer. After much + deliberation, she at length determined to have recourse to Mrs Hill, to + whose services she was entitled, and upon whose fidelity she could rely. + </p> + <p> + The morning was already far advanced, but the Harrels dined late, and she + would not lose a day where even an hour might be of importance. She went + therefore immediately to Mrs. Hill, whom she found already removed into + her new habitation in Fetter-lane, and equally busy and happy in the + change of scene and of employment. She gave to her the note, which she + desired her to carry to Cavendish-street directly, and either to deliver + it into Mr. Rupil's own hands, or to bring it back if he was out; but upon + no consideration to make known whence or from whom it came. + </p> + <p> + She then went into the back part of the shop, which by Mrs. Roberts was + called the parlour, and amused herself during the absence of her + messenger, by playing with the children. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hill at her return said she had found Mr. Rupil at home, and as she + refused to give the letter to the servant, she had been taken into a room + where he was talking with a gentleman, to whom, as soon as he had read it, + he said with a laugh, “Why here's another person with the same proposal as + yours! however, I shall treat you both alike.” And then he wrote an + answer, which he sealed up, and bid her take care of. This answer was as + follows: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Rupil will certainly attend Mr. Belfield, whose friends may be + satisfied he will do all in his power to recover him, without receiving + any recompense but the pleasure of serving a gentleman who is so much + beloved.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, charmed at this unhoped for success, was making further enquiries + into what had passed, when Mrs Hill, in a low voice, said, “There's the + gentleman, madam, who was with Mr. Rupil when I gave him the letter. I had + a notion he was dodging me all the way I came, for I saw him just behind + me, turn which way I would.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then looked—and perceived young Delvile! who, after stopping + a moment at the door, came into the shop, and desired to be shewn some + gloves, which, among other things, were laid in the window. + </p> + <p> + Extremely disconcerted at the sight of him, she began now almost to fancy + there was some fatality attending her acquaintance with him, since she was + always sure of meeting, when she had any reason to wish avoiding him. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he saw he was observed by her, he bowed with the utmost + respect: she coloured in returning the salutation, and prepared, with no + little vexation, for another attack, and further {raillery}, similar to + what she had already received from him: but, as soon as he had made his + purchase, he bowed to her again, and, without speaking, left the shop. + </p> + <p> + A silence so unexpected at once astonished and disturbed her; she again + desired to hear all that had passed at Mr. Rupil's, and from the relation + gathered that Delvile had himself undertaken to be responsible for his + attendance upon Mr. Belfield. + </p> + <p> + A liberality so like her own failed not to impress her with the most + lively esteem: but this served rather to augment than lessen the pain with + which she considered the clandestine appearance she thus repeatedly made + to him. She had no doubt he had immediately concluded she was author of + the application to the surgeon, and that he followed her messenger merely + to ascertain the fact; while his silence when he had made the discovery, + she could only attribute to his now believing that her regard for Mr + Belfield was too serious for raillery. + </p> + <p> + Doubly, however, she rejoiced at the generosity of Mr Rupil, as it + rendered wholly unnecessary her further interference: for she now saw with + some alarm the danger to which benevolence itself, directed towards a + youthful object, might expose her. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER viii. — A REMONSTRANCE. + </h2> + <p> + Cecilia returned home so late, that she was summoned to the dining parlour + the moment she entered the house. Her morning dress, and her long absence, + excited much curiosity in Mrs Harrel, which a quick succession of + questions evasively answered soon made general; and Sir Robert Floyer, + turning to her with a look of surprise, said, “If you have such freaks as + these, Miss Beverley, I must begin to enquire a little more into your + proceedings.” + </p> + <p> + “That, Sir,” said Cecilia, very coldly, “would ill repay your trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “When we get her to Violet Bank,” cried Mr Harrel, “we shall be able to + keep a better watch over her.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” answered Sir Robert; “though faith she has been so demure, + that I never supposed she did any thing but read sermons. However, I find + there's no going upon trust with women, any more than with money.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Sir Robert,” cried Mrs Harrel, “you know I always advised you not to + be quite so easy, and I am sure I really think you deserve a little + severity, for not being more afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “Afraid of what, madam?” cried the baronet; “of a young lady's walking out + without me? Do you think I wish to be any restraint upon Miss Beverley's + time in a morning, while I have the happiness of waiting upon her every + afternoon?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was thunderstruck by this speech, which not only expressed an open + avowal of his pretensions, but a confident security of his success. She + was shocked that a man of such principles should even for a moment presume + upon her favour, and irritated at the stubbornness of Mr. Harrel in not + acquainting him with her refusal. + </p> + <p> + His intimation of coming to the house for <i>the happiness of waiting upon + her</i>, made her determine, without losing a moment, to seek herself an + explanation with him: while the discovery that he was included in the + Easter party, which various other concomitant causes had already rendered + disagreeable to her, made her look forward to that purposed expedition + with nothing but unwillingness and distaste. + </p> + <p> + But though her earnestness to conclude this affair made her now put + herself voluntarily in the way of the baronet, she found her plan always + counteracted by Mr. Harrel, who, with an officiousness too obvious to pass + for chance, constantly stopt the progress of any discourse in which he did + not himself bear a part. A more passionate admirer might not have been so + easily defeated; but Sir Robert, too proud for solicitation, and too + indolent for assiduity, was very soon checked, because very soon wearied. + </p> + <p> + The whole evening, therefore, to her infinite mortification, passed away + without affording her any opportunity of making known to him his mistake. + </p> + <p> + Her next effort was to remonstrate with Mr. Harrel himself; but this + scheme was not more easy of execution than the other, since Mr. Harrel, + suspecting she meant again to dun him for her money, avoided all separate + conversation with her so skilfully, that she could not find a moment to + make him hear her. + </p> + <p> + She then resolved to apply to his lady; but here her success was not + better: Mrs. Harrel, dreading another lecture upon economy, peevishly + answered to her request of a conference, that she was not very well, and + could not talk gravely. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, justly offended with them all, had now no resource but in Mr. + Monckton, whose counsel for effectually dismissing the baronet, she + determined to solicit by the first opportunity. + </p> + <p> + The moment, therefore, that she next saw him, she acquainted him with the + speeches of Sir Robert and the behaviour of Mr. Harrel. + </p> + <p> + There needed no rhetoric to point out to Mr. Monckton the danger of + suffering such expectations, or the impropriety of her present situation: + he was struck with both in a manner the most forcible, and spared not for + warmth of expression to alarm her delicacy, or add to her displeasure. But + chiefly he was exasperated against Mr. Harrel, assuring her there could be + no doubt but that he had some particular interest in so strenuously and + artfully supporting the pretensions of Sir Robert. Cecilia endeavoured to + refute this opinion, which she regarded as proceeding rather from + prejudice than justice; but when she mentioned that the baronet was + invited to spent the Easter holidays at Violet-Bank, he represented with + such energy the consequent constructions of the world, as well as the + unavoidable encouragement such intimacy would imply, that he terrified her + into an earnest entreaty to suggest to her some way of deliverance. + </p> + <p> + “There is only one;” answered he, “you must peremptorily refuse to go to + Violet Bank yourself. If, after what has passed, you are included in the + same party with Sir Robert, you give a sanction yourself to the reports + already circulated of your engagements with him and the effect of such a + sanction will be more serious than you can easily imagine, since the + knowledge that a connection is believed in the world, frequently, if not + generally, leads by imperceptible degrees to its real ratification.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, with the utmost alacrity, promised implicitly to follow his + advice, whatever might be the opposition of Mr Harrel. He quitted her, + therefore, with unusual satisfaction, happy in his power over her mind, + and anticipating with secret rapture the felicity he had in reserve from + visiting her during the absence of the family. + </p> + <p> + As no private interview was necessary for making known her intention of + giving up the Easter party, which was to take place in two days' time, she + mentioned next morning her design of spending the holidays in town, when + Mr Harrel sauntered into the breakfast room to give some commission to his + lady. + </p> + <p> + At first he only laughed at her plan, gaily rallying her upon her love of + solitude; but when he found it was serious, he very warmly opposed it, and + called upon Mrs Harrel to join in his expostulations. That lady complied, + but in so faint a manner, that Cecilia soon saw she did not wish to + prevail; and with a concern, that cost her infinite pain, now finally + perceived that not only all her former affection was subsided into + indifference, but that, since she had endeavoured to abridge her + amusements, she regarded her as a spy, and dreaded her as the censor of + her conduct. + </p> + <p> + Mean while Mr Arnott, who was present, though he interfered not in the + debate, waited the event with anxiety; naturally hoping her objections + arose from her dislike of Sir Robert, and secretly resolving to be guided + himself by her motions. Cecilia at length, tired of the importunities of + Mr Harrel, gravely said, that if he desired to hear the reasons which + obliged her to refuse his request, she was ready to communicate them. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel, after a little hesitation, accompanied her into another room. + </p> + <p> + She then declared her resolution not to live under the same roof with Sir + Robert, and very openly expressed her vexation and displeasure, that he so + evidently persisted in giving that gentleman encouragement. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Miss Beverley,” answered he, carelessly, “when young ladies will + not know their own minds, it is necessary some friend should tell it them: + you were certainly very favourable to Sir Robert but a short time ago, and + so, I dare say, you will be again, when you have seen more of him.” + </p> + <p> + “You amaze me, Sir!” cried Cecilia: “when was I favourable to him? Has he + not always and regularly been my aversion?” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy,” answered Mr Harrel, laughing, “you will not easily persuade him + to think so; your behaviour at the Opera-house was ill calculated to give + him that notion.” + </p> + <p> + “My behaviour at the Opera-house, Sir, I have already explained to you; + and if Sir Robert himself has any doubts, either from that circumstance or + from any other, pardon me if I say they can only be attributed to your + unwillingness to remove them. I entreat you, therefore, to trifle with him + no longer, nor to subject me again to the freedom of implications + extremely disagreeable to me.” + </p> + <p> + “O fie, fie, Miss Beverley! after all that has passed, after his long + expectations, and his constant attendance, you cannot for a moment think + seriously of discarding him.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, equally surprised and provoked by this speech, could not for a + moment tell how to answer it; and Mr Harrel, wilfully misinterpreting her + silence, took her hand, and said, “Come, I am sure you have too much, + honour to make a fool of such a man as Sir Robert Floyer. There is not a + woman in town who will not envy your choice, and I assure you there is not + a man in England I would so soon recommend to you.” + </p> + <p> + He would then have hurried her back to the next room; but, drawing away + her hand with undisguised resentment, “No, Sir,” she cried, “this must not + pass! my positive rejection of Sir Robert the instant you communicated to + me his proposals, you can neither have forgotten nor mistaken: and you + must not wonder if I acknowledge myself extremely disobliged by your + unaccountable perseverance in refusing to receive my answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Young ladies who have been brought up in the country,” returned Mr + Harrel, with his usual negligence, “are always so high flown in their + notions, it is difficult to deal with them; but as I am much better + acquainted with the world than you can be, you must give me leave to tell + you, that if, after all, you refuse Sir Robert, it will be using him very + ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Why will you say so, Sir?” cried Cecilia, “when it is utterly impossible + you can have formed so preposterous an opinion. Pray hear me, however, + finally, and pray tell Sir Robert—” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” interrupted he, with affected gaiety, “you shall manage it all + your own way; I will have nothing to do with the quarrels of lovers.” + </p> + <p> + And then, with a pretended laugh, he hastily left her. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was so much incensed by this impracticable behaviour, that instead + of returning to the family, she went directly to her own room. It was easy + for her to see that Mr Harrel was bent upon using every method he could + devise, to entangle her into some engagement with Sir Robert, and though + she could not imagine the meaning of such a scheme, the littleness of his + behaviour excited her contempt, and the long-continued error of the + baronet gave her the utmost uneasiness. She again determined to seek an + explanation with him herself, and immovably to refuse joining the party to + Violet Bank. + </p> + <p> + The following day, while the ladies and Mr Arnott were at breakfast, Mr + Harrel came into the room to enquire if they should all be ready to set + off for his villa by ten o'clock the next day. Mrs Harrel and her brother + answered in the affirmative; but Cecilia was silent, and he turned to her + and repeated his question. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think me so capricious, Sir,” said she, “that after telling you + but yesterday I could not be of your party, I shall tell you to-day that I + can?” + </p> + <p> + “Why you do not really mean to remain in town by yourself?” replied he, + “you cannot suppose that will be an eligible plan for a young lady. On the + contrary, it will be so very improper, that I think myself, as your + Guardian, obliged to oppose it.” + </p> + <p> + Amazed at this authoritative speech, Cecilia looked at him with a mixture + of mortification and anger; but knowing it would be vain to resist his + power if he was resolute to exert it, she made not any answer. + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” he continued, “I have a plan for some alterations in the house + during my absence; and I think your room, in particular, will be much + improved by them: but it will be impossible to employ any workmen, if we + do not all quit the premises.” + </p> + <p> + This determined persecution now seriously alarmed her; she saw that Mr + Harrel would omit no expedient or stratagem to encourage the addresses of + Sir Robert, and force her into his presence; and she began next to + apprehend that her connivance in his conduct might be presumed upon by + that gentleman: she resolved, therefore, as the last and only effort in + her power for avoiding him, to endeavour to find an accommodation at the + house of Mrs Delvile, during the excursion to Violet Bank: and if, when + she returned to Portman-square, the baronet still persevered in his + attendance, to entreat her friend Mr Monckton would take upon himself the + charge of undeceiving him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ix. — A VICTORY. + </h2> + <p> + As not a moment was now to be lost, Cecilia had no sooner suggested this + scheme, than she hastened to St James's-Square, to try its practicability. + </p> + <p> + She found Mrs Delvile alone, and still at breakfast. + </p> + <p> + After the first compliments were over, while she was considering in what + manner to introduce her proposal, Mrs Delvile herself led to the subject, + by saying, “I am very sorry to hear we are so soon to lose you; but I hope + Mr Harrel does not intend to make any long stay at his villa; for if he + does, I shall be half tempted to come and run away with you from him.” + </p> + <p> + “And that,” said Cecilia, delighted with this opening, “would be an honour + I am <i>more</i> than half tempted to desire.” + </p> + <p> + “Why indeed your leaving London at this time,” continued Mrs Delvile, “is, + for me, particularly unfortunate, as, if I could now be favoured with your + visits, I should doubly value them; for Mr Delvile is gone to spend the + holidays at the Duke of Derwent's, whither I was not well enough to + accompany him; my son has his own engagements, and there are so few people + I can bear to see, that I shall live almost entirely alone.” + </p> + <p> + “If I,” cried Cecilia, “in such a situation might hope to be admitted, how + gladly for that happiness would I exchange my expedition to Violet Bank!” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good, and very amiable,” said Mrs Devile, “and your society + would, indeed, give me infinite satisfaction. Yet I am no enemy to + solitude; on the contrary, company is commonly burthensome to me; I find + few who have any power to give me entertainment, and even of those few, + the chief part have in their manners, situation, or characters, an + unfortunate something, that generally renders a near connection with them + inconvenient or disagreeable. There are, indeed, so many drawbacks to + regard and intimacy, from pride, from propriety, and various other + collateral causes, that rarely as we meet with people of brilliant parts, + there is almost ever some objection to our desire of meeting them again. + Yet to live wholly alone is chearless and depressing; and with you, at + least,” taking Cecilia's hand, “I find not one single obstacle to oppose + to a thousand inducements, which invite me to form a friendship that I can + only hope may be as lasting, as I am sure it will be pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia expressed her sense of this partiality in the warmest terms; and + Mrs Delvile, soon discovering by her manner that she took not any delight + in her intended visit to Violet Bank, began next to question her whether + it would be possible for her to give it up. + </p> + <p> + She instantly answered in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “And would you really be so obliging,” cried Mrs Delvile, with some + surprise, “as to bestow upon me the time you had destined for this gay + excursion?” + </p> + <p> + “Most willingly,” answered Cecilia, “if you are so good as to wish it.” + </p> + <p> + “But can you also—for you must by no means remain alone in Portman + Square—manage to live entirely in my house till Mr Harrel's return?” + </p> + <p> + To this proposal, which was what she most desired, Cecilia gave a glad + assent; and Mrs Delvile, extremely pleased with her compliance, promised + to have an apartment prepared for her immediately. + </p> + <p> + She then hastened home, to announce her new plan. + </p> + <p> + This she took occasion to do when the family was assembled at dinner. The + surprize with which she was heard was very general: Sir Robert seemed at a + loss what conclusion to draw from her information; Mr Arnott was half + elated with pleasure, and half depressed with apprehension; Mrs Harrel + wondered, without any other sensation; and Mr Harrel himself was evidently + the most concerned of the party. + </p> + <p> + Every effort of persuasion and importunity he now essayed to prevail upon + her to give up this scheme, and still accompany them to the villa; but she + coolly answered that her engagement with Mrs Delvile was decided, and she + had appointed to wait upon her the next morning. + </p> + <p> + When her resolution was found so steady, a general ill humour took place + of surprise: Sir Robert now had the air of a man who thought himself + affronted; Mr Arnott was wretched from a thousand uncertainties; Mrs + Harrel, indeed, was still the most indifferent; but Mr Harrel could hardly + repress his disappointment and anger. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, however, was all gaiety and pleasure: in removing only from the + house of one guardian to another, she knew she could not be opposed; and + the flattering readiness with which Mrs Delvile had anticipated her + request, without enquiring into her motives, had relieved her from a + situation which now grew extremely distressing, without giving to her the + pain of making complaints of Mr Harrel. The absence of Mr Delvile + contributed to her happiness, and she much rejoiced in having now the + prospect of a speedy opportunity to explain to his son, whatever had + appeared mysterious in her conduct respecting Mr Belfield. If she had any + thing to regret, it was merely the impossibility, at this time, of waiting + for the counsel of Mr Monckton. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, while the family was in the midst of preparation for + departure, she took leave of Mrs Harrel, who faintly lamented the loss of + her company, and then hastily made her compliments to Mr Harrel and Mr + Arnott, and putting herself into a chair, was conveyed to her new + habitation. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Delvile received her with the most distinguished politeness; she + conducted her to the apartment which had been prepared for her, led her to + the library, which she desired her to make use of as her own, and gave her + the most obliging charges to remember that she was in a house of which she + had the command. + </p> + <p> + Young Delvile did not make his appearance till dinner time. Cecilia, from + recollecting the strange situations in which she had lately been seen by + him, blushed extremely when she first met his eyes; but finding him gay + and easy, general in his conversation, and undesigning in his looks, she + soon recovered from her embarrassment, and passed the rest of the day + without restraint or uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + Every hour she spent with Mrs Delvile, contributed to raise in her esteem + the mind and understanding of that lady. She found, indeed, that it was + not for nothing she was accused of pride, but she found at the same time + so many excellent qualities, so much true dignity of mind, and so noble a + spirit of liberality, that however great was the respect she seemed to + demand, it was always inferior to what she felt inclined to pay. + </p> + <p> + Nor was young Delvile less rapid in the progress he made in her favour; + his character, upon every opportunity of shewing it, rose in her opinion, + and his disposition and manners had a mingled sweetness and vivacity that + rendered his society attractive, and his conversation spirited. + </p> + <p> + Here, therefore, Cecilia experienced that happiness she so long had + coveted in vain: her life was neither public nor private, her amusements + were neither dissipated nor retired; the company she saw were either + people of high rank or strong parts, and their visits were neither + frequent nor long. The situation she quitted gave a zest to that into + which she entered, for she was now no longer shocked by extravagance or + levity, no longer tormented with addresses which disgusted her, nor + mortified by the ingratitude of the friend she had endeavoured to serve. + All was smooth and serene, yet lively and interesting. + </p> + <p> + Her plan, however, of clearing to young Delvile his mistakes concerning + Belfield, she could not put in execution; for he now never led to the + subject, though he was frequently alone with her, nor seemed at all + desirous to renew his former raillery, or repeat his enquiries. She + wondered at this change in him, but chose rather to wait the revival of + his own curiosity, than to distress or perplex herself by contriving + methods of explanation. + </p> + <p> + Situated thus happily, she had now one only anxiety, which was to know + whether, and in what manner, Mr Belfield had received his surgeon, as well + as the actual state of his own and his sister's affairs: but the fear of + again encountering young Delvile in suspicious circumstances, deterred her + at present from going to their house. Yet her natural benevolence, which + partial convenience never lulled to sleep, impressing her with an + apprehension that her services might be wanted, she was induced to write + to Miss Belfield, though she forbore to visit her. + </p> + <p> + Her letter was short, but kind and to the purpose: she apologized for her + officiousness, desiring to know if her brother was better, and entreated + her, in terms the most delicate, to acquaint her if yet she would accept + from her any assistance. + </p> + <p> + She sent this letter by her servant, who, after waiting a considerable + time, brought her the following answer. + </p> + <p> + <i>To Miss Beverley</i>. + </p> + <p> + Ah madam! your goodness quite melts me! we want nothing, however, yet, + though I fear we shall not say so much longer. But though I hope I shall + never forget myself so as to be proud and impertinent, I will rather + struggle with any hardship than beg, for I will not disoblige my poor + brother by any fault that I can help, especially now he is fallen so low. + But, thank heaven, his wound has at last been dressed, for the surgeon has + found him out, and he attends him for nothing; though my brother is + willing to part with every thing he is worth in the world, rather than owe + that obligation to him: yet I often wonder why he hates so to be obliged, + for when he was rich himself he was always doing something to oblige other + people. But I fear the surgeon thinks him very bad! for he won't speak to + us when we follow him down stairs. + </p> + <p> + I am sadly ashamed to send this bad writing, but I dare not ask my brother + for any help, because he would only be angry that I wrote any thing about + him at all; but indeed I have seen too little good come of pride to think + of imitating it; and as I have not his genius, I am sure there is no need + I should have his defects: ill, therefore, as I write, you, madam, who + have so much goodness and gentleness, would forgive it, I believe, if it + was worse, almost. And though we are not in need of your kind offers, it + is a great comfort to me to think there is a lady in the world that, if we + come to be quite destitute, and if the proud heart of my poor unhappy + brother should be quite broke down, will look upon our distress with pity, + and generously help us from quite sinking under it.—I remain, Madam, + with the most humble respect, your ever most obliged humble servant, + HENRIETTA BELFIELD. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, much moved by the simplicity of this letter, determined that her + very first visit from Portman-square should be to its fair and innocent + writer. And having now an assurance that she was in no immediate distress, + and that her brother was actually under Mr Rupil's care, she dismissed + from her mind the only subject of uneasiness that at present had + endeavoured to disturb it, and gave herself wholly up to the delightful + serenity of {unalloyed} happiness. + </p> + <p> + Few are the days of felicity unmixed which we acknowledge while we + experience, though many are those we deplore, when by sorrow taught their + value, and by misfortune, their loss. Time with Cecilia now glided on with + such rapidity, that before she thought the morning half over, the evening + was closed, and ere she was sensible the first week was past, the second + was departed for ever. More and more pleased with the inmates of her new + habitation, she found in the abilities of Mrs Delvile sources + inexhaustible of entertainment, and, in the disposition and sentiments of + her son something so concordant to her own, that almost every word he + spoke shewed the sympathy of their minds, and almost every look which + caught her eyes was a reciprocation of intelligence. Her heart, deeply + wounded of late by unexpected indifference, and unreserved mortification, + was now, perhaps, more than usually susceptible of those penetrating and + exquisite pleasures which friendship and kindness possess the highest + powers of bestowing. Easy, gay, and airy, she only rose to happiness, and + only retired to rest; and not merely heightened was her present enjoyment + by her past disappointment, but, carrying her retrospection to her + earliest remembrance, she still found her actual situation more peculiarly + adapted to her taste and temper, than any she had hitherto at any time + experienced. + </p> + <p> + The very morning that the destined fortnight was elapsed, she received a + note from Mrs Harrel, with information of her arrival in town, and an + entreaty that she would return to Portman-square. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who, thus happy, had forgot to mark the progress of time, was now + all amazement to find the term of her absence so soon past. She thought of + going back with the utmost reluctance, and of quitting her new abode with + the most lively regret. The representations of Mr Monckton daily lost + their force, and notwithstanding her dislike of Mr Delvile, she had no + wish so earnest as that of being settled in his family for the rest of her + minority. + </p> + <p> + To effect this was her next thought; yet she knew not how to make the + proposal, but from the uncommon partiality of Mrs Delvile, she hoped, with + a very little encouragement, she would lead to it herself. + </p> + <p> + Here, however, she was disappointed; Mrs Delvile, when she heard of the + summons from the Harrels, expressed her sorrow at losing her in terms of + the most flattering regret, yet seemed to think the parting indispensable, + and dropt not the most distant hint of attempting to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, vexed and disconcerted, then made arrangements for her departure, + which she fixed for the next morning. + </p> + <p> + The rest of this day, unlike every other which for the last fortnight had + preceded it, was passed with little appearance, and no reality of + satisfaction: Mrs Delvile was evidently concerned, her son openly avowed + his chagrin, and Cecilia felt the utmost mortification; yet, though every + one was discontented, no effort was made towards obtaining any delay. + </p> + <p> + The next morning during breakfast, Mrs Delvile very elegantly thanked her + for granting to her so much of her time, and earnestly begged to see her + in future whenever she could be spared from her other friends; protesting + she was now so accustomed to her society, that she should require both + long and frequent visits to soften the separation. This request was very + eagerly seconded by young Delvile, who warmly spoke his satisfaction that + his mother had found so charming a friend, and unaffectedly joined in her + entreaties that the intimacy might be still more closely cemented. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia had no great difficulty in according her compliance to those + demands, of which the kindness and cordiality somewhat lessened her + disturbance at the parting. + </p> + <p> + When Mrs Harrel's carriage arrived, Mrs Delvile took a most affectionate + leave of her, and her son attended her to the coach. + </p> + <p> + In her way down stairs, he stopt her for a few moments, and in some + confusion said “I wish much to apologize to Miss Beverley, before her + departure, for the very gross mistake of which I have been guilty. I know + not if it is possible she can pardon me, and I hardly know myself by what + perversity and blindness I persisted so long in my error.” + </p> + <p> + “O,” cried Cecilia, much rejoiced at this voluntary explanation, “if you + are but convinced you were really in an error, I have nothing more to + wish. Appearances, indeed, were so strangely against me, that I ought not, + perhaps, to wonder they deceived you.” + </p> + <p> + “This is being candid indeed,” answered he, again leading her on: “and in + truth, though your anxiety was obvious, its cause was obscure, and where + any thing is left to conjecture, opinion interferes, and the judgment is + easily warped. My own partiality, however, for Mr Belfield, will I hope + plead my excuse, as from that, and not from any prejudice against the + Baronet, my mistake arose: on the contrary, so highly I respect your taste + and your discernment, that your approbation, when known, can scarcely fail + of securing mine.” + </p> + <p> + Great as was the astonishment of Cecilia at the conclusion of this speech; + she was at the coach door before she could make any answer: but Delvile, + perceiving her surprise, added, while he handed her in, “Is it possible—but + no, it is <i>not</i> possible I should be again mistaken. I forbore to + speak at all, till I had information by which I could not be misled.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not in what unaccountable obscurity,” cried Cecilia, “I, or my + affairs, may be involved, but I perceive that the cloud which I had hoped + was dissipated, is thicker and more impenetrable than ever.” + </p> + <p> + Delvile then bowed to her with a look that accused her of insincerity, and + the carriage drove away. + </p> + <p> + Teazed by these eternal mistakes, and provoked to find that though the + object of her supposed partiality was so frequently changed, the notion of + her positive engagement with one of the duelists was invariable, she + resolved with all the speed in her power, to commission Mr Monckton to + wait upon Sir Robert Floyer, and in her own name give a formal rejection + to his proposals, and desire him thenceforward to make known, by every + opportunity, their total independence of each other: for sick of debating + with Mr Harrel, and detesting all intercourse with Sir Robert, she now + dropt her design of seeking an explanation herself. + </p> + <p> + She was received by Mrs Harrel with the same coldness with which she had + parted from her. That lady appeared now to have some uneasiness upon her + mind, and Cecilia endeavoured to draw from her its cause; but far from + seeking any alleviation in friendship, she studiously avoided her, seeming + pained by her conversation, and reproached by her sight. Cecilia perceived + this encreasing reserve with much concern, but with more indignation, + conscious that her good offices had merited a better reception, and angry + to find that her advice had not merely failed of success, but even exposed + her to aversion. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel, on the contrary, behaved to her with unusual civility, seemed + eager to oblige her, and desirous to render his house more agreeable to + her than ever. But in this he did not prosper; for Cecilia, immediately + upon her return, looking in her apartment for the projected alterations, + and finding none had been made, was so disgusted by such a detection of + duplicity, that he sunk yet lower than before in her opinion, and she + repined at the necessity she was under of any longer continuing his guest. + </p> + <p> + The joy of Mr Arnott at again seeing her, was visible and sincere; and not + a little was it encreased by finding that Cecilia, who sought not more to + avoid Mr Harrel and Sir Robert, than she was herself avoided by Mrs + Harrel, talked with pleasure to nobody else in the house, and scarcely + attempted to conceal that he was the only one of the family who possessed + any portion of her esteem. + </p> + <p> + Even Sir Robert appeared now to have formed a design of paying her rather + more respect than he had hitherto thought necessary; but the violence he + did himself was so evident, and his imperious nature seemed so repugnant + to the task, that his insolence, breaking forth by starts, and checked + only by compulsion, was but the more conspicuous from his inadequate + efforts to disguise it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK IV. + </h2> + <h3> + {Illustration} + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER i. — A COMPLAINT. + </h2> + <p> + As Cecilia now found herself cleared, at least, of all suspicions of + harbouring too tender a regard for Mr Belfield, her objections to visiting + his sister were removed, and the morning after her return to Mr Harrel's, + she went in a chair to Swallow-street. + </p> + <p> + She sent her servant up stairs to enquire if she might be admitted, and + was immediately taken into the room where she had twice before been + received. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes Miss Belfield, softly opening and shutting the door of + the next apartment, made her appearance. She looked thin and pale, but + much gratified by the sight of Cecilia. “Ah madam!” she cried, “you are + good indeed not to forget us! and you can little think how it cheers and + consoles me, that such a lady as you can condescend to be kind to me. It + is quite the only pleasure that I have now in the whole world.” + </p> + <p> + “I grieve that you have no greater;” cried Cecilia, “you seem much + fatigued and harassed. How is your brother? I fear you neglect your own + health, by too much attention to his.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, madam; my mother does everything for him herself, and hardly + suffers anybody else to go near him.” + </p> + <p> + “What, then, makes you so melancholy?” said Cecilia, taking her hand; “you + do not look well; your anxiety, I am sure, is too much for your strength.” + </p> + <p> + “How should I look well, madam,” answered she, “living as I live? However, + I will not talk of myself, but of my brother,—O he is so ill! Indeed + I am sadly, sadly afraid he will never be well again!” + </p> + <p> + “What does his surgeon say? You are too tender, and too much frightened to + be any judge.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that I think myself he will die of his wound, for Mr Rupil says + the wound is almost nothing; but he is in a constant fever, and so thin, + and so weak, that indeed it is almost impossible he should recover!” + </p> + <p> + “You are too apprehensive,” said Cecilia, “you know not what effect the + country air may have upon him; there are many, many expedients that with + so young a man may yet be successful.” + </p> + <p> + “O no, the country air can do nothing for him! for I will not deceive you, + madam, for that would be doubly a fault when I am so ready in blaming + other people for wearing false appearances: besides, you are so good and + so gentle, that it quite composes me to talk with you. So I will honestly + speak the truth, and the whole truth at once; my poor brother is lost—O + I fear for ever lost!—all by his own unhappy pride! He forgets his + father was a tradesman, he is ashamed of all his family, and his whole + desire is to live among the grandest people, as if he belonged to no + other. And now that he can no longer do that, he takes the disappointment + so to heart that he cannot get the better of it; and he told me this + morning that he wished he was dead, for he did not know why he should live + only to see his own ruin! But when he saw how I cried at his saying so, he + was very sorry indeed, for he has always been the kindest brother in the + world, when he has been away from the great folks who have spoilt him: + 'But why,' said he, 'Henrietta, why would you have me live, when instead + of raising you and my poor mother into an higher station, I am sunk so + low, that I only help to consume your own poor pittances to support me in + my disgrace!'” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry indeed,” said Cecilia, “to find he has so deep a sense of the + failure of his expectations: but how happens it that you are so much + wiser? Young and inexperienced as you are, and early as you must have been + accustomed, from your mother as well as from Mr Belfield, to far other + doctrine, the clearness of your judgment, and the justness of your + remarks, astonish as much as they charm me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah madam! Brought up as I have been brought up, there is little wonder I + should see the danger of an high education, let me be ever so ignorant of + everything else; for I, and all my sisters, have been the sufferers the + whole time: and while we were kept backward, that he might be brought + forward, while we were denied comforts, that he might have luxuries, how + could we help seeing the evil of so much vanity, and wishing we had all + been brought up according to our proper station? instead of living in + continual inconvenience, and having one part of a family struggling with + distress, only to let another part of it appear in a way he had no right + to!” + </p> + <p> + “How rationally,” said Cecilia, “have you considered this subject! and how + much do I honour you for the affection you retain for your brother, + notwithstanding the wrongs you have suffered to promote his elevation!” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed he deserves it; take but from him that one fault, pride, and I + believe he has not another: and humoured and darling child as from his + infancy he has always been, who at that can wonder, or be angry?” + </p> + <p> + “And he has still no plan, no scheme for his future destination?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, none at all; and that it is makes him so miserable, and being + so miserable makes him so ill, for Mr Rupil says that with such uneasiness + upon his mind, he can never, in his present low state, get well. O it is + melancholy to see how he is altered! and how he has lost all his fine + spirits! he that used to be the life of us all!—And now he hardly + ever speaks a word, or if he does, he says something so sorrowful that it + cuts us to the soul! But yesterday, when my mother and I thought he was + asleep, he lifted up his head, and looked at us both with the tears in his + eyes, which almost broke our hearts to see, and then, in a low voice, he + said 'What a lingering illness is this! Ah, my dear mother, you and poor + Henrietta ought to wish it quicker over! for should I recover, my life, + hereafter, will but linger like this illness.' And afterwards he called + out, 'what on earth is to become of me? I shall never have health for the + army, nor interest, nor means; what am I to do? subsist in the very prime + of my life upon the bounty of a widowed mother! or, with such an + education, such connections as mine, enter at last into some mean and + sordid business?'” + </p> + <p> + “It seems, then,” said Cecilia, “he now less wants a physician than a + friend.” + </p> + <p> + “He has a friend, madam, a noble friend, would he but accept his services; + but he never sees him without suffering fresh vexation, and his fever + encreases after every visit he pays him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cecilia, rising, “I find we shall not have an easy task to + manage him; but keep up your spirits, and assure yourself he shall not be + lost, if it be possible to save him.” + </p> + <p> + She then, though with much fearfulness of offending, once more made an + offer of her purse. Miss Belfield no longer started at the proposal; yet, + gratefully thanking her, said she was not in any immediate distress, and + did not dare risk the displeasure of her brother, unless driven to it by + severer necessity. Cecilia, however, drew from her a promise that she + would apply to her in any sudden difficulty, and charged her never to + think herself without a banker while her direction was known to her. + </p> + <p> + She then bid her adieu, and returned home; meditating the whole way upon + some plan of employment and advantage for Mr Belfield, which by clearing + his prospects, might revive his spirits, and facilitate his recovery: for + since his mind was so evidently the seat of his disease, she saw that + unless she could do more for him, she had yet done nothing. + </p> + <p> + Her meditation, however, turned to no account; she could suggest nothing, + for she was ignorant what was eligible to suggest. The stations and + employments of men she only knew by occasionally hearing that such were + their professions, and such their situations in life; but with the means + and gradations by which they arose to them she was wholly unacquainted. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton, her constant resource in all cases of difficulty, immediately + occurred to her as her most able counsellor, and she determined by the + first opportunity to consult with him upon the subject, certain of advice + the most judicious from his experience, and knowledge of the world. + </p> + <p> + But though she rested upon him her serious expectations of assistance, + another idea entered her mind not less pleasant, though less promising of + utility: this was to mention her views to young Delvile. He was already, + she knew, well informed of the distress of Mr Belfield, and she hoped, by + openly asking his opinion, to confirm to him her freedom from any + engagement with that gentleman, and convince him, at the same time, by her + application to himself, that she was equally clear of any tie with the + Baronet. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ii. — A SYMPATHY. + </h2> + <p> + The next day Cecilia had appointed to spend in St James'-square; and she + knew by experience that in its course, she should in all probability find + some opportunity of speaking with Delvile alone. + </p> + <p> + This accordingly happened; for in the evening Mrs Delvile quitted the room + for a few moments to answer a letter. Cecilia then, left with her son, + said, after a little hesitation, “Will you not think me very strange if I + should take the liberty to consult you upon some business?” + </p> + <p> + “I already think you very strange,” answered he; “so strange that I know + not any one who at all resembles you. But what is this consultation in + which you will permit me to have a voice?” + </p> + <p> + “You are acquainted, I believe, with the distress of Mr Belfield?” + </p> + <p> + “I am; and I think his situation the most melancholy that can be imagined. + I pity him with my whole soul, and nothing would give me greater joy than + an opportunity of serving him.” + </p> + <p> + “He is, indeed, much to be compassionated,” returned Cecilia; “and if + something is not speedily done for him, I fear he will be utterly lost. + The agitation of his mind baffles all the power of medicine, and till that + is relieved, his health can never be restored. His, spirit, probably + always too high for his rank in life, now struggles against every attack + of sickness and of poverty, in preference to yielding to his fate, and + applying to his friends for their interest and assistance. I mean not to + vindicate his obduracy, yet I wish it were possible it could be + surmounted. Indeed I dread to think what may become of him! feeling at + present nothing but wretchedness and pain, looking forward in future to + nothing but ruin and despair!” + </p> + <p> + “There is no man,” cried young Delvile, with emotion, “who might not + rather envy than pity sufferings which give rise to such compassion!” + </p> + <p> + “Pecuniary assistance he will not accept,” she continued, “and, indeed, + his mind is superior to receiving consolation from such temporary relief; + I wish him, therefore, to be put into some way of life by which his own + talents, which have long enough amused the world, may at length become + serviceable to himself. Do you think, Sir, this is possible?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I rejoice,” cried Delvile, colouring with pleasure while he spoke, + “in this flattering concurrence of our opinions! see, madam,” taking from + his pocket a letter, “how I have been this very morning occupied, in + endeavouring to procure for Mr Belfield some employment by which his + education might be rendered useful, and his parts redound to his own + credit and advantage.” + </p> + <p> + He then broke the seal, and put into her hand a letter to a nobleman, + whose son was soon going abroad, strongly recommending Belfield to him in + capacity of a tutor. + </p> + <p> + A sympathy of sentiment so striking impressed them at the same moment with + surprise and esteem; Delvile earnestly regarded her with eyes of speaking + admiration, while the occasion of his notice rendered it too pleasant to + distress her, and filled her with an inward satisfaction which brightened + her whole countenance. + </p> + <p> + She had only time, in a manner that strongly marked her approbation, to + return the letter, before Mrs Delvile again made her appearance. + </p> + <p> + During the rest of the evening but little was said; Cecilia was not + talkative, and young Delvile was so absent, that three times his mother + reminded him of an engagement to meet his father, who that night was + expected at the Duke of Derwent's house in town, before he heard that she + spoke to him, and three times more before, when he had heard, he obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, when she came back to Mr Harrel's, found the house full of + company. She went into the drawing-room, but did not remain there long: + she was grave and thoughtful, she wished to be alone, and by the earliest + opportunity, stole away to her own apartment. + </p> + <p> + Her mind was now occupied by new ideas, and her fancy was busied in the + delineation of new prospects. She had been struck from her first meeting + young Delvile with an involuntary admiration of his manners and + conversation; she had found upon every succeeding interview something + further to approve, and felt for him a rising partiality which made her + always see him with pleasure, and never part from him without a wish to + see him again. Yet, as she was not of that inflammable nature which is + always ready to take fire, as her passions were under the controul of her + reason, and she suffered not her affections to triumph over her + principles, she started at her danger the moment she perceived it, and + instantly determined to give no weak encouragement to a prepossession + which neither time nor intimacy had justified. She denied herself the + deluding satisfaction of dwelling upon the supposition of his worth, was + unusually assiduous to occupy all her time, that her heart might have less + leisure for imagination; and had she found that his character degenerated + from the promise of his appearance, the well regulated purity of her mind + would soon have enabled her to have driven him wholly from her thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Such was her situation when the circumstances of her affairs occasioned + her becoming an inmate of his house; and here she grew less guarded, + because less clear-sighted to the danger of negligence, for the frequency + of their conversation allowed her little time to consider their effects. + If at first she had been pleased with his deportment and elegance, upon + intimacy she was charmed with his disposition and his behaviour; she found + him manly, generous, open-hearted and amiable, fond of literature, + delighting in knowledge, kind in his temper, and spirited in his actions. + </p> + <p> + Qualities such as these, when recommended by high birth, a striking + figure, and polished manners, formed but a dangerous companion for a young + woman, who, without the guard of any former prepossession, was so fervent + an admirer of excellence as Cecilia. Her heart made no resistance, for the + attack was too gentle and too gradual to alarm her vigilance, and + therefore, though always sensible of the pleasure she received from his + society, it was not till she returned to Portman-square, after having + lived under the same roof with him for a fortnight, that she was conscious + her happiness was no longer in her own power. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel's house, which had never pleased her, now became utterly + disgustful; she was wearied and uncomfortable, yet, willing to attribute + her uneasiness to any other than the true cause, she fancied the house + itself was changed, and that all its inhabitants and visitors were more + than unusually disagreeable: but this idle error was of short duration, + the moment of self-conviction was at hand, and when Delvile presented her + the letter he had written for Mr Belfield, it flashed in her eyes! + </p> + <p> + This detection of the altered state of her mind opened to her views and + her hopes a scene entirely new, for neither the exertion of the most + active benevolence, nor the steady course of the most virtuous conduct, + sufficed any longer to wholly engage her thoughts, or constitute her + felicity; she had purposes that came nearer home, and cares that + threatened to absorb in themselves that heart and those faculties which + hitherto had only seemed animated for the service of others. + </p> + <p> + Yet this loss of mental freedom gave her not much uneasiness, since the + choice of her heart, though involuntary, was approved by her principles, + and confirmed by her judgment. Young Delvile's situation in life was just + what she wished, more elevated than her own, yet not so exalted as to + humble her with a sense of inferiority; his connections were honourable, + his mother appeared to her the first of women, his character and + disposition seemed formed to make her happy, and her own fortune was so + large, that to the state of his she was indifferent. + </p> + <p> + Delighted with so flattering a union of inclination with propriety, she + now began to cherish the partiality she at first had repressed, and + thinking the future destination of her life already settled, looked + forward with grateful joy to the prospect of ending her days with the man + she thought most worthy to be entrusted with the disposal of her fortune. + </p> + <p> + She had not, indeed, any certainty that the regard of young Delvile was + reciprocal, but she had every reason to believe he greatly admired her, + and to suspect that his mistaken notion of her prior engagement, first + with Mr Belfield, and afterwards with Sir Robert Floyer, made him at + present check those sentiments in her favour which, when that error was + removed, she hoped to see I encouraged. + </p> + <p> + Her purpose, therefore, was quietly to wait an explanation, which she + rather wished retarded than forwarded, that her leisure and opportunity + might be more for investigating his character, and saving herself from + repentance. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iii. — A CONFLICT. + </h2> + <p> + The day following this happy intellectual arrangement, Cecilia was visited + by Mr Monckton. That gentleman, who had enquired for her immediately after + the Harrels went to their villa, and who had flattered himself with + reaping much advantage from their absence, by frequent meetings and + confidential discourses, suffered the severest mortification when he found + that her stay in town rendered her not the less inaccessible to him, since + he had no personal acquaintance with the Delviles, and could not venture + to present himself at their house. + </p> + <p> + He was now received by her with more than usual pleasure; the time had + seemed long to her since she had conversed with him, and she was eager to + ask his counsel and assistance in her affairs. She related to him the + motives which had induced her to go to St James'-square, and the + incorrigible obstinacy with which Mr Harrel still continued to encourage + the addresses of Sir Robert Floyer; she earnestly entreated him to become + her agent in a business to which she was unequal, by expostulating in her + cause with Mr Harrel, and by calling upon Sir Robert himself to insist + upon his foregoing his unauthorised pretensions. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton listened eagerly to her account and request, and when she had + finished, assured her he would deliberate upon each circumstance of the + affair, and then maturely weigh every method he could devise, to extricate + her from an embarrassment which now grew far too serious to be safely + neglected. + </p> + <p> + “I will not, however,” continued he, “either act or give my opinion + without further enquiry, as I am confident there is a mystery in this + business which lies deeper than we can at present fathom. Mr Harrel has + doubtless purposes of his own to answer by this pretended zeal for Sir + Robert; nor is it difficult to conjecture what they may be. Friendship, in + a man of his light cast, is a mere cover, a mere name, to conceal a + connection which has its basis solely in the licentious convenience of + borrowing money, going to the same gaming house, and mutually + communicating and boasting their mutual vices and intrigues, while, all + the time, their regard for each other is equally hollow with their regard + for truth and integrity.” + </p> + <p> + He then cautioned her to be extremely careful with respect to any money + transactions with Mr Harrel, whose splendid extravagance he assured her + was universally known to exceed his fortune. + </p> + <p> + The countenance of Cecilia during this exhortation was testimony + sufficient to the penetrating eyes of Mr Monckton that his advice came not + too soon: a suspicion of the real state of the case speedily occurred to + him, and he questioned her minutely upon the subject. She endeavoured to + avoid making him any answer, but his discernment was too keen for her + inartificial evasion, and he very soon gathered all the particulars of her + transactions with Mr Harrel. + </p> + <p> + He was less alarmed at the sum she had lent him, which was rather within + his expectations, than at the method she had been induced to take to + procure it. He represented to her in the strongest manner the danger of + imposition, nay of ruin, from the extortions and the craft of + money-lenders; and he charged her upon no consideration to be tempted or + persuaded again to have recourse to such perilous expedients. + </p> + <p> + She promised the most attentive observance of his advice: and then told + him the acquaintance she had made with Miss Belfield, and her sorrow for + the situation of her brother; though, satisfied for the present with the + plan of young Delvile, she now gave up her design of soliciting his + counsel. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this conversation, a note was delivered to her from Mr + Delvile senior, acquainting her with his return to town, and begging the + favour of her to call in St James's-square the next morning, as he wished + to speak to her upon some business of importance. + </p> + <p> + The eager manner in which Cecilia accepted this invitation, and her + repeated and earnest exclamation of wonder at what Mr Delvile could have + to say, past not unnoticed by Mr Monckton; he instantly turned the + discourse from the Belfields, the Harrels, and the Baronet, to enquire how + she had spent her time during her visit in St James's-square, and what was + her opinion of the family after her late opportunities of intimacy? + </p> + <p> + Cecilia answered that she had yet seen nothing more of Mr Delvile, who had + been absent the whole time, but with equal readiness and pleasure she + replied to all his questions concerning his lady, expatiating with warmth + and fervour upon her many rare and estimable qualities. + </p> + <p> + But when the same interrogatories were transferred to the son, she spoke + no longer with the same ease, nor with her usual promptitude of sincerity; + she was embarrassed, her answers were short, and she endeavoured to hasten + from the subject. + </p> + <p> + Mr Monckton remarked this change with the most apprehensive quickness, + but, forcing a smile, “Have you yet,” he said, “observed the family + compact in which those people are bound to besiege you, and draw you into + their snares?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed,” cried Cecilia, much hurt by the question, “I am sure no such + compact has been formed; and I am sure, too, that if you knew them better, + you would yourself be the first to admire and do them justice.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Miss Beverley,” cried he, “I know them already; I do not, indeed, + visit them, but I am perfectly acquainted with their characters, which + have been drawn to me by those who are most closely connected with them, + and who have had opportunities of inspection which I hope will never fall + to your share, since I am satisfied the trial would pain, though the proof + would convince you.” + </p> + <p> + “What then have you heard of them?” cried Cecilia, with much earnestness: + “It is, at least, not possible any ill can be said of Mrs Delvile.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” returned he. “Mrs Delvile is not nearer perfection + than the rest of her family, she has only more art in disguising her + foibles; because, tho' she is the daughter of pride, she is the slave of + interest.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you have been greatly misinformed,” said Cecilia warmly; “Mrs + Delvile is the noblest of women! she may, indeed, from her very + exaltation, have enemies, but they are the enemies of envy, not of + resentment, enemies raised by superior merit, not excited by injury or + provocation!” + </p> + <p> + “You will know her better hereafter;” said Mr Monckton calmly, “I only + hope your knowledge will not be purchased by the sacrifice of your + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “And what knowledge of her, Sir,” cried Cecilia, starting, “can have power + to put my happiness in any danger?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you,” answered he, “with all the openness you have a claim to + from my regard, and then leave to time to shew if I am mistaken. The + Delvile family, notwithstanding its ostentatious magnificence, I can + solemnly assure you, is poor in every branch, alike lineal and + collateral.” + </p> + <p> + “But is it therefore the less estimable?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, because the more rapacious. And while they count on each side Dukes, + Earls and Barons in their genealogy, the very wealth with which, through + your means, they project the support of their insolence, and which they + will grasp with all the greediness of avarice, they will think honoured by + being employed in their service, while the instrument, all amiable as she + is, by which they attain it, will be constantly held down as the disgrace + of their alliance.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, stung to the soul by this speech, rose from her chair, unwilling + to answer it, yet unable to conceal how much it shocked her. Mr Monckton, + perceiving her emotion, followed her, and taking her hand, said, “I would + not give this warning to one I thought too weak to profit from it; but as + I am well informed of the use that is meant to be made of your fortune, + and the abuse that will follow of yourself, I think it right to prepare + you for their artifices, which merely to point out, may render abortive.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, too much disturbed to thank him, drew back her hand, and + continued silent. Mr Monckton, reading through her displeasure the state + of her affections, saw with terror the greatness of the danger which + threatened him. He found, however, that the present was no time for + enforcing objections, and perceiving he had already gone too far, though + he was by no means disposed to recant, he thought it most prudent to + retreat, and let her meditate upon his exhortation while its impression + was yet strong in her mind. + </p> + <p> + He would now, therefore, have taken leave; but Cecilia, endeavouring to + recollect herself, and fully persuaded that however he had shocked her, he + had only her interest in view, stopt him, saying, “You think me, perhaps, + ungrateful, but believe me I am not; I must, however, acknowledge that + your censure of Mrs Delvile hurts me extremely. Indeed I cannot doubt her + worthiness, I must still, therefore, plead for her, and I hope the time + may come when you will allow I have not pleaded unjustly.” + </p> + <p> + “Justly or unjustly,” answered Mr Monckton, “I am at least sure you can + never plead vainly. I give up, therefore, to your opinion my attack of Mrs + Delvile, and am willing from your commendations to suppose her the best of + the race. Nay, I will even own that perhaps Mr Delvile himself, as well as + his lady, might pass through life and give but little offence, had they + only themselves to think of, and no son to stimulate their arrogance.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the son, then,” said Cecilia faintly, “so much the most culpable?” + </p> + <p> + “The son, I believe,” answered he, “is at least the chief incentive to + insolence and ostentation in the parents, since it is for his sake they + covet with such avidity honours and riches, since they plume themselves + upon regarding him as the support of their name and, family, and since + their pride in him even surpasses their pride in their lineage and + themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” thought Cecilia, “and of such a son who could help being proud!” + </p> + <p> + “Their purpose, therefore,” he continued, “is to, secure through his means + your fortune, which they will no sooner obtain, than, to my certain + knowledge, they mean instantly, and most unmercifully, to employ it in + repairing all their dilapidated estates.” + </p> + <p> + And then he quitted the subject; and, with that guarded warmth which + accompanied all his expressions, told her he would carefully watch for her + honour and welfare, and, repeating his promise of endeavouring to discover + the tie by which Mr Harrel seemed bound to the Baronet, he left her—a + prey himself to an anxiety yet more severe than that with which he had + filled her! He now saw all his long cherished hopes in danger of final + destruction, and suddenly cast upon the brink of a precipice, where, while + he struggled to protect them from falling, his eyes were dazzled by + beholding them totter. + </p> + <p> + Mean while Cecilia, disturbed from the calm of soft serenity to which she + had yielded every avenue of her soul, now looked forward with distrust and + uneasiness, even to the completion of the views which but a few minutes + before had comprised all her notions of felicity. The alliance which so + lately had seemed wholly unexceptionable, now appeared teeming with + objections, and threatening with difficulties. The representations of Mr + Monckton had cruelly mortified her; well acquainted with his knowledge of + the world, and wholly unsuspicious of his selfish motives, she gave to his + assertions involuntary credit, and even while she attempted to combat + them, they made upon her mind an impression scarce ever to be erased. + </p> + <p> + Full, therefore, of doubt and inquietude, she passed the night in + discomfort and irresolution, now determining to give way to her feelings, + and now to be wholly governed by the counsel of Mr Monckton. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER iv. — AN EXPECTATION. + </h2> + <p> + In this disposition of mind Cecilia the next morning obeyed the summons of + Mr Delvile, and for the first time went to St James'-square in a humour to + look for evil instead of good, and meanness instead of nobleness. + </p> + <p> + She was shewn into an apartment where she found Mr Delvile alone, and was + received by him, as usual, with the most stately solemnity. + </p> + <p> + When she was seated, “I have given you, Miss Beverley,” said he, “the + trouble of calling, in order to discuss with you the internal state of + your affairs; a duty which, at this juncture, I hold to be incumbent upon + my character. The delicacy due to your sex would certainly have induced me + to wait upon you myself for this purpose, but for the reasons I have + already hinted to you, of fearing the people with whom you live might + think it necessary to return my visit. Persons of low origin are commonly + in those matters the most forward. Not, however, that I would prejudice + you against them; though, for myself, it is fit I remember that a general + and indiscriminate acquaintance, by levelling all ranks, does injury to + the rites of society.” + </p> + <p> + Ah! thought Cecilia, how infallible is Mr Monckton! and how inevitably, in + a family of which Mr Delvile is the head, should I be cruelly <i>held + down, as the disgrace of their alliance</i>! + </p> + <p> + “I have applied,” continued he, “to Mrs Delvile, to know if the + communication which I had recommended to you, and to which she had + promised her attention, had yet passed; but I am informed you have not + spoken to her upon the subject.” + </p> + <p> + “I had nothing, Sir, to communicate,” answered Cecilia, “and I had hoped, + as Mrs Delvile made no enquiries, she was satisfied she had nothing to + hear.” + </p> + <p> + “With respect to enquiries,” said Mr Delvile, “I fear you are not + sufficiently aware of the distance between a lady of Mrs Delvile's rank, + both by birth and alliance, and such a young woman as Mrs Harrel, whose + ancestors, but a short time since, were mere Suffolk farmers. But I beg + your pardon;—I mean not any reflection upon yours: I have always + heard they were very worthy people. And a farmer is certainly a very + respectable person. Your father, I think, no more than the Dean your + uncle, did nothing in that way himself?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir,” said Cecilia, drily, and much provoked by this contemptuous + courtesy. + </p> + <p> + “I have always been told he was a very good sort of man: I knew none of + the family myself, but the Dean. His connections with the Bishop of + ———, my relation, put him often in my way. Though his + naming me for one of his trustees, I must own, was rather extraordinary; + but I mean not to hurt you; on the contrary, I should be much concerned to + give you any uneasiness.” + </p> + <p> + Again Mr Monckton arose in the mind of Cecilia, and again she acknowledged + the truth of his strictures; and though she much wondered in what an + harangue so pompous was to end, her disgust so far conquered her + curiosity, that without hearing it, she wished herself away. + </p> + <p> + “To return,” said he, “to my purpose. The present period of your life is + such as to render advice particularly seasonable; I am sorry, therefore, + as I before said, you have not disclosed your situation to Mrs Delvile. A + young lady on the point of making an establishment, and with many + engagements in her power, is extremely liable to be mistaken in her + judgment, and therefore should solicit instruction from those who are able + to acquaint her what connection would be most to her advantage. One thing, + however, I am happy to commend, the young man who was wounded in the duel—I + cannot recollect his name—is, I hear, totally out of the question.” + </p> + <p> + What next? thought Cecilia; though still she gave him no interruption, for + the haughtiness of his manner was repulsive to reply. + </p> + <p> + “My design, therefore, is to speak to you of Sir Robert Floyer. When I had + last the pleasure of addressing you upon this subject, you may probably + remember my voice was in his favour; but I then regarded him merely as the + rival of an inconsiderable young man, to rescue you from whom he appeared + an eligible person. The affair is now altered, that young man is thought + of no more, and another rival comes forward, to whom Sir Robert is as + inconsiderable as the first rival was to Sir Robert.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia started at this information, livelier sensations stimulated her + curiosity, and surmises in which she was most deeply interested quickened + her attention. + </p> + <p> + “This rival,” proceeded he, “I should imagine no young lady would a moment + hesitate in electing; he is every way the superior of Sir Robert except in + fortune, and the deficiencies of that the splendour of your own may amply + supply.” + </p> + <p> + The deepest crimson now tinged the cheeks of Cecilia; the prophecy of Mr + Monckton seemed immediately fulfilling, and she trembled with a rising + conflict between her approbation of the offer, and her dread of its + consequences. + </p> + <p> + “I know not, indeed,” continued he, “in what estimation you may have been + accustomed to hold rank and connection, nor whether you are impressed with + a proper sense of their superiority and value; for early prejudices are + not easily rooted out, and those who have lived chiefly with monied + people, regard even birth itself as unimportant when compared with + wealth.” + </p> + <p> + The colour which first glowed in the cheeks of Cecilia from expectation, + now rose yet higher from resentment: she thought herself already insulted + by a prelude so ostentatious and humiliating to the proposals which were + to follow; and she angrily determined, with whatever pain to her heart, to + assert her own dignity by refusing them at once, too well satisfied by + what she now saw of the present, that Mr Monckton had been just in his + prediction of the future. + </p> + <p> + “Your rejection, therefore,” continued he, “of this honourable offer, may + perhaps have been merely the consequence of the principles in which you + have been educated.—” + </p> + <p> + “Rejection?” interrupted Cecilia, amazed, “what rejection, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not refused the proposals of my Lord Ernolf for his son?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord Ernolf? never! nor have I ever seen either his Lordship or his son + but in public.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” replied Mr Delvile, “is little to the purpose; where the connexion + is a proper one, a young lady of delicacy has only to accede to it. But + though this rejection came not immediately from yourself, it had doubtless + your concurrence.” + </p> + <p> + “It had not, Sir, even my knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “Your alliance then with Sir Robert Floyer is probably nearer a conclusion + than I had imagined, for otherwise Mr Harrel would not, without consulting + you, have given the Earl so determinate an answer.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir,” said Cecilia, impatiently, “my alliance with him was never more + distant, nor do I mean it should ever approach more near.” + </p> + <p> + She was now little disposed for further conversation. Her heroic design of + refusing young Delvile by no means reconciled her to the discovery she now + made that he had not meant to address her; and though she was provoked and + fretted at this new proof that Mr Harrel scrupled neither assertions nor + actions to make her engagement with Sir Robert credited, her + disappointment in finding that Mr Delvile, instead of pleading the cause + of his son, was exerting his interest for another person, affected her so + much more nearly, that notwithstanding he still continued his parading + harangue, she scarcely knew even the subject of his discourse, and seized + the first opportunity of a cessation to rise and take her leave. + </p> + <p> + He asked her if she would not call upon Mrs Delvile; but desirous to be + alone, she declined the invitation; he then charged her to proceed no + further with Sir Robert till he had made some enquiries concerning Lord + Ernolf, and graciously promising his protection and counsel, suffered her + to depart. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia now perceived she might plan her rejections, or study her dignity + at her leisure, for neither Mr Delvile nor his son seemed in any haste to + put her fortitude to the proof. With regard, therefore, to their plots and + intentions, Mr Monckton she found was wrong, but with respect to their + conduct and sentiments, she had every reason to believe him right: and + though her heart refused to rejoice in escaping a trial of its strength, + her judgment was so well convinced that his painting was from the life, + that she determined to conquer her partiality for young Delvile, since she + looked forward to nothing but mortification in a connexion with his + family. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER v. — AN AGITATION. + </h2> + <p> + With this intention, and every faculty of her mind absorbed in reflecting + upon the reasons which gave rise to it, she returned to Portman-square. + </p> + <p> + As her chair was carried into the hall, she observed, with some alarm, a + look of consternation among the servants, and an appearance of confusion + in the whole house. She was proceeding to her own room, intending to + enquire of her maid if any evil had happened, when she was crossed upon + the stairs by Mr Harrel, who passed her with an air so wild and perturbed, + that he hardly seemed to know her. + </p> + <p> + Frightened and amazed, she stopt short, irresolute which way to go; but, + hastily returning, he beckoned her to follow him. + </p> + <p> + She obeyed, and he led her to the library. He then shut the door, and + abruptly seizing her hand, called out, “Miss Beverley, I am ruined!—I + am undone!—I am blasted for ever!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, Sir!” said Cecilia, extremely terrified, “I hope not! Where + is Mrs Harrel?” + </p> + <p> + “O I know not! I know not!” cried he, in a frantic manner, “but I have not + seen her,—I cannot see her,—I hope I shall never see her more!—” + </p> + <p> + “O fie! fie!” said Cecilia, “let me call her, I beg; you should consult + with her in this distress, and seek comfort from her affection.” + </p> + <p> + “From her affection?” repeated he, fiercely, “from her hatred you mean! do + you not know that she, too, is ruined? Oh past redemption ruined!—and + yet that I should hesitate, that I should a moment hesitate to conclude + the whole business at once!” + </p> + <p> + “How dreadful!” cried Cecilia, “what horrible thing has happened?” + </p> + <p> + “I have undone Priscilla!” cried he, “I have blasted my credit! I have + destroyed—no, not yet quite destroyed myself!” + </p> + <p> + “O yet nor ever!” cried Cecilia, whose agitation now almost equalled his + own, “be not so desperate, I conjure you! speak to me more intelligibly,—what + does all this mean? How has it come to pass?” + </p> + <p> + “My debts!—my creditors!—one way only,” striking his hand upon + his forehead, “is left for me!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not say so, Sir!” said Cecilia, “you shall find many ways; pray have + courage! pray speak calmly; and if you will but be more prudent, will but, + in future, better regulate your affairs, I will myself undertake—” + </p> + <p> + She stopt; checked in the full career of her overflowing compassion, by a + sense of the worthlessness of its object; and by the remembrance of the + injunctions of Mr Monckton. + </p> + <p> + “What will you undertake?” cried he, eagerly, “I know you are an angel!—tell + me, what will you undertake?” + </p> + <p> + “I will,—” said Cecilia, hesitating, “I will speak to Mr Monckton,—I + will consult—” + </p> + <p> + “You may as well consult with every cursed creditor in the house!” + interrupted he; “but do so, if you please; my disgrace must perforce reach + him soon, and a short anticipation is not worth begging off.” + </p> + <p> + “Are your creditors then actually in the house?” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, yes! and therefore it is high time I should be out of it!—Did + you not see them?—Do they not line the hall?—They threaten me + with three executions before night!—three executions unless I + satisfy their immediate demands!—” + </p> + <p> + “And to what do their demands amount?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not!—I dare not ask!—to some thousand pounds, perhaps,—and + I have not, at this minute, forty guineas in the house!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then,” cried Cecilia, retreating, “I can indeed do nothing! if their + demands are so high, I <i>ought</i> to do nothing.” + </p> + <p> + She would then have quitted him, not more shocked at his situation, than + indignant at the wilful extravagance which had occasioned it. + </p> + <p> + “Stay,” cried he, “and hear me!” then, lowering his voice, “seek out,” he + continued, “your unfortunate friend,—go to the poor ruined + Priscilla,—prepare her for tidings of horror! and do not, though you + renounce Me, do not abandon Her!” + </p> + <p> + Then, fiercely passing her, he was himself leaving the room; but Cecilia, + alarmed by the fury of his manner, called out, “What is it you mean? what + tidings of horror? whither are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “To hell!” cried he, and rushed out of the apartment. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia screamed aloud, and conjuring him to hear her, ran after him; he + paid her no regard, but, flying faster than she had power to pursue, + reached his own dressing-room, shut himself into it with violence, and + just as she arrived at the door, turned the key, and bolted it. + </p> + <p> + Her terror was now inexpressible; she believed him in the very act of + suicide, and her refusal of assistance seemed the signal for the deed: her + whole fortune, at that moment, was valueless and unimportant to her, + compared with the preservation of a fellow-creature: she called out with + all the vehemence of agony to beg he would open the door, and eagerly + promised by all that was sacred to do everything in her power to save him. + </p> + <p> + At these words he opened it; his face was totally without colour, and he + grasped a razor in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “You have stopt me,” said he, in a voice scarce audible, “at the very + moment I had gathered courage for the blow: but if indeed you will assist + me, I will shut this up,—if not, I will steep it in my blood!” + </p> + <p> + “I will! I will!” cried Cecilia, “I will do every thing you desire!” + </p> + <p> + “And quickly?” + </p> + <p> + “Immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “Before my disgrace is known? and while all may yet be hushed up?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes! all—any—every thing you wish!” + </p> + <p> + “Swear, then!” + </p> + <p> + Here Cecilia drew back; her recollection returned as her terror abated, + and her repugnance to entering into an engagement for she knew not what, + with a man whose actions she condemned, and whose principles she abhorred, + made all her fright now give way to indignation, and, after a short pause, + she angrily answered, “No, Sir, I will not swear!—but yet, all that + is reasonable, all that is friendly—” + </p> + <p> + “Hear me swear, then!” interrupted he, furiously, “which at this moment I + do, by every thing eternal, and by every thing infernal, that I will not + outlive the seizure of my property, and that the moment I am informed + there is an execution in my house, shall be the last of my existence!” + </p> + <p> + “What cruelty! what compulsion! what impiety!” cried Cecilia: “give me, + however, that horrible instrument, and prescribe to me what conditions you + please.” + </p> + <p> + A noise was now heard below stairs, at which Cecilia, who had not dared + call for help lest he should quicken his desperation, was secretly + beginning to rejoice, when, starting at the sound, he exclaimed, “I + believe you are too late!—the ruffians have already seized my + house!” then, endeavouring to force her out of the room, “Go,” he cried, + “to my wife;—I want to be alone!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh give me first,” cried she, “that weapon, and I will take what oath you + please!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!—go,—leave me,—” cried he, almost breathless + with emotion, “I must not now be trifled with.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not trifle! indeed I do not!” cried Cecilia, holding by his arm: + “try, put me to the proof!” + </p> + <p> + “Swear, solemnly swear, to empty my house of these creditors this moment!” + </p> + <p> + “I do swear,” cried she, with energy, “and Heaven prosper me as I am + sincere!” + </p> + <p> + “I see, I see you are an angel!” cried he, rapturously, “and as such I + worship and adore you! O you have restored me to life, and rescued me from + perdition!” + </p> + <p> + “Give me, then, that fatal instrument!” + </p> + <p> + “That instrument,” returned he, “is nothing, since so many others are in + my power; but you have now taken from me all desire of using them. Go, + then, and stop those wretches from coming to me,—send immediately + for the Jew!—he will advance what money you please,—my man + knows where to find him; consult with Mr Arnott,—speak a word of + comfort to Priscilla,—but do nothing, nothing at all, till you have + cleared my house of those cursed scoundrels!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, whose heart sunk within her at the solemn promise she had given, + the mention of the Jew, and the arduous task she had undertaken, quitted + him without reply, and was going to her own room, to compose her hurried + spirits, and consider what steps she had to take, when hearing the noise + in the hall grow louder, she stopt to listen, and catching some words that + greatly alarmed her, went half way down stairs, when she was met by + Davison, Mr Harrel's man, of whom she enquired into the occasion of the + disturbance. + </p> + <p> + He answered that he must go immediately to his master, for the bailiffs + were coming into the house. + </p> + <p> + “Let him not know it if you value his life!” cried she, with new terror. + “Where is Mr Arnott? call him to me,—beg him to come this moment;—I + will wait for him here.” + </p> + <p> + The man flew to obey her; and Cecilia, finding she had time neither for + deliberation nor regret, and dreading lest Mr Harrel, by hearing of the + arrival of the bailiffs, should relapse into despair, determined to call + to her aid all the courage, prudence, and judgment she possessed, and, + since to act she was compelled, endeavour with her best ability, to save + his credit, and retrieve his affairs. + </p> + <p> + The moment Mr Arnott came, she ordered Davison to hasten to his master, + and watch his motions. + </p> + <p> + Then, addressing Mr Arnott, “Will you. Sir,” she said, “go and tell those + people that if they will instantly quit the house, every thing shall be + settled, and Mr Harrel will satisfy their demands?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah madam!” cried Mr Arnott, mournfully, “and how? he has no means to pay + them, and I have none—without ruin to myself,—to help him!” + </p> + <p> + “Send them but away,” said Cecilia, “and I will myself be your security + that your promise shall not be disgraced.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, madam,” cried he, “what are you doing? well as I wish to Mr Harrel, + miserable as I am for my unfortunate sister, I yet cannot bear that such + goodness, such beneficence should be injured!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, however, persisted, and with evident reluctance he obeyed her. + </p> + <p> + While she waited his return, Davison came from Mr Harrel, who had ordered + him to run instantly for the Jew. + </p> + <p> + Good Heaven, thought Cecilia, that a man so wretchedly selfish and + worldly, should dare, with all his guilt upon his head, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To rush unlicenced on eternity! {Footnote: Mason's Elfrida} +</pre> + <p> + Mr Arnott was more than half an hour with the people; and when, at last, + he returned, his countenance immediately proclaimed the ill success of his + errand. The creditors, he said, declared they had so frequently been + deceived, that they would not dismiss the bailiffs, or retire themselves, + without actual payment. + </p> + <p> + “Tell them, then, Sir,” said Cecilia, “to send me their accounts, and, if + it be possible, I will discharge them directly.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott's eyes were filled with tears at this declaration, and he + protested, be the consequence to himself what it might, he would pay away + every shilling he was worth, rather than witness such injustice. + </p> + <p> + “No,” cried Cecilia, exerting more spirit, that she might shock him less, + “I did not save Mr Harrel, to destroy so much better a man! you have + suffered but too much oppression already; the present evil is mine; and + from me, at least, none I hope will ever spread to Mr Arnott.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott could not bear this; he was struck with grief, with admiration, + and with gratitude, and finding his tears now refused to be restrained, he + went to execute her commission in silent dejection. + </p> + <p> + The dejection, however, was encreased, though his tears were dispersed, + when he returned; “Oh madam!” he cried, “all your efforts, generous as + they are, will be of no avail! the bills even now in the house amount to + more than L7000!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, amazed and confounded, started and clasped her hands, calling + out, “What must I do! to what have I bound myself! and how can I answer to + my conscience,—to my successors, such a disposal, such an abuse of + so large a part of my fortune!” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott could make no answer; and they stood looking at each other in + silent irresolution, till Davison brought intelligence that the Jew was + already come, and waited to speak with her. + </p> + <p> + “And what can I say to him?” cried she, more and more agitated; “I + understand nothing of usury; how am I to deal with him?” + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott then confessed that he should himself have instantly been bail + for his brother, but that his fortune, originally not large, was now so + much impaired by the many debts which from time to time he had paid for + him, that as he hoped some day to have a family of his own, he dare not + run a risk by which he might be utterly ruined, and the less, as his + sister had at Violet Bank been prevailed upon to give up her settlement. + </p> + <p> + This account, which explained the late uneasiness of Mrs Harrel, still + encreased the distress of Cecilia; and every moment she obtained for + reflection, augmented her reluctance to parting with <i>so</i> large a sum + of money for so worthless an object, and added strength to her resentment + for the unjustifiable menaces which had extorted from her such a promise. + Yet not an instant would she listen to Mr Arnott's offer of fulfilling her + engagement, and charged him, as he considered her own self-esteem worth + her keeping, not to urge to her a proposal so ungenerous and selfish. + </p> + <p> + Davison now came again to hasten her, and said that the Jew was with his + master, and they both impatiently expected her. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, half distracted with her uncertainty how to act, changed colour + at this message, and exclaimed “Oh Mr Arnott, run I beseech you for Mr + Monckton! bring him hither directly,—if any body can save me it is + him; but if I go back to Mr Harrel, I know it will be all over!” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Mr Arnott, “I will run to him this moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet no!—stop!—” cried the trembling Cecilia, “he can now do + me no good,—his counsel will arrive too late to serve me,—it + cannot call back the oath I have given! it cannot, compulsatory as it was, + make me break it, and not be miserable for ever!” + </p> + <p> + This idea sufficed to determine her; and the apprehension of + self-reproach, should the threat of Mr Harrel be put in execution, was + more insupportable to her blameless and upright mind, than any loss or + diminution which her fortune could sustain. + </p> + <p> + Slowly however, with tardy and unwilling steps, her judgment repugnant, + and her spirit repining, she obeyed the summons of Mr Harrel, who, + impatient of her delay, came forward to meet her. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Beverley,” he cried, “there is not a moment to be lost; this good + man will bring you any sum of money, upon a proper consideration, that you + will command; but if he is not immediately commissioned, and these cursed + fellows are not got out of my house, the affair will be blown,”—-“and + what will follow,” added he, lowering his voice, “I will not again + frighten you by repeating, though I shall never recant.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia turned from him in horror; and, with a faltering voice and heavy + heart, entreated Mr Arnott to settle for her with the Jew. + </p> + <p> + Large as was the sum, she was so near being of age, and her security was + so good, that the transaction was soon finished: 7500 pounds was received + of the Jew, Mr Harrel gave Cecilia his bond for the payment, the creditors + were satisfied, the bailiffs were dismissed, and the house was soon + restored to its customary appearance of splendid gaiety. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel, who during this scene had shut herself up in her own room to + weep and lament, now flew to Cecilia, and in a transport of joy and + gratitude, thanked her upon her knees for thus preserving her from utter + ruin: the gentle Mr Arnott seemed uncertain whether most to grieve or + rejoice; and Mr Harrel repeatedly protested she should have the sole + guidance of his future conduct. + </p> + <p> + This promise, the hope of his amendment, and the joy she had expanded, + somewhat revived the spirits of Cecilia; who, however, deeply affected by + what had passed, hastened from them all to her own room. + </p> + <p> + She had now parted with 8050 pounds to Mr Harrel, without any security + when or how it was to be paid; and that ardour of benevolence which taught + her to value her riches merely as they enabled her to do good and generous + actions, was here of no avail to console or reward her, for her gift was + compelled, and its receiver was all but detested. “How much better,” cried + she, “would this have been bestowed upon the amiable Miss Belfield! or + upon her noble-minded, though proud-spirited brother! and how much less a + sum would have made the virtuous and industrious Hills easy and happy for + life! but here, to become the tool of the extravagance I abhor! to be made + responsible for the luxury I condemn! to be liberal in opposition to my + principles, and lavish in defiance of my judgment!—Oh that my + much-deceived Uncle had better known to what dangerous hands he committed + me! and that my weak and unhappy friend had met with a worthier protector + of her virtue and safety!” + </p> + <p> + As soon, however, as she recovered from the first shock of her + reflections, she turned her thoughts from herself to the formation of some + plan that might, at least, render her donation of serious and lasting use. + The signal service she had just done them gave her at present an + ascendency over the Harrels, which she hoped, if immediately exerted, + might prevent the return of so calamitous a scene, by engaging them both + to an immediate change of conduct. But unequal herself to contriving + expedients for this purpose that might not easily be controverted, she + determined to send the next morning a petition to Mr Monckton to call upon + her, reveal to him the whole transaction, and entreat him to suggest to + her what, with most probability of success, she might offer to their + consideration. + </p> + <p> + While this was passing in her mind, on the evening of the day in which she + had so dearly purchased the right of giving counsel, she was summoned to + tea. + </p> + <p> + She found Mr Harrel and his lady engaged in earnest discourse; as soon as + she appeared, the former said, “My dear Miss Beverley, after the + extraordinary kindness you have shewn me this morning, you will not, I am + sure, deny me one trifling favour which I mean to ask this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Mrs Harrel, “that I am sure she will not, when she knows that + our future appearance in the world depends upon her granting it.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope, then,” said Cecilia, “I shall not wish to refuse it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing in the world,” said Mr Harrel, “but to go with us to-night + to the Pantheon.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was struck with the utmost indignation at this proposal; that the + man who in the morning had an execution in his house, should languish in + the evening for the amusement of a public place,—that he who but a + few hours before was plunging uncalled into eternity, should, while the + intended instrument of death was yet scarce cold from the grasp of his + hand, deliberately court a return of his distress, by instantly recurring + to the methods which had involved him in it, irritated and shocked her + beyond even a wish of disguising her displeasure, and therefore, after an + expressive silence, she gave a cold, but absolute denial. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Mr Harrel, somewhat confused, “you do not understand the + motives of our request. The unfortunate affair of this morning is very + likely to spread presently all over the town; the only refutation that can + be given to it, is by our all appearing in public before any body knows + whether to believe it or not.” + </p> + <p> + “Do, my dearest friend,” cried his lady, “oblige me by your compliance; + indeed our whole reputation depends upon it. I made an engagement + yesterday to go with Mrs Mears, and if I disappoint her, every body will + be guessing the reason.” + </p> + <p> + “At least,” answered Cecilia, “my going can answer no purpose to you: + pray, therefore, do not ask me; I am ill disposed for such sort of + amusement, and have by no means your opinion of its necessity.” + </p> + <p> + “But if we do not <i>all</i> go,” said Mr Harrel, “we do almost nothing: + you are known to live with us, and, your appearance at this critical time + is important to our credit. If this misfortune gets wind, the consequence + is that every dirty tradesman in town to whom I owe a shilling, will be + forming the same cursed combination those scoundrels formed this morning, + of coming in a body, and waiting for their money, or else bringing an + execution into my house.. The only way to silence report is by putting a + good face upon the matter at once, and shewing ourselves to the world as + if nothing had happened. Favour us, therefore, to-night with your company, + which is really important to us, or ten to one, but in another fortnight, + I shall be just in the same scrape.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, however incensed at this intelligence that his debts were still + so numerous, felt now so much alarmed at the mention of an execution, as + if she was in actual danger of ruin herself. Terrified, therefore, though + not convinced, she yielded to their persuasions, and consented to + accompany them. + </p> + <p> + They soon after separated to make some alteration in their dress, and + then, calling in their way for Mrs Mears, they proceeded to the Pantheon. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vi. — A MAN OF THE TON. + </h2> + <p> + At the door of the Pantheon they were joined by Mr Arnott and Sir Robert + Floyer, whom Cecilia now saw with added aversion: they entered the great + room during the second act of the Concert, to which as no one of the party + but herself had any desire to listen, no sort of attention was paid; the + ladies entertaining themselves as if no Orchestra was in the room, and the + gentlemen, with an equal disregard to it, struggling for a place by the + fire, about which they continued hovering till the music was over. + </p> + <p> + Soon after they were seated, Mr Meadows, sauntering towards them, + whispered something to Mrs Mears, who, immediately rising, introduced him + to Cecilia; after which, the place next to her being vacant, he cast + himself upon it, and lolling as much at his ease as his situation would + permit, began something like a conversation with her. + </p> + <p> + “Have you been long in town, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not your first winter?” + </p> + <p> + “Of being in town, it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have something new to see; O charming! how I envy you!—Are + you pleased with the Pantheon?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much; I have seen no building at all equal to it.” + </p> + <p> + “You have not been abroad. Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! + There's no looking at a building here after seeing Italy.” + </p> + <p> + “Does all happiness, then, depend upon the sight of buildings?” said + Cecilia, when, turning towards her companion, she perceived him yawning, + with such evident inattention to her answer, that not chusing to interrupt + his reverie, she turned her head another way. + </p> + <p> + For some minutes he took no notice of this; and then, as if suddenly + recollecting himself, he called out hastily, “I beg your pardon, ma'am, + you were saying something?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir, nothing worth repeating.” + </p> + <p> + “O pray don't punish me so severely as not to let me hear it!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though merely not to seem offended at his negligence, was then + again beginning an answer, when, looking at him as she spoke, she + perceived that he was biting his nails with so absent an air, that he + appeared not to know he had asked any question. She therefore broke off, + and left him to his cogitation. + </p> + <p> + Sometime after he addressed her again, saying, “Don't you find this place + extremely tiresome, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sir,” said she, half laughing, “it is, indeed, not very + entertaining!” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is entertaining,” answered he, “for two minutes together. Things + are so little different one from another, that there is no making pleasure + out of any thing. We go the same dull round for ever; nothing new, no + variety! all the same thing over again! Are you fond of public places, + ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sir, <i>soberly</i>, as Lady Grace says.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I envy you extremely, for you have some amusement always in your own + power. How desirable that is!” + </p> + <p> + “And have not you the same resources?” + </p> + <p> + “O no! I am tired to death! tired of every thing! I would give the + universe for a disposition less difficult to please. Yet, after all, what + is there to give pleasure? When one has seen one thing, one has seen every + thing. O, 'tis heavy work! Don't you find it so, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + This speech was ended with so violent a fit of yawning, that Cecilia would + not trouble herself to answer it: but her silence, as before, passed + wholly unnoticed, exciting neither question nor comment. + </p> + <p> + A long pause now succeeded, which he broke at last, by saying, as he + writhed himself about upon his seat, “These forms would be much more + agreeable if there were backs to them. 'Tis intolerable to be forced to + sit like a school-boy. The first study of life is ease. There is, indeed, + no other study that pays the trouble of attainment. Don't you think so, + ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “But may not even that,” said Cecilia, “by so much study, become labour?” + </p> + <p> + “I am vastly happy you think so.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, ma'am, but I thought you said—I really beg your + pardon, but I was thinking of something else.” + </p> + <p> + “You did very right, Sir,” said Cecilia, laughing, “for what I said by no + means merited any attention.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you do me the favour to repeat it?” cried he, taking out his glass + to examine some lady at a distance. + </p> + <p> + “O no,” said Cecilia, “that would be trying your patience too severely.” + </p> + <p> + “These glasses shew one nothing but defects,” said he; “I am sorry they + were ever invented. They are the ruin of all beauty; no complexion can + stand them. I believe that solo will never be over; I hate a solo; it + sinks, it depresses me intolerably.” + </p> + <p> + “You will presently, Sir,” said Cecilia, looking at the bill of the + concert, “have a full piece; and that, I hope, will revive you.” + </p> + <p> + “A full piece! oh insupportable! it stuns, it fatigues, it overpowers me + beyond endurance! no taste in it, no delicacy, no room for the smallest + feeling.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, then, you are only fond of singing?” + </p> + <p> + “I should be, if I could hear it; but we are now so miserably off in + voices, that I hardly ever attempt to listen to a song, without fancying + myself deaf from the feebleness of the performers. I hate every thing that + requires attention. Nothing gives pleasure that does not force its own + way.” + </p> + <p> + “You only, then, like loud voices, and great powers?” + </p> + <p> + “O worse and worse!—no, nothing is so disgusting to me. All my + amazement is that these people think it worth while to give Concerts at + all; one is sick to death of music.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” cried Cecilia, “if it gives no pleasure, at least it takes none + away; for, far from being any impediment to conversation, I think every + body talks more during the performance than between the acts. And what is + there better you could substitute in its place?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, receiving no answer to this question, again looked round to see + if she had been heard; when she observed her new acquaintance, with a very + thoughtful air, had turned from her to fix his eyes upon the statue of + Britannia. + </p> + <p> + Very soon after, he hastily arose, and seeming entirely to forget that he + had spoke to her, very abruptly walked away. + </p> + <p> + Mr Gosport, who was advancing to Cecilia, and had watched part of this + scene, stopt him as he was retreating, and said “Why Meadows, how's this? + are you caught at last?” + </p> + <p> + “O worn to death! worn to a thread!” cried he, stretching himself, and + yawning; “I have been talking with a young lady to entertain her! O such + heavy work! I would not go through it again for millions! + </p> + <p> + “What, have you talked yourself out of breath?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but the effort! the effort!—O, it has unhinged me for a + fortnight!—Entertaining a young lady!—one had better be a + galley-slave at once!” + </p> + <p> + “Well but, did she not pay your toils? She is surely a sweet creature.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing can pay one for such insufferable exertion! though she's well + enough, too—better than the common run,—but shy, quite too + shy; no drawing her out.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that was to your taste. You commonly hate much volubility. How + have I heard you bemoan yourself when attacked by Miss Larolles!” + </p> + <p> + “Larolles? O distraction! She talks me into a fever in two minutes. But so + it is for ever! nothing but extremes to be met with! common girls are too + forward, this lady is too reserved—always some fault! always some + drawback! nothing ever perfect!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” cried Mr Gosport, “you do not know her; she is perfect enough + in all conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “Better not know her, then,” answered he, again yawning, “for she cannot + be pleasing. Nothing perfect is natural;—I hate every thing out of + nature.” + </p> + <p> + He then strolled on, and Mr Gosport approached Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + “I have been wishing,” cried he, “to address you this half hour, but as + you were engaged with Mr Meadows, I did not dare advance.” + </p> + <p> + “O, I see your malice!” cried Cecilia; “you were determined to add weight + to the value of your company, by making me fully sensible where the + balance would preponderate.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, if you do not admire Mr Meadows,” cried he, “you must not even + whisper it to the winds.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he, then, so very admirable?” + </p> + <p> + “O, he is now in the very height of fashionable favour: his dress is a + model, his manners are imitated, his attention is courted, and his notice + is envied.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you not laughing?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed; his privileges are much more extensive than I have mentioned: + his decision fixes the exact limits between what is vulgar and what is + elegant, his praise gives reputation, and a word from him in public + confers fashion!” + </p> + <p> + “And by what wonderful powers has he acquired such influence?” + </p> + <p> + “By nothing but a happy art in catching the reigning foibles of the times, + and carrying them to an extreme yet more absurd than any one had done + before him. Ceremony, he found, was already exploded for ease, he, + therefore, exploded ease for indolence; devotion to the fair sex, had + given way to a more equal and rational intercourse, which, to push still + farther, he presently exchanged for rudeness; joviality, too, was already + banished for philosophical indifference, and that, therefore, he + discarded, for weariness and disgust.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it possible that qualities such as these should recommend him to + favour and admiration?” + </p> + <p> + “Very possible, for qualities such as these constitute the present taste + of the times. A man of the <i>Ton</i>, who would now be conspicuous in the + gay world, must invariably be insipid, negligent, and selfish.” + </p> + <p> + “Admirable requisites!” cried Cecilia; “and Mr Meadows, I acknowledge, + seems to have attained them all.” + </p> + <p> + “He must never,” continued Mr Gosport, “confess the least pleasure from + any thing, a total apathy being the chief ingredient of his character: he + must, upon no account, sustain a conversation with any spirit, lest he + should appear, to his utter disgrace, interested in what is said: and when + he is quite tired of his existence, from a total vacuity of ideas, he must + affect a look of absence, and pretend, on the sudden, to be wholly lost in + thought.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not wish,” said Cecilia, laughing, “a more amiable companion!” + </p> + <p> + “If he is asked his opinion of any lady,” he continued, “he must commonly + answer by a grimace; and if he is seated next to one, he must take the + utmost pains to shew by his listlessness, yawning, and inattention, that + he is sick of his situation; for what he holds of all things to be most + gothic, is gallantry to the women. To avoid this is, indeed, the principal + solicitude of his life. If he sees a lady in distress for her carriage, he + is to enquire of her what is the matter, and then, with a shrug, wish her + well through her fatigues, wink at some bye-stander, and walk away. If he + is in a room where there is a crowd of company, and a scarcity of seats, + he must early ensure one of the best in the place, be blind to all looks + of fatigue, and deaf to all hints of assistance, and seeming totally to + forget himself, lounge at his ease, and appear an unconscious spectator of + what is going forward. If he is at a ball where there are more women than + men, he must decline dancing at all, though it should happen to be his + favourite amusement, and smiling as he passes the disengaged young ladies, + wonder to see them sit still, and perhaps ask them the reason!” + </p> + <p> + “A most alluring character indeed!” cried Cecilia; “and pray how long have + these been the accomplishments of a fine gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “I am but an indifferent chronologer of the modes,” he answered, “but I + know it has been long enough to raise just expectations that some new + folly will be started soon, by which the present race of INSENSIBLISTS may + be driven out. Mr Meadows is now at the head of this sect, as Miss + Larolles is of the VOLUBLE, and Miss Leeson of the SUPERCILIOUS. But this + way comes another, who, though in a different manner, labours with the + same view, and aspires at the same reward, which stimulate the ambition of + this happy <i>Triplet</i>, that of exciting wonder by peculiarity, and + envy by wonder.” + </p> + <p> + This description announced Captain Aresby; who, advancing from the + fire-place, told Cecilia how much he rejoiced in seeing her, said he had + been <i>reduced to despair</i> by so long missing that honour, and that he + had feared she <i>made it a principle</i> to avoid coming in public, + having sought her in vain <i>partout</i>. + </p> + <p> + He then smiled, and strolled on to another party. + </p> + <p> + “And pray of what sect,” said Cecilia, “is this gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “Of the sect of JARGONISTS,” answered Mr Gosport; “he has not an ambition + beyond paying a passing compliment, nor a word to make use of that he has + not picked up at public places. Yet this dearth of language, however you + may despise it, is not merely owing to a narrow capacity: foppery and + conceit have their share in the limitation, for though his phrases are + almost always ridiculous or misapplied, they are selected with much study, + and introduced with infinite pains.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor man!” cried Cecilia, “is it possible it can cost him any trouble to + render himself so completely absurd?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but not more than it costs his neighbours to keep him in + countenance. Miss Leeson, since she has presided over the sect of the + SUPERCILIOUS, spends at least half her life in wishing the annihilation of + the other half; for as she must only speak in her own Coterie, she is + compelled to be frequently silent, and therefore, having nothing to think + of, she is commonly gnawn with self-denial, and soured with want of + amusement: Miss Larolles, indeed, is better off, for in talking faster + than she thinks, she has but followed the natural bent of her disposition: + as to this poor JARGONIST, he has, I must own, rather a hard task, from + the continual restraint of speaking only out of his own {Lilliputian} + vocabulary, and denying himself the relief of ever uttering one word by + the call of occasion but what hardship is that, compared with what is + borne by Mr Meadows? who, since he commenced INSENSIBLIST, has never once + dared to be pleased, nor ventured for a moment to look in good humour!” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, then,” said Cecilia, “in a short time, the punishment of this + affectation will bring its cure.” + </p> + <p> + “No; for the trick grows into habit, and habit is a second nature. A + secret idea of fame makes his forbearance of happiness supportable to him: + for he has now the self-satisfaction of considering himself raised to that + highest pinnacle of fashionable refinement which is built upon apathy and + scorn, and from which, proclaiming himself superior to all possibility of + enjoyment, he views the whole world with contempt! holding neither beauty, + virtue, wealth, nor power of importance sufficient to kindle the smallest + emotion!” + </p> + <p> + “O that they could all round listen to you!” cried Cecilia; “they would + soon, I think, sicken of their folly, if they heard it thus admirably + exposed.” + </p> + <p> + “No; they would but triumph that it had obtained them so much notice!—But + pray do you see that gentleman, or don't you chuse to know him, who has + been bowing to you this half hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” cried Cecilia, and, looking round, perceived Mr Morrice; who, + upon her returning his salutation, instantly approached her, though he had + never ventured to shew himself at Mr Harrel's, since his unfortunate + accident on the evening of the masquerade. + </p> + <p> + Entirely casting aside the easy familiarity at which he had latterly + arrived, he enquired after her health with the most fearful diffidence, + and then, bowing profoundly, was modestly retiring; when Mrs Harrel + perceiving him, smiled with so much good-humour, that he gathered courage + to return and address her, and found her, to his infinite delight, as + obliging and civil as ever. + </p> + <p> + The Concert was now over; the ladies arose, and the gentlemen joined them. + Morrice, at sight of Mr Harrel, was again shrinking; but Mr Harrel, + immediately shaking hands with him, enquired what had kept him so long + from Portman-Square? Morrice then, finding, to his great surprise, that no + one had thought more of the mischief but himself who had committed it, + joyously discarded his timidity, and became as sprightly as before his + mortification. + </p> + <p> + A motion was now made for going to the tea-room; and as they walked on, + Cecilia, in looking up to examine the building, saw in one of the + galleries young Delvile, and almost at the same time caught his eye. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely now did a moment elapse before he joined her. The sight of him, + strongly reviving in her mind the painful contrariety of opinion with + which she had lately thought of him, the sentiments so much in his favour + which but a few days before she had encouraged, and which it was only that + morning she had endeavoured to crush, made her meet him with a kind of + melancholy that almost induced her to lament he was amiable, and repine + that she knew none like him. + </p> + <p> + His appearance, meantime, was far different; he seemed enchanted at the + sight of her, he flew eagerly to meet her, and his eyes sparkled with + pleasure as he approached her; a pleasure neither moderate nor disguised, + but lively, unrestrained, and expressive. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, whose plans since she had last seen him had twice varied, who + first had looked forward to being united with him for ever, and afterwards + had determined to avoid with him even a common acquaintance, could not, + while these thoughts were all recurring to her memory, receive much + delight from observing his gaiety, or feel at all gratified by his + unembarrassed manners. The openness of his attentions, and the frankness + of his admiration, which hitherto had charmed her as marks of the + sincerity of his character, now shocked her as proofs of the indifference + of his heart, which feeling for her a mere common regard, that affected + neither his spirits nor his peace, he manifested without scruple, since it + was not accompanied with even a wish beyond the present hour. + </p> + <p> + She now, too, recollected that such had always been his conduct, one + single and singular moment excepted, when, as he gave to her his letter + for Mr Belfield, he seemed struck as she was herself by the extraordinary + co-incidence of their ideas and proceedings: that emotion, however, she + now regarded as casual and transitory, and seeing him so much happier than + herself, she felt ashamed of her delusion, and angry at her easy + captivation. + </p> + <p> + Reflections such as these, though they added fresh motives to her + resolution of giving up all thoughts of his alliance, were yet so + humiliating, that they robbed her of all power of receiving pleasure from + what was passing, and made her forget that the place she was in was even + intended for a place of entertainment. + </p> + <p> + Young Delvile, after painting in lively colours the loss his house had + sustained by her quitting it, and dwelling with equal force upon the + regret of his mother and his own, asked in a low voice if she would do him + so much honour as to introduce him to Mr Harrel; “As the son,” added he, + “of a brother guardian, I think I have a kind of claim to his + acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia could not refuse, though as the request was likely to occasion + more frequent meetings, she persuaded herself she was unwilling to comply. + The ceremony therefore past, and was again repeated with Mrs Harrel, who, + though she had several times seen him, had never been formally made known + to him. + </p> + <p> + The Harrels were both of them much pleased at this mark of civility in a + young man whose family had prepared them rather to expect his scorn, and + expressed their wishes that he would drink his tea in their party; he + accepted their invitation with alacrity, and turning to Cecilia, said, + “Have I not skilfully timed my introduction! But though you have done me + this honour with Mr and Mrs Harrel, I must not yet, I presume, entreat you + to extend it to a certain happy gentleman of this company;” glancing his + eyes toward Sir Robert Floyer. + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir,” answered she, with quickness, “yet, nor ever!” + </p> + <p> + They were now at the door leading down stairs to the tea-room. Cecilia saw + that Sir Robert, who had hitherto been engaged with some gentlemen, seemed + to be seeking her; and the remembrance of the quarrel which had followed + her refusal of his assistance at the Opera-house, obliged her to + determine, should he offer it again, to accept it: but the same brutality + which forced this intention, contributed to render it repugnant to her, + and she resolved if possible to avoid him, by hurrying down stairs before + he reached her. She made, therefore, a sudden attempt to slip through the + crowd, and as she was light and active, she easily succeeded; but though + her hasty motion separated her from the rest of her party, Delvile, who + was earnestly looking at her, to discover her meaning in the disclaiming + speech she made about Sir Robert, saw into her design, but suffered her + not to go alone; he contrived in a moment to follow and join her, while + she was stopping at the foot of the stairs for Mrs Harrel. + </p> + <p> + “Why what a little thief you are,” cried he, “to run away from us thus! + what do you think Sir Robert will say? I saw him looking for you at the + very instant of your flight.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you saw at the same time,” said Cecilia, “the reason of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you give me leave,” cried he, laughing, “to repeat this to my Lord + Ernolf?” + </p> + <p> + “You may repeat it, Sir, if you please,” said Cecilia, piqued that he had + not rather thought of himself than of Lord Ernolf, “to the whole + Pantheon.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I should,” cried he, “half of it, at least, would thank me; and to + obtain the applause of so noble an assembly, what would it signify that + Sir Robert should cut my throat?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe,” said Cecilia, deeply mortified by a raillery that shewed so + little interest in her avowal of indifference, “you are determined to make + me as sick of that man's name, as I am of his conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it possible,” exclaimed Delvile, in a tone of surprise, “that such + can be your opinion, and yet, situated as you are, the whole world at your + command, and all mankind at your devotion—but I am answering you + seriously, when you are only speaking by rule.” + </p> + <p> + “What rule, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “That which young ladies, upon certain occasions, always prescribe + themselves.” + </p> + <p> + Here they were interrupted by the arrival of the rest of the company; + though not before Cecilia had received some little consolation for her + displeasure, by finding that young Delvile still supposed she was engaged, + and flattering herself his language would be different were he informed of + the contrary. + </p> + <p> + Morrice now undertook to procure them a table for tea, which, as the room + was very full, was not easily done; and while they were waiting his + success, Miss Larolles, who from the stairs had perceived Cecilia, came + running up to her, and taking her hand, called out “Lord, my dear + creature, who'd have thought of seeing you here? I was never so surprised + in my life! I really thought you was gone into a convent, it's so extreme + long since I've seen you. But of all things in the world, why was you not + at Lady Nyland's last assembly? I thought of asking Mrs Harrel fifty times + why you did not come, but it always went out of my head. You've no notion + how excessively I was disappointed.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very obliging,” said Cecilia laughing, “but I hope, since you so + often forgot it, the disappointment did {not} much lessen your + entertainment.” + </p> + <p> + “O Lord no! I was never so happy in my life. There was such a crowd, you + could not move a finger. Every body in the world was there. You've no idea + how delightful it was. I thought verily I should have fainted with the + heat.” + </p> + <p> + “That was delightful indeed! And how long did you stay?” + </p> + <p> + “Why we danced till three in the morning. We began with Cotillons, and + finished with country dances. It was the most elegant thing you ever saw + in your life; every thing quite in a style. I was so monstrously fatigued, + I could hardly get through the last dance. I really thought I should have + dropt down dead. Only conceive dancing five hours in such a monstrous + crowd! I assure you when I got home my feet were all blisters. You have no + idea how they smarted.” + </p> + <p> + “And whence comes it,” cried young Delvile, “that <i>you</i> partake so + little of these delights?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I fear,” answered Cecilia, “I came too late into the school of + fashion to be a ductile pupil.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” continued Miss Larolles, “Mr Meadows has not spoke one word + to me all the evening! Though I am sure he saw me, for I sat at the + outside on purpose to speak to a person or two, that I knew would be + strolling about; for if one sits on the inside, there's no speaking to a + creature, you know, so I never do it at the Opera, nor in the boxes at + Ranelagh, nor any where. It's the shockingest thing you can conceive to be + made sit in the middle of those forms; one might as well be at home, for + nobody can speak to one.” + </p> + <p> + “But you don't seem to have had much better success,” said Cecilia, “in + keeping at the outside.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes I have, for I got a little chat with two or three people as they + were passing, for, you know, when one sits there, they can't help saying + something; though I assure you all the men are so exceedingly odd they + don't care whether they speak to one or no. As to Mr Meadows, he's really + enough to provoke one to death. I suppose he's in one of his absent fits. + However, I assure you I think it's extreme impertinent of him, and so I + shall tell Mr Sawyer, for I know he'll make a point of telling him of it + again.” + </p> + <p> + “I rather think,” said Cecilia, “the best would be to return the + compliment in kind, and when he next recollects you, appear to have + forgotten him.” + </p> + <p> + “O Lord, that's a very good notion! so I will, I declare. But you can't + conceive how glad I am the Concert's over; for I assure you, though I sat + as near the fire as possible, I was so extreme cold you've no idea, for Mr + Meadows never would let me have the least peep at it. I declare I believe + he does it on purpose to plague one, for he grows worse and worse every + day. You can't think how I hate him!” + </p> + <p> + “Not easily, I believe indeed!” said Cecilia, archly. + </p> + <p> + “O do but look!” resumed the fair VOLUBLE, “if there is not Mrs Mears in + her old red gown again! I begin to think she'll never have another. I wish + she was to have an execution in her house, if it was only to get rid of + it! I am so fatigued with the sight of it you can't conceive.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Morrice now brought intelligence that he had secured one side of a + table which would very well accommodate the ladies; and that the other + side was only occupied by one gentleman, who, as he was not drinking tea + himself, would doubtless give up his place when the party appeared. + </p> + <p> + Miss Larolles then ran back to her own set, and the rest followed Mr + Morrice; Mrs Harrell, Mrs Mears and Cecilia took their places. The + gentleman opposite to them proved to be Mr Meadows: Morrice, therefore, + was much deceived in his expectations, for, far from giving up his place, + he had flung himself all along upon the form in such a lounging posture, + while he rested one arm upon the table, that, not contented with merely + keeping his own seat, he filled up a space meant for three. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel had already walked off to another party: Delvile stood aloof for + some minutes, expecting Sir Robert Floyer would station himself behind + Cecilia; but Sir Robert, who would scarce have thought such a + condescension due to a princess, disdained any appearance of assiduity, + even while he made it his care to publish his pretensions: and therefore, + finding no accommodation to please him, he stalked towards some gentlemen + in another part of the room. Delvile then took the post he had neglected, + and Mr Arnott, who had not had courage to make any effort in his own + favour, modestly stood near him. Cecilia contrived to make room for Mr + Gosport next to herself, and Morrice was sufficiently happy in being + allowed to call the waiters, superintend, the provisions, and serve the + whole party. + </p> + <p> + The task of making tea fell upon Cecilia, who being somewhat incommoded by + the vicinity of her neighbours, Mrs Mears called out to Mr Meadows “Do + pray, Sir, be so good as to make room for one of us at your side.” + </p> + <p> + Mr Meadows, who was indolently picking his teeth, and examining them with + a tooth pick case glass, did not, at first, seem to hear her; and when she + repeated her request, he only looked at her, and said “umph?” + </p> + <p> + “Now really, Mr Meadows,” said she, “when you see any ladies in such + distress, I wonder how you can forbear helping them.” + </p> + <p> + “In distress, are you?” cried he, with a vacant smile, “pray, what's the + matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you see? we are so crowded we can hardly sit.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't you?” cried he, “upon my honour it's very shameful that these + people don't contrive some seats more convenient.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mrs Mears; “but if you would be so kind as to let somebody + else sit by you we should not want any contrivance.” + </p> + <p> + Here Mr Meadows was seized with a furious fit of yawning, which as much + diverted Cecilia and Mr Gosport, as it offended Mrs Mears, who with great + displeasure added, “Indeed, Mr Meadows, it's very strange that you never + hear what's said to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said he, “were you speaking to me?” and again began + picking his teeth. + </p> + <p> + Morrice, eager to contrast his civility with the inattention of Mr + Meadows, now flew round to the other side of the table, and calling out + “let <i>me</i> help you, Miss Beverley, I can make tea better than + anybody,” he lent over that part of the form which Mr Meadows had occupied + with one of his feet, in order to pour it out himself: but Mr Meadows, by + an unfortunate removal of his foot, bringing him forwarder than he was + prepared to go, the tea pot and its contents were overturned immediately + opposite to Cecilia. + </p> + <p> + Young Delvile, who saw the impending evil, from an impetuous impulse to + prevent her suffering by it, hastily drew her back, and bending down + before her, secured her preservation by receiving himself the mischief + with which she was threatened. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Mears and Mrs Harrel vacated their seats in a moment, and Mr Gosport + and Mr Arnott assisted in clearing the table, and removing Cecilia, who + was very slightly hurt, and at once surprised, ashamed, and pleased at the + manner in which she had been saved. + </p> + <p> + Young Delvile, though a sufferer from his gallantry, the hot water having + penetrated through his coat to his arm and shoulder, was at first + insensible to his situation, from an apprehension that Cecilia had not + wholly escaped; and his enquiries were so eager and so anxious, made with + a look of such solicitude, and a voice of such alarm, that, equally + astonished and gratified, she secretly blest the accident which had given + birth to his uneasiness, however she grieved for its consequence to + himself. + </p> + <p> + But no sooner was he satisfied of her safety, than he felt himself obliged + to retire; yet attributing to inconvenience what was really the effect of + pain, he hurried away with an appearance of sport, saying, “There is + something I must own, rather <i>unknightly</i> in quitting the field for a + wet jacket, but the company, I hope, will only give me credit for flying + away to Ranelagh. So + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Like a brave general after being beat, + I'll exult and rejoice in a prudent retreat.” {Footnote: Smart} +</pre> + <p> + He then hastened to his carriage: and poor Morrice, frightened and + confounded at the disaster he had occasioned, sneaked after him with much + less ceremony. While Mr Meadows, wholly unconcerned by the distress and + confusion around him, sat quietly picking his teeth, and looking on, + during the whole transaction, with an unmeaning stare, that made it + doubtful whether he had even perceived it. + </p> + <p> + Order being now soon restored, the ladies finished their tea, and went up + stairs. Cecilia, to whom the late accident had afforded much new and + interesting matter for reflection, wished immediately to have returned + home, but she was not the leader of the party, and therefore could not + make the proposal. + </p> + <p> + They then strolled through all the apartments, and having walked about + till the fashionable time of retiring, they were joined by Sir Robert + Floyer, and proceeded to the little room near the entrance to the great + one, in order to wait for their carriages. + </p> + <p> + Here Cecilia again met Miss Larolles, who came to make various remarks, + and infinite ridicule, upon sundry unfashionable or uncostly articles in + the dresses of the surrounding company; as well as to complain, with no + little resentment, that Mr Meadows was again standing before the fire! + </p> + <p> + Captain Aresby also advanced, to tell her he was quite <i>abattu</i> by + having so long lost sight of her, to hope she <i>would make a renounce</i> + of mortifying the world by discarding it, and to protest he had waited for + his carriage till he was actually upon the point of being {<i>accable</i>.} + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this <i>jargon</i>, to which the fulness of Cecilia's mind + hardly permitted her to listen, there suddenly appeared at the door of the + apartment, Mr Albany, who, with his usual austerity of countenance, stopt + to look round upon the company. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see,” cried Mr Gosport to Cecilia, “who approaches? your poor <i>sycophants</i> + will again be taken to task, and I, for one, tremble at the coming storm!” + </p> + <p> + “O Lord,” cried Miss Larolles, “I wish I was safe in my chair! that man + always frightens me out of my senses. You've no notion what disagreeable + things he says to one. I assure you I've no doubt but he's crazy; and I'm + always in the shockingest fright in the world for fear he should be taken + with a fit while I'm near him.” + </p> + <p> + “It is really a petrifying thing,” said the Captain, “that one can go to + no <i>spectacle</i> without the <i>horreur</i> of being <i>obsede</i> by + that person! if he comes this way, I shall certainly make a renounce, and + retire.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” said Sir Robert, “what the d—-l do you mind him for?” + </p> + <p> + “O he is the greatest bore in nature!” cried the Captain, “and I always do + <i>mon possible</i> to avoid him; for he breaks out in such barbarous + phrases, that I find myself <i>degoute</i> with him in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “O, I assure you,” said Miss Larolles, “he attacks one sometimes in a + manner you've no idea. One day he came up to me all of a sudden, and asked + me what good I thought I did by dressing so much? Only conceive how + shocking!” + </p> + <p> + “O, I have had the <i>horreur</i> of questions of that sort from him <i>sans + fin</i>,” said the Captain; “once he took the liberty to ask me, what + service I was of to the world! and another time, he desired me to inform + him whether I had ever made any poor person pray for me! and, in short, he + has so frequently inconvenienced me by his impertinences, that he really + bores me to a degree.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just the thing that makes him hunt you down,” said Sir Robert; “if + he were to ask me questions for a month together, I should never trouble + myself to move a muscle.” + </p> + <p> + “The matter of his discourse,” said Mr Gosport, “is not more singular than + the manner, for without any seeming effort or consciousness, he runs into + blank verse perpetually. I have made much enquiry about him, but all I am + able to learn, is that he was certainly confined, at one part of his life, + in a private mad-house: and though now, from not being mischievous, he is + set at liberty, his looks, language, and whole behaviour, announce the + former injury of his intellects.” + </p> + <p> + “O Lord,” cried Miss Larolles, half-screaming, “what shocking notions you + put in one's head! I declare I dare say I sha'n't get safe home for him, + for I assure you I believe he's taken a spite to me! and all because one + day, before I knew of his odd ways, I happened to fall a laughing at his + going about in that old coat. Do you know it put him quite in a passion! + only conceive how ill-natured!” + </p> + <p> + “O he has distressed me,” exclaimed the Captain, with a shrug, “<i>partout</i>! + and found so much fault with every thing I have done, that I should really + be glad to have the honour to cut, for the moment he comes up to me, I + know what I have to expect!” + </p> + <p> + “But I must tell you,” cried Miss Larolles, “how monstrously he put me in + a fright one evening when I was talking with Miss Moffat. Do you know, he + came up to us, and asked what we were saying! and because we could not + think in a minute of something to answer him, he said he supposed we were + only talking some scandal, and so we had better go home, and employ + ourselves in working for the poor! only think how horrid! and after that, + he was so excessive impertinent in his remarks, there was quite no bearing + him. I assure you he cut me up so you've no notion.” + </p> + <p> + Here Mr Albany advanced; and every body but Sir Robert moved out of the + way. + </p> + <p> + Fixing his eyes upon Cecilia, with an expression <i>more in sorrow than in + anger</i>, after contemplating her some time in silence, he exclaimed, “Ah + lovely, but perishable flower! how long will that ingenuous countenance, + wearing, because wanting no disguise, look responsive of the whiteness of + the region within? How long will that air of innocence irradiate your + whole appearance? unspoilt by prosperity, unperverted by power! pure in + the midst of surrounding depravity! unsullied in the tainted air of + infectious perdition!” + </p> + <p> + The confusion of Cecilia at this public address, which drew upon her the + eyes and attention of all the company, was inexpressible; she arose from + her seat, covered with blushes, and saying, “I fancy the carriage must be + ready,” pressed forward to quit the room, followed by Sir Robert, who + answered, “No, no, they'll call it when it comes up. Arnott, will you go + and see where it is?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia stopt, but whispered Mrs Harrel to stand near her. + </p> + <p> + “And whither,” cried Albany indignantly, “whither wouldst thou go? Art + thou already disdainful of my precepts? and canst thou not one short + moment spare from the tumultuous folly which encircles thee? Many and many + are the hours thou mayst spend with such as these; the world, alas! is + full of them; weary not then, so soon, of an old man that would admonish + thee,—he cannot call upon thee long, for soon he will be called upon + himself!” + </p> + <p> + This solemn exhortation extremely distressed her; and fearing to still + further offend him by making another effort to escape, she answered in a + low voice, “I will not only hear, but thank you for your precepts, if you + will forbear to give them before so many witnesses.” + </p> + <p> + “Whence,” cried he sternly, “these vain and superficial distinctions? Do + you not dance in public? What renders you more conspicuous? Do you not + dress to be admired, and walk to be observed? Why then this fantastical + scruple, unjustified by reason, unsupported by analogy? Is folly only to + be published? Is vanity alone to be exhibited? Oh slaves of senseless + contradiction! Oh feeble followers of yet feebler prejudice! daring to be + wicked, yet fearing to be wise; dauntless in levity, yet shrinking from + the name of virtue!” + </p> + <p> + The latter part of this speech, during which he turned with energy to the + whole company, raised such a general alarm, that all the ladies hastily + quitted the room, and all the gentlemen endeavoured to enter it, equally + curious to see the man who made the oration, and the lady to whom it was + addressed. Cecilia, therefore, found her situation unsupportable; “I must + go,” she cried, “whether there is a carriage or not! pray, Mrs Harrel, let + us go!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert then offered to take her hand, which she was extremely ready to + give him; but while the crowd made their passage difficult, Albany, + following and stopping her, said, “What is it you fear? a miserable old + man, worn out by the sorrows of that experience from which he offers you + counsel? What, too, is it you trust? a libertine wretch, coveting nothing + but your wealth, for the gift of which he will repay you by the perversion + of your principles!” + </p> + <p> + “What the d—l do you mean by that?” cried the Baronet. + </p> + <p> + “To shew,” answered he, austerely, “the inconsistency of false delicacy; + to show how those who are too timid for truth, can fearless meet + licentiousness.” + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven's sake, Sir,” cried Cecilia, “say no more to me now: call upon + me in Portman-square when you please,—reprove me in whatever you + think me blameable, I shall be grateful for your instructions, and + bettered, perhaps, by your care;—but lessons and notice thus public + can do me nothing but injury.” + </p> + <p> + “How happy,” cried he, “were no other injury near thee! spotless were then + the hour of thy danger, bright, fair and refulgent thy passage to + security! the Good would receive thee with praise, the Guilty would + supplicate thy prayers, the Poor would follow thee with blessings, and + Children would be taught by thy example!” + </p> + <p> + He then quitted her, every body making way as he moved, and proceeded into + the great room. Mrs Harrel's carriage being announced at the same time, + Cecilia lost not an instant in hastening away. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert, as he conducted her, disdainfully laughed at the adventure, + which the general licence allowed to Mr Albany prevented his resenting, + and which therefore he scorned to appear moved at. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Harrel could talk of nothing else, neither was Cecilia disposed to + change the subject, for the remains of insanity which seemed to hang upon + him were affecting without being alarming, and her desire to know more of + him grew every instant stronger. + </p> + <p> + This desire, however, outlived not the conversation to which it gave rise; + when she returned to her own room, no vestige of it remained upon her + mind, which a nearer concern and deeper interest wholly occupied. + </p> + <p> + The behaviour of young Delvile had pained, pleased, and disturbed her; his + activity to save her from mischief might proceed merely from gallantry or + good nature; upon that, therefore, she dwelt little: but his eagerness, + his anxiety, his insensibility to himself, were more than good breeding + could claim, and seemed to spring from a motive less artificial. + </p> + <p> + She now, therefore, believed that her partiality was returned; and this + belief had power to shake all her resolves, and enfeeble all her + objections. The arrogance of Mr Delvile lessened in her reflections, the + admonitions of Mr Monckton abated in their influence. With the first she + considered that though connected she need not live, and for the second, + though she acknowledged the excellence of his judgment, she concluded him + wholly ignorant of her sentiments of Delvile; which she imagined, when + once revealed, would make every obstacle to the alliance seem trifling, + when put in competition with mutual esteem and affection. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER vii. — A REPROOF. + </h2> + <p> + The attention of Cecilia to her own affairs, did not make her forgetful of + those of the Harrels: and the morning after the busy day which was last + recorded, as soon as she quitted the breakfast-room, she began a note to + Mr Monckton, but was interrupted with information that he was already in + the house. + </p> + <p> + She went to him immediately, and had the satisfaction of finding him + alone: but desirous as she was to relate to him the transactions of the + preceding day, there was in his countenance a gravity so unusual, that her + impatience was involuntarily checked, and she waited first to hear if he + had himself any thing to communicate. + </p> + <p> + He kept her not long in suspence; “Miss Beverley,” he said, “I bring you + intelligence which though I know you will be very sorry to hear, it is + absolutely necessary should be told you immediately: you may otherwise, + from however laudable motives, be drawn into some action which you may + repent for life.” + </p> + <p> + “What now!” cried Cecilia, much alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “All that I suspected,” said he, “and more than I hinted to you, is true; + Mr Harrel is a ruined man! he is not worth a groat, and he is in debt + beyond what he ever possessed.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia made no answer: she knew but too fatally the desperate state of + his affairs, yet that <i>his debts were more than he had ever possessed</i>, + she had not thought possible. + </p> + <p> + “My enquiries,” continued he, “have been among principals, and such as + would not dare deceive me. I hastened, therefore, to you, that this timely + notice might enforce the injunctions I gave you when I had the pleasure of + seeing you last, and prevent a misjudging generosity from leading you into + any injury of your own fortune, for a man who is past all relief from it, + and who cannot be saved, even though you were to be destroyed for his + sake.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good,” said Cecilia, “but your counsel is now too late!” She + then briefly acquainted him with what passed, and with how large a sum she + had parted. + </p> + <p> + He heard her with rage, amazement, and horror: and after inveighing + against Mr Harrel in the bitterest terms, he said, “But why, before you + signed your name to so base an imposition, could you not send for me?” + </p> + <p> + “I wished, I meant to have done it,” cried she, “but I thought the time + past when you could help me: how, indeed, could you have saved me? my word + was given, given with an oath the most solemn, and the first I have ever + taken in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “An oath so forced,” answered he, “the most delicate conscience would have + absolved you from performing. You have, indeed, been grossly imposed upon, + and pardon me if I add unaccountably to blame. Was it not obvious that + relief so circumstanced must be temporary? If his ruin had been any thing + less than certain, what tradesmen would have been insolent? You have + therefore deprived yourself of the power of doing good to a worthier + object, merely to grant a longer date to extravagance and villainy.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet how,” cried Cecilia, deeply touched by this reproof, “how could I do + otherwise! Could I see a man in the agonies of despair, hear him first + darkly hint his own destruction, and afterwards behold him almost in the + very act of suicide, the instrument of self-murder in his desperate hand—and + yet, though he put his life in my power, though he told me I could + preserve him, and told me he had no other reliance or resource, could I + leave him to his dreadful despondence, refuse my assisting hand to raise + him from perdition, and, to save what, after all, I am well able to spare, + suffer a fellow-creature, who flung himself upon my mercy, to offer up his + last accounts with an action blacker than any which had preceded it?—No, + I cannot repent what I have done, though I lament, indeed, that the object + was not more deserving.” + </p> + <p> + “Your representation,” said Mr Monckton, “like every thing else that I + ever heard you utter, breathes nothing but benevolence and goodness: but + your pity has been abused, and your understanding imposed upon. Mr Harrel + had no intention to destroy himself; the whole was an infamous trick, + which, had not your generosity been too well known, would never have been + played.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot think quite so ill of him,” said Cecilia, “nor for the world + would I have risked my own future reproaches by trusting to such a + suspicion, which, had it proved wrong, and had Mr Harrel, upon my refusal + committed the fatal deed, would have made his murder upon my own + conscience rest for ever! surely the experiment would have been too + hazardous, when the consequence had all my future peace in its power. + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible not to revere your scruples,” said Mr Monckton, “even + while I consider them as causeless; for causeless they undoubtedly were: + the man who could act so atrocious a part, who could so scandalously + pillage a young lady who was his guest and his ward, take advantage of her + temper for the plunder of her fortune, and extort her compliance by the + basest and most dishonourable arts, meant only to terrify her into + compliance, for he can be nothing less than a downright and thorough + scoundrel, capable of every species of mean villainy.” + </p> + <p> + He then protested he would at least acquaint her other guardians with what + had passed, whose business it would be to enquire if there was any chance + of redress. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, however, had not much trouble in combating this proposal; for + though her objections, which were merely those of punctilious honour and + delicacy, weighed nothing with a man who regarded them as absurdities, yet + his own apprehensions of appearing too officious in her affairs, forced + him, after a little deliberation, to give up the design. + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” said Cecilia, “as I have his bond for what I have parted with, + I have, at least, no right to complain, unless, after he receives his + rents, he refuses to pay me.” + </p> + <p> + “His bonds! his rents!” exclaimed Mr Monckton, “what is a man's bond who + is not worth a guinea? and what are his rents, when all he ever owned must + be sold before they are due, and when he will not himself receive a penny + from the sale, as he has neither land, house, nor possession of any sort + that is not mortgaged?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then,” said Cecilia, “if so, it is indeed all, over! I am sorry, I + am grieved!—but it is past, and nothing, therefore, remains, but + that I try to forget I ever was richer!” + </p> + <p> + “This is very youthful philosophy,” said Mr Monckton; “but it will not + lessen your regret hereafter, when the value of money is better known to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “If I shall dearly buy my experience,” said Cecilia, “let me be the more + attentive to making good use of it; and, since my loss seems irremediable + to myself, let me at least endeavour to secure its utility to Mr Harrel.” + </p> + <p> + She then told him her wish to propose to that gentleman some scheme of + reformation, while yesterday's events were yet recent in his mind: but Mr + Monckton, who had hardly patience to hear her, exclaimed, “He is a wretch, + and deserves the full force of the disgrace he is courting. What is now + most necessary is to guard you from his further machinations, for you may + else be involved in ruin as deep as his own. He now knows the way to + frighten you, and he will not fail to put it in practice.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir,” answered Cecilia, “he would vainly apply to me in future: I + cannot repent that I ventured not yesterday to brave his menaces, but too + little is the comfort I feel from what I have bestowed, to suffer any + consideration to make me part with more.” + </p> + <p> + “Your resolution,” answered he, “will be as feeble as your generosity will + be potent: depend nothing upon yourself, but instantly quit his house. You + will else be made responsible for every debt that he contracts; and + whatever may be his difficulties hereafter, he will know that to extricate + himself from them, he has but to talk of dying, and to shew you a sword or + a pistol.” + </p> + <p> + “If so, then,” said Cecilia, looking down while she spoke, “I suppose I + must again go to Mr Delvile's.” + </p> + <p> + This was by no means the purpose of Mr Monckton, who saw not more danger + to her fortune with one of her guardians, than to her person with the + other. He ventured, therefore, to recommend to her a residence with Mr + Briggs, well knowing that his house would be a security against her seeing + any man equal to himself, and hoping that under his roof he might again be + as unrivalled in her opinion and esteem, as he formerly was in the + country. + </p> + <p> + But here the opposition of Cecilia was too earnest for any hope that it + might be surmounted; for, added to her dislike of Mr Briggs, her + repugnance to such an habitation was strongly, though silently increased, + by her secret inclination to return to St James's-square. + </p> + <p> + “I mention not Mr Briggs as an eligible host,” said Mr Monckton, after + listening to her objections, “but merely as one more proper for you than + Mr Delvile, with whom your fixing at present would but be ill thought of + in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Ill thought of, Sir? Why so?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he has a son; for whose sake alone it would be universally + concluded you changed your abode: and to give any pretence for such a + report, would by no means accord with the usual delicacy of your conduct.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia was confounded by this speech: the truth of the charge she felt, + and the probability of the censure she did not dare dispute. + </p> + <p> + He then gave her a thousand exhortations to beware of the schemes and + artifices of Mr Harrel, which he foresaw would be innumerable. He told + her, too, that with respect to Sir Robert Floyer, he thought she had + better suffer the report to subside of itself, which in time it must + necessarily do, than give to it so much consequence as to send a message + to the Baronet, from which he might pretend to infer that hitherto she had + been wavering, or she would have sent to him sooner. + </p> + <p> + But the real motive of this advice was, that as he found Sir Robert by no + means to be dreaded, he hoped the report, if generally circulated and + credited, might keep off other pretenders, and intimidate or deceive young + Delvile. + </p> + <p> + The purport for which Cecilia had wished this conference was, however, + wholly unanswered; Mr Monckton, enraged by the conduct of Mr Harrel, + refused to talk of his affairs, and could only mention him with + detestation: but Cecilia, less severe in her judgment, and more tender in + her heart, would not yet give up the hope of an amendment she so anxiously + wished; and having now no other person to whom she could apply, determined + to consult with Mr Arnott, whose affection for his sister would give him a + zeal in the affair that might somewhat supply the place of superior + abilities. There was, indeed, no time to be lost in making the projected + attempt, for no sooner was the immediate danger of suffering removed, than + the alarm wore away, and the penitence was forgotten; every thing went on + as usual, no new regulations were made, no expences abated, no pleasures + forborn, not a thought of hereafter admitted: and ruinous and terrible as + had been the preceding storm, no trace of it was visible in the serenity + of the present calm. + </p> + <p> + An occasion of discussion with Mr Arnott very speedily offered. Mr Harrel + said he had observed in the looks of his friends at the Pantheon much + surprise at the sight of him, and declared he should take yet another + measure for removing all suspicion. This was to give a splendid + entertainment at his own house to all his acquaintance, to which he meant + to invite every body of any consequence he had ever seen, and almost every + body he had ever heard of, in his life. + </p> + <p> + Levity so unfeeling, and a spirit of extravagance so irreclaimable, were + hopeless prognostics; yet Cecilia would not desist from her design. She + therefore took the earliest opportunity of speaking with Mr Arnott upon + the subject, when she openly expressed her uneasiness at the state of his + brother's affairs, and warmly acknowledged her displeasure at his + dissipated way of life. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott soon shewed that example was all he wanted to declare the same + sentiments. He owned he had long disapproved the conduct of Mr Harrel, and + trembled at the situation of his sister. They then considered what it was + possible to propose that might retrieve their affairs, and concluded that + entirely to quit London for some years, was the only chance that remained + of saving them from absolute destruction. + </p> + <p> + Mr Arnott, therefore, though fearfully, and averse to the talk, told his + sister their mutual advice. She thanked him, said she was much obliged to + him, and would certainly consider his proposal, and mention it to Mr + Harrel.—Parties of pleasure, however, intervened, and the promise + was neglected. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then again spoke herself. Mrs Harrel, much softened by her late + acts of kindness, was no longer offended by her interference, but + contented herself with confessing that she quite hated the country, and + could only bear to live in it in summer time. And when Cecilia very + earnestly expostulated on the weakness of such an objection to a step + absolutely necessary for her future safety and happiness, she said, <i>she + could do no worse than that if already ruined</i>, and therefore that she + thought <i>it would be very hard to expect from her such a sacrifice + before-hand</i>. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain Cecilia remonstrated: Mrs Harrel's love of pleasure was + stronger than her understanding, and therefore, though she listened to her + with patience, she concluded with the same answer she had begun. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia then, though almost heartless, resolved upon talking with Mr + Harrel himself: and therefore, taking an opportunity which he had not time + to elude, she ingenuously told him her opinion of his danger, and of the + manner in which it might be avoided. + </p> + <p> + He paid unusual attention to her advice, but said she was much mistaken + with respect to his affairs, which he believed he should now very speedily + retrieve, as he had had the preceding night an uncommon <i>run of luck</i>, + and flattered himself with being able very shortly to pay all his debts, + and begin the world again upon a new score. + </p> + <p> + This open confession of gaming was but a new shock to Cecilia, who + scrupled not to represent to him the uncertainty of so hazardous a + reliance, and the inevitable evils of so destructive a practice. + </p> + <p> + She made not, however, the least impression upon his mind; he assured her + he doubted not giving her shortly a good account of himself, and that + living in the country was a resource of desperation which need not be + anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, though grieved and provoked by their mutual folly and blindness, + could proceed no further: advice and admonition she spared not, but + authority she had none to use. She regretted her ineffectual attempt to Mr + Arnott, who was yet more cruelly afflicted at it; but though they + conversed upon the subject by every opportunity, they were equally unable + to relate any success from their efforts, or to devise any plan more + likely to ensure it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER viii. — A MISTAKE. + </h2> + <p> + Mean time young Delvile failed not to honour Cecilia's introduction of him + to Mr Harrel, by waiting upon that gentleman as soon as the ill effects of + his accident at the Pantheon permitted him to leave his own house. Mr + Harrel, though just going out when he called, was desirous of being upon + good terms with his family, and therefore took him up stairs to present + him to his lady, and invited him to tea and cards the next evening. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who was with Mrs Harrel, did not see him without emotion; which + was not much lessened by the task of thanking him for his assistance at + the Pantheon, and enquiring how he had himself fared. No sign, however, of + emotion appeared in return, either when he first addressed, or afterwards + answered her: the look of solicitude with which she had been so much + struck when they last parted was no longer discernible, and the voice of + sensibility which had removed all her doubts, was no longer to be heard. + His general ease, and natural gaiety were again unruffled, and though he + had never seemed really indifferent to her, there was not the least + appearance of any added partiality. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia felt an involuntary mortification as she observed this change: + yet, upon reflection, she still attributed his whole behaviour to his + mistake with respect to her situation, and therefore was but the more + gratified by the preference he occasionally betrayed. + </p> + <p> + The invitation for the next evening was accepted, and Cecilia, for once, + felt no repugnance to joining the company. Young Delvile again was in + excellent spirits; but though his chief pleasure was evidently derived + from conversing with her, she had the vexation to observe that he seemed + to think her the undoubted property of the Baronet, always retreating when + he approached, and as careful, when next her, to yield his place if he + advanced, as, when he was distant, to guard it from all others. + </p> + <p> + But when Sir Robert was employed at cards, all scruples ceasing, he + neglected not to engross her almost wholly. He was eager to speak to her + of the affairs of Mr Belfield, which he told her wore now a better aspect. + The letter, indeed, of recommendation which he had shewn to her, had + failed, as the nobleman to whom it was written had already entered into an + engagement for his son; but he had made application elsewhere which he + believed would be successful, and he had communicated his proceedings to + Mr Belfield, whose spirits he hoped would recover by this prospect of + employment and advantage. “It is, however, but too true,” he added, “that + I have rather obtained his consent to the steps I am taking, than his + approbation of them: nor do I believe, had I previously consulted him, I + should have had even that. Disappointed in his higher views, his spirit is + broken, and he is heartless and hopeless, scarce condescending to accept + relief, from the bitter remembrance that he expected preferment. Time, + however, will blunt this acute sensibility, and reflection will make him + blush at this unreasonable delicacy. But we must patiently soothe him till + he is more himself, or while we mean to serve, we shall only torment him. + Sickness, sorrow, and poverty have all fallen heavily upon him, and they + have all fallen at once: we must not, therefore, wonder to find him + intractable, when his mind is as much depressed, as his body is + enervated.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, to whom his candour and generosity always gave fresh delight, + strengthened his opinions by her concurrence, and confirmed his designs by + the interest which she took in them. + </p> + <p> + From this time, he found almost daily some occasion for calling in + Portman-square. The application of Cecilia in favour of Mr Belfield gave + him a right to communicate to her all his proceedings concerning him; and + he had some letter to shew, some new scheme to propose, some refusal to + lament, or some hope to rejoice over, almost perpetually: or even when + these failed, Cecilia had a cold, which he came to enquire after, or Mrs + Harrel gave him an invitation, which rendered any excuse unnecessary. But + though his intimacy with Cecilia was encreased, though his admiration of + her was conspicuous, and his fondness for her society seemed to grow with + the enjoyment of it, he yet never manifested any doubt of her engagement + with the Baronet, nor betrayed either intention or desire to supplant him. + Cecilia, however, repined not much at the mistake, since she thought it + might be instrumental to procuring her a more impartial acquaintance with + his character, than she could rationally expect, if, as she hoped, the + explanation of his error should make him seek her good opinion with more + study and design. + </p> + <p> + To satisfy herself not only concerning the brother but the sister, she + again visited Miss Belfield, and had the pleasure of finding her in better + spirits, and hearing that the <i>noble friend</i> of her brother, whom she + had already mentioned, and whom Cecilia had before suspected to be young + Delvile, had now pointed out to him a method of conduct by which his + affairs might be decently retrieved, and himself creditably employed. Miss + Belfield spoke of the plan with the highest satisfaction; yet she + acknowledged that her mother was extremely discontented with it, and that + her brother himself was rather led by shame than inclination to its + adoption. Yet he was evidently easier in his mind, though far from happy, + and already so much better, that Mr Rupil said he would very soon be able + to leave his room. + </p> + <p> + Such was the quiet and contented situation of Cecilia, when one evening, + which was destined for company at home, while she was alone in the + drawing-room, which Mrs Harrel had just left to answer a note, Sir Robert + Floyer accidentally came up stairs before the other gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried he, the moment he saw her, “at last have I the good fortune to + meet with you alone! this, indeed, is a favour I thought I was always to + be denied.” + </p> + <p> + He was then approaching her; but Cecilia, who shrunk involuntarily at the + sight of him, was retreating hastily to quit the room, when suddenly + recollecting that no better opportunity might ever offer for a final + explanation with him, she irresolutely stopt; and Sir Robert, immediately + following, took her hand, and pressing it to his lips as she endeavoured + to withdraw it, exclaimed, “You are a most charming creature!” when the + door was opened, and young Delvile at the same moment was announced and + appeared. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, colouring violently, and extremely chagrined, hastily disengaged + herself from his hold. Delvile seemed uncertain whether he ought not to + retire, which Sir Robert perceiving, bowed to him with an air of mingled + triumph and vexation, and said, “Sir your most obedient!” + </p> + <p> + The doubt, however, in which every one appeared of what was next to be + done, was immediately removed by the return of Mrs Harrel, and the arrival + at almost the same moment of more company. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the evening was spent, on the part of Cecilia, most painfully: + the explanation she had planned had ended in worse than nothing, for by + suffering the Baronet to detain her, she had rather shewn a disposition to + oblige, than any intention to discard him; and the situation in which she + had been surprised by young Delvile, was the last to clear the suspicions + she so little wished him to harbour: while, on his part, the accident + seemed to occasion no other alteration than that of rendering him more + than usually assiduous to give way to Sir Robert whenever he approached + her. + </p> + <p> + Nor was Sir Robert slack in taking advantage of this attention: he was + highly in spirits, talked to her with more than common freedom, and wore + the whole evening an air of exulting satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, provoked by this presumption, hurt by the behaviour of young + Delvile, and mortified by the whole affair, determined to leave this + mistake no longer in the power of accident, but to apply immediately to Mr + Delvile senior, and desire him, as her guardian, to wait upon Sir Robert + himself, and acquaint him that his perseverance in pursuing her was both + useless and offensive: and by this method she hoped at once to disentangle + herself for ever from the Baronet, and to discover more fully the + sentiments of young Delvile: for the provocation she had just endured, + robbed her of all patience for waiting the advice of Mr Monckton. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ix. — AN EXPLANATION. + </h2> + <p> + The following morning, therefore, Cecilia went early to St James's-square: + and, after the usual ceremonies of messages and long waiting, she was + shewn into an apartment where she found Mr Delvile and his son. + </p> + <p> + She rejoiced to see them together, and determined to make known to them + both the purport of her visit: and therefore, after some apologies and a + little hesitation, she told Mr Delvile, that encouraged by his offers of + serving her, she had taken the liberty to call upon him with a view to + entreat his assistance. + </p> + <p> + Young Delvile, immediately arising, would have quitted the room; but + Cecilia, assuring him she rather desired what she had to say should be + known than kept secret, begged that he would not disturb himself. + </p> + <p> + Delvile, pleased with this permission to hear her, and curious to know + what would follow, very readily returned to his seat. + </p> + <p> + “I should by no means,” she continued, “have thought of proclaiming even + to the most intimate of my friends, the partiality which Sir Robert Floyer + has been pleased to shew me, had he left to me the choice of publishing or + concealing it: but, on the contrary, his own behaviour seems intended not + merely to display it, but to insinuate that it meets with my approbation. + Mr Harrel, also, urged by too much warmth of friendship, has encouraged + this belief; nor, indeed, do I know at present where the mistake stops, + nor what it is report has not scrupled to affirm. But I think I ought no + longer to neglect it, and therefore I have presumed to solicit your advice + in what manner I may most effectually contradict it.” + </p> + <p> + The extreme surprise of young Delvile at this speech was not more evident + than pleasant to Cecilia, to whom it accounted for all that had perplext + her in his conduct, while it animated every expectation she wished to + encourage. + </p> + <p> + “The behaviour of Mr Harrel,” answered Mr Delvile, “has by no means been + such as to lead me to forget that his father was the son of a steward of + Mr Grant, who lived in the neighbourhood of my friend and relation the + Duke of Derwent: nor can I sufficiently congratulate myself that I have + always declined acting with him. The late Dean, indeed, never committed so + strange an impropriety as that of nominating Mr Harrel and Mr Briggs + coadjutors with Mr Delvile. The impropriety, however, though extremely + offensive to me, has never obliterated from my mind the esteem I bore the + Dean: nor can I possibly give a greater proof of it than the readiness I + have always shewn to offer my counsel and instruction to his niece. Mr + Harrel, therefore, ought certainly to have desired Sir Robert Floyer to + acquaint me with his proposals before he gave to him any answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly, Sir,” said Cecilia, willing to shorten this parading + harangue, “but as he neglected that intention, will you think me too + impertinent should I entreat the favour of you to speak with Sir Robert + yourself, and explain to him the total inefficacy of his pursuit, since my + determination against him is unalterable?” + </p> + <p> + Here the conference was interrupted by the entrance of a servant who said + something to Mr Delvile, which occasioned his apologizing to Cecilia for + leaving her for a few moments, and ostentatiously assuring her that no + business, however important, should prevent his thinking of her affairs, + or detain him from returning to her as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + The astonishment of young Delvile at the strength of her last expression + kept him silent some time after his father left the room; and then, with a + countenance that still marked his amazement, he said “Is it possible, Miss + Beverley, that I should twice have been thus egregiously deceived? or + rather, that the whole town, and even the most intimate of your friends, + should so unaccountably have persisted in a mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “For the town,” answered Cecilia, “I know not how it can have had any + concern in so small a matter; but for my intimate friends, I have too few + to make it probable they should ever have been so strangely misinformed.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” cried he, “it was from one who ought to know, that I had + myself the intelligence.” + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you, then,” said Cecilia, “to acquaint me who it was?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr Harrel himself; who communicated it to a lady in my hearing, and at a + public place.” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia cast up her eyes in wonder and indignation at a proof so + incontrovertible of his falsehood, but made not any answer. + </p> + <p> + “Even yet,” continued he, “I can scarcely feel undeceived; your engagement + seemed so positive, your connection so irretrievable,—so,—so + <i>fixed</i>, I mean.—” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated, a little embarrassed; but then suddenly exclaimed, “Yet + whence, if to <i>neither</i> favourable, if indifferent alike to Sir + Robert and to Belfield, whence that animated apprehension for their safety + at the Opera-house? whence that never to be forgotten <i>oh stop him! good + God! will nobody stop him!</i>—Words of anxiety so tender! and + sounds that still vibrate in my ear!” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, struck with amazement in her turn at the strength of his own + expressions, blushed, and for a few minutes hesitated how to answer him: + but then, to leave nothing that related to so disagreeable a report in any + doubt, she resolved to tell him ingenuously the circumstances that had + occasioned her alarm: and therefore, though with some pain to her modesty, + she confessed her fears that she had herself provoked the affront, though + her only view had been to discountenance Sir Robert, without meaning to + shew any distinction to Mr Belfield. + </p> + <p> + Delvile, who seemed charmed with the candour of this explanation, said, + when she had finished it, “You are then at liberty?—-Ah madam!—how + many may rue so dangerous a discovery!” + </p> + <p> + “Could you think,” said Cecilia, endeavouring to speak with her usual + ease, “that Sir Robert Floyer would be found so irresistible?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no!” cried he, “far otherwise; a thousand times I have wondered at his + happiness; a thousand times, when I have looked at you, and listened to + you, I have thought it impossible!—yet my authority seemed + indisputable. And how was I to discredit what was not uttered as a + conjecture, but asserted as a fact? asserted, too, by the guardian with + whom you lived? and not hinted as a secret, but affirmed as a point + settled?” + </p> + <p> + “Yet surely,” said Cecilia, “you have heard me make use of expressions + that could not but lead you to suppose there was some mistake, whatever + might be the authority which had won your belief.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered he, “I never supposed any mistake, though sometimes I + thought you repented your engagement. I concluded, indeed, you had been + unwarily drawn in, and I have even, at times, been tempted to acknowledge + my suspicions to you, state your independence, and exhort you—as a + <i>friend</i>, exhort you—to use it with spirit, and, if you were + shackled unwillingly, incautiously, or unworthily, to break the chains by + which you were confined, and restore to yourself that freedom of choice + upon the use of which all your happiness must ultimately depend. But I + doubted if this were honourable to the Baronet,—and what, indeed, + was my right to such a liberty? none that every man might not be proud of, + a wish to do honour to myself, under the officious pretence of serving the + most amiable of women.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr Harrel,” said Cecilia, “has been so strangely bigoted to his friend, + that in his eagerness to manifest his regard for him, he seems to have + forgotten every other consideration; he would not, else, have spread so + widely a report that could so ill stand enquiry.” + </p> + <p> + “If Sir Robert,” returned he, “is himself deceived while he deceives + others, who can forbear to pity him? for my own part, instead of repining + that hitherto I have been mistaken, ought I not rather to bless an error + that may have been my preservative from danger?” + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, distressed in what manner to support her part in the + conversation, began now to wish the return of Mr Delvile; and, not knowing + what else to say, she expressed her surprise at his long absence. + </p> + <p> + “It is not, indeed, well timed,” said young Delvile, “just now,—at + the moment when—” he stopt, and presently exclaiming “Oh dangerous + interval!” he arose from his seat in manifest disorder. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia arose too, and hastily ringing the bell, said, “Mr Delvile I am + sure is detained, and therefore I will order my chair, and call another + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Do I frighten you away?” said he, assuming an appearance more placid. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered she, “but I would not hasten Mr Delvile.” + </p> + <p> + A servant then came, and said the chair was ready. + </p> + <p> + She would immediately have followed him, but young Delvile again speaking, + she stopt a moment to hear him. “I fear,” said he, with much hesitation, + “I have strangely exposed myself—and that you cannot—but the + extreme astonishment—” he stopt again in the utmost confusion, and + then adding, “you will permit me to attend you to the chair,” he handed + her down stairs, and in quitting her, bowed without saying a word more. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, who was almost wholly indifferent to every part of the + explanation but that which had actually passed, was now in a state of + felicity more delightful than any she had ever experienced. She had not a + doubt remaining of her influence over the mind of young Delvile, and the + surprise which had made him rather betray than express his regard, was + infinitely more flattering and satisfactory to her than any formal or + direct declaration. She had now convinced him she was disengaged, and in + return, though without seeming to intend it, he had convinced her of the + deep interest which he took in the discovery. His perturbation, the words + which escaped him, and his evident struggle to say no more, were proofs + just such as she wished to receive of his partial admiration, since while + they satisfied her heart, they also soothed her pride, by shewing a + diffidence of success which assured her that her own secret was still + sacred, and that no weakness or inadvertency on her part had robbed her of + the power of mingling dignity with the frankness with which she meant to + receive his addresses. All, therefore, that now employed her care, was to + keep off any indissoluble engagement till each should be better known to + the other. + </p> + <p> + For this reserve, however, she had less immediate occasion than she + expected; she saw no more of young Delvile that day; neither did he appear + the next. The third she fully expected him,—but still he came not. + And while she wondered at an absence so uncommon, she received a note from + Lord Ernolf, to beg permission to wait upon her for two minutes, at any + time she would appoint. + </p> + <p> + She readily sent word that she should be at home for the rest of the day, + as she wished much for an opportunity of immediately finishing every + affair but one, and setting her mind at liberty to think only of that + which she desired should prosper. + </p> + <p> + Lord Ernolf was with her in half an hour. She found him sensible and well + bred, extremely desirous to promote her alliance with his son, and + apparently as much pleased with herself as with her fortune. He acquainted + her that he had addressed himself to Mr Harrel long since, but had been + informed that she was actually engaged to Sir Robert Floyer: he should, + therefore, have forborn taking up any part of her time, had he not, on the + preceding day, while on a visit at Mr Delvile's, been assured that Mr + Harrel was mistaken, and that she had not yet declared for any body. He + hoped, therefore, that she would allow his son the honour of waiting upon + her, and permit him to talk with Mr Briggs, who he understood was her + acting guardian, upon such matters as ought to be speedily adjusted. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia thanked him for the honour he intended her, and confirmed the + truth of the account he had heard in St James'-square, but at the same + time told him she must decline receiving any visits from his lordship's + son, and entreated him to take no measure towards the promotion of an + affair which never could succeed. + </p> + <p> + He seemed much concerned at her answer, and endeavoured for some time to + soften her, but found her so steady, though civil in her refusal, that he + was obliged, however unwillingly, to give up his attempt. + </p> + <p> + Cecilia, when he was gone, reflected with much vexation on the readiness + of the Delviles to encourage his visit; she considered, however, that the + intelligence he had heard might possibly be gathered in general + conversation; but she blamed herself that she had not led to some enquiry + what part of the family he had seen, and who was present when the + information was given him. + </p> + <p> + Mean while she found that neither coldness, distance, nor aversion were + sufficient to repress Sir Robert Floyer, who continued to persecute her + with as much confidence of success as could have arisen from the utmost + encouragement. She again, though with much difficulty, contrived to speak + with Mr Harrel upon the subject, and openly accused him of spreading a + report abroad, as well as countenancing an expectation at home, that had + neither truth nor justice to support them. + </p> + <p> + Mr Harrel, with his usual levity and carelessness, laughed at the charge, + but denied any belief in her displeasure, and affected to think she was + merely playing the coquet, while Sir Robert was not the less her decided + choice. + </p> + <p> + Provoked and wearied, Cecilia resolved no longer to depend upon any body + but herself for the management of her own affairs, and therefore, to + conclude the business without any possibility of further cavilling, she + wrote the following note to Sir Robert herself. + </p> + <p> + <i>To Sir Robert Floyer, Bart.</i> + </p> + <p> + Miss BEVERLEY presents her compliments to Sir Robert Floyer, and as she + has some reason to fear Mr Harrel did not explicitly acquaint him with her + answer to the commission with which he was entrusted, she thinks it + necessary, in order to obviate any possible misunderstanding, to take this + method of returning him thanks for the honour of his good opinion, but of + begging at the same time that he would not lose a moment upon her account, + as her thanks are all she can now, or ever, offer in return. + </p> + <p> + <i>Portman-square,</i> <i>May</i> 11th, 1779. + </p> + <p> + To this note Cecilia received no answer: but she had the pleasure to + observe that Sir Robert forbore his usual visit on the day she sent it, + and, though he appeared again the day following, he never spoke to her and + seemed sullen and out of humour. + </p> + <p> + Yet still young Delvile came not, and still, as her surprise encreased, + her tranquillity was diminished. She could form no excuse for his delay, + nor conjecture any reason for his absence. Every motive seemed to favour + his seeking, and not one his shunning her: the explanation which had so + lately passed had informed him he had no rival to fear, and the manner in + which he had heard it assured her the information was not indifferent to + him; why, then, so assiduous in his visits when he thought her engaged, + and so slack in all attendance when he knew she was at liberty? + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Cecilia, Volume 1 (of 3), by Frances Burney + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CECILIA, VOLUME 1 (OF 3) *** + +***** This file should be named 6346-h.htm or 6346-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/4/6346/ + + +Text file produced by Delphine Lettau, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Cecilia, Volume 1 (of 3) + +Author: Frances Burney + + +Release Date: August, 2004 [EBook #6346] +This file was first posted on November 29, 2002 +Last Updated: June 10, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CECILIA, VOLUME 1 (OF 3) *** + + + + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + +CECILIA, Volume 1 (of 3) + +or + +MEMOIRS OF AN HEIRESS + + + +By Frances Burney + + + + +PREFACE + +"Fanny's Cecilia came out last summer, and is as much liked and read, +I believe, as any book ever was," wrote Charlotte Burney in Jan. 1783. +"She had 250 pounds for it from Payne and Cadell. Most people say she +ought to have had a thousand. It is now going into the third edition, +though Payne owns that they printed two thousand at the first edition, +and Lowndes told me five hundred was the common number for a novel." +[Footnote: _The Early Diary of Frances Burney, with a selection from her +correspondence, and from the journals of her sisters Susan and Charlotte +Burney._ Edited by Annie Raine Ellis. 1889. Vol. II. p. 307.] + +The manuscript of _Cecilia_ was submitted to Dr Burney and Mr Crisp +during its composition, and their suggestions were in some cases +adopted, as we learn from the _Diary_. Dr Johnson was not consulted, but +a desire at once to imitate and to please him evidently controlled the +work. + +Under these circumstances it is naturally less fresh and spontaneous +than _Evelina_, but it is more mature. The touch is surer and the plot +more elaborate. We cannot to-day fully appreciate the "conflict scene +between mother and son," for which, Miss Burney tells us, the book was +written; but the pictures of eighteenth century affectations are all +alive, and the story is thoroughly absorbing, except, perhaps, in the +last book. + +Miss Burney often took the name of her characters from her +acquaintances, and it seems probable that some of the "types" in +_Cecilia_ are also drawn from real life. The title of Miss Austen's +_Pride and Prejudice_ was borrowed from _Cecilia_, and some points of +resemblance may be traced between the two novels. + +The present edition is reprinted from:-- + +CECILIA, or, Memoirs of an Heiress. By the author of Evelina. In five +volumes. London: Printed for T. Payne and Son, at the Newsgate, and T. +Cadell in the Strand. MDCCLXXXII. R. B. J. + +THE RIGHT HON. EDMUND BURKE TO MISS F. BURNEY. (AFTER READING CECILIA.) + +Madam,--I should feel exceedingly to blame if I could refuse to myself +the natural satisfaction, and to you the just but poor return, of my +best thanks for the very great instruction and entertainment I have +received from the new present you have bestowed on the public. There +are few--I believe I may say fairly there are none at all--that will not +find themselves better informed concerning human nature, and their stock +of observation enriched, by reading your "Cecilia." They certainly will, +let their experience in life and manners be what it may. The arrogance +of age must submit to be taught by youth. You have crowded into a few +small volumes an incredible variety of characters; most of them well +planned, well supported, and well contrasted with each other. If there +be any fault in this respect, it is one in which you are in no great +danger of being imitated. Justly as your characters are drawn, perhaps +they are too numerous. But I beg pardon; I fear it is quite in vain +to preach economy to those who are come young to excessive and sudden +opulence. + +I might trespass on your delicacy if I should fill my letter to you with +what I fill my conversation to others. I should be troublesome to you +alone if I should tell you all I feel and think on the natural vein of +humour, the tender pathetic, the comprehensive and noble moral, and the +sagacious observation, that appear quite throughout that extraordinary +performance. + +In an age distinguished by producing extraordinary women, I hardly dare +to tell you where my opinion would place you amongst them. I respect +your modesty, that will not endure the commendations which your merit +forces from everybody. + +I have the honour to be, with great gratitude, respect, and esteem, +madam, your most obedient and most humble servant, + +EDM. BURKE + +WHITEHALL, _July 19, 1782_. + +My best compliments and congratulations to Dr Burney on the great honour +acquired to his family. + +ADVERTISEMENT. + +The indulgence shewn by the Public to Evelina, which, unpatronized, +unaided, and unowned, past through Four Editions in one Year, has +encouraged its Author to risk this SECOND attempt. The animation of +success is too universally acknowledged, to make the writer of +the following sheets dread much censure of temerity; though the +precariousness of any power to give pleasure, suppresses all vanity +of confidence, and sends CECILIA into the world with scarce more +hope, though far more encouragement, than attended her highly-honoured +predecessor, Evelina. + +July, 1782 + + + + +CHAPTER i + +A JOURNEY. + + +"Peace to the spirits of my honoured parents, respected be their +remains, and immortalized their virtues! may time, while it moulders +their frail relicks to dust, commit to tradition the record of their +goodness; and Oh, may their orphan-descendant be influenced through life +by the remembrance of their purity, and be solaced in death, that by her +it was unsullied!" + +Such was the secret prayer with which the only survivor of the Beverley +family quitted the abode of her youth, and residence of her forefathers; +while tears of recollecting sorrow filled her eyes, and obstructed the +last view of her native town which had excited them. + +Cecilia, this fair traveller, had lately entered into the +one-and-twentieth year of her age. Her ancestors had been rich farmers +in the county of Suffolk, though her father, in whom a spirit of +elegance had supplanted the rapacity of wealth, had spent his time as a +private country gentleman, satisfied, without increasing his store, to +live upon what he inherited from the labours of his predecessors. She +had lost him in her early youth, and her mother had not long survived +him. They had bequeathed to her 10,000 pounds, and consigned her to the +care of the Dean of ------, her uncle. With this gentleman, in whom, +by various contingencies, the accumulated possessions of a rising and +prosperous family were centred, she had passed the last four years of +her life; and a few weeks only had yet elapsed since his death, which, +by depriving her of her last relation, made her heiress to an estate of +3000 pounds per annum; with no other restriction than that of annexing +her name, if she married, to the disposal of her hand and her riches. + +But though thus largely indebted to fortune, to nature she had yet +greater obligations: her form was elegant, her heart was liberal; her +countenance announced the intelligence of her mind, her complexion +varied with every emotion of her soul, and her eyes, the heralds of +her speech, now beamed with understanding and now glistened with +sensibility. + +For the short period of her minority, the management of her fortune +and the care of her person, had by the Dean been entrusted to three +guardians, among whom her own choice was to settle her residence: but +her mind, saddened by the loss of all her natural friends, coveted to +regain its serenity in the quietness of the country, and in the bosom +of an aged and maternal counsellor, whom she loved as her mother, and to +whom she had been known from her childhood. + +The Deanery, indeed, she was obliged to relinquish, a long repining +expectant being eager, by entering it, to bequeath to another the +anxiety and suspense he had suffered himself; though probably without +much impatience to shorten their duration in favour of the next +successor; but the house of Mrs Charlton, her benevolent friend, +was open for her reception, and the alleviating tenderness of her +conversation took from her all wish of changing it. + +Here she had dwelt since the interment of her uncle; and here, from the +affectionate gratitude of her disposition, she had perhaps been content +to dwell till her own, had not her guardians interfered to remove her. + +Reluctantly she complied; she quitted her early companions, the friend +she most revered, and the spot which contained the relicks of all she +had yet lived to lament; and, accompanied by one of her guardians, and +attended by two servants, she began her journey from Bury to London. + +Mr Harrel, this gentleman, though in the prime of his life, though gay, +fashionable and splendid, had been appointed by her uncle to be one of +her trustees; a choice which had for object the peculiar gratification +of his niece, whose most favourite young friend Mr Harrel had married, +and in whose house he therefore knew she would most wish to live. + +Whatever good-nature could dictate or politeness suggest to dispel +her melancholy, Mr Harrel failed not to urge; and Cecilia, in whose +disposition sweetness was tempered with dignity, and gentleness with +fortitude, suffered not his kind offices to seem ineffectual; she kissed +her hand at the last glimpse a friendly hill afforded of her native +town, and made an effort to forget the regret with which she lost sight +of it. She revived her spirits by plans of future happiness, dwelt +upon the delight with which she should meet her young friend, and, by +accepting his consolation, amply rewarded his trouble. + +Her serenity, however, had yet another, though milder trial to undergo, +since another friend was yet to be met, and another farewell was yet to +be taken. + +At the distance of seven miles from Bury resided Mr Monckton, the +richest and most powerful man in that neighbourhood, at whose house +Cecilia and her guardian were invited to breakfast in their journey. + +Mr Monckton, who was the younger son of a noble family, was a man of +parts, information and sagacity; to great native strength of mind he +added a penetrating knowledge of the world, and to faculties the most +skilful of investigating the character of every other, a dissimulation +the most profound in concealing his own. In the bloom of his youth, +impatient for wealth and ambitious of power, he had tied himself to a +rich dowager of quality, whose age, though sixty-seven, was but among +the smaller species of her evil properties, her disposition being +far more repulsive than her wrinkles. An inequality of years so +considerable, had led him to expect that the fortune he had thus +acquired, would speedily be released from the burthen with which it was +at present incumbered; but his expectations proved as vain as they were +mercenary, and his lady was not more the dupe of his protestations than +he was himself of his own purposes. Ten years he had been married to +her, yet her health was good, and her faculties were unimpaired; eagerly +he had watched for her dissolution, yet his eagerness had injured no +health but his own! So short-sighted is selfish cunning, that in aiming +no further than at the gratification of the present moment, it obscures +the evils of the future, while it impedes the perception of integrity +and honour. + +His ardour, however, to attain the blessed period of returning liberty, +deprived him neither of spirit nor inclination for intermediate +enjoyment; he knew the world too well to incur its censure by +ill-treating the woman to whom he was indebted for the rank he held in +it; he saw her, indeed, but seldom, yet he had the decency, alike in +avoiding as in meeting her, to shew no abatement of civility and good +breeding: but, having thus sacrificed to ambition all possibility +of happiness in domestic life, he turned his thoughts to those other +methods of procuring it, which he had so dearly purchased the power of +essaying. + +The resources of pleasure to the possessors of wealth are only to be +cut off by the satiety of which they are productive: a satiety which the +vigorous mind of Mr Monckton had not yet suffered him to experience; his +time, therefore, was either devoted to the expensive amusements of the +metropolis, or spent in the country among the gayest of its diversions. + +The little knowledge of fashionable manners and of the characters of the +times of which Cecilia was yet mistress, she had gathered at the house +of this gentleman, with whom the Dean her uncle had been intimately +connected: for as he preserved to the world the same appearance of +decency he supported to his wife, he was everywhere well received, and +being but partially known, was extremely respected: the world, with +its wonted facility, repaying his circumspect attention to its laws, by +silencing the voice of censure, guarding his character from impeachment, +and his name from reproach. + +Cecilia had been known to him half her life; she had been caressed in +his house as a beautiful child, and her presence was now solicited there +as an amiable acquaintance. Her visits, indeed, had by no means been +frequent, as the ill-humour of Lady Margaret Monckton had rendered them +painful to her; yet the opportunities they had afforded her of mixing +with people of fashion, had served to prepare her for the new scenes in +which she was soon to be a performer. + +Mr Monckton, in return, had always been a welcome guest at the Deanery; +his conversation was to Cecilia a never-failing source of information, +as his knowledge of life and manners enabled him to start those subjects +of which she was most ignorant; and her mind, copious for the admission +and intelligent for the arrangement of knowledge, received all new ideas +with avidity. + +Pleasure given in society, like money lent in usury, returns with +interest to those who dispense it: and the discourse of Mr Monckton +conferred not a greater favour upon Cecilia than her attention to it +repaid. And thus, the speaker and the hearer being mutually gratified, +they had always met with complacency, and commonly parted with regret. + +This reciprocation of pleasure had, however, produced different +effects upon their minds; the ideas of Cecilia were enlarged, while the +reflections of Mr Monckton were embittered. He here saw an object who to +all the advantages of that wealth he had so highly prized, added youth, +beauty, and intelligence; though much her senior, he was by no means +of an age to render his addressing her an impropriety, and the +entertainment she received from his conversation, persuaded him that her +good opinion might with ease be improved into a regard the most partial. +He regretted the venal rapacity with which he had sacrificed himself +to a woman he abhorred, and his wishes for her final decay became daily +more fervent. He knew that the acquaintance of Cecilia was confined to +a circle of which he was himself the principal ornament, that she had +rejected all the proposals of marriage which had hitherto been made to +her, and, as he had sedulously watched her from her earliest years, +he had reason to believe that her heart had escaped any dangerous +impression. This being her situation, he had long looked upon her as his +future property; as such he had indulged his admiration, and as such he +had already appropriated her estate, though he had not more vigilantly +inspected into her sentiments, than he had guarded his own from a +similar scrutiny. + +The death of the Dean her uncle had, indeed, much alarmed him; he +grieved at her leaving Suffolk, where he considered himself the first +man, alike in parts and in consequence, and he dreaded her residing +in London, where he foresaw that numerous rivals, equal to himself +in talents and in riches, would speedily surround her; rivals, too, +youthful and sanguine, not shackled by present ties, but at liberty to +solicit her immediate acceptance. Beauty and independence, rarely +found together, would attract a crowd of suitors at once brilliant and +assiduous; and the house of Mr Harrel was eminent for its elegance and +gaiety; but yet, undaunted by danger, and confiding in his own powers, +he determined to pursue the project he had formed, not fearing by +address and perseverance to ensure its success. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +AN ARGUMENT. + + +Mr Monckton had, at this time, a party of company assembled at his +house for the purpose of spending the Christmas holidays. He waited with +anxiety the arrival of Cecilia, and flew to hand her from the chaise +before Mr Harrel could alight. He observed the melancholy of her +countenance, and was much pleased to find that her London journey had +so little power to charm her. He conducted her to the breakfast parlour, +where Lady Margaret and his friends expected her. + +Lady Margaret received her with a coldness that bordered upon +incivility; irascible by nature and jealous by situation, the appearance +of beauty alarmed, and of chearfulness disgusted her. She regarded with +watchful suspicion whoever was addressed by her husband, and having +marked his frequent attendance at the Deanery, she had singled out +Cecilia for the object of her peculiar antipathy; while Cecilia, +perceiving her aversion though ignorant of its cause, took care to avoid +all intercourse with her but what ceremony exacted, and pitied in secret +the unfortunate lot of her friend. + +The company now present consisted of one lady and several gentlemen. + +Miss Bennet, the lady, was in every sense of the phrase, the humble +companion of Lady Margaret; she was low-born, meanly educated, +and narrow-minded; a stranger alike to innate merit or acquired +accomplishments, yet skilful in the art of flattery, and an adept +in every species of low cunning. With no other view in life than the +attainment of affluence without labour, she was not more the slave +of the mistress of the house, than the tool of its master; receiving +indignity without murmur, and submitting to contempt as a thing of +course. + +Among the gentlemen, the most conspicuous, by means of his dress, was +Mr Aresby, a captain in the militia; a young man who having frequently +heard the words red-coat and gallantry put together, imagined the +conjunction not merely customary, but honourable, and therefore, without +even pretending to think of the service of his country, he considered a +cockade as a badge of politeness, and wore it but to mark his devotion +to the ladies, whom he held himself equipped to conquer, and bound to +adore. + +The next who by forwardness the most officious took care to be noticed, +was Mr Morrice, a young lawyer, who, though rising in his profession, +owed his success neither to distinguished abilities, nor to +skill-supplying industry, but to the art of uniting suppleness to others +with confidence in himself. To a reverence of rank, talents, and fortune +the most profound, he joined an assurance in his own merit, which no +superiority could depress; and with a presumption which encouraged him +to aim at all things, he blended a good-humour that no mortification +could lessen. And while by the pliability of his disposition he avoided +making enemies, by his readiness to oblige, he learned the surest way of +making friends by becoming useful to them. + +There were also some neighbouring squires; and there was one old +gentleman, who, without seeming to notice any of the company, sat +frowning in a corner. + +But the principal figure in the circle was Mr Belfield, a tall, thin +young man, whose face was all animation, and whose eyes sparkled with +intelligence. He had been intended by his father for trade, but his +spirit, soaring above the occupation for which he was designed, from +repining led him to resist, and from resisting, to rebel. He eloped from +his friends, and contrived to enter the army. But, fond of the polite +arts, and eager for the acquirement of knowledge, he found not this way +of life much better adapted to his inclination than that from which he +had escaped; he soon grew weary of it, was reconciled to his father, and +entered at the Temple. But here, too volatile for serious study, and +too gay for laborious application, he made little progress: and the same +quickness of parts and vigour of imagination which united with prudence, +or accompanied by judgment, might have raised him to the head of his +profession, being unhappily associated with fickleness and caprice, +served only to impede his improvement, and obstruct his preferment. And +now, with little business, and that little neglected, a small fortune, +and that fortune daily becoming less, the admiration of the world, but +that admiration ending simply in civility, he lived an unsettled and +unprofitable life, generally caressed, and universally sought, yet +careless of his interest and thoughtless of the future; devoting his +time to company, his income to dissipation, and his heart to the Muses. + +"I bring you," said Mr Monckton, as he attended Cecilia into the room, +"a subject of sorrow in a young lady who never gave disturbance to her +friends but in quitting them." + +"If sorrow," cried Mr Belfield, darting upon her his piercing eyes, +"wears in your part of the world a form such as this, who would wish to +change it for a view of joy?" + +"She's divinely handsome, indeed!" cried the Captain, affecting an +involuntary exclamation. + +Meantime, Cecilia, who was placed next to the lady of the house, quietly +began her breakfast; Mr Morrice, the young lawyer, with the most easy +freedom, seating himself at her side, while Mr Monckton was elsewhere +arranging the rest of his guests, in order to secure that place for +himself. + +Mr Morrice, without ceremony, attacked his fair neighbour; he talked of +her journey, and the prospects of gaiety which it opened to her view; +but by these finding her unmoved, he changed his theme, and expatiated +upon the delights of the spot she was quitting. Studious to recommend +himself to her notice, and indifferent by what means, one moment he +flippantly extolled the entertainments of the town; and the next, +rapturously described the charms of the country. A word, a look sufficed +to mark her approbation or dissent, which he no sooner discovered, than +he slided into her opinion, with as much facility and satisfaction as if +it had originally been his own. + +Mr Monckton, suppressing his chagrin, waited some time in expectation +that when this young man saw he was standing, he would yield to him his +chair: but the remark was not made, and the resignation was not thought +of. The Captain, too, regarding the lady as his natural property for the +morning, perceived with indignation by whom he was supplanted; while the +company in general, saw with much surprize, the place they had severally +foreborne to occupy from respect to their host, thus familiarly seized +upon by the man who, in the whole room, had the least claim, either from +age or rank, to consult nothing but his own inclination. + +Mr Monckton, however, when he found that delicacy and good manners had +no weight with his guest, thought it most expedient to allow them +none with himself; and therefore, disguising his displeasure under an +appearance of facetiousness, he called out, "Come, Morrice, you that +love Christmas sports, what say you to the game of move-all?" + +"I like it of all things!" answered Morrice, and starting from his +chair, he skipped to another. + +"So should I too," cried Mr Monckton, instantly taking his place, "were +I to remove from any seat but this." + +Morrice, though he felt himself outwitted, was the first to laugh, and +seemed as happy in the change as Mr Monckton himself. + +Mr Monckton now, addressing himself to Cecilia, said, "We are going +to lose you, and you seem concerned at leaving us; yet, in a very few +months you will forget Bury, forget its inhabitants, and forget its +environs." + +"If you think so," answered Cecilia, "must I not thence infer that Bury, +its inhabitants, and its environs, will in a very few months forget me?" + +"Ay, ay, and so much the better!" said Lady Margaret, muttering between +her teeth, "so much the better!" + +"I am sorry you think so, madam," cried Cecilia, colouring at her +ill-breeding. + +"You will find," said Mr Monckton, affecting the same ignorance of her +meaning that Cecilia really felt, "as you mix with the world, you will +find that Lady Margaret has but expressed what by almost every body is +thought: to neglect old friends, and to court new acquaintance, +though perhaps not yet avowedly delivered as a precept from parents to +children, is nevertheless so universally recommended by example, +that those who act differently, incur general censure for affecting +singularity." + +"It is happy then, for me," answered Cecilia, "that neither my actions +nor myself will be sufficiently known to attract public observation." + +"You intend, then, madam," said Mr Belfield, "in defiance of +these maxims of the world, to be guided by the light of your own +understanding." + +"And such," returned Mr Monckton, "at first setting out in life, is the +intention of every one. The closet reasoner is always refined in his +sentiments, and always confident in his virtue; but when he mixes +with the world, when he thinks less and acts more, he soon finds the +necessity of accommodating himself to such customs as are already +received, and of pursuing quietly the track that is already marked out." + +"But not," exclaimed Mr Belfield, "if he has the least grain of spirit! +the beaten track will be the last that a man of parts will deign to +tread, + + For common rules were ne'er designed + Directors of a noble mind." + +"A pernicious maxim! a most pernicious maxim!" cried the old gentleman, +who sat frowning in a corner of the room. + +"Deviations from common rules," said Mr Monckton, without taking any +notice of this interruption, "when they proceed from genius, are not +merely pardonable, but admirable; and you, Belfield, have a peculiar +right to plead their merits; but so little genius as there is in the +world, you must surely grant that pleas of this sort are very rarely to +be urged." + +"And why rarely," cried Belfield, "but because your general rules, +your appropriated customs, your settled forms, are but so many absurd +arrangements to impede not merely the progress of genius, but the use of +understanding? If man dared act for himself, if neither worldly views, +contracted prejudices, eternal precepts, nor compulsive examples, swayed +his better reason and impelled his conduct, how noble indeed would +he be! _how infinite in faculties! in apprehension how like a God!_" +[Footnote: Hamlet.] + +"All this," answered Mr Monckton, "is but the doctrine of a lively +imagination, that looks upon impossibilities simply as difficulties, and +upon difficulties as mere invitations to victory. But experience teaches +another lesson; experience shows that the opposition of an individual to +a community is always dangerous in the operation, and seldom successful +in the event;--never, indeed, without a concurrence strange as +desirable, of fortunate circumstances with great abilities." + +"And why is this," returned Belfield, "but because the attempt is so +seldom made? The pitiful prevalence of general conformity extirpates +genius, and murders originality; the man is brought up, not as if he +were 'the noblest work of God,' but as a mere ductile machine of +human formation: he is early taught that he must neither consult his +understanding, nor pursue his inclinations, lest, unhappily for his +commerce with the world, his understanding should be averse to fools, +and provoke him to despise them; and his inclinations to the tyranny of +perpetual restraint, and give him courage to abjure it." + +"I am ready enough to allow," answered Mr Monckton, "that an eccentric +genius, such, for example, as yours, may murmur at the tediousness of +complying with the customs of the world, and wish, unconfined, and at +large, to range through life without any settled plan or prudential +restriction; but would you, therefore, grant the same licence to every +one? would you wish to see the world peopled with defiers of order, +and contemners of established forms? and not merely excuse the +irregularities resulting from uncommon parts, but encourage those, also, +to lead, who without blundering cannot even follow?" + +"I would have _all_ men," replied Belfield, "whether philosophers or +ideots, act for themselves. Every one would then appear what he is; +enterprize would be encouraged, and imitation abolished; genius would +feel its superiority, and folly its insignificance; and then, and then +only, should we cease to be surfeited with that eternal sameness of +manner and appearance which at present runs through all ranks of men." + +"Petrifying dull work this, _mon ami!_" said the Captain, in a whisper +to Morrice, "_de grace_, start some new game." + +"With all my heart," answered he; and then, suddenly jumping up, +exclaimed, "A hare! a hare!" + +"Where?--where?--which way?" and all the gentlemen arose, and ran to +different windows, except the master of the house, the object of whose +pursuit was already near him. + +Morrice, with much pretended earnestness, flew from window to window, +to trace footsteps upon the turf which he knew had not printed it: yet, +never inattentive to his own interest, when he perceived in the midst +of the combustion he had raised, that Lady Margaret was incensed at the +noise it produced, he artfully gave over his search, and seating himself +in a chair next to her, eagerly offered to assist her with cakes, +chocolate, or whatever the table afforded. + +He had, however, effectually broken up the conversation; and breakfast +being over, Mr Harrel ordered his chaise, and Cecilia arose to take +leave. + +And now not without some difficulty could Mr Monckton disguise the +uneasy fears which her departure occasioned him. Taking her hand, "I +suppose," he said, "you will not permit an old friend to visit you in +town, lest the sight of him should prove a disagreeable memorial of the +time you will soon regret having wasted in the country?" + +"Why will you say this, Mr Monckton?" cried Cecilia; "I am sure you +cannot think it." + +"These profound studiers of mankind, madam," said Belfield, "are mighty +sorry champions for constancy or friendship. They wage war with all +expectations but of depravity, and grant no quarter even to the purest +designs, where they think there will be any temptation to deviate from +them." + +"Temptation," said Mr Monckton, "is very easy of resistance in theory; +but if you reflect upon the great change of situation Miss Beverley will +experience, upon the new scenes she will see, the new acquaintance she +must make, and the new connections she may form, you will not wonder at +the anxiety of a friend for her welfare." + +"But I presume," cried Belfield, with a laugh, "Miss Beverley does not +mean to convey her person to town, and leave her understanding locked +up, with other natural curiosities, in the country? Why, therefore, may +not the same discernment regulate her adoption of new acquaintance, and +choice of new connections, that guided her selection of old ones? Do you +suppose that because she is to take leave of you, she is to take leave +of herself?" + +"Where fortune smiles upon youth and beauty," answered Mr Monckton, +"do you think it nothing that their fair possessor should make a sudden +transition of situation from the quietness of a retired life in the +country, to the gaiety of a splendid town residence?" + +"Where fortune _frowns_ upon youth and beauty," returned Belfield, "they +may not irrationally excite commiseration; but where nature and chance +unite their forces to bless the same object, what room there may be for +alarm or lamentation I confess I cannot divine." + +"What!" cried Mr Monckton, with some emotion, "are there not sharpers, +fortune-hunters, sycophants, wretches of all sorts and denominations, +who watch the approach of the rich and unwary, feed upon their +inexperience, and prey upon their property?" + +"Come, come," cried Mr Harrel, "it is time I should hasten my fair ward +away, if this is your method of describing the place she is going to +live in." + +"Is it possible," cried the Captain, advancing to Cecilia, "that this +lady has never yet tried the town?" and then, lowering his voice, and +smiling languishingly in her face, he added, "Can anything so divinely +handsome have been immured in the country? Ah! _quelle honte!_ do you +make it a principle to be so cruel?" + +Cecilia, thinking such a compliment merited not any other notice than a +slight bow, turned to Lady Margaret, and said, "Should your ladyship be +in town this winter, may I expect the honour of hearing where I may wait +upon you?" + +"I don't know whether I shall go or not," answered the old lady, with +her usual ungraciousness. + +Cecilia would now have hastened away, but Mr Monckton, stopping her, +again expressed his fears of the consequences of her journey; "Be upon +your guard," he cried, "with all new acquaintance; judge nobody from +appearances; form no friendship rashly; take time to look about you, and +remember you can make no alteration in your way of life, without +greater probability of faring worse, than chance of faring better. Keep +therefore as you are, and the more you see of others, the more you will +rejoice that you neither resemble nor are connected with them." + +"This from you, Mr Monckton!" cried Belfield, "what is become of your +conformity system? I thought all the world was to be alike, or only so +much the worse for any variation?" + +"I spoke," said Mr Monckton, "of the world in general, not of this lady +in particular; and who that knows, who that sees her, would not wish +it were possible she might continue in every respect exactly and +unalterably what she is at present?" + +"I find," said Cecilia, "you are determined that flattery at least, +should I meet with it, shall owe no pernicious effects to its novelty." + +"Well, Miss Beverley," cried Mr Harrel, "will you now venture to +accompany me to town? Or has Mr Monckton frightened you from proceeding +any farther?" + +"If," replied Cecilia, "I felt no more sorrow in quitting my friends, +than I feel terror in venturing to London, with how light a heart should +I make the journey!" + +"Brava!" cried Belfield, "I am happy to find the discourse of Mr +Monckton has not intimidated you, nor prevailed upon you to deplore +your condition in having the accumulated misery of being young, fair and +affluent." + +"Alas! poor thing!" exclaimed the old gentleman who sat in the corner, +fixing his eyes upon Cecilia with an expression of mingled grief and +pity. + +Cecilia started, but no one else paid him any attention. + +The usual ceremonies of leave-taking now followed, and the Captain, with +most obsequious reverence, advanced to conduct Cecilia to the carriage; +but in the midst of the dumb eloquence of his bows and smiles, Mr +Morrice, affecting not to perceive his design, skipped gaily between +them, and, without any previous formality, seized the hand of Cecilia +himself; failing not, however, to temper the freedom of his action by a +look of respect the most profound. + +The Captain shrugged and retired. But Mr Monckton, enraged at his +assurance, and determined it should nothing avail him, exclaimed, "Why +how now, Morrice, do you take away the privilege of my house?" + +"True, true;" answered Morrice, "you members of parliament have an +undoubted right to be tenacious of your privileges." Then, bowing with +a look of veneration to Cecilia, he resigned her hand with an air of as +much happiness as he had taken it. + +Mr Monckton, in leading her to the chaise, again begged permission to +wait upon her in town: Mr Harrel took the hint, and entreated him to +consider his house as his own; and Cecilia, gratefully thanking him for +his solicitude in her welfare, added, "And I hope, sir, you will honour +me with your counsel and admonitions with respect to my future conduct, +whenever you have the goodness to let me see you." + +This was precisely his wish. He begged, in return, that she would treat +him with confidence, and then suffered the chaise to drive off. + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +AN ARRIVAL. + + +As soon as they lost sight of the house, Cecilia expressed her surprise +at the behaviour of the old gentleman who sat in the corner, whose +general silence, seclusion from the company, and absence of mind, had +strongly excited her curiosity. + +Mr Harrel could give her very little satisfaction: he told her that he +had twice or thrice met him in public places, where everybody remarked +the singularity of his manners and appearance, but that he had never +discoursed with anyone to whom he seemed known; and that he was as much +surprised as herself in seeing so strange a character at the house of Mr +Monckton. + +The conversation then turned upon the family they had just quitted, and +Cecilia warmly declared the good opinion she had of Mr Monckton, the +obligations she owed to him for the interest which, from her childhood, +he had always taken in her affairs; and her hopes of reaping much +instruction from the friendship of a man who had so extensive a +knowledge of the world. + +Mr Harrel professed himself well satisfied that she should have such a +counsellor; for though but little acquainted with him, he knew he was +a man of fortune and fashion, and well esteemed in the world. They +mutually compassionated his unhappy situation in domestic life, and +Cecilia innocently expressed her concern at the dislike Lady Margaret +seemed to have taken to her; a dislike which Mr Harrel naturally enough +imputed to her youth and beauty, yet without suspecting any cause more +cogent than a general jealousy of attractions of which she had herself +so long outlived the possession. + +As their journey drew near to its conclusion, all the uneasy and +disagreeable sensations which in the bosom of Cecilia had accompanied +its commencement, gave way to the expectation of quick approaching +happiness in again meeting her favourite young friend. + +Mrs Harrel had in childhood been her playmate, and in youth her +school-fellow; a similarity of disposition with respect to sweetness +of temper, had early rendered them dear to each other, though the +resemblance extended no farther, Mrs Harrel having no pretensions to the +wit or understanding of her friend; but she was amiable and obliging, +and therefore sufficiently deserving affection, though neither blazing +with attractions which laid claim to admiration, nor endowed with those +superior qualities which mingle respect in the love they inspire. + +From the time of her marriage, which was near three years, she had +entirely quitted Suffolk, and had had no intercourse with Cecilia but by +letter. She was now just returned from Violet Bank, the name given by +Mr Harrel to a villa about twelve miles from London, where with a large +party of company she had spent the Christmas holidays. + +Their meeting was tender and affectionate; the sensibility of Cecilia's +heart flowed from her eyes, and the gladness of Mrs Harrel's dimpled her +cheeks. + +As soon as their mutual salutations, expressions of kindness, and +general inquiries had been made, Mrs Harrel begged to lead her to the +drawing-room, "where," she added, "you will see some of my friends, who +are impatient to be presented to you." + +"I could have wished," said Cecilia, "after so long an absence, to have +passed this first evening alone with you." + +"They are all people who particularly desired to see you," she answered, +"and I had them by way of entertaining you, as I was afraid you would be +out of spirits at leaving Bury." + +Cecilia, finding the kindness of her intentions, forbore any further +expostulation, and quietly followed her to the drawing-room. But as the +door was opened, she was struck with amazement upon finding that the +apartment, which was spacious, lighted with brilliancy, and decorated +with magnificence, was more than half filled with company, every one of +which was dressed with gaiety and profusion. + +Cecilia, who from the word friends, expected to have seen a small and +private party, selected for the purpose of social converse, started +involuntarily at the sight before her, and had hardly courage to +proceed. + +Mrs Harrel, however, took her hand and introduced her to the whole +company, who were all severally named to her; a ceremonial which though +not merely agreeable but even necessary to those who live in the +gay world, in order to obviate distressing mistakes, or unfortunate +implications in discourse, would by Cecilia have been willingly +dispensed with, since to her their names were as new as their persons, +and since knowing nothing of their histories, parties or connections, +she could to nothing allude: it therefore served but to heighten her +colour and increase her embarrassment. + +A native dignity of mind, however, which had early taught her to +distinguish modesty from bashfulness, enabled her in a short time to +conquer her surprise, and recover her composure. She entreated Mrs +Harrel to apologise for her appearance, and being seated between two +young ladies, endeavoured to seem reconciled to it herself. + +Nor was this very difficult; for while her dress, which she had not +changed since her journey, joined to the novelty of her face, attracted +general observation, the report of her fortune, which had preceded her +entrance, secured to her general respect. She soon found, too, that +a company was not necessarily formidable because full dressed, that +familiarity could be united with magnificence, and that though to +her, every one seemed attired to walk in a procession, or to grace a +drawing-room, no formality was assumed, and no solemnity was affected: +every one was without restraint, even rank obtained but little +distinction; ease was the general plan, and entertainment the general +pursuit. + +Cecilia, though new to London, which city the ill-health of her uncle +had hitherto prevented her seeing, was yet no stranger to company; she +had passed her time in retirement, but not in obscurity, since for some +years past she had presided at the table of the Dean, who was visited +by the first people of the county in which he lived: and notwithstanding +his parties, which were frequent though small, and elegant though +private, had not prepared her for the splendour or the diversity of a +London assembly, they yet, by initiating her in the practical rules +of good breeding, had taught her to subdue the timid fears of total +inexperience, and to repress the bashful feelings of shamefaced +awkwardness; fears and feelings which rather call for compassion than +admiration, and which, except in extreme youth, serve but to degrade the +modesty they indicate. + +She regarded, therefore, the two young ladies between whom she was +seated, rather with a wish of addressing, than a shyness of being +attacked by them; but the elder, Miss Larolles, was earnestly engaged +in discourse with a gentleman, and the younger, Miss Leeson, totally +discouraged her, by the invariable silence and gravity with which from +time to time she met her eyes. + +Uninterrupted, therefore, except by occasional speeches from Mr and Mrs +Harrel, she spent the first part of the evening merely in surveying the +company. + +Nor was the company dilatory in returning her notice, since from the +time of her entrance into the room, she had been the object of general +regard. + +The ladies took an exact inventory of her dress, and internally settled +how differently they would have been attired if blessed with equal +affluence. + +The men disputed among themselves whether or not she was painted; and +one of them asserting boldly that she rouged well, a debate ensued, +which ended in a bet, and the decision was mutually agreed to depend +upon the colour of her cheeks by the beginning of April, when, if +unfaded by bad hours and continual dissipation, they wore the same +bright bloom with which they were now glowing, her champion acknowledged +that his wager would be lost. + +In about half an hour the gentleman with whom Miss Larolles had been +talking, left the room, and then that young lady, turning suddenly to +Cecilia, exclaimed, "How odd Mr Meadows is! Do you know, he says he +shan't be well enough to go to Lady Nyland's assembly! How ridiculous! +as if that could hurt him." + +Cecilia, surprised at an attack so little ceremonious, lent her a civil, +but silent attention. + +"You shall be there, shan't you?" she added. + +"No, ma'am, I have not the honour of being at all known to her +ladyship." + +"Oh, there's nothing in that," returned she, "for Mrs Harrel can +acquaint her you are here, and then, you know, she'll send you a ticket, +and then you can go." + +"A ticket?" repeated Cecilia, "does Lady Nyland only admit her company +with tickets?" + +"Oh, lord!" cried Miss Larolles, laughing immoderately, "don't you know +what I mean? Why, a ticket is only a visiting card, with a name upon it; +but we all call them tickets now." + +Cecilia thanked her for the information, and then Miss Larolles enquired +how many miles she had travelled since morning? + +"Seventy-three," answered Cecilia, "which I hope will plead my apology +for being so little dressed." + +"Oh, you're vastly well," returned the other, "and for my part, I never +think about dress. But only conceive what happened to me last year! +Do you know I came to town the twentieth of March! was not that horrid +provoking?" + +"Perhaps so," said Cecilia, "but I am sure I cannot tell why." + +"Not tell why?" repeated Miss Larolles, "why, don't you know it was the +very night of the grand private masquerade at Lord Darien's? I would +not have missed it for the whole universe. I never travelled in such an +agony in my life: we did not get to town till monstrous late, and then +do you know I had neither a ticket nor a habit! Only conceive what a +distress! well, I sent to every creature I knew for a ticket, but +they all said there was not one to be had; so I was just like a mad +creature--but about ten or eleven o'clock, a young lady of my particular +acquaintance, by the greatest good luck in the world happened to +be taken suddenly ill; so she sent me her ticket,--was not that +delightful?" + +"For _her_, extremely!" said Cecilia, laughing. + +"Well," she continued, "then I was almost out of my wits with joy; and I +went about, and got one of the sweetest dresses you ever saw. If you'll +call upon me some morning, I'll shew it you." + +Cecilia, not prepared for an invitation so abrupt, bowed without +speaking, and Miss Larolles, too happy in talking herself to be offended +at the silence of another, continued her narration. + +"Well, but now comes the vilest part of the business; do you know, when +everything else was ready, I could not get my hair-dresser! I sent all +over the town,--he was nowhere to be found; I thought I should have died +with vexation; I assure you I cried so that if I had not gone in a mask, +I should have been ashamed to be seen. And so, after all this monstrous +fatigue, I was forced to have my hair dressed by my own maid, quite in a +common way; was not it cruelly mortifying?" + +"Why yes," answered Cecilia, "I should think it was almost sufficient to +make you regret the illness of the young lady who sent you her ticket." + +They were now interrupted by Mrs Harrel, who advanced to them followed +by a young man of a serious aspect and modest demeanour, and said, "I +am happy to see you both so well engaged; but my brother has been +reproaching me with presenting everybody to Miss Beverley but himself." + +"I cannot hope," said Mr Arnott, "that I have any place in the +recollection of Miss Beverley, but long as I have been absent from +Suffolk, and unfortunate as I was in not seeing her during my last visit +there, I am yet sure, even at this distance of time, grown and formed as +she is, I should instantly have known her." + +"Amazing!" cried an elderly gentleman, in a tone of irony, who was +standing near them, "for the face is a very common one!" + +"I remember well," said Cecilia, "that when you left Suffolk I thought I +had lost my best friend." + +"Is that possible?" cried Mr Arnott, with a look of much delight. + +"Yes, indeed, and not without reason, for in all disputes you were +my advocate; in all plays, my companion; and in all difficulties, my +assistant." + +"Madam," cried the same gentleman, "if you liked him because he was your +advocate, companion, and assistant, pray like me too, for I am ready to +become all three at once." + +"You are very good," said Cecilia, laughing, "but at present I find no +want of any defender." + +"That's pity," he returned, "for Mr Arnott seems to me very willing to +act the same parts over again with you." + +"But for that purpose he must return to the days of his childhood." + +"Ah, would to heaven it were possible!" cried Mr Arnott, "for they were +the happiest of my life." + +"After such a confession," said his companion, "surely you will let him +attempt to renew them? 'tis but taking a walk backwards; and though it +is very early in life for Mr Arnott to sigh for that retrograde motion, +which, in the regular course of things, we shall all in our turns +desire, yet with such a motive as recovering Miss Beverley for a +playfellow, who can wonder that he anticipates in youth the hopeless +wishes of age?" + +Here Miss Larolles, who was one of that numerous tribe of young ladies +to whom all conversation is irksome in which they are not themselves +engaged, quitted her place, of which Mr Gosport, Cecilia's new +acquaintance, immediately took possession. + +"Is it utterly impossible," continued this gentleman, "that I should +assist in procuring Mr Arnott such a renovation? Is there no subaltern +part I can perform to facilitate the project? for I will either _hide_ +or _seek_ with any boy in the parish; and for a _Q in the corner_, there +is none more celebrated." + +"I have no doubt, sir," answered Cecilia, "of your accomplishments; and +I should be not a little entertained with the surprize of the company +if you could persuade yourself to display them." + +"And what," cried he, "could the company do half so well as to rise +also, and join in the sport? it would but interrupt some tale of +scandal, or some description of a _toupee_. Active wit, however +despicable when compared with intellectual, is yet surely better than +the insignificant click-clack of modish conversation," casting his eyes +towards Miss Larolles, "or even the pensive dullness of affected +silence," changing their direction towards Miss Leeson. + +Cecilia, though surprised at an attack upon the society her friend had +selected, by one who was admitted to make a part of it, felt its justice +too strongly to be offended at its severity. + +"I have often wished," he continued, "that when large parties are +collected, as here, without any possible reason why they might not as +well be separated, something could be proposed in which each person +might innocently take a share: for surely after the first half-hour, +they can find little new to observe in the dress of their neighbours, +or to display in their own; and with whatever seeming gaiety they may +contrive to fill up the middle and end of the evening, by wire-drawing +the comments afforded by the beginning, they are yet so miserably +fatigued, that if they have not four or five places to run to every +night, they suffer nearly as much from weariness of their friends in +company, as they would do from weariness of themselves in solitude." + +Here, by the general breaking up of the party, the conversation was +interrupted, and Mr Gosport was obliged to make his exit; not much to +the regret of Cecilia, who was impatient to be alone with Mrs Harrel. + +The rest of the evening, therefore, was spent much more to her +satisfaction; it was devoted to friendship, to mutual enquiries, to kind +congratulations, and endearing recollections; and though it was late +when she retired, she retired with reluctance. + + + + +CHAPTER iv + +A SKETCH OF HIGH LIFE. + + +Eager to renew a conversation which had afforded her so much pleasure, +Cecilia, neither sensible of fatigue from her change of hours nor her +journey, arose with the light, and as soon as she was dressed, hastened +to the breakfast apartment. + +She had not, however, been more impatient to enter than she soon became +to quit it; for though not much surprized to find herself there before +her friend, her ardour for waiting her arrival was somewhat chilled, +upon finding the fire but just lighted, the room cold, and the servants +still employed in putting it in order. + +At 10 o'clock she made another attempt: the room was then better +prepared for her reception, but still it was empty. Again she was +retiring, when the appearance of Mr Arnott stopped her. + +He expressed his surprize at her early rising, in a manner that marked +the pleasure it gave to him; and then, returning to the conversation of +the preceding evening, he expatiated with warmth and feeling upon the +happiness of his boyish days, remembered every circumstance belonging +to the plays in which they had formerly been companions, and dwelt +upon every incident with a minuteness of delight that shewed his +unwillingness ever to have done with the subject. + +This discourse detained her till they were joined by Mrs Harrel, and +then another, more gay and more general succeeded to it. + +During their breakfast, Miss Larolles was announced as a visitor to +Cecilia, to whom she immediately advanced with the intimacy of an old +acquaintance, taking her hand, and assuring her she could no longer +defer the honour of waiting upon her. + +Cecilia, much amazed at this warmth of civility from one to whom she +was almost a stranger, received her compliment rather coldly; but Miss +Larolles, without consulting her looks, or attending to her manner, +proceeded to express the earnest desire she had long had to be known to +her; to hope they should meet very often; to declare nothing could +make her so happy; and to beg leave to recommend to her notice her own +milliner. + +"I assure you," she continued, "she has all Paris in her disposal; the +sweetest caps! the most beautiful trimmings! and her ribbons are quite +divine! It is the most dangerous thing you can conceive to go near her; +I never trust myself in her room but I am sure to be ruined. If you +please, I'll take you to her this morning." + +"If her acquaintance is so ruinous," said Cecilia, "I think I had better +avoid it." + +"Oh, impossible! there's no such thing as living without her. To be sure +she's shockingly dear, that I must own; but then who can wonder? She +makes such sweet things, 'tis impossible to pay her too much for them." + +Mrs Harrel now joining in the recommendation, the party was agreed upon, +and accompanied by Mr Arnott, the ladies proceeded to the house of the +milliner. + +Here the raptures of Miss Larolles were again excited: she viewed the +finery displayed with delight inexpressible, enquired who were the +intended possessors, heard their names with envy, and sighed with all +the bitterness of mortification that she was unable to order home almost +everything she looked at. + +Having finished their business here, they proceeded to various other +dress manufacturers, in whose praises Miss Larolles was almost equally +eloquent, and to appropriate whose goods she was almost equally earnest: +and then, after attending this loquacious young lady to her father's +house, Mrs Harrel and Cecilia returned to their own. + +Cecilia rejoiced at the separation, and congratulated herself that the +rest of the day might be spent alone with her friend. + +"Why, no," said Mrs Harrel, "not absolutely alone, for I expect some +company at night." + +"Company again to-night?" + +"Nay, don't be frightened, for it will be a very small party; not more +than fifteen or twenty in all." + +"Is that so small a party?" said Cecilia, smiling; "and how short a time +since would you, as well as I, have reckoned it a large one!" + +"Oh, you mean when I lived in the country," returned Mrs Harrel; "but +what in the world could I know of parties or company then?" + +"Not much, indeed," said Cecilia, "as my present ignorance shews." + +They then parted to dress for dinner. + +The company of this evening were again all strangers to Cecilia, except +Miss Leeson, who was seated next to her, and whose frigid looks again +compelled her to observe the same silence she so resolutely practised +herself. Yet not the less was her internal surprise that a lady who +seemed determined neither to give nor receive any entertainment, should +repeatedly chuse to show herself in a company with no part of which she +associated. + +Mr Arnott, who contrived to occupy the seat on her other side, suffered +not the silence with which her fair neighbour had infected her to spread +any further: he talked, indeed, upon no new subject; and upon the old +one, of their former sports and amusements, he had already exhausted +all that was worth being mentioned; but not yet had he exhausted the +pleasure he received from the theme; it seemed always fresh and always +enchanting to him; it employed his thoughts, regaled his imagination, +and enlivened his discourse. Cecilia in vain tried to change it for +another; he quitted it only by compulsion, and returned to it with +redoubled eagerness. + +When the company was retired, and Mr Arnott only remained with the +ladies, Cecilia, with no little surprise, inquired for Mr Harrel, +observing that she had not seen him the whole day. + +"O!" cried his lady, "don't think of wondering at that, for it happens +continually. He dines at home, indeed, in general, but otherwise I +should see nothing of him at all." + +"Indeed? why, how does he fill up his time?" + +"That I am sure I cannot tell, for he never consults me about it; but I +suppose much in the same way that other people do." + +"Ah, Priscilla!" cried Cecilia, with some earnestness, "how little did I +ever expect to see you so much a fine lady!" + +"A fine lady?" repeated Mrs Harrel; "why, what is it I do? Don't I live +exactly like every body else that mixes at all with the world?" + +"You, Miss Beverley," said Mr Arnott in a low voice, "will I hope give +to the world an example, not take one from it." + +Soon after, they separated for the night. + +The next morning, Cecilia took care to fill up her time more +advantageously, than in wandering about the house in search of a +companion she now expected not to find: she got together her books, +arranged them to her fancy, and secured to herself for the future +occupation of her leisure hours, the exhaustless fund of entertainment +which reading, that richest, highest, and noblest source of intellectual +enjoyment, perpetually affords. + +While they were yet at breakfast, they were again visited by Miss +Larolles. "I am come," cried she, eagerly, "to run away with you both to +my Lord Belgrade's sale. All the world will be there; and we shall go in +with tickets, and you have no notion how it will be crowded." + +"What is to be sold there?" said Cecilia. + +"Oh, every thing you can conceive; house, stables, china, laces, horses, +caps, everything in the world." + +"And do you intend to buy any thing?" + +"Lord, no; but one likes to see the people's things." + +Cecilia then begged they would excuse her attendance. + +"O, by no means!" cried Miss Larolles; "you must go, I assure you; +there'll be such a monstrous crowd as you never saw in your life. I dare +say we shall be half squeezed to death." + +"That," said Cecilia, "is an inducement which you must not expect will +have much weight with a poor rustic just out of the country: it must +require all the polish of a long residence in the metropolis to make it +attractive." + +"O but do go, for I assure you it will be the best sale we shall have +this season. I can't imagine, Mrs Harrel, what poor Lady Belgrade will +do with herself; I hear the creditors have seized every thing; I really +believe creditors are the cruelest set of people in the world! they have +taken those beautiful buckles out of her shoes! Poor soul! I declare it +will make my heart ache to see them put up. It's quite shocking, upon +my word. I wonder who'll buy them. I assure you they were the prettiest +fancied I ever saw. But come, if we don't go directly, there will be no +getting in." + +Cecilia again desired to be excused accompanying them, adding that she +wished to spend the day at home. + +"At home, my dear?" cried Mrs Harrel; "why we have been engaged to Mrs +Mears this month, and she begged me to prevail with you to be of the +party. I expect she'll call, or send you a ticket, every moment." + +"How unlucky for me," said Cecilia, "that you should happen to have so +many engagements just at this time! I hope, at least, there will not be +any for to-morrow." + +"O yes; to-morrow we go to Mrs Elton's." + +"Again to-morrow? and how long is this to last?" + +"O, heaven knows; I'll shew you my catalogue." + +She then produced a book which contained a list of engagements for more +than three weeks. "And as these," she said, "are struck off, new ones +are made; and so it is we go on till after the birth-day." + +When this list had been examined and commented upon by Miss Larolles, +and viewed and wondered at by Cecilia, it was restored to its place, +the two ladies went together to the auction, permitting Cecilia, at her +repeated request, to return to her own apartment. + +She returned, however, neither satisfied with the behaviour of her +friend, nor pleased with her own situation: the sobriety of her +education, as it had early instilled into her mind the pure dictates of +religion, and strict principles of honour, had also taught her to +regard continual dissipation as an introduction to vice, and unbounded +extravagance as the harbinger of injustice. Long accustomed to see Mrs +Harrel in the same retirement in which she had hitherto lived herself, +when books were their first amusement, and the society of each other +was their chief happiness, the change she now perceived in her mind and +manners equally concerned and surprised her. She found her insensible +to friendship, indifferent to her husband, and negligent of all social +felicity. Dress, company, parties of pleasure, and public places, +seemed not merely to occupy all her time; but to gratify all her wishes. +Cecilia, in whose heart glowed the warmest affections and most generous +virtue, was cruelly depressed and mortified by this disappointment; yet +she had the good sense to determine against upbraiding her, well aware +that if reproach has any power over indifference, it is only that of +changing it into aversion. + +Mrs Harrel, in truth, was innocent of heart, though dissipated in life; +married very young, she had made an immediate transition from living in +a private family and a country town, to becoming mistress of one of +the most elegant houses in Portman-square, at the head of a splendid +fortune, and wife to a man whose own pursuits soon showed her the +little value he himself set upon domestic happiness. Immersed in +the fashionable round of company and diversions, her understanding, +naturally weak, was easily dazzled by the brilliancy of her situation; +greedily, therefore, sucking in air impregnated with luxury and +extravagance, she had soon no pleasure but to vie with some rival in +elegance, and no ambition but to exceed some superior in expence. + +The Dean of----in naming Mr Harrel for one of the guardians of his +niece, had no other view than that of indulging her wishes by allowing +her to reside in the house of her friend: he had little personal +knowledge of him, but was satisfied with the nomination, because +acquainted with his family, fortune, and connections, all which +persuaded him to believe without further enquiry, that it was more +peculiarly proper for his niece than any other he could make. + +In his choice of the other two trustees he had been more prudent; the +first of these, the honourable Mr Delvile, was a man of high birth and +character; the second, Mr Briggs, had spent his whole life in business, +in which he had already amassed an immense fortune, and had still no +greater pleasure than that of encreasing it. From the high honour, +therefore, of Mr Delvile, he expected the most scrupulous watchfulness +that his niece should in nothing be injured, and from the experience of +Mr Briggs in money matters, and his diligence in transacting business, +he hoped for the most vigilant observance that her fortune, while under +his care, should be turned to the best account. And thus, as far as he +was able, he had equally consulted her pleasure, her security, and her +pecuniary advantage. + +Mrs Harrel returned home only in time to dress for the rest of the day. + +When Cecilia was summoned to dinner, she found, besides her host and +hostess and Mr Arnott, a gentleman she had not before seen, but who as +soon as she entered the parlour, Mr Harrel presented to her, saying at +the same time he was one of the most intimate of his friends. + +This gentleman, Sir Robert Floyer, was about thirty years of age; +his face was neither remarkable for its beauty nor its ugliness, but +sufficiently distinguished by its expression of invincible assurance; +his person, too, though neither striking for its grace nor its +deformity, attracted notice from the insolence of his deportment. His +manners, haughty and supercilious, marked the high opinion he cherished +of his own importance; and his air and address, at once bold and +negligent, announced his happy perfection in the character at which he +aimed, that of an accomplished man of the town. + +The moment Cecilia appeared, she became the object of his attention, +though neither with the look of admiration due to her beauty, nor yet +with that of curiosity excited by her novelty, but with the scrutinizing +observation of a man on the point of making a bargain, who views with +fault-seeking eyes the property he means to cheapen. + +Cecilia, wholly unused to an examination so little ceremonious, shrunk +abashed from his regards: but his conversation was not less displeasing +to her than his looks; his principal subjects, which were horse-racing, +losses at play, and disputes at gaming-tables, could afford her but +little amusement, because she could not understand them; and the +episodes with which they were occasionally interspersed, consisting +chiefly of comparative strictures upon celebrated beauties, hints of +impending bankruptcies, and witticisms upon recent divorces, were yet +more disagreeable to her, because more intelligible. Wearied, therefore, +with uninteresting anecdotes, and offended with injudicious subjects of +pleasantry, she waited with impatience for the moment of retiring; but +Mrs Harrel, less eager, because better entertained, was in no haste to +remove, and therefore she was compelled to remain quiet, till they were +both obliged to arise, in order to fulfil their engagement with Mrs +Mears. + +As they went together to the house of that lady, in Mrs Harrel's +vis-a-vis, Cecilia, not doubting but their opinions concerning the +Baronet would accord, instantly and openly declared her disapprobation +of every thing he had uttered; but Mrs Harrel, far from confirming +her expectations, only said, "I am sorry you don't like him, for he is +almost always with us?" + +"Do you like him, then, yourself?" + +"Extremely; he is very entertaining and clever, and knows the world." + +"How judiciously do you praise him!" cried Cecilia; "and how long might +you deliberate before you could add another word to his panegyric!" + +Mrs Harrel, satisfied to commend, without even attempting to vindicate +him, was soon content to change the subject; and Cecilia, though much +concerned that the husband of her friend had made so disgraceful +an election of a favourite, yet hoped that the lenity of Mrs Harrel +resulted from her desire to excuse his choice, not from her own +approbation. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +AN ASSEMBLY. + + +Mrs Mears, whose character was of that common sort which renders +delineation superfluous, received them with the customary forms of good +breeding. + +Mrs Harrel soon engaged herself at a card-table; and Cecilia, who +declined playing, was seated next to Miss Leeson, who arose to return +the courtesy she made in advancing to her, but that past, did not again +even look at her. + +Cecilia, though fond of conversation and formed for society, was too +diffident to attempt speaking where so little encouraged; they both, +therefore, continued silent, till Sir Robert Floyer, Mr Harrel, and Mr +Arnott entered the room together, and all at the same time advanced to +Cecilia. + +"What," cried Mr Harrel, "don't you chuse to play, Miss Beverley?" + +"I flatter myself," cried Mr Arnott, "that Miss Beverley never plays at +all, for then, in one thing, I shall have the honour to resemble her." + +"Very seldom, indeed," answered Cecilia, "and consequently very ill." + +"O, you must take a few lessons," said Mr Harrel, "Sir Robert Floyer, I +am sure, will be proud to instruct you." + +Sir Robert, who had placed himself opposite to her, and was staring +full in her face, made a slight inclination of his head, and said, +"Certainly." + +"I should be a very unpromising pupil," returned Cecilia, "for I fear I +should not only want diligence to improve, but desire." + +"Oh, you will learn better things," said Mr Harrel; "we have had you +yet but three days amongst us,--in three months we shall see the +difference." + +"I hope not," cried Mr Arnott, "I earnestly hope there will be none!" + +Mr Harrel now joined another party; and Mr Arnott seeing no seat vacant +near that of Cecilia, moved round to the back of her chair, where he +patiently stood for the rest of the evening. But Sir Robert still kept +his post, and still, without troubling himself to speak, kept his eyes +fixed upon the same object. + +Cecilia, offended by his boldness, looked a thousand ways to avoid him; +but her embarrassment, by giving greater play to her features, served +only to keep awake an attention which might otherwise have wearied. +She was almost tempted to move her chair round and face Mr Arnott, but +though she wished to shew her disapprobation of the Baronet, she had not +yet been reconciled by fashion to turning her back upon the company at +large, for the indulgence of conversing with some particular person: a +fashion which to unaccustomed observers seems rude and repulsive, +but which, when once adopted, carries with it imperceptibly its own +recommendation, in the ease, convenience and freedom it promotes. + +Thus disagreeably stationed, she found but little assistance from the +neighbourhood of Mr Arnott, since even his own desire of conversing with +her, was swallowed up by an anxious and involuntary impulse to watch the +looks and motions of Sir Robert. + +At length, quite tired of sitting as if merely an object to be gazed at, +she determined to attempt entering into conversation with Miss Leeson. + +The difficulty, however, was not inconsiderable how to make the attack; +she was unacquainted with her friends and connections, uninformed of her +way of thinking, or her way of life, ignorant even of the sound of her +voice, and chilled by the coldness of her aspect: yet, having no other +alternative, she was more willing to encounter the forbidding looks of +this lady, than to continue silently abashed under the scrutinizing eyes +of Sir Robert. + +After much deliberation with what subject to begin, she remembered that +Miss Larolles had been present the first time they had met, and thought +it probable they might be acquainted with each other; and therefore, +bending forward, she ventured to enquire if she had lately seen that +young lady? + +Miss Leeson, in a voice alike inexpressive of satisfaction or +displeasure, quietly answered, "No, ma'am." + +Cecilia, discouraged by this conciseness, was a few minutes silent; but +the perseverance of Sir Robert in staring at her, exciting her own in +trying to avoid his eyes, she exerted herself so far as to add, "Does +Mrs Mears expect Miss Larolles here this evening?" + +Miss Leeson, without raising her head, gravely replied, "I don't know, +ma'am." + +All was now to be done over again, and a new subject to be started, for +she could suggest nothing further to ask concerning Miss Larolles. + +Cecilia had seen, little of life, but that little she had well marked, +and her observation had taught her, that among fashionable people, +public places seemed a never-failing source of conversation and +entertainment: upon this topic, therefore, she hoped for better success; +and as to those who have spent more time in the country than in London, +no place of amusement is so interesting as a theatre, she opened the +subject she had so happily suggested, by an enquiry whether any new play +had lately come out? + +Miss Leeson, with the same dryness, only answered, "Indeed, I can't +tell." + +Another pause now followed, and the spirits of Cecilia were considerably +dampt; but happening accidentally to recollect the name of Almack, she +presently revived, and, congratulating herself that she should now be +able to speak of a place too fashionable for disdain, she asked her, +in a manner somewhat more assured, if she was a subscriber to his +assemblies? + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"Do you go to them constantly?" + +"No, ma'am." + +Again they were both silent. And now, tired of finding the ill-success +of each particular enquiry, she thought a more general one might obtain +an answer less laconic, and therefore begged she would inform her what +was the most fashionable place of diversion for the present season? + +This question, however, cost Miss Leeson no more trouble than any which +had preceded it, for she only replied, "Indeed I don't know." + +Cecilia now began to sicken of her attempt, and for some minutes to give +it up as hopeless; but afterwards when she reflected how frivolous +were the questions she had asked, she felt more inclined to pardon the +answers she had received, and in a short time to fancy she had mistaken +contempt for stupidity, and to grow less angry with Miss Leeson than +ashamed of herself. + +This supposition excited her to make yet another trial of her talents +for conversation, and therefore, summoning all the courage in her power, +she modestly apologised for the liberty she was taking, and then begged +her permission to enquire whether there was anything new in the literary +way that she thought worth recommending? + +Miss Leeson now turned her eyes towards her, with a look that implied +a doubt whether she had heard right; and when the attentive attitude of +Cecilia confirmed her question, surprise for a few instants took place +of insensibility, and with rather more spirit than she had yet shown, +she answered, "Indeed, I know nothing of the matter." + +Cecilia was now utterly disconcerted; and half angry with herself, and +wholly provoked with her sullen neighbour, she resolved to let nothing +in future provoke her to a similar trial with so unpromising a subject. + +She had not, however, much longer to endure the examination of Sir +Robert, who being pretty well satisfied with staring, turned upon his +heel, and was striding out of the room, when he was stopt by Mr Gosport, +who for some time had been watching him. + +Mr Gosport was a man of good parts, and keen satire: minute in his +observations, and ironical in his expressions. + +"So you don't play, Sir Robert?" he cried. + +"What, here? No, I am going to Brookes's." + +"But how do you like Harrel's ward? You have taken a pretty good survey +of her." + +"Why, faith, I don't know; but not much, I think; she's a devilish fine +woman, too; but she has no spirit, no life." + +"Did you try her? Have you talked to her?" + +"Not I, truly!" + +"Nay, then how do you mean to judge of her?" + +"O, faith, that's all over, now; one never thinks of talking to the +women by way of trying them." + +"What other method, then, have you adopted?" + +"None." + +"None? Why, then, how do you go on?" + +"Why, they talk to us. The women take all that trouble upon themselves +now." + +"And pray how long may you have commenced _fade macaroni?_ For this is a +part of your character with which I was not acquainted." + +"Oh, hang it, 'tis not from _ton_; no, it's merely from laziness. Who +the d---l will fatigue himself with dancing attendance upon the women, +when keeping them at a distance makes them dance attendance upon us?" + +Then stalking from him to Mr Harrel, he took him by the arm, and they +left the room together. + +Mr Gosport now advanced to Cecilia, and addressing her so as not to be +heard by Miss Leeson, said, "I have been wishing to approach you, some +time, but the fear that you are already overpowered by the loquacity of +your fair neighbour makes me cautious of attempting to engage you." + +"You mean," said Cecilia, "to laugh at _my_ loquacity, and indeed its +ill success has rendered it sufficiently ridiculous." + +"Are you, then, yet to learn," cried he, "that there are certain young +ladies who make it a rule never to speak but to their own cronies? Of +this class is Miss Leeson, and till you get into her particular coterie, +you must never expect to hear from her a word of two syllables. The +TON misses, as they are called, who now infest the town, are in two +divisions, the SUPERCILIOUS, and the VOLUBLE. The SUPERCILIOUS, like +Miss Leeson, are silent, scornful, languid, and affected, and disdain +all converse but with those of their own set: the VOLUBLE, like Miss +Larolles, are flirting, communicative, restless, and familiar, and +attack without the smallest ceremony, every one they think worthy their +notice. But this they have in common, that at home they think of nothing +but dress, abroad, of nothing but admiration, and that every where they +hold in supreme contempt all but themselves." + +"Probably, then," said Cecilia, "I have passed tonight, for one of the +VOLUBLES; however, all the advantage has been with the SUPERCILIOUS, for +I have suffered a total repulse." + +"Are you sure, however, you have not talked too well for her?" + +"O, a child of five years old ought to have been whipt for not talking +better!" + +"But it is not capacity alone you are to consult when you talk with +misses of the TON; were their understandings only to be considered, +they would indeed be wonderfully easy of access! in order, therefore, to +render their commerce somewhat difficult, they will only be pleased by +an observance of their humours: which are ever most various and most +exuberant where the intellects are weakest and least cultivated. I +have, however, a receipt which I have found infallible for engaging the +attention of young ladies of whatsoever character or denomination." + +"O, then," cried Cecilia, "pray favour me with it, for I have here an +admirable opportunity to try its efficacy." + +"I will give it you," he answered, "with full directions. When you meet +with a young lady who seems resolutely determined not to speak, or who, +if compelled by a direct question to make some answer, drily gives a +brief affirmative, or coldly a laconic negative---" + +"A case in point," interrupted Cecilia. + +"Well, thus circumstanced," he continued, "the remedy I have to propose +consists of three topics of discourse." + +"Pray what are they?" + +"Dress, public places, and love." + +Cecilia, half surprised and half diverted, waited a fuller explanation +without giving any interruption. + +"These three topics," he continued, "are to answer three purposes, since +there are no less than three causes from which the silence of young +ladies may proceed: sorrow, affectation, and stupidity." + +"Do you, then," cried Cecilia, "give nothing at all to modesty?" + +"I give much to it," he answered, "as an excuse, nay almost as an +equivalent for wit; but for that sullen silence which resists all +encouragement, modesty is a mere pretence, not a cause." + +"You must, however, be somewhat more explicit, if you mean that I should +benefit from your instructions." + +"Well, then," he answered, "I will briefly enumerate the three causes, +with directions for the three methods of cure. To begin with sorrow. The +taciturnity which really results from that is attended with an incurable +absence of mind, and a total unconsciousness of the observation which +it excites; upon this occasion, public places may sometimes be tried in +vain, and even dress may fail; but love--" + +"Are you sure, then," said Cecilia, with a laugh, "that sorrow has but +that one source?" + +"By no means," answered he, "for perhaps papa may have been angry, or +mama may have been cross; a milliner may have sent a wrong pompoon, or a +chaperon to an assembly may have been taken ill--" + +"Bitter subjects of affliction, indeed! And are these all you allow us?" + +"Nay, I speak but of young ladies of fashion, and what of greater +importance can befall them? If, therefore, the grief of the fair patient +proceeds from papa, mama, or the chaperon, then the mention of public +places, those endless incentives of displeasure between the old and the +young, will draw forth her complaints, and her complaints will bring +their own cure, for those who lament find speedy consolation: if the +milliner has occasioned the calamity, the discussion of dress will +have the same effect; should both these medicines fail, love, as I said +before, will be found infallible, for you will then have investigated +every subject of uneasiness which a youthful female in high life can +experience." + +"They are greatly obliged to you," cried Cecilia, bowing, "for granting +them motives of sorrow so honourable, and I thank you in the name of the +whole sex." + +"You, madam," said he, returning her bow, "are I hope an exception in +the happiest way, that of having no sorrow at all. I come, now, to the +silence of affectation, which is presently discernible by the roving of +the eye round the room to see if it is heeded, by the sedulous care to +avoid an accidental smile, and by the variety of disconsolate attitudes +exhibited to the beholders. This species of silence has almost without +exception its origin in that babyish vanity which is always gratified by +exciting attention, without ever perceiving that it provokes contempt. +In these cases, as nature is wholly out of the question, and the mind +is guarded against its own feelings, dress and public places are almost +certain of failing, but here again love is sure to vanquish; as soon +as it is named, attention becomes involuntary, and in a short time a +struggling simper discomposes the arrangement of the features, and then +the business is presently over, for the young lady is either supporting +some system, or opposing some proposition, before she is well aware that +she has been cheated out of her sad silence at all." + +"So much," said Cecilia, "for sorrow and for affectation. Proceed next +to stupidity; for that, in all probability, I shall most frequently +encounter." + +"That always must be heavy work," returned he, "yet the road is plain, +though it is all up hill. Love, here, may be talked of without exciting +any emotion, or provoking any reply, and dress may be dilated upon +without producing any other effect than that of attracting a vacant +stare; but public places are indubitably certain of success. Dull and +heavy characters, incapable of animating from wit or from reason, +because unable to keep pace with them, and void of all internal sources +of entertainment, require the stimulation of shew, glare, noise, and +bustle, to interest or awaken them. Talk to them of such subjects, and +they adore you; no matter whether you paint to them joy or horror, let +there but be action, and they are content; a battle has charms for them +equal to a coronation, and a funeral amuses them as much as a wedding." + +"I am much obliged to you," said Cecilia, smiling, "for these +instructions; yet I must confess I know not how upon the present +occasion to make use of them: public places I have already tried, but +tried in vain; dress I dare not mention, as I have not yet learned its +technical terms--" + +"Well, but," interrupted he, "be not desperate; you have yet the third +topic unessayed." + +"O, that," returned she, laughing, "I leave to you." + +"Pardon me," cried he; "love is a source of loquacity only with +yourselves: when it is started by men, young ladies dwindle into mere +listeners. _Simpering_ listeners, I confess; but it is only with one +another that you will discuss its merits." + +At this time they were interrupted by the approach of Miss Larolles, +who, tripping towards Cecilia, exclaimed, "Lord, how glad I am to see +you! So you would not go to the auction! Well, you had a prodigious +loss, I assure you. All the wardrobe was sold, and all Lady Belgrade's +trinkets. I never saw such a collection of sweet things in my life. +I was ready to cry that I could not bid for half a hundred of them. I +declare I was kept in an agony the whole morning. I would not but have +been there for the world. Poor Lady Belgrade! you really can't conceive +how I was shocked for her. All her beautiful things sold for almost +nothing. I assure you, if you had seen how they went, you would have +lost all patience. It's a thousand pities you were not there." + +"On the contrary," said Cecilia, "I think I had a very fortunate escape, +for the loss of patience without the acquisition of the trinkets, would +have been rather mortifying." + +"Yes," said Mr Gosport; "but when you have lived some time longer +in this commercial city, you will find the exchange of patience +for mortification the most common and constant traffic amongst its +inhabitants." + +"Pray, have you been here long?" cried Miss Larolles, "for I have +been to twenty places, wondering I did not meet with you before. +But whereabouts is Mrs Mears? O, I see her now; I'm sure there's no +mistaking her; I could know her by that old red gown half a mile off. +Did you ever see such a frightful thing in your life? And it's never +off her back. I believe she sleeps in it. I am sure I have seen her in +nothing else all winter. It quite tires one's eye. She's a monstrous +shocking dresser. But do you know I have met with the most provoking +thing in the world this evening? I declare it has made me quite sick. +I was never in such a passion in my life. You can conceive nothing like +it." + +"Like what?" cried Cecilia, laughing; "your passion, or your +provocation?" + +"Why, I'll tell you what it was, and then you shall judge if it was not +quite past endurance. You must know I commissioned a particular friend +of mine, Miss Moffat, to buy me a trimming when she went to Paris; +well, she sent it me over about a month ago by Mr Meadows, and it's the +sweetest thing you ever saw in your life; but I would not make it up, +because there was not a creature in town, so I thought to bring it out +quite new in about a week's time, for you know any thing does till after +Christmas. Well, to-night at Lady Jane Dranet's, who should I meet but +Miss Moffat! She had been in town some days, but so monstrously engaged +I could never find her at home. Well, I was quite delighted to see her, +for you must know she's a prodigious favourite with me, so I ran up to +her in a great hurry to shake hands, and what do you think was the first +thing that struck my eyes? Why, just such a trimming as my own, upon +a nasty, odious gown, and half dirty! Can you conceive anything so +distressing? I could have cried with pleasure." + +"Why so?" said Cecilia. "If her trimming is dirty, yours will look the +more delicate." + +"O Lord! but it's making it seem quite an old thing! Half the town will +get something like it. And I quite ruined myself to buy it. I declare, I +don't think anything was ever half so mortifying. It distressed me so, +I could hardly speak to her. If she had stayed a month or two longer, I +should not have minded it, but it was the cruellest thing in the world +to come over just now. I wish the Custom-house officers had kept all her +cloaths till summer." + +"The wish is tender, indeed," said Cecilia, "for a _particular friend_." + +Mrs Mears now rising from the card-table, Miss Larolles tript away to +pay her compliments to her. + +"Here, at least," cried Cecilia, "no receipt seems requisite for the +cure of silence! I would have Miss Larolles be the constant companion of +Miss Leeson: they could not but agree admirably, since that SUPERCILIOUS +young lady seems determined never to speak, and the VOLUBLE Miss +Larolles never to be silent. Were each to borrow something of the other, +how greatly would both be the better!" + +"The composition would still be a sorry one," answered Mr Gosport, +"for I believe they are equally weak, and equally ignorant; the only +difference is, that one, though silly, is quick, the other, though +deliberate, is stupid. Upon a short acquaintance, that heaviness which +leaves to others the whole weight of discourse, and whole search of +entertainment, is the most fatiguing, but, upon a longer intimacy, even +that is less irksome and less offensive, than the flippancy which hears +nothing but itself." + +Mrs Harrel arose now to depart, and Cecilia, not more tired of the +beginning of the evening than entertained with its conclusion, was +handed to the carriage by Mr Arnott. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A BREAKFAST. + + +The next morning, during breakfast, a servant acquainted Cecilia that +a young gentleman was in the hall, who begged to speak with her. She +desired he might be admitted; and Mrs Harrel, laughing, asked if she +ought not to quit the room; while Mr Arnott, with even more than his +usual gravity, directed his eye towards the door to watch who should +enter. + +Neither of them, however, received any satisfaction when it was opened, +for the gentleman who made his appearance was unknown to both: but great +was the amazement of Cecilia, though little her emotion, when she saw Mr +Morrice! + +He came forward with an air of the most profound respect for the company +in general, and obsequiously advancing to Cecilia, made an earnest +enquiry into her health after her journey, and hoped she had heard good +news from her friends in the country. + +Mrs Harrel, naturally concluding both from his visit and behaviour, that +he was an acquaintance of some intimacy, very civilly offered him a seat +and some breakfast, which, very frankly, he accepted. But Mr Arnott, +who already felt the anxiety of a rising passion which was too full of +veneration to be sanguine, looked at him with uneasiness, and waited his +departure with impatience. + +Cecilia began to imagine he had been commissioned to call upon her with +some message from Mr Monckton: for she knew not how to suppose that +merely and accidentally having spent an hour or two in the same room +with her, would authorize a visiting acquaintance. Mr Morrice, however, +had a faculty the most happy of reconciling his pretensions to his +inclination; and therefore she soon found that the pretence she had +suggested appeared to him unnecessary. To lead, however, to the subject +from which she expected his excuse, she enquired how long he had left +Suffolk? + +"But yesterday noon, ma'am," he answered, "or I should certainly have +taken the liberty to wait upon you before." + +Cecilia, who had only been perplexing herself to devise some reason why +he came at all, now looked at him with a grave surprize, which would +totally have abashed a man whose courage had been less, or whose +expectations had been greater; but Mr Morrice, though he had hazarded +every danger upon the slightest chance of hope, knew too well the +weakness of his claims to be confident of success, and had been too +familiar with rebuffs to be much hurt by receiving them. He might +possibly have something to gain, but he knew he had nothing to lose. + +"I had the pleasure," he continued, "to leave all our friends well, +except poor Lady Margaret, and she has had an attack of the asthma; +yet she would not have a physician, though Mr Monckton would fain have +persuaded her: however, I believe the old lady knows better things." And +he looked archly at Cecilia: but perceiving that the insinuation gave +her nothing but disgust, he changed his tone, and added, "It is amazing +how well they live together; nobody would imagine the disparity in their +years. Poor old lady! Mr Monckton will really have a great loss of her +when she dies." + +"A loss of her!" repeated Mrs Harrel, "I am sure she is an exceeding +ill-natured old woman. When I lived at Bury, I was always frightened out +of my wits at the sight of her." + +"Why indeed, ma'am," said Morrice, "I must own her appearance is rather +against her: I had myself a great aversion to her at first sight. But +the house is chearful,--very chearful; I like to spend a few days there +now and then of all things. Miss Bennet, too, is agreeable enough, +and----" + +"Miss Bennet agreeable!" cried Mrs Harrel, "I think she's the most +odious creature I ever knew in my life; a nasty, spiteful old maid!" + +"Why indeed, ma'am, as you say," answered Morrice, "she is not very +young; and as to her temper, I confess I know very little about it; and +Mr Monckton is likely enough to try it, for he is pretty severe." + +"Mr Monckton," cried Cecilia, extremely provoked at hearing him censured +by a man she thought highly honoured in being permitted to approach +him, "whenever _I_ have been his guest, has merited from me nothing but +praise and gratitude." + +"O," cried Morrice, eagerly, "there is not a more worthy man in the +world! he has so much wit, so much politeness! I don't know a more +charming man anywhere than my friend Mr Monckton." Cecilia now +perceiving that the opinions of her new acquaintance were as pliant +as his bows, determined to pay him no further attention, and hoped by +sitting silent to force from him the business of his visit, if any +he had, or if, as she now suspected, he had none, to weary him into a +retreat. + +But this plan, though it would have succeeded with herself, failed with +Mr Morrice, who to a stock of good humour that made him always ready to +oblige others, added an equal portion of insensibility that hardened +him against all indignity. Finding, therefore, that Cecilia, to whom +his visit was intended, seemed already satisfied with its length, he +prudently forbore to torment her; but perceiving that the lady of the +house was more accessible, he quickly made a transfer of his attention, +and addressed his discourse to her with as much pleasure as if his only +view had been to see her, and as much ease as if he had known her all +his life. + +With Mrs Harrel this conduct was not injudicious; she was pleased with +his assiduity, amused with his vivacity, and sufficiently satisfied with +his understanding. They conversed, therefore, upon pretty equal terms, +and neither of them were yet tired, when they were interrupted by Mr +Harrel, who came into the room, to ask if they had seen or heard any +thing of Sir Robert Floyer? + +"No," answered Mrs Harrel, "nothing at all." + +"I wish he was hanged," returned he, "for he has kept me waiting this +hour. He made me promise not to ride out till he called and now he'll +stay till the morning is over." + +"Pray where does he live, sir?" cried Morrice, starting from his seat. + +"In Cavendish Square, sir," answered Mr Harrel, looking at him with much +surprise. + +Not a word more said Morrice, but scampered out of the room. + +"Pray who is this Genius?" cried Mr Harrel, "and what has he run away +for?" + +"Upon my word I know nothing at all of him," said Mrs Harrel; "he is a +visitor of Miss Beverley's." + +"And I, too," said Cecilia, "might almost equally disclaim all knowledge +of him; for though I once saw, I never was introduced to him." + +She then began a relation of her meeting him at Mr Monckton's house, and +had hardly concluded it, before again, and quite out of breath, he made +his appearance. + +"Sir Robert Floyer, sir," said he to Mr Harrel, "will be here in two +minutes." + +"I hope, sir," said Mr Harrel, "you have not given yourself the trouble +of going to him?" + +"No, sir, it has given me nothing but pleasure; a run these cold +mornings is the thing I like best." + +"Sir, you are extremely good," said Mr Harrel, "but I had not the least +intention of your taking such a walk upon my account." + +He then begged him to be seated, to rest himself, and to take some +refreshment; which civilities he received without scruple. + +"But, Miss Beverley," said Mr Harrel, turning suddenly to Cecilia, "you +don't tell me what you think of my friend?" + +"What friend, sir?" + +"Why, Sir Robert Floyer; I observed he never quitted you a moment while +he stayed at Mrs Mears." + +"His stay, however, was too short," said Cecilia, "to allow me to form a +fair opinion of him." + +"But perhaps," cried Morrice, "it was long enough to allow you to form a +_foul_ one." + +Cecilia could not forbear laughing to hear the truth thus accidentally +blundered out; but Mr Harrel, looking very little pleased, said, "Surely +you can find no fault with him? he is one of the most fashionable men I +know." + +"My finding fault with him then," said Cecilia, "will only farther prove +what I believe is already pretty evident, that I am yet a novice in the +art of admiration." + +Mr Arnott, animating at this speech, glided behind her chair, and said, +"I knew you could not like him! I knew it from the turn of your mind;--I +knew it even from your countenance!" + +Soon after, Sir Robert Floyer arrived. + +"You are a pretty fellow, a'n't you," cried Mr Harrel, "to keep me +waiting so long." + +"I could not come a moment sooner; I hardly expected to get here at all, +for my horse has been so confounded resty I could not tell how to get +him along." + +"Do you come on horseback through the streets, Sir Robert?" asked Mrs +Harrel. + +"Sometimes; when I am lazy. But what the d---l is the matter with him I +don't know; he has started at everything. I suspect there has been some +foul play with him." + +"Is he at the door, sir?" cried Morrice. + +"Yes," answered Sir Robert. + +"Then I'll tell you what's the matter with him in a minute;" and away +again ran Morrice. + +"What time did you get off last night, Harrel?" said Sir Robert. + +"Not very early; but you were too much engaged to miss me. By the way," +lowering his voice, "what do you think I lost?" + +"I can't tell indeed, but I know what I gained: I have not had such a +run of luck this winter." + +They then went up to a window to carry on their enquiries more +privately. + +At the words _what do you think I lost_, Cecilia, half starting, cast +her eyes uneasily upon Mrs Harrel, but perceived not the least change +in her countenance. Mr Arnott, however, seemed as little pleased as +herself, and from a similar sensation looked anxiously at his sister. + +Morrice now returning, called out, "He's had a fall, I assure you!" + +"Curse him!" cried Sir Robert, "what shall I do now? he cost me the +d---l and all of money, and I have not had him a twelvemonth. Can you +lend me a horse for this morning, Harrel?" + +"No, I have not one that will do for you. You must send to Astley." + +"Who can I send? John must take care of this." + +"I'll go, sir," cried Morrice, "if you'll give me the commission." + +"By no means, sir," said Sir Robert, "I can't think of giving you such +an office." + +"It is the thing in the world I like best," answered he; "I understand +horses, and had rather go to Astley's than any where." + +The matter was now settled in a few minutes, and having received his +directions, and an invitation to dinner, Morrice danced off, with a +heart yet lighter than his heels. + +"Why, Miss Beverley," said Mr Harrel, "this friend of yours is the most +obliging gentleman I ever met with; there was no avoiding asking him to +dinner." + +"Remember, however," said Cecilia, who was involuntarily diverted at the +successful officiousness of her new acquaintance, "that if you receive +him henceforth as your guest, he obtains admission through his own +merits, and not through my interest." + +At dinner, Morrice, who failed not to accept the invitation of Mr +Harrel, was the gayest, and indeed the happiest man in the company: the +effort he had made to fasten himself upon Cecilia as an acquaintance, +had not, it is true, from herself met with much encouragement; but he +knew the chances were against him when he made the trial, and therefore +the prospect of gaining admission into such a house as Mr Harrel's, +was not only sufficient to make amends for what scarcely amounted to a +disappointment, but a subject of serious comfort from the credit of +the connection, and of internal exultation at his own management and +address. + +In the evening, the ladies, as usual, went to a private assembly, and, +as usual, were attended to it by Mr Arnott. The other gentlemen had +engagements elsewhere. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +A PROJECT. + + +Several days passed on nearly in the same manner; the mornings were +all spent in gossipping, shopping and dressing, and the evenings were +regularly appropriated to public places, or large parties of company. + +Meanwhile Mr Arnott lived almost entirely in Portman Square; he slept, +indeed, at his own lodgings, but he boarded wholly with Mr Harrel, whose +house he never for a moment quitted till night, except to attend Cecilia +and his sister in their visitings and rambles. + +Mr Arnott was a young man of unexceptionable character, and of a +disposition mild, serious and benignant: his principles and blameless +conduct obtained the universal esteem of the world, but his manners, +which were rather too precise, joined to an uncommon gravity of +countenance and demeanour, made his society rather permitted as a duty, +than sought as a pleasure. + +The charms of Cecilia had forcibly, suddenly and deeply penetrated his +heart; he only lived in her presence, away from her he hardly existed: +the emotions she excited were rather those of adoration than of love, +for he gazed upon her beauty till he thought her more than human, and +hung upon her accents till all speech seemed impertinent to him but her +own. Yet so small were his expectations of success, that not even to +his sister did he hint at the situation of his heart: happy in an easy +access to her, he contented himself with seeing, hearing and watching +her, beyond which bounds he formed not any plan, and scarce indulged any +hope. + +Sir Robert Floyer, too, was a frequent visitor in Portman Square, where +he dined almost daily. Cecilia was chagrined at seeing so much of +him, and provoked to find herself almost constantly the object of his +unrestrained examination; she was, however, far more seriously concerned +for Mrs Harrel, when she discovered that this favourite friend of her +husband was an unprincipled spendthrift, and an extravagant gamester, +for as he was the inseparable companion of Mr Harrel, she dreaded the +consequence both of his influence and his example. + +She saw, too, with an amazement that daily increased, the fatigue, yet +fascination of a life of pleasure: Mr Harrel seemed to consider his +own house merely as an hotel, where at any hour of the night he might +disturb the family to claim admittance, where letters and messages might +be left for him, where he dined when no other dinner was offered him, +and where, when he made an appointment, he was to be met with. His +lady, too, though more at home, was not therefore more solitary; her +acquaintance were numerous, expensive and idle, and every moment +not actually spent in company, was scrupulously devoted to making +arrangements for that purpose. + +In a short time Cecilia, who every day had hoped that the next would +afford her greater satisfaction, but who every day found the present +no better than the former, began to grow weary of eternally running the +same round, and to sicken at the irksome repetition of unremitting yet +uninteresting dissipation. She saw nobody she wished to see, as she had +met with nobody for whom she could care; for though sometimes those with +whom she mixed appeared to be amiable, she knew that their manners, like +their persons, were in their best array, and therefore she had too much +understanding to judge decisively of their characters. But what +chiefly damped her hopes of forming a friendship with any of the new +acquaintance to whom she was introduced, was the observation she herself +made how ill the coldness of their hearts accorded with the warmth of +their professions; upon every first meeting, the civilities which were +shewn her, flattered her into believing she had excited a partiality +that a very little time would ripen into affection; the next meeting +commonly confirmed the expectation; but the third, and every future +one, regularly destroyed it. She found that time added nothing to their +fondness, nor intimacy to their sincerity; that the interest in her +welfare which appeared to be taken at first sight, seldom, with whatever +reason, increased, and often without any, abated; that the distinction +she at first met with, was no effusion of kindness, but of curiosity, +which is scarcely sooner gratified than satiated; and that those who +lived always the life into which she had only lately been initiated, +were as much harassed with it as herself, though less spirited to +relinquish, and more helpless to better it, and that they coveted +nothing but what was new, because they had experienced the insufficiency +of whatever was familiar. + +She began now to regret the loss she sustained in quitting the +neighbourhood, and being deprived of the conversation of Mr Monckton, +and yet more earnestly to miss the affection and sigh for the society +of Mrs Charlton, the lady with whom she had long and happily resided +at Bury; for she was very soon compelled to give up all expectation of +renewing the felicity of her earlier years, by being restored to the +friendship of Mrs Harrel, in whom she had mistaken the kindness of +childish intimacy for the sincerity of chosen affection; and though +she saw her credulous error with mortification and displeasure, she +regretted it with tenderness and sorrow. "What, at last," cried she, "is +human felicity, who has tasted, and where is it to be found? If I, +who, to others, seem marked out for even a partial possession of +it,--distinguished by fortune, caressed by the world, brought into the +circle of high life, and surrounded with splendour, seek without finding +it, yet losing, scarce know how I miss it!" + +Ashamed upon reflection to believe she was considered as an object of +envy by others, while repining and discontented herself, she determined +no longer to be the only one insensible to the blessings within her +reach, but by projecting and adopting some plan of conduct better suited +to her taste and feelings than the frivolous insipidity of her present +life, to make at once a more spirited and more worthy use of the +affluence, freedom, and power which she possessed. + +A scheme of happiness at once rational and refined soon presented itself +to her imagination. She purposed, for the basis of her plan, to become +mistress of her own time, and with this view, to drop all idle and +uninteresting acquaintance, who, while they contribute neither to use +nor pleasure, make so large a part of the community, that they may +properly be called the underminers of existence; she could then shew +some taste and discernment in her choice of friends, and she resolved +to select such only as by their piety could elevate her mind, by their +knowledge improve her understanding, or by their accomplishments and +manners delight her affections. This regulation, if strictly adhered to, +would soon relieve her from the fatigue of receiving many visitors, +and therefore she might have all the leisure she could desire for the +pursuit of her favourite studies, music and reading. + +Having thus, from her own estimation of human perfection, culled +whatever was noblest for her society, and from her own ideas of +sedentary enjoyments arranged the occupations of her hours of solitude, +she felt fully satisfied with the portion of happiness which her scheme +promised to herself, and began next to consider what was due from her to +the world. + +And not without trembling did she then look forward to the claims which +the splendid income she was soon to possess would call upon her to +discharge. A strong sense of DUTY, a fervent desire to ACT RIGHT, were +the ruling characteristics of her mind: her affluence she therefore +considered as a debt contracted with the poor, and her independence as a +tie upon her liberality to pay it with interest. + +Many and various, then, soothing to her spirit and grateful to her +sensibility, were the scenes which her fancy delineated; now she +supported an orphan, now softened the sorrows of a widow, now snatched +from iniquity the feeble trembler at poverty, and now rescued from shame +the proud struggler with disgrace. The prospect at once exalted her +hopes, and enraptured her imagination; she regarded herself as an agent +of Charity, and already in idea anticipated the rewards of a good +and faithful delegate; so animating are the designs of disinterested +benevolence! so pure is the bliss of intellectual philanthropy! + +Not immediately, however, could this plan be put in execution; the +society she meant to form could not be selected in the house of another, +where, though to some she might shew a preference, there were none she +could reject: nor had she yet the power to indulge, according to the +munificence of her wishes, the extensive generosity she projected: these +purposes demanded a house of her own, and the unlimited disposal of her +fortune, neither of which she could claim till she became of age. That +period, however, was only eight months distant, and she pleased +herself with the intention of meliorating her plan in the meantime, and +preparing to put it in practice. + +But though, in common with all the race of still-expecting man, she +looked for that happiness in the time to come which the present failed +to afford, she had yet the spirit and good sense to determine upon +making every effort in her power to render her immediate way of life +more useful and contented. + +Her first wish, therefore, now, was to quit the house of Mr Harrel, +where she neither met with entertainment nor instruction, but was +perpetually mortified by seeing the total indifference of the friend in +whose society she had hoped for nothing but affection. + +The will of her uncle, though it obliged her while under age to live +with one of her guardians, left her at liberty to chuse and to change +amongst them according to her wishes or convenience: she determined, +therefore, to make a visit herself to each of them, to observe their +manners and way of life, and then, to the best of her judgment, decide +with which she could be most contented: resolving, however, not to hint +at her intention till it was ripe for execution, and then honestly to +confess the reasons of her retreat. + +She had acquainted them both of her journey to town the morning after +her arrival. She was almost an entire stranger to each of them, as she +had not seen Mr Briggs since she was nine years old, nor Mr Delvile +within the time she could remember. + +The very morning that she had settled her proceedings for the +arrangement of this new plan, she intended to request the use of Mrs +Harrel's carriage, and to make, without delay, the visits preparatory +to her removal; but when she entered the parlour upon a summons to +breakfast, her eagerness to quit the house gave way, for the present, to +the pleasure she felt at the sight of Mr Monckton, who was just arrived +from Suffolk. + +She expressed her satisfaction in the most lively terms, and scrupled +not to tell him she had not once been so much pleased since her journey +to town, except at her first meeting with Mrs Harrel. + +Mr Monckton, whose delight was infinitely superior to her own, and whose +joy in seeing her was redoubled by the affectionate frankness of her +reception, stifled the emotions to which her sight gave rise, and +denying himself the solace of expressing his feelings, seemed much less +charmed than herself at the meeting, and suffered no word nor look to +escape him beyond what could be authorised by friendly civility. + +He then renewed with Mrs Harrel an acquaintance which had been formed +before her marriage, but which [he] had dropt when her distance from +Cecilia, upon whose account alone he had thought it worth cultivation, +made it no longer of use to him. She afterwards introduced her brother +to him; and a conversation very interesting to both the ladies took +place, concerning several families with which they had been formerly +connected, as well as the neighbourhood at large in which they had +lately dwelt. + +Very little was the share taken by Mr Arnott in these accounts and +enquiries; the unaffected joy with which Cecilia had received Mr +Monckton, had struck him with a sensation of envy as involuntary as it +was painful; he did not, indeed, suspect that gentleman's secret views; +no reason for suspicion was obvious, and his penetration sunk not deeper +than appearances; he knew, too, that he was married, and therefore no +jealousy occurred to him; but still she had smiled upon him!--and he +felt that to purchase for himself a smile of so much sweetness, he would +have sacrificed almost all else that was valuable to him upon earth. + +With an attention infinitely more accurate, Mr Monckton had returned his +observations. The uneasiness of his mind was apparent, and the anxious +watchfulness of his eyes plainly manifested whence it arose. From a +situation, indeed, which permitted an intercourse the most constant +and unrestrained with such an object as Cecilia, nothing less could be +expected, and therefore he considered his admiration as inevitable; all +that remained to be discovered, was the reception it had met from his +fair enslaver. Nor was he here long in doubt; he soon saw that she was +not merely free from all passion herself, but had so little watched Mr +Arnott as to be unconscious she had inspired any. + +Yet was his own serenity, though apparently unmoved, little less +disturbed in secret than that of his rival; he did not think him a +formidable candidate, but he dreaded the effects of intimacy, fearing +she might first grow accustomed to his attentions, and then become +pleased with them. He apprehended, also, the influence of his sister and +of Mr Harrel in his favour; and though he had no difficulty to persuade +himself that any offer he might now make would be rejected without +hesitation, he knew too well the insidious properties of perseverance, +to see him, without inquietude, situated so advantageously. + +The morning was far advanced before he took leave, yet he found no +opportunity of discoursing with Cecilia, though he impatiently desired +to examine into the state of her mind, and to discover whether her +London journey had added any fresh difficulties to the success of his +long-concerted scheme. But as Mrs Harrel invited him to dinner, he hoped +the afternoon would be more propitious to his wishes. + +Cecilia, too, was eager to communicate to him her favourite project, and +to receive his advice with respect to its execution. She had long been +used to his counsel, and she was now more than ever solicitous to obtain +it, because she considered him as the only person in London who was +interested in her welfare. + +He saw, however, no promise of better success when he made his +appearance at dinner time, for not only Mr Arnott was already arrived, +but Sir Robert Floyer, and he found Cecilia so much the object of their +mutual attention, that he had still less chance than in the morning of +speaking to her unheard. + +Yet was he not idle; the sight of Sir Robert gave abundant employment to +his penetration, which was immediately at work, to discover the motive +of his visit: but this, with all his sagacity, was not easily decided; +for though the constant direction of his eyes towards Cecilia, proved, +at least, that he was not insensible of her beauty, his carelessness +whether or not she was hurt by his examination, the little pains he took +to converse with her, and the invariable assurance and negligence of +his manners, seemed strongly to demonstrate an indifference to the +sentiments he inspired, totally incompatible with the solicitude of +affection. + +In Cecilia he had nothing to observe but what his knowledge of her +character prepared him to expect, a shame no less indignant than modest +at the freedom with which she saw herself surveyed. + +Very little, therefore, was the satisfaction which this visit procured +him, for soon after dinner the ladies retired; and as they had an early +engagement for the evening, the gentlemen received no summons to their +tea-table. But he contrived, before they quitted the room, to make an +appointment for attending them the next morning to a rehearsal of a new +serious Opera. + +He stayed not after their departure longer than decency required, +for too much in earnest was his present pursuit, to fit him for such +conversation as the house in Cecilia's absence could afford him. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +AN OPERA REHEARSAL. + + +The next day, between eleven and twelve o'clock, Mr Monckton was again +in Portman Square; he found, as he expected, both the ladies, and he +found, as he feared, Mr Arnott prepared to be of their party. He had, +however, but little time to repine at this intrusion, before he was +disturbed by another, for, in a few minutes, they were joined by Sir +Robert Floyer, who also declared his intention of accompanying them to +the Haymarket. + +Mr Monckton, to disguise his chagrin, pretended he was in great haste +to set off, lest they should be too late for the overture: they were, +therefore, quitting the breakfast room, when they were stopt by the +appearance of Mr Morrice. + +The surprise which the sight of him gave to Mr Monckton was extreme; +he knew that he was unacquainted with Mr Harrel, for he remembered +they were strangers to each other when they lately met at his house; he +concluded, therefore, that Cecilia was the object of his visit, but he +could frame no conjecture under what pretence. + +The easy terms upon which he seemed with all the family by no means +diminished his amazement; for when Mrs Harrel expressed some concern +that she was obliged to go out, he gaily begged her not to mind him, +assuring her he could not have stayed two minutes, and promising, +unasked, to call again the next day: and when she added, "We would +not hurry away so, only we are going to a rehearsal of an Opera," he +exclaimed with quickness, "A rehearsal!--are you really? I have a great +mind to go too!" + +Then, perceiving Mr Monckton, he bowed to him with great respect, and +enquired, with no little solemnity, how he had left Lady Margaret, +hoped she was perfectly recovered from her late indisposition, and asked +sundry questions with regard to her plan for the winter. + +This discourse was ill constructed for rendering his presence desirable +to Mr Monckton; he answered him very drily, and again pressed their +departure. + +"O," cried Morrice, "there's no occasion for such haste; the rehearsal +does not begin till one." + +"You are mistaken, sir," said Mr Monckton; "it is to begin at twelve +o'clock." + +"O ay, very true," returned Morrice; "I had forgot the dances, and I +suppose they are to be rehearsed first. Pray, Miss Beverley, did you +ever see any dances rehearsed?" + +"No, sir." + +"You will be excessively entertained, then, I assure you. It's the most +comical thing in the world to see those signores and signoras cutting +capers in a morning. And the _figuranti_ will divert you beyond measure; +you never saw such a shabby set in your life: but the most amusing +thing is to look in their faces, for all the time they are jumping and +skipping about the stage as if they could not stand still for joy, they +look as sedate and as dismal as if they were so many undertaker's men." + +"Not a word against dancing!" cried Sir Robert, "it's the only thing +carries one to the Opera; and I am sure it's the only thing one minds at +it." + +The two ladies were then handed to Mrs Harrel's _vis-a-vis_; and the +gentlemen, joined without further ceremony by Mr Morrice, followed them +to the Haymarket. + +The rehearsal was not begun, and Mrs Harrel and Cecilia secured +themselves a box upon the stage, from which the gentlemen of their party +took care not to be very distant. + +They were soon perceived by Mr Gosport, who instantly entered into +conversation with Cecilia. Miss Larolles, who with some other ladies +came soon after into the next box, looked out to courtsie and nod, with +her usual readiness, at Mrs Harrel, but took not any notice of Cecilia, +though she made the first advances. + +"What's the matter now?" cried Mr Gosport; "have you affronted your +little prattling friend?" + +"Not with my own knowledge," answered Cecilia; "perhaps she does not +recollect me." + +Just then Miss Larolles, tapping at the door, came in from the next box +to speak to Mrs Harrel; with whom she stood chatting and laughing some +minutes, without seeming to perceive that Cecilia was of her party. + +"Why, what have you done to the poor girl?" whispered Mr Gosport; "did +you talk more than herself when you saw her last?" + +"Would that have been possible?" cried Cecilia; "however, I still fancy +she does not know me." + +She then stood up, which making Miss Larolles involuntarily turn towards +her, she again courtsied; a civility which that young lady scarce +deigned to return, before, bridling with an air of resentment, she +hastily looked another way, and then, nodding good-humouredly at Mrs +Harrel, hurried back to her party. + +Cecilia, much amazed, said to Mr Gosport, "See now how great was our +presumption in supposing this young lady's loquacity always at our +devotion!" + +"Ah, madam!" cried he, laughing, "there is no permanency, no consistency +in the world! no, not even in the tongue of a VOLUBLE! and if that +fails, upon what may we depend?" + +"But seriously," said Cecilia, "I am sorry I have offended her, and the +more because I so little know how, that I can offer her no apology." + +"Will you appoint me your envoy? Shall I demand the cause of these +hostilities?" + +She thanked him, and he followed Miss Larolles; who was now addressing +herself with great earnestness to Mr Meadows, the gentleman with whom +she was conversing when Cecilia first saw her in Portman Square. He +stopt a moment to let her finish her speech, which, with no little +spirit, she did in these words, "I never knew anything like it in my +life; but I shan't put up with such airs, I assure her!" + +Mr Meadows made not any other return to her harangue, but stretching +himself with a languid smile, and yawning: Mr Gosport, therefore, +seizing the moment of cessation, said, "Miss Larolles, I hear a strange +report about you." + +"Do you?" returned she, with quickness, "pray what is it? something +monstrous impertinent, I dare say,---however, I assure you it i'n't +true." + +"Your assurance," cried he, "carries conviction indisputable, for the +report was that you had left off talking." + +"O, was that all?" cried she, disappointed, "I thought it had been +something about Mr Sawyer, for I declare I have been plagued so about +him, I am quite sick of his name." + +"And for my part, I never heard it! so fear nothing from me upon his +account." + +"Lord, Mr Gosport, how can you say so? I am sure you must know about the +Festino that night, for it was all over the town in a moment." + +"What festino?" + +"Well, only conceive, how provoking!--why, I know nothing else was +talked of for a month!" + +"You are most formidably stout this morning! it is not two minutes since +I saw you fling the gauntlet at Miss Beverley, and yet you are already +prepared for another antagonist." + +"O as to Miss Beverley, I must really beg you not to mention her; she +has behaved so impertinently, that I don't intend ever to speak to her +again." + +"Why, what has she done?" + +"O she's been so rude you've no notion. I'll tell you how it was. You +must know I met her at Mrs Harrel's the day she came to town, and the +very next morning I waited on her myself, for I would not send a ticket, +because I really wished to be civil to her; well, the day after, she +never came near me, though I called upon her again; however, I did not +take any notice of that; but when the third day came, and I found she +had not even sent me a ticket, I thought it monstrous ill bred indeed; +and now there has passed more than a week, and yet she has never called: +so I suppose she don't like me; so I shall drop her acquaintance." + +Mr Gosport, satisfied now with the subject of her complaint, returned to +Cecilia, and informed her of the heavy charge which was brought against +her. + +"I am glad, at least, to know my crime," said she, "for otherwise I +should certainly have sinned on in ignorance, as I must confess I never +thought of returning her visits: but even if I had, I should not have +supposed I had yet lost much time." + +"I beg your pardon there," said Mrs Harrel; "a first visit ought to be +returned always by the third day." + +"Then have I an unanswerable excuse," said Cecilia, "for I remember that +on the third day I saw her at your house." + +"O that's nothing at all to the purpose; you should have waited upon +her, or sent her a ticket, just the same as if you had not seen her." + +The overture was now begun, and Cecilia declined any further +conversation. This was the first Opera she had ever heard, yet she +was not wholly a stranger to Italian compositions, having assiduously +studied music from a natural love of the art, attended all the best +concerts her neighbourhood afforded, and regularly received from London +the works of the best masters. But the little skill she had thus gained, +served rather to increase than to lessen the surprize with which she +heard the present performance,--a surprize of which the discovery of her +own ignorance made not the least part. Unconscious from the little she +had acquired how much was to be learnt, she was astonished to find the +inadequate power of written music to convey any idea of vocal abilities: +with just knowledge enough, therefore, to understand something of the +difficulties, and feel much of the merit, she gave to the whole Opera an +avidity of attention almost painful from its own eagerness. + +But both the surprize and the pleasure which she received from the +performance in general, were faint, cold, and languid, compared to +the strength of those emotions when excited by Signore Pacchierotti in +particular; and though not half the excellencies of that superior singer +were necessary either to amaze or charm her unaccustomed ears, though +the refinement of his taste and masterly originality of his genius, to +be praised as they deserved, called for the judgment and knowledge of +professors, yet a natural love of music in some measure supplied the +place of cultivation, and what she could neither explain nor understand, +she could feel and enjoy. + +The opera was Artaserse; and the pleasure she received from the music +was much augmented by her previous acquaintance with that interesting +drama; yet, as to all noviciates in science, whatever is least +complicated is most pleasing, she found herself by nothing so deeply +impressed, as by the plaintive and beautiful simplicity with which +Pacchierotti uttered the affecting repetition of _sono innocente_! his +voice, always either sweet or impassioned, delivered those words in +a tone of softness, pathos, and sensibility, that struck her with a +sensation not more new than delightful. + +But though she was, perhaps, the only person thus astonished, she was +by no means the only one enraptured; for notwithstanding she was too +earnestly engaged to remark the company in general, she could not avoid +taking notice of an old gentleman who stood by one of the side scenes, +against which he leant his head in a manner that concealed his face, +with an evident design to be wholly absorbed in listening: and during +the songs of Pacchierotti he sighed so deeply that Cecilia, struck by +his uncommon sensibility to the power of music, involuntarily watched +him, whenever her mind was sufficiently at liberty to attend to any +emotions but its own. + +As soon as the rehearsal was over, the gentlemen of Mrs Harrel's party +crowded before her box; and Cecilia then perceived that the person whose +musical enthusiasm had excited her curiosity, was the same old gentleman +whose extraordinary behaviour had so much surprized her at the house of +Mr Monckton. Her desire to obtain some information concerning him +again reviving, she was beginning to make fresh enquiries, when she was +interrupted by the approach of Captain Aresby. + +That gentleman, advancing to her with a smile of the extremest +self-complacency, after hoping, in a low voice, he had the honour +of seeing her well, exclaimed, "How wretchedly empty is the town! +petrifying to a degree! I believe you do not find yourself at present +_obsede_ by too much company?" + +"_At present_, I believe the contrary!" cried Mr Gosport. + +"Really!" said the Captain, unsuspicious of his sneer, "I protest I have +hardly seen a soul. Have you tried the Pantheon yet, ma'am?" + +"No, sir." + +"Nor I; I don't know whether people go there this year. It is not a +favourite _spectacle_ with me; that sitting to hear the music is a +horrid bore. Have you done the Festino the honour to look in there yet?" + +"No, sir." + +"Permit me, then, to have the honour to beg you will try it." + +"O, ay, true," cried Mrs Harrel; "I have really used you very ill about +that; I should have got you in for a subscriber: but Lord, I have done +nothing for you yet, and you never put me in mind. There's the ancient +music, and Abel's concert;--as to the opera, we may have a box between +us;--but there's the ladies' concert we must try for; and there's--O +Lord, fifty other places we must think of!" + +"Oh times of folly and dissipation!" exclaimed a voice at some distance; +"Oh mignons of idleness and luxury! What next will ye invent for +the perdition of your time! How yet further will ye proceed in the +annihilation of virtue!" + +Everybody stared; but Mrs Harrel coolly said, "Dear, it's only the +man-hater!" + +"The man-hater?" repeated Cecilia, who found that the speech was made +by the object of her former curiosity; "is that the name by which he is +known?" + +"He is known by fifty names," said Mr Monckton; "his friends call him +the _moralist_; the young ladies, the _crazy-man_; the macaronies, the +_bore_; in short, he is called by any and every name but his own." + +"He is a most petrifying wretch, I assure you," said the Captain; "I am +_obsede_ by him _partout_; if I had known he had been so near, I should +certainly have said nothing." + +"That you have done so well," cried Mr Gosport, "that if you had known +it the whole time, you could have done it no better." + +The Captain, who had not heard this speech, which was rather made at him +than to him, continued his address to Cecilia; "Give me leave to have +the honour of hoping you intend to honour our select masquerade at the +Pantheon with your presence. We shall have but five hundred tickets, and +the subscription will only be three guineas and a half." + +"Oh objects of penury and want!" again exclaimed the incognito; "Oh +vassals of famine and distress! Come and listen to this wantonness of +wealth! Come, naked and breadless as ye are, and learn how that money is +consumed which to you might bring raiment and food!" + +"That strange wretch," said the Captain, "ought really to be confined; +I have had the honour to be _degoute_ by him so often, that I think +him quite obnoxious. I make it quite a principle to seal up my lips the +moment I perceive him." + +"Where is it, then," said Cecilia, "that you have so often met him?" + +"O," answered the Captain, "_partout_; there is no greater bore about +town. But the time I found him most petrifying was once when I happened +to have the honour of dancing with a very young lady, who was but just +come from a boarding-school, and whose friends had done me the honour +to fix upon me upon the principle of first bringing her out: and while +I was doing _mon possible_ for killing the time, he came up, and in his +particular manner, told her I had no meaning in any thing I said! I must +own I never felt more tempted to be _enrage_ with a person in years, in +my life." + +Mr Arnott now brought the ladies word that their carriage was ready, +and they quitted their box: but as Cecilia had never before seen the +interior parts of a theatre, Mr Monckton, hoping while they loitered to +have an opportunity of talking with her, asked Morrice why he did not +_shew the lions?_ Morrice, always happy in being employed, declared +it was _just the thing he liked best_, and begged permission to do +the honours to Mrs Harrel, who, ever eager in the search of amusement, +willingly accepted his offer. + +They all, therefore, marched upon the stage, their own party now being +the only one that remained. + +"We shall make a triumphal entry here," cried Sir Robert Floyer; "the +very tread of the stage half tempts me to turn actor." + +"You are a rare man," said Mr Gosport, "if, at your time of life, that +is a turn not already taken." + +"My time of life!" repeated he; "what do you mean by that? do you take +me for an old man?" + +"No, sir, but I take you to be past childhood, and consequently to have +served your apprenticeship to the actors you have mixed with on the +great stage of the world, and, for some years at least, to have set up +for yourself." + +"Come," cried Morrice, "let's have a little spouting; 'twill make us +warm." + +"Yes," said Sir Robert, "if we spout to an animating object. If Miss +Beverley will be Juliet, I am Romeo at her service." + +At this moment the incognito, quitting the corner in which he had +planted himself, came suddenly forward, and standing before the whole +group, cast upon Cecilia a look of much compassion, and called out, +"Poor simple victim! hast thou already so many pursuers? yet seest +not that thou art marked for sacrifice! yet knowest not that thou art +destined for prey!" + +Cecilia, extremely struck by this extraordinary address, stopt short +and looked much disturbed: which, when he perceived, he added, "Let the +danger, not the warning affect you! discard the sycophants that surround +you, seek the virtuous, relieve the poor, and save yourself from the +impending destruction of unfeeling prosperity!" + +Having uttered these words with vehemence and authority, he sternly +passed them, and disappeared. + +Cecilia, too much astonished for speech, stood for some time immoveable, +revolving in her mind various conjectures upon the meaning of an +exhortation so strange and so urgent. + +Nor was the rest of the company much less discomposed: Sir Robert, Mr +Monckton, and Mr Arnott, each conscious of their own particular plans, +were each apprehensive that the warning pointed at himself: Mr Gosport +was offended at being included in the general appellation of sycophants; +Mrs Harrel was provoked at being interrupted in her ramble; and Captain +Aresby, sickening at the very sight of him, retreated the moment he came +forth. + +"For heaven's sake," cried Cecilia, when somewhat recovered from her +consternation, "who can this be, and what can he mean? You, Mr Monckton, +must surely know something of him; it was at your house I first saw +him." + +"Indeed," answered Mr Monckton, "I knew almost nothing of him then, and +I am but little better informed now. Belfield picked him up somewhere, +and desired to bring him to my house: he called him by the name of +Albany: I found him a most extraordinary character, and Belfield, who is +a worshipper of originality, was very fond of him." + +"He's a devilish crabbed old fellow," cried Sir Robert, "and if he goes +on much longer at this confounded rate, he stands a very fair chance of +getting his ears cropped." + +"He is a man of the most singular conduct I have ever met with," said +Mr Gosport; "he seems to hold mankind in abhorrence, yet he is never +a moment alone, and at the same time that he intrudes himself into all +parties, he associates with none: he is commonly a stern and silent +observer of all that passes, or when he speaks, it is but to utter some +sentence of rigid morality, or some bitterness of indignant reproof." + +The carriage was now again announced, and Mr Monckton taking Cecilia's +hand, while Mr Morrice secured to himself the honour of Mrs Harrel's, +Sir Robert and Mr Gosport made their bows and departed. But though they +had now quitted the stage, and arrived at the head of a small stair case +by which they were to descend out of the theatre, Mr Monckton, finding +all his tormentors retired, except Mr Arnott, whom he hoped to elude, +could not resist making one more attempt for a few moments' conversation +with Cecilia; and therefore, again applying to Morrice, he called out, +"I don't think you have shewn the ladies any of the contrivances behind +the scenes?" + +"True," cried Morrice, "no more I have; suppose we go back?" + +"I shall like it vastly," said Mrs Harrel; and back they returned. + +Mr Monckton now soon found an opportunity to say to Cecilia, "Miss +Beverley, what I foresaw has exactly come to pass; you are surrounded by +selfish designers, by interested, double-minded people, who have nothing +at heart but your fortune, and whose mercenary views, if you are not +guarded against them---" + +Here a loud scream from Mrs Harrel interrupted his speech; Cecilia, +much alarmed, turned from him to enquire the cause, and Mr Monckton +was obliged to follow her example: but his mortification was almost +intolerable when he saw that lady in a violent fit of laughter, and +found her scream was only occasioned by seeing Mr Morrice, in his +diligence to do the honours, pull upon his own head one of the side +scenes! + +There was now no possibility of proposing any further delay; but Mr +Monckton, in attending the ladies to their carriage, was obliged to have +recourse to his utmost discretion and forbearance, in order to check his +desire of reprimanding Morrice for his blundering officiousness. + +Dressing, dining with company at home, and then going out with company +abroad, filled up, as usual, the rest of the day. + + + + +CHAPTER ix + +A SUPPLICATION. + + +The next morning Cecilia, at the repeated remonstrances of Mrs Harrel, +consented to call upon Miss Larolles. She felt the impracticability +of beginning at present the alteration in her way of life she had +projected, and therefore thought it most expedient to assume no +singularity till her independency should enable her to support it with +consistency; yet greater than ever was her internal eagerness to better +satisfy her inclination and her conscience in the disposition of her +time, and the distribution of her wealth, since she had heard the +emphatic charge of her unknown Mentor. + +Mrs Harrel declined accompanying her in this visit, because she had +appointed a surveyor to bring a plan for the inspection of Mr Harrel and +herself, of a small temporary building, to be erected at Violet-Bank, +for the purpose of performing plays in private the ensuing Easter. + +When the street door was opened for her to get into the carriage, she +was struck with the appearance of an elderly woman who was standing at +some distance, and seemed shivering with cold, and who, as she descended +the steps, joined her hands in an act of supplication, and advanced +nearer to the carriage. + +Cecilia stopt to look at her: her dress, though parsimonious, was too +neat for a beggar, and she considered a moment what she could offer her. +The poor woman continued to move forward, but with a slowness of pace +that indicated extreme weakness; and, as she approached and raised +her head, she exhibited a countenance so wretched, and a complexion so +sickly, that Cecilia was impressed with horror at the sight. + +With her hands still joined, and a voice that seemed fearful of its own +sound, "Oh madam," she cried, "that you would but hear me!" + +"Hear you!" repeated Cecilia, hastily feeling for her purse; "most +certainly, and tell me how I shall assist you." + +"Heaven bless you for speaking so kindly, madam!" cried the woman, with +a voice more assured; "I was sadly afraid you would be angry, but I saw +the carriage at the door, and I thought I would try; for I could be no +worse; and distress, madam, makes very bold." + +"Angry!" said Cecilia, taking a crown from her purse; "no, indeed!--who +could see such wretchedness, and feel any thing but pity?" + +"Oh madam," returned the poor woman, "I could almost cry to hear you +talk so, though I never thought to cry again, since I left it off for my +poor Billy!" + +"Have you, then, lost a son?" + +"Yes, madam; but he was a great deal too good to live, so I have quite +left off grieving for him now." + +"Come in, good woman," said Cecilia, "it is too cold to stand here, and +you seem half-starved already: come in, and let me have some talk with +you." + +She then gave orders that the carriage should be driven round the square +till she was ready, and making the woman follow her into a parlour, +desired to know what she should do for her; changing, while she spoke, +from a movement of encreasing compassion, the crown which she held in +her hand for double that sum. + +"You can do everything, madam," she answered, "if you will but plead for +us to his honour: he little thinks of our distress, because he has been +afflicted with none himself, and I would not be so troublesome to him, +but indeed, indeed, madam, we are quite pinched for want!" + +Cecilia, struck with the words, _he little thinks of our distress, +because he has been afflicted with none himself_, felt again ashamed +of the smallness of her intended donation, and taking from her purse +another half guinea, said, "Will this assist you? Will a guinea be +sufficient to you for the present?" + +"I humbly thank you, madam," said the woman, curtsying low, "shall I +give you a receipt?" + +"A receipt?" cried Cecilia, with emotion, "for what? Alas, our accounts +are by no means balanced! but I shall do more for you if I find you as +deserving an object as you seem to be." + +"You are very good, madam; but I only meant a receipt in part of +payment." + +"Payment for what? I don't understand you." + +"Did his honour never tell you, madam, of our account?" + +"What account?" + +"Our bill, madam, for work done to the new Temple at Violet-Bank: it was +the last great work my poor husband was able to do, for it was there he +met with his misfortune." + +"What bill? What misfortune?" cried Cecilia; "what had your husband to +do at Violet-Bank?" + +"He was the carpenter, madam. I thought you might have seen poor Hill +the carpenter there." + +"No, I never was there myself. Perhaps you mistake me for Mrs Harrel." + +"Why, sure, madam, a'n't you his honour's lady?" + +"No. But tell me, what is this bill?" + +"'Tis a bill, madam, for very hard work, for work, madam, which I am +sure will cost my husband his life; and though I have been after his +honour night and day to get it, and sent him letters and petitions +with an account of our misfortunes, I have never received so much as +a shilling! and now the servants won't even let me wait in the hall to +speak to him. Oh, madam! you who seem so good, plead to his honour in +our behalf! tell him my poor husband cannot live! tell him my children +are starving! and tell him my poor Billy, that used to help to keep +us, is dead, and that all the work I can do by myself is not enough to +maintain us!" + +"Good heaven!" cried Cecilia, extremely moved, "is it then your own +money for which you sue thus humbly?" + +"Yes, madam, for my own just and honest money, as his honour knows, and +will tell you himself." + +"Impossible!" cried Cecilia, "he cannot know it; but I will take care he +shall soon be informed of it. How much is the bill?" + +"Two-and-twenty pounds, madam." + +"What, no more?" + +"Ah, madam, you gentlefolks little think how much that is to poor +people! A hard working family, like mine, madam, with the help of 20 +pounds will go on for a long while quite in paradise." + +"Poor worthy woman!" cried Cecilia, whose eyes were filled with tears of +compassion, "if 20 pounds will place you in paradise, and that 20 +pounds only your just right, it is hard, indeed, that you should be kept +without it; especially when your debtors are too affluent to miss it. +Stay here a few moments, and I will bring you the money immediately." + +Away she flew, and returned to the breakfast room, but found there only +Mr Arnott, who told her that Mr Harrel was in the library, with his +sister and some gentlemen. Cecilia briefly related her business, and +begged he would inform Mr Harrel she wished to speak to him directly. Mr +Arnott shook his head, but obeyed. + +They returned together, and immediately. + +"Miss Beverley," cried Mr Harrel, gaily, "I am glad you are not gone, +for we want much to consult with you. Will you come up stairs?" + +"Presently," answered she; "but first I must speak to you about a poor +woman with whom I have accidentally been talking, who has begged me +to intercede with you to pay a little debt that she thinks you have +forgotten, but that probably you have never heard mentioned." + +"A debt?" cried he, with an immediate change of countenance, "to whom?" + +"Her name, I think, is Hill; she is wife to the carpenter you employed +about a new temple at Violet-Bank." + +"O, what--what, that woman?--Well, well, I'll see she shall be paid. +Come, let us go to the library." + +"What, with my commission so ill executed? I promised to petition for +her to have the money directly." + +"Pho, pho, there's no such hurry; I don't know what I have done with her +bill." + +"I'll run and get another." + +"O upon no account! She may send another in two or three days. She +deserves to wait a twelvemonth for her impertinence in troubling you at +all about it." + +"That was entirely accidental: but indeed you must give me leave to +perform my promise and plead for her. It must be almost the same to you +whether you pay such a trifle as 20 pounds now or a month hence, and to +this poor woman the difference seems little short of life or death, for +she tells me her husband is dying, and her children are half-famished; +and though she looks an object of the cruellest want and distress +herself, she appears to be their only support." + +"O," cried Mr Harrel, laughing, "what a dismal tale has she been telling +you! no doubt she saw you were fresh from the country! But if you give +credit to all the farragos of these trumpery impostors, you will never +have a moment to yourself, nor a guinea in your purse." + +"This woman,"' answered Cecilia, "cannot be an impostor, she carries +marks but too evident and too dreadful in her countenance of the +sufferings which she relates." + +"O," returned he, "when you know the town better you will soon see +through tricks of this sort; a sick husband and five small children are +complaints so stale now, that they serve no other purpose in the world +but to make a joke." + +"Those, however, who can laugh at them must have notions of merriment +very different to mine. And this poor woman, whose cause I have ventured +to undertake, had she no family at all, must still and indisputably be +an object of pity herself, for she is so weak she can hardly crawl, and +so pallid that she seems already half dead." + +"All imposition, depend upon it! The moment she is out of your sight her +complaints will vanish." + +"Nay, sir," cried Cecilia, a little impatiently, "there is no reason to +suspect such deceit, since she does not come hither as a beggar, however +well the state of beggary may accord with her poverty: she only solicits +the payment of a bill, and if in that there is any fraud, nothing can be +so easy as detection." + +Mr Harrel bit his lips at this speech, and for some instants looked much +disturbed; but soon recovering himself, he negligently said, "Pray, how +did she get at you?" + +"I met her at the street door. But tell me, is not her bill a just one?" + +"I cannot say; I have never had time to look at it." + +"But you know who the woman is, and that her husband worked for you, and +therefore that in all probability it is right,--do you not?" + +"Yes, yes, I know who the woman is well enough; she has taken care of +that, for she has pestered me every day these nine months." + +Cecilia was struck dumb by this speech: hitherto she had supposed that +the dissipation of his life kept him ignorant of his own injustice; +but when she found he was so well informed of it, yet, with such total +indifference, could suffer a poor woman to claim a just debt every day +for nine months together, she was shocked and astonished beyond measure. +They were both some time silent, and then Mr Harrel, yawning and +stretching out his arms, indolently asked, "Pray, why does not the man +come himself?" + +"Did I not tell you," answered Cecilia, staring at so absent a question, +"that he was very ill, and unable even to work?" + +"Well, when he is better," added he, moving towards the door, "he may +call, and I will talk to him." + +Cecilia, all amazement at this unfeeling behaviour, turned involuntarily +to Mr Arnott, with a countenance that appealed for his assistance; but +Mr Arnott hung his head, ashamed to meet her eyes, and abruptly left the +room. + +Meantime Mr Harrel, half-turning back, though without looking Cecilia in +the face, carelessly said, "Well, won't you come?" + +"No, sir," answered she, coldly. + +He then returned to the library, leaving her equally displeased, +surprised, and disconcerted at the conversation which had just passed +between them. "Good heaven," cried she to herself, "what strange, what +cruel insensibility! to suffer a wretched family to starve, from an +obstinate determination to assert that they can live! to distress the +poor by retaining the recompense for which alone they labour, and +which at last they must have, merely from indolence, forgetfulness, or +insolence! Oh how little did my uncle know, how little did I imagine to +what a guardian I was entrusted!" She now felt ashamed even to return to +the poor woman, though she resolved to do all in her power to soften her +disappointment and relieve her distress. + +But before she had quitted the room one of the servants came to tell her +that his master begged the honor of her company up stairs. "Perhaps he +relents!" thought she; and pleased with the hope, readily obeyed the +summons. + +She found him, his lady, Sir Robert Floyer, and two other gentlemen, all +earnestly engaged in an argument over a large table, which was covered +with plans and elevations of small buildings. + +Mr Harrel immediately addressed her with an air of vivacity, and said, +"You are very good for coming; we can settle nothing without your +advice: pray look at these different plans for our theatre, and tell us +which is the best." + +Cecilia advanced not a step: the sight of plans for new edifices when +the workmen were yet unpaid for old ones; the cruel wantonness of +raising fresh fabrics of expensive luxury, while those so lately built +had brought their neglected labourers to ruin, excited an indignation +she scarce thought right to repress: while the easy sprightliness of +the director of these revels, to whom but the moment before she had +represented the oppression of which they made him guilty, filled her +with aversion and disgust: and, recollecting the charge given her by the +stranger at the Opera rehearsal, she resolved to speed her departure +to another house, internally repeating, "Yes, I _will_ save myself from +_the impending destruction of unfeeling prosperity_!" + +Mrs Harrel, surprised at her silence and extreme gravity, enquired if +she was not well, and why she had put off her visit to Miss Larolles? +And Sir Robert Floyer, turning suddenly to look at her, said, "Do you +begin to feel the London air already?" + +Cecilia endeavoured to recover her serenity, and answer these questions +in her usual manner; but she persisted in declining to give any opinion +at all about the plans, and, after slightly looking at them, left the +room. + +Mr Harrel, who knew better how to account for her behaviour than he +thought proper to declare, saw with concern that she was more seriously +displeased than he had believed an occurrence which he had regarded as +wholly unimportant could have made her: and, therefore, desirous that +she should be appeased, he followed her out of the library, and said, +"Miss Beverley, will to-morrow be soon enough for your _protegee_?" + +"O yes, no doubt!" answered she, most agreeably surprised by the +question. + +"Well, then, will you take the trouble to bid her come to me in the +morning?" + +Delighted at this unexpected commission, she thanked him with smiles for +the office; and as she hastened down stairs to chear the poor expectant +with the welcome intelligence, she framed a thousand excuses for the +part he had hitherto acted, and without any difficulty, persuaded +herself he began to see the faults of his conduct, and to meditate a +reformation. + +She was received by the poor creature she so warmly wished to serve with +a countenance already so much enlivened, that she fancied Mr Harrel had +himself anticipated her intended information: this, however, she found +was not the case, for as soon as she heard his message, she shook her +head, and said, "Ah, madam, his honour always says to-morrow! but I can +better bear to be disappointed now, so I'll grumble no more; for indeed, +madam, I have been blessed enough to-day to comfort me for every thing +in the world, if I could but keep from thinking of poor Billy! I could +bear all the rest, madam, but whenever my other troubles go off, that +comes back to me so much the harder!" + +"There, indeed, I can afford you no relief," said Cecilia, "but you must +try to think less of him, and more of your husband and children who are +now alive. To-morrow you will receive your money, and that, I hope, will +raise your spirits. And pray let your husband have a physician, to tell +you how to nurse and manage him; I will give you one fee for him now, +and if he should want further advice, don't fear to let me know." + +Cecilia had again taken out her purse, but Mrs Hill, clasping her hands, +called out, "Oh madam no! I don't come here to fleece such goodness! but +blessed be the hour that brought me here to-day, and if my poor Billy +was alive, he should help me to thank you!" + +She then told her that she was now quite rich, for while she was gone, a +gentleman had come into the room, who had given her five guineas. + +Cecilia, by her description, soon found this gentleman was Mr Arnott, +and a charity so sympathetic with her own, failed not to raise him +greatly in her favour. But as her benevolence was a stranger to that +parade which is only liberal from emulation, when she found more money +not immediately wanted, she put up her purse, and charging Mrs Hill +to enquire for her the next morning when she came to be paid, bid her +hasten back to her sick husband. + +And then, again ordering the carriage to the door, she set off upon her +visit to Miss Larolles, with a heart happy in the good already done, and +happier still in the hope of doing more. + +Miss Larolles was out, and she returned home; for she was too sanguine +in her expectations from Mr Harrel, to have any desire of seeking her +other guardians. The rest of the day she was more than usually civil to +him, with a view to mark her approbation of his good intentions: while +Mr Arnott, gratified by meeting the smiles he so much valued, thought +his five guineas amply repaid, independently of the real pleasure which +he took in doing good. + + + + +CHAPTER x + +A PROVOCATION. + + +The next morning, when breakfast was over, Cecilia waited with much +impatience to hear some tidings of the poor carpenter's wife; but though +Mr Harrel, who had always that meal in his own room, came into his +lady's at his usual hour, to see what was going forward, he did not +mention her name. She therefore went into the hall herself, to enquire +among the servants if Mrs Hill was yet come? + +Yes, they answered, and had seen their master, and was gone. + +She then returned to the breakfast room, where her eagerness to procure +some information detained her, though the entrance of Sir Robert Floyer +made her wish to retire. But she was wholly at a loss whether to impute +to general forgetfulness, or to the failure of performing his promise, +the silence of Mr Harrel upon the subject of her petition. + +In a few minutes they were visited by Mr Morrice, who said he called to +acquaint the ladies that the next morning there was to be a rehearsal of +a very grand new dance at the Opera-House, where, though admission was +difficult, if it was agreeable to them to go, he would undertake to +introduce them. + +Mrs Harrel happened to be engaged, and therefore declined the offer. +He then turned to Cecilia, and said, "Well, ma'am, when did you see our +friend Monckton?" + +"Not since the rehearsal, sir." + +"He is a mighty agreeable fellow," he continued, "and his house in the +country is charming. One is as easy at it as at home. Were you ever +there, Sir Robert?" + +"Not I, truly," replied Sir Robert; "what should I go for?--to see +an old woman with never a tooth in her head sitting at the top of the +table! Faith, I'd go an hundred miles a day for a month never to see +such a sight again." + +"O but you don't know how well she does the honours," said Morrice; "and +for my part, except just at meal times, I always contrive to keep out of +her way." + +"I wonder when she intends to die," said Mr Harrel. + +"She's been a long time about it," cried Sir Robert; "but those tough +old cats last for ever. We all thought she was going when Monckton +married her; however, if he had not managed like a driveler, he might +have broke her heart nine years ago." + +"I am sure I wish he had," cried Mrs Harrel, "for she's an odious +creature, and used always to make me afraid of her." + +"But an old woman," answered Sir Robert, "is a person who has no sense +of decency; if once she takes to living, the devil himself can't get rid +of her." + +"I dare say," cried Morrice, "she'll pop off before long in one of those +fits of the asthma. I assure you sometimes you may hear her wheeze a +mile off." + +"She'll go never the sooner for that," said Sir Robert, "for I have got +an old aunt of my own, who has been puffing and blowing as if she was +at her last gasp ever since I can remember; and for all that, only +yesterday, when I asked her doctor when she'd give up the ghost, he told +me she might live these dozen years." + +Cecilia was by no means sorry to have this brutal conversation +interrupted by the entrance of a servant with a letter for her. She was +immediately retiring to read it; but upon the petition of Mr Monckton, +who just then came into the room, she only went to a window. The letter +was as follows: + +_To Miss, at his Honour Squire Harrel's--These:_ + +Honoured Madam,--This with my humble duty. His Honour has given me +nothing. But I would not be troublesome, having wherewithal to wait, so +conclude, Honoured Madam, your dutiful servant to command, till death, +M. HILL. + +The vexation with which Cecilia read this letter was visible to the +whole company; and while Mr Arnott looked at her with a wish of enquiry +he did not dare express, and Mr Monckton, under an appearance of +inattention, concealed the most anxious curiosity, Mr Morrice alone had +courage to interrogate her; and, pertly advancing, said, "He is a happy +man who writ that letter, ma'am, for I am sure you have not read it with +indifference." + +"Were I the writer," said Mr Arnott, tenderly, "I am sure I should +reckon myself far otherwise, for Miss Beverley seems to have read it +with uneasiness." + +"However, I have read it," answered she, "I assure you it is not from +_any man_." + +"O pray, Miss Beverley," cried Sir Robert, coming forward, "are you any +better to-day?" + +"No, sir, for I have not been ill." + +"A little vapoured, I thought, yesterday; perhaps you want exercise." + +"I wish the ladies would put themselves under my care," cried Morrice, +"and take a turn round the park." + +"I don't doubt you, Sir," said Mr Monckton, contemptuously, "and, but +for the check of modesty, probably there is not a man here who would not +wish the same." + +"I could propose a much better scheme than that," said Sir Robert; "what +if you all walk to Harley Street, and give me your notions of a house I +am about there? what say you, Mrs Harrel?" + +"O, I shall like it vastly." + +"Done," cried Mr Harrel; "'tis an excellent motion." + +"Come then," said Sir Robert, "let's be off. Miss Beverley, I hope you +have a good warm cloak?" + +"I must beg you to excuse my attending you, sir." + +Mr Monckton, who had heard this proposal with the utmost dread of its +success, revived at the calm steadiness with which it was declined. Mr +and Mrs Harrel both teized Cecilia to consent; but the haughty Baronet, +evidently more offended than hurt by her refusal, pressed the matter no +further, either with her or the rest of the party, and the scheme was +dropt entirely. + +Mr Monckton failed not to remark this circumstance, which confirmed his +suspicions, that though the proposal seemed made by chance, its design +was nothing else than to obtain Cecilia's opinion concerning his house. +But while this somewhat alarmed him, the unabated insolence of his +carriage, and the confident defiance of his pride, still more surprized +him; and notwithstanding all he observed of Cecilia, seemed to +promise nothing but dislike; he could draw no other inference from his +behaviour, than that if he admired, he also concluded himself sure of +her. + +This was not a pleasant conjecture, however little weight he allowed +to it; and he resolved, by outstaying all the company, to have a few +minutes' private discourse with her upon the subject. + +In about half an hour, Sir Robert and Mr Harrel went out together: +Mr Monckton still persevered in keeping his ground, and tried, though +already weary, to keep up a general conversation; but what moved at once +his wonder and his indignation was the assurance of Morrice, who seemed +not only bent upon staying as long as himself, but determined, by +rattling away, to make his own entertainment. + +At length a servant came in to tell Mrs Harrel that a stranger, who was +waiting in the house-keeper's room, begged to speak with her upon very +particular business. + +"O, I know," cried she, "'tis that odious John Groot: do pray, brother, +try to get rid of him for me, for he comes to teize me about his bill, +and I never know what to say to him." + +Mr Arnott went immediately, and Mr Monckton could scarce refrain from +going too, that he might entreat John Groot by no means to be satisfied +without seeing Mrs Harrel herself: John Groot, however, wanted not his +entreaties, as the servant soon returned to summons his lady to the +conference. + +But though Mr Monckton now seemed near the completion of his purpose, +Morrice still remained; his vexation at this circumstance soon grew +intolerable; to see himself upon the point of receiving the recompense +of his perseverance, by the fortunate removal of all the obstacles in +its way, and then to have it held from him by a young fellow he so much +despised, and who had no entrance into the house but through his own +boldness, and no inducement to stay in it but from his own impertinence, +mortified him so insufferably, that it was with difficulty he even +forbore from affronting him. Nor would he have scrupled a moment +desiring him to leave the room, had he not prudently determined to guard +with the utmost sedulity against raising any suspicions of his passion +for Cecilia. + +He arose, however, and was moving towards her, with the intention to +occupy a part of a sofa on which she was seated, when Morrice, who was +standing at the back of it, with a sudden spring which made the whole +room shake, jumpt over, and sunk plump into the vacant place himself, +calling out at the same time, "Come, come, what have you married men to +do with young ladies? I shall seize this post for myself." + +The rage of Mr Monckton at this feat, and still more at the words +_married men_, almost exceeded endurance; he stopt short, and looking at +him with a fierceness that overpowered his discretion, was bursting out +with, "Sir, you are an---_impudent fellow_," but checking himself when +he got half way, concluded with, "a very facetious gentleman!" + +Morrice, who wished nothing so little as disobliging Mr Monckton, and +whose behaviour was merely the result of levity and a want of early +education, no sooner perceived his displeasure, than, rising with yet +more agility than he had seated himself, he resumed the obsequiousness +of which an uncommon flow of spirits had robbed him, and guessing no +other subject for his anger than the disturbance he had made, he bowed +almost to the ground, first to him, and afterwards to Cecilia, most +respectfully begging pardon of them both for his frolic, and protesting +he had no notion he should have made such a noise! + +Mrs Harrel and Mr Arnott, now hastening back, enquired what had been the +matter? Morrice, ashamed of his exploit, and frightened by the looks of +Mr Monckton, made an apology with the utmost humility, and hurried away: +and Mr Monckton, hopeless of any better fortune, soon did the same, +gnawn with a cruel discontent which he did not dare avow, and longing to +revenge himself upon Morrice, even by personal chastisement. + + + + +CHAPTER xi + +A NARRATION. + + +The moment Cecilia was at liberty, she sent her own servant to examine +into the real situation of the carpenter and his family, and to desire +his wife would call upon her as soon as she was at leisure. The account +which he brought back encreased her concern for the injuries of these +poor people, and determined her not to rest satisfied till she saw them +redressed. He informed her that they lived in a small lodging up two +pair of stairs; that there were five children, all girls, the +three eldest of whom were hard at work with their mother in matting +chair-bottoms, and the fourth, though a mere child, was nursing the +youngest; while the poor carpenter himself was confined to his bed, in +consequence of a fall from a ladder while working at Violet-Bank, by +which he was covered with wounds and contusions, and an object of misery +and pain. + +As soon as Mrs Hill came, Cecilia sent for her into her own room, where +she received her with the most compassionate tenderness, and desired to +know when Mr Harrel talked of paying her? + +"To-morrow, madam," she answered, shaking her head, "that is always his +honour's speech: but I shall bear it while I can. However, though I dare +not tell his honour, something bad will come of it, if I am not paid +soon." + +"Do you mean, then, to apply to the law?" + +"I must not tell you, madam; but to be sure we have thought of it many a +sad time and often; but still, while we could rub on, we thought it best +not to make enemies: but, indeed, madam, his honour was so hardhearted +this morning, that if I was not afraid you would be angry, I could not +tell how to bear it; for when I told him I had no help now, for I had +lost my Billy, he had the heart to say, 'So much the better, there's one +the less of you.'" + +"But what," cried Cecilia, extremely shocked by this unfeeling speech, +"is the reason he gives for disappointing you so often?" + +"He says, madam, that none of the other workmen are paid yet; and that, +to be sure, is very true; but then they can all better afford to wait +than we can, for we were the poorest of all, madam, and have been +misfortunate from the beginning: and his honour would never have +employed us, only he had run up such a bill with Mr Wright, that he +would not undertake any thing more till he was paid. We were told from +the first we should not get our money; but we were willing to hope for +the best, for we had nothing to do, and were hard run, and had never had +the offer of so good a job before; and we had a great family to keep, +and many losses, and so much illness!--Oh madam! if you did but know +what the poor go through!" + +This speech opened to Cecilia a new view of life; that a young man could +appear so gay and happy, yet be guilty of such injustice and inhumanity, +that he could take pride in works which not even money had made his own, +and live with undiminished splendor, when his credit itself began to +fail, seemed to her incongruities so irrational, that hitherto she had +supposed them impossible. + +She then enquired if her husband had yet had any physician? + +"Yes, madam, I humbly thank your goodness," she answered; "but I am +not the poorer for that, for the gentleman was so kind he would take +nothing." + +"And does he give you any hopes? what does he say?" + +"He says he must die, madam, but I knew that before." + +"Poor woman! and what will you do then?" + +"The same, madam, as I did when I lost my Billy, work on the harder!" + +"Good heaven, _how severe a lot_! but tell me, why is it you seem to +love your Billy so much better than the rest of your children?" + +"Because, madam, he was the only boy that ever I had; he was seventeen +years old, madam, and as tall and as pretty a lad! and so good, that he +never cost me a wet eye till I lost him. He worked with his father, and +all the folks used to say he was the better workman of the two." + +"And what was the occasion of his death?" + +"A consumption, madam, that wasted him quite to nothing: and he was ill +a long time, and cost us a deal of money, for we spared neither for wine +nor any thing that we thought would but comfort him; and we loved him so +we never grudged it. But he died, madam! and if it had not been for very +hard work, the loss of him would quite have broke my heart." + +"Try, however, to think less of him," said Cecilia; "and depend upon +my speaking again for you to Mr Harrel. You shall certainly have your +money; take care, therefore, of your own health, and go home and give +comfort to your sick husband." + +"Oh, madam," cried the poor woman, tears streaming down her cheeks, "you +don't know how touching it is to hear gentlefolks talk so kindly! And I +have been used to nothing but roughness from his honour! But what I most +fear, madam, is that when my husband is gone, he will be harder to deal +with than ever; for a widow, madam, is always hard to be righted; and I +don't expect to hold out long myself, for sickness and sorrow wear fast: +and then, when we are both gone, who is to help our poor children?" + +"_I_ will!" cried the generous Cecilia; "I am able, and I am willing; +you shall not find all the rich hardhearted, and I will try to make you +some amends for the unkindness you have suffered." + +The poor woman, overcome by a promise so unexpected, burst into a +passionate fit of tears, and sobbed out her thanks with a violence of +emotion that frightened Cecilia almost as much as it melted her. She +endeavoured, by re-iterated assurances of assistance, to appease her, +and solemnly pledged her own honour that she should certainly be paid +the following Saturday, which was only three days distant. + +Mrs Hill, when a little calmer, dried her eyes, and humbly begging her +to forgive a transport which she could not restrain, most gratefully +thanked her for the engagement into which she had entered, protesting +that she would not be _troublesome to her goodness_ as long as she could +help it; "And I believe," she continued, "that if his honour will but +pay me time enough for the burial, I can make shift with what I have +till then. But when my poor Billy died, we were sadly off indeed, for we +could not bear but bury him prettily, because it was the last we could +do for him: but we could hardly scrape up enough for it, and yet we all +went without our dinners to help forward, except the little one of all. +But that did not much matter, for we had no great heart for eating.". + +"I cannot bear this!" cried Cecilia; "you must tell me no more of your +Billy; but go home, and chear your spirits, and do every thing in your +power to save your husband." + +"I will, madam," answered the woman, "and his dying prayers shall bless +you! and all my children shall bless you, and every night they shall +pray for you. And oh!"--again bursting into tears, "that Billy was but +alive to pray for you too!" + +Cecilia kindly endeavoured to soothe her, but the poor creature, no +longer able to suppress the violence of her awakened sorrows, cried out, +"I must go, madam, and pray for you at home, for now I have once begun +crying again, I don't know how to have done!" and hurried away. + +Cecilia determined to make once more an effort with Mr Harrel for the +payment of the bill, and if that, in two days, did not succeed, to take +up money for the discharge of it herself, and rest all her security for +reimbursement upon the shame with which such a proceeding must overwhelm +him. Offended, however, by the repulse she had already received from +him, and disgusted by all she had heard of his unfeeling negligence, +she knew not how to address him, and resolved upon applying again to +Mr Arnott, who was already acquainted with the affair, for advice and +assistance. + +Mr Arnott, though extremely gratified that she consulted him, +betrayed by his looks a hopelessness of success, that damped all her +expectations. He promised, however, to speak to Mr Harrel upon the +subject, but the promise was evidently given to oblige the fair +mediatrix, without any hope of advantage to the cause. + +The next morning Mrs Hill again came, and again without payment was +dismissed. + +Mr Arnott then, at the request of Cecilia, followed Mr Harrel into +his room, to enquire into the reason of this breach of promise; they +continued some time together, and when he returned to Cecilia, he told +her, that his brother had assured him he would give orders to Davison, +his gentleman, to let her have the money the next day. + +The pleasure with which she would have heard this intelligence was much +checked by the grave and cold manner in which it was communicated: she +waited, therefore, with more impatience than confidence for the result +of this fresh assurance. + +The next morning, however, was the same as the last; Mrs Hill came, saw +Davison, and was sent away. + +Cecilia, to whom she related her grievances, then flew to Mr Arnott, +and entreated him to enquire at least of Davison why the woman had again +been disappointed. + +Mr Arnott obeyed her, and brought for answer, that Davison had received +no orders from his master. + +"I entreat you then," cried she, with mingled eagerness and vexation, +"to go, for the last time, to Mr Harrel. I am sorry to impose upon you +an office so disagreeable, but I am sure you compassionate these poor +people, and will serve them now with your interest, as you have already +done with your purse. I only wish to know if there has been any mistake, +or if these delays are merely to sicken me of petitioning." + +Mr Arnott, with a repugnance to the request which he could as ill +conceal as his admiration of the zealous requester, again forced himself +to follow Mr Harrel. His stay was not long, and Cecilia at his return +perceived that he was hurt and disconcerted. As soon as they were alone +together, she begged to know what had passed? "Nothing," answered he, +"that will give you any pleasure. When I entreated my brother to come to +the point, he said it was his intention to pay all his workmen together, +for that if he paid any one singly, all the rest would be dissatisfied." + +"And why," said Cecilia, "should he not pay them at once? There can be +no more comparison in the value of the money to him and to them, than, +to speak with truth, there is in his and in their right to it." + +"But, madam, the bills for the new house itself are none of them +settled, and he says that the moment he is known to discharge an account +for the Temple, he shall not have any rest for the clamours it will +raise among the workmen who were employed about the house." + +"How infinitely strange!" exclaimed Cecilia; "will he not, then, pay +anybody?" + +"Next quarter, he says, he shall pay them all, but, at present, he has a +particular call for his money." + +Cecilia would not trust herself to make any comments upon such an +avowal, but thanking Mr Arnott for the trouble which he had taken, she +determined, without any further application, to desire Mr Harrel to +advance her 20 pounds the next morning, and satisfy the carpenter +herself, be the risk what it might. + +The following day, therefore, which was the Saturday when payment was +promised, she begged an audience of Mr Harrel; which he immediately +granted; but, before she could make her demand, he said to her, with +an air of the utmost gaiety and good-humour, "Well, Miss Beverley, how +fares it with your _protegee_? I hope, at length, she is contented. But +I must beg you would charge her to keep her own counsel, as otherwise +she will draw me into a scrape I shall not thank her for." + +"Have you, then, paid her?" cried Cecilia, with much amazement. + +"Yes; I promised you I would, you know." + +This intelligence equally delighted and astonished her; she repeatedly +thanked him for his attention to her petition, and, eager to communicate +her success to Mr Arnott, she hastened to find him. "Now," cried she, "I +shall torment you no more with painful commissions; the Hills, at last, +are paid!" + +"From you, madam," answered he gravely, "no commissions could be +painful." + +"Well, but," said Cecilia, somewhat disappointed, "you don't seem glad +of this?" + +"Yes," answered he, with a forced smile, "I am very glad to see you so." + +"But how was it brought about? did Mr Harrel relent? or did you attack +him again?" + +The hesitation of his answer convinced her there was some mystery in the +transaction; she began to apprehend she had been deceived, and hastily +quitting the room, sent for Mrs Hill: but the moment the poor woman +appeared, she was satisfied of the contrary, for, almost frantic with +joy and gratitude, she immediately flung herself upon her knees, to +thank her benefactress for having _seen her righted_. + +Cecilia then gave her some general advice, promised to continue her +friend, and offered her assistance in getting her husband into an +hospital; but she told her he had already been in one many months, where +he had been pronounced incurable, and therefore was desirous to spend +his last days in his own lodgings. + +"Well," said Cecilia, "make them as easy to him as you, can, and come to +me next week, and I will try to put you in a better way of living." + +She then, still greatly perplexed about Mr Arnott, sought him again, +and, after various questions and conjectures, at length brought him to +confess he had himself lent his brother the sum with which the Hills had +been paid. + +Struck with his generosity, she poured forth thanks and praises so +grateful to his ears, that she soon gave him a recompense which he would +have thought cheaply purchased by half his fortune. + + + + +BOOK II + + +CHAPTER i + +A MAN OF WEALTH + + +The meanness with which Mr Harrel had assumed the credit, as well as +accepted the assistance of Mr Arnott, increased the disgust he had +already excited in Cecilia, and hastened her resolution of quitting his +house; and therefore, without waiting any longer for the advice of Mr +Monckton, she resolved to go instantly to her other guardians, and see +what better prospects their habitations might offer. + +For this purpose she borrowed one of the carriages, and gave orders to +be driven into the city to the house of Mr Briggs. + +She told her name, and was shewn, by a little shabby footboy, into a +parlour. + +Here she waited, with tolerable patience, for half an hour, but then, +imagining the boy had forgotten to tell his master she was in the house, +she thought it expedient to make some enquiry. + +No bell, however, could she find, and therefore she went into the +passage in search of the footboy; but, as she was proceeding to the head +of the kitchen stairs, she was startled by hearing a man's voice from +the upper part of the house exclaiming, in a furious passion, "Dare say +you've filched it for a dish-clout!" + +She called out, however, "Are any of Mr Briggs's servants below?" + +"Anan!" answered the boy, who came to the foot of the stairs, with +a knife in one hand and an old shoe, upon the sole of which he was +sharpening it, in the other, "Does any one call?" + +"Yes," said Cecilia, "I do; for I could not find the bell." + +"O, we have no bell in the parlour," returned the boy, "master always +knocks with his stick." + +"I am afraid Mr Briggs is too busy to see me, and if so, I will come +another time." + +"No, ma'am," said the boy, "master's only looking over his things from +the wash." + +"Will you tell him, then, that I am waiting?" + +"I has, ma'am; but master misses his shaving-rag, and he says he +won't come to the Mogul till he's found it." And then he went on with +sharpening his knife. + +This little circumstance was at least sufficient to satisfy Cecilia +that if she fixed her abode with Mr Briggs, she should not have much +uneasiness to fear from the sight of extravagance and profusion. + +She returned to the parlour, and after waiting another half-hour, Mr +Briggs made his appearance. + +Mr Briggs was a short, thick, sturdy man, with very small keen black +eyes, a square face, a dark complexion, and a snub nose. His constant +dress, both in winter and summer, was a snuff-colour suit of clothes, +blue and white speckled worsted stockings, a plain shirt, and a bob wig. +He was seldom without a stick in his hand, which he usually held to his +forehead when not speaking. + +This bob wig, however, to the no small amazement of Cecilia, he now +brought into the room upon the forefinger of his left hand, while, with +his right, he was smoothing the curls; and his head, in defiance of the +coldness of the weather, was bald and uncovered. + +"Well," cried he, as he entered, "did you think I should not come?" + +"I was very willing, sir, to wait your leisure." + +"Ay, ay, knew you had not much to do. Been looking for my shaving-rag. +Going out of town; never use such a thing at home, paper does as well. +Warrant Master Harrel never heard of such a thing; ever see him comb his +own wig? Warrant he don't know how! never trust mine out of my hands, +the boy would tear off half the hair; all one to master Harrel, I +suppose. Well, which is the warmer man, that's all? Will he cast an +account with me?" + +Cecilia, at a loss what to say to this singular exordium, began an +apology for not waiting upon him sooner. + +"Ay, ay," cried he, "always gadding, no getting sight of you. Live +a fine life! A pretty guardian, Master Harrel! and where's t'other? +where's old Don Puffabout?" + +"If you mean Mr Delvile, sir, I have not yet seen him." + +"Thought so. No matter, as well not. Only tell you he's a German Duke, +or a Spanish Don Ferdinand. Well, you've me! poorly off else. A couple +of ignoramuses! don't know when to buy nor when to sell. No doing +business with either of them. We met once or twice; all to no purpose; +only heard Don Vampus count his old Grandees; how will that get interest +for money? Then comes Master Harrel--twenty bows to a word,--looks at a +watch,--about as big as a sixpence,--poor raw ninny!--a couple of rare +guardians! Well, you've me, I say; mind that!" + +Cecilia was wholly unable to devise any answer to these effusions +of contempt and anger; and therefore his harangue lasted without +interruption, till he had exhausted all his subjects of complaint, and +emptied his mind of ill-will; and then, settling his wig, he drew a +chair near her, and twinkling his little black eyes in her face, his +rage subsided into the most perfect good humour; and, after peering at +her some time with a look of much approbation, he said, with an arch +nod, "Well, my duck, got ever a sweetheart yet?" + +Cecilia laughed, and said "No." + +"Ah, little rogue, don't believe you! all a fib! better speak out: come, +fit I should know; a'n't you my own ward? to be sure, almost of age, but +not quite, so what's that to me?" + +She then, more seriously, assured him she had no intelligence of that +sort to communicate. + +"Well, when you have, tell, that's all. Warrant sparks enough +hankering. I'll give you some advice Take care of sharpers; don't trust +shoe-buckles, nothing but Bristol stones! tricks in all things. A fine +gentleman sharp as another man. Never give your heart to a gold-topped +cane, nothing but brass gilt over. Cheats everywhere: fleece you in a +year; won't leave you a groat. But one way to be safe,--bring 'em all to +me." + +Cecilia thanked him for his caution, and promised not to forget his +advice. + +"That's the way," he continued, "bring 'em to me. Won't be bamboozled. +Know their tricks. Shew 'em the odds on't. Ask for the rent-roll,--see +how they look! stare like stuck pigs! got no such thing." + +"Certainly, sir, that will be an excellent method of trial." + +"Ay, ay, know the way! soon find if they are above par. Be sure don't +mind gold waistcoats; nothing but tinsel, all shew and no substance; +better leave the matter to me; take care of you myself; know where to +find one will do." + +She again thanked him; and, being fully satisfied with this specimen of +his conversation, and unambitious of any further counsel from him, she +arose to depart. + +"Well," repeated he, nodding at her, with a look of much kindness, +"leave it to me, I say; I'll get you a careful husband, so take no +thought about the matter." + +Cecilia, half-laughing, begged he would not give himself much trouble, +and assured him she was not in any haste. + +"All the better," said he, "good girl; no fear for you: look out myself; +warrant I'll find one. Not very easy, neither! hard times! men scarce; +wars and tumults! stocks low! women chargeable!--but don't fear; do our +best; get you off soon." + +She then returned to her carriage: full of reflection upon the scene in +which she had just been engaged, and upon the strangeness of hastening +from one house to avoid a vice the very want of which seemed to render +another insupportable! but she now found that though luxury was more +baneful in its consequences, it was less disgustful in its progress than +avarice; yet, insuperably averse to both, and almost equally desirous to +fly from the unjust extravagance of Mr Harrel, as from the comfortless +and unnecessary parsimony of Mr Briggs, she proceeded instantly to +St James's Square, convinced that her third guardian, unless exactly +resembling one of the others, must inevitably be preferable to both. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +A MAN OF FAMILY. + + +The house of Mr Delvile was grand and spacious, fitted up not with +modern taste, but with the magnificence of former times; the servants +were all veterans, gorgeous in their liveries, and profoundly respectful +in their manners; every thing had an air of state, but of a state so +gloomy, that while it inspired awe, it repressed pleasure. + +Cecilia sent in her name and was admitted without difficulty, and was +then ushered with great pomp through sundry apartments, and rows of +servants, before she came into the presence of Mr Delvile. + +He received her with an air of haughty affability which, to a spirit +open and liberal as that of Cecilia, could not fail being extremely +offensive; but too much occupied with the care of his own importance +to penetrate into the feelings of another, he attributed the uneasiness +which his reception occasioned to the overawing predominance of superior +rank and consequence. + +He ordered a servant to bring her a chair, while he only half rose +from his own upon her entering into the room; then, waving his hand and +bowing, with a motion that desired her to be seated, he said, "I am very +happy, Miss Beverley, that you have found me alone; you would rarely +have had the same good fortune. At this time of day I am generally in +a crowd. People of large connections have not much leisure in London, +especially if they see a little after their own affairs, and if their +estates, like mine, are dispersed in various parts of the kingdom. +However, I am glad it happened so. And I am glad, too, that you have +done me the favour of calling without waiting till I sent, which I +really would have done as soon as I heard of your arrival, but that the +multiplicity of my engagements allowed me no respite." + +A display of importance so ostentatious made Cecilia already half repent +her visit, satisfied that the hope in which she had planned it would be +fruitless. + +Mr Delvile, still imputing to embarrassment, an inquietude of +countenance that proceeded merely from disappointment, imagined her +veneration was every moment increasing; and therefore, pitying a +timidity which both gratified and softened him, and equally pleased with +himself for inspiring, and with her for feeling it, he abated more +and more of his greatness, till he became, at length, so infinitely +condescending, with intention to give her courage, that he totally +depressed her with mortification and chagrin. + +After some general inquiries concerning her way of life, he told her +that he hoped she was contented with her situation at the Harrels, +adding, "If you have any thing to complain of, remember to whom you may +appeal." He then asked if she had seen Mr Briggs? + +"Yes, sir, I am this moment come from his house." + +"I am sorry for it; his house cannot be a proper one for the reception +of a young lady. When the Dean made application that I would be one of +your guardians, I instantly sent him a refusal, as is my custom upon +all such occasions, which indeed occur to me with a frequency extremely +importunate: but the Dean was a man for whom I had really a regard, and, +therefore, when I found my refusal had affected him, I suffered myself +to be prevailed upon to indulge him, contrary not only to my general +rule, but to my inclination." + +Here he stopt, as if to receive some compliment, but Cecilia, very +little disposed to pay him any, went no farther than an inclination of +the head. + +"I knew not, however," he continued, "at the time I was induced to give +my consent, with whom I was to be associated; nor could I have imagined +the Dean so little conversant with the distinctions of the world, as to +disgrace me with inferior coadjutors: but the moment I learnt the +state of the affair, I insisted upon withdrawing both my name and +countenance." + +Here again he paused; not in expectation of an answer from Cecilia, but +merely to give her time to marvel in what manner he had at last been +melted. + +"The Dean," he resumed, "was then very ill; my displeasure, I believe, +hurt him. I was sorry for it; he was a worthy man, and had not meant to +offend me; in the end, I accepted his apology, and was even persuaded to +accept the office. You have a right, therefore, to consider yourself as +_personally_ my ward, and though I do not think proper to mix much with +your other guardians, I shall always be ready to serve and advise you, +and much pleased to see you." + +"You do me honour, sir," said Cecilia, extremely wearied of such +graciousness, and rising to be gone. + +"Pray sit still," said he, with a smile; "I have not many engagements +for this morning. You must give me some account how you pass your time. +Are you much out? The Harrels, I am told, live at a great expense. What +is their establishment?" + +"I don't exactly know, sir." + +"They are decent sort of people, I believe; are they not?" + +"I hope so, sir!" + +"And they have a tolerable acquaintance, I believe: I am told so; for I +know nothing of them." + +"They have, at least, a very numerous one, sir." + +"Well, my dear," said he, taking her hand, "now you have once ventured +to come, don't be apprehensive of repeating your visits. I must +introduce you to Mrs Delvile; I am sure she will be happy to shew you +any kindness. Come, therefore, when you please, and without scruple. I +would call upon you myself, but am fearful of being embarrassed by the +people with whom you live." + +He then rang his bell, and with the same ceremonies which had attended +her admittance, she was conducted back to her carriage. + +And here died away all hope of putting into execution, during her +minority, the plan of which the formation had given her so much +pleasure. She found that her present situation, however wide of her +wishes, was by no means the most disagreeable in which she could be +placed; she was tired, indeed, of dissipation, and shocked at the sight +of unfeeling extravagance; but notwithstanding the houses of each of her +other guardians were exempt from these particular vices, she saw not any +prospect of happiness with either of them; vulgarity seemed leagued with +avarice to drive her from the mansion of Mr Briggs, and haughtiness with +ostentation to exclude her from that of Mr Delvile. + +She came back, therefore, to Portman Square, disappointed in her hopes, +and sick both of those whom she quitted and of those to whom she +was returning; but in going to her own apartment Mrs Harrel, eagerly +stopping her, begged she would come into the drawing-room, where she +promised her a most agreeable surprise. + +Cecilia, for an instant, imagined that some old acquaintance was just +arrived out of the country; but, upon her entrance, she saw only Mr +Harrel and some workmen, and found that the agreeable surprise was to +proceed from the sight of an elegant Awning, prepared for one of the +inner apartments, to be fixed over a long desert-table, which was to be +ornamented with various devices of cut glass. + +"Did you ever see any thing so beautiful in your life?" cried Mrs +Harrel; "and when the table is covered with the coloured ices and those +sort of things, it will be as beautiful again. We shall have it ready +for Tuesday se'nnight. + +"I understood you were engaged to go to the Masquerade?" + +"So we shall; only we intend to see masks at home first." + +"I have some thoughts," said Mr Harrel, leading the way to another small +room, "of running up a flight of steps and a little light gallery here, +and so making a little Orchestra. What would such a thing come to, Mr +Tomkins?" + +"O, a trifle, sir," answered Mr Tomkins, "a mere nothing." + +"Well, then, give orders for it, and let it be done directly. I don't +care how slight it is, but pray let it be very elegant. Won't it be a +great addition, Miss Beverley?" + +"Indeed, sir, I don't think it seems to be very necessary," said +Cecilia, who wished much to take that moment for reminding him of the +debt he had contracted with Mr Arnott. + +"Lord, Miss Beverley is so grave!" cried Mrs Harrel; "nothing of this +sort gives her any pleasure." + +"She has indeed," answered Cecilia, trying to smile, "not much taste for +the pleasure of being always surrounded by workmen." + +And, as soon as she was able, she retired to her room, feeling, both on +the part of Mr Arnott and the Hills, a resentment at the injustice of +Mr Harrel, which fixed her in the resolution of breaking through that +facility of compliance, which had hitherto confined her disapprobation +to her own breast, and venturing, henceforward, to mark the opinion +she entertained of his conduct by consulting nothing but reason and +principle in her own. + +Her first effort towards this change was made immediately, in begging +to be excused from accompanying Mrs Harrel to a large card assembly that +evening. + +Mrs Harrel, extremely surprised, asked a thousand times the reason of +her refusal, imagining it to proceed from some very extraordinary cause; +nor was she, without the utmost difficulty, persuaded at last that she +merely meant to pass one evening by herself. + +But the next day, when the refusal was repeated, she was still more +incredulous; it seemed to her impossible that any one who had the power +to be encircled with company, could by choice spend a second afternoon +alone: and she was so urgent in her request to be entrusted with the +secret, that Cecilia found no way left to appease her, but by frankly +confessing she was weary of eternal visiting, and sick of living always +in a crowd. + +"Suppose, then," cried she, "I send for Miss Larolles to come and sit +with you?" + +Cecilia, not without laughing, declined this proposal, assuring her that +no such assistant was necessary for her entertainment: yet it was not +till after a long contention that she was able to convince her there +would be no cruelty in leaving her by herself. + +The following day, however, her trouble diminished; for Mrs Harrel, +ceasing to be surprised, thought little more of the matter, and forbore +any earnestness of solicitation: and, from that time, she suffered her +to follow her own humour with very little opposition. Cecilia was much +concerned to find her so unmoved; and not less disappointed at the +indifference of Mr Harrel, who, being seldom of the same parties with +his lady, and seeing her too rarely either to communicate or hear any +domestic occurrences, far from being struck, as she had hoped, with the +new way in which she passed her time, was scarce sensible of the change, +and interfered not upon the subject. + +Sir Robert Floyer, who continued to see her when he dined in Portman +Square, often enquired what she did with herself in an evening; but +never obtaining any satisfactory answer, he concluded her engagements +were with people to whom he was a stranger. + +Poor Mr Arnott felt the cruellest disappointment in being deprived +of the happiness of attending her in her evening's expeditions, when, +whether he conversed with her or not, he was sure of the indulgence of +seeing and hearing her. + +But the greatest sufferer from this new regulation was Mr Monckton, +who, unable any longer to endure the mortifications of which his morning +visits to Portman Square had been productive, determined not to trust +his temper with such provocations in future, but rather to take his +chance of meeting with her elsewhere: for which purpose, he assiduously +frequented all public places, and sought acquaintance with every +family and every person he believed to be known to the Harrels: but his +patience was unrewarded, and his diligence unsuccessful; he met with her +no where, and, while he continued his search, fancied every evil power +was at work to lead him whither he was sure never to find her. + +Meanwhile Cecilia passed her time greatly to her own satisfaction. Her +first care was to assist and comfort the Hills. She went herself to +their lodgings, ordered and paid for whatever the physician prescribed +to the sick man, gave clothes to the children, and money and various +necessaries to the wife. She found that the poor carpenter was not +likely to languish much longer, and therefore, for the present, only +thought of alleviating his sufferings, by procuring him such indulgences +as were authorised by his physician, and enabling his family to abate +so much of their labour as was requisite for obtaining time to nurse +and attend him: but she meant, as soon as the last duties should be paid +him, to assist his survivors in attempting to follow some better and +more profitable business. + +Her next solicitude was to furnish herself with a well-chosen collection +of books: and this employment, which to a lover of literature, young +and ardent in its pursuit, is perhaps the mind's first luxury, proved +a source of entertainment so fertile and delightful that it left her +nothing to wish. + +She confined not her acquisitions to the limits of her present power, +but, as she was laying in a stock for future as well as immediate +advantage, she was restrained by no expence from gratifying her taste +and her inclination. She had now entered the last year of her minority, +and therefore had not any doubt that her guardians would permit her to +take up whatever sum she should require for such a purpose. + +And thus, in the exercise of charity, the search of knowledge, and the +enjoyment of quiet, serenely in innocent philosophy passed the hours of +Cecilia. + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +A MASQUERADE. + + +The first check this tranquillity received was upon the day of the +masquerade, the preparations for which have been already mentioned. +The whole house was then in commotion from various arrangements and +improvements which were planned for almost every apartment that was to +be opened for the reception of masks. Cecilia herself, however little +pleased with the attendant circumstance of wantonly accumulating +unnecessary debts, was not the least animated of the party: she was a +stranger to every diversion of this sort, and from the novelty of the +scene, hoped for uncommon satisfaction. + +At noon Mrs Harrel sent for her to consult upon a new scheme which +occurred to Mr Harrel, of fixing in fantastic forms some coloured lamps +in the drawing-room. + +While they were all discoursing this matter over, one of the servants, +who had two or three times whispered some message to Mr Harrel, and then +retired, said, in a voice not too low to be heard by Cecilia, "Indeed, +Sir, I can't get him away." + +"He's an insolent scoundrel," answered Mr Harrel; "however, if I must +speak to him, I must;" and went out of the room. + +Mrs Harrel still continued to exercise her fancy upon this new project, +calling both upon Mr Arnott and Cecilia to admire her taste and +contrivance; till they were all interrupted by the loudness of a voice +from below stairs, which frequently repeated, "Sir, I can wait no +longer! I have been put off till I can be put off no more!" + +Startled by this, Mrs Harrel ceased her employment, and they all stood +still and silent. They then heard Mr Harrel with much softness answer, +"Good Mr Rawlins, have a little patience; I shall receive a large sum of +money to-morrow, or next day, and you may then depend upon being paid." + +"Sir," cried the man, "you have so often told me the same, that it goes +just for nothing: I have had a right to it a long time, and I have a +bill to make up that can't be waited for any longer." + +"Certainly, Mr Rawlins," replied Mr Harrel, with still increasing +gentleness, "and certainly you shall have it: nobody means to dispute +your right; I only beg you to wait a day, or two days at furthest, and +you may then depend upon being paid. And you shall not be the worse +for obliging me; I will never employ any body else, and I shall have +occasion for you very soon, as I intend to make some alterations at +Violet-Bank that will be very considerable." + +"Sir," said the man, still louder, "it is of no use your employing me, +if I can never get my money. All my workmen must be paid whether I am or +no; and so, if I must needs speak to a lawyer, why there's no help for +it." + +"Did you ever hear any thing so impertinent?" exclaimed Mrs Harrel; "I +am sure Mr Harrel will be very much to blame, if ever he lets that man +do any thing more for him." + +Just then Mr Harrel appeared, and, with an air of affected unconcern, +said, "Here's the most insolent rascal of a mason below stairs I ever +met with in my life; he has come upon me, quite unexpectedly, with a +bill of 400 pounds, and won't leave the house without the money. Brother +Arnott, I wish you would do me the favour to speak to the fellow, for I +could not bear to stay with him any longer." + +"Do you wish me to give him a draft for the money upon my own banker?" + +"That would be vastly obliging," answered Mr Harrel, "and I will give +you my note for it directly. And so we shall get rid of this fellow at +once: and he shall do nothing more for me as long as he lives. I will +run up a new building at Violet-Bank next summer, if only to shew him +what a job he has lost." + +"Pay the man at once, there's a good brother," cried Mrs Harrel, "and +let's hear no more of him." + +The two gentlemen then retired to another room, and Mrs Harrel, after +praising the extreme good-nature of her brother, of whom she was very +fond, and declaring that the mason's impertinence had quite frightened +her, again returned to her plan of new decorations. + +Cecilia, amazed at this indifference to the state of her husband's +affairs, began to think it was her own duty to talk with her upon +the subject: and therefore, after a silence so marked that Mrs Harrel +enquired into its reason, she said, "Will you pardon me, my dear friend, +if I own I am rather surprized to see you continue these preparations?" + +"Lord, why?" + +"Because any fresh unnecessary expences just now, till Mr Harrel +actually receives the money he talks of--" + +"Why, my dear, the expence of such a thing as this is nothing; in Mr +Harrel's affairs I assure you it will not be at all felt. Besides, +he expects money so soon, that it is just the same as if he had it +already." + +Cecilia, unwilling to be too officious, began then to express her +admiration of the goodness and generosity of Mr Arnott; taking frequent +occasion, in the course of her praise, to insinuate that those only can +be properly liberal, who are just and economical. + +She had prepared no masquerade habit for this evening, as Mrs Harrel, +by whose direction she was guided, informed her it was not necessary +for ladies to be masked at home, and said she should receive her company +herself in a dress which she might wear upon any other occasion. Mr +Harrel, also, and Mr Arnott made not any alteration in their appearance. + +At about eight o'clock the business of the evening began; and before +nine, there were so many masks that Cecilia wished she had herself made +one of the number, as she was far more conspicuous in being almost the +only female in a common dress, than any masquerade habit could have made +her. The novelty of the scene, however, joined to the general air +of gaiety diffused throughout the company, shortly lessened her +embarrassment; and, after being somewhat familiarized to the abruptness +with which the masks approached her, and the freedom with which they +looked at or addressed her, the first confusion of her situation +subsided, and in her curiosity to watch others, she ceased to observe +how much she was watched herself. + +Her expectations of entertainment were not only fulfilled but surpassed; +the variety of dresses, the medley of characters, the quick succession +of figures, and the ludicrous mixture of groups, kept her attention +unwearied: while the conceited efforts at wit, the total thoughtlessness +of consistency, and the ridiculous incongruity of the language with the +appearance, were incitements to surprise and diversion without end. Even +the local cant of, _Do you know me? Who are you?_ and _I know you_; with +the sly pointing of the finger, the arch nod of the head, and the +pert squeak of the voice, though wearisome to those who frequent such +assemblies, were, to her unhackneyed observation, additional subjects of +amusement. + +Soon after nine o'clock, every room was occupied, and the common crowd +of regular masqueraders were dispersed through the various apartments. +Dominos of no character, and fancy dresses of no meaning, made, as is +usual at such meetings, the general herd of the company: for the rest, +the men were Spaniards, chimney-sweepers, Turks, watchmen, conjurers, +and old women; and the ladies, shepherdesses, orange girls, Circassians, +gipseys, haymakers, and sultanas. + +Cecilia had, as yet, escaped any address beyond the customary enquiry +of _Do you know me?_ and a few passing compliments; but when the rooms +filled, and the general crowd gave general courage, she was attacked in +a manner more pointed and singular. + +The very first mask who approached her seemed to have nothing less in +view than preventing the approach of every other: yet had he little +reason to hope favour for himself, as the person he represented, of all +others least alluring to the view, was the devil! He was black from head +to foot, save that two red horns seemed to issue from his forehead; +his face was so completely covered that the sight only of his eyes was +visible, his feet were cloven, and in his right hand he held a wand the +colour of fire. + +Waving this wand as he advanced towards Cecilia, he cleared a +semi-circular space before her chair, thrice with the most profound +reverence bowed to her, thrice turned himself around with sundry +grimaces, and then fiercely planted himself at her side. + +Cecilia was amused by his mummery, but felt no great delight in his +guardianship, and, after a short time, arose, with intention to walk to +another place; but the black gentleman, adroitly moving round her, +held out his wand to obstruct her passage, and therefore, preferring +captivity to resistance, she was again obliged to seat herself. + +An Hotspur, who just then made his appearance, was now strutting boldly +towards her; but the devil, rushing furiously forwards, placed himself +immediately between them. Hotspur, putting his arms a-kimbo with an air +of defiance, gave a loud stamp with his right foot, and then--marched +into another room! + +The victorious devil ostentatiously waved his wand, and returned to his +station. + +Mr Arnott, who had never moved two yards from Cecilia, knowing her too +well to suppose she received any pleasure from being thus distinguished, +modestly advanced to offer his assistance in releasing her from +confinement; but the devil, again describing a circle with his wand, +gave him three such smart raps on the head that his hair was disordered, +and his face covered with powder. A general laugh succeeded, and Mr +Arnott, too diffident to brave raillery, or withstand shame, retired in +confusion. + +The black gentleman seemed now to have all authority in his own hands, +and his wand was brandished with more ferocity than ever, no one again +venturing to invade the domain he thought fit to appropriate for his +own. + +At length, however, a Don Quixote appeared, and every mask in the room +was eager to point out to him the imprisonment of Cecilia. + +This Don Quixote was accoutered with tolerable exactness according to +the description of the admirable Cervantes; his armour was rusty, his +helmet was a barber's basin, his shield, a pewter dish, and his lance, +an old sword fastened to a slim cane. His figure, tall and thin, was +well adapted to the character he represented, and his mask, which +depictured a lean and haggard face, worn with care, yet fiery with crazy +passions, exhibited, with propriety the most striking, the knight of the +doleful countenance. + +The complaints against the devil with which immediately and from all +quarters he was assailed, he heard with the most solemn taciturnity: +after which, making a motion for general silence, he stalked +majestically towards Cecilia, but stopping short of the limits +prescribed by her guard, he kissed his spear in token of allegiance, and +then, slowly dropping upon one knee, began the following address: + +"Most incomparable Princess!--Thus humbly prostrate at the feet of your +divine and ineffable beauty, graciously permit the most pitiful of your +servitors, Don Quixote De la Mancha, from your high and tender grace, to +salute the fair boards which sustain your corporeal machine." + +Then, bending down his head, he kissed the floor; after which, raising +himself upon his feet, he proceeded in his speech. + +"Report, O most fair and unmatchable virgin! daringly affirmeth that a +certain discourteous person, who calleth himself the devil, even now, +and in thwart of your fair inclinations, keepeth and detaineth your +irradiant frame in hostile thraldom. Suffer then, magnanimous and +undescribable lady! that I, the most groveling of your unworthy vassals, +do sift the fair truth out of this foul sieve, and obsequiously bending +to your divine attractions, conjure your highness veritably to inform +me, if that honourable chair which haply supports your terrestrial +perfections, containeth the inimitable burthen with the free and legal +consent of your celestial spirit?" + +Here he ceased: and Cecilia, who laughed at this characteristic address, +though she had not courage to answer it, again made an effort to quit +her place, but again by the wand of her black persecutor was prevented. + +This little incident was answer sufficient for the valorous knight, who +indignantly exclaimed, + +"Sublime Lady!--I beseech but of your exquisite mercy to refrain +mouldering the clay composition of my unworthy body to impalpable dust, +by the refulgence of those bright stars vulgarly called eyes, till I +have lawfully wreaked my vengeance upon this unobliging caitiff, for his +most disloyal obstruction of your highness's adorable pleasure." + +Then, bowing low, he turned from her, and thus addressed his intended +antagonist: + +"Uncourtly Miscreant,--The black garment which envellopeth thy most +unpleasant person, seemeth even of the most ravishing whiteness, in +compare of the black bile which floateth within thy sable interior. +Behold, then, my gauntlet! yet ere I deign to be the instrument of thy +extirpation, O thou most mean and ignoble enemy! that the honour of Don +Quixote De la Mancha may not be sullied by thy extinction, I do here +confer upon thee the honour of knighthood, dubbing thee, by my own +sword, Don Devil, knight of the horrible physiognomy." + +He then attempted to strike his shoulder with his spear, but the black +gentleman, adroitly eluding the blow, defended himself with his wand: a +mock fight ensued, conducted on both sides with admirable dexterity; but +Cecilia, less eager to view it than to become again a free agent, made +her escape into another apartment; while the rest of the ladies, though +they almost all screamed, jumped upon chairs and sofas to peep at the +combat. + +In conclusion, the wand of the knight of the horrible physiognomy was +broken against the shield of the knight of the doleful countenance; +upon which Don Quixote called out _victoria_! the whole room echoed +the sound; the unfortunate new knight retired abruptly into another +apartment, and the conquering Don, seizing the fragments of the weapon +of his vanquished enemy went out in search of the lady for whose +releasement he had fought: and the moment he found her, prostrating both +himself and the trophies at her feet, he again pressed the floor with +his lips, and then, slowly arising, repeated his reverences with added +formality, and, without waiting her acknowledgments, gravely retired. + +The moment he departed a Minerva, not stately nor austere, not marching +in warlike majesty, but gay and airy, + + "Tripping on light fantastic toe," + +ran up to Cecilia, and squeaked out, "Do you know me?" + +"Not," answered she, instantly recollecting Miss Larolles, "by your +_appearance_, I own! but by your _voice_, I think I can guess you." + +"I was monstrous sorry," returned the goddess, without understanding +this distinction, "that I was not at home when you called upon me. Pray, +how do you like my dress? I assure you I think it's the prettiest here. +But do you know there's the most shocking thing in the world happened in +the next room! I really believe there's a common chimney-sweeper got +in! I assure you it's enough to frighten one to death, for every time he +moves the soot smells so you can't think; quite real soot, I assure you! +only conceive how nasty! I declare I wish with all my heart it would +suffocate him!" + +Here she was interrupted by the re-appearance of _Don Devil_; who, +looking around him, and perceiving that his antagonist was gone, again +advanced to Cecilia: not, however, with the authority of his first +approach, for with his wand he had lost much of his power; but to +recompense himself for this disgrace, he had recourse to another method +equally effectual for keeping his prey to himself, for he began a +growling, so dismal and disagreeable, that while many of the ladies, +and, among the first, the _Goddess of Wisdom and Courage_, ran away to +avoid him, the men all stood aloof to watch what next was to follow. + +Cecilia now became seriously uneasy; for she was made an object of +general attention, yet could neither speak nor be spoken to. She could +suggest no motive for behaviour so whimsical, though she imagined the +only person who could have the assurance to practise it was Sir Robert +Floyer. + +After some time spent thus disagreeably, a white domino, who for a few +minutes had been a very attentive spectator, suddenly came forward, +and exclaiming, "_I'll cross him though he blast me!_" rushed upon the +fiend, and grasping one of his horns, called out to a Harlequin who +stood near him, "Harlequin! do you fear to fight the devil?" + +"Not I truly!" answered Harlequin, whose voice immediately betrayed +young Morrice, and who, issuing from the crowd, whirled himself round +before the black gentleman with yet more agility than he had himself +done before Cecilia, giving him, from time to time, many smart blows on +his shoulders, head, and back, with his wooden sword. + +The rage of _Don Devil_ at this attack seemed somewhat beyond what a +masquerade character rendered necessary; he foamed at the mouth with +resentment, and defended himself with so much vehemence, that he soon +drove poor Harlequin into another room: but, when he would have returned +to his prey, the genius of pantomime, curbed, but not subdued, at +the instigation of the white domino, returned to the charge, and by +a perpetual rotation of attack and retreat, kept him in constant +employment, pursuing him from room to room, and teazing him without +cessation or mercy. + +Mean time Cecilia, delighted at being released, hurried into a corner, +where she hoped to breathe and look on in quiet; and the white domino +having exhorted Harlequin to torment the tormentor, and keep him at bay, +followed her with congratulations upon her recovered freedom. + +"It is you," answered she, "I ought to thank for it, which indeed I do +most heartily. I was so tired of confinement, that my mind seemed almost +as little at liberty as my person." + +"Your persecutor, I presume," said the domino, "is known to you." + +"I hope so," answered she, "because there is one man I suspect, and I +should be sorry to find there was another equally disagreeable." + +"O, depend upon it," cried he, "there are many who would be happy +to confine you in the same manner; neither have you much cause for +complaint; you have, doubtless, been the aggressor, and played this +game yourself without mercy, for I read in your face the captivity of +thousands: have you, then, any right to be offended at the spirit of +retaliation which one, out of such numbers has courage to exert in +return?" + +"I protest," cried Cecilia, "I took you for my defender! whence is it +you are become my accuser?" + +"From seeing the danger to which my incautious knight-errantry has +exposed me; I begin, indeed, to take you for a very mischievous sort of +person, and I fear the poor devil from whom I rescued you will be amply +revenged for his disgrace, by finding that the first use you make of +your freedom is to doom your deliverer to bondage." + +Here they were disturbed by the extreme loquacity of two opposite +parties: and listening attentively, they heard from one side, "My +angel! fairest of creatures! goddess of my heart!" uttered in accents +of rapture; while from the other, the vociferation was so violent they +could distinctly hear nothing. + +The white domino satisfied his curiosity by going to both parties; and +then, returning to Cecilia, said, "Can you conjecture who was making +those soft speeches? a Shylock! his knife all the while in his hand, and +his design, doubtless, to _cut as near the heart as possible!_ while the +loud cackling from the other side is owing to the riotous merriment of a +noisy Mentor! when next I hear a disturbance, I shall expect to see some +simpering Pythagoras stunned by his talkative disciples." + +"To own the truth," said Cecilia, "the almost universal neglect of the +characters assumed by these masquers has been the chief source of my +entertainment this evening: for at a place of this sort, the next +best thing to a character well supported is a character ridiculously +burlesqued." + +"You cannot, then, have wanted amusement," returned the domino, "for +among all the persons assembled in these apartments, I have seen only +three who have seemed conscious that any change but that of dress was +necessary to disguise them." + +"And pray who are those?" + +"A Don Quixote, a schoolmaster, and your friend the devil." + +"O, call him not my friend," exclaimed Cecilia, "for indeed in or out of +that garb he is particularly my aversion." + +"_My_ friend, then, I will call him," said the domino, "for so, were +he ten devils, I must think him, since I owe to him the honour of +conversing with you. And, after all, to give him his due, to which, you +know, he is even proverbially entitled, he has shewn such abilities in +the performance of his part, so much skill in the display of malice, and +so much perseverance in the art of tormenting, that I cannot but respect +his ingenuity and capacity. And, indeed, if instead of an evil genius, +he had represented a guardian angel, he could not have shewn a more +refined taste in his choice of an object to hover about." + +Just then they were approached by a young haymaker, to whom the white +domino called out, "You look as gay and as brisk as if fresh from the +hay-field after only half a day's work. Pray, how is it you pretty +lasses find employment for the winter?" + +"How?" cried she, pertly, "why, the same as for the summer!" And pleased +with her own readiness at repartee, without feeling the ignorance it +betrayed, she tript lightly on. + +Immediately after the schoolmaster mentioned by the white domino +advanced to Cecilia. His dress was merely a long wrapping gown of green +stuff, a pair of red slippers, and a woollen night-cap of the same +colour; while, as the symbol of his profession, he held a rod in his +hand. + +"Ah, fair lady," he cried, "how soothing were it to the austerity of my +life, how softening to the rigidity of my manners, might I--without a +_breaking out of bounds_, which I ought to be the first to discourage, +and a "confusion to all order" for which the school-boy should himself +chastise his master--be permitted to cast at your feet this emblem of my +authority! and to forget, in the softness of your conversation, all the +roughness of discipline!" + +"No, no," cried Cecilia, "I will not be answerable for such corruption +of taste!" + +"This repulse," answered he, "is just what I feared; for alas! under +what pretence could a poor miserable country pedagogue presume to +approach you? Should I examine you in the dead languages, would not your +living accents charm from me all power of reproof? Could I look at you, +and hear a false concord? Should I doom you to water-gruel as a dunce, +would not my subsequent remorse make me want it myself as a madman? Were +your fair hand spread out to me for correction, should I help applying +my lips to it, instead of my rat-tan? If I ordered you to be _called +up_, should I ever remember to have you sent back? And if I commanded +you to stand in a corner, how should I forbear following you thither +myself?" + +Cecilia, who had no difficulty in knowing this pretended schoolmaster +for Mr Gosport, was readily beginning to propose conditions for +according him her favour, when their ears were assailed by a forced +phthisical cough, which they found proceeded from an apparent old woman, +who was a young man in disguise, and whose hobbling gait, grunting +voice, and most grievous asthmatic complaints, seemed greatly enjoyed +and applauded by the company. + +"How true is it, yet how inconsistent," cried the white domino, "that +while we all desire to live long, we have all a horror of being old! The +figure now passing is not meant to ridicule any particular person, nor +to stigmatize any particular absurdity; its sole view is to expose to +contempt and derision the general and natural infirmities of age! and +the design is not more disgusting than impolitic; for why, while so +carefully we guard from all approaches of death, should we close the +only avenues to happiness in long life, respect and tenderness?" + +Cecilia, delighted both by the understanding and humanity of her new +acquaintance, and pleased at being joined by Mr Gosport, was beginning +to be perfectly satisfied with her situation, when, creeping softly +towards her, she again perceived the black gentleman. + +"Ah!" cried she, with some vexation, "here comes my old tormentor! +screen me from him if possible, or he will again make me his prisoner." + +"Fear not," cried the white domino, "he is an evil spirit, and we will +surely lay him. If one spell fails, we must try another." + +Cecilia then perceiving Mr Arnott, begged he would also assist in +barricading her from the fiend who so obstinately pursued her. + +Mr Arnott most gratefully acceded to the proposal; and the white domino, +who acted as commanding officer, assigned to each his station: +he desired Cecilia would keep quietly to her seat, appointed the +schoolmaster to be her guard on the left, took possession himself of the +opposite post, and ordered Mr Arnott to stand centinel in front. + +This arrangement being settled, the guards of the right and left wings +instantly secured their places; but while Mr Arnott was considering +whether it were better to face the besieged or the enemy, the arch-foe +rushed suddenly before him, and laid himself down at the feet of +Cecilia! + +Mr Arnott, extremely disconcerted, began a serious expostulation upon +the ill-breeding of this behaviour; but the devil, resting all excuse +upon supporting his character, only answered by growling. + +The white domino seemed to hesitate for a moment in what manner to +conduct himself, and with a quickness that marked his chagrin, said to +Cecilia, "You told me you knew him,--has he any right to follow you?" + +"If he thinks he has," answered she, a little alarmed by his question, +"this is no time to dispute it." + +And then, to avoid any hazard of altercation, she discreetly forbore +making further complaints, preferring any persecution to seriously +remonstrating with a man of so much insolence as the Baronet. + +The schoolmaster, laughing at the whole transaction, only said, "And +pray, madam, after playing the devil with all mankind, what right have +you to complain that one man plays the devil with you?" + +"We shall, at least, fortify you," said the white domino, "from any +other assailant: no three-headed Cerberus could protect you more +effectually: but you will not, therefore, fancy yourself in the lower +regions, for, if I mistake not, the torment of _three guardians_ is +nothing new to you." + +"And how," said Cecilia, surprised, "should you know of my three +guardians? I hope I am not quite encompassed with evil spirits!" + +"No," answered he; "you will find me as inoffensive as the hue of the +domino I wear;----and would I could add as insensible!" + +"This black gentleman," said the schoolmaster, "who, and very +innocently, I was going to call your _black-guard_, has as noble and +fiend-like a disposition as I remember to have seen; for without even +attempting to take any diversion himself, he seems gratified to his +heart's content in excluding from it the lady he serves." + +"He does me an honour I could well dispense with," said Cecilia; "but I +hope he has some secret satisfaction in his situation which pays him for +its apparent inconvenience." + +Here the black gentleman half-raised himself, and attempted to take +her hand. She started, and with much displeasure drew it back. He then +growled, and again sank prostrate. + +"This is a fiend," said the schoolmaster, "who to himself sayeth, _Budge +not!_ let his conscience never so often say _budge!_ Well, fair lady, +your fortifications, however, may now be deemed impregnable, since I, +with a flourish of my rod, can keep off the young by recollection of the +past, and since the fiend, with a jut of his foot, may keep off the old +from dread of the future!" + +Here a Turk, richly habited and resplendent with jewels, stalked towards +Cecilia, and, having regarded her some time, called out, "I have been +looking hard about me the whole evening, and, faith, I have seen nothing +handsome before!" + +The moment he opened his mouth, his voice, to her utter astonishment, +betrayed Sir Robert Floyer! "Mercy on me," cried she aloud, and pointing +to the fiend, "who, then, can this possibly be?" + +"Do you not know?" cried the white domino. + +"I thought I had known with certainty," answered she, "but I now find I +was mistaken." + +"He is a happy man," said the schoolmaster, sarcastically looking at +the Turk, "who has removed your suspicions only by appearing in another +character!" + +"Why, what the deuce, then," exclaimed the Turk, "have you taken that +black dog there for _me_?" + +Before this question could be answered, an offensive smell of soot, +making everybody look around the room, the chimney-sweeper already +mentioned by Miss Larolles was perceived to enter it. Every way he moved +a passage was cleared for him, as the company, with general disgust, +retreated wherever he advanced. + +He was short, and seemed somewhat incommoded by his dress; he held his +soot-bag over one arm, and his shovel under the other. As soon as he +espied Cecilia, whose situation was such as to prevent her eluding him, +he hooted aloud, and came stumping up to her; "Ah ha," he cried, "found +at last;" then, throwing down his shovel, he opened the mouth of his +bag, and pointing waggishly to her head, said, "Come, shall I pop +you?--a good place for naughty girls; in, I say, poke in!--cram you up +the chimney." + +And then he put forth his sooty hands to reach her cap. + +Cecilia, though she instantly knew the dialect of her guardian Mr +Briggs, was not therefore the more willing to be so handled, and started +back to save herself from his touch; the white domino also came forward, +and spread out his arms as a defence to her, while the devil, who was +still before her, again began to growl. + +"Ah ha!" cried the chimney-sweeper, laughing, "so did not know me? Poor +duck! won't hurt you; don't be frightened; nothing but old guardian; all +a joke!" And then, patting her cheek with his dirty hand, and nodding +at her with much kindness, "Pretty dove," he added, "be of good heart! +shan't be meddled with; come to see after you. Heard of your tricks; +thought I'd catch you!--come o' purpose.--Poor duck! did not know me! +ha! ha!--good joke enough!" + +"What do you mean, you dirty dog," cried the Turk, "by touching that +lady?" + +"Won't tell!" answered he; "not your business. Got a good right. Who +cares for pearls? Nothing but French beads." Pointing with a sneer to +his turban. Then, again addressing Cecilia, "Fine doings!" he continued, +"Here's a place! never saw the like before! turn a man's noddle!--All +goings out; no comings in; wax candles in every room; servants thick as +mushrooms! And where's the cash? Who's to pay the piper? Come to more +than a guinea; warrant Master Harrel thinks that nothing!" + +"A guinea?" contemptuously repeated the Turk, "and what do you suppose a +guinea will do?" + +"What? Why, keep a whole family handsome a week;--never spend so much +myself; no, nor half neither." + +"Why then, how the devil do you live? Do you beg?" + +"Beg? Who should I beg of? You?--Got anything to give? Are warm?" + +"Take the trouble to speak more respectfully, sir!" said the Turk, +haughtily; "I see you are some low fellow, and I shall not put up with +your impudence." + +"Shall, shall! I say!" answered the chimneysweeper, sturdily; "Hark'ee, +my duck," chucking Cecilia under the chin, "don't be cajoled, nick that +spark! never mind gold trappings; none of his own; all a take-in; hired +for eighteenpence; not worth a groat. Never set your heart on a fine +outside, nothing within. Bristol stones won't buy stock: only wants to +chouse you." + +"What do you mean by that, you little old scrub!" cried the imperious +Turk; "would you provoke me to soil my fingers by pulling that beastly +snub nose?" For Mr Briggs had saved himself any actual mask, by merely +blacking his face with soot. + +"Beastly snub nose!" sputtered out the chimneysweeper in much wrath, +"good nose enough; don't want a better; good as another man's. Where's +the harm on't?" + +"How could this blackguard get in?" cried the Turk, "I believe he's a +mere common chimneysweeper out of the streets, for he's all over dirt +and filth. I never saw such a dress at a masquerade before in my life." + +"All the better," returned the other; "would not change. What do think +it cost?" + +"Cost? Why, not a crown." + +"A crown? ha! ha!--a pot o' beer! Little Tom borrowed it; had it of our +own sweep. Said 'twas for himself. I bid him a pint; rascal would not +take less." + +"Did your late uncle," said the white domino in a low voice to Cecilia, +"chuse for two of your guardians Mr Harrel and Mr Briggs, to give you an +early lesson upon the opposite errors of profusion and meanness?" + +"My uncle?" cried Cecilia, starting, "were you acquainted with my +uncle?" + +"No," said he, "for my happiness I knew him not." + +"You would have owed no loss of happiness to an acquaintance with him," +said Cecilia, very seriously, "for he was one who dispensed to his +friends nothing but good." + +"Perhaps so," said the domino; "but I fear I should have found the good +he dispensed through his niece not quite unmixed with evil!" + +"What's here?" cried the chimney-sweeper, stumbling over the fiend, +"what's this black thing? Don't like it; looks like the devil. You +shan't stay with it; carry you away; take care of you myself." + +He then offered Cecilia his hand; but the black gentleman, raising +himself upon his knees before her, paid her, in dumb shew, the humblest +devoirs, yet prevented her from removing. + +"Ah ha!" cried the chimney-sweeper, significantly nodding his head, +"smell a rat! a sweetheart in disguise. No bamboozling! it won't do; +a'n't so soon put upon. If you've got any thing to say, tell _me_, +that's the way. Where's the cash? Got ever a _rental_? Are warm? That's +the point; are warm?" + +The fiend, without returning any answer, continued his homage to +Cecilia; at which the enraged chimney-sweeper exclaimed, "Come, come +with me! won't be imposed upon; an old fox,--understand trap!" + +He then again held out his hand, but Cecilia, pointing to the fiend, +answered, "How can I come, sir?" + +"Shew you the way," cried he, "shovel him off." And taking his shovel, +he very roughly set about removing him. + +The fiend then began a yell so horrid, that it disturbed the whole +company; but the chimney-sweeper, only saying, "Aye, aye, blacky, growl +away, blacky,--makes no odds," sturdily continued his work, and, as +the fiend had no chance of resisting so coarse an antagonist without a +serious struggle, he was presently compelled to change his ground. + +"Warm work!" cried the victorious chimney-sweeper, taking off his wig, +and wiping his head with the sleeves of his dress, "pure warm work +this!" + +Cecilia, once again freed from her persecutor, instantly quitted her +place, almost equally desirous to escape the haughty Turk, who was +peculiarly her aversion, and the facetious chimney-sweeper, whose +vicinity, either on account of his dress or his conversation, was by no +means desirable. She was not, however, displeased that the white domino +and the schoolmaster still continued to attend her. + +"Pray, look," said the white domino, as they entered another apartment, +"at that figure of Hope; is there any in the room half so expressive of +despondency?" + +"The reason, however," answered the schoolmaster, "is obvious; that +light and beautiful silver anchor upon which she reclines presents an +occasion irresistible for an attitude of elegant dejection; and the +assumed character is always given up where an opportunity offers to +display any beauty, or manifest any perfection in the dear proper +person!" + +"But why," said Cecilia, "should she assume the character of _Hope_? +Could she not have been equally dejected and equally elegant as Niobe, +or some tragedy queen?" + +"But she does not assume the character," answered the schoolmaster, "she +does not even think of it: the dress is her object, and that alone fills +up all her ideas. Enquire of almost any body in the room concerning the +persons they seem to represent, and you will find their ignorance more +gross than you can imagine; they have not once thought upon the subject; +accident, or convenience, or caprice has alone directed their choice." + +A tall and elegant youth now approached them, whose laurels and harp +announced Apollo. The white domino immediately enquired of him if the +noise and turbulence of the company had any chance of being stilled into +silence and rapture by the divine music of the inspired god? + +"No," answered he, pointing to the room in which was erected the new +gallery, and whence, as he spoke, issued the sound of a _hautboy_, +"there is a flute playing there already." + +"O for a Midas," cried the white domino, "to return to this +leather-eared god the disgrace he received from him!" + +They now proceeded to the apartment which had been lately fitted up for +refreshments, and which was so full of company that they entered it +with difficulty. And here they were again joined by Minerva, who, taking +Cecilia's hand, said, "Lord, how glad I am you've got away from that +frightful black mask! I can't conceive who he is; nobody can find out; +it's monstrous odd, but he has not spoke a word all night, and he makes +such a shocking noise when people touch him, that I assure you it's +enough to put one in a fright." + +"And pray," cried the schoolmaster, disguising his voice, "how camest +thou to take the helmet of Minerva for a fool's cap?" + +"Lord, I have not," cried she, innocently, "why, the whole dress is +Minerva's; don't you see?" + +"My dear child," answered he, "thou couldst as well with that little +figure pass for a Goliath, as with that little wit for a Pallas." + +Their attention was now drawn from the goddess of wisdom to a mad Edgar, +who so vehemently ran about the room calling out "Poor Tom's a cold!" +that, in a short time, he was obliged to take off his mask, from an +effect, not very delicate, of the heat! + +Soon after, a gentleman desiring some lemonade whose toga spoke the +consular dignity, though his broken English betrayed a native of France, +the schoolmaster followed him, and, with reverence the most profound, +began to address him in Latin; but, turning quick towards him, he +gaily said, "_Monsieur, j'ai l'honneur de representer Ciceron, le grand +Ciceron, pere de sa patrie! mais quoique j'ai cet honneur-la, je ne suit +pas pedant!--mon dieu, Monsieur, je ne parle que le Francois dans la +bonne compagnie_!" And, politely bowing, he went on. + +Just then Cecilia, while looking about the room for Mrs Harrel, found +herself suddenly pinched by the cheek, and hastily turning round, +perceived again her friend the chimney-sweeper, who, laughing, cried, +"Only me! don't be frightened. Have something to tell you;--had no +luck!--got never a husband yet! can't find one! looked all over, too; +sharp as a needle. Not one to be had! all catched up!" + +"I am glad to hear it, sir," said Cecilia, somewhat vexed by observing +the white domino attentively listening; "and I hope, therefore, you will +give yourself no farther trouble." + +"Pretty duck!" cried he, chucking her under the chin; "never mind, don't +be cast down; get one at last. Leave it to me. Nothing under a +plum; won't take up with less. Good-by, ducky, good-by! must go home +now,--begin to be nodding." + +And then, repeating his kind caresses, he walked away. + +"Do you think, then," said the white domino, "more highly of Mr Briggs +for discernment and taste than of any body?" + +"I hope not!" answered she, "for low indeed should I then think of the +rest of the world!" + +"The commission with which he is charged," returned the domino, "has +then misled me; I imagined discernment and taste might be necessary +ingredients for making such a choice as your approbation would sanctify: +but perhaps his skill in guarding against any fraud or deduction in the +stipulation he mentioned, may be all that is requisite for the execution +of his trust." + +"I understand very well," said Cecilia, a little hurt, "the severity +of your meaning; and if Mr Briggs had any commission but of his own +suggestion, it would fill me with shame and confusion; but as that is +not the case, those at least are sensations which it cannot give me." + +"My meaning," cried the domino, with some earnestness, "should I express +it seriously, would but prove to you the respect and admiration with +which you have inspired me, and if indeed, as Mr Briggs hinted, such a +prize is to be purchased by riches, I know not, from what I have seen of +its merit, any sum I should think adequate to its value." + +"You are determined, I see," said Cecilia, smiling, "to make most +liberal amends for your asperity." + +A loud clack of tongues now interrupted their discourse; and the domino, +at the desire of Cecilia, for whom he had procured a seat, went forward +to enquire what was the matter. But scarce had he given up his place +a moment, before, to her great mortification, it was occupied by the +fiend. + +Again, but with the same determined silence he had hitherto preserved, +he made signs of obedience and homage, and her perplexity to conjecture +who he could be, or what were his motives for this persecution, became +the more urgent as they seemed the less likely to be satisfied. But the +fiend, who was no other than Mr Monckton, had every instant less and +less encouragement to make himself known: his plan had in nothing +succeeded, and his provocation at its failure had caused him the +bitterest disappointment; he had intended, in the character of a +tormentor, not only to pursue and hover around her himself, but he had +also hoped, in the same character, to have kept at a distance all other +admirers: but the violence with which he had over-acted his part, by +raising her disgust and the indignation of the company, rendered his +views wholly abortive while the consciousness of an extravagance for +which, if discovered, he could assign no reason not liable to excite +suspicions of his secret motives, reduced him to guarding a painful +and most irksome silence the whole evening. And Cecilia, to whose +unsuspicious mind the idea of Mr Monckton had never occurred, added +continually to the cruelty of his situation, by an undisguised +abhorrence of his assiduity, as well as by a manifest preference to the +attendance of the white domino. All, therefore, that his disappointed +scheme now left in his power, was to watch her motions, listen to her +discourse, and inflict occasionally upon others some part of the chagrin +with which he was tormented himself. + +While they were in this situation, Harlequin, in consequence of being +ridiculed by the Turk for want of agility, offered to jump over the new +desert table, and desired to have a little space cleared to give +room for his motions. It was in vain the people who distributed the +refreshments, and who were placed at the other side of the table, +expostulated upon the danger of the experiment; Morrice had a rage of +enterprise untameable, and, therefore, first taking a run, he attempted +the leap. + +The consequence was such as might naturally be expected; he could not +accomplish his purpose, but, finding himself falling, imprudently caught +hold of the lately erected Awning, and pulled it entirely upon his own +head, and with it the new contrived lights, which, in various forms, +were fixed to it, and which all came down together. + +The mischief and confusion occasioned by this exploit were very +alarming, and almost dangerous; those who were near the table suffered +most by the crush, but splinters of the glass flew yet further; and as +the room, which was small, had been only lighted up by lamps hanging +from the Awning, it was now in total darkness, except close to the door, +which was still illuminated from the adjoining apartments. + +The clamour of Harlequin, who was covered with glass, papier-machee, +lamps and oil, the screams of the ladies, the universal buz of tongues, +and the struggle between the frighted crowd which was enclosed to +get out, and the curious crowd from the other apartments to get in, +occasioned a disturbance and tumult equally noisy and confused. But the +most serious sufferer was the unfortunate fiend, who, being nearer the +table than Cecilia, was so pressed upon by the numbers which poured from +it, that he found a separation unavoidable, and was unable, from the +darkness and the throng, to discover whether she was still in the same +place, or had made her escape into another. + +She had, however, encountered the white domino, and, under his +protection, was safely conveyed to a further part of the room. +Her intention and desire were to quit it immediately, but at the +remonstrance of her conductor, she consented to remain some time longer. +"The conflict at the door," said he, "will quite overpower you. Stay +here but a few minutes, and both parties will have struggled themselves +tired, and you may then go without difficulty. Meantime, can you not, +by this faint light, suppose me one of your guardians, Mr Briggs, for +example, or, if he is too old for me, Mr Harrel, and entrust yourself to +my care?" + +"You seem wonderfully well acquainted with my guardians," said Cecilia; +"I cannot imagine how you have had your intelligence." + +"Nor can I," answered the domino, "imagine how Mr Briggs became so +particularly your favourite as to be entrusted with powers to dispose of +you." + +"You are mistaken indeed; he is entrusted with no powers but such as his +own fancy has suggested." + +"But how has Mr Delvile offended you, that with him only you seem to +have no commerce or communication?" + +"Mr Delvile!" repeated Cecilia, still more surprised, "are you also +acquainted with Mr Delvile?" + +"He is certainly a man of fashion," continued the domino, "and he +is also a man of honour; surely, then, he would be more pleasant for +confidence and consultation than one whose only notion of happiness +is money, whose only idea of excellence is avarice, and whose +only conception of sense is distrust!" Here a violent outcry again +interrupted their conversation; but not till Cecilia had satisfied her +doubts concerning the white domino, by conjecturing he was Mr Belfield, +who might easily, at the house of Mr Monckton, have gathered the little +circumstances of her situation to which he alluded, and whose size and +figure exactly resembled those of her new acquaintance. + +The author of the former disturbance was now the occasion of the +present: the fiend, having vainly traversed the room in search of +Cecilia, stumbled accidentally upon Harlequin, before he was freed from +the relicks of his own mischief; and unable to resist the temptation +of opportunity and the impulse of revenge, he gave vent to the wrath so +often excited by the blunders, forwardness, and tricks of Morrice, and +inflicted upon him, with his own wooden sword, which he seized for that +purpose, a chastisement the most serious and severe. + +Poor Harlequin, unable to imagine any reason for this violent attack, +and already cut with the glass, and bruised with the fall, spared not +his lungs in making known his disapprobation of such treatment: but the +fiend, regardless either of his complaints or his resistance, forbore +not to belabour him till compelled by the entrance of people with +lights. And then, after artfully playing sundry antics under pretence of +still supporting his character, with a motion too sudden for prevention, +and too rapid for pursuit, he escaped out of the room, and hurrying down +stairs, threw himself into an hackney chair, which conveyed him to a +place where he privately changed his dress before he returned home, +bitterly repenting the experiment he had made, and conscious too late +that, had he appeared in a character he might have avowed, he could, +without impropriety, have attended Cecilia the whole evening. But +such is deservedly the frequent fate of cunning, which, while it plots +surprise and detection of others, commonly overshoots its mark, and ends +in its own disgrace. + +The introduction of the lights now making manifest the confusion which +the frolic of Harlequin had occasioned, he was seized with such a dread +of the resentment of Mr Harrel, that, forgetting blows, bruises, and +wounds, not one of which were so frightful to him as reproof, he made +the last exhibition of his agility by an abrupt and hasty retreat. + +He had, however, no reason for apprehension, since, in every thing that +regarded expence, Mr Harrel had no feeling, and his lady had no thought. + +The rooms now began to empty very fast, but among the few masks +yet remaining, Cecilia again perceived Don Quixote; and while, in +conjunction with the white domino, she was allowing him the praise of +having supported his character with more uniform propriety than any +other person in the assembly, she observed him taking off his mask for +the convenience of drinking some lemonade, and, looking in his face, +found he was no other than Mr Belfield! Much astonished, and more than +ever perplexed, she again turned to the white domino, who, seeing in +her countenance a surprise of which he knew not the reason, said, +half-laughing, "You think, perhaps, I shall never be gone? And indeed +I am almost of the same opinion; but what can I do? Instead of growing +weary by the length of my stay, my reluctance to shorten it increases +with its duration; and all the methods I take, whether by speaking +to you or looking at you, with a view to be satiated, only double my +eagerness for looking and listening again! I must go, however; and if +I am happy, I may perhaps meet with you again,--though, if I am wise, I +shall never seek you more!" + +And then, with the last stragglers that reluctantly disappeared, he made +his exit, leaving Cecilia greatly pleased with his conversation and his +manners, but extremely perplexed to account for his knowledge of her +affairs and situation. + +The schoolmaster had already been gone some time. + +She was now earnestly pressed by the Harrels and Sir Robert, who still +remained, to send to a warehouse for a dress, and accompany them to the +Pantheon; but though she was not without some inclination to comply, +in the hope of further prolonging the entertainment of an evening from +which she had received much pleasure, she disliked the attendance of the +Baronet, and felt averse to grant any request that he could make, and +therefore she begged they would excuse her; and having waited to see +their dresses, which were very superb, she retired to her own apartment. + +A great variety of conjecture upon all that had passed, now, and till +the moment that she sunk to rest, occupied her mind; the extraordinary +persecution of the fiend excited at once her curiosity and amazement, +while the knowledge of her affairs shown by the white domino surprised +her not less, and interested her more. + + + + +CHAPTER iv + +AN AFFRAY. + +The next morning, during breakfast, Cecilia was informed that a +gentleman desired to speak with her. She begged permission of Mrs Harrel +to have him asked upstairs, and was not a little surprized when he +proved to be the same old gentleman whose singular exclamations had so +much struck her at Mr Monckton's, and at the rehearsal of Artaserse. + +Abruptly and with a stern aspect advancing to her, "You are rich," he +cried; "are you therefore worthless?" + +"I hope not," answered she, in some consternation; while Mrs Harrel, +believing his intention was to rob them, ran precipitately to the bell, +which she rang without ceasing till two or three servants hastened into +the room; by which time, being less alarmed, she only made signs to them +to stay, and stood quietly herself to wait what would follow. + +The old man, without attending to her, continued his dialogue with +Cecilia. + +"Know you then," he said, "a blameless use of riches? such a use as +not only in the broad glare of day shall shine resplendent, but in +the darkness of midnight, and stillness of repose, shall give you +reflections unembittered, and slumbers unbroken? tell me, know you this +use?" + +"Not so well, perhaps," answered she, "as I ought; but I am very willing +to learn better." + +"Begin, then, while yet youth and inexperience, new to the callousness +of power and affluence, leave something good to work upon: yesterday you +saw the extravagance of luxury and folly; to-day look deeper, and see, +and learn to pity, the misery of disease and penury." + +He then put into her hand a paper which contained a most affecting +account of the misery to which a poor and wretched family had been +reduced, by sickness and various other misfortunes. + +Cecilia, "open as day to melting charity," having hastily perused it, +took out her purse, and offering to him three guineas, said, "You must +direct me, sir, what to give if this is insufficient." + +"Hast thou so much heart?" cried he, with emotion, "and has fortune, +though it has cursed thee with the temptation of prosperity, not yet +rooted from thy mind its native benevolence? I return in part +thy liberal contribution; this," taking one guinea, "doubles my +expectations; I will not, by making thy charity distress thee, +accelerate the fatal hour of hardness and degeneracy." + +He was then going; but Cecilia, following him, said "No, take it all! +Who should assist the poor if I will not? Rich, without connections; +powerful, without wants; upon whom have they any claim if not upon me?" + +"True," cried he, receiving the rest, "and wise as true. Give, +therefore, whilst yet thou hast the heart to give, and make, in thy days +of innocence and kindness, some interest with Heaven and the poor!" + +And then he disappeared. + +"Why, my dear," cried Mrs Harrel, "what could induce you to give the man +so much money? Don't you see he is crazy? I dare say he would have been +just as well contented with sixpence." + +"I know not what he is," said Cecilia, "but his manners are not more +singular than his sentiments are affecting; and if he is actuated by +charity to raise subscriptions for the indigent, he can surely apply to +no one who ought so readily to contribute as myself." + +Mr Harrel then came in, and his lady most eagerly told him the +transaction. + +"Scandalous!" he exclaimed; "why, this is no better than being a +housebreaker! Pray give orders never to admit him again. Three guineas! +I never heard so impudent a thing in my life! Indeed, Miss Beverley, you +must be more discreet in future, you will else be ruined before you know +where you are." + +"Thus it is," said Cecilia, half smiling, "that we can all lecture one +another! to-day you recommend economy to me; yesterday I with difficulty +forbore recommending it to you." + +"Nay," answered he, "that was quite another matter; expence incurred in +the common way of a man's living is quite another thing to an extortion +of this sort." + +"It is another thing indeed," said she, "but I know not that it is +therefore a better." + +Mr Harrel made no answer: and Cecilia, privately moralizing upon the +different estimates of expence and economy made by the dissipated and +the charitable, soon retired to her own apartment, determined firmly to +adhere to her lately adopted plan, and hoping, by the assistance of her +new and very singular monitor, to extend her practice of doing good, by +enlarging her knowledge of distress. + +Objects are, however, never wanting for the exercise of benevolence; +report soon published her liberality, and those who wished to believe +it, failed not to enquire into its truth. She was soon at the head of a +little band of pensioners, and, never satisfied with the generosity of +her donations, found in a very short time that the common allowance of +her guardians was scarce adequate to the calls of her munificence. + +And thus, in acts of goodness and charity, passed undisturbed another +week of the life of Cecilia: but when the fervour of self-approbation +lost its novelty, the pleasure with which her new plan was begun first +subsided into tranquillity, and then sunk into languor. To a heart +formed for friendship and affection the charms of solitude are very +short-lived; and though she had sickened of the turbulence of perpetual +company, she now wearied of passing all her time by herself, and sighed +for the comfort of society and the relief of communication. But she saw +with astonishment the difficulty with which this was to be obtained: the +endless succession of diversions, the continual rotation of assemblies, +the numerousness of splendid engagements, of which, while every one +complained, every one was proud to boast, so effectually impeded private +meetings and friendly intercourse, that, whichever way she turned +herself, all commerce seemed impracticable, but such as either led to +dissipation, or accidentally flowed from it. + +Yet, finding the error into which her ardour of reformation had hurried +her, and that a rigid seclusion from company was productive of a +lassitude as little favourable to active virtue as dissipation itself, +she resolved to soften her plan, and by mingling amusement with +benevolence, to try, at least, to approach that golden mean, which, like +the philosopher's stone, always eludes our grasp, yet always invites our +wishes. + +For this purpose she desired to attend Mrs Harrel to the next Opera that +should be represented. + +The following Saturday, therefore, she accompanied that lady and Mrs +Mears to the Haymarket, escorted by Mr Arnott. + +They were very late; the Opera was begun, and even in the lobby the +crowd was so great that their passage was obstructed. Here they were +presently accosted by Miss Larolles, who, running up to Cecilia and +taking her hand, said, "Lord, you can't conceive how glad I am to see +you! why, my dear creature, where have you hid yourself these twenty +ages? You are quite in luck in coming to-night, I assure you; it's +the best Opera we have had this season: there's such a monstrous crowd +there's no stirring. We shan't get in this half hour. The coffee-room is +quite full; only come and see; is it not delightful?" + +This intimation was sufficient for Mrs Harrel, whose love of the Opera +was merely a love of company, fashion, and shew; and therefore to the +coffee-room she readily led the way. + +And here Cecilia found rather the appearance of a brilliant assembly +of ladies and gentlemen, collected merely to see and to entertain +one another, than of distinct and casual parties, mixing solely from +necessity, and waiting only for room to enter a theatre. + +The first person that addressed them was Captain Aresby, who, with his +usual delicate languishment, smiled upon Cecilia, and softly whispering, +"How divinely you look to-night!" proceeded to pay his compliments to +some other ladies. + +"Do, pray, now," cried Miss Larolles, "observe Mr Meadows! only just +see where he has fixed himself! in the very best place in the room, and +keeping the fire from every body! I do assure you that's always his way, +and it's monstrous provoking, for if one's ever so cold, he lollops so, +that one's quite starved. But you must know there's another thing he +does that is quite as bad, for if he gets a seat, he never offers +to move, if he sees one sinking with fatigue. And besides, if one is +waiting for one's carriage two hours together, he makes it a rule never +to stir a step to see for it. Only think how monstrous!" + +"These are heavy complaints, indeed," said Cecilia, looking at him +attentively; "I should have expected from his appearance a very +different account of his gallantry, for he seems dressed with more +studied elegance than anybody here." + +"O yes," cried Miss Larolles, "he is the sweetest dresser in the world; +he has the most delightful taste you can conceive, nobody has half so +good a fancy. I assure you it's a great thing to be spoke to by him: we +are all of us quite angry when he won't take any notice of us." + +"Is your anger," said Cecilia, laughing, "in honour of himself or of his +coat?" + +"Why, Lord, don't you know all this time that he is an _ennuye_? + +"I know, at least," answered Cecilia, "that he would soon make one of +me." + +"O, but one is never affronted with an _ennuye_, if he is ever so +provoking, because one always knows what it means." + +"Is he agreeable?" + +"Why, to tell you the truth,--but pray now, don't mention it,--I think +him most excessive disagreeable! He yawns in one's face every time +one looks at him. I assure you sometimes I expect to see him fall fast +asleep while I am talking to him, for he is so immensely absent he don't +hear one half that one says; only conceive how horrid!" + +"But why, then, do you encourage him? why do you take any notice of +him?" + +"O, every body does, I assure you, else I would not for the world; but +he is so courted you have no idea. However, of all things let me advise +you never to dance with him; I did once myself, and I declare I was +quite distressed to death the whole time, for he was taken with such +a fit of absence he knew nothing he was about, sometimes skipping and +jumping with all the violence in the world, just as if he only danced +for exercise, and sometimes standing quite still, or lolling against +the wainscoat and gaping, and taking no more notice of me than if he had +never seen me in his life!" + +The Captain now, again advancing to Cecilia, said, "So you would not do +us the honour to try the masquerade at the Pantheon? however, I hear +you had a very brilliant spectacle at Mr Harrel's. I was quite _au +desespoir_ that I could not get there. I did _mon possible_, but it was +quite beyond me." + +"We should have been very happy," said Mrs Harrel, "to have seen you; I +assure you we had some excellent masks." + +"So I have heard _partout_, and I am reduced to despair that I could not +have the honour of sliding in. But I was _accable_ with affairs all day. +Nothing could be so mortifying." + +Cecilia now, growing very impatient to hear the Opera, begged to know if +they might not make a trial to get into the pit? + +"I fear," said the Captain, smiling as they passed him, without offering +any assistance, "you will find it extreme petrifying; for my part, I +confess I am not upon the principle of crowding." + +The ladies, however, accompanied by Mr Arnott, made the attempt, and +soon found, according to the custom of report, that the difficulty, for +the pleasure of talking of it, had been considerably exaggerated. They +were separated, indeed, but their accommodation was tolerably good. + +Cecilia was much vexed to find the first act of the Opera almost over; +but she was soon still more dissatisfied when she discovered that she +had no chance of hearing the little which remained: the place she had +happened to find vacant was next to a party of young ladies, who were +so earnestly engaged in their own discourse, that they listened not to a +note of the Opera, and so infinitely diverted with their own witticisms, +that their tittering and loquacity allowed no one in their vicinity +to hear better than themselves. Cecilia tried in vain to confine her +attention to the singers; she was distant from the stage, and to them +she was near, and her fruitless attempts all ended in chagrin and +impatience. + +At length she resolved to make an effort for entertainment in another +way, and since the expectations which brought her to the Opera were +destroyed, to try by listening to her fair neighbours, whether those who +occasioned her disappointment could make her any amends. + +For this purpose she turned to them wholly; yet was at first in no +little perplexity to understand what was going forward, since so +universal was the eagerness for talking, and so insurmountable the +antipathy to listening, that every one seemed to have her wishes bounded +by a continual utterance of words, without waiting for any answer, or +scarce even desiring to be heard. + +But when, somewhat more used to their dialect and manner, she began +better to comprehend their discourse, wretchedly indeed did it supply +to her the loss of the Opera. She heard nothing but descriptions of +trimmings, and complaints of hair-dressers, hints of conquest that +teemed with vanity, and histories of engagements which were inflated +with exultation. + +At the end of the act, by the crowding forward of the gentlemen to +see the dance, Mrs Harrel had an opportunity of making room for her by +herself, and she had then some reason to expect hearing the rest of the +Opera in peace, for the company before her, consisting entirely of young +men, seemed, even during the dance, fearful of speaking, lest their +attention should be drawn for a moment from the stage. + +But to her infinite surprize, no sooner was the second act begun, than +their attention ended! they turned from the performers to each other, +and entered into a whispering but gay conversation, which, though not +loud enough to disturb the audience in general, kept in the ears of +their neighbours a buzzing which interrupted all pleasure from the +representation. Of this effect of their gaiety it seemed uncertain +whether they were conscious, but very evident that they were totally +careless. + +The desperate resource which she had tried during the first act, of +seeking entertainment from the very conversation which prevented her +enjoying it, was not now even in her power: for these gentlemen, though +as negligent as the young ladies had been whom they disturbed, were much +more cautious whom they instructed: their language was ambiguous, and +their terms, to Cecilia, were unintelligible: their subjects, +indeed, required some discretion, being nothing less than a ludicrous +calculation of the age and duration of jointured widows, and of the +chances and expectations of unmarried young ladies. + +But what more even than their talking provoked her, was finding that the +moment the act was over, when she cared not if their vociferation had +been incessant, one of them called out, "Come, be quiet, the dance is +begun;" and then they were again all silent attention! + +In the third act, however, she was more fortunate; the gentlemen again +changed their places, and they were succeeded by others who came to the +Opera not to hear themselves but the performers: and as soon as she was +permitted to listen, the voice of Pacchierotti took from her all desire +to hear any thing but itself. + +During the last dance she was discovered by Sir Robert Floyer, who, +sauntering down fop's alley, stationed himself by her side, and whenever +the _figurante_ relieved the principal dancers, turned his eyes from the +stage to her face, as better worth his notice, and equally destined for +his amusement. + +Mr Monckton, too, who for some time had seen and watched her, now +approached; he had observed with much satisfaction that her whole mind +had been intent upon the performance, yet still the familiarity of Sir +Robert Floyer's admiration disturbed and perplexed him; he determined, +therefore, to make an effort to satisfy his doubts by examining into +his intentions: and, taking him apart, before the dance was quite over, +"Well," he said, "who is so handsome here as Harrel's ward?" + +"Yes," answered he, calmly, "she is handsome, but I don't like her +expression." + +"No? why, what is the fault of it?" + +"Proud, cursed proud. It is not the sort of woman I like. If one says a +civil thing to her, she only wishes one at the devil for one's pains." + +"O, you have tried her, then, have you? why, you are not, in general, +much given to say civil things." + +"Yes, you know, I said something of that sort to her once about Juliet, +at the rehearsal. Was not you by?" + +"What, then, was that all? and did you imagine one compliment would do +your business with her?" + +"O, hang it, who ever dreams of complimenting the women now? that's all +at an end." + +"You won't find she thinks so, though; for, as you well say, her pride +is insufferable, and I, who have long known her, can assure you it does +not diminish upon intimacy." + +"Perhaps not,--but there's very pretty picking in 3000 pounds per annum! +one would not think much of a little encumbrance upon such an estate." + +"Are you quite sure the estate is so considerable? Report is mightily +given to magnify." + +"O, I have pretty good intelligence: though, after all, I don't know but +I may be off; she'll take a confounded deal of time and trouble." + +Monckton, too much a man of interest and of the world to cherish +that delicacy which covets universal admiration for the object of +its fondness, then artfully enlarged upon the obstacles he already +apprehended, and insinuated such others as he believed would be +most likely to intimidate him. But his subtlety was lost upon the +impenetrable Baronet, who possessed that hard insensibility which +obstinately pursues its own course, deaf to what is said, and +indifferent to what is thought. + +Meanwhile the ladies were now making way to the coffee-room, though very +slowly on account of the crowd; and just as they got near the lobby, +Cecilia perceived Mr Belfield, who, immediately making himself known +to her, was offering his service to hand her out of the pit, when Sir +Robert Floyer, not seeing or not heeding him, pressed forward, and said, +"Will you let me have the honour, Miss Beverley, of taking care of you?" + +Cecilia, to whom he grew daily more disagreeable, coldly declined his +assistance, while she readily accepted that which had first been offered +her by Mr Belfield. + +The haughty Baronet, extremely nettled, forced his way on, and rudely +stalking up to Mr Belfield, motioned with his hand for room to pass him, +and said, "Make way, sir!" + +"Make way for _me_, Sir!" cried Belfield, opposing him with one hand, +while with the other he held Cecilia. + +"You, Sir? and who are you, Sir?" demanded the Baronet, disdainfully. + +"Of that, Sir, I shall give you an account whenever you please," +answered Belfield, with equal scorn. + +"What the devil do you mean, Sir?" + +"Nothing very difficult to be understood," replied Belfield, and +attempted to draw on Cecilia, who, much alarmed, was shrinking back. + +Sir Robert then, swelling with rage, reproachfully turned to her, +and said, "Will you suffer such an impertinent fellow as that, Miss +Beverley, to have the honour of taking your hand?" + +Belfield, with great indignation, demanded what he meant by the term +impertinent fellow; and Sir Robert yet more insolently repeated it: +Cecilia, extremely shocked, earnestly besought them both to be quiet; +but Belfield, at the repetition of this insult, hastily let go her hand +and put his own upon his sword, whilst Sir Robert, taking advantage +of his situation in being a step higher than his antagonist, fiercely +pushed him back, and descended into the lobby. + +Belfield, enraged beyond endurance, instantly drew his sword, and Sir +Robert was preparing to follow his example, when Cecilia, in an agony +of fright, called out, "Good Heaven! will nobody interfere?" And then a +young man, forcing his way through the crowd, exclaimed, "For shame, for +shame, gentlemen! is this a place for such violence?" + +Belfield, endeavouring to recover himself, put up his sword, and, though +in a voice half choaked with passion, said, "I thank you, Sir! I was off +my guard. I beg pardon of the whole company." + +Then, walking up to Sir Robert, he put into his hand a card with his +name and direction, saying, "With you, Sir, I shall be happy to settle +what apologies are necessary at your first leisure;" and hurried away. + +Sir Robert, exclaiming aloud that he should soon teach him to whom he +had been so impertinent, was immediately going to follow him, when the +affrighted Cecilia again called out aloud, "Oh, stop him!--good God! +will nobody stop him!" + +The rapidity with which this angry scene had passed had filled her with +amazement, and the evident resentment of the Baronet upon her refusing +his assistance, gave her an immediate consciousness that she was +herself the real cause of the quarrel; while the manner in which he was +preparing to follow Mr Belfield convinced her of the desperate scene +which was likely to succeed; fear, therefore, overcoming every other +feeling, forced from her this exclamation before she knew what she said. + +The moment she had spoken, the young man who had already interposed +again rushed forward, and seizing Sir Robert by the arm, warmly +remonstrated against the violence of his proceedings, and being +presently seconded by other gentlemen, almost compelled him to give up +his design. + +Then, hastening to Cecilia, "Be not alarmed, madam," he cried, "all is +over, and every body is safe." + +Cecilia, finding herself thus addressed by a gentleman she had never +before seen, felt extremely ashamed of having rendered her interest +in the debate so apparent; she courtsied to him in some confusion, and +taking hold of Mrs Harrel's arm, hurried her back into the pit, in order +to quit a crowd, of which she now found herself the principal object. + +Curiosity, however, was universally excited, and her retreat served +but to inflame it: some of the ladies, and most of the gentlemen, upon +various pretences, returned into the pit merely to look at her, and in a +few minutes the report was current that the young lady who had been the +occasion of the quarrel, was dying with love for Sir Robert Floyer. + +Mr Monckton, who had kept by her side during the whole affair, felt +thunderstruck by the emotion she had shewn; Mr Arnott too, who had never +quitted her, wished himself exposed to the same danger as Sir Robert, so +that he might be honoured with the same concern: but they were both too +much the dupes of their own apprehensions and jealousy, to perceive that +what they instantly imputed to fondness, proceeded simply from general +humanity, accidentally united with the consciousness of being accessary +to the quarrel. + +The young stranger who had officiated as mediator between the +disputants, in a few moments followed her with a glass of water, which +he had brought from the coffee-room, begging her to drink it and compose +herself. + +Cecilia, though she declined his civility with more vexation than +gratitude, perceived, as she raised her eyes to thank him, that her +new friend was a young man very strikingly elegant in his address and +appearance. + +Miss Larolles next, who, with her party, came back into the pit, ran +up to Cecilia, crying, "O my dear creature, what a monstrous shocking +thing! You've no Idea how I am frightened; do you know I happened to be +quite at the further end of the coffee-room when it began, and I could +not get out to see what was the matter for ten ages; only conceive what +a situation!" + +"Would your fright, then, have been less," said Cecilia, "had you been +nearer the danger?" + +"O Lord no, for when I came within sight I was fifty times worse! I gave +such a monstrous scream, that it quite made Mr Meadows start. I dare say +he'll tell me of it these hundred years: but really when I saw them draw +their swords I thought I should have died; I was so amazingly surprized +you've no notion." + +Here she was interrupted by the re-appearance of the active stranger, +who again advancing to Cecilia, said, "I am in doubt whether the efforts +I make to revive will please or irritate you, but though you rejected +the last cordial I ventured to present you, perhaps you will look with a +more favourable eye towards that of which I am now the herald." + +Cecilia then, casting her eyes around, saw that he was followed by Sir +Robert Floyer. Full of displeasure both at this introduction and at his +presence, she turned hastily to Mr Arnott, and entreated him to enquire +if the carriage was not yet ready. + +Sir Robert, looking at her with all the exultation of new-raised vanity, +said, with more softness than he had ever before addressed her, "Have +you been frightened?" + +"Every body, I believe was frightened," answered Cecilia, with an air of +dignity intended to check his rising expectations. + +"There was no sort of cause," answered he; "the fellow did not know whom +he spoke [to], that was all." + +"Lord, Sir Robert," cried Miss Larolles, "how could you be so shocking +as to draw your sword? you can't conceive how horrid it looked." + +"Why I did not draw my sword," cried he, "I only had my hand on the +hilt." + +"Lord, did not you, indeed! well, every body said you did, and I'm sure +I thought I saw five-and-twenty swords all at once. I thought one of you +would be killed every moment. It was horrid disagreeable, I assure you." + +Sir Robert was now called away by some gentlemen; and Mr Monckton, +earnest to be better informed of Cecilia's real sentiments, said, with +affected concern, "At present this matter is merely ridiculous; I am +sorry to think in how short a time it may become more important." + +"Surely," cried Cecilia with quickness, "some of their friends will +interfere! surely upon so trifling a subject they will not be so mad, so +inexcusable, as to proceed to more serious resentment!" + +"Whichever of them," said the stranger, "is most honoured by this +anxiety, will be mad indeed to risk a life so valued!" + +"Cannot you, Mr Monckton," continued Cecilia, too much alarmed to regard +this insinuation, "speak with Mr Belfield? You are acquainted with him, +I know; is it impossible you can follow him?" + +"I will with pleasure do whatever you wish; but still if Sir Robert--" + +"O, as to Sir Robert, Mr Harrel, I am very sure, will undertake him; I +will try to see him to-night myself, and entreat him to exert all his +influence." + +"Ah, madam," cried the stranger, archly, and lowering his voice, "those +_French beads_ and _Bristol stones_ have not, I find, shone in vain!" + +At these words Cecilia recognised her white domino acquaintance at +the masquerade; she had before recollected his voice, but was too much +perturbed to consider where or when she had heard it. + +"If Mr Briggs," continued he, "does not speedily come forth with his +plum friend, before the glittering of swords and spears is joined to +that of jewels, the glare will be so resplendent, that he will fear +to come within the influence of its rays. Though, perhaps, he may only +think the stronger the light, the better he shall see to count his +guineas: for as + + '---in ten thousand pounds + Ten thousand charms are centred,' + +in an hundred thousand, the charms may have such magic power, that he +may defy the united efforts of tinsel and knight-errantry to deliver you +from the golden spell." + +Here the Captain, advancing to Cecilia, said, "I have been looking +for you in vain _partout_, but the crowd has been so _accablant_ I was +almost reduced to despair. Give me leave to hope you are now recovered +from the _horreur_ of this little _fracas_?" + +Mr Arnott then brought intelligence that the carriage was ready. +Cecilia, glad to be gone, instantly hastened to it; and, as she was +conducted by Mr Monckton, most earnestly entreated him to take an active +part, in endeavouring to prevent the fatal consequences with which the +quarrel seemed likely to terminate. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +A FASHIONABLE FRIEND. + + +As soon as they returned home, Cecilia begged Mrs Harrel not to lose +a moment before she tried to acquaint Mr Harrel with the state of the +affair. But that lady was too helpless to know in what manner to set +about it; she could not tell where he was, she could not conjecture +where he might be. + +Cecilia then rang for his own man, and upon enquiry, heard that he was, +in all probability, at Brookes's in St James's-Street. + +She then begged Mrs Harrel would write to him. + +Mrs Harrel knew not what to say. + +Cecilia therefore, equally quick in forming and executing her designs, +wrote to him herself, and entreated that without losing an instant he +would find out his friend Sir Robert Floyer, and endeavour to effect +an accommodation between him and Mr Belfield, with whom he had had a +dispute at the Opera-house. + +The man soon returned with an answer that Mr Harrel would not fail to +obey her commands. + +She determined to sit up till he came home in order to learn the event +of the negociation. She considered herself as the efficient cause of the +quarrel, yet scarce knew how or in what to blame herself; the behaviour +of Sir Robert had always been offensive to her; she disliked his +manners, and detested his boldness; and she had already shewn her +intention to accept the assistance of Mr Belfield before he had followed +her with an offer of his own. She was uncertain, indeed, whether he +had remarked what had passed, but she had reason to think that, so +circumstanced, to have changed her purpose, would have been construed +into an encouragement that might have authorised his future presumption +of her favour. All she could find to regret with regard to herself, was +wanting the presence of mind to have refused the civilities of both. + +Mrs Harrel, though really sorry at the state of the affair, regarded +herself as so entirely unconcerned in it, that, easily wearied when out +of company, she soon grew sleepy, and retired to her own room. + +The anxious Cecilia, hoping every instant the return of Mr Harrel, sat +up by herself: but it was not till near four o'clock in the morning that +he made his appearance. + +"Well, sir," cried she, the moment she saw him, "I fear by your +coming home so late you have had much trouble, but I hope it has been +successful?" + +Great, however, was her mortification when he answered that he had not +even seen the Baronet, having been engaged himself in so particular a +manner, that he could not possibly break from his party till past three +o'clock, at which time he drove to the house of Sir Robert, but heard +that he was not yet come home. + +Cecilia, though much disgusted by such a specimen of insensibility +towards a man whom he pretended to call his friend, would not leave +him till he had promised to arise as soon as it was light, and make an +effort to recover the time lost. + +She was now no longer surprised either at the debts of Mr Harrel, or at +his _particular occasions_ for money. She was convinced he spent half +the night in gaming, and the consequences, however dreadful, were but +natural. That Sir Robert Floyer also did the same was a matter of much +less importance to her, but that the life of any man should through her +means be endangered, disturbed her inexpressibly. + +She went, however, to bed, but arose again at six o'clock, and dressed +herself by candle light. In an hour's time she sent to enquire if Mr +Harrel was stirring, and hearing he was asleep, gave orders to have +him called. Yet he did not rise till eight o'clock, nor could all her +messages or expostulations drive him out of the house till nine. + +He was scarcely gone before Mr Monckton arrived, who now for the first +time had the satisfaction of finding her alone. + +"You are very good for coming so early," cried she; "have you seen Mr +Belfield? Have you had any conversation with him?" + +Alarmed at her eagerness, and still more at seeing by her looks the +sleepless night she had passed, he made at first no reply; and when, +with increasing impatience, she repeated her question, he only said, +"Has Belfield ever visited you since he had the honour of meeting you at +my house?" + +"No, never." + +"Have you seen him often in public?" + +"No, I have never seen him at all but the evening Mrs Harrel received +masks, and last night at the Opera." + +"Is it, then, for the safety of Sir Robert you are so extremely +anxious?" + +"It is for the safety of both; the cause of their quarrel was so +trifling, that I cannot bear to think its consequence should be +serious." + +"But do you not wish better to one of them than to the other?" + +"As a matter of justice I do, but not from any partiality: Sir Robert +was undoubtedly the aggressor, and Mr Belfield, though at first too +fiery, was certainly ill-used." + +The candour of this speech recovered Mr Monckton from his apprehensions; +and, carefully observing her looks while he spoke, he gave her the +following account. + +That he had hastened to Belfield's lodgings the moment he left the +Opera-house, and, after repeated denials, absolutely forced himself into +his room, where he was quite alone, and in much agitation: he conversed +with him for more than an hour upon the subject of the quarrel, but +found he so warmly resented the personal insult given him by Sir Robert, +that no remonstrance had any effect in making him alter his resolution +of demanding satisfaction. + +"And could you bring him to consent to no compromise before you left +him?" cried Cecilia. + +"No; for before I got to him--the challenge had been sent." + +"The challenge! good heaven!--and do you know the event?" + +"I called again this morning at his lodgings, but he was not returned +home." + +"And was it impossible to follow him? Were there no means to discover +whither he was gone?" + +"None; to elude all pursuit, he went out before any body in the house +was stirring, and took his servant with him." + +"Have you, then, been to Sir Robert?" + +"I have been to Cavendish-Square, but there, it seems, he has not +appeared all night; I traced him, through his servants, from the +Opera to a gaminghouse, where I found he had amused himself till this +morning." + +The uneasiness of Cecilia now encreased every moment; and Mr Monckton, +seeing he had no other chance of satisfying her, offered his service +to go again in search of both the gentlemen, and endeavour to bring her +better information. She accepted the proposal with gratitude, and he +departed. + +Soon after she was joined by Mr Arnott, who, though seized with all the +horrors of jealousy at sight of her apprehensions, was so desirous to +relieve them, that without even making any merit of obliging her, he +almost instantly set out upon the same errand that employed Mr Monckton, +and determined not to mention his design till he found whether it would +enable him to bring her good tidings. + +He was scarce gone when she was told that Mr Delvile begged to have the +honour of speaking to her. Surprised at this condescension, she desired +he might immediately be admitted; but much was her surprise augmented, +when, instead of seeing her ostentatious guardian, she again beheld her +masquerade friend, the white domino. + +He entreated her pardon for an intrusion neither authorised by +acquaintance nor by business, though somewhat, he hoped, palliated, by +his near connection with one who was privileged to take an interest in +her affairs: and then, hastening to the motives which had occasioned his +visit, "when I had the honour," he said, "of seeing you last night +at the Opera-house, the dispute which had just happened between two +gentlemen, seemed to give you an uneasiness which could not but be +painful to all who observed it, and as among that number I was not the +least moved, you will forgive, I hope, my eagerness to be the first to +bring you intelligence that nothing fatal has happened, or is likely to +happen." + +"You do me, sir," said Cecilia, "much honour; and indeed you relieve me +from a suspense extremely disagreeable. The accommodation, I suppose, +was brought about this morning?" + +"I find," answered he, smiling, "you now expect too much; but hope is +never so elastic as when it springs from the ruins of terror." + +"What then is the matter? Are they at last, not safe?" + +"Yes, perfectly safe; but I cannot tell you they have never been in +danger." + +"Well, if it is now over I am contented: but you will very much oblige +me, sir, if you will inform me what has passed." + +"You oblige me, madam, by the honour of your commands. I saw but too +much reason to apprehend that measures the most violent would follow +the affray of last night; yet as I found that the quarrel had been +accidental, and the offence unpremeditated, I thought it not absolutely +impossible that an expeditious mediation might effect a compromise: +at least it was worth trying; for though wrath slowly kindled or long +nourished is sullen and intractable, the sudden anger that has not had +time to impress the mind with a deep sense of injury, will, when gently +managed, be sometimes appeased with the same quickness it is excited: I +hoped, therefore, that some trifling concession from Sir Robert, as the +aggressor,--" + +"Ah sir!" cried Cecilia, "that, I fear, was not to be obtained!" + +"Not by me, I must own," he answered; "but I was not willing to think of +the difficulty, and therefore ventured to make the proposal: nor did +I leave the Opera-house till I had used every possible argument to +persuade Sir Robert an apology would neither stain his courage nor his +reputation. But his spirit brooked not the humiliation." + +"Spirit!" cried Cecilia, "how mild a word! What, then, could poor Mr +Belfield resolve upon?" + +"That, I believe, took him very little time to decide. I discovered, by +means of a gentleman at the Opera who was acquainted with him, where +he lived, and I waited upon him with an intention to offer my services +towards settling the affair by arbitration: for since you call him +poor Mr Belfield, I think you will permit me, without offence to +his antagonist, to own that his gallantry, though too impetuous for +commendation, engaged me in his interest." + +"I hope you don't think," cried Cecilia, "that an offence to his +antagonist must necessarily be an offence to me?" + +"Whatever I may have thought," answered he, looking at her with evident +surprise, "I certainly did not wish that a sympathy offensive and +defensive had been concluded between you. I could not, however, gain +access to Mr Belfield last night, but the affair dwelt upon my mind, and +this morning I called at his lodging as soon as it was light." + +"How good you have been!" cried Cecilia; "your kind offices have not, I +hope, all proved ineffectual!" + +"So valorous a Don Quixote," returned he, laughing, "certainly merited +a faithful Esquire! He was, however, gone out, and nobody knew whither. +About half an hour ago I called upon him again; he was then just +returned home." + +"Well, Sir?" + +"I saw him; the affair was over; and in a short time he will be able, if +you will allow him so much honour, to thank you for these enquiries." + +"He is then wounded?" + +"He is a little hurt, but Sir Robert is perfectly safe. Belfield fired +first, and missed; the Baronet was not so successless." + +"I am grieved to hear it, indeed! And where is the wound?" + +"The ball entered his right side, and the moment he felt it, he fired +his second pistol in the air. This I heard from his servant. He was +brought home carefully and slowly; no surgeon had been upon the spot, +but one was called to him immediately. I stayed to enquire his opinion +after the wound had been dressed: he told me he had extracted the ball, +and assured me Mr Belfield was not in any danger. Your alarm, madam, +last night, which had always been present to me, then encouraged me to +take the liberty of waiting upon you; for I concluded you could yet have +had no certain intelligence, and thought it best to let the plain and +simple fact out-run the probable exaggeration of rumour." + +Cecilia thanked him for his attention, and Mrs Harrel then making her +appearance, he arose and said, "Had my father known the honour I have +had this morning of waiting upon Miss Beverley, I am sure I should have +been charged with his compliments, and such a commission would somewhat +have lessened the presumption of this visit; but I feared lest while I +should be making interest for my credentials, the pretence of my +embassy might be lost, and other couriers, less scrupulous, might obtain +previous audiences, and anticipate my dispatches." + +He then took his leave. + +"This white domino, at last then," said Cecilia, "is the son of Mr +Delvile! and thence the knowledge of my situation which gave me so much +surprise:--a son how infinitely unlike his father!" + +"Yes," said Mrs Harrel, "and as unlike his mother too, for I assure you +she is more proud and haughty even than the old gentleman. I hate the +very sight of her, for she keeps every body in such awe that there's +nothing but restraint in her presence. But the son is a very pretty +young man, and much admired; though I have only seen him in public, for +none of the family visit here." + +Mr Monckton, who now soon returned, was not a little surprised to find +that all the intelligence he meant to communicate was already known: and +not the more pleased to hear that the white domino, to whom before he +owed no good-will, had thus officiously preceded him. + +Mr Arnott, who also came just after him, had been so little satisfied +with the result of his enquiries, that from the fear of encreasing +Cecilia's uneasiness, he determined not to make known whither he had +been; but he soon found his forbearance was of no avail, as she +was already acquainted with the duel and its consequences. Yet his +unremitting desire to oblige her urged him twice in the course of the +same day to again call at Mr Belfield's lodgings, in order to bring her +thence fresh and unsolicited intelligence. + +Before breakfast was quite over, Miss Larolles, out of breath with +eagerness, came to tell the news of the duel, in her way to church, as +it was Sunday morning! and soon after Mrs Mears, who also was followed +by other ladies, brought the same account, which by all was addressed to +Cecilia, with expressions of concern that convinced her, to her infinite +vexation, she was generally regarded as the person chiefly interested in +the accident. + +Mr Harrel did not return till late, but then seemed in very high +spirits: "Miss Beverley," he cried, "I bring you news that will +repay all your fright; Sir Robert is not only safe, but is come off +conqueror." + +"I am very sorry, Sir," answered Cecilia, extremely provoked to be thus +congratulated, "that any body conquered, or any body was vanquished." + +"There is no need for sorrow," cried Mr Harrel, "or for any thing but +joy, for he has not killed his man; the victory, therefore, will neither +cost him a flight nor a trial. To-day he means to wait upon you, and lay +his laurels at your feet." + +"He means, then, to take very fruitless trouble," said Cecilia, "for I +have not any ambition to be so honoured." + +"Ah, Miss Beverley," returned he, laughing, "this won't do now! it might +have passed a little while ago, but it won't do now, I promise you!" + +Cecilia, though much displeased by this accusation, found that +disclaiming it only excited further raillery, and therefore prevailed +upon herself to give him a quiet hearing, and scarce any reply. + +At dinner, when Sir Robert arrived, the dislike she had originally taken +to him, encreased already into disgust by his behaviour the preceding +evening, was now fixed into the strongest aversion by the horror she +conceived of his fierceness, and the indignation she felt excited by his +arrogance. He seemed, from the success of this duel, to think himself +raised to the highest pinnacle of human glory; triumph sat exulting +on his brow; he looked down on whoever he deigned to look at all, and +shewed that he thought his notice an honour, however imperious the +manner in which it was accorded. + +Upon Cecilia, however, he cast an eye of more complacency; he now +believed her subdued, and his vanity revelled in the belief: her anxiety +had so thoroughly satisfied him of her love, that she had hardly +the power left to undeceive him; her silence he only attributed to +admiration, her coldness to fear, and her reserve to shame. + +Sickened by insolence so undisguised and unauthorised, and incensed +at the triumph of his successful brutality, Cecilia with pain kept her +seat, and with vexation reflected upon the necessity she was under of +passing so large a portion of her time in company to which she was so +extremely averse. + +After dinner, when Mrs Harrel was talking of her party for the evening, +of which Cecilia declined making one, Sir Robert, with a sort of +proud humility, that half feared rejection, and half proclaimed an +indifference to meeting it, said, "I don't much care for going further +myself, if Miss Beverley will give me the honour of taking my tea with +her." + +Cecilia, regarding him with much surprise, answered that she had letters +to write into the country, which would confine her to her own room for +the rest of the evening. The Baronet, looking at his watch, instantly +cried, "Faith, that is very fortunate, for I have just recollected an +engagement at the other end of the town which had slipt my memory." + +Soon after they were all gone, Cecilia received a note from Mrs Delvile, +begging the favour of her company the next morning to breakfast. She +readily accepted the invitation, though she was by no means prepared, +by the character she had heard of her, to expect much pleasure from an +acquaintance with that lady. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A FAMILY PARTY. + + +Cecilia the next morning, between nine and ten o'clock, went to St +James'-Square; she found nobody immediately ready to receive her, but in +a short time was waited upon by Mr Delvile. + +After the usual salutations, "Miss Beverley," he said, "I have given +express orders to my people, that I may not be interrupted while I have +the pleasure of passing some minutes in conversation with you before you +are presented to Mrs Delvile." + +And then, with an air of solemnity, he led her to a seat, and having +himself taken possession of another, continued his speech. + +"I have received information, from authority which I cannot doubt, +that the indiscretion of certain of your admirers last Saturday at the +Opera-house occasioned a disturbance which to a young woman of delicacy +I should imagine must be very alarming: now as I consider myself +concerned in your fame and welfare from regarding you as my ward, +I think it is incumbent upon me to make enquiries into such of your +affairs as become public; for I should feel in some measure disgraced +myself, should it appear to the world, while you are under my +guardianship, that there was any want of propriety in the direction of +your conduct." + +Cecilia, not much flattered by this address, gravely answered that she +fancied the affair had been misrepresented to him. + +"I am not much addicted," he replied, "to give ear to any thing lightly; +you must therefore permit me to enquire into the merits of the cause, +and then to draw my own inferences. And let me, at the same time, assure +you there is no other young lady who has any right to expect such an +attention from me. I must begin by begging you to inform me upon what +grounds the two gentlemen in question, for such, by courtesy, I presume +they are called, thought themselves entitled publicly to dispute your +favour?" + +"My favour, Sir!" cried Cecilia, much amazed. + +"My dear," said he, with a complacency meant to give her courage, "I +know the question is difficult for a young lady to answer; but be not +abashed, I should be sorry to distress you, and mean to the utmost of my +power to save your blushes. Do not, therefore, fear me; consider me +as your guardian, and assure yourself I am perfectly well disposed +to consider you as my ward. Acquaint me, then, freely, what are the +pretensions of these gentlemen?" + +"To me, Sir, they have, I believe, no pretensions at all." + +"I see you are shy," returned he, with encreasing gentleness, "I see +you cannot be easy with me; and when I consider how little you are +accustomed to me, I do not wonder. But pray take courage; I think it +necessary to inform myself of your affairs, and therefore I beg you will +speak to me with freedom." + +Cecilia, more and more mortified by this humiliating condescension, +again assured him he had been misinformed, and was again, though +discredited, praised for her modesty, when, to her great relief, they +were interrupted by the entrance of her friend the _white domino_. + +"Mortimer," said Mr Delvile, "I understand you have already had the +pleasure of seeing this young lady?" + +"Yes, Sir," he answered, "I have more than once had that happiness, but +I have never had the honour of being introduced to her." + +"Miss Beverley, then," said the father, "I must present to you Mr +Mortimer Delvile, my son; and, Mortimer, in Miss Beverley I desire you +will remember that you respect a ward of your father's." + +"I will not, Sir," answered he, "forget an injunction my own +inclinations had already out-run." + +Mortimer Delvile was tall and finely formed, his features, though not +handsome, were full of expression, and a noble openness of manners and +address spoke the elegance of his education, and the liberality of his +mind. + +When this introduction was over, a more general conversation took place, +till Mr Delvile, suddenly rising, said to Cecilia, "You will pardon me, +Miss Beverley, if I leave you for a few minutes; one of my tenants sets +out to-morrow morning for my estate in the North, and he has been +two hours waiting to speak with me. But if my son is not particularly +engaged, I am sure he will be so good as to do the honours of the house +till his mother is ready to receive you." + +And then, graciously waving his hand, he quitted the room. + +"My father," cried young Delvile, "has left me an office which, could I +execute it as perfectly as I shall willingly, would be performed without +a fault." + +"I am very sorry," said Cecilia, "that I have so much mistaken your hour +of breakfast; but let me not be any restraint upon you, I shall find a +book, or a newspaper, or something to fill up the time till Mrs Delvile +honours me with a summons." + +"You can only be a restraint upon me," answered he, "by commanding me +from your presence. I breakfasted long ago, and am now just come from Mr +Belfield. I had the pleasure, this morning, of being admitted into his +room." + +"And how, Sir, did you find him?" + +"Not so well, I fear, as he thinks himself; but he was in high spirits, +and surrounded by his friends, whom he was entertaining with all the +gaiety of a man in full health, and entirely at his ease; though I +perceived, by the frequent changes of his countenance, signs of pain +and indisposition, that made me, however pleased with his conversation, +think it necessary to shorten my own visit, and to hint to those who +were near me the propriety of leaving him quiet." + +"Did you see his surgeon, Sir?" + +"No; but he told me he should only have one dressing more of his wound, +and then get rid of the whole business by running into the country." + +"Were you acquainted with him, Sir, before this accident?" + +"No, not at all; but the little I have seen of him has strongly +interested me in his favour: at Mr Harrel's masquerade, where I first +met with him, I was extremely entertained by his humour,--though there, +perhaps, as I had also the honour of first seeing Miss Beverley, I might +be too happy to feel much difficulty in being pleased. And even at +the Opera he had the advantage of finding me in the same favourable +disposition, as I had long distinguished you before I had taken any +notice of him. I must, however, confess I did not think his anger that +evening quite without provocation,--but I beg your pardon, I may perhaps +be mistaken, and you, who know the whole affair, must undoubtedly be +better able to account for what happened." + +Here he fixed his eyes upon Cecilia, with a look of curiosity that +seemed eager to penetrate into her sentiments of the two antagonists. + +"No, certainly," she answered, "he had all the provocation that +ill-breeding could give him." + +"And do you, madam," cried he, with much surprize, "judge of this matter +with such severity?" + +"No, not with severity, simply with candour." + +"With candour? alas, then, poor Sir Robert! Severity were not half so +bad a sign for him!" + +A servant now came in, to acquaint Cecilia that Mrs Delvile waited +breakfast for her. + +This summons was immediately followed by the re-entrance of Mr Delvile, +who, taking her hand, said he would himself present her to his lady, and +with much graciousness assured her of a kind reception. + +The ceremonies preceding this interview, added to the character she had +already heard of Mrs Delvile, made Cecilia heartily wish it over; but, +assuming all the courage in her power, she determined to support herself +with a spirit that should struggle against the ostentatious superiority +she was prepared to expect. + +She found her seated upon a sofa, from which, however, she arose at +her approach; but the moment Cecilia beheld her, all the unfavourable +impressions with which she came into her presence immediately vanished, +and that respect which the formalities of her introduction had failed to +inspire, her air, figure, and countenance instantaneously excited. + +She was not more than fifty years of age; her complection, though faded, +kept the traces of its former loveliness, her eyes, though they had +lost their youthful fire, retained a lustre that evinced their primeval +brilliancy, and the fine symmetry of her features, still uninjured by +the siege of time, not only indicated the perfection of her juvenile +beauty, but still laid claim to admiration in every beholder. Her +carriage was lofty and commanding; but the dignity to which high birth +and conscious superiority gave rise, was so judiciously regulated by +good sense, and so happily blended with politeness, that though the +world at large envied or hated her, the few for whom she had herself any +regard, she was infallibly certain to captivate. + +The surprise and admiration with which Cecilia at the first glance was +struck proved reciprocal: Mrs Delvile, though prepared for youth and +beauty, expected not to see a countenance so intelligent, nor manners so +well formed as those of Cecilia: thus mutually astonished and mutually +pleased, their first salutations were accompanied by looks so flattering +to both, that each saw in the other, an immediate prepossession in her +favour, and from the moment that they met, they seemed instinctively +impelled to admire. + +"I have promised Miss Beverley, madam," said Mr Delvile to his lady, +"that you would give her a kind reception; and I need not remind you +that my promises are always held sacred." + +"But I hope you have not also promised," cried she, with quickness, +"that I should give _you_ a kind reception, for I feel at this very +moment extremely inclined to quarrel with you." + +"Why so, madam?" + +"For not bringing us together sooner; for now I have seen her, I already +look back with regret to the time I have lost without the pleasure of +knowing her." + +"What a claim is this," cried young Delvile, "upon the benevolence of +Miss Beverley! for if she has not now the indulgence by frequent and +diligent visits to make some reparation, she must consider herself as +responsible for the dissension she will occasion." + +"If peace depends upon my visits," answered Cecilia, "it may immediately +be proclaimed; were it to be procured only by my absence, I know not if +I should so readily agree to the conditions." + +"I must request of you, madam," said Mr Delvile, "that when my son and +I retire, you will bestow half an hour upon this young lady, in making +enquiries concerning the disturbance last Saturday at the Opera-house. I +have not, myself, so much time to spare, as I have several appointments +for this morning; but I am sure you will not object to the office, as +I know you to be equally anxious with myself, that the minority of Miss +Beverley should pass without reproach." + +"Not only her minority, but her maturity," cried young Delvile, warmly, +"and not only her maturity, but her decline of life will pass, I hope, +not merely without reproach, but with fame and applause!" + +"I hope so too;" replied Mr Delvile: "I wish her well through every +stage of her life, but for her minority alone it is my business to +do more than wish. For that, I feel my own honour and my own credit +concerned; my honour, as I gave it to the Dean that I would superintend +her conduct, and my credit, as the world is acquainted with the claim +she has to my protection." + +"I will not make any enquiries," said Mrs Delvile, turning to Cecilia +with a sweetness that recompensed her for the haughtiness of her +guardian, "till I have had some opportunity of convincing Miss Beverley, +that my regard for her merits they should be answered." + +"You see, Miss Beverley," said Mr Delvile, "how little reason you had +to be afraid of us; Mrs Delvile is as much disposed in your favour as +myself, and as desirous to be of service to you. Endeavour, therefore, +to cast off this timidity, and to make yourself easy. You must come to +us often; use will do more towards removing your fears, than all the +encouragement we can give you." + +"But what are the fears," cried Mrs Delvile, "that Miss Beverley can +have to remove? unless, indeed, she apprehends her visits will make us +encroachers, and that the more we are favoured with her presence, the +less we shall bear her absence." + +"Pray, son," said Mr Delvile, "what was the name of the person who was +Sir Robert Floyer's opponent? I have again forgotten it." + +"Belfield, sir." + +"True; it is a name I am perfectly unacquainted with: however, he may +possibly be a very good sort of man; but certainly his opposing himself +to Sir Robert Floyer, a man of some family, a gentleman, rich, and +allied to some people of distinction, was a rather strange circumstance: +I mean not, however, to prejudge the case; I will hear it fairly stated; +and am the more disposed to be cautious in what I pronounce, because I +am persuaded Miss Beverley has too much sense to let my advice be thrown +away upon her." + +"I hope so, Sir; but with respect to the disturbance at the Opera, I +know not that I have the least occasion to trouble you." + +"If your measures," said he, very gravely, "are already taken, the Dean +your uncle prevailed upon me to accept a very useless office; but if any +thing is yet undecided, it will not, perhaps, be amiss that I should be +consulted. Mean time, I will only recommend to you to consider that Mr +Belfield is a person whose name nobody has heard, and that a connection +with Sir Robert Floyer would certainly be very honourable for you." + +"Indeed, Sir," said Cecilia, "here is some great mistake; neither of +these gentlemen, I believe, think of me at all." + +"They have taken, then," cried young Delvile with a laugh, "a very +extraordinary method to prove their indifference!" + +"The affairs of Sir Robert Floyer," continued Mr Delvile, "are indeed, +I am informed, in some disorder; but he has a noble estate, and your +fortune would soon clear all its incumbrances. Such an alliance, +therefore, would be mutually advantageous: but what would result from a +union with such a person as Mr Belfield? he is of no family, though in +that, perhaps, you would not be very scrupulous; but neither has he any +money; what, then, recommends him?" + +"To me, Sir, nothing!" answered Cecilia. + +"And to me," cried young Delvile, "almost every thing! he has wit, +spirit, and understanding, talents to create admiration, and qualities, +I believe, to engage esteem!" + +"You speak warmly," said Mrs Delvile; "but if such is his character, he +merits your earnestness. What is it you know of him?" + +"Not enough, perhaps," answered he, "to coolly justify my praise; but he +is one of those whose first appearance takes the mind by surprise, and +leaves the judgment to make afterwards such terms as it can. Will you, +madam, when he is recovered, permit me to introduce him to you?" + +"Certainly;" said she, smiling; "but have a care your recommendation +does not disgrace your discernment." + +"This warmth of disposition, Mortimer," cried Mr Delvile, "produces +nothing but difficulties and trouble: you neglect the connections I +point out, and which a little attention might render serviceable as well +as honourable, and run precipitately into forming such as can do you no +good among people of rank, and are not only profitless in themselves, +but generally lead you into expence and inconvenience. You are now of +an age to correct this rashness: think, therefore, better of your own +consequence, than thus idly to degrade yourself by forming friendships +with every shewy adventurer that comes in your way." + +"I know not, Sir," answered he, "how Mr Belfield deserves to be called +an adventurer: he is not, indeed, rich; but he is in a profession where +parts such as his seldom fail to acquire riches; however, as to me his +wealth can be of no consequence, why should my regard to him wait for +it? if he is a young man of worth and honour--" + +"Mortimer," interrupted Mr Delvile, "whatever he is, we know he is not +a man of rank, and whatever he may be, we know he cannot become a man of +family, and consequently for Mortimer Delvile he is no companion. If you +can render him any service, I shall commend your so doing; it becomes +your birth, it becomes your station in life to assist individuals, and +promote the general good: but never in your zeal for others forget what +is due to yourself, and to the ancient and honourable house from which +you are sprung." + +"But can we entertain Miss Beverley with nothing better than family +lectures?" cried Mrs Delvile. + +"It is for me," said young Delvile, rising, "to beg pardon of Miss +Beverley for having occasioned them: but when she is so good as to +honour us with her company again, I hope I shall have more discretion." + +He then left the room; and Mr Delvile also rising to go, said, "My dear, +I commit you to very kind hands; Mrs Delvile, I am sure, will be happy +to hear your story; speak to her, therefore, without reserve. And +pray don't imagine that I make you over to her from any slight; on the +contrary, I admire and commend your modesty very much; but my time is +extremely precious, and I cannot devote so much of it to an explanation +as your diffidence requires." + +And then, to the great joy of Cecilia, he retired; leaving her much in +doubt whether his haughtiness or his condescension humbled her most. + +"These men," said Mrs Delvile, "can never comprehend the pain of a +delicate female mind upon entering into explanations of this sort: I +understand it, however, too well to inflict it. We will, therefore, have +no explanations at all till we are better acquainted, and then if you +will venture to favour me with any confidence, my best advice, and, +should any be in my power, my best services shall be at your command." + +"You do me, madam, much honour," answered Cecilia, "but I must assure +you I have no explanation to give." + +"Well, well, at present," returned Mrs Delvile, "I am content to hear +that answer, as I have acquired no right to any other: but hereafter I +shall hope for more openness: it is promised me by your countenance, and +I mean to claim the promise by my friendship." + +"Your friendship will both honour and delight me, and whatever are your +enquiries, I shall always be proud to answer them; but indeed, with +regard to this affair--" + +"My dear Miss Beverley," interrupted Mrs Delvile, with a look of arch +incredulity, "men seldom risk their lives where an escape is without +hope of recompence. But we will not now say a word more upon the +subject. I hope you will often favour me with your company, and by +the frequency of your visits, make us both forget the shortness of our +acquaintance." + +Cecilia, finding her resistance only gave birth to fresh suspicion, now +yielded, satisfied that a very little time must unavoidably clear up the +truth. But her visit was not therefore shortened; the sudden partiality +with which the figure and countenance of Mrs Delvile had impressed her, +was quickly ripened into esteem by the charms of her conversation: she +found her sensible, well bred, and high spirited, gifted by nature +with superior talents, and polished by education and study with all +the elegant embellishments of cultivation. She saw in her, indeed, some +portion of the pride she had been taught to expect, but it was so +much softened by elegance, and so well tempered with kindness, that it +elevated her character, without rendering her manners offensive. + +With such a woman, subjects of discourse could never be wanting, nor +fertility of powers to make them entertaining: and so much was Cecilia +delighted with her visit, that though her carriage was announced at +twelve o'clock, she reluctantly concluded it at two; and in taking her +leave, gladly accepted an invitation to dine with her new friend three +days after; who, equally pleased with her young guest, promised before +that time to return her visit. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +AN EXAMINATION. + +Cecilia found Mrs Harrel eagerly waiting to hear some account how she +had passed the morning, and fully persuaded that she would leave the +Delviles with a determination never more, but by necessity, to see them: +she was, therefore, not only surprised but disappointed, when instead of +fulfilling her expectations, she assured her that she had been delighted +with Mrs Delvile, whose engaging qualities amply recompensed her for the +arrogance of her husband; that her visit had no fault but that of being +too short, and that she had already appointed an early day for repeating +it. + +Mrs Harrel was evidently hurt by this praise, and Cecilia, who perceived +among all her guardians a powerful disposition to hatred and jealousy, +soon dropt the subject: though so much had she been charmed with +Mrs Delvile, that a scheme of removal once more occurred to her, +notwithstanding her dislike of her stately guardian. + +At dinner, as usual, they were joined by Sir Robert Floyer, who grew +more and more assiduous in his attendance, but who, this day, contrary +to his general custom of remaining with the gentlemen, made his exit +before the ladies left the table; and as soon as he was gone, Mr Harrel +desired a private conference with Cecilia. + +They went together to the drawing-room, where, after a flourishing +preface upon the merits of Sir Robert Floyer, he formally acquainted her +that he was commissioned by that gentleman, to make her a tender of his +hand and fortune. + +Cecilia, who had not much reason to be surprised at this overture, +desired him to tell the Baronet, she was obliged to him for the honour +he intended her, at the same time that she absolutely declined receiving +it. + +Mr Harrel, laughing, told her this answer was very well for a +beginning, though it would by no means serve beyond the first day of the +declaration; but when Cecilia assured him she should firmly adhere to +it, he remonstrated with equal surprise and discontent upon the reasons +of her refusal. She thought it sufficient to tell him that Sir Robert +did not please her, but, with much raillery, he denied the assertion +credit, assuring her that he was universally admired by the ladies, that +she could not possibly receive a more honourable offer, and that he was +reckoned by every body the finest gentleman about the town. His fortune, +he added, was equally unexceptionable with his figure and his rank in +life; all the world, he was certain, would approve the connexion, and +the settlement made upon her should be dictated by herself. + +Cecilia begged him to be satisfied with an answer which she never could +change, and to spare her the enumeration of particular objections, since +Sir Robert was wholly and in every respect disagreeable to her. + +"What, then," cried he, "could make you so frightened for him at the +Opera-house? There has been but one opinion about town ever since of +your prepossession in his favour." + +"I am extremely concerned to hear it; my fright was but the effect of +surprise, and belonged not more to Sir Robert than to Mr Belfield." + +He told her that nobody else thought the same, that her marriage +with the Baronet was universally expected, and, in conclusion, +notwithstanding her earnest desire that he would instantly and +explicitly inform Sir Robert of her determination, he repeatedly +refused to give him any final answer till she had taken more time for +consideration. + +Cecilia was extremely displeased at this irksome importunity, and still +more chagrined to find her incautious emotion at the Opera-house, had +given rise to suspicions of her harbouring a partiality for a man whom +every day she more heartily disliked. + +While she was deliberating in what manner she could clear up this +mistake, which, after she was left alone, occupied all her thoughts, she +was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Monckton, whose joy in meeting +her at length by herself exceeded not her own, for charmed as he was +that he could now examine into the state of her affairs, she was not +less delighted that she could make them known to him. + +After mutual expressions, guarded, however, on the part of Mr. Monckton, +though unreserved on that of Cecilia, of their satisfaction in being +again able to converse as in former times, he asked if she would permit +him, as the privilege of their long acquaintance, to speak to her with +sincerity. + +She assured him he could not more oblige her. + +"Let me, then," said he, "enquire if yet that ardent confidence in your +own steadiness, which so much disdained my fears that the change of +your residence might produce a change in your sentiments, is still as +unshaken as when we parted in Suffolk? Or whether experience, that foe +to unpractised refinement, has already taught you the fallibility of +theory?" + +"When I assure you," replied Cecilia, "that your enquiry gives me no +pain, I think I have sufficiently answered it, for were I conscious of +any alteration, it could not but embarrass and distress me. Very far, +however, from finding myself in the danger with which you threatened +me, of _forgetting Bury, its inhabitants and its environs_, I think +with pleasure of little else, since London, instead of bewitching, has +greatly disappointed me." + +"How so?" cried Mr Monckton, much delighted. + +"Not," answered she, "in itself, not in its magnificence, nor in its +diversions, which seem to be inexhaustible; but these, though copious as +instruments of pleasure, are very shallow as sources of happiness: +the disappointment, therefore, comes nearer home, and springs not from +London, but from my own situation." + +"Is that, then, disagreeable to you?" + +"You shall yourself judge, when I have told you that from the time of +my quitting your house till this very moment, when I have again the +happiness of talking with you, I have never once had any conversation, +society or intercourse, in which friendship or affection have had any +share, or my mind has had the least interest." + +She then entered into a detail of her way of life, told him how little +suited to her taste was the unbounded dissipation of the Harrels, and +feelingly expatiated upon the disappointment she had received from the +alteration in the manners and conduct of her young friend. "In her," +she continued, "had I found the companion I came prepared to meet, +the companion from whom I had so lately parted, and in whose society +I expected to find consolation for the loss of yours and of Mrs +Charlton's, I should have complained of nothing; the very places that +now tire, might then have entertained me, and all that now passes for +unmeaning dissipation, might then have worn the appearance of variety +and pleasure. But where the mind is wholly without interest, every thing +is languid and insipid; and accustomed as I have long been to think +friendship the first of human blessings, and social converse the +greatest of human enjoyments, how ever can I reconcile myself to a state +of careless indifference, to making acquaintance without any concern +either for preserving or esteeming them, and to going on from day to +day in an eager search of amusement, with no companion for the hours +of retirement, and no view beyond that of passing the present moment in +apparent gaiety and thoughtlessness?" + +Mr Monckton, who heard these complaints with secret rapture, far from +seeking to soften or remove, used his utmost endeavours to strengthen +and encrease them, by artfully retracing her former way of life, and +pointing out with added censures the change in it she had been lately +compelled to make: "a change," he continued, "which though ruinous +of your time, and detrimental to your happiness, use will, I fear, +familiarize, and familiarity render pleasant." + +"These suspicions, sir," said Cecilia, "mortify me greatly; and why, +when far from finding me pleased, you hear nothing but repining, should +you still continue to harbour them?" + +"Because your trial has yet been too short to prove your firmness, and +because there is nothing to which time cannot contentedly accustom us." + +"I feel not much fear," said Cecilia, "of standing such a test as might +fully satisfy you; but nevertheless, not to be too presumptuous, I have +by no means exposed myself to all the dangers which you think surround +me, for of late I have spent almost every evening at home and by +myself." + +This intelligence was to Mr Monckton a surprise the most agreeable he +could receive. Her distaste for the amusements which were offered her +greatly relieved his fears of her forming any alarming connection, and +the discovery that while so anxiously he had sought her every where in +public, she had quietly passed her time by her own fireside, not only +re-assured him for the present, but gave him information where he might +meet with her in future. + +He then talked of the duel, and solicitously led her to speak [openly] +of Sir Robert Floyer; and here too, his satisfaction was entire; he +found her dislike of him such as his knowledge of her disposition made +him expect, and she wholly removed his suspicions concerning her anxiety +about the quarrel, by explaining to him her apprehensions of having +occasioned it herself, from accepting the civility of Mr Belfield, at +the very moment she shewed her aversion to receiving that of Sir Robert. + +Neither did her confidence rest here; she acquainted him with the +conversation she had just had with Mr Harrel, and begged his advice in +what manner she might secure herself from further importunity. + +Mr Monckton had now a new subject for his discernment. Every thing had +confirmed to him the passion which Mr Arnott had conceived for Cecilia, +and he had therefore concluded the interest of the Harrels would be all +in his favour: other ideas now struck him; he found that Mr Arnott +was given up for Sir Robert, and he determined carefully to watch the +motions both of the Baronet and her young guardian, in order to discover +the nature of their plans and connection. Mean time, convinced by her +unaffected aversion to the proposals she had received, that she was at +present in no danger from the league he suspected, he merely advised her +to persevere in manifesting a calm repugnance to their solicitations, +which could not fail, before long, to dishearten them both. + +"But Sir," cried Cecilia, "I now fear this man as much as I dislike him, +for his late fierceness and brutality, though they have encreased my +disgust, make me dread to shew it. I am impatient, therefore, to have +done with him, and to see him no more. And for this purpose, I wish to +quit the house of Mr Harrel, where he has access at his pleasure." + +"You can wish nothing more judiciously," cried he; "would you, then, +return into the country?" + +"That is not yet in my power; I am obliged to reside with one of my +guardians. To-day I have seen Mrs Delvile, and--" + +"Mrs Delvile?" interrupted Mr Monckton, in a voice of astonishment. +"Surely you do not think of removing into that family?" + +"What can I do so well? Mrs Delvile is a charming woman, and her +conversation would afford me more entertainment and instruction in a +single day, than under this roof I should obtain in a twelvemonth." + +"Are you serious? Do you really think of making such a change?" + +"I really wish it, but I know not yet if it is practicable: on Thursday, +however, I am to dine with her, and then, if it is in my power, I will +hint to her my desire." + +"And can Miss Beverley possibly wish," cried Mr Monckton with +earnestness, "to reside in such a house? Is not Mr Delvile the most +ostentatious, haughty, and self-sufficient of men? Is not his wife the +proudest of women? And is not the whole family odious to all the world?" + +"You amaze me!" cried Cecilia; "surely that cannot be their general +character? Mr Delvile, indeed, deserves all the censure he can meet for +his wearisome parade of superiority; but his lady by no means merits to +be included in the same reproach. I have spent this whole morning +with her, and though I waited upon her with a strong prejudice in +her disfavour, I observed in her no pride that exceeded the bounds of +propriety and native dignity." + +"Have you often been at the house? Do you know the son, too?" + +"I have seen him three or four times." + +"And what do you think of him?" + +"I hardly know enough of him to judge fairly." + +"But what does he seem to you? Do you not perceive in him already all +the arrogance, all the contemptuous insolence of his father?" + +"O no! far from it indeed; his mind seems to be liberal and noble, open +to impressions of merit, and eager to honour and promote it." + +"You are much deceived; you have been reading your own mind, and thought +you had read his: I would advise you sedulously to avoid the whole +family; you will find all intercourse with them irksome and comfortless: +such as the father appears at once, the wife and the son will, in a few +more meetings, appear also. They are descended from the same stock, and +inherit the same self-complacency. Mr Delvile married his cousin, and +each of them instigates the other to believe that all birth and rank +would be at an end in the world, if their own superb family had not a +promise of support from their hopeful Mortimer. Should you precipitately +settle yourself in their house, you would very soon be totally weighed +down by their united insolence." + +Cecilia again and warmly attempted to defend them; but Mr Monckton was +so positive in his assertions, and so significant in his insinuations +to their discredit, that she was at length persuaded she had judged too +hastily, and, after thanking him for his counsel, promised not to take +any measures towards a removal without his advice. + +This was all he desired; and now, enlivened by finding that his +influence with her was unimpaired, and that her heart was yet her own, +he ceased his exhortations, and turned the discourse to subjects more +gay and general, judiciously cautious neither by tedious admonitions +to disgust, nor by fretful solicitude to alarm her. He did not quit her +till the evening was far advanced, and then, in returning to his own +house, felt all his anxieties and disappointments recompensed by the +comfort this long and satisfactory conversation had afforded him. +While Cecilia, charmed with having spent the morning with her new +acquaintance, and the evening with her old friend, retired to rest +better pleased with the disposal of her time than she had yet been since +her journey from Suffolk. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +A TETE A TETE. + + +The two following days had neither event nor disturbance, except some +little vexation occasioned by the behaviour of Sir Robert Floyer, +who still appeared not to entertain any doubt of the success of his +addresses. This impertinent confidence she could only attribute to +the officious encouragement of Mr Harrel, and therefore she determined +rather to seek than to avoid an explanation with him. But she had, in +the mean time, the satisfaction of hearing from Mr Arnott, who, ever +eager to oblige her, was frequent in his enquiries, that Mr Belfield was +almost entirely recovered. + +On Thursday, according to her appointment, she again went to St James' +Square, and being shewn into the drawing-room till dinner was ready, +found there only young Mr Delvile. + +After some general conversation, he asked her how lately she had had any +news of Mr Belfield? + +"This morning," she answered, "when I had the pleasure of hearing he was +quite recovered. Have you seen him again, sir?" + +"Yes madam, twice." + +"And did you think him almost well?" + +"I thought," answered he, with some hesitation, "and I think still, that +your enquiries ought to be his cure." + +"O," cried Cecilia, "I hope he has far better medicines: but I am afraid +I have been misinformed, for I see you do not think him better." + +"You must not, however," replied he, "blame those messengers whose +artifice has only had your satisfaction in view; nor should I be +so malignant as to blast their designs, if I did not fear that Mr +Belfield's actual safety may be endangered by your continual deception." + +"What deception, sir? I don't at all understand you. How is his safety +endangered?" + +"Ah madam!" said he smiling, "what danger indeed is there that any man +would not risk to give birth to such solicitude! Mr Belfield however, I +believe is in none from which a command of yours cannot rescue him." + +"Then were I an hard-hearted damsel indeed not to issue it! but if my +commands are so medicinal, pray instruct me how to administer them." + +"You must order him to give up, for the present, his plan of going into +the country, where he can have no assistance, and where his wound must +be dressed only by a common servant, and to remain quietly in town till +his surgeon pronounces that he may travel without any hazard." + +"But is he, seriously, so mad as to intend leaving town without the +consent of his surgeon?" + +"Nothing less than such an intention could have induced me to undeceive +you with respect to his recovery. But indeed I am no friend to those +artifices which purchase present relief by future misery: I venture, +therefore, to speak to you the simple truth, that by a timely exertion +of your influence you may prevent further evil." + +"I know not, Sir," said Cecilia, with the utmost surprise, "why you +should suppose I have any such influence; nor can I imagine that any +deception has been practiced." + +"It is possible," answered he, "I may have been too much alarmed; but in +such a case as this, no information ought to be depended upon but that +of his surgeon. You, madam, may probably know his opinion?" + +"Me?--No, indeed? I never saw his surgeon; I know not even who he is." + +"I purpose calling upon him to-morrow morning; will Miss Beverley permit +me afterwards the honour of communicating to her what may pass?" + +"I thank you, sir," said she, colouring very high; "but my impatience is +by no means so great as to occasion my giving you that trouble." + +Delvile, perceiving her change of countenance, instantly, and with much +respect, entreated her pardon for the proposal; which, however, she had +no sooner granted, than he said very archly, "Why indeed you have not +much right to be angry, since it was your own frankness that excited +mine. And thus, you find, like most other culprits, I am ready to +cast the blame of the offence upon the offended. I feel, however, an +irresistible propensity to do service to Mr Belfield;--shall I sin quite +beyond forgiveness if I venture to tell you how I found him situated +this morning?" + +"No, certainly,--if you wish it, I can have no objection." + +"I found him, then, surrounded by a set of gay young men, who, by way +of keeping up his spirits, made him laugh and talk without ceasing: he +assured me himself that he was perfectly well, and intended to gallop +out of town to-morrow morning; though, when I shook hands with him at +parting, I was both shocked and alarmed to feel by the burning heat of +the skin, that far from discarding his surgeon, he ought rather to call +in a physician." + +"I am very much concerned to hear this account," said Cecilia; "but I do +not well understand what you mean should on my part follow it?" + +"That," answered he, bowing, with a look of mock gravity, "I pretend not +to settle! In stating the case I have satisfied my conscience, and if +in hearing it you can pardon the liberty I have taken, I shall as +much honour the openness of your character, as I admire that of your +countenance." + +Cecilia now, to her no little astonishment, found she had the same +mistake to clear up at present concerning Mr Belfield, that only three +days before she had explained with respect to the Baronet. But she +had no time to speak further upon the subject, as the entrance of Mrs +Delvile put an end to their discourse. + +That lady received her with the most distinguishing kindness; apologised +for not sooner waiting upon her, and repeatedly declared that nothing +but indisposition should have prevented her returning the favour of her +first visit. + +They were soon after summoned to dinner. Mr Delvile, to the infinite joy +of Cecilia, was out. + +The day was spent greatly to her satisfaction. There was no interruption +from visitors, she was tormented by the discussion of no disagreeable +subjects, the duel was not mentioned, the antagonists were not hinted +at, she was teized with no self-sufficient encouragement, and wearied +with no mortifying affability; the conversation at once was lively +and rational, and though general, was rendered interesting, by a +reciprocation of good-will and pleasure in the conversers. + +The favourable opinion she had conceived both of the mother and the +son this long visit served to confirm: in Mrs Delvile she found strong +sense, quick parts, and high breeding; in Mortimer, sincerity and +vivacity joined with softness and elegance; and in both there seemed +the most liberal admiration of talents, with an openness of heart that +disdained all disguise. Greatly pleased with their manners, and struck +with all that was apparent in their characters, she much regretted the +prejudice of Mr Monckton, which now, with the promise she had given him, +was all that opposed her making an immediate effort towards a change in +her abode. + +She did not take her leave till eleven o'clock, when Mrs Delvile, +after repeatedly thanking her for her visit, said she would not so much +encroach upon her good nature as to request another till she had waited +upon her in return; but added, that she meant very speedily to pay that +debt, in order to enable herself, by friendly and frequent meetings, +to enter upon the confidential commission with which her guardian had +entrusted her. + +Cecilia was pleased with the delicacy which gave rise to this +forbearance, yet having in fact nothing either to relate or conceal, +she was rather sorry than glad at the delay of an explanation, since she +found the whole family was in an error with respect to the situation of +her affairs. + + + +BOOK THREE + + + +CHAPTER i + +AN APPLICATION. + + +Cecilia, upon her return home, heard with some surprise that Mr and Mrs +Harrel were by themselves in the drawing-room; and, while she was upon +the stairs, Mrs Harrel ran out, calling eagerly, "Is that my brother?" + +Before she could make an answer, Mr Harrel, in the same impatient tone, +exclaimed, "Is it Mr Arnott?" + +"No;" said Cecilia, "did you expect him so late?" + +"Expect him? Yes," answered Mr Harrel, "I have expected him the whole +evening, and cannot conceive what he has done with himself." + +"'Tis abominably provoking," said Mrs Harrel, "that he should be out of +the way just now when he is wanted. However, I dare say to-morrow will +do as well." + +"I don't know that," cried Mr Harrel. "Reeves is such a wretch that I am +sure he will give me all the trouble in his power." + +Here Mr Arnott entered; and Mrs Harrel called out "O brother, we have +been distressed for you cruelly; we have had a man here who has plagued +Mr Harrel to death, and we wanted you sadly to speak to him." + +"I should have been very glad," said Mr Arnott, "to have been of any +use, and perhaps it is not yet too late; who is the man?" + +"O," cried Mr Harrel, carelessly, "only a fellow from that rascally +taylor who has been so troublesome to me lately. He has had the +impudence, because I did not pay him the moment he was pleased to want +his money, to put the bill into the hands of one Reeves, a griping +attorney, who has been here this evening, and thought proper to talk to +me pretty freely. I can tell the gentleman I shall not easily forget his +impertinence! however, I really wish mean time I could get rid of him." + +"How much is the bill, Sir?" said Mr Arnott. + +"Why it's rather a round sum; but I don't know how it is, one's bills +mount up before one is aware: those fellows charge such confounded sums +for tape and buckram; I hardly know what I have had of him, and yet he +has run me up a bill of between three and four hundred pound." + +Here there was a general silence; till Mrs Harrel said "Brother, can't +you be so good as to lend us the money? Mr Harrel says he can pay it +again very soon." + +"O yes, very soon," said Mr Harrel, "for I shall receive a great deal of +money in a little time; I only want to stop this fellow's mouth for the +present." + +"Suppose I go and talk with him?" said Mr Arnott. + +"O, he's a brute, a stock!" cried Mr Harrel, "nothing but the money will +satisfy him: he will hear no reason; one might as well talk to a stone." + +Mr Arnott now looked extremely distressed; but upon his sister's warmly +pressing him not to lose any time, he gently said, "If this person will +but wait a week or two, I should be extremely glad, for really just +now I cannot take up so much money, without such particular loss and +inconvenience, that I hardly know how to do it:--but yet, if he will not +be appeased, he must certainly have it." + +"Appeased?" cried Mr Harrel, "you might as well appease the sea in a +storm! he is hard as iron." + +Mr Arnott then, forcing a smile, though evidently in much uneasiness, +said he would not fail to raise the money the next morning, and was +taking his leave, when Cecilia, shocked that such tenderness and +good-nature should be thus grossly imposed upon, hastily begged to speak +with Mrs Harrel, and taking her into another room, said, "I beseech you, +my dear friend, let not your worthy brother suffer by his generosity; +permit me in the present exigence to assist Mr Harrel: my having such a +sum advanced can be of no consequence; but I should grieve indeed that +your brother, who so nobly understands the use of money, should take it +up at any particular disadvantage." + +"You are vastly kind," said Mrs Harrel, "and I will run and speak to +them about it: but which ever of you lends the money, Mr Harrel has +assured me he shall pay it very soon." + +She then returned with the proposition. Mr Arnott strongly opposed it, +but Mr Harrel seemed rather to prefer it, yet spoke so confidently of +his speedy payment, that he appeared to think it a matter of little +importance from which he accepted it. A generous contest ensued between +Mr Arnott and Cecilia, but as she was very earnest, she at length +prevailed, and settled to go herself the next morning into the city, in +order to have the money advanced by Mr Briggs, who had the management of +her fortune entirely to himself, her other guardians never interfering +in the executive part of her affairs. + +This arranged, they all retired. + +And then, with encreasing astonishment, Cecilia reflected upon the +ruinous levity of Mr Harrel, and the blind security of his wife; she saw +in their situation danger the most alarming, and in the behaviour of Mr +Harrel selfishness the most inexcusable; such glaring injustice to his +creditors, such utter insensibility to his friends, took from her all +wish of assisting him, though the indignant compassion with which she +saw the easy generosity of Mr Arnott so frequently abused, had now, for +his sake merely, induced her to relieve him. + +She resolved, however, as soon as the present difficulty was surmounted, +to make another attempt to open the eyes of Mrs Harrel to the evils +which so apparently threatened her, and press her to exert all her +influence with her husband, by means both of example and advice, to +retrench his expences before it should be absolutely too late to save +him from ruin. + +She determined also at the same time that she applied for the money +requisite for this debt, to take up enough for discharging her own bill +at the bookseller's, and putting in execution her plan of assisting the +Hills. + +The next morning she arose early, and attended by her servant, set out +for the house of Mr Briggs, purposing, as the weather was clear and +frosty, to walk through Oxford Road, and then put herself into a chair; +and hoping to return to Mr Harrel's by the usual hour of breakfast. + +She had not proceeded far, before she saw a mob gathering, and the +windows of almost all the houses filling with spectators. She desired +her servant to enquire what this meant, and was informed that the people +were assembling to see some malefactors pass by in their way to Tyburn. + +Alarmed at this intelligence from the fear of meeting the unhappy +criminals, she hastily turned down the next street, but found that also +filling with people who were running to the scene she was trying to +avoid: encircled thus every way, she applied to a maidservant who was +standing at the door of a large house, and begged leave to step in till +the mob was gone by. The maid immediately consented, and she waited here +while she sent her man for a chair. + +He soon arrived with one; but just as she returned to the street door, a +gentleman, who was hastily entering the house, standing back to let +her pass, suddenly exclaimed, "Miss Beverley!" and looking at him, she +perceived young Delvile. + +"I cannot stop an instant," cried she, running down the steps, "lest the +crowd should prevent the chair from going on." + +"Will you not first," said he, handing her in, "tell me what news you +have heard?" + +"News?" repeated she. "No, I have heard none!" + +"You will only, then, laugh at me for those officious offers you did so +well to reject?" + +"I know not what offers you mean!" + +"They were indeed superfluous, and therefore I wonder not you have +forgotten them. Shall I tell the chairmen whither to go?" + +"To Mr Briggs. But I cannot imagine what you mean." + +"To Mr Briggs!" repeated he, "O live for ever French beads and Bristol +stones! fresh offers may perhaps be made there, impertinent, officious, +and useless as mine!" + +He then told her servant the direction, and, making his bow, went into +the house she had just quitted. + +Cecilia, extremely amazed by this short, but unintelligible +conversation, would again have called upon him to explain his meaning, +but found the crowd encreasing so fast that she could not venture to +detain the chair, which with difficulty made its way to the adjoining +streets: but her surprize at what had passed so entirely occupied her, +that when she stopt at the house of Mr Briggs, she had almost forgotten +what had brought her thither. + +The foot-boy, who came to the door, told her that his master was at +home, but not well. + +She desired he might be acquainted that she wished to speak to him upon +business, and would wait upon him again at any hour when he thought he +should be able to see her. + +The boy returned with an answer that she might call again the next week. + +Cecilia, knowing that so long a delay would destroy all the kindness of +her intention, determined to write to him for the money, and therefore +went into the parlour, and desired to have pen and ink. + +The boy, after making her wait some time in a room without any fire, +brought her a pen and a little ink in a broken tea-cup, saying "Master +begs you won't spirt it about, for he's got no more; and all our +blacking's as good as gone." + +"Blacking?" repeated Cecilia. + +"Yes, Miss; when Master's shoes are blacked, we commonly gets a little +drap of fresh ink." + +Cecilia promised to be careful, but desired him to fetch her a sheet of +paper. + +"Law, Miss," cried the boy, with a grin, "I dare say master'd as soon +give you a bit of his nose! howsever, I'll go ax." + +In a few minutes he again returned, and brought in his hand a slate and +a black lead pencil; "Miss," cried he, "Master says how you may write +upon this, for he supposes you've no great matters to say." + +Cecilia, much astonished at this extreme parsimony, was obliged to +consent, but as the point of the pencil was very blunt, desired the +boy to get her a knife that she might cut it. He obeyed, but said "Pray +Miss, take care it ben't known, for master don't do such a thing once in +a year, and if he know'd I'd got you the knife, he'd go nigh to give me +a good polt of the head." + +Cecilia then wrote upon the slate her desire to be informed in what +manner she should send him her receipt for 600 pounds, which she begged +to have instantly advanced. + +The boy came back grinning, and holding up his hands, and said, "Miss, +there's a fine piece of work upstairs! Master's in a peck of troubles; +but he says how he'll come down, if you'll stay till he's got his things +on." + +"Does he keep his bed, then? I hope I have not made him rise?" + +"No, Miss, he don't keep his bed, only he must get ready, for he wears +no great matters of cloaths when he's alone. You are to know, Miss," +lowering his voice, "that that day as he went abroad with our sweep's +cloaths on, he comed home in sich a pickle you never see! I believe +somebody'd knocked him in the kennel; so does Moll; but don't you say as +I told you! He's been special bad ever since. Moll and I was as glad as +could be, because he's so plaguy sharp; for, to let you know, Miss, he's +so near, it's partly a wonder how he lives at all: and yet he's worth a +power of money, too." + +"Well, well," said Cecilia, not very desirous to encourage his +forwardness, "if I want any thing, I'll call for you." + +The boy, however, glad to tell his tale, went on. + +"Our Moll won't stay with him above a week longer, Miss, because she +says how she can get nothing to eat, but just some old stinking salt +meat, that's stayed in the butcher's shop so long, it would make a horse +sick to look at it. But Moll's pretty nice; howsever, Miss, to let you +know, we don't get a good meal so often as once a quarter! why this last +week we ha'n't had nothing at all but some dry musty red herrings; so +you may think, Miss, we're kept pretty sharp!" + +He was now interrupted by hearing Mr Briggs coming down the stairs, upon +which, abruptly breaking off his complaints, he held up his finger to +his nose in token of secrecy, and ran hastily into the kitchen. + +The appearance of Mr Briggs was by no means rendered more attractive by +illness and negligence of dress. He had on a flannel gown and night cap; +his black beard, of many days' growth, was long and grim, and upon his +nose and one of his cheeks was a large patch of brown paper, which, as +he entered the room, he held on with both his hands. + +Cecilia made many apologies for having disturbed him, and some civil +enquiries concerning his health. + +"Ay, ay," cried he, pettishly, "bad enough: all along of that trumpery +masquerade; wish I had not gone! Fool for my pains." + +"When were you taken ill, Sir?" + +"Met with an accident; got a fall, broke my head, like to have lost my +wig. Wish the masquerade at old Nick! thought it would cost nothing, or +would not have gone. Warrant sha'n't get me so soon to another!" + +"Did you fall in going home, Sir?" + +"Ay, ay, plump in the kennel; could hardly get out of it; felt myself a +going, was afraid to tear my cloaths, knew the rascal would make me pay +for them, so by holding up the old sack, come bolt on my face! off pops +my wig; could not tell what to do; all as dark as pitch!" + +"Did not you call for help?" + +"Nobody by but scrubs, knew they would not help for nothing. Scrawled +out as I could, groped about for my wig, found it at last, all soused in +the mud; stuck to my head like Turner's cerate." + +"I hope, then, you got into a hackney coach?" + +"What for? to make things worse? was not bad enough, hay?--must pay two +shillings beside?" + +"But how did you find yourself when you got home, Sir?" + +"How? why wet as muck; my head all bumps, my cheek all cut, my nose big +as two! forced to wear a plaister; half ruined in vinegar. Got a great +cold; put me in a fever; never been well since." + +"But have you had no advice, Sir? Should not you send for a physician?" + +"What to do, hay? fill me with jallop? can get it myself, can't I? Had +one once; was taken very bad, thought should have popt off; began to +flinch, sent for the doctor, proved nothing but a cheat! cost me a +guinea, gave it at fourth visit, and he never came again!---warrant +won't have no more!" + +Then perceiving upon the table some dust from the black lead pencil, +"What's here?" cried he, angrily, "who's been cutting the pencil? wish +they were hanged; suppose it's the boy; deserves to be horsewhipped: +give him a good banging." + +Cecilia immediately cleared him, by acknowledging she had herself been +the culprit. + +"Ay, ay," cried he, "thought as much all the time! guessed how it was; +nothing but ruin and waste; sending for money, nobody knows why; wanting +600 pounds--what to do? throw it in the dirt? Never heard the like! +Sha'n't have it, promise you that," nodding his head, "shan't have no +such thing!" + +"Sha'n't have it?" cried Cecilia, much surprised, "why not, Sir?" + +"Keep it for your husband; get you one soon: won't have no juggling. +Don't be in a hurry; one in my eye." + +Cecilia then began a very earnest expostulation, assuring him she really +wanted the money, for an occasion which would not admit of delay. Her +remonstrances, however, he wholly disregarded, telling her that girls +knew nothing of the value of money, and ought not to be trusted with +it; that he would not hear of such extravagance, and was resolved not +to advance her a penny. Cecilia was both provoked and confounded by a +refusal so unexpected, and as she thought herself bound in honour to +Mr Harrel not to make known the motive of her urgency, she was for +some time totally silenced: till recollecting her account with the +bookseller, she determined to rest her plea upon that, persuaded that he +could not, at least, deny her money to pay her own bills. He heard her, +however, with the utmost contempt; "Books?" he cried, "what do you want +with books? do no good; all lost time; words get no cash." She informed +him his admonitions were now too late, as she had already received them, +and must therefore necessarily pay for them. "No, no," cried he, "send +'em back, that's best; keep no such rubbish, won't turn to account; do +better without 'em." "That, Sir, will be impossible, for I have had them +some time, and cannot expect the bookseller to take them again." "Must, +must," cried he, "can't help himself; glad to have 'em too. Are but +a minor, can't be made pay a farthing." Cecilia with much indignation +heard such fraud recommended, and told him she could by no means consent +to follow his advice. But she soon found, to her utter amazement, that +he steadily refused to give her any other, or to bestow the slightest +attention upon her expostulations, sturdily saying that her uncle had +left her a noble estate, and he would take care to see it put in proper +hands, by getting her a good and careful husband. + +"I have no intention, no wish, Sir," cried she, "to break into the +income or estate left me by my uncle; on the contrary, I hold them +sacred, and think myself bound in conscience never to live beyond them: +but the L10,000 bequeathed me by my Father, I regard as more peculiarly +my own property, and therefore think myself at liberty to dispose of it +as I please." + +"What," cried he, in a rage, "make it over to a scrubby bookseller! give +it up for an old pot-hook? no, no, won't suffer it; sha'n't be, sha'n't +be, I say! if you want some books, go to Moorfields, pick up enough at +an old stall; get 'em at two pence a-piece; dear enough, too." + +Cecilia for some time hoped he was merely indulging his strange and +sordid humour by an opposition that was only intended to teize her; +but she soon found herself extremely mistaken: he was immoveable in +obstinacy, as he was incorrigible in avarice; he neither troubled +himself with enquiries nor reasoning, but was contented with refusing +her as a child might be refused, by peremptorily telling her she did not +know what she wanted, and therefore should not have what she asked. + +And with this answer, after all that she could urge, she was compelled +to leave the house, as he complained that his brown paper plaister +wanted fresh dipping in vinegar, and he could stay talking no longer. + +The disgust with which this behaviour filled her, was doubled by +the shame and concern of returning to the Harrels with her promise +unperformed; she deliberated upon every method that occurred to her +of still endeavouring to serve them, but could suggest nothing, except +trying to prevail upon Mr Delvile to interfere in her favour. She liked +not, indeed, the office of solicitation to so haughty a man, but, having +no other expedient, her repugnance gave way to her generosity, and she +ordered the chairmen to carry her to St James's Square. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +A PERPLEXITY. + + +And here, at the door of his Father's house, and just ascending the +steps, she perceived young Delvile. + +"Again!" cried he, handing her out of the chair, "surely some good +genius is at work for me this morning!" + +She told him she should not have called so early, now she was acquainted +with the late hours of Mrs Delvile, but that she merely meant to speak +with his Father, for two minutes, upon business. + +He attended her up stairs; and finding she was in haste, went himself +with her message to Mr Delvile: and soon returned with an answer that he +would wait upon her presently. + +The strange speeches he had made to her when they first met in the +morning now recurring to her memory, she determined to have them +explained, and in order to lead to the subject, mentioned the +disagreeable situation in which he had found her, while she was standing +up to avoid the sight of the condemned malefactors. + +"Indeed?" cried he, in a tone of voice somewhat incredulous, "and was +that the purpose for which you stood up?" + +"Certainly, Sir;--what other could I have?" + +"None, surely!" said he, smiling, "but the accident was singularly +opportune." + +"Opportune?" cried Cecilia, staring, "how opportune? this is the second +time in the same morning that I am not able to understand you!" + +"How _should_ you understand what is so little intelligible?" + +"I see you have some meaning which I cannot fathom, why, else, should it +be so extraordinary that I should endeavour to avoid a mob? or how could +it be opportune that I should happen to meet with one?" + +He laughed at first without making any answer; but perceiving she looked +at him with impatience, he half gaily, half reproachfully, said, "Whence +is it that young ladies, even such whose principles are most strict, +seem universally, in those affairs where their affections are concerned, +to think hypocrisy necessary, and deceit amiable? and hold it graceful +to disavow to-day, what they may perhaps mean publicly to acknowledge +to-morrow?" + +Cecilia, who heard these questions with unfeigned astonishment, looked +at him with the utmost eagerness for an explanation. + +"Do you so much wonder," he continued, "that I should have hoped in Miss +Beverley to have seen some deviation from such rules? and have expected +more openness and candour in a young lady who has given so noble a proof +of the liberality of her mind and understanding?" + +"You amaze me beyond measure!" cried she, "what rules, what candour, +what liberality, do you mean?" + +"Must I speak yet more plainly? and if I do, will you bear to hear me?" + +"Indeed I should be extremely glad if you would give me leave to +understand you." + +"And may I tell you what has charmed me, as well as what I have presumed +to wonder at?" + +"You may tell me any thing, if you will but be less mysterious." + +"Forgive then the frankness you invite, and let me acknowledge to you +how greatly I honour the nobleness of your conduct. Surrounded as +you are by the opulent and the splendid, unshackled by dependance, +unrestrained by authority, blest by nature with all that is attractive, +by situation with all that is desirable,--to slight the rich, and +disregard the powerful, for the purer pleasure of raising oppressed +merit, and giving to desert that wealth in which alone it seemed +deficient--how can a spirit so liberal be sufficiently admired, or a +choice of so much dignity be too highly extolled?" + +"I find," cried Cecilia, "I must forbear any further enquiry, for the +more I hear, the less I understand." + +"Pardon me, then," cried he, "if here I return to my first question: +whence is it that a young lady who can think so nobly, and act so +disinterestedly, should not be uniformly great, simple in truth, and +unaffected in sincerity? Why should she be thus guarded, where frankness +would do her so much honour? Why blush in owning what all others may +blush in envying?" + +"Indeed you perplex me intolerably," cried Cecilia, with some vexation, +"why Sir, will you not be more explicit?" + +"And why, Madam," returned he, with a laugh, "would you tempt me to be +more impertinent? have I not said strange things already?" + +"Strange indeed," cried she, "for not one of them can I comprehend!" + +"Pardon, then," cried he, "and forget them all! I scarce know myself +what urged me to say them, but I began inadvertently, without intending +to go on, and I have proceeded involuntarily, without knowing how to +stop. The fault, however, is ultimately your own, for the sight of +you creates an insurmountable desire to converse with you, and your +conversation a propensity equally incorrigible to take some interest in +your welfare." + +He would then have changed the discourse, and Cecilia, ashamed of +pressing him further, was for some time silent; but when one of the +servants came to inform her that his master meant to wait upon her +directly, her unwillingness to leave the matter in suspense induced +her, somewhat abruptly, to say, "Perhaps, Sir, you are thinking of Mr +Belfield?" + +"A happy conjecture!" cried he, "but so wild a one, I cannot but marvel +how it should occur to you!" + +"Well, Sir," said she, "I must acknowledge I now understand your +meaning; but with respect to what has given rise to it, I am as much a +stranger as ever." + +The entrance of Mr Delvile here closed the conversation. + +He began with his usual ostentatious apologies, declaring he had so many +people to attend, so many complaints to hear, and so many grievances to +redress, that it was impossible for him to wait upon her sooner, and not +without difficulty that he waited upon her now. + +Mean time his son almost immediately retired: and Cecilia, instead of +listening to this harangue, was only disturbing herself with conjectures +upon what had just passed. She saw that young Delvile concluded she was +absolutely engaged to Mr Belfield, and though she was better pleased +that any suspicion should fall there than upon Sir Robert Floyer, she +was yet both provoked and concerned to be suspected at all. An attack so +earnest from almost any other person could hardly have failed being very +offensive to her, but in the manners of young Delvile good breeding was +so happily blended with frankness, that his freedom seemed merely to +result from the openness of his disposition, and even in its very act +pleaded its own excuse. + +Her reverie was at length interrupted by Mr Delvile's desiring to know +in what he could serve her. + +She told him she had present occasion for L600, and hoped he would not +object to her taking up that sum. + +"Six hundred pounds," said he, after some deliberation, "is rather an +extraordinary demand for a young lady in your situation; your allowance +is considerable, you have yet no house, no equipage, no establishment; +your expences, I should imagine, cannot be very great--" + +He stopt, and seemed weighing her request. + +Cecilia, shocked at appearing extravagant, yet too generous to mention +Mr Harrel, had again recourse to her bookseller's bill, which she told +him she was anxious to discharge. + +"A bookseller's bill?" cried he; "and do you want L600 for a +bookseller's bill?" + +"No, Sir," said she, stammering, "no,--not all for that,--I have some +other--I have a particular occasion--" + +"But what bill at all," cried he, with much surprise, "can a young lady +have with a bookseller? The Spectator, Tatler and Guardian, would make +library sufficient for any female in the kingdom, nor do I think it +like a gentlewoman to have more. Besides, if you ally yourself in such +a manner as I shall approve and recommend, you will, in all probability, +find already collected more books than there can ever be any possible +occasion for you to look into. And let me counsel you to remember that +a lady, whether so called from birth or only from fortune, should never +degrade herself by being put on a level with writers, and such sort of +people." + +Cecilia thanked him for his advice, but confessed that upon the present +occasion it came too late, as the books were now actually in her own +possession. + +"And have you taken," cried he, "such a measure as this without +consulting me? I thought I had assured you my opinion was always at your +service when you were in any dilemma." + +"Yes, Sir," answered Cecilia; "but I knew how much you were occupied, +and wished to avoid taking up your time." + +"I cannot blame your modesty," he replied, "and therefore, as you have +contracted the debt, you are, in honour, bound to pay it. Mr Briggs, +however, has the entire management of your fortune, my many avocations +obliging me to decline so laborious a trust; apply, therefore, to him, +and, as things are situated, I will make no opposition to your demand." + +"I have already, Sir," said Cecilia, "spoke to Mr Briggs, but--" + +"You went to him first, then?" interrupted Mr Delvile, with a look of +much displeasure. + +"I was unwilling, Sir, to trouble you till I found it unavoidable." She +then acquainted him with Mr Briggs' refusal, and entreated he would +do her the favour to intercede in her behalf, that the money might no +longer be denied her. + +Every word she spoke his pride seemed rising to resent, and when, she +had done, after regarding her some time with apparent indignation, he +said, "_I_ intercede! _I_ become an agent!" + +Cecilia, amazed to find him thus violently irritated, made a very +earnest apology for her request; but without paying her any attention, +he walked up and down the room, exclaiming, "an agent! and to Mr +Briggs!--This is an affront I could never have expected! why did I +degrade myself by accepting this humiliating office? I ought to have +known better!" Then, turning to Cecilia, "Child," he added, "for whom is +it you take me, and for what?" + +Cecilia again, though affronted in her turn, began some protestations of +respect; but haughtily interrupting her, he said, "If of me, and of my +rank in life you judge by Mr Briggs or by Mr Harrel, I may be subject to +proposals such as these every day; suffer me, therefore, for your better +information, to hint to you, that the head of an ancient and honourable +house, is apt to think himself somewhat superior to people but just +rising from dust and obscurity." + +Thunderstruck by this imperious reproof, she could attempt no further +vindication; but when he observed her consternation, he was somewhat +appeased, and hoping he had now impressed her with a proper sense of his +dignity, he more gently said, "You did not, I believe, intend to insult +me." + +"Good Heaven, Sir; no!" cried Cecilia, "nothing was more distant from +my thoughts: if my expressions have been faulty, it has been wholly from +ignorance." + +"Well, well, we will think then no more of it." + +She then said she would no longer detain him, and, without daring to +again mention her petition, she wished him good morning. + +He suffered her to go, yet, as she left the room, graciously said, +"Think no more of my displeasure, for it is over: I see you were not +aware of the extraordinary thing you proposed. I am sorry I cannot +possibly assist you; on any other occasion you may depend upon my +services; but you know Mr Briggs, you have seen him yourself,--judge, +then, how a man of any fashion is to accommodate himself with such a +person!" + +Cecilia concurred, and, courtsying, took her leave. + +"Ah!" thought she, in her way home, "how happy is it for me that I +followed the advice of Mr Monckton! else I had surely made interest to +become an inmate of that house, and then indeed, as he wisely foresaw, +I should inevitably have been overwhelmed by this pompous insolence! no +family, however amiable, could make amends for such a master of it." + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +AN ADMONITION. + + +The Harrels and Mr Arnott waited the return of Cecilia with the utmost +impatience; she told them with much concern the failure of her embassy, +which Mr Harrel heard with visible resentment and discontent, while Mr +Arnott, entreating him not to think of it, again made an offer of his +services, and declared he would disregard all personal convenience for +the pleasure of making him and his sister easy. + +Cecilia was much mortified that she had not the power to act the same +part, and asked Mr Harrel whether he believed his own influence with Mr +Briggs would be more successful. + +"No, no," answered he, "the old curmudgeon would but the rather refuse. +I know his reason, and therefore am sure all pleas will be vain. He has +dealings in the alley, and I dare say games with your money as if it +were his own. There is, indeed, one way--but I do not think you would +like it--though I protest I hardly know why not--however, 'tis as well +let alone." + +Cecilia insisted upon hearing what he meant, and, after some +hesitation, he hinted that there were means by which, with very little +inconvenience, she might borrow the money. + +Cecilia, with that horror natural to all unpractised minds at the first +idea of contracting a voluntary debt, started at this suggestion, and +seemed very ill disposed to listen to it. Mr Harrel, perceiving her +repugnance, turned to Mr Arnott, and said, "Well, my good brother, I +hardly know how to suffer you to sell out at such a loss, but yet, my +present necessity is so urgent--" + +"Don't mention it," cried Mr Arnott, "I am very sorry I let you know +it; be certain, however, that while I have anything, it is yours and my +sister's." + +The two gentlemen we then retiring together; but Cecilia, shocked for Mr +Arnott, though unmoved by Mr Harrel, stopt them to enquire what was the +way by which it was meant she could borrow the money? + +Mr Harrel seemed averse to answer, but she would not be refused; and +then he mentioned a Jew, of whose honesty he had made undoubted trial, +and who, as she was so near being of age, would accept very trifling +interest for whatever she should like to take up. + +The heart of Cecilia recoiled at the very mention of a _Jew_, and +_taking up money upon interest_; but, impelled strongly by her own +generosity to emulate that of Mr Arnott, she agreed, after some +hesitation, to have recourse to this method. + +Mr Harrel then made some faint denials, and Mr Arnott protested he had +a thousand times rather sell out at any discount, than consent to her +taking such a measure; but, when her first reluctance was conquered, all +that he urged served but to shew his worthiness in a stronger light, and +only increased her desire of saving him from such repeated imposition. + +Her total ignorance in what manner to transact this business, made her +next put it wholly into the hands of Mr Harrel, whom she begged to take +up 600 pounds, upon such terms as he thought equitable, and to which, +what ever they might be, she would sign her name. + +He seemed somewhat surprised at the sum, but without any question or +objection undertook the commission: and Cecilia would not lessen it, +because unwilling to do more for the security of the luxurious Mr +Harrel, than for the distresses of the laborious Hills. + +Nothing could be more speedy than the execution of this affair, Mr +Harrel was diligent and expert, the whole was settled that morning, and, +giving to the Jew her bond for the payment at the interest he required, +she put into the hands of Mr Harrel L350, for which he gave his receipt, +and she kept the rest for her own purposes. + +She intended the morning after this transaction to settle her account +with the bookseller. When she went into the parlour to breakfast, +she was somewhat surprised to see Mr Harrel seated there, in earnest +discourse with his wife. Fearful of interrupting a _tete-a-tete_ so +uncommon, she would have retired, but Mr Harrel, calling after her, +said, "O pray come in! I am only telling Priscilla a piece of my usual +ill luck. You must know I happen to be in immediate want of L200, though +only for three or four days, and I sent to order honest old Aaron to +come hither directly with the money, but it so happens that he went out +of town the moment he had done with us yesterday, and will not be back +again this week. Now I don't believe there is another Jew in the kingdom +who will let me have money upon the same terms; they are such notorious +rascals, that I hate the very thought of employing them." + +Cecilia, who could not but understand what this meant, was too much +displeased both by his extravagance and his indelicacy, to feel at all +inclined to change the destination of the money she had just received; +and therefore coolly agreed that it was unfortunate, but added nothing +more. + +"O, it is provoking indeed," cried he, "for the extra-interest I must +pay one of those extortioners is absolutely so much money thrown away." + +Cecilia, still without noticing these hints, began her breakfast. Mr +Harrel then said he would take his tea with them: and, while he was +buttering some dry toast, exclaimed, as if from sudden recollection, "O +Lord, now I think of it, I believe, Miss Beverley, you can lend me this +money yourself for a day or two. The moment old Aaron comes to town, I +will pay you." + +Cecilia, whose generosity, however extensive, was neither thoughtless +nor indiscriminate, found something so repulsive in this gross +procedure, that instead of assenting to his request with her usual +alacrity, she answered very gravely that the money she had just received +was already appropriated to a particular purpose, and she knew not how +to defer making use of it. + +Mr Harrel was extremely chagrined by this reply, which was by no means +what he expected; but, tossing down a dish of tea, he began humming an +air, and soon recovered his usual unconcern. + +In a few minutes, ringing his bell, he desired a servant to go to Mr +Zackery, and inform him that he wanted to speak with him immediately. + +"And now," said he, with a look in which vexation seemed struggling with +carelessness, "the thing is done! I don't like, indeed, to get into such +hands, for 'tis hard ever to get out of them when once one begins,--and +hitherto I have kept pretty clear. But there's no help for it--Mr +Arnott cannot just now assist me--and so the thing must take its course. +Priscilla, why do you look so grave?" + +"I am thinking how unlucky it is my Brother should happen to be unable +to lend you this money." + +"O, don't think about it; I shall get rid of the man very soon I dare +say--I hope so, at least--I am sure I mean it." + +Cecilia now grew a little disturbed; she looked at Mrs. Harrel, who +seemed also uneasy, and then, with some hesitation, said "Have you +really never, Sir, employed this man before?" + +"Never in my life: never any but old Aaron. I dread the whole race; +I have a sort of superstitious notion that if once I get into their +clutches, I shall never be my own man again; and that induced me to beg +your assistance. However, 'tis no great matter." + +She then began to waver; she feared there might be future mischief +as well as present inconvenience, in his applying to new usurers, and +knowing she had now the power to prevent him, thought herself half cruel +in refusing to exert it. She wished to consult Mr. Monckton, but found +it necessary to take her measures immediately, as the Jew was already +sent for, and must in a few moments be either employed or discarded. + +Much perplext how to act, between a desire of doing good, and a fear +of encouraging evil, she weighed each side hastily, but while still +uncertain which ought to preponderate, her kindness for Mrs. Harrel +interfered, and, in the hope of rescuing her husband from further bad +practices, she said she would postpone her own business for the few days +he mentioned, rather than see him compelled to open any new account with +so dangerous a set of men. + +He thanked her in his usual negligent manner, and accepting the 200 +pounds, gave her his receipt for it, and a promise she should be paid in +a week. + +Mrs. Harrel, however, seemed more grateful, and with many embraces spoke +her sense of this friendly good nature. Cecilia, happy from believing +she had revived in her some spark of sensibility, determined to +avail herself of so favourable a symptom, and enter at once upon the +disagreeable task she had set herself, of representing to her the danger +of her present situation. + +As soon, therefore, as breakfast was done, and Mr Arnott, who came in +before it was over, was gone, with a view to excite her attention by +raising her curiosity, she begged the favour of a private conference in +her own room, upon matters of some importance. + +She began with hoping that the friendship in which they had so long +lived would make her pardon the liberty she was going to take, and which +nothing less than their former intimacy, joined to strong apprehensions +for her future welfare, could authorise; "But oh Priscilla!" she +continued, "with open eyes to see your danger, yet not warn you of +it, would be a reserve treacherous in a friend, and cruel even in a +fellow-creature." + +"What danger?" cried Mrs Harrel, much alarmed, "do you think me ill? do +I look consumptive?" + +"Yes, consumptive indeed!" said Cecilia, "but not, I hope, in your +constitution." + +And then, with all the tenderness in her power, she came to the point, +and conjured her without delay to retrench her expences, and change her +thoughtless way of life for one more considerate and domestic. + +Mrs Harrel, with much simplicity, assured her _she did nothing but +what every body else did_, and that it was quite impossible for her to +_appear in the world_ in any other manner. + +"But how are you to appear hereafter?" cried Cecilia, "if now you live +beyond your income, you must consider that in time your income by such +depredations will be exhausted." + +"But I declare to you," answered Mrs Harrel, "I never run in debt +for more than half a year, for as soon as I receive my own money, I +generally pay it away every shilling: and so borrow what I want till pay +day comes round again." + +"And that," said Cecilia, "seems a method expressly devised for keeping +you eternally comfortless: pardon me, however, for speaking so openly, +but I fear Mr Harrel himself must be even still less attentive and +accurate in his affairs, or he could not so frequently be embarrassed. +And what is to be the result? look but, my dear Priscilla, a little +forward, and you will tremble at the prospect before you!" + +Mrs Harrel seemed frightened at this speech, and begged to know what she +would have them do? + +Cecilia then, with equal wisdom and friendliness, proposed a general +reform in the household, the public and private expences of both; she +advised that a strict examination might be made into the state of their +affairs, that all their bills should be called in, and faithfully paid, +and that an entire new plan of life should be adopted, according to the +situation of their fortune and income when cleared of all incumbrances. + +"Lord, my dear!" exclaimed Mrs Harrel, with a look of astonishment, "why +Mr Harrel would no more do all this than fly! If I was only to make such +a proposal, I dare say he would laugh in my face." + +"And why?" + +"Why?--why because it would seem such an odd thing--it's what nobody +thinks of--though I am sure I am very much obliged to you for mentioning +it. Shall we go down stairs? I think I heard somebody come in. + +"No matter who comes in," said Cecilia, "reflect for a moment upon my +proposal, and, at least, if you disapprove it, suggest something more +eligible." + +"Oh, it's a very good proposal, that I agree," said Mrs Harrel, looking +very weary, "but only the thing is it's quite impossible." + +"Why so? why is it impossible?" + +"Why because--dear, I don't know--but I am sure it is." + +"But what is your reason? What makes you sure of it?" + +"Lord, I can't tell--but I know it is--because--I am very certain it +is." + +Argument such as this, though extremely fatiguing to the understanding +of Cecilia, had yet no power to _blunt her purpose_: she warmly +expostulated against the weakness of her defence, strongly represented +the imprudence of her conduct, and exhorted her by every tie of justice, +honour and discretion to set about a reformation. + +"Why what can I do?" cried Mrs Harrel, impatiently, "one must live a +little like other people. You would not have me stared at, I suppose; +and I am sure I don't know what I do that every body else does not do +too." + +"But were it not better," said Cecilia, with more energy, "to think less +of _other people_, and more of _yourself?_ to consult your own fortune, +and your own situation in life, instead of being blindly guided by those +of _other people_? If, indeed, _other people_ would be responsible for +your losses, for the diminution of your wealth, and for the disorder +of your affairs, then might you rationally make their way of life the +example of yours: but you cannot flatter yourself such will be the case; +you know better; your losses, your diminished fortune, your embarrassed +circumstances will be all your own! pitied, perhaps, by some, but blamed +by more, and assisted by none!" + +"Good Lord, Miss Beverley!" cried Mrs Harrel, starting, "you talk just +as if we were ruined!" + +"I mean not that," replied Cecilia, "but I would fain, by pointing +out your danger, prevail with you to prevent in time so dreadful a +catastrophe." + +Mrs Harrel, more affronted than alarmed, heard this answer with much +displeasure, and after a sullen hesitation, peevishly said, "I must own +I don't take it very kind of you to say such frightful things to me; I +am sure we only live like the rest of the world, and I don't see why a +man of Mr Harrel's fortune should live any worse. As to his having now +and then a little debt or two, it is nothing but what every body else +has. You only think it so odd, because you a'n't used to it: but you are +quite mistaken if you suppose he does not mean to pay, for he told me +this morning that as soon as ever he receives his rents, he intends to +discharge every bill he has in the world." + +"I am very glad to hear it," answered Cecilia, "and I heartily wish he +may have the resolution to adhere to his purpose. I feared you +would think me impertinent, but you do worse in believing me unkind: +friendship and good-will could alone have induced me to hazard what I +have said to you. I must, however, have done; though I cannot forbear +adding that I hope what has already passed will sometimes recur to you." + +They then separated; Mrs Harrel half angry at remonstrances she thought +only censorious, and Cecilia offended at her pettishness and folly, +though grieved at her blindness. + +She was soon, however, recompensed for this vexation by a visit from +Mrs Delvile, who, finding her alone, sat with her some time, and by her +spirit, understanding and elegance, dissipated all her chagrin. + +From another circumstance, also, she received much pleasure, though a +little perplexity; Mr Arnott brought her word that Mr Belfield, almost +quite well, had actually left his lodgings, and was gone into the +country. + +She now half suspected that the account of his illness given her by +young Delvile, was merely the effect of his curiosity to discover her +sentiments of him; yet when she considered how foreign to his character +appeared every species of artifice, she exculpated him from the design, +and concluded that the impatient spirit of Belfield had hurried him +away, when really unfit for travelling. She had no means, however, to +hear more of him now he had quitted the town, and therefore, though +uneasy, she was compelled to be patient. + +In the evening she had again a visit from Mr Monckton, who, though he +was now acquainted how much she was at home, had the forbearance to +avoid making frequent use of that knowledge, that his attendance might +escape observation. + +Cecilia, as usual, spoke to him of all her affairs with the utmost +openness; and as her mind was now chiefly occupied by her apprehensions +for the Harrels, she communicated to him the extravagance of which +they were guilty, and hinted at the distress that from time to time it +occasioned; but the assistance she had afforded them her own delicacy +prevented her mentioning. + +Mr Monckton scrupled not from this account instantly to pronounce Harrel +a _ruined man_; and thinking Cecilia, from her connection with him, +in much danger of being involved in his future difficulties, he most +earnestly exhorted her to suffer no inducement to prevail with her +to advance him any money, confidently affirming she would have little +chance of being ever repaid. + +Cecilia listened to this charge with much alarm, but readily promised +future circumspection. She confessed to him the conference she had +had in the morning with Mrs Harrel, and after lamenting her determined +neglect of her affairs, she added, "I cannot but own that my esteem for +her, even more than my affection, has lessened almost every day since +I have been in her house; but this morning, when I ventured to speak to +her with earnestness, I found her powers of reasoning so weak, and her +infatuation to luxury and expence so strong, that I have ever since felt +ashamed of my own discernment in having formerly selected her for my +friend." + +"When you gave her that title," said Mr Monckton, "you had little choice +in your power; her sweetness and good-nature attracted you; childhood +is never troubled with foresight, and youth is seldom difficult: she +was lively and pleasing, you were generous and affectionate; your +acquaintance with her was formed while you were yet too young to know +your own worth, your fondness of her grew from habit, and before the +inferiority of her parts had weakened your regard, by offending your +judgment, her early marriage separated you from her entirely. But now +you meet again the scene is altered; three years of absence spent in +the cultivation of an understanding naturally of the first order, by +encreasing your wisdom, has made you more fastidious; while the same +time spent by her in mere idleness and shew, has hurt her disposition, +without adding to her knowledge, and robbed her of her natural +excellencies, without enriching her with acquired ones. You see her now +with impartiality, for you see her almost as a stranger, and all those +deficiencies which retirement and inexperience had formerly concealed, +her vanity, and her superficial acquaintance with the world, have now +rendered glaring. But folly weakens all bands: remember, therefore, if +you would form a solid friendship, to consult not only the heart but the +head, not only the temper, but the understanding." + +"Well, then," said Cecilia, "at least it must be confessed I have +judiciously chosen _you_!" + +"You have, indeed, done me the highest honour," he answered. + +They then talked of Belfield, and Mr Monckton confirmed the account +of Mr Arnott, that he had left London in good health. After which, he +enquired if she had seen any thing more of the Delviles? + +"Yes," said Cecilia, "Mrs. Delvile called upon me this morning. She is a +delightful woman; I am sorry you know her not enough to do her justice." + +"Is she civil to you?" + +"Civil? she is all kindness!" + +"Then depend upon it she has something in view: whenever that is not the +case she is all insolence. And Mr Delvile,--pray what do you think of +him?" + +"O, I think him insufferable! and I cannot sufficiently thank you for +that timely caution which prevented my change of habitation. I would not +live under the same roof with him for the world!" + +"Well, and do you not now begin also to see the son properly?" + +"Properly? I don't understand you." + +"Why as the very son of such parents, haughty and impertinent." + +"No, indeed; he has not the smallest resemblance [to] his father, and +if he resembles his mother, it is only what every one must wish who +impartially sees her." + +"You know not that family. But how, indeed, should you, when they are +in a combination to prevent your getting that knowledge? They have all +their designs upon you, and if you are not carefully upon your guard, +you will be the dupe to them." + +"What can you possibly mean?" + +"Nothing but what every body else must immediately see; they have a +great share of pride, and a small one of wealth; you seem by fortune +to be flung in their way, and doubtless they mean not to neglect so +inviting an opportunity of repairing their estates." + +"Indeed you are mistaken; I am certain they have no such intention: on +the contrary, they all even teasingly persist in thinking me already +engaged elsewhere." + +She then gave him a history of their several suspicions. + +"The impertinence of report," she added, "has so much convinced them +that Sir Robert Floyer and Mr Belfield fought merely as rivals, that +I can only clear myself of partiality for one of them, to have it +instantly concluded I feel it for the other. And, far from seeming +hurt that I appear to be disposed of, Mr Delvile openly seconds the +pretensions of Sir Robert, and his son officiously persuades me that I +am already Mr Belfield's." + +"Tricks, nothing but tricks to discover your real situation." + +He then gave her some general cautions to be upon her guard against +their artifices, and changing the subject, talked, for the rest of his +visit, upon matters of general entertainment. + + + + +CHAPTER iv + +AN EVASION. + + +Cecilia now for about a fortnight passed her time without incident; +the Harrels continued their accustomed dissipation, Sir Robert Floyer, +without even seeking a private conference, persevered in his attentions, +and Mr Arnott, though still silent and humble, seemed only to live +by the pleasure of beholding her. She spent two whole days with Mrs +Delvile, both of which served to confirm her admiration of that lady and +of her son; and she joined the parties of the Harrels, or stayed quietly +at home, according to her spirits and inclinations: while she was +visited by Mr Monckton often enough to satisfy him with her proceedings, +yet too seldom to betray either to herself or to the world any suspicion +of his designs. + +Her L200 pounds however, which was to have been returned at the end if +the first week, though a fortnight was now elapsed, had not even been +mentioned; she began to grow very impatient, but not knowing what course +to pursue, and wanting courage to remind Mr Harrel of his promise, she +still waited the performance of it without speaking. + +At this time, preparations were making in the family for removing to +Violet-bank to spend the Easter holidays: but Cecilia, who was too much +grieved at such perpetual encrease of unnecessary expences to have +any enjoyment in new prospects of entertainment, had at present some +business of her own which gave her full employment. + +The poor carpenter, whose family she had taken under her protection, was +just dead, and, as soon as the last duties had been paid him, she sent +for his widow, and after trying to console her for the loss she had +suffered, assured her she was immediately ready to fulfil the engagement +into which she had entered, of assisting her to undertake some better +method of procuring a livelihood; and therefore desired to know in what +manner she could serve her, and what she thought herself able to do. + +The good woman, pouring forth thanks and praises innumerable, answered +that she had a Cousin, who had offered, for a certain premium, to take +her into partnership in a small haberdasher's shop. "But then, madam," +continued she, "it's quite morally impossible I should raise such a +sum, or else, to be sure, such a shop as that, now I am grown so poorly, +would be quite a heaven upon earth to me: for my strength, madam, is +almost all gone away, and when I do any hard work, it's quite a piteous +sight to see me, for I am all in a tremble after it, just as if I had +an ague, and yet all the time my hands, madam, will be burning like a +coal!" + +"You have indeed been overworked," said Cecilia, "and it is high time +your feeble frame should have some rest. What is the sum your cousin +demands?" + +"O madam, more than I should be able to get together in all my life! +for earn what I will, it goes as fast as it cones, because there's many +mouths, and small pay, and two of the little ones that can't help at +all;--and there's no Billy, madam, to work for us now!" + +"But tell me, what is the sum?" + +"Sixty pound, madam." + +"You shall have it!" cried the generous Cecilia, "if the situation will +make you happy, I will give it you myself." + +The poor woman wept her thanks, and was long before she could +sufficiently compose herself to answer the further questions of Cecilia, +who next enquired what could be done with the children? Mrs Hill, +however, hitherto hopeless of such a provision for herself, had for +them formed no plan. She told her, therefore, to go to her cousin, and +consult upon this subject, as well as to make preparations for her own +removal. + +The arrangement of this business now became her favourite occupation. +She went herself to the shop, which was a very small one in Fetter-lane, +and spoke with Mrs Roberts, the cousin; who agreed to take the eldest +girl, now sixteen years of age, by way of helper; but said she had room +for no other: however, upon Cecilia's offering to raise the premium, she +consented that the two little children should also live in the house, +where they might be under the care of their mother and sister. + +There were still two others to be disposed of; but as no immediate +method of providing for them occurred to Cecilia, she determined, for +the present, to place them in some cheap school, where they might be +taught plain work, which could not but prove a useful qualification for +whatever sort of business they might hereafter attempt. + +Her plan was to bestow upon Mrs Hill and her children L100 by way of +putting them all into a decent way of living; and, then, from time to +time, to make them such small presents as their future exigencies or +changes of situation might require. + +Now, therefore, payment from Mr Harrel became immediately necessary, for +she had only L50 of the L600 she had taken up in her own possession, and +her customary allowance was already so appropriated that she could make +from it no considerable deduction. + +There is something in the sight of laborious indigence so affecting and +so respectable, that it renders dissipation peculiarly contemptible, +and doubles the odium of extravagance: every time Cecilia saw this poor +family, her aversion to the conduct and the principles of Mr Harrel +encreased, while her delicacy of shocking or shaming him diminished, and +she soon acquired for them what she had failed to acquire for herself, +the spirit and resolution to claim her debt. + +One morning, therefore, as he was quitting the breakfast room, she +hastily arose, and following, begged to have a moment's discourse with +him. They went together to the library, and after some apologies, and +much hesitation, she told him she fancied he had forgotten the L200 +which she had lent him. + +"The L200," cried he; "O, ay, true!--I protest it had escaped me. Well, +but you don't want it immediately?" + +"Indeed I do, if you can conveniently spare it." + +"O yes, certainly!--without the least doubt!--Though now I think of +it--it's extremely unlucky, but really just at this time--why did not +you put me in mind of it before?" + +"I hoped you would have remembered it yourself." + +"I could have paid you two days ago extremely well--however, you shall +certainly have it very soon, that you may depend upon, and a day or two +can make no great difference to you." + +He then wished her good morning, and left her. + +Cecilia, very much provoked, regretted that she had ever lent it at +all, and determined for the future strictly to follow the advice of Mr. +Monckton in trusting him no more. + +Two or three days passed on, but still no notice was taken either of the +payment or of the debt. She then resolved to renew her application, and +be more serious and more urgent with him; but she found, to her utter +surprise, this was not in her power, and that though she lived under +the same roof with him, she had no opportunity to enforce her claim. Mr. +Harrel, whenever she desired to speak with him, protested he was so +much hurried he had not a moment to spare: and even when, tired of his +excuses, she pursued him out of the room, he only quickened his speed, +smiling, however, and bowing, and calling out "I am vastly sorry, but +I am so late now I cannot stop an instant; however, as soon as I come +back, I shall be wholly at your command." + +When he came back, however, Sir Robert Floyer, or some other gentleman, +was sure to be with him, and the difficulties of obtaining an audience +were sure to be encreased. And by this method, which he constantly +practised, of avoiding any private conversation, he frustrated all her +schemes of remonstrating upon his delay, since her resentment, however +great, could never urge her to the indelicacy of dunning him in presence +of a third person. + +She was now much perplext herself how to put into execution her plans +for the Hills: she knew it would be as vain to apply for money to Mr. +Briggs, as for payment to Mr. Harrel. Her word, however, had been given, +and her word she held sacred: she resolved, therefore, for the present, +to bestow upon them the 50 pounds she still retained, and, if the rest +should be necessary before she became of age, to spare it, however +inconveniently, from her private allowance, which, by the will of her +uncle, was 500 pounds a year, 250 pounds of which Mr Harrel received for +her board and accommodations. + +Having settled this matter in her own mind, she went to the lodging of +Mrs Hill, in order to conclude the affair. She found her and all her +children, except the youngest, hard at work, and their honest industry +so much strengthened her compassion, that her wishes for serving them +grew every instant more liberal. + +Mrs Hill readily undertook to make her cousin accept half the premium +for the present, which would suffice to fix her, with three of her +children, in the shop: Cecilia then went with her to Fetter-lane, +and there, drawing up herself an agreement for their entering into +partnership, she made each of them sign it and take a copy, and kept a +third in her own possession: after which, she gave a promissory note to +Mrs Roberts for the rest of the money. + +She presented Mrs Hill, also, with 10 pounds to clothe them all +decently, and enable her to send two of the children to school; and +assured her that she would herself pay for their board and instruction, +till she should be established in her business, and have power to save +money for that purpose. + +She then put herself into a chair to return home, followed by the +prayers and blessings of the whole family. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +AN ADVENTURE. + + +Never had the heart of Cecilia felt so light, so gay, so glowing as +after the transaction of this affair: her life had never appeared to her +so important, nor her wealth so valuable. To see five helpless children +provided for by herself, rescued from the extremes of penury and +wretchedness, and put in a way to become useful to society, and +comfortable to themselves; to behold their feeble mother, snatched +from the hardship of that labour which, over-powering her strength, +had almost destroyed her existence, now placed in a situation where a +competent maintenance might be earned without fatigue, and the remnant +of her days pass in easy employment--to view such sights, and have power +to say "_These deeds are mine!_" what, to a disposition fraught with +tenderness and benevolence, could give purer self-applause, or more +exquisite satisfaction? + +Such were the pleasures which regaled the reflections of Cecilia when, +in her way home, having got out of her chair to walk through the upper +part of Oxford Street, she was suddenly met by the old gentleman whose +emphatical addresses to her had so much excited her astonishment. + +He was passing quick on, but stopping the moment he perceived her, he +sternly called out "Are you proud? are you callous? are you hard of +heart so soon?" + +"Put me, if you please, to some trial!" cried Cecilia, with the virtuous +courage of a self-acquitting conscience. + +"I already have!" returned he, indignantly, "and already I have found +you faulty!" + +"I am sorry to hear it," said the amazed Cecilia, "but at least I hope +you will tell me in what?" + +"You refused me admittance," he answered, "yet I was your friend, yet +I was willing to prolong the term of your genuine [tranquillity]! I +pointed out to you a method of preserving peace with your own soul; I +came to you in behalf of the poor, and instructed you how to merit their +prayers; you heard me, you were susceptible, you complied! I meant to +have repeated the lesson, to have tuned your whole heart to compassion, +and to have taught you the sad duties of sympathising humanity. For +this purpose I called again, but again I was not admitted! Short was +the period of my absence, yet long enough for the completion of your +downfall!" + +"Good heaven," cried Cecilia, "how dreadful is this language! when +have you called, Sir? I never heard you had been at the house. Far from +refusing you admittance, I wished to see you." + +"Indeed?" cried he, with some softness, "and are you, in truth, not +proud? not callous? not hard of heart? Follow me, then, and visit the +humble and the poor, follow me, and give comfort to the fallen and +dejected!" + +At this invitation, however desirous to do good, Cecilia started; the +strangeness of the inviter, his flightiness, his authoritative manner, +and the uncertainty whither or to whom he might carry her, made her +fearful of proceeding: yet a benevolent curiosity to see as well as +serve the objects of his recommendation, joined to the eagerness of +youthful integrity to clear her own character from the aspersion of +hard-heartedness, soon conquered her irresolution, and making a sign to +her servant to keep near her, she followed as her conductor led. + +He went on silently and solemnly till he came to Swallow-street, then +turning into it, he stopt at a small and mean-looking house, knocked +at the door, and without asking any question of the man who opened it, +beckoned her to come after him, and hastened up some narrow winding +stairs. + +Cecilia again hesitated; but when she recollected that this old man, +though little known, was frequently seen, and though with few people +acquainted, was by many personally recognized, she thought it impossible +he could mean her any injury. She ordered her servant, however, to come +in, and bid him keep walking up and down the stairs till she returned to +him. And then she obeyed the directions of her guide. + +He proceeded till he came to the second floor, then, again beckoning +her to follow him, he opened a door, and entered a small and very meanly +furnished apartment. + +And here, to her infinite astonishment, she perceived, employed in +washing some china, a very lovely young woman, [genteelly] dressed, and +appearing hardly seventeen years of age. + +The moment they came in, with evident marks of confusion, she instantly +gave over her work, hastily putting the basin she was washing upon the +table, and endeavouring to hide the towel with which she was wiping it +behind her chair. + +The old gentleman, advancing to her with quickness, said, "How is he +now? Is he better? will he live?" + +"Heaven forbid he should not!" answered the young woman with emotion, +"but, indeed, he is no better!" + +"Look here," said he, pointing to Cecilia, "I have brought you one who +has power to serve you, and to relieve your distress: one who is rolling +in affluence, a stranger to ill, a novice in the world; unskilled in the +miseries she is yet to endure, unconscious of the depravity into which +she is to sink! receive her benefactions while yet she is untainted, +satisfied that while, she aids you, she is blessing herself!" + +The young woman, blushing and abashed, said, "You are very good to +me, Sir, but there is no occasion--there is no need--I have not any +necessity--I am far from being so very much in want--" + +"Poor, simple soul!" interrupted the old man, "and art thou ashamed of +poverty? Guard, guard thyself from other shames, and the wealthiest may +envy thee! Tell her thy story, plainly, roundly, truly; abate nothing +of thy indigence, repress nothing of her liberality. The Poor not +impoverished by their own Guilt, are Equals of the Affluent, not +enriched by their own Virtue. Come, then, and let me present ye to +each other! young as ye both are, with many years and many sorrows +to encounter, lighten the burthen of each other's cares, by the +heart-soothing exchange of gratitude for beneficence!" + +He then took a hand of each, and joining them between his own, "_You_," +he continued, "who, though rich, are not hardened, and you, who though +poor, are not debased, why should ye not love, why should ye not +cherish each other? The afflictions of life are tedious, its joys are +evanescent; ye are now both young, and, with little to enjoy, will +find much to suffer. Ye are both, too, I believe, innocent--Oh could +ye always remain so!--Cherubs were ye then, and the sons of men might +worship you!" + +He stopt, checked by his own rising emotion; but soon resuming his +usual austerity, "Such, however," he continued, "is not the condition of +humanity; in pity, therefore, to the evils impending over both, be kind +to each other! I leave you together, and to your mutual tenderness I +recommend you!" + +Then, turning particularly to Cecilia, "Disdain not," he said, "to +console the depressed; look upon her without scorn, converse with her +without contempt: like you, she is an orphan, though not like you, an +heiress;--like her, you are fatherless, though not like her friendless! +If she is awaited by the temptations of adversity, you, also, are +surrounded by the corruptions of prosperity. Your fall is most probable, +her's most excusable;--commiserate _her_ therefore now,--by and by she +may commiserate _you_?" + +And with these words he left the room. + +A total silence for some time succeeded his departure: Cecilia found it +difficult to recover from the surprise into which she had been thrown +sufficiently for speech: in following her extraordinary director, +her imagination had painted to her a scene such as she had so lately +quitted, and prepared her to behold some family in distress, some +helpless creature in sickness, or some children in want; but of these +to see none, to meet but one person, and that one fair, young, and +delicate,--an introduction so singular to an object so unthought of, +deprived her of all power but that of shewing her amazement. + +Mean while the young woman looked scarcely less surprised, and +infinitely more embarrassed. She surveyed her apartment with vexation, +and her guest with confusion; she had listened to the exhortation of the +old man with visible uneasiness, and now he was gone, seemed overwhelmed +with shame and chagrin. + +Cecilia, who in observing these emotions felt both her curiosity and her +compassion encrease, pressed her hand as she parted with it, and, when +a little recovered, said, "You must think this a strange intrusion; but +the gentleman who brought me hither is perhaps so well known to you, as +to make his singularities plead with you their own apology." + +"No indeed, madam," she answered, bashfully, "he is very little known +to me; but he is very good, and very desirous to do me service:--not +but what I believe he thinks me much worse off than I really am, for, +I assure you, madam, whatever he has said, I am not ill off at +all--hardly." + +The various doubts to her disadvantage, which had at first, from her +uncommon situation, arisen in the mind of Cecilia, this anxiety to +disguise, not display her distress, considerably removed, since it +cleared her of all suspicion of seeking by artifice and imposition to +play upon her feelings. + +With a gentleness, therefore, the most soothing, she replied, "I should +by no means have broken in upon you thus unexpectedly, if I had not +concluded my conductor had some right to bring me. However, since we are +actually met, let us remember his injunctions, and endeavour not to part +till, by a mutual exchange of good-will, each has added a friend to the +other." + +"You are condescending, indeed, madam," answered the young woman, with +an air the most humble, "looking as you look, to talk of a friend when +you come to such a place as this! up two pair of stairs! no furniture! +no servant! every thing in such disorder!--indeed I wonder at Mr. +Albany! he should not--but he thinks every body's affairs may be made +public, and does not care what he tells, nor who hears him;--he knows +not the pain he gives, nor the mischief he may do." + +"I am very much concerned," cried Cecilia, more and more surprised at +all she heard, "to find I have been thus instrumental to distressing +you. I was ignorant whither I was coming, and followed him, believe me, +neither from curiosity nor inclination, but simply because I knew not +how to refuse him. He is gone, however, and I will therefore relieve you +by going too: but permit me to leave behind me a small testimony that +the intention of my coming was not mere impertinence." + +She then took out her purse; but the young woman, starting back with a +look of resentful mortification, exclaimed, "No, madam! you are +quite mistaken; pray put up your purse; I am no beggar! Mr Albany has +misrepresented me, if he has told you I am." + +Cecilia, mortified in her turn at this unexpected rejection of an offer +she had thought herself invited to make, stood some moments silent; and +then said, "I am far from meaning to offend you, and I sincerely beg +your pardon if I have misunderstood the charge just now given to me." + +"I have nothing to pardon, madam," said she, more calmly, "except, +indeed, to Mr Albany; and to him, 'tis of no use to be angry, for he +minds not what I say! he is very good, but he is very strange, for he +thinks the whole world made to live in common, and that every one who is +poor should ask, and every one who is rich should give: he does not know +that there are many who would rather starve." + +"And are you," said Cecilia, half-smiling, "of that number?" + +"No, indeed, madam! I have not so much greatness of mind. But those +to whom I belong have more fortitude and higher spirit. I wish I could +imitate them!" + +Struck with the candour and simplicity of this speech, Cecilia now felt +a warm desire to serve her, and taking her hand, said, "Forgive me, but +though I see you wish me gone, I know not how to leave you: recollect, +therefore, the charge that has been given to us both, and if you refuse +my assistance one way, point out to me in what other I may offer it." + +"You are very kind, madam," she answered, "and I dare say you are very +good; I am sure you look so, at least. But I want nothing; I do very +well, and I have hopes of doing better. Mr Albany is too impatient. He +knows, indeed, that I am not extremely rich, but he is much to blame if +he supposes me therefore an object of charity, and thinks me so mean as +to receive money from a stranger." + +"I am truly sorry," cried Cecilia, "for the error I have committed, but +you must suffer me to make my peace with you before we part: yet, till +I am better known to you, I am fearful of proposing terms. Perhaps you +will permit me to leave you my direction, and do me the favour to call +upon me yourself?" + +"O no, madam! I have a sick relation whom I cannot leave: and indeed, if +he were well, he would not like to have me make an acquaintance while I +am in this place." + +"I hope you are not his only nurse? I am sure you do not look able to +bear such fatigue. Has he a physician? Is he properly attended?" + +"No, madam; he has no physician, and no attendance at all!" + +"And is it possible that in such a situation you can refuse to be +assisted? Surely you should accept some help for him, if not for +yourself." + +"But what will that signify when, if I do, he will not make use of it? +and when he had a thousand and a thousand times rather die, than let any +one know he is in want?" + +"Take it, then, unknown to him; serve him without acquainting him you +serve him. Surely you would not suffer him to perish without aid?" + +"Heaven forbid! But what can I do? I am under his command, madam, not he +under mine!" + +"Is he your father?--Pardon my question, but your youth seems much to +want such a protector." + +"No, madam, I have no father! I was happier when I had! He is my +brother." + +"And what is his illness?" + +"A fever." + +"A fever, and without a physician! Are you sure, too, it is not +infectious?" + +"O yes, too sure!" + +"Too sure? how so?" + +"Because I know too well the occasion of it!" + +"And what is the occasion?" cried Cecilia, again taking her hand, "pray +trust me; indeed you shall not repent your confidence. Your reserve +hitherto has only raised you in my esteem, but do not carry it so far as +to mortify me by a total rejection of my good offices." + +"Ah madam!" said the young woman, sighing, "you ought to be good, I +am sure, for you will draw all out of me by such kindness as this! the +occasion was a neglected wound, never properly healed." + +"A wound? is he in the army?" + +"No,--he was shot through the side in a duel." + +"In a duel?" exclaimed Cecilia, "pray what is his name?" + +"O that I must not tell you! his name is a great secret now, while he is +in this poor place, for I know he had almost rather never see the light +again than have it known." + +"Surely, surely," cried Cecilia, with much emotion, "he cannot--I hope +he cannot be Mr Belfield?" + +"Ah Heaven!" cried the young woman, screaming, "do you then know him?" + +Here, in mutual astonishment, they looked at each other. + +"You are then," said Cecilia, "the sister of Mr Belfield? And Mr +Belfield is thus sick, his wound is not yet healed,--and he is without +any help!" + +"And who, madam, are _you_?" cried she, "and how is it you know him?" + +"My name is Beverley." + +"Ah!" exclaimed she again, "I fear I have done nothing but mischief! I +know very well who you are now, madam, but if my brother discovers that +I have betrayed him, he will take it very unkind, and perhaps never +forgive me." + +"Be not alarmed," cried Cecilia; "rest assured he shall never know it. +Is he not now in the country?" + +"No, madam, he is now in the very next room." + +"But what is become of the surgeon who used to attend him, and why does +he not still visit him?" + +"It is in vain, now, to hide any thing from you; my brother deceived +him, and said he was going out of town merely to get rid of him." + +"And what could induce him to act so strangely?" + +"A reason which you, madam, I hope, will never know, Poverty!--he would +not run up a bill he could not pay." + +"Good Heaven!--But what can be done for him? He must not be suffered +to linger thus; we must contrive some method of relieving and assisting +him, whether he will consent or not." + +"I fear that will not be possible. One of his friends has already found +him out, and has written him the kindest letter! but he would not answer +it, and would not see him, and was only fretted and angry." + +"Well," said Cecilia, "I will not keep you longer, lest he should be +alarmed by your absence. To-morrow morning, with your leave, I will call +upon you again, and then, I hope, you will permit me to make some effort +to assist you." + +"If it only depended upon me, madam," she answered, "now I have the +honour to know who you are, I believe I should not make much scruple, +for I was not brought up to notions so high as my brother. Ah! happy +had it been for him, for me, for all his family, if he had not had them +neither!" + +Cecilia then repeated her expressions of comfort and kindness, and took +her leave. + +This little adventure gave her infinite concern; all the horror which +the duel had originally occasioned her, again returned; she accused +herself with much bitterness for having brought it on; and finding +that Mr Belfield was so cruelly a sufferer both in his health and his +affairs, she thought it incumbent upon her to relieve him to the utmost +of her ability. + +His sister, too, had extremely interested her; her youth, and the +uncommon artlessness of her conversation, added to her melancholy +situation, and the loveliness of her person, excited in her a desire to +serve, and an inclination to love her; and she determined, if she found +her as deserving as she seemed engaging, not only to assist her at +present, but, if her distresses continued, to received her into her own +house in future. + +Again she regretted the undue detention of her L200. What she now had to +spare was extremely inadequate to what she now wished to bestow, and +she looked forward to the conclusion of her minority with encreasing +eagerness. The generous and elegant plan of life she then intended +to pursue, daily gained ground in her imagination, and credit in her +opinion. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A MAN OF GENIUS. + + +The next morning, as soon as breakfast was over, Cecilia went in a chair +to Swallow-street; she enquired for Miss Belfield, and was told to go up +stairs: but what was her amazement to meet, just coming out of the room +into which she was entering, young Delvile! + +They both started, and Cecilia, from the seeming strangeness of +her situation, felt a confusion with which she had hitherto been +unacquainted. But Delvile, presently recovering from his surprise, said +to her, with an expressive smile, "How good is Miss Beverley thus to +visit the sick! and how much better might I have had the pleasure of +seeing Mr Belfield, had I but, by prescience, known her design, and +deferred my own enquiries till he had been revived by hers!" + +And then, bowing and wishing her good morning, he glided past her. + +Cecilia, notwithstanding the openness and purity of her intentions, was +so much disconcerted by this unexpected meeting, and pointed speech, +that she had not the presence of mind to call him back and clear +herself: and the various interrogatories and railleries which had +already passed between them upon the subject of Mr Belfield, made +her suppose that what he had formerly suspected he would now think +confirmed, and conclude that all her assertions of indifference, +proceeded merely from that readiness at hypocrisy upon particular +subjects, of which he had openly accused her whole Sex. + +This circumstance and this apprehension took from her for a while all +interest in the errand upon which she came; but the benevolence of her +heart soon brought it back, when, upon going into the room, she saw her +new favourite in tears. + +"What is the matter?" cried she, tenderly; "no new affliction I hope has +happened? Your brother is not worse?" + +"No, madam, he is much the same; I was not then crying for him." + +"For what then? tell me, acquaint me with your sorrows, and assure +yourself you tell them to a friend." + +"I was crying, madam, to find so much goodness in the world, when I +thought there was so little! to find I have some chance of being again +happy, when I thought I was miserable for ever! Two whole years have I +spent in nothing but unhappiness, and I thought there was nothing else +to be had; but yesterday, madam, brought me you, with every promise +of nobleness and protection; and to-day, a friend of my brother's has +behaved so generously, that even my brother has listened to him, and +almost consented to be obliged to him!" + +"And have you already known so much sorrow," said Cecilia, "that this +little dawn of prosperity should wholly overpower your spirits? Gentle, +amiable girl! may the future recompense you for the past, and may Mr +Albany's kind wishes be fulfilled in the reciprocation of our comfort +and affection!" + +They then entered into a conversation which the sweetness of Cecilia, +and the gratitude of Miss Belfield, soon rendered interesting, friendly +and unreserved: and in a very short time, whatever was essential in +the story or situation of the latter was fully communicated. She gave, +however, a charge the most earnest, that her brother should never be +acquainted with the confidence she had made. + +Her father, who had been dead only two years, was a linen-draper in the +city; he had six daughters, of whom herself was the youngest, and only +one son. This son, Mr Belfield, was alike the darling of his father, +mother, and sisters: he was brought up at Eton, no expence was spared +in his education, nothing was denied that could make him happy. With +an excellent understanding he had uncommon quickness of parts, and his +progress in his studies was rapid and honourable: his father, though +he always meant him for his successor in his business, heard of his +improvement with rapture, often saying, "My boy will be the ornament of +the city, he will be the best scholar in any shop in London." + +He was soon, however, taught another lesson; when, at the age of +sixteen, he returned home, and was placed in the shop, instead of +applying his talents, as his father had expected, to trade, he both +despised and abhorred the name of it; when serious, treating it with +contempt, when gay, with derision. + +He was seized, also, with a most ardent desire to finish his education, +like those of his school-fellows who left Eton at the same time, at one +of the Universities; and, after many difficulties, this petition, at the +intercession of his mother, was granted, old Mr Belfield telling him +he hoped a little more learning would give him a little more sense, and +that when he became a _finished student_, he would not only know the +true value of business, but understand how to get money, and make a +bargain, better than any man whatsoever within Temple Bar. + +These expectations, equally shortsighted, were also equally fallacious +with the former: the son again returned, and returned, as his father +had hoped, a _finished student_; but, far from being more tractable, +or better disposed for application to trade, his aversion to it now was +more stubborn, and his opposition more hardy than ever. The young men +of fashion with whom he had formed friendships at school, or at the +University, and with whom, from the indulgence of his father, he was +always able to vie in expence, and from the indulgence of Nature to +excel in capacity, earnestly sought the continuance of his acquaintance, +and courted and coveted the pleasure of his conversation: but though he +was now totally disqualified for any other society, he lost all delight +in their favour from the fear they should discover his abode, and +sedulously endeavoured to avoid even occasionally meeting them, lest any +of his family should at the same time approach him: for of his family, +though wealthy, worthy, and independent, he was now so utterly ashamed, +that the mortification the most cruel he could receive, was to be asked +his address, or told he should be visited. + +Tired, at length, of evading the enquiries made by some, and forcing +faint laughs at the detection made by others, he privately took a +lodging at the west end of the town, to which he thence forward directed +all his friends, and where, under various pretences, he contrived to +spend the greatest part of his time. + +In all his expensive deceits and frolics, his mother was his +never-failing confidant and assistant; for when she heard that the +companions of her son were men of fashion, some born to titles, others +destined to high stations, she concluded he was in the certain road +to honour and profit, and frequently distressed herself, without +ever repining, in order to enable him to preserve upon equal terms, +connections which she believed so conducive to his future grandeur. + +In this wild and unsettled manner he passed some time, struggling +incessantly against the authority of his father, privately abetted by +his mother, and constantly aided and admired by his sisters: till, sick +of so desultory a way of life, he entered himself a volunteer in the +army. + +How soon he grew tired of this change has already been related, +[Footnote: Book 1, Chap. II.] as well as his reconciliation with his +father, and his becoming a student at the Temple: for the father now +grew as weary of opposing, as the young man of being opposed. + +Here, for two or three years, he lived in happiness uninterrupted; he +extended his acquaintance among the great, by whom he was no sooner +known than caressed and admired, and he frequently visited his family, +which, though he blushed to own in public, he affectionately loved +in private. His profession, indeed, was but little in his thoughts, +successive engagements occupying almost all his hours. Delighted with +the favour of the world, and charmed to find his presence seemed the +signal for entertainment, he soon forgot the uncertainty of his fortune, +and the inferiority of his rank: the law grew more and more fatiguing, +pleasure became more and more alluring, and, by degrees, he had not a +day unappropriated to some party or amusement; voluntarily consigning +the few leisure moments his gay circle afforded him, to the indulgence +of his fancy in some hasty compositions in verse, which were handed +about in manuscript, and which contributed to keep him in fashion. + +Such was his situation at the death of his father; a new scene was then +opened to him, and for some time he hesitated what course to pursue. + +Old Mr Belfield, though he lived in great affluence, left not behind him +any considerable fortune, after the portions of his daughters, to each +of whom he bequeathed L2000, had been deducted from it. But his stock in +trade was great, and his business was prosperous and lucrative. + +His son, however, did not merely want application and fortitude to +become his successor, but skill and knowledge; his deliberation, +therefore, was hasty, and his resolution improvident; he determined to +continue at the Temple himself, while the shop, which he could by no +means afford to relinquish, should be kept up by another name, and the +business of it be transacted by an agent; hoping thus to secure and +enjoy its emoluments, without either the trouble or the humiliation of +attendance. + +But this scheme, like most others that have their basis in vanity, ended +in nothing but mortification and disappointment: the shop which under +old Mr. Belfield had been flourishing and successful, and enriched +himself and all his family, could now scarce support the expences of +an individual. Without a master, without that diligent attention to +its prosperity which the interest of possession alone can give, and the +authority of a principal alone can enforce, it quickly lost its fame +for the excellence of its goods, and soon after its customers from +the report of its declension. The produce, therefore, diminished every +month; he was surprised, he was provoked; he was convinced he was +cheated, and that his affairs were neglected; but though he threatened +from time to time to enquire into the real state of the business, and +investigate the cause of its decay, he felt himself inadequate to the +task; and now first lamented that early contempt of trade, which by +preventing him acquiring some knowledge of it while he had youth and +opportunity, made him now ignorant what redress to seek, though certain +of imposition and injury. + +But yet, however disturbed by alarming suggestions in his hours of +retirement, no alteration was made in the general course of his life; he +was still the darling of his friends, and the leader in all parties, and +still, though his income was lessened, his expences encreased. + +Such were his circumstances at the time Cecilia first saw him at the +house of Mr. Monckton: from which, two days after her arrival in town, +he was himself summoned, by an information that his agent had suddenly +left the kingdom. + +The fatal consequence of this fraudulent elopement was immediate +bankruptcy. + +His spirits, however, did not yet fail him; as he had never been the +nominal master of the shop, he escaped all dishonour from its ruin, and +was satisfied to consign what remained to the mercy of the creditors, so +that his own name should not appear in the _Gazette_. + +Three of his sisters were already extremely well married to reputable +tradesmen; the two elder of those who were yet single were settled with +two of those who were married, and Henrietta, the youngest, resided +with her mother, who had a comfortable annuity, and a small house at +Padington. + +Bereft thus through vanity and imprudence of all the long labours of his +father, he was now compelled to think seriously of some actual method of +maintenance; since his mother, though willing to sacrifice to him even +the nourishment which sustained her, could do for him but little, and +that little he had too much justice to accept. The law, even to the most +diligent and successful, is extremely slow of profit, and whatever, +from his connections and abilities might be hoped hereafter, at present +required an expence which he was no longer able to support. + +It remained then to try his influence with his friends among the great +and the powerful. + +His canvas proved extremely honourable; every one promised something, +and all seemed delighted to have an opportunity of serving him. + +Pleased with finding the world so much better than report had made it, +he now saw the conclusion of his difficulties in the prospect of a place +at court. + +Belfield, with half the penetration with which he was gifted, would have +seen in any other man the delusive idleness of expectations no better +founded; but though discernment teaches us the folly of others, +experience singly can teach us our own! he flattered himself that his +friends had been more wisely selected than the friends of those who in +similar circumstances had been beguiled, and he suspected not the fraud +of his vanity, till he found his invitations daily slacken, and that his +time was at his own command. + +All his hopes now rested upon one friend and patron, + +Mr Floyer, an uncle of Sir Robert Floyer, a man of power in the royal +household, with whom he had lived in great intimacy, and who at this +period had the disposal of a place which he solicited. The only obstacle +that seemed in his way was from Sir Robert himself, who warmly exerted +his interest in favour of a friend of his own. Mr Floyer, however, +assured Belfield of the preference, and only begged his patience till he +could find some opportunity of appeasing his nephew. + +And this was the state of his affairs at the time of his quarrel at the +Opera-house. Already declared opponents of each other, Sir Robert felt +double wrath that for _him_ Cecilia should reject his civilities; while +Belfield, suspecting he presumed upon his known dependence on his uncle +to affront him, felt also double indignation at the haughtiness of his +behaviour. And thus, slight as seemed to the world the cause of their +contest, each had private motives of animosity that served to stimulate +revenge. + +The very day after this duel, Mr Floyer wrote him word that he was now +obliged in common decency to take the part of his nephew, and therefore +had already given the place to the friend he had recommended. + +This was the termination of his hopes, and the signal of his ruin! To +the pain of his wound he became insensible, from the superior pain of +this unexpected miscarriage; yet his pride still enabled him to disguise +his distress, and to see all the friends whom this accident induced to +seek him, while from the sprightliness he forced in order to conceal +his anguish, he appeared to them more lively and more entertaining than +ever. + +But these efforts, when left to himself and to nature, only sunk him the +deeper in sadness; he found an immediate change in his way of life was +necessary, yet could not brook to make it in sight of those with whom he +had so long lived in all the brilliancy of equality. A high principle +of honour which still, in the midst of his gay career, had remained +uncorrupted, had scrupulously guarded him from running in debt, and +therefore, though of little possessed, that little was strictly his own. +He now published that he was going out of town for the benefit of +purer air, discharged his surgeon, took a gay leave of his friends, and +trusting no one with his secret but his servant, was privately conveyed +to mean and cheap lodgings in Swallow-street. + +Here, shut up from every human being he had formerly known, he purposed +to remain till he grew better, and then again to seek his fortune in the +army. + +His present situation, however, was little calculated to contribute to +his recovery; the dismission of the surgeon, the precipitation of his +removal, the inconveniencies of his lodgings, and the unseasonable +deprivation of long customary indulgencies, were unavoidable delays of +his amendment; while the mortification of his present disgrace, and the +bitterness of his late disappointment, preyed incessantly upon his mind, +robbed him of rest, heightened his fever, and reduced him by degrees to +a state so low and dangerous, that his servant, alarmed for his life, +secretly acquainted his mother with his illness and retreat. + +The mother, almost distracted by this intelligence, instantly, with her +daughter, flew to his lodgings. She wished to have taken him immediately +to her house at Padington, but he had suffered so much from his first +removal, that he would not consent to another. She would then have +called in a physician, but he refused even to see one; and she had too +long given way to all his desires and opinions, to have now the force of +mind for exerting the requisite authority of issuing her orders without +consulting him. + +She begged, she pleaded, indeed, and Henrietta joined in her entreaties; +but sickness and vexation had not rendered him tame, though they had +made him sullen: he resisted their prayers, and commonly silenced them +by assurances that their opposition to the plan he had determined to +pursue, only inflamed his fever, and retarded his recovery. + +The motive of an obduracy so cruel to his friends was the fear of a +detection which he thought not merely prejudicial to his affairs, but +dishonourable to his character: for, without betraying any symptom of +his distress, he had taken a general leave of his acquaintance upon +pretence of going out of town, and he could ill endure to make a +discovery which would at once proclaim his degradation and his deceit. + +Mr. Albany had accidentally broken in upon him, by mistaking his room +for that of another sick person in the same house, to whom his visit had +been intended; but as he knew and reverenced that old gentleman, he did +not much repine at his intrusion. + +He was not so easy when the same discovery was made by young Delvile, +who, chancing to meet his servant in the street, enquired concerning his +master's health, and surprising from him its real state, followed him +home; where, soon certain of the change in his affairs by the change of +his habitation, he wrote him a letter, in which, after apologizing for +his freedom, he warmly declared that nothing could make him so happy +as being favoured with his commands, if, either through himself or his +friends, he could be so fortunate as to do him any service. + +Belfield, deeply mortified at this detection of his situation, returned +only a verbal answer of cold thanks, and desired he would not speak of +his being in town, as he was not well enough to be seen. + +This reply gave almost equal mortification to young Delvile, who +continued, however, to call at the door with enquiries how he went on, +though he made no further attempt to see him. + +Belfield, softened at length by the kindness of this conduct, determined +to admit him; and he was just come from paying his first visit, when he +was met by Cecilia upon the stairs. + +His stay with him had been short, and he had taken no notice either of +his change of abode, or his pretence of going into the country; he had +talked to him only in general terms, and upon general subjects, till he +arose to depart, and then he re-urged his offers of service with so +much openness and warmth, that Belfield, affected by his earnestness, +promised he would soon see him again, and intimated to his delighted +mother and sister, that he would frankly consult with him upon his +affairs. + +Such was the tale which, with various minuter circumstances, Miss +Belfield communicated to Cecilia. "My mother," she added, "who never +quits him, knows that you are here, madam, for she heard me talking with +somebody yesterday, and she made me tell her all that had passed, and +that you said you would come again this morning." + +Cecilia returned many acknowledgments for this artless and unreserved +communication, but could not, when it was over, forbear enquiring by +what early misery she had already, though so very young, spent _two +years in nothing but unhappiness_? + +"Because," she answered, "when my poor father died all our family +separated, and I left every body to go and live with my mother at +Padington; and I was never a favourite with my mother--no more, indeed, +was any body but my brother, for she thinks all the rest of the world +only made for his sake. So she used to deny both herself and me almost +common necessaries, in order to save up money to make him presents: +though, if he had known how it was done, he would only have been angry +instead of taking them. However, I should have regarded nothing that had +but been for his benefit, for I loved him a great deal more than my +own convenience; but sums that would distress us for months to save up, +would by him be spent in a day, and then thought of no more! Nor was +that all--O no! I had much greater uneasiness to suffer; for I was +informed by one of my brothers-in-law how ill every thing went, and that +certain ruin would come to my poor brother from the treachery of his +agent; and the thought of this was always preying upon my mind, for +I did not dare tell it my mother, for fear it should put her out of +humour, for, sometimes, she is not very patient; and it mattered little +what any of us said to my brother, for he was too gay and too confident +to believe his danger." + +"Well but," said Cecilia, "I hope, now, all will go better; if your +brother will consent to see a physician--" + +"Ah, madam! that is the thing I fear he never will do, because of being +seen in these bad lodgings. I would kneel whole days to prevail with +him, but he is unused to controul, and knows not how to submit to it; +and he has lived so long among the great, that he forgets he was not +born as high as themselves. Oh that he had never quitted his own +family! If he had not been spoilt by ambition, he had the best heart and +sweetest disposition in the world. But living always with his superiors, +taught him to disdain his own relations, and be ashamed of us all; and +yet now, in the hour of his distress--who else comes to help him?" + +Cecilia then enquired if she wanted not assistance for herself and her +mother, observing that they did not seem to have all the conveniencies +to which they were entitled. + +"Why indeed, madam," she replied, with an ingenuous smile, "when you +first came here I was a little like my brother, for I was sadly ashamed +to let you see how ill we lived! but now you know the worst, so I shall +fret about it no more." + +"But this cannot be your usual way of life; I fear the misfortunes of Mr +Belfield have spread a ruin wider than his own." + +"No indeed; he took care from the first not to involve us in his +hazards, for he is very generous, madam, and very noble in all his +notions, and could behave to us all no better about money matters than +he has ever done. But from the moment we came to this dismal place, +and saw his distress, and that he was sunk so low who used always to be +higher than any of us, we had a sad scene indeed! My poor mother, whose +whole delight was to think that he lived like a nobleman, and who always +flattered herself that he would rise to be as great as the company he +kept, was so distracted with her disappointment, that she would not +listen to reason, but immediately discharged both our servants, said she +and I should do all the work ourselves, hired this poor room for us to +live in, and sent to order a bill to be put upon her house at Padington, +for she said she would never return to it any more." + +"But are you, then," cried Cecilia, "without any servant?" + +"We have my brother's man, madam, and so he lights our fires, and takes +away some of our litters; and there is not much else to be done, except +sweeping the rooms, for we eat nothing but cold meat from the cook +shops." + +"And how long is this to last?" + +"Indeed I cannot tell; for the real truth is, my poor mother has +almost lost her senses; and ever since our coming here, she has been so +miserable and so complaining, that indeed, between her and my brother, +I have almost lost mine too! For when she found all her hopes at an +end, and that her darling son, instead of being rich and powerful, and +surrounded by friends and admirers, all trying who should do the most +for him, was shut up by himself in this poor little lodging, and +instead of gaining more, had spent all he was worth at first, with not +a creature to come near him, though ill, though confined, though keeping +his bed!--Oh madam, had you seen my poor mother when she first cast her +eyes upon him in that condition!--indeed you could never have forgotten +it!" + +"I wonder not at her disappointment," cried Cecilia; "with expectations +so sanguine, and a son of so much merit, it might well indeed be +bitter." + +"Yes, and besides the disappointment, she is now continually reproaching +herself for always complying with his humours, and assisting him to +appear better than the rest of his family, though my father never +approved her doing so. But she thought herself so sure of his rising, +that she believed we should all thank her for it in the end. And she +always used to say that he was born to be a gentleman, and what a +grievous thing it would be to have him made a tradesman." + +"I hope, at least, she has not the additional misery of seeing him +ungrateful for her fondness, however injudicious it may have been?" + +"O no! he does nothing but comfort and cheer her! and indeed it is +very good of him, for he has owned to me in private, that but for her +encouragement, he could not have run the course he has run, for he +should have been obliged to enter into business, whether he had liked it +or not. But my poor mother knows this, though he will not tell it her, +and therefore she says that unless he gets well, she will punish herself +all the rest of her life, and never go back to her house, and never hire +another servant, and never eat any thing but bread, nor drink any thing +but water!" + +"Poor unhappy woman!" cried Cecilia, "how dearly does she pay for her +imprudent and short-sighted indulgence! but surely you are not also to +suffer in the same manner?" + +"No, madam, not by her fault, for she wants me to go and live with one +of my sisters: but I would not quit her for the world; I should think +myself wicked indeed to leave her now. Besides, I don't at all repine at +the little hardships I go through at present, because my poor brother is +in so much distress, that all we save may be really turned to account; +but when we lived so hardly only to procure him luxuries he had no right +to, I must own I used often to think it unfair, and if I had not loved +him dearly, I should not have borne it so well, perhaps, as I ought." + +Cecilia now began to think it high time to release her new acquaintance +by quitting her, though she felt herself so much interested in her +affairs, that every word she spoke gave her a desire to lengthen the +conversation. She ardently wished to make her some present, but was +restrained by the fear of offending, or of being again refused; she had, +however, devised a private scheme for serving her more effectually than +by the donation of a few guineas, and therefore, after earnestly begging +to hear from her if she could possibly be of any use, she told her that +she should not find her confidence misplaced, and promising again to see +her soon, reluctantly departed. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +AN EXPEDIENT. + + +The scheme now projected by Cecilia, was to acquaint the surgeon who had +already attended Mr. Belfield with his present situation and address, +and to desire him to continue his visits, for the payment of which she +would herself be accountable. + +The raillery of young Delvile, however, had taught her to fear the +constructions of the world, and she therefore purposed to keep both the +surgeon and Mr Belfield ignorant to whom they were indebted. She was +aware, indeed, that whatever might be her management, that high-spirited +and unfortunate young man would be extremely hurt to find himself thus +detected and pursued; but she thought his life too well worth preserving +to let it be sacrificed to his pride, and her internal conviction of +being herself the immediate cause of its present danger, gave to her an +anxious and restless desire to be herself the means of extricating him +from it. + +Rupil, the name of the surgeon, she had already heard mentioned by Mr. +Arnott, and in getting into her chair, she ordered Ralph, her man, to +enquire where he lived. + +"I know already where he lives, madam," answered Ralph, "for I saw his +name over a door in Cavendish-street, Oxford-road; I took particular +notice of it, because it was at the house where you stood up that day +on account of the mob that was waiting to see the malefactors go to +Tyburn." + +This answer unravelled to Cecilia a mystery which had long perplext +her; for the speeches of young Delvile when he had surprised her in +that situation were now fully explained. In seeing her come out of the +surgeon's house, he had naturally concluded she had only entered it +to ask news of his patient, Mr. Belfield; her protestations of merely +standing up to avoid the crowd, he had only laughed at; and his hints +at her reserve and dissimulation, were meant but to reproach her for +refusing his offer of procuring her intelligence, at the very time when, +to all appearance, she anxiously, though clandestinely, sought it for +herself. + +This discovery, notwithstanding it relieved her from all suspense of his +meaning, gave her much vexation: to be supposed to take an interest +so ardent, yet so private, in the affairs of Mr Belfield, might well +authorise all suspicions of her partiality for him: and even if any +doubt had yet remained, the unlucky meeting upon the stairs at his +lodgings, would not fail to dispel it, and confirm the notion of her +secret regard. She hoped, however, to have soon some opportunity of +clearing up the mistake, and resolved in the mean time to be studiously +cautious in avoiding all appearances that might strengthen it. + +No caution, however, and no apprehension, could intimidate her active +humanity from putting into immediate execution a plan in which she +feared any delay might be fatal; and therefore the moment she got home, +she wrote the following note to the surgeon. + + +_"To------Rupil, Esq._ + +_"March 27, 1779_. + +"A friend of Mr Belfield begs Mr Rupil will immediately call upon that +gentleman, who is in lodgings about the middle of Swallow-street, and +insist upon visiting him till he is perfectly recovered. Mr Rupil +is entreated not to make known this request, nor to receive from Mr +Belfield any return for his attendance; but to attribute the discovery +of his residence to accident, and to rest assured he shall be amply +recompensed for his time and trouble by the friend who makes this +application, and who is willing to give any security that Mr Rupil shall +think proper to mention, for the performance of this engagement." + +Her next difficulty was in what manner to have this note conveyed; to +send her own servant was inevitably betraying herself, to employ any +other was risking a confidence that might be still more dangerous, +and she could not trust to the penny-post, as her proposal required +an answer. After much deliberation, she at length determined to have +recourse to Mrs Hill, to whose services she was entitled, and upon whose +fidelity she could rely. + +The morning was already far advanced, but the Harrels dined late, and +she would not lose a day where even an hour might be of importance. She +went therefore immediately to Mrs. Hill, whom she found already removed +into her new habitation in Fetter-lane, and equally busy and happy in +the change of scene and of employment. She gave to her the note, which +she desired her to carry to Cavendish-street directly, and either to +deliver it into Mr. Rupil's own hands, or to bring it back if he was +out; but upon no consideration to make known whence or from whom it +came. + +She then went into the back part of the shop, which by Mrs. Roberts +was called the parlour, and amused herself during the absence of her +messenger, by playing with the children. + +Mrs. Hill at her return said she had found Mr. Rupil at home, and as +she refused to give the letter to the servant, she had been taken into +a room where he was talking with a gentleman, to whom, as soon as he had +read it, he said with a laugh, "Why here's another person with the same +proposal as yours! however, I shall treat you both alike." And then +he wrote an answer, which he sealed up, and bid her take care of. This +answer was as follows: + +"Mr. Rupil will certainly attend Mr. Belfield, whose friends may be +satisfied he will do all in his power to recover him, without receiving +any recompense but the pleasure of serving a gentleman who is so much +beloved." + +Cecilia, charmed at this unhoped for success, was making further +enquiries into what had passed, when Mrs Hill, in a low voice, said, +"There's the gentleman, madam, who was with Mr. Rupil when I gave him +the letter. I had a notion he was dodging me all the way I came, for I +saw him just behind me, turn which way I would." + +Cecilia then looked--and perceived young Delvile! who, after stopping +a moment at the door, came into the shop, and desired to be shewn some +gloves, which, among other things, were laid in the window. + +Extremely disconcerted at the sight of him, she began now almost to +fancy there was some fatality attending her acquaintance with him, since +she was always sure of meeting, when she had any reason to wish avoiding +him. + +As soon as he saw he was observed by her, he bowed with the utmost +respect: she coloured in returning the salutation, and prepared, with no +little vexation, for another attack, and further [raillery], similar to +what she had already received from him: but, as soon as he had made his +purchase, he bowed to her again, and, without speaking, left the shop. + +A silence so unexpected at once astonished and disturbed her; she +again desired to hear all that had passed at Mr. Rupil's, and from the +relation gathered that Delvile had himself undertaken to be responsible +for his attendance upon Mr. Belfield. + +A liberality so like her own failed not to impress her with the most +lively esteem: but this served rather to augment than lessen the pain +with which she considered the clandestine appearance she thus repeatedly +made to him. She had no doubt he had immediately concluded she was +author of the application to the surgeon, and that he followed her +messenger merely to ascertain the fact; while his silence when he had +made the discovery, she could only attribute to his now believing that +her regard for Mr Belfield was too serious for raillery. + +Doubly, however, she rejoiced at the generosity of Mr Rupil, as it +rendered wholly unnecessary her further interference: for she now saw +with some alarm the danger to which benevolence itself, directed towards +a youthful object, might expose her. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +A REMONSTRANCE. + + +Cecilia returned home so late, that she was summoned to the dining +parlour the moment she entered the house. Her morning dress, and her +long absence, excited much curiosity in Mrs Harrel, which a quick +succession of questions evasively answered soon made general; and Sir +Robert Floyer, turning to her with a look of surprise, said, "If you +have such freaks as these, Miss Beverley, I must begin to enquire a +little more into your proceedings." + +"That, Sir," said Cecilia, very coldly, "would ill repay your trouble." + +"When we get her to Violet Bank," cried Mr Harrel, "we shall be able to +keep a better watch over her." + +"I hope so," answered Sir Robert; "though faith she has been so demure, +that I never supposed she did any thing but read sermons. However, I +find there's no going upon trust with women, any more than with money." + +"Ay, Sir Robert," cried Mrs Harrel, "you know I always advised you not +to be quite so easy, and I am sure I really think you deserve a little +severity, for not being more afraid." + +"Afraid of what, madam?" cried the baronet; "of a young lady's walking +out without me? Do you think I wish to be any restraint upon Miss +Beverley's time in a morning, while I have the happiness of waiting upon +her every afternoon?" + +Cecilia was thunderstruck by this speech, which not only expressed an +open avowal of his pretensions, but a confident security of his success. +She was shocked that a man of such principles should even for a moment +presume upon her favour, and irritated at the stubbornness of Mr. Harrel +in not acquainting him with her refusal. + +His intimation of coming to the house for _the happiness of waiting upon +her_, made her determine, without losing a moment, to seek herself an +explanation with him: while the discovery that he was included in +the Easter party, which various other concomitant causes had already +rendered disagreeable to her, made her look forward to that purposed +expedition with nothing but unwillingness and distaste. + +But though her earnestness to conclude this affair made her now put +herself voluntarily in the way of the baronet, she found her plan always +counteracted by Mr. Harrel, who, with an officiousness too obvious to +pass for chance, constantly stopt the progress of any discourse in which +he did not himself bear a part. A more passionate admirer might not have +been so easily defeated; but Sir Robert, too proud for solicitation, +and too indolent for assiduity, was very soon checked, because very soon +wearied. + +The whole evening, therefore, to her infinite mortification, passed +away without affording her any opportunity of making known to him his +mistake. + +Her next effort was to remonstrate with Mr. Harrel himself; but this +scheme was not more easy of execution than the other, since Mr. Harrel, +suspecting she meant again to dun him for her money, avoided all +separate conversation with her so skilfully, that she could not find a +moment to make him hear her. + +She then resolved to apply to his lady; but here her success was not +better: Mrs. Harrel, dreading another lecture upon economy, peevishly +answered to her request of a conference, that she was not very well, and +could not talk gravely. + +Cecilia, justly offended with them all, had now no resource but in Mr. +Monckton, whose counsel for effectually dismissing the baronet, she +determined to solicit by the first opportunity. + +The moment, therefore, that she next saw him, she acquainted him with +the speeches of Sir Robert and the behaviour of Mr. Harrel. + +There needed no rhetoric to point out to Mr. Monckton the danger +of suffering such expectations, or the impropriety of her present +situation: he was struck with both in a manner the most forcible, and +spared not for warmth of expression to alarm her delicacy, or add to her +displeasure. But chiefly he was exasperated against Mr. Harrel, assuring +her there could be no doubt but that he had some particular interest in +so strenuously and artfully supporting the pretensions of Sir Robert. +Cecilia endeavoured to refute this opinion, which she regarded as +proceeding rather from prejudice than justice; but when she mentioned +that the baronet was invited to spent the Easter holidays at +Violet-Bank, he represented with such energy the consequent +constructions of the world, as well as the unavoidable encouragement +such intimacy would imply, that he terrified her into an earnest +entreaty to suggest to her some way of deliverance. + +"There is only one;" answered he, "you must peremptorily refuse to go to +Violet Bank yourself. If, after what has passed, you are included in the +same party with Sir Robert, you give a sanction yourself to the reports +already circulated of your engagements with him and the effect of such +a sanction will be more serious than you can easily imagine, since the +knowledge that a connection is believed in the world, frequently, if not +generally, leads by imperceptible degrees to its real ratification." + +Cecilia, with the utmost alacrity, promised implicitly to follow his +advice, whatever might be the opposition of Mr Harrel. He quitted her, +therefore, with unusual satisfaction, happy in his power over her mind, +and anticipating with secret rapture the felicity he had in reserve from +visiting her during the absence of the family. + +As no private interview was necessary for making known her intention of +giving up the Easter party, which was to take place in two days' time, +she mentioned next morning her design of spending the holidays in town, +when Mr Harrel sauntered into the breakfast room to give some commission +to his lady. + +At first he only laughed at her plan, gaily rallying her upon her love +of solitude; but when he found it was serious, he very warmly opposed +it, and called upon Mrs Harrel to join in his expostulations. That lady +complied, but in so faint a manner, that Cecilia soon saw she did not +wish to prevail; and with a concern, that cost her infinite pain, now +finally perceived that not only all her former affection was subsided +into indifference, but that, since she had endeavoured to abridge her +amusements, she regarded her as a spy, and dreaded her as the censor of +her conduct. + +Mean while Mr Arnott, who was present, though he interfered not in the +debate, waited the event with anxiety; naturally hoping her objections +arose from her dislike of Sir Robert, and secretly resolving to +be guided himself by her motions. Cecilia at length, tired of the +importunities of Mr Harrel, gravely said, that if he desired to hear +the reasons which obliged her to refuse his request, she was ready to +communicate them. + +Mr Harrel, after a little hesitation, accompanied her into another room. + +She then declared her resolution not to live under the same roof with +Sir Robert, and very openly expressed her vexation and displeasure, that +he so evidently persisted in giving that gentleman encouragement. + +"My dear Miss Beverley," answered he, carelessly, "when young ladies +will not know their own minds, it is necessary some friend should tell +it them: you were certainly very favourable to Sir Robert but a short +time ago, and so, I dare say, you will be again, when you have seen more +of him." + +"You amaze me, Sir!" cried Cecilia: "when was I favourable to him? Has +he not always and regularly been my aversion?" + +"I fancy," answered Mr Harrel, laughing, "you will not easily persuade +him to think so; your behaviour at the Opera-house was ill calculated to +give him that notion." + +"My behaviour at the Opera-house, Sir, I have already explained to you; +and if Sir Robert himself has any doubts, either from that circumstance +or from any other, pardon me if I say they can only be attributed to +your unwillingness to remove them. I entreat you, therefore, to +trifle with him no longer, nor to subject me again to the freedom of +implications extremely disagreeable to me." + +"O fie, fie, Miss Beverley! after all that has passed, after his long +expectations, and his constant attendance, you cannot for a moment think +seriously of discarding him." + +Cecilia, equally surprised and provoked by this speech, could not for +a moment tell how to answer it; and Mr Harrel, wilfully misinterpreting +her silence, took her hand, and said, "Come, I am sure you have too +much, honour to make a fool of such a man as Sir Robert Floyer. There +is not a woman in town who will not envy your choice, and I assure you +there is not a man in England I would so soon recommend to you." + +He would then have hurried her back to the next room; but, drawing away +her hand with undisguised resentment, "No, Sir," she cried, "this +must not pass! my positive rejection of Sir Robert the instant you +communicated to me his proposals, you can neither have forgotten nor +mistaken: and you must not wonder if I acknowledge myself extremely +disobliged by your unaccountable perseverance in refusing to receive my +answer." + +"Young ladies who have been brought up in the country," returned Mr +Harrel, with his usual negligence, "are always so high flown in their +notions, it is difficult to deal with them; but as I am much better +acquainted with the world than you can be, you must give me leave to +tell you, that if, after all, you refuse Sir Robert, it will be using +him very ill." + +"Why will you say so, Sir?" cried Cecilia, "when it is utterly +impossible you can have formed so preposterous an opinion. Pray hear me, +however, finally, and pray tell Sir Robert--" + +"No, no," interrupted he, with affected gaiety, "you shall manage it all +your own way; I will have nothing to do with the quarrels of lovers." + +And then, with a pretended laugh, he hastily left her. + +Cecilia was so much incensed by this impracticable behaviour, that +instead of returning to the family, she went directly to her own room. +It was easy for her to see that Mr Harrel was bent upon using every +method he could devise, to entangle her into some engagement with Sir +Robert, and though she could not imagine the meaning of such a +scheme, the littleness of his behaviour excited her contempt, and the +long-continued error of the baronet gave her the utmost uneasiness. She +again determined to seek an explanation with him herself, and immovably +to refuse joining the party to Violet Bank. + +The following day, while the ladies and Mr Arnott were at breakfast, Mr +Harrel came into the room to enquire if they should all be ready to +set off for his villa by ten o'clock the next day. Mrs Harrel and her +brother answered in the affirmative; but Cecilia was silent, and he +turned to her and repeated his question. + +"Do you think me so capricious, Sir," said she, "that after telling you +but yesterday I could not be of your party, I shall tell you to-day that +I can?" + +"Why you do not really mean to remain in town by yourself?" replied he, +"you cannot suppose that will be an eligible plan for a young lady. On +the contrary, it will be so very improper, that I think myself, as your +Guardian, obliged to oppose it." + +Amazed at this authoritative speech, Cecilia looked at him with a +mixture of mortification and anger; but knowing it would be vain to +resist his power if he was resolute to exert it, she made not any +answer. + +"Besides," he continued, "I have a plan for some alterations in the +house during my absence; and I think your room, in particular, will be +much improved by them: but it will be impossible to employ any workmen, +if we do not all quit the premises." + +This determined persecution now seriously alarmed her; she saw that Mr +Harrel would omit no expedient or stratagem to encourage the addresses +of Sir Robert, and force her into his presence; and she began next to +apprehend that her connivance in his conduct might be presumed upon by +that gentleman: she resolved, therefore, as the last and only effort in +her power for avoiding him, to endeavour to find an accommodation at the +house of Mrs Delvile, during the excursion to Violet Bank: and if, when +she returned to Portman-square, the baronet still persevered in his +attendance, to entreat her friend Mr Monckton would take upon himself +the charge of undeceiving him. + + + + +CHAPTER ix + +A VICTORY. + + +As not a moment was now to be lost, Cecilia had no sooner suggested +this scheme, than she hastened to St James's-Square, to try its +practicability. + +She found Mrs Delvile alone, and still at breakfast. + +After the first compliments were over, while she was considering in +what manner to introduce her proposal, Mrs Delvile herself led to the +subject, by saying, "I am very sorry to hear we are so soon to lose you; +but I hope Mr Harrel does not intend to make any long stay at his villa; +for if he does, I shall be half tempted to come and run away with you +from him." + +"And that," said Cecilia, delighted with this opening, "would be an +honour I am _more_ than half tempted to desire." + +"Why indeed your leaving London at this time," continued Mrs Delvile, +"is, for me, particularly unfortunate, as, if I could now be favoured +with your visits, I should doubly value them; for Mr Delvile is gone +to spend the holidays at the Duke of Derwent's, whither I was not well +enough to accompany him; my son has his own engagements, and there +are so few people I can bear to see, that I shall live almost entirely +alone." + +"If I," cried Cecilia, "in such a situation might hope to be admitted, +how gladly for that happiness would I exchange my expedition to Violet +Bank!" + +"You are very good, and very amiable," said Mrs Devile, "and your +society would, indeed, give me infinite satisfaction. Yet I am no enemy +to solitude; on the contrary, company is commonly burthensome to me; I +find few who have any power to give me entertainment, and even of those +few, the chief part have in their manners, situation, or characters, +an unfortunate something, that generally renders a near connection with +them inconvenient or disagreeable. There are, indeed, so many drawbacks +to regard and intimacy, from pride, from propriety, and various other +collateral causes, that rarely as we meet with people of brilliant +parts, there is almost ever some objection to our desire of meeting them +again. Yet to live wholly alone is chearless and depressing; and with +you, at least," taking Cecilia's hand, "I find not one single obstacle +to oppose to a thousand inducements, which invite me to form a +friendship that I can only hope may be as lasting, as I am sure it will +be pleasant." + +Cecilia expressed her sense of this partiality in the warmest terms; +and Mrs Delvile, soon discovering by her manner that she took not any +delight in her intended visit to Violet Bank, began next to question her +whether it would be possible for her to give it up. + +She instantly answered in the affirmative. + +"And would you really be so obliging," cried Mrs Delvile, with some +surprise, "as to bestow upon me the time you had destined for this gay +excursion?" + +"Most willingly," answered Cecilia, "if you are so good as to wish it." + +"But can you also--for you must by no means remain alone in Portman +Square--manage to live entirely in my house till Mr Harrel's return?" + +To this proposal, which was what she most desired, Cecilia gave a glad +assent; and Mrs Delvile, extremely pleased with her compliance, promised +to have an apartment prepared for her immediately. + +She then hastened home, to announce her new plan. + +This she took occasion to do when the family was assembled at dinner. +The surprize with which she was heard was very general: Sir Robert +seemed at a loss what conclusion to draw from her information; Mr Arnott +was half elated with pleasure, and half depressed with apprehension; Mrs +Harrel wondered, without any other sensation; and Mr Harrel himself was +evidently the most concerned of the party. + +Every effort of persuasion and importunity he now essayed to prevail +upon her to give up this scheme, and still accompany them to the +villa; but she coolly answered that her engagement with Mrs Delvile was +decided, and she had appointed to wait upon her the next morning. + +When her resolution was found so steady, a general ill humour took place +of surprise: Sir Robert now had the air of a man who thought himself +affronted; Mr Arnott was wretched from a thousand uncertainties; Mrs +Harrel, indeed, was still the most indifferent; but Mr Harrel could +hardly repress his disappointment and anger. + +Cecilia, however, was all gaiety and pleasure: in removing only from the +house of one guardian to another, she knew she could not be opposed; +and the flattering readiness with which Mrs Delvile had anticipated her +request, without enquiring into her motives, had relieved her from a +situation which now grew extremely distressing, without giving to her +the pain of making complaints of Mr Harrel. The absence of Mr Delvile +contributed to her happiness, and she much rejoiced in having now the +prospect of a speedy opportunity to explain to his son, whatever had +appeared mysterious in her conduct respecting Mr Belfield. If she had +any thing to regret, it was merely the impossibility, at this time, of +waiting for the counsel of Mr Monckton. + +The next morning, while the family was in the midst of preparation for +departure, she took leave of Mrs Harrel, who faintly lamented the loss +of her company, and then hastily made her compliments to Mr Harrel and +Mr Arnott, and putting herself into a chair, was conveyed to her new +habitation. + +Mrs Delvile received her with the most distinguished politeness; she +conducted her to the apartment which had been prepared for her, led her +to the library, which she desired her to make use of as her own, and +gave her the most obliging charges to remember that she was in a house +of which she had the command. + +Young Delvile did not make his appearance till dinner time. Cecilia, +from recollecting the strange situations in which she had lately been +seen by him, blushed extremely when she first met his eyes; but finding +him gay and easy, general in his conversation, and undesigning in his +looks, she soon recovered from her embarrassment, and passed the rest of +the day without restraint or uneasiness. + +Every hour she spent with Mrs Delvile, contributed to raise in her +esteem the mind and understanding of that lady. She found, indeed, that +it was not for nothing she was accused of pride, but she found at the +same time so many excellent qualities, so much true dignity of mind, and +so noble a spirit of liberality, that however great was the respect she +seemed to demand, it was always inferior to what she felt inclined to +pay. + +Nor was young Delvile less rapid in the progress he made in her favour; +his character, upon every opportunity of shewing it, rose in her +opinion, and his disposition and manners had a mingled sweetness and +vivacity that rendered his society attractive, and his conversation +spirited. + +Here, therefore, Cecilia experienced that happiness she so long had +coveted in vain: her life was neither public nor private, her amusements +were neither dissipated nor retired; the company she saw were either +people of high rank or strong parts, and their visits were neither +frequent nor long. The situation she quitted gave a zest to that into +which she entered, for she was now no longer shocked by extravagance +or levity, no longer tormented with addresses which disgusted her, nor +mortified by the ingratitude of the friend she had endeavoured to serve. +All was smooth and serene, yet lively and interesting. + +Her plan, however, of clearing to young Delvile his mistakes concerning +Belfield, she could not put in execution; for he now never led to the +subject, though he was frequently alone with her, nor seemed at all +desirous to renew his former raillery, or repeat his enquiries. She +wondered at this change in him, but chose rather to wait the revival +of his own curiosity, than to distress or perplex herself by contriving +methods of explanation. + +Situated thus happily, she had now one only anxiety, which was to know +whether, and in what manner, Mr Belfield had received his surgeon, as +well as the actual state of his own and his sister's affairs: but the +fear of again encountering young Delvile in suspicious circumstances, +deterred her at present from going to their house. Yet her natural +benevolence, which partial convenience never lulled to sleep, impressing +her with an apprehension that her services might be wanted, she was +induced to write to Miss Belfield, though she forbore to visit her. + +Her letter was short, but kind and to the purpose: she apologized for +her officiousness, desiring to know if her brother was better, and +entreated her, in terms the most delicate, to acquaint her if yet she +would accept from her any assistance. + +She sent this letter by her servant, who, after waiting a considerable +time, brought her the following answer. + +_To Miss Beverley_. + +Ah madam! your goodness quite melts me! we want nothing, however, yet, +though I fear we shall not say so much longer. But though I hope I shall +never forget myself so as to be proud and impertinent, I will rather +struggle with any hardship than beg, for I will not disoblige my poor +brother by any fault that I can help, especially now he is fallen so +low. But, thank heaven, his wound has at last been dressed, for the +surgeon has found him out, and he attends him for nothing; though my +brother is willing to part with every thing he is worth in the world, +rather than owe that obligation to him: yet I often wonder why he hates +so to be obliged, for when he was rich himself he was always doing +something to oblige other people. But I fear the surgeon thinks him very +bad! for he won't speak to us when we follow him down stairs. + +I am sadly ashamed to send this bad writing, but I dare not ask my +brother for any help, because he would only be angry that I wrote any +thing about him at all; but indeed I have seen too little good come of +pride to think of imitating it; and as I have not his genius, I am sure +there is no need I should have his defects: ill, therefore, as I write, +you, madam, who have so much goodness and gentleness, would forgive it, +I believe, if it was worse, almost. And though we are not in need of +your kind offers, it is a great comfort to me to think there is a lady +in the world that, if we come to be quite destitute, and if the proud +heart of my poor unhappy brother should be quite broke down, will look +upon our distress with pity, and generously help us from quite sinking +under it.--I remain, Madam, with the most humble respect, your ever most +obliged humble servant, HENRIETTA BELFIELD. + +Cecilia, much moved by the simplicity of this letter, determined that +her very first visit from Portman-square should be to its fair and +innocent writer. And having now an assurance that she was in no +immediate distress, and that her brother was actually under Mr Rupil's +care, she dismissed from her mind the only subject of uneasiness that at +present had endeavoured to disturb it, and gave herself wholly up to the +delightful serenity of [unalloyed] happiness. + +Few are the days of felicity unmixed which we acknowledge while we +experience, though many are those we deplore, when by sorrow taught +their value, and by misfortune, their loss. Time with Cecilia now glided +on with such rapidity, that before she thought the morning half over, +the evening was closed, and ere she was sensible the first week was +past, the second was departed for ever. More and more pleased with the +inmates of her new habitation, she found in the abilities of Mrs Delvile +sources inexhaustible of entertainment, and, in the disposition and +sentiments of her son something so concordant to her own, that almost +every word he spoke shewed the sympathy of their minds, and almost every +look which caught her eyes was a reciprocation of intelligence. Her +heart, deeply wounded of late by unexpected indifference, and unreserved +mortification, was now, perhaps, more than usually susceptible of +those penetrating and exquisite pleasures which friendship and kindness +possess the highest powers of bestowing. Easy, gay, and airy, she only +rose to happiness, and only retired to rest; and not merely heightened +was her present enjoyment by her past disappointment, but, carrying her +retrospection to her earliest remembrance, she still found her actual +situation more peculiarly adapted to her taste and temper, than any she +had hitherto at any time experienced. + +The very morning that the destined fortnight was elapsed, she received +a note from Mrs Harrel, with information of her arrival in town, and an +entreaty that she would return to Portman-square. + +Cecilia, who, thus happy, had forgot to mark the progress of time, was +now all amazement to find the term of her absence so soon past. She +thought of going back with the utmost reluctance, and of quitting +her new abode with the most lively regret. The representations of Mr +Monckton daily lost their force, and notwithstanding her dislike of +Mr Delvile, she had no wish so earnest as that of being settled in his +family for the rest of her minority. + +To effect this was her next thought; yet she knew not how to make the +proposal, but from the uncommon partiality of Mrs Delvile, she hoped, +with a very little encouragement, she would lead to it herself. + +Here, however, she was disappointed; Mrs Delvile, when she heard of the +summons from the Harrels, expressed her sorrow at losing her in terms +of the most flattering regret, yet seemed to think the parting +indispensable, and dropt not the most distant hint of attempting to +prevent it. + +Cecilia, vexed and disconcerted, then made arrangements for her +departure, which she fixed for the next morning. + +The rest of this day, unlike every other which for the last fortnight +had preceded it, was passed with little appearance, and no reality of +satisfaction: Mrs Delvile was evidently concerned, her son openly avowed +his chagrin, and Cecilia felt the utmost mortification; yet, though +every one was discontented, no effort was made towards obtaining any +delay. + +The next morning during breakfast, Mrs Delvile very elegantly thanked +her for granting to her so much of her time, and earnestly begged to +see her in future whenever she could be spared from her other friends; +protesting she was now so accustomed to her society, that she should +require both long and frequent visits to soften the separation. This +request was very eagerly seconded by young Delvile, who warmly spoke +his satisfaction that his mother had found so charming a friend, and +unaffectedly joined in her entreaties that the intimacy might be still +more closely cemented. + +Cecilia had no great difficulty in according her compliance to those +demands, of which the kindness and cordiality somewhat lessened her +disturbance at the parting. + +When Mrs Harrel's carriage arrived, Mrs Delvile took a most affectionate +leave of her, and her son attended her to the coach. + +In her way down stairs, he stopt her for a few moments, and in some +confusion said "I wish much to apologize to Miss Beverley, before her +departure, for the very gross mistake of which I have been guilty. I +know not if it is possible she can pardon me, and I hardly know myself +by what perversity and blindness I persisted so long in my error." + +"O," cried Cecilia, much rejoiced at this voluntary explanation, "if you +are but convinced you were really in an error, I have nothing more to +wish. Appearances, indeed, were so strangely against me, that I ought +not, perhaps, to wonder they deceived you." + +"This is being candid indeed," answered he, again leading her on: "and +in truth, though your anxiety was obvious, its cause was obscure, and +where any thing is left to conjecture, opinion interferes, and the +judgment is easily warped. My own partiality, however, for Mr Belfield, +will I hope plead my excuse, as from that, and not from any prejudice +against the Baronet, my mistake arose: on the contrary, so highly I +respect your taste and your discernment, that your approbation, when +known, can scarcely fail of securing mine." + +Great as was the astonishment of Cecilia at the conclusion of this +speech; she was at the coach door before she could make any answer: but +Delvile, perceiving her surprise, added, while he handed her in, "Is +it possible--but no, it is _not_ possible I should be again mistaken. I +forbore to speak at all, till I had information by which I could not be +misled." + +"I know not in what unaccountable obscurity," cried Cecilia, "I, or +my affairs, may be involved, but I perceive that the cloud which I had +hoped was dissipated, is thicker and more impenetrable than ever." + +Delvile then bowed to her with a look that accused her of insincerity, +and the carriage drove away. + +Teazed by these eternal mistakes, and provoked to find that though the +object of her supposed partiality was so frequently changed, the notion +of her positive engagement with one of the duelists was invariable, she +resolved with all the speed in her power, to commission Mr Monckton to +wait upon Sir Robert Floyer, and in her own name give a formal rejection +to his proposals, and desire him thenceforward to make known, by +every opportunity, their total independence of each other: for sick of +debating with Mr Harrel, and detesting all intercourse with Sir Robert, +she now dropt her design of seeking an explanation herself. + +She was received by Mrs Harrel with the same coldness with which she had +parted from her. That lady appeared now to have some uneasiness upon her +mind, and Cecilia endeavoured to draw from her its cause; but far from +seeking any alleviation in friendship, she studiously avoided her, +seeming pained by her conversation, and reproached by her sight. Cecilia +perceived this encreasing reserve with much concern, but with more +indignation, conscious that her good offices had merited a better +reception, and angry to find that her advice had not merely failed of +success, but even exposed her to aversion. + +Mr Harrel, on the contrary, behaved to her with unusual civility, seemed +eager to oblige her, and desirous to render his house more agreeable to +her than ever. But in this he did not prosper; for Cecilia, immediately +upon her return, looking in her apartment for the projected alterations, +and finding none had been made, was so disgusted by such a detection of +duplicity, that he sunk yet lower than before in her opinion, and she +repined at the necessity she was under of any longer continuing his +guest. + +The joy of Mr Arnott at again seeing her, was visible and sincere; and +not a little was it encreased by finding that Cecilia, who sought not +more to avoid Mr Harrel and Sir Robert, than she was herself avoided +by Mrs Harrel, talked with pleasure to nobody else in the house, and +scarcely attempted to conceal that he was the only one of the family who +possessed any portion of her esteem. + +Even Sir Robert appeared now to have formed a design of paying her +rather more respect than he had hitherto thought necessary; but the +violence he did himself was so evident, and his imperious nature seemed +so repugnant to the task, that his insolence, breaking forth by starts, +and checked only by compulsion, was but the more conspicuous from his +inadequate efforts to disguise it. + + + + +BOOK IV. + +[Illustration] + + + +CHAPTER i + +A COMPLAINT. + + +As Cecilia now found herself cleared, at least, of all suspicions +of harbouring too tender a regard for Mr Belfield, her objections to +visiting his sister were removed, and the morning after her return to Mr +Harrel's, she went in a chair to Swallow-street. + +She sent her servant up stairs to enquire if she might be admitted, +and was immediately taken into the room where she had twice before been +received. + +In a few minutes Miss Belfield, softly opening and shutting the door of +the next apartment, made her appearance. She looked thin and pale, but +much gratified by the sight of Cecilia. "Ah madam!" she cried, "you are +good indeed not to forget us! and you can little think how it cheers and +consoles me, that such a lady as you can condescend to be kind to me. It +is quite the only pleasure that I have now in the whole world." + +"I grieve that you have no greater;" cried Cecilia, "you seem much +fatigued and harassed. How is your brother? I fear you neglect your own +health, by too much attention to his." + +"No, indeed, madam; my mother does everything for him herself, and +hardly suffers anybody else to go near him." + +"What, then, makes you so melancholy?" said Cecilia, taking her hand; +"you do not look well; your anxiety, I am sure, is too much for your +strength." + +"How should I look well, madam," answered she, "living as I live? +However, I will not talk of myself, but of my brother,--O he is so ill! +Indeed I am sadly, sadly afraid he will never be well again!" + +"What does his surgeon say? You are too tender, and too much frightened +to be any judge." + +"It is not that I think myself he will die of his wound, for Mr Rupil +says the wound is almost nothing; but he is in a constant fever, and +so thin, and so weak, that indeed it is almost impossible he should +recover!" + +"You are too apprehensive," said Cecilia, "you know not what effect the +country air may have upon him; there are many, many expedients that with +so young a man may yet be successful." + +"O no, the country air can do nothing for him! for I will not deceive +you, madam, for that would be doubly a fault when I am so ready in +blaming other people for wearing false appearances: besides, you are +so good and so gentle, that it quite composes me to talk with you. So +I will honestly speak the truth, and the whole truth at once; my poor +brother is lost--O I fear for ever lost!--all by his own unhappy pride! +He forgets his father was a tradesman, he is ashamed of all his family, +and his whole desire is to live among the grandest people, as if he +belonged to no other. And now that he can no longer do that, he takes +the disappointment so to heart that he cannot get the better of it; and +he told me this morning that he wished he was dead, for he did not know +why he should live only to see his own ruin! But when he saw how I cried +at his saying so, he was very sorry indeed, for he has always been the +kindest brother in the world, when he has been away from the great folks +who have spoilt him: 'But why,' said he, 'Henrietta, why would you have +me live, when instead of raising you and my poor mother into an higher +station, I am sunk so low, that I only help to consume your own poor +pittances to support me in my disgrace!'" + +"I am sorry indeed," said Cecilia, "to find he has so deep a sense of +the failure of his expectations: but how happens it that you are so much +wiser? Young and inexperienced as you are, and early as you must have +been accustomed, from your mother as well as from Mr Belfield, to far +other doctrine, the clearness of your judgment, and the justness of your +remarks, astonish as much as they charm me." + +"Ah madam! Brought up as I have been brought up, there is little wonder +I should see the danger of an high education, let me be ever so ignorant +of everything else; for I, and all my sisters, have been the sufferers +the whole time: and while we were kept backward, that he might be +brought forward, while we were denied comforts, that he might have +luxuries, how could we help seeing the evil of so much vanity, and +wishing we had all been brought up according to our proper station? +instead of living in continual inconvenience, and having one part of a +family struggling with distress, only to let another part of it appear +in a way he had no right to!" + +"How rationally," said Cecilia, "have you considered this subject! and +how much do I honour you for the affection you retain for your brother, +notwithstanding the wrongs you have suffered to promote his elevation!" + +"Indeed he deserves it; take but from him that one fault, pride, and I +believe he has not another: and humoured and darling child as from his +infancy he has always been, who at that can wonder, or be angry?" + +"And he has still no plan, no scheme for his future destination?" + +"No, madam, none at all; and that it is makes him so miserable, and +being so miserable makes him so ill, for Mr Rupil says that with such +uneasiness upon his mind, he can never, in his present low state, get +well. O it is melancholy to see how he is altered! and how he has lost +all his fine spirits! he that used to be the life of us all!--And now he +hardly ever speaks a word, or if he does, he says something so sorrowful +that it cuts us to the soul! But yesterday, when my mother and I thought +he was asleep, he lifted up his head, and looked at us both with the +tears in his eyes, which almost broke our hearts to see, and then, in +a low voice, he said 'What a lingering illness is this! Ah, my dear +mother, you and poor Henrietta ought to wish it quicker over! for should +I recover, my life, hereafter, will but linger like this illness.' And +afterwards he called out, 'what on earth is to become of me? I shall +never have health for the army, nor interest, nor means; what am I to +do? subsist in the very prime of my life upon the bounty of a widowed +mother! or, with such an education, such connections as mine, enter at +last into some mean and sordid business?'" + +"It seems, then," said Cecilia, "he now less wants a physician than a +friend." + +"He has a friend, madam, a noble friend, would he but accept his +services; but he never sees him without suffering fresh vexation, and +his fever encreases after every visit he pays him." + +"Well," said Cecilia, rising, "I find we shall not have an easy task to +manage him; but keep up your spirits, and assure yourself he shall not +be lost, if it be possible to save him." + +She then, though with much fearfulness of offending, once more made an +offer of her purse. Miss Belfield no longer started at the proposal; +yet, gratefully thanking her, said she was not in any immediate +distress, and did not dare risk the displeasure of her brother, unless +driven to it by severer necessity. Cecilia, however, drew from her +a promise that she would apply to her in any sudden difficulty, and +charged her never to think herself without a banker while her direction +was known to her. + +She then bid her adieu, and returned home; meditating the whole way upon +some plan of employment and advantage for Mr Belfield, which by clearing +his prospects, might revive his spirits, and facilitate his recovery: +for since his mind was so evidently the seat of his disease, she saw +that unless she could do more for him, she had yet done nothing. + +Her meditation, however, turned to no account; she could suggest +nothing, for she was ignorant what was eligible to suggest. The stations +and employments of men she only knew by occasionally hearing that such +were their professions, and such their situations in life; but with +the means and gradations by which they arose to them she was wholly +unacquainted. + +Mr Monckton, her constant resource in all cases of difficulty, +immediately occurred to her as her most able counsellor, and she +determined by the first opportunity to consult with him upon the +subject, certain of advice the most judicious from his experience, and +knowledge of the world. + +But though she rested upon him her serious expectations of assistance, +another idea entered her mind not less pleasant, though less promising +of utility: this was to mention her views to young Delvile. He was +already, she knew, well informed of the distress of Mr Belfield, and she +hoped, by openly asking his opinion, to confirm to him her freedom from +any engagement with that gentleman, and convince him, at the same time, +by her application to himself, that she was equally clear of any tie +with the Baronet. + + + + +CHAPTER ii + +A SYMPATHY. + + +The next day Cecilia had appointed to spend in St James'-square; and +she knew by experience that in its course, she should in all probability +find some opportunity of speaking with Delvile alone. + +This accordingly happened; for in the evening Mrs Delvile quitted the +room for a few moments to answer a letter. Cecilia then, left with +her son, said, after a little hesitation, "Will you not think me very +strange if I should take the liberty to consult you upon some business?" + +"I already think you very strange," answered he; "so strange that I know +not any one who at all resembles you. But what is this consultation in +which you will permit me to have a voice?" + +"You are acquainted, I believe, with the distress of Mr Belfield?" + +"I am; and I think his situation the most melancholy that can be +imagined. I pity him with my whole soul, and nothing would give me +greater joy than an opportunity of serving him." + +"He is, indeed, much to be compassionated," returned Cecilia; "and if +something is not speedily done for him, I fear he will be utterly lost. +The agitation of his mind baffles all the power of medicine, and +till that is relieved, his health can never be restored. His, spirit, +probably always too high for his rank in life, now struggles against +every attack of sickness and of poverty, in preference to yielding to +his fate, and applying to his friends for their interest and assistance. +I mean not to vindicate his obduracy, yet I wish it were possible it +could be surmounted. Indeed I dread to think what may become of him! +feeling at present nothing but wretchedness and pain, looking forward in +future to nothing but ruin and despair!" + +"There is no man," cried young Delvile, with emotion, "who might not +rather envy than pity sufferings which give rise to such compassion!" + +"Pecuniary assistance he will not accept," she continued, "and, indeed, +his mind is superior to receiving consolation from such temporary +relief; I wish him, therefore, to be put into some way of life by which +his own talents, which have long enough amused the world, may at length +become serviceable to himself. Do you think, Sir, this is possible?" + +"How do I rejoice," cried Delvile, colouring with pleasure while he +spoke, "in this flattering concurrence of our opinions! see, madam," +taking from his pocket a letter, "how I have been this very morning +occupied, in endeavouring to procure for Mr Belfield some employment by +which his education might be rendered useful, and his parts redound to +his own credit and advantage." + +He then broke the seal, and put into her hand a letter to a nobleman, +whose son was soon going abroad, strongly recommending Belfield to him +in capacity of a tutor. + +A sympathy of sentiment so striking impressed them at the same moment +with surprise and esteem; Delvile earnestly regarded her with eyes of +speaking admiration, while the occasion of his notice rendered it too +pleasant to distress her, and filled her with an inward satisfaction +which brightened her whole countenance. + +She had only time, in a manner that strongly marked her approbation, to +return the letter, before Mrs Delvile again made her appearance. + +During the rest of the evening but little was said; Cecilia was not +talkative, and young Delvile was so absent, that three times his mother +reminded him of an engagement to meet his father, who that night was +expected at the Duke of Derwent's house in town, before he heard that +she spoke to him, and three times more before, when he had heard, he +obeyed. + +Cecilia, when she came back to Mr Harrel's, found the house full of +company. She went into the drawing-room, but did not remain there +long: she was grave and thoughtful, she wished to be alone, and by the +earliest opportunity, stole away to her own apartment. + +Her mind was now occupied by new ideas, and her fancy was busied in the +delineation of new prospects. She had been struck from her first +meeting young Delvile with an involuntary admiration of his manners and +conversation; she had found upon every succeeding interview something +further to approve, and felt for him a rising partiality which made her +always see him with pleasure, and never part from him without a wish to +see him again. Yet, as she was not of that inflammable nature which is +always ready to take fire, as her passions were under the controul of +her reason, and she suffered not her affections to triumph over her +principles, she started at her danger the moment she perceived it, and +instantly determined to give no weak encouragement to a prepossession +which neither time nor intimacy had justified. She denied herself the +deluding satisfaction of dwelling upon the supposition of his worth, was +unusually assiduous to occupy all her time, that her heart might have +less leisure for imagination; and had she found that his character +degenerated from the promise of his appearance, the well regulated +purity of her mind would soon have enabled her to have driven him wholly +from her thoughts. + +Such was her situation when the circumstances of her affairs occasioned +her becoming an inmate of his house; and here she grew less guarded, +because less clear-sighted to the danger of negligence, for the +frequency of their conversation allowed her little time to consider +their effects. If at first she had been pleased with his deportment and +elegance, upon intimacy she was charmed with his disposition and his +behaviour; she found him manly, generous, open-hearted and amiable, fond +of literature, delighting in knowledge, kind in his temper, and spirited +in his actions. + +Qualities such as these, when recommended by high birth, a striking +figure, and polished manners, formed but a dangerous companion for a +young woman, who, without the guard of any former prepossession, was +so fervent an admirer of excellence as Cecilia. Her heart made no +resistance, for the attack was too gentle and too gradual to alarm her +vigilance, and therefore, though always sensible of the pleasure +she received from his society, it was not till she returned to +Portman-square, after having lived under the same roof with him for a +fortnight, that she was conscious her happiness was no longer in her own +power. + +Mr Harrel's house, which had never pleased her, now became utterly +disgustful; she was wearied and uncomfortable, yet, willing to attribute +her uneasiness to any other than the true cause, she fancied the house +itself was changed, and that all its inhabitants and visitors were more +than unusually disagreeable: but this idle error was of short duration, +the moment of self-conviction was at hand, and when Delvile presented +her the letter he had written for Mr Belfield, it flashed in her eyes! + +This detection of the altered state of her mind opened to her views and +her hopes a scene entirely new, for neither the exertion of the most +active benevolence, nor the steady course of the most virtuous conduct, +sufficed any longer to wholly engage her thoughts, or constitute +her felicity; she had purposes that came nearer home, and cares that +threatened to absorb in themselves that heart and those faculties which +hitherto had only seemed animated for the service of others. + +Yet this loss of mental freedom gave her not much uneasiness, since the +choice of her heart, though involuntary, was approved by her principles, +and confirmed by her judgment. Young Delvile's situation in life was +just what she wished, more elevated than her own, yet not so exalted +as to humble her with a sense of inferiority; his connections were +honourable, his mother appeared to her the first of women, his character +and disposition seemed formed to make her happy, and her own fortune was +so large, that to the state of his she was indifferent. + +Delighted with so flattering a union of inclination with propriety, +she now began to cherish the partiality she at first had repressed, +and thinking the future destination of her life already settled, looked +forward with grateful joy to the prospect of ending her days with the +man she thought most worthy to be entrusted with the disposal of her +fortune. + +She had not, indeed, any certainty that the regard of young Delvile was +reciprocal, but she had every reason to believe he greatly admired her, +and to suspect that his mistaken notion of her prior engagement, first +with Mr Belfield, and afterwards with Sir Robert Floyer, made him at +present check those sentiments in her favour which, when that error was +removed, she hoped to see I encouraged. + +Her purpose, therefore, was quietly to wait an explanation, which she +rather wished retarded than forwarded, that her leisure and opportunity +might be more for investigating his character, and saving herself from +repentance. + + + + +CHAPTER iii + +A CONFLICT. + + +The day following this happy intellectual arrangement, Cecilia was +visited by Mr Monckton. That gentleman, who had enquired for her +immediately after the Harrels went to their villa, and who had flattered +himself with reaping much advantage from their absence, by frequent +meetings and confidential discourses, suffered the severest +mortification when he found that her stay in town rendered her not the +less inaccessible to him, since he had no personal acquaintance with the +Delviles, and could not venture to present himself at their house. + +He was now received by her with more than usual pleasure; the time had +seemed long to her since she had conversed with him, and she was eager +to ask his counsel and assistance in her affairs. She related to him +the motives which had induced her to go to St James'-square, and the +incorrigible obstinacy with which Mr Harrel still continued to encourage +the addresses of Sir Robert Floyer; she earnestly entreated him +to become her agent in a business to which she was unequal, by +expostulating in her cause with Mr Harrel, and by calling upon +Sir Robert himself to insist upon his foregoing his unauthorised +pretensions. + +Mr Monckton listened eagerly to her account and request, and when she +had finished, assured her he would deliberate upon each circumstance +of the affair, and then maturely weigh every method he could devise, to +extricate her from an embarrassment which now grew far too serious to be +safely neglected. + +"I will not, however," continued he, "either act or give my opinion +without further enquiry, as I am confident there is a mystery in this +business which lies deeper than we can at present fathom. Mr Harrel has +doubtless purposes of his own to answer by this pretended zeal for Sir +Robert; nor is it difficult to conjecture what they may be. Friendship, +in a man of his light cast, is a mere cover, a mere name, to conceal a +connection which has its basis solely in the licentious convenience +of borrowing money, going to the same gaming house, and mutually +communicating and boasting their mutual vices and intrigues, while, +all the time, their regard for each other is equally hollow with their +regard for truth and integrity." + +He then cautioned her to be extremely careful with respect to any money +transactions with Mr Harrel, whose splendid extravagance he assured her +was universally known to exceed his fortune. + +The countenance of Cecilia during this exhortation was testimony +sufficient to the penetrating eyes of Mr Monckton that his advice +came not too soon: a suspicion of the real state of the case speedily +occurred to him, and he questioned her minutely upon the subject. She +endeavoured to avoid making him any answer, but his discernment was too +keen for her inartificial evasion, and he very soon gathered all the +particulars of her transactions with Mr Harrel. + +He was less alarmed at the sum she had lent him, which was rather within +his expectations, than at the method she had been induced to take to +procure it. He represented to her in the strongest manner the danger +of imposition, nay of ruin, from the extortions and the craft of +money-lenders; and he charged her upon no consideration to be tempted or +persuaded again to have recourse to such perilous expedients. + +She promised the most attentive observance of his advice: and then told +him the acquaintance she had made with Miss Belfield, and her sorrow for +the situation of her brother; though, satisfied for the present with +the plan of young Delvile, she now gave up her design of soliciting his +counsel. + +In the midst of this conversation, a note was delivered to her from Mr +Delvile senior, acquainting her with his return to town, and begging +the favour of her to call in St James's-square the next morning, as he +wished to speak to her upon some business of importance. + +The eager manner in which Cecilia accepted this invitation, and her +repeated and earnest exclamation of wonder at what Mr Delvile could +have to say, past not unnoticed by Mr Monckton; he instantly turned the +discourse from the Belfields, the Harrels, and the Baronet, to enquire +how she had spent her time during her visit in St James's-square, and +what was her opinion of the family after her late opportunities of +intimacy? + +Cecilia answered that she had yet seen nothing more of Mr Delvile, who +had been absent the whole time, but with equal readiness and pleasure +she replied to all his questions concerning his lady, expatiating with +warmth and fervour upon her many rare and estimable qualities. + +But when the same interrogatories were transferred to the son, she +spoke no longer with the same ease, nor with her usual promptitude +of sincerity; she was embarrassed, her answers were short, and she +endeavoured to hasten from the subject. + +Mr Monckton remarked this change with the most apprehensive quickness, +but, forcing a smile, "Have you yet," he said, "observed the family +compact in which those people are bound to besiege you, and draw you +into their snares?" + +"No, indeed," cried Cecilia, much hurt by the question, "I am sure no +such compact has been formed; and I am sure, too, that if you knew them +better, you would yourself be the first to admire and do them justice." + +"My dear Miss Beverley," cried he, "I know them already; I do not, +indeed, visit them, but I am perfectly acquainted with their characters, +which have been drawn to me by those who are most closely connected with +them, and who have had opportunities of inspection which I hope will +never fall to your share, since I am satisfied the trial would pain, +though the proof would convince you." + +"What then have you heard of them?" cried Cecilia, with much +earnestness: "It is, at least, not possible any ill can be said of Mrs +Delvile." + +"I beg your pardon," returned he. "Mrs Delvile is not nearer perfection +than the rest of her family, she has only more art in disguising her +foibles; because, tho' she is the daughter of pride, she is the slave of +interest." + +"I see you have been greatly misinformed," said Cecilia warmly; +"Mrs Delvile is the noblest of women! she may, indeed, from her very +exaltation, have enemies, but they are the enemies of envy, not of +resentment, enemies raised by superior merit, not excited by injury or +provocation!" + +"You will know her better hereafter;" said Mr Monckton calmly, "I only +hope your knowledge will not be purchased by the sacrifice of your +happiness." + +"And what knowledge of her, Sir," cried Cecilia, starting, "can have +power to put my happiness in any danger?" + +"I will tell you," answered he, "with all the openness you have a claim +to from my regard, and then leave to time to shew if I am mistaken. The +Delvile family, notwithstanding its ostentatious magnificence, I +can solemnly assure you, is poor in every branch, alike lineal and +collateral." + +"But is it therefore the less estimable?" + +"Yes, because the more rapacious. And while they count on each side +Dukes, Earls and Barons in their genealogy, the very wealth with which, +through your means, they project the support of their insolence, and +which they will grasp with all the greediness of avarice, they will +think honoured by being employed in their service, while the instrument, +all amiable as she is, by which they attain it, will be constantly held +down as the disgrace of their alliance." + +Cecilia, stung to the soul by this speech, rose from her chair, +unwilling to answer it, yet unable to conceal how much it shocked her. +Mr Monckton, perceiving her emotion, followed her, and taking her hand, +said, "I would not give this warning to one I thought too weak to profit +from it; but as I am well informed of the use that is meant to be made +of your fortune, and the abuse that will follow of yourself, I think it +right to prepare you for their artifices, which merely to point out, may +render abortive." + +Cecilia, too much disturbed to thank him, drew back her hand, and +continued silent. Mr Monckton, reading through her displeasure the state +of her affections, saw with terror the greatness of the danger which +threatened him. He found, however, that the present was no time for +enforcing objections, and perceiving he had already gone too far, though +he was by no means disposed to recant, he thought it most prudent to +retreat, and let her meditate upon his exhortation while its impression +was yet strong in her mind. + +He would now, therefore, have taken leave; but Cecilia, endeavouring to +recollect herself, and fully persuaded that however he had shocked her, +he had only her interest in view, stopt him, saying, "You think +me, perhaps, ungrateful, but believe me I am not; I must, however, +acknowledge that your censure of Mrs Delvile hurts me extremely. Indeed +I cannot doubt her worthiness, I must still, therefore, plead for her, +and I hope the time may come when you will allow I have not pleaded +unjustly." + +"Justly or unjustly," answered Mr Monckton, "I am at least sure you can +never plead vainly. I give up, therefore, to your opinion my attack of +Mrs Delvile, and am willing from your commendations to suppose her the +best of the race. Nay, I will even own that perhaps Mr Delvile himself, +as well as his lady, might pass through life and give but little +offence, had they only themselves to think of, and no son to stimulate +their arrogance." + +"Is the son, then," said Cecilia faintly, "so much the most culpable?" + +"The son, I believe," answered he, "is at least the chief incentive to +insolence and ostentation in the parents, since it is for his sake they +covet with such avidity honours and riches, since they plume themselves +upon regarding him as the support of their name and, family, and since +their pride in him even surpasses their pride in their lineage and +themselves." + +"Ah!" thought Cecilia, "and of such a son who could help being proud!" + +"Their purpose, therefore," he continued, "is to, secure through his +means your fortune, which they will no sooner obtain, than, to my +certain knowledge, they mean instantly, and most unmercifully, to employ +it in repairing all their dilapidated estates." + +And then he quitted the subject; and, with that guarded warmth which +accompanied all his expressions, told her he would carefully watch for +her honour and welfare, and, repeating his promise of endeavouring to +discover the tie by which Mr Harrel seemed bound to the Baronet, he left +her--a prey himself to an anxiety yet more severe than that with which +he had filled her! He now saw all his long cherished hopes in danger +of final destruction, and suddenly cast upon the brink of a precipice, +where, while he struggled to protect them from falling, his eyes were +dazzled by beholding them totter. + +Mean while Cecilia, disturbed from the calm of soft serenity to which +she had yielded every avenue of her soul, now looked forward with +distrust and uneasiness, even to the completion of the views which but +a few minutes before had comprised all her notions of felicity. The +alliance which so lately had seemed wholly unexceptionable, now +appeared teeming with objections, and threatening with difficulties. +The representations of Mr Monckton had cruelly mortified her; well +acquainted with his knowledge of the world, and wholly unsuspicious of +his selfish motives, she gave to his assertions involuntary credit, +and even while she attempted to combat them, they made upon her mind an +impression scarce ever to be erased. + +Full, therefore, of doubt and inquietude, she passed the night in +discomfort and irresolution, now determining to give way to her +feelings, and now to be wholly governed by the counsel of Mr Monckton. + + + +CHAPTER iv + +AN EXPECTATION. + + +In this disposition of mind Cecilia the next morning obeyed the summons +of Mr Delvile, and for the first time went to St James'-square in +a humour to look for evil instead of good, and meanness instead of +nobleness. + +She was shewn into an apartment where she found Mr Delvile alone, and +was received by him, as usual, with the most stately solemnity. + +When she was seated, "I have given you, Miss Beverley," said he, "the +trouble of calling, in order to discuss with you the internal state of +your affairs; a duty which, at this juncture, I hold to be incumbent +upon my character. The delicacy due to your sex would certainly have +induced me to wait upon you myself for this purpose, but for the reasons +I have already hinted to you, of fearing the people with whom you live +might think it necessary to return my visit. Persons of low origin are +commonly in those matters the most forward. Not, however, that I would +prejudice you against them; though, for myself, it is fit I remember +that a general and indiscriminate acquaintance, by levelling all ranks, +does injury to the rites of society." + +Ah! thought Cecilia, how infallible is Mr Monckton! and how inevitably, +in a family of which Mr Delvile is the head, should I be cruelly _held +down, as the disgrace of their alliance_! + +"I have applied," continued he, "to Mrs Delvile, to know if the +communication which I had recommended to you, and to which she had +promised her attention, had yet passed; but I am informed you have not +spoken to her upon the subject." + +"I had nothing, Sir, to communicate," answered Cecilia, "and I had +hoped, as Mrs Delvile made no enquiries, she was satisfied she had +nothing to hear." + +"With respect to enquiries," said Mr Delvile, "I fear you are not +sufficiently aware of the distance between a lady of Mrs Delvile's rank, +both by birth and alliance, and such a young woman as Mrs Harrel, whose +ancestors, but a short time since, were mere Suffolk farmers. But I beg +your pardon;--I mean not any reflection upon yours: I have always +heard they were very worthy people. And a farmer is certainly a very +respectable person. Your father, I think, no more than the Dean your +uncle, did nothing in that way himself?" + +"No, Sir," said Cecilia, drily, and much provoked by this contemptuous +courtesy. + +"I have always been told he was a very good sort of man: I knew none +of the family myself, but the Dean. His connections with the Bishop of +------, my relation, put him often in my way. Though his naming me for +one of his trustees, I must own, was rather extraordinary; but I mean +not to hurt you; on the contrary, I should be much concerned to give you +any uneasiness." + +Again Mr Monckton arose in the mind of Cecilia, and again she +acknowledged the truth of his strictures; and though she much wondered +in what an harangue so pompous was to end, her disgust so far conquered +her curiosity, that without hearing it, she wished herself away. + +"To return," said he, "to my purpose. The present period of your life is +such as to render advice particularly seasonable; I am sorry, therefore, +as I before said, you have not disclosed your situation to Mrs Delvile. +A young lady on the point of making an establishment, and with many +engagements in her power, is extremely liable to be mistaken in her +judgment, and therefore should solicit instruction from those who are +able to acquaint her what connection would be most to her advantage. One +thing, however, I am happy to commend, the young man who was wounded in +the duel--I cannot recollect his name--is, I hear, totally out of the +question." + +What next? thought Cecilia; though still she gave him no interruption, +for the haughtiness of his manner was repulsive to reply. + +"My design, therefore, is to speak to you of Sir Robert Floyer. When +I had last the pleasure of addressing you upon this subject, you may +probably remember my voice was in his favour; but I then regarded him +merely as the rival of an inconsiderable young man, to rescue you from +whom he appeared an eligible person. The affair is now altered, that +young man is thought of no more, and another rival comes forward, to +whom Sir Robert is as inconsiderable as the first rival was to Sir +Robert." + +Cecilia started at this information, livelier sensations stimulated +her curiosity, and surmises in which she was most deeply interested +quickened her attention. + +"This rival," proceeded he, "I should imagine no young lady would a +moment hesitate in electing; he is every way the superior of Sir Robert +except in fortune, and the deficiencies of that the splendour of your +own may amply supply." + +The deepest crimson now tinged the cheeks of Cecilia; the prophecy of Mr +Monckton seemed immediately fulfilling, and she trembled with a rising +conflict between her approbation of the offer, and her dread of its +consequences. + +"I know not, indeed," continued he, "in what estimation you may have +been accustomed to hold rank and connection, nor whether you are +impressed with a proper sense of their superiority and value; for early +prejudices are not easily rooted out, and those who have lived chiefly +with monied people, regard even birth itself as unimportant when +compared with wealth." + +The colour which first glowed in the cheeks of Cecilia from expectation, +now rose yet higher from resentment: she thought herself already +insulted by a prelude so ostentatious and humiliating to the proposals +which were to follow; and she angrily determined, with whatever pain to +her heart, to assert her own dignity by refusing them at once, too well +satisfied by what she now saw of the present, that Mr Monckton had been +just in his prediction of the future. + +"Your rejection, therefore," continued he, "of this honourable offer, +may perhaps have been merely the consequence of the principles in which +you have been educated.--" + +"Rejection?" interrupted Cecilia, amazed, "what rejection, Sir?" + +"Have you not refused the proposals of my Lord Ernolf for his son?" + +"Lord Ernolf? never! nor have I ever seen either his Lordship or his son +but in public." + +"That," replied Mr Delvile, "is little to the purpose; where the +connexion is a proper one, a young lady of delicacy has only to accede +to it. But though this rejection came not immediately from yourself, it +had doubtless your concurrence." + +"It had not, Sir, even my knowledge." + +"Your alliance then with Sir Robert Floyer is probably nearer a +conclusion than I had imagined, for otherwise Mr Harrel would not, +without consulting you, have given the Earl so determinate an answer." + +"No, Sir," said Cecilia, impatiently, "my alliance with him was never +more distant, nor do I mean it should ever approach more near." + +She was now little disposed for further conversation. Her heroic design +of refusing young Delvile by no means reconciled her to the discovery +she now made that he had not meant to address her; and though she was +provoked and fretted at this new proof that Mr Harrel scrupled neither +assertions nor actions to make her engagement with Sir Robert credited, +her disappointment in finding that Mr Delvile, instead of pleading the +cause of his son, was exerting his interest for another person, affected +her so much more nearly, that notwithstanding he still continued his +parading harangue, she scarcely knew even the subject of his discourse, +and seized the first opportunity of a cessation to rise and take her +leave. + +He asked her if she would not call upon Mrs Delvile; but desirous to be +alone, she declined the invitation; he then charged her to proceed no +further with Sir Robert till he had made some enquiries concerning Lord +Ernolf, and graciously promising his protection and counsel, suffered +her to depart. + +Cecilia now perceived she might plan her rejections, or study her +dignity at her leisure, for neither Mr Delvile nor his son seemed in +any haste to put her fortitude to the proof. With regard, therefore, to +their plots and intentions, Mr Monckton she found was wrong, but with +respect to their conduct and sentiments, she had every reason to believe +him right: and though her heart refused to rejoice in escaping a trial +of its strength, her judgment was so well convinced that his painting +was from the life, that she determined to conquer her partiality for +young Delvile, since she looked forward to nothing but mortification in +a connexion with his family. + + + + +CHAPTER v + +AN AGITATION. + + +With this intention, and every faculty of her mind absorbed in +reflecting upon the reasons which gave rise to it, she returned to +Portman-square. + +As her chair was carried into the hall, she observed, with some alarm, a +look of consternation among the servants, and an appearance of confusion +in the whole house. She was proceeding to her own room, intending to +enquire of her maid if any evil had happened, when she was crossed +upon the stairs by Mr Harrel, who passed her with an air so wild and +perturbed, that he hardly seemed to know her. + +Frightened and amazed, she stopt short, irresolute which way to go; but, +hastily returning, he beckoned her to follow him. + +She obeyed, and he led her to the library. He then shut the door, and +abruptly seizing her hand, called out, "Miss Beverley, I am ruined!--I +am undone!--I am blasted for ever!" + +"I hope not, Sir!" said Cecilia, extremely terrified, "I hope not! Where +is Mrs Harrel?" + +"O I know not! I know not!" cried he, in a frantic manner, "but I have +not seen her,--I cannot see her,--I hope I shall never see her more!--" + +"O fie! fie!" said Cecilia, "let me call her, I beg; you should consult +with her in this distress, and seek comfort from her affection." + +"From her affection?" repeated he, fiercely, "from her hatred you +mean! do you not know that she, too, is ruined? Oh past redemption +ruined!--and yet that I should hesitate, that I should a moment hesitate +to conclude the whole business at once!" + +"How dreadful!" cried Cecilia, "what horrible thing has happened?" + +"I have undone Priscilla!" cried he, "I have blasted my credit! I have +destroyed--no, not yet quite destroyed myself!" + +"O yet nor ever!" cried Cecilia, whose agitation now almost equalled +his own, "be not so desperate, I conjure you! speak to me more +intelligibly,--what does all this mean? How has it come to pass?" + +"My debts!--my creditors!--one way only," striking his hand upon his +forehead, "is left for me!" + +"Do not say so, Sir!" said Cecilia, "you shall find many ways; pray have +courage! pray speak calmly; and if you will but be more prudent, will +but, in future, better regulate your affairs, I will myself undertake--" + +She stopt; checked in the full career of her overflowing compassion, by +a sense of the worthlessness of its object; and by the remembrance of +the injunctions of Mr Monckton. + +"What will you undertake?" cried he, eagerly, "I know you are an +angel!--tell me, what will you undertake?" + +"I will,--" said Cecilia, hesitating, "I will speak to Mr Monckton,--I +will consult--" + +"You may as well consult with every cursed creditor in the house!" +interrupted he; "but do so, if you please; my disgrace must perforce +reach him soon, and a short anticipation is not worth begging off." + +"Are your creditors then actually in the house?" + +"O yes, yes! and therefore it is high time I should be out of it!--Did +you not see them?--Do they not line the hall?--They threaten me with +three executions before night!--three executions unless I satisfy their +immediate demands!--" + +"And to what do their demands amount?" + +"I know not!--I dare not ask!--to some thousand pounds, perhaps,--and I +have not, at this minute, forty guineas in the house!" + +"Nay, then," cried Cecilia, retreating, "I can indeed do nothing! if +their demands are so high, I _ought_ to do nothing." + +She would then have quitted him, not more shocked at his situation, than +indignant at the wilful extravagance which had occasioned it. + +"Stay," cried he, "and hear me!" then, lowering his voice, "seek +out," he continued, "your unfortunate friend,--go to the poor ruined +Priscilla,--prepare her for tidings of horror! and do not, though you +renounce Me, do not abandon Her!" + +Then, fiercely passing her, he was himself leaving the room; but +Cecilia, alarmed by the fury of his manner, called out, "What is it you +mean? what tidings of horror? whither are you going?" + +"To hell!" cried he, and rushed out of the apartment. + +Cecilia screamed aloud, and conjuring him to hear her, ran after him; +he paid her no regard, but, flying faster than she had power to pursue, +reached his own dressing-room, shut himself into it with violence, and +just as she arrived at the door, turned the key, and bolted it. + +Her terror was now inexpressible; she believed him in the very act of +suicide, and her refusal of assistance seemed the signal for the deed: +her whole fortune, at that moment, was valueless and unimportant to her, +compared with the preservation of a fellow-creature: she called out with +all the vehemence of agony to beg he would open the door, and eagerly +promised by all that was sacred to do everything in her power to save +him. + +At these words he opened it; his face was totally without colour, and he +grasped a razor in his hand. + +"You have stopt me," said he, in a voice scarce audible, "at the very +moment I had gathered courage for the blow: but if indeed you will +assist me, I will shut this up,--if not, I will steep it in my blood!" + +"I will! I will!" cried Cecilia, "I will do every thing you desire!" + +"And quickly?" + +"Immediately." + +"Before my disgrace is known? and while all may yet be hushed up?" + +"Yes, yes! all--any--every thing you wish!" + +"Swear, then!" + +Here Cecilia drew back; her recollection returned as her terror abated, +and her repugnance to entering into an engagement for she knew not +what, with a man whose actions she condemned, and whose principles she +abhorred, made all her fright now give way to indignation, and, after a +short pause, she angrily answered, "No, Sir, I will not swear!--but yet, +all that is reasonable, all that is friendly--" + +"Hear me swear, then!" interrupted he, furiously, "which at this moment +I do, by every thing eternal, and by every thing infernal, that I +will not outlive the seizure of my property, and that the moment I am +informed there is an execution in my house, shall be the last of my +existence!" + +"What cruelty! what compulsion! what impiety!" cried Cecilia: "give me, +however, that horrible instrument, and prescribe to me what conditions +you please." + +A noise was now heard below stairs, at which Cecilia, who had not dared +call for help lest he should quicken his desperation, was secretly +beginning to rejoice, when, starting at the sound, he exclaimed, "I +believe you are too late!--the ruffians have already seized my house!" +then, endeavouring to force her out of the room, "Go," he cried, "to my +wife;--I want to be alone!" + +"Oh give me first," cried she, "that weapon, and I will take what oath +you please!" + +"No, no!--go,--leave me,--" cried he, almost breathless with emotion, "I +must not now be trifled with." + +"I do not trifle! indeed I do not!" cried Cecilia, holding by his arm: +"try, put me to the proof!" + +"Swear, solemnly swear, to empty my house of these creditors this +moment!" + +"I do swear," cried she, with energy, "and Heaven prosper me as I am +sincere!" + +"I see, I see you are an angel!" cried he, rapturously, "and as such I +worship and adore you! O you have restored me to life, and rescued me +from perdition!" + +"Give me, then, that fatal instrument!" + +"That instrument," returned he, "is nothing, since so many others are in +my power; but you have now taken from me all desire of using them. Go, +then, and stop those wretches from coming to me,--send immediately for +the Jew!--he will advance what money you please,--my man knows where +to find him; consult with Mr Arnott,--speak a word of comfort to +Priscilla,--but do nothing, nothing at all, till you have cleared my +house of those cursed scoundrels!" + +Cecilia, whose heart sunk within her at the solemn promise she had +given, the mention of the Jew, and the arduous task she had undertaken, +quitted him without reply, and was going to her own room, to compose her +hurried spirits, and consider what steps she had to take, when hearing +the noise in the hall grow louder, she stopt to listen, and catching +some words that greatly alarmed her, went half way down stairs, when +she was met by Davison, Mr Harrel's man, of whom she enquired into the +occasion of the disturbance. + +He answered that he must go immediately to his master, for the bailiffs +were coming into the house. + +"Let him not know it if you value his life!" cried she, with new terror. +"Where is Mr Arnott? call him to me,--beg him to come this moment;--I +will wait for him here." + +The man flew to obey her; and Cecilia, finding she had time neither for +deliberation nor regret, and dreading lest Mr Harrel, by hearing of the +arrival of the bailiffs, should relapse into despair, determined to call +to her aid all the courage, prudence, and judgment she possessed, and, +since to act she was compelled, endeavour with her best ability, to save +his credit, and retrieve his affairs. + +The moment Mr Arnott came, she ordered Davison to hasten to his master, +and watch his motions. + +Then, addressing Mr Arnott, "Will you. Sir," she said, "go and tell +those people that if they will instantly quit the house, every thing +shall be settled, and Mr Harrel will satisfy their demands?" + +"Ah madam!" cried Mr Arnott, mournfully, "and how? he has no means to +pay them, and I have none--without ruin to myself,--to help him!" + +"Send them but away," said Cecilia, "and I will myself be your security +that your promise shall not be disgraced." + +"Alas, madam," cried he, "what are you doing? well as I wish to Mr +Harrel, miserable as I am for my unfortunate sister, I yet cannot bear +that such goodness, such beneficence should be injured!" + +Cecilia, however, persisted, and with evident reluctance he obeyed her. + +While she waited his return, Davison came from Mr Harrel, who had +ordered him to run instantly for the Jew. + +Good Heaven, thought Cecilia, that a man so wretchedly selfish and +worldly, should dare, with all his guilt upon his head, + + To rush unlicenced on eternity! [Footnote: Mason's Elfrida] + +Mr Arnott was more than half an hour with the people; and when, at last, +he returned, his countenance immediately proclaimed the ill success of +his errand. The creditors, he said, declared they had so frequently +been deceived, that they would not dismiss the bailiffs, or retire +themselves, without actual payment. + +"Tell them, then, Sir," said Cecilia, "to send me their accounts, and, +if it be possible, I will discharge them directly." + +Mr Arnott's eyes were filled with tears at this declaration, and he +protested, be the consequence to himself what it might, he would pay +away every shilling he was worth, rather than witness such injustice. + +"No," cried Cecilia, exerting more spirit, that she might shock him +less, "I did not save Mr Harrel, to destroy so much better a man! you +have suffered but too much oppression already; the present evil is mine; +and from me, at least, none I hope will ever spread to Mr Arnott." + +Mr Arnott could not bear this; he was struck with grief, with +admiration, and with gratitude, and finding his tears now refused to be +restrained, he went to execute her commission in silent dejection. + +The dejection, however, was encreased, though his tears were dispersed, +when he returned; "Oh madam!" he cried, "all your efforts, generous as +they are, will be of no avail! the bills even now in the house amount to +more than L7000!" + +Cecilia, amazed and confounded, started and clasped her hands, calling +out, "What must I do! to what have I bound myself! and how can I answer +to my conscience,--to my successors, such a disposal, such an abuse of +so large a part of my fortune!" + +Mr Arnott could make no answer; and they stood looking at each other in +silent irresolution, till Davison brought intelligence that the Jew was +already come, and waited to speak with her. + +"And what can I say to him?" cried she, more and more agitated; "I +understand nothing of usury; how am I to deal with him?" + +Mr Arnott then confessed that he should himself have instantly been bail +for his brother, but that his fortune, originally not large, was now so +much impaired by the many debts which from time to time he had paid for +him, that as he hoped some day to have a family of his own, he dare not +run a risk by which he might be utterly ruined, and the less, as his +sister had at Violet Bank been prevailed upon to give up her settlement. + +This account, which explained the late uneasiness of Mrs Harrel, still +encreased the distress of Cecilia; and every moment she obtained for +reflection, augmented her reluctance to parting with _so_ large a sum of +money for so worthless an object, and added strength to her resentment +for the unjustifiable menaces which had extorted from her such a +promise. Yet not an instant would she listen to Mr Arnott's offer of +fulfilling her engagement, and charged him, as he considered her +own self-esteem worth her keeping, not to urge to her a proposal so +ungenerous and selfish. + +Davison now came again to hasten her, and said that the Jew was with his +master, and they both impatiently expected her. + +Cecilia, half distracted with her uncertainty how to act, changed colour +at this message, and exclaimed "Oh Mr Arnott, run I beseech you for Mr +Monckton! bring him hither directly,--if any body can save me it is him; +but if I go back to Mr Harrel, I know it will be all over!" + +"Certainly," said Mr Arnott, "I will run to him this moment." + +"Yet no!--stop!--" cried the trembling Cecilia, "he can now do me no +good,--his counsel will arrive too late to serve me,--it cannot call +back the oath I have given! it cannot, compulsatory as it was, make me +break it, and not be miserable for ever!" + +This idea sufficed to determine her; and the apprehension of +self-reproach, should the threat of Mr Harrel be put in execution, was +more insupportable to her blameless and upright mind, than any loss or +diminution which her fortune could sustain. + +Slowly however, with tardy and unwilling steps, her judgment repugnant, +and her spirit repining, she obeyed the summons of Mr Harrel, who, +impatient of her delay, came forward to meet her. + +"Miss Beverley," he cried, "there is not a moment to be lost; this good +man will bring you any sum of money, upon a proper consideration, that +you will command; but if he is not immediately commissioned, and +these cursed fellows are not got out of my house, the affair will be +blown,"---"and what will follow," added he, lowering his voice, "I will +not again frighten you by repeating, though I shall never recant." + +Cecilia turned from him in horror; and, with a faltering voice and heavy +heart, entreated Mr Arnott to settle for her with the Jew. + +Large as was the sum, she was so near being of age, and her security +was so good, that the transaction was soon finished: 7500 pounds was +received of the Jew, Mr Harrel gave Cecilia his bond for the payment, +the creditors were satisfied, the bailiffs were dismissed, and the house +was soon restored to its customary appearance of splendid gaiety. + +Mrs Harrel, who during this scene had shut herself up in her own room +to weep and lament, now flew to Cecilia, and in a transport of joy and +gratitude, thanked her upon her knees for thus preserving her from utter +ruin: the gentle Mr Arnott seemed uncertain whether most to grieve or +rejoice; and Mr Harrel repeatedly protested she should have the sole +guidance of his future conduct. + +This promise, the hope of his amendment, and the joy she had expanded, +somewhat revived the spirits of Cecilia; who, however, deeply affected +by what had passed, hastened from them all to her own room. + +She had now parted with 8050 pounds to Mr Harrel, without any security +when or how it was to be paid; and that ardour of benevolence which +taught her to value her riches merely as they enabled her to do good and +generous actions, was here of no avail to console or reward her, for +her gift was compelled, and its receiver was all but detested. "How much +better," cried she, "would this have been bestowed upon the amiable Miss +Belfield! or upon her noble-minded, though proud-spirited brother! and +how much less a sum would have made the virtuous and industrious +Hills easy and happy for life! but here, to become the tool of the +extravagance I abhor! to be made responsible for the luxury I condemn! +to be liberal in opposition to my principles, and lavish in defiance of +my judgment!--Oh that my much-deceived Uncle had better known to what +dangerous hands he committed me! and that my weak and unhappy friend had +met with a worthier protector of her virtue and safety!" + +As soon, however, as she recovered from the first shock of her +reflections, she turned her thoughts from herself to the formation +of some plan that might, at least, render her donation of serious and +lasting use. The signal service she had just done them gave her at +present an ascendency over the Harrels, which she hoped, if immediately +exerted, might prevent the return of so calamitous a scene, by engaging +them both to an immediate change of conduct. But unequal herself +to contriving expedients for this purpose that might not easily be +controverted, she determined to send the next morning a petition to +Mr Monckton to call upon her, reveal to him the whole transaction, and +entreat him to suggest to her what, with most probability of success, +she might offer to their consideration. + +While this was passing in her mind, on the evening of the day in +which she had so dearly purchased the right of giving counsel, she was +summoned to tea. + +She found Mr Harrel and his lady engaged in earnest discourse; as soon +as she appeared, the former said, "My dear Miss Beverley, after the +extraordinary kindness you have shewn me this morning, you will not, I +am sure, deny me one trifling favour which I mean to ask this evening." + +"No," said Mrs Harrel, "that I am sure she will not, when she knows that +our future appearance in the world depends upon her granting it." + +"I hope, then," said Cecilia, "I shall not wish to refuse it." + +"It is nothing in the world," said Mr Harrel, "but to go with us +to-night to the Pantheon." + +Cecilia was struck with the utmost indignation at this proposal; +that the man who in the morning had an execution in his house, should +languish in the evening for the amusement of a public place,--that he +who but a few hours before was plunging uncalled into eternity, should, +while the intended instrument of death was yet scarce cold from the +grasp of his hand, deliberately court a return of his distress, by +instantly recurring to the methods which had involved him in it, +irritated and shocked her beyond even a wish of disguising her +displeasure, and therefore, after an expressive silence, she gave a +cold, but absolute denial. + +"I see," said Mr Harrel, somewhat confused, "you do not understand the +motives of our request. The unfortunate affair of this morning is very +likely to spread presently all over the town; the only refutation that +can be given to it, is by our all appearing in public before any body +knows whether to believe it or not." + +"Do, my dearest friend," cried his lady, "oblige me by your compliance; +indeed our whole reputation depends upon it. I made an engagement +yesterday to go with Mrs Mears, and if I disappoint her, every body will +be guessing the reason." + +"At least," answered Cecilia, "my going can answer no purpose to you: +pray, therefore, do not ask me; I am ill disposed for such sort of +amusement, and have by no means your opinion of its necessity." + +"But if we do not _all_ go," said Mr Harrel, "we do almost nothing: you +are known to live with us, and, your appearance at this critical time is +important to our credit. If this misfortune gets wind, the consequence +is that every dirty tradesman in town to whom I owe a shilling, will +be forming the same cursed combination those scoundrels formed this +morning, of coming in a body, and waiting for their money, or else +bringing an execution into my house.. The only way to silence report is +by putting a good face upon the matter at once, and shewing ourselves +to the world as if nothing had happened. Favour us, therefore, to-night +with your company, which is really important to us, or ten to one, but +in another fortnight, I shall be just in the same scrape." + +Cecilia, however incensed at this intelligence that his debts were still +so numerous, felt now so much alarmed at the mention of an execution, +as if she was in actual danger of ruin herself. Terrified, therefore, +though not convinced, she yielded to their persuasions, and consented to +accompany them. + +They soon after separated to make some alteration in their dress, +and then, calling in their way for Mrs Mears, they proceeded to the +Pantheon. + + + + +CHAPTER vi + +A MAN OF THE TON. + + +At the door of the Pantheon they were joined by Mr Arnott and Sir Robert +Floyer, whom Cecilia now saw with added aversion: they entered the great +room during the second act of the Concert, to which as no one of the +party but herself had any desire to listen, no sort of attention was +paid; the ladies entertaining themselves as if no Orchestra was in the +room, and the gentlemen, with an equal disregard to it, struggling for +a place by the fire, about which they continued hovering till the music +was over. + +Soon after they were seated, Mr Meadows, sauntering towards them, +whispered something to Mrs Mears, who, immediately rising, introduced +him to Cecilia; after which, the place next to her being vacant, he cast +himself upon it, and lolling as much at his ease as his situation would +permit, began something like a conversation with her. + +"Have you been long in town, ma'am?" + +"No, Sir." + +"This is not your first winter?" + +"Of being in town, it is." + +"Then you have something new to see; O charming! how I envy you!--Are +you pleased with the Pantheon?" + +"Very much; I have seen no building at all equal to it." + +"You have not been abroad. Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! +There's no looking at a building here after seeing Italy." + +"Does all happiness, then, depend upon the sight of buildings?" said +Cecilia, when, turning towards her companion, she perceived him yawning, +with such evident inattention to her answer, that not chusing to +interrupt his reverie, she turned her head another way. + +For some minutes he took no notice of this; and then, as if suddenly +recollecting himself, he called out hastily, "I beg your pardon, ma'am, +you were saying something?" + +"No, Sir, nothing worth repeating." + +"O pray don't punish me so severely as not to let me hear it!" + +Cecilia, though merely not to seem offended at his negligence, was +then again beginning an answer, when, looking at him as she spoke, she +perceived that he was biting his nails with so absent an air, that he +appeared not to know he had asked any question. She therefore broke off, +and left him to his cogitation. + +Sometime after he addressed her again, saying, "Don't you find this +place extremely tiresome, ma'am?" + +"Yes, Sir," said she, half laughing, "it is, indeed, not very +entertaining!" + +"Nothing is entertaining," answered he, "for two minutes together. +Things are so little different one from another, that there is no making +pleasure out of any thing. We go the same dull round for ever; nothing +new, no variety! all the same thing over again! Are you fond of public +places, ma'am?" + +"Yes, Sir, _soberly_, as Lady Grace says." + +"Then I envy you extremely, for you have some amusement always in your +own power. How desirable that is!" + +"And have not you the same resources?" + +"O no! I am tired to death! tired of every thing! I would give the +universe for a disposition less difficult to please. Yet, after all, +what is there to give pleasure? When one has seen one thing, one has +seen every thing. O, 'tis heavy work! Don't you find it so, ma'am?" + +This speech was ended with so violent a fit of yawning, that Cecilia +would not trouble herself to answer it: but her silence, as before, +passed wholly unnoticed, exciting neither question nor comment. + +A long pause now succeeded, which he broke at last, by saying, as he +writhed himself about upon his seat, "These forms would be much more +agreeable if there were backs to them. 'Tis intolerable to be forced +to sit like a school-boy. The first study of life is ease. There is, +indeed, no other study that pays the trouble of attainment. Don't you +think so, ma'am?" + +"But may not even that," said Cecilia, "by so much study, become +labour?" + +"I am vastly happy you think so." + +"Sir?" + +"I beg your pardon, ma'am, but I thought you said--I really beg your +pardon, but I was thinking of something else." + +"You did very right, Sir," said Cecilia, laughing, "for what I said by +no means merited any attention." + +"Will you do me the favour to repeat it?" cried he, taking out his glass +to examine some lady at a distance. + +"O no," said Cecilia, "that would be trying your patience too severely." + +"These glasses shew one nothing but defects," said he; "I am sorry they +were ever invented. They are the ruin of all beauty; no complexion can +stand them. I believe that solo will never be over; I hate a solo; it +sinks, it depresses me intolerably." + +"You will presently, Sir," said Cecilia, looking at the bill of the +concert, "have a full piece; and that, I hope, will revive you." + +"A full piece! oh insupportable! it stuns, it fatigues, it overpowers me +beyond endurance! no taste in it, no delicacy, no room for the smallest +feeling." + +"Perhaps, then, you are only fond of singing?" + +"I should be, if I could hear it; but we are now so miserably off in +voices, that I hardly ever attempt to listen to a song, without fancying +myself deaf from the feebleness of the performers. I hate every thing +that requires attention. Nothing gives pleasure that does not force its +own way." + +"You only, then, like loud voices, and great powers?" + +"O worse and worse!--no, nothing is so disgusting to me. All my +amazement is that these people think it worth while to give Concerts at +all; one is sick to death of music." + +"Nay," cried Cecilia, "if it gives no pleasure, at least it takes none +away; for, far from being any impediment to conversation, I think every +body talks more during the performance than between the acts. And what +is there better you could substitute in its place?" + +Cecilia, receiving no answer to this question, again looked round to see +if she had been heard; when she observed her new acquaintance, with a +very thoughtful air, had turned from her to fix his eyes upon the statue +of Britannia. + +Very soon after, he hastily arose, and seeming entirely to forget that +he had spoke to her, very abruptly walked away. + +Mr Gosport, who was advancing to Cecilia, and had watched part of this +scene, stopt him as he was retreating, and said "Why Meadows, how's +this? are you caught at last?" + +"O worn to death! worn to a thread!" cried he, stretching himself, and +yawning; "I have been talking with a young lady to entertain her! O such +heavy work! I would not go through it again for millions! + +"What, have you talked yourself out of breath?" + +"No; but the effort! the effort!--O, it has unhinged me for a +fortnight!--Entertaining a young lady!--one had better be a galley-slave +at once!" + +"Well but, did she not pay your toils? She is surely a sweet creature." + +"Nothing can pay one for such insufferable exertion! though she's well +enough, too--better than the common run,--but shy, quite too shy; no +drawing her out." + +"I thought that was to your taste. You commonly hate much volubility. +How have I heard you bemoan yourself when attacked by Miss Larolles!" + +"Larolles? O distraction! She talks me into a fever in two minutes. But +so it is for ever! nothing but extremes to be met with! common girls are +too forward, this lady is too reserved--always some fault! always some +drawback! nothing ever perfect!" + +"Nay, nay," cried Mr Gosport, "you do not know her; she is perfect +enough in all conscience." + +"Better not know her, then," answered he, again yawning, "for she cannot +be pleasing. Nothing perfect is natural;--I hate every thing out of +nature." + +He then strolled on, and Mr Gosport approached Cecilia. + +"I have been wishing," cried he, "to address you this half hour, but as +you were engaged with Mr Meadows, I did not dare advance." + +"O, I see your malice!" cried Cecilia; "you were determined to add +weight to the value of your company, by making me fully sensible where +the balance would preponderate." + +"Nay, if you do not admire Mr Meadows," cried he, "you must not even +whisper it to the winds." + +"Is he, then, so very admirable?" + +"O, he is now in the very height of fashionable favour: his dress is +a model, his manners are imitated, his attention is courted, and his +notice is envied." + +"Are you not laughing?" + +"No, indeed; his privileges are much more extensive than I have +mentioned: his decision fixes the exact limits between what is vulgar +and what is elegant, his praise gives reputation, and a word from him in +public confers fashion!" + +"And by what wonderful powers has he acquired such influence?" + +"By nothing but a happy art in catching the reigning foibles of the +times, and carrying them to an extreme yet more absurd than any one had +done before him. Ceremony, he found, was already exploded for ease, he, +therefore, exploded ease for indolence; devotion to the fair sex, had +given way to a more equal and rational intercourse, which, to push +still farther, he presently exchanged for rudeness; joviality, too, was +already banished for philosophical indifference, and that, therefore, he +discarded, for weariness and disgust." + +"And is it possible that qualities such as these should recommend him to +favour and admiration?" + +"Very possible, for qualities such as these constitute the present taste +of the times. A man of the _Ton_, who would now be conspicuous in the +gay world, must invariably be insipid, negligent, and selfish." + +"Admirable requisites!" cried Cecilia; "and Mr Meadows, I acknowledge, +seems to have attained them all." + +"He must never," continued Mr Gosport, "confess the least pleasure from +any thing, a total apathy being the chief ingredient of his character: +he must, upon no account, sustain a conversation with any spirit, lest +he should appear, to his utter disgrace, interested in what is said: and +when he is quite tired of his existence, from a total vacuity of ideas, +he must affect a look of absence, and pretend, on the sudden, to be +wholly lost in thought." + +"I would not wish," said Cecilia, laughing, "a more amiable companion!" + +"If he is asked his opinion of any lady," he continued, "he must +commonly answer by a grimace; and if he is seated next to one, he +must take the utmost pains to shew by his listlessness, yawning, and +inattention, that he is sick of his situation; for what he holds of all +things to be most gothic, is gallantry to the women. To avoid this +is, indeed, the principal solicitude of his life. If he sees a lady in +distress for her carriage, he is to enquire of her what is the matter, +and then, with a shrug, wish her well through her fatigues, wink at some +bye-stander, and walk away. If he is in a room where there is a crowd of +company, and a scarcity of seats, he must early ensure one of the best +in the place, be blind to all looks of fatigue, and deaf to all hints of +assistance, and seeming totally to forget himself, lounge at his ease, +and appear an unconscious spectator of what is going forward. If he is +at a ball where there are more women than men, he must decline dancing +at all, though it should happen to be his favourite amusement, and +smiling as he passes the disengaged young ladies, wonder to see them sit +still, and perhaps ask them the reason!" + +"A most alluring character indeed!" cried Cecilia; "and pray how long +have these been the accomplishments of a fine gentleman?" + +"I am but an indifferent chronologer of the modes," he answered, "but +I know it has been long enough to raise just expectations that some new +folly will be started soon, by which the present race of INSENSIBLISTS +may be driven out. Mr Meadows is now at the head of this sect, as Miss +Larolles is of the VOLUBLE, and Miss Leeson of the SUPERCILIOUS. But +this way comes another, who, though in a different manner, labours +with the same view, and aspires at the same reward, which stimulate +the ambition of this happy _Triplet_, that of exciting wonder by +peculiarity, and envy by wonder." + +This description announced Captain Aresby; who, advancing from the +fire-place, told Cecilia how much he rejoiced in seeing her, said he had +been _reduced to despair_ by so long missing that honour, and that he +had feared she _made it a principle_ to avoid coming in public, having +sought her in vain _partout_. + +He then smiled, and strolled on to another party. + +"And pray of what sect," said Cecilia, "is this gentleman?" + +"Of the sect of JARGONISTS," answered Mr Gosport; "he has not an +ambition beyond paying a passing compliment, nor a word to make use of +that he has not picked up at public places. Yet this dearth of language, +however you may despise it, is not merely owing to a narrow capacity: +foppery and conceit have their share in the limitation, for though his +phrases are almost always ridiculous or misapplied, they are selected +with much study, and introduced with infinite pains." + +"Poor man!" cried Cecilia, "is it possible it can cost him any trouble +to render himself so completely absurd?" + +"Yes; but not more than it costs his neighbours to keep him in +countenance. Miss Leeson, since she has presided over the sect of the +SUPERCILIOUS, spends at least half her life in wishing the annihilation +of the other half; for as she must only speak in her own Coterie, she +is compelled to be frequently silent, and therefore, having nothing to +think of, she is commonly gnawn with self-denial, and soured with want +of amusement: Miss Larolles, indeed, is better off, for in talking +faster than she thinks, she has but followed the natural bent of her +disposition: as to this poor JARGONIST, he has, I must own, rather a +hard task, from the continual restraint of speaking only out of his +own [Lilliputian] vocabulary, and denying himself the relief of ever +uttering one word by the call of occasion but what hardship is that, +compared with what is borne by Mr Meadows? who, since he commenced +INSENSIBLIST, has never once dared to be pleased, nor ventured for a +moment to look in good humour!" + +"Surely, then," said Cecilia, "in a short time, the punishment of this +affectation will bring its cure." + +"No; for the trick grows into habit, and habit is a second nature. A +secret idea of fame makes his forbearance of happiness supportable to +him: for he has now the self-satisfaction of considering himself raised +to that highest pinnacle of fashionable refinement which is built upon +apathy and scorn, and from which, proclaiming himself superior to +all possibility of enjoyment, he views the whole world with contempt! +holding neither beauty, virtue, wealth, nor power of importance +sufficient to kindle the smallest emotion!" + +"O that they could all round listen to you!" cried Cecilia; "they would +soon, I think, sicken of their folly, if they heard it thus admirably +exposed." + +"No; they would but triumph that it had obtained them so much +notice!--But pray do you see that gentleman, or don't you chuse to know +him, who has been bowing to you this half hour?" + +"Where?" cried Cecilia, and, looking round, perceived Mr Morrice; who, +upon her returning his salutation, instantly approached her, though he +had never ventured to shew himself at Mr Harrel's, since his unfortunate +accident on the evening of the masquerade. + +Entirely casting aside the easy familiarity at which he had latterly +arrived, he enquired after her health with the most fearful diffidence, +and then, bowing profoundly, was modestly retiring; when Mrs Harrel +perceiving him, smiled with so much good-humour, that he gathered +courage to return and address her, and found her, to his infinite +delight, as obliging and civil as ever. + +The Concert was now over; the ladies arose, and the gentlemen joined +them. Morrice, at sight of Mr Harrel, was again shrinking; but Mr +Harrel, immediately shaking hands with him, enquired what had kept +him so long from Portman-Square? Morrice then, finding, to his great +surprise, that no one had thought more of the mischief but himself +who had committed it, joyously discarded his timidity, and became as +sprightly as before his mortification. + +A motion was now made for going to the tea-room; and as they walked +on, Cecilia, in looking up to examine the building, saw in one of the +galleries young Delvile, and almost at the same time caught his eye. + +Scarcely now did a moment elapse before he joined her. The sight of him, +strongly reviving in her mind the painful contrariety of opinion with +which she had lately thought of him, the sentiments so much in his +favour which but a few days before she had encouraged, and which it was +only that morning she had endeavoured to crush, made her meet him with a +kind of melancholy that almost induced her to lament he was amiable, and +repine that she knew none like him. + +His appearance, meantime, was far different; he seemed enchanted at the +sight of her, he flew eagerly to meet her, and his eyes sparkled +with pleasure as he approached her; a pleasure neither moderate nor +disguised, but lively, unrestrained, and expressive. + +Cecilia, whose plans since she had last seen him had twice varied, +who first had looked forward to being united with him for ever, and +afterwards had determined to avoid with him even a common acquaintance, +could not, while these thoughts were all recurring to her memory, +receive much delight from observing his gaiety, or feel at all gratified +by his unembarrassed manners. The openness of his attentions, and the +frankness of his admiration, which hitherto had charmed her as marks +of the sincerity of his character, now shocked her as proofs of the +indifference of his heart, which feeling for her a mere common regard, +that affected neither his spirits nor his peace, he manifested without +scruple, since it was not accompanied with even a wish beyond the +present hour. + +She now, too, recollected that such had always been his conduct, one +single and singular moment excepted, when, as he gave to her his +letter for Mr Belfield, he seemed struck as she was herself by the +extraordinary co-incidence of their ideas and proceedings: that emotion, +however, she now regarded as casual and transitory, and seeing him so +much happier than herself, she felt ashamed of her delusion, and angry +at her easy captivation. + +Reflections such as these, though they added fresh motives to her +resolution of giving up all thoughts of his alliance, were yet so +humiliating, that they robbed her of all power of receiving pleasure +from what was passing, and made her forget that the place she was in was +even intended for a place of entertainment. + +Young Delvile, after painting in lively colours the loss his house had +sustained by her quitting it, and dwelling with equal force upon the +regret of his mother and his own, asked in a low voice if she would do +him so much honour as to introduce him to Mr Harrel; "As the son," +added he, "of a brother guardian, I think I have a kind of claim to his +acquaintance." + +Cecilia could not refuse, though as the request was likely to occasion +more frequent meetings, she persuaded herself she was unwilling to +comply. The ceremony therefore past, and was again repeated with Mrs +Harrel, who, though she had several times seen him, had never been +formally made known to him. + +The Harrels were both of them much pleased at this mark of civility in a +young man whose family had prepared them rather to expect his scorn, and +expressed their wishes that he would drink his tea in their party; he +accepted their invitation with alacrity, and turning to Cecilia, said, +"Have I not skilfully timed my introduction! But though you have done me +this honour with Mr and Mrs Harrel, I must not yet, I presume, entreat +you to extend it to a certain happy gentleman of this company;" glancing +his eyes toward Sir Robert Floyer. + +"No, Sir," answered she, with quickness, "yet, nor ever!" + +They were now at the door leading down stairs to the tea-room. Cecilia +saw that Sir Robert, who had hitherto been engaged with some gentlemen, +seemed to be seeking her; and the remembrance of the quarrel which had +followed her refusal of his assistance at the Opera-house, obliged +her to determine, should he offer it again, to accept it: but the +same brutality which forced this intention, contributed to render it +repugnant to her, and she resolved if possible to avoid him, by hurrying +down stairs before he reached her. She made, therefore, a sudden attempt +to slip through the crowd, and as she was light and active, she easily +succeeded; but though her hasty motion separated her from the rest of +her party, Delvile, who was earnestly looking at her, to discover her +meaning in the disclaiming speech she made about Sir Robert, saw into +her design, but suffered her not to go alone; he contrived in a moment +to follow and join her, while she was stopping at the foot of the stairs +for Mrs Harrel. + +"Why what a little thief you are," cried he, "to run away from us thus! +what do you think Sir Robert will say? I saw him looking for you at the +very instant of your flight." + +"Then you saw at the same time," said Cecilia, "the reason of it." + +"Will you give me leave," cried he, laughing, "to repeat this to my Lord +Ernolf?" + +"You may repeat it, Sir, if you please," said Cecilia, piqued that he +had not rather thought of himself than of Lord Ernolf, "to the whole +Pantheon." + +"And if I should," cried he, "half of it, at least, would thank me; and +to obtain the applause of so noble an assembly, what would it signify +that Sir Robert should cut my throat?" + +"I believe," said Cecilia, deeply mortified by a raillery that shewed +so little interest in her avowal of indifference, "you are determined to +make me as sick of that man's name, as I am of his conversation." + +"And is it possible," exclaimed Delvile, in a tone of surprise, "that +such can be your opinion, and yet, situated as you are, the whole world +at your command, and all mankind at your devotion--but I am answering +you seriously, when you are only speaking by rule." + +"What rule, Sir?" + +"That which young ladies, upon certain occasions, always prescribe +themselves." + +Here they were interrupted by the arrival of the rest of the company; +though not before Cecilia had received some little consolation for +her displeasure, by finding that young Delvile still supposed she was +engaged, and flattering herself his language would be different were he +informed of the contrary. + +Morrice now undertook to procure them a table for tea, which, as the +room was very full, was not easily done; and while they were waiting his +success, Miss Larolles, who from the stairs had perceived Cecilia, +came running up to her, and taking her hand, called out "Lord, my +dear creature, who'd have thought of seeing you here? I was never so +surprised in my life! I really thought you was gone into a convent, it's +so extreme long since I've seen you. But of all things in the world, +why was you not at Lady Nyland's last assembly? I thought of asking Mrs +Harrel fifty times why you did not come, but it always went out of my +head. You've no notion how excessively I was disappointed." + +"You are very obliging," said Cecilia laughing, "but I hope, since +you so often forgot it, the disappointment did [not] much lessen your +entertainment." + +"O Lord no! I was never so happy in my life. There was such a crowd, you +could not move a finger. Every body in the world was there. You've no +idea how delightful it was. I thought verily I should have fainted with +the heat." + +"That was delightful indeed! And how long did you stay?" + +"Why we danced till three in the morning. We began with Cotillons, and +finished with country dances. It was the most elegant thing you ever +saw in your life; every thing quite in a style. I was so monstrously +fatigued, I could hardly get through the last dance. I really thought I +should have dropt down dead. Only conceive dancing five hours in such a +monstrous crowd! I assure you when I got home my feet were all blisters. +You have no idea how they smarted." + +"And whence comes it," cried young Delvile, "that _you_ partake so +little of these delights?" + +"Because I fear," answered Cecilia, "I came too late into the school of +fashion to be a ductile pupil." + +"Do you know," continued Miss Larolles, "Mr Meadows has not spoke one +word to me all the evening! Though I am sure he saw me, for I sat at +the outside on purpose to speak to a person or two, that I knew would be +strolling about; for if one sits on the inside, there's no speaking to +a creature, you know, so I never do it at the Opera, nor in the boxes at +Ranelagh, nor any where. It's the shockingest thing you can conceive to +be made sit in the middle of those forms; one might as well be at home, +for nobody can speak to one." + +"But you don't seem to have had much better success," said Cecilia, "in +keeping at the outside." + +"O yes I have, for I got a little chat with two or three people as they +were passing, for, you know, when one sits there, they can't help saying +something; though I assure you all the men are so exceedingly odd they +don't care whether they speak to one or no. As to Mr Meadows, he's +really enough to provoke one to death. I suppose he's in one of his +absent fits. However, I assure you I think it's extreme impertinent of +him, and so I shall tell Mr Sawyer, for I know he'll make a point of +telling him of it again." + +"I rather think," said Cecilia, "the best would be to return the +compliment in kind, and when he next recollects you, appear to have +forgotten him." + +"O Lord, that's a very good notion! so I will, I declare. But you can't +conceive how glad I am the Concert's over; for I assure you, though I +sat as near the fire as possible, I was so extreme cold you've no idea, +for Mr Meadows never would let me have the least peep at it. I declare +I believe he does it on purpose to plague one, for he grows worse and +worse every day. You can't think how I hate him!" + +"Not easily, I believe indeed!" said Cecilia, archly. + +"O do but look!" resumed the fair VOLUBLE, "if there is not Mrs Mears +in her old red gown again! I begin to think she'll never have another. +I wish she was to have an execution in her house, if it was only to get +rid of it! I am so fatigued with the sight of it you can't conceive." + +Mr Morrice now brought intelligence that he had secured one side of a +table which would very well accommodate the ladies; and that the other +side was only occupied by one gentleman, who, as he was not drinking tea +himself, would doubtless give up his place when the party appeared. + +Miss Larolles then ran back to her own set, and the rest followed Mr +Morrice; Mrs Harrell, Mrs Mears and Cecilia took their places. The +gentleman opposite to them proved to be Mr Meadows: Morrice, therefore, +was much deceived in his expectations, for, far from giving up his +place, he had flung himself all along upon the form in such a lounging +posture, while he rested one arm upon the table, that, not contented +with merely keeping his own seat, he filled up a space meant for three. + +Mr Harrel had already walked off to another party: Delvile stood aloof +for some minutes, expecting Sir Robert Floyer would station himself +behind Cecilia; but Sir Robert, who would scarce have thought such a +condescension due to a princess, disdained any appearance of assiduity, +even while he made it his care to publish his pretensions: and +therefore, finding no accommodation to please him, he stalked towards +some gentlemen in another part of the room. Delvile then took the post +he had neglected, and Mr Arnott, who had not had courage to make any +effort in his own favour, modestly stood near him. Cecilia contrived to +make room for Mr Gosport next to herself, and Morrice was sufficiently +happy in being allowed to call the waiters, superintend, the provisions, +and serve the whole party. + +The task of making tea fell upon Cecilia, who being somewhat incommoded +by the vicinity of her neighbours, Mrs Mears called out to Mr Meadows +"Do pray, Sir, be so good as to make room for one of us at your side." + +Mr Meadows, who was indolently picking his teeth, and examining them +with a tooth pick case glass, did not, at first, seem to hear her; and +when she repeated her request, he only looked at her, and said "umph?" + +"Now really, Mr Meadows," said she, "when you see any ladies in such +distress, I wonder how you can forbear helping them." + +"In distress, are you?" cried he, with a vacant smile, "pray, what's the +matter?" + +"Don't you see? we are so crowded we can hardly sit." + +"Can't you?" cried he, "upon my honour it's very shameful that these +people don't contrive some seats more convenient." + +"Yes," said Mrs Mears; "but if you would be so kind as to let somebody +else sit by you we should not want any contrivance." + +Here Mr Meadows was seized with a furious fit of yawning, which as much +diverted Cecilia and Mr Gosport, as it offended Mrs Mears, who with +great displeasure added, "Indeed, Mr Meadows, it's very strange that you +never hear what's said to you." + +"I beg your pardon," said he, "were you speaking to me?" and again began +picking his teeth. + +Morrice, eager to contrast his civility with the inattention of Mr +Meadows, now flew round to the other side of the table, and calling out +"let _me_ help you, Miss Beverley, I can make tea better than anybody," +he lent over that part of the form which Mr Meadows had occupied with +one of his feet, in order to pour it out himself: but Mr Meadows, by +an unfortunate removal of his foot, bringing him forwarder than he was +prepared to go, the tea pot and its contents were overturned immediately +opposite to Cecilia. + +Young Delvile, who saw the impending evil, from an impetuous impulse +to prevent her suffering by it, hastily drew her back, and bending down +before her, secured her preservation by receiving himself the mischief +with which she was threatened. + +Mrs Mears and Mrs Harrel vacated their seats in a moment, and Mr Gosport +and Mr Arnott assisted in clearing the table, and removing Cecilia, who +was very slightly hurt, and at once surprised, ashamed, and pleased at +the manner in which she had been saved. + +Young Delvile, though a sufferer from his gallantry, the hot water +having penetrated through his coat to his arm and shoulder, was at first +insensible to his situation, from an apprehension that Cecilia had not +wholly escaped; and his enquiries were so eager and so anxious, made +with a look of such solicitude, and a voice of such alarm, that, equally +astonished and gratified, she secretly blest the accident which had +given birth to his uneasiness, however she grieved for its consequence +to himself. + +But no sooner was he satisfied of her safety, than he felt himself +obliged to retire; yet attributing to inconvenience what was really the +effect of pain, he hurried away with an appearance of sport, saying, +"There is something I must own, rather _unknightly_ in quitting the +field for a wet jacket, but the company, I hope, will only give me +credit for flying away to Ranelagh. So + + "Like a brave general after being beat, + I'll exult and rejoice in a prudent retreat." [Footnote: Smart] + +He then hastened to his carriage: and poor Morrice, frightened and +confounded at the disaster he had occasioned, sneaked after him with +much less ceremony. While Mr Meadows, wholly unconcerned by the distress +and confusion around him, sat quietly picking his teeth, and looking +on, during the whole transaction, with an unmeaning stare, that made it +doubtful whether he had even perceived it. + +Order being now soon restored, the ladies finished their tea, and went +up stairs. Cecilia, to whom the late accident had afforded much new and +interesting matter for reflection, wished immediately to have returned +home, but she was not the leader of the party, and therefore could not +make the proposal. + +They then strolled through all the apartments, and having walked about +till the fashionable time of retiring, they were joined by Sir Robert +Floyer, and proceeded to the little room near the entrance to the great +one, in order to wait for their carriages. + +Here Cecilia again met Miss Larolles, who came to make various remarks, +and infinite ridicule, upon sundry unfashionable or uncostly articles in +the dresses of the surrounding company; as well as to complain, with no +little resentment, that Mr Meadows was again standing before the fire! + +Captain Aresby also advanced, to tell her he was quite _abattu_ by +having so long lost sight of her, to hope she _would make a renounce_ of +mortifying the world by discarding it, and to protest he had waited for +his carriage till he was actually upon the point of being [_accable_.] + +In the midst of this _jargon_, to which the fulness of Cecilia's mind +hardly permitted her to listen, there suddenly appeared at the door of +the apartment, Mr Albany, who, with his usual austerity of countenance, +stopt to look round upon the company. + +"Do you see," cried Mr Gosport to Cecilia, "who approaches? your poor +_sycophants_ will again be taken to task, and I, for one, tremble at the +coming storm!" + +"O Lord," cried Miss Larolles, "I wish I was safe in my chair! that man +always frightens me out of my senses. You've no notion what disagreeable +things he says to one. I assure you I've no doubt but he's crazy; and +I'm always in the shockingest fright in the world for fear he should be +taken with a fit while I'm near him." + +"It is really a petrifying thing," said the Captain, "that one can go to +no _spectacle_ without the _horreur_ of being _obsede_ by that person! +if he comes this way, I shall certainly make a renounce, and retire." + +"Why so?" said Sir Robert, "what the d---l do you mind him for?" + +"O he is the greatest bore in nature!" cried the Captain, "and I always +do _mon possible_ to avoid him; for he breaks out in such barbarous +phrases, that I find myself _degoute_ with him in a moment." + +"O, I assure you," said Miss Larolles, "he attacks one sometimes in a +manner you've no idea. One day he came up to me all of a sudden, and +asked me what good I thought I did by dressing so much? Only conceive +how shocking!" + +"O, I have had the _horreur_ of questions of that sort from him _sans +fin_," said the Captain; "once he took the liberty to ask me, what +service I was of to the world! and another time, he desired me to inform +him whether I had ever made any poor person pray for me! and, in short, +he has so frequently inconvenienced me by his impertinences, that he +really bores me to a degree." + +"That's just the thing that makes him hunt you down," said Sir Robert; +"if he were to ask me questions for a month together, I should never +trouble myself to move a muscle." + +"The matter of his discourse," said Mr Gosport, "is not more singular +than the manner, for without any seeming effort or consciousness, he +runs into blank verse perpetually. I have made much enquiry about him, +but all I am able to learn, is that he was certainly confined, at one +part of his life, in a private mad-house: and though now, from not +being mischievous, he is set at liberty, his looks, language, and whole +behaviour, announce the former injury of his intellects." + +"O Lord," cried Miss Larolles, half-screaming, "what shocking notions +you put in one's head! I declare I dare say I sha'n't get safe home +for him, for I assure you I believe he's taken a spite to me! and all +because one day, before I knew of his odd ways, I happened to fall a +laughing at his going about in that old coat. Do you know it put him +quite in a passion! only conceive how ill-natured!" + +"O he has distressed me," exclaimed the Captain, with a shrug, +"_partout_! and found so much fault with every thing I have done, that I +should really be glad to have the honour to cut, for the moment he comes +up to me, I know what I have to expect!" + +"But I must tell you," cried Miss Larolles, "how monstrously he put +me in a fright one evening when I was talking with Miss Moffat. Do you +know, he came up to us, and asked what we were saying! and because +we could not think in a minute of something to answer him, he said he +supposed we were only talking some scandal, and so we had better go +home, and employ ourselves in working for the poor! only think how +horrid! and after that, he was so excessive impertinent in his remarks, +there was quite no bearing him. I assure you he cut me up so you've no +notion." + +Here Mr Albany advanced; and every body but Sir Robert moved out of the +way. + +Fixing his eyes upon Cecilia, with an expression _more in sorrow than in +anger_, after contemplating her some time in silence, he exclaimed, "Ah +lovely, but perishable flower! how long will that ingenuous countenance, +wearing, because wanting no disguise, look responsive of the whiteness +of the region within? How long will that air of innocence irradiate your +whole appearance? unspoilt by prosperity, unperverted by power! pure +in the midst of surrounding depravity! unsullied in the tainted air of +infectious perdition!" + +The confusion of Cecilia at this public address, which drew upon her the +eyes and attention of all the company, was inexpressible; she arose from +her seat, covered with blushes, and saying, "I fancy the carriage must +be ready," pressed forward to quit the room, followed by Sir Robert, who +answered, "No, no, they'll call it when it comes up. Arnott, will you go +and see where it is?" + +Cecilia stopt, but whispered Mrs Harrel to stand near her. + +"And whither," cried Albany indignantly, "whither wouldst thou go? Art +thou already disdainful of my precepts? and canst thou not one short +moment spare from the tumultuous folly which encircles thee? Many and +many are the hours thou mayst spend with such as these; the world, +alas! is full of them; weary not then, so soon, of an old man that +would admonish thee,--he cannot call upon thee long, for soon he will be +called upon himself!" + +This solemn exhortation extremely distressed her; and fearing to still +further offend him by making another effort to escape, she answered in +a low voice, "I will not only hear, but thank you for your precepts, if +you will forbear to give them before so many witnesses." + +"Whence," cried he sternly, "these vain and superficial distinctions? Do +you not dance in public? What renders you more conspicuous? Do you not +dress to be admired, and walk to be observed? Why then this fantastical +scruple, unjustified by reason, unsupported by analogy? Is folly only +to be published? Is vanity alone to be exhibited? Oh slaves of senseless +contradiction! Oh feeble followers of yet feebler prejudice! daring to +be wicked, yet fearing to be wise; dauntless in levity, yet shrinking +from the name of virtue!" + +The latter part of this speech, during which he turned with energy to +the whole company, raised such a general alarm, that all the ladies +hastily quitted the room, and all the gentlemen endeavoured to enter +it, equally curious to see the man who made the oration, and the lady +to whom it was addressed. Cecilia, therefore, found her situation +unsupportable; "I must go," she cried, "whether there is a carriage or +not! pray, Mrs Harrel, let us go!" + +Sir Robert then offered to take her hand, which she was extremely ready +to give him; but while the crowd made their passage difficult, Albany, +following and stopping her, said, "What is it you fear? a miserable old +man, worn out by the sorrows of that experience from which he offers +you counsel? What, too, is it you trust? a libertine wretch, coveting +nothing but your wealth, for the gift of which he will repay you by the +perversion of your principles!" + +"What the d--l do you mean by that?" cried the Baronet. + +"To shew," answered he, austerely, "the inconsistency of false delicacy; +to show how those who are too timid for truth, can fearless meet +licentiousness." + +"For Heaven's sake, Sir," cried Cecilia, "say no more to me now: call +upon me in Portman-square when you please,--reprove me in whatever +you think me blameable, I shall be grateful for your instructions, and +bettered, perhaps, by your care;--but lessons and notice thus public can +do me nothing but injury." + +"How happy," cried he, "were no other injury near thee! spotless were +then the hour of thy danger, bright, fair and refulgent thy passage +to security! the Good would receive thee with praise, the Guilty would +supplicate thy prayers, the Poor would follow thee with blessings, and +Children would be taught by thy example!" + +He then quitted her, every body making way as he moved, and proceeded +into the great room. Mrs Harrel's carriage being announced at the same +time, Cecilia lost not an instant in hastening away. + +Sir Robert, as he conducted her, disdainfully laughed at the adventure, +which the general licence allowed to Mr Albany prevented his resenting, +and which therefore he scorned to appear moved at. + +Mrs. Harrel could talk of nothing else, neither was Cecilia disposed +to change the subject, for the remains of insanity which seemed to hang +upon him were affecting without being alarming, and her desire to know +more of him grew every instant stronger. + +This desire, however, outlived not the conversation to which it gave +rise; when she returned to her own room, no vestige of it remained upon +her mind, which a nearer concern and deeper interest wholly occupied. + +The behaviour of young Delvile had pained, pleased, and disturbed +her; his activity to save her from mischief might proceed merely from +gallantry or good nature; upon that, therefore, she dwelt little: but +his eagerness, his anxiety, his insensibility to himself, were more +than good breeding could claim, and seemed to spring from a motive less +artificial. + +She now, therefore, believed that her partiality was returned; and +this belief had power to shake all her resolves, and enfeeble all her +objections. The arrogance of Mr Delvile lessened in her reflections, the +admonitions of Mr Monckton abated in their influence. With the first she +considered that though connected she need not live, and for the second, +though she acknowledged the excellence of his judgment, she concluded +him wholly ignorant of her sentiments of Delvile; which she imagined, +when once revealed, would make every obstacle to the alliance seem +trifling, when put in competition with mutual esteem and affection. + + + + +CHAPTER vii + +A REPROOF. + + +The attention of Cecilia to her own affairs, did not make her forgetful +of those of the Harrels: and the morning after the busy day which was +last recorded, as soon as she quitted the breakfast-room, she began a +note to Mr Monckton, but was interrupted with information that he was +already in the house. + +She went to him immediately, and had the satisfaction of finding him +alone: but desirous as she was to relate to him the transactions of the +preceding day, there was in his countenance a gravity so unusual, that +her impatience was involuntarily checked, and she waited first to hear +if he had himself any thing to communicate. + +He kept her not long in suspence; "Miss Beverley," he said, "I bring you +intelligence which though I know you will be very sorry to hear, it is +absolutely necessary should be told you immediately: you may otherwise, +from however laudable motives, be drawn into some action which you may +repent for life." + +"What now!" cried Cecilia, much alarmed. + +"All that I suspected," said he, "and more than I hinted to you, is +true; Mr Harrel is a ruined man! he is not worth a groat, and he is in +debt beyond what he ever possessed." + +Cecilia made no answer: she knew but too fatally the desperate state of +his affairs, yet that _his debts were more than he had ever possessed_, +she had not thought possible. + +"My enquiries," continued he, "have been among principals, and such +as would not dare deceive me. I hastened, therefore, to you, that this +timely notice might enforce the injunctions I gave you when I had the +pleasure of seeing you last, and prevent a misjudging generosity from +leading you into any injury of your own fortune, for a man who is past +all relief from it, and who cannot be saved, even though you were to be +destroyed for his sake." + +"You are very good," said Cecilia, "but your counsel is now too late!" +She then briefly acquainted him with what passed, and with how large a +sum she had parted. + +He heard her with rage, amazement, and horror: and after inveighing +against Mr Harrel in the bitterest terms, he said, "But why, before you +signed your name to so base an imposition, could you not send for me?" + +"I wished, I meant to have done it," cried she, "but I thought the time +past when you could help me: how, indeed, could you have saved me? my +word was given, given with an oath the most solemn, and the first I have +ever taken in my life." + +"An oath so forced," answered he, "the most delicate conscience would +have absolved you from performing. You have, indeed, been grossly +imposed upon, and pardon me if I add unaccountably to blame. Was it not +obvious that relief so circumstanced must be temporary? If his ruin +had been any thing less than certain, what tradesmen would have been +insolent? You have therefore deprived yourself of the power of doing +good to a worthier object, merely to grant a longer date to extravagance +and villainy." + +"Yet how," cried Cecilia, deeply touched by this reproof, "how could +I do otherwise! Could I see a man in the agonies of despair, hear him +first darkly hint his own destruction, and afterwards behold him +almost in the very act of suicide, the instrument of self-murder in his +desperate hand--and yet, though he put his life in my power, though he +told me I could preserve him, and told me he had no other reliance +or resource, could I leave him to his dreadful despondence, refuse my +assisting hand to raise him from perdition, and, to save what, after +all, I am well able to spare, suffer a fellow-creature, who flung +himself upon my mercy, to offer up his last accounts with an action +blacker than any which had preceded it?--No, I cannot repent what I have +done, though I lament, indeed, that the object was not more deserving." + +"Your representation," said Mr Monckton, "like every thing else that I +ever heard you utter, breathes nothing but benevolence and goodness: +but your pity has been abused, and your understanding imposed upon. Mr +Harrel had no intention to destroy himself; the whole was an infamous +trick, which, had not your generosity been too well known, would never +have been played." + +"I cannot think quite so ill of him," said Cecilia, "nor for the world +would I have risked my own future reproaches by trusting to such a +suspicion, which, had it proved wrong, and had Mr Harrel, upon my +refusal committed the fatal deed, would have made his murder upon my +own conscience rest for ever! surely the experiment would have been too +hazardous, when the consequence had all my future peace in its power. + +"It is impossible not to revere your scruples," said Mr Monckton, "even +while I consider them as causeless; for causeless they undoubtedly were: +the man who could act so atrocious a part, who could so scandalously +pillage a young lady who was his guest and his ward, take advantage of +her temper for the plunder of her fortune, and extort her compliance by +the basest and most dishonourable arts, meant only to terrify her into +compliance, for he can be nothing less than a downright and thorough +scoundrel, capable of every species of mean villainy." + +He then protested he would at least acquaint her other guardians with +what had passed, whose business it would be to enquire if there was any +chance of redress. + +Cecilia, however, had not much trouble in combating this proposal; for +though her objections, which were merely those of punctilious honour and +delicacy, weighed nothing with a man who regarded them as absurdities, +yet his own apprehensions of appearing too officious in her affairs, +forced him, after a little deliberation, to give up the design. + +"Besides," said Cecilia, "as I have his bond for what I have parted +with, I have, at least, no right to complain, unless, after he receives +his rents, he refuses to pay me." + +"His bonds! his rents!" exclaimed Mr Monckton, "what is a man's bond who +is not worth a guinea? and what are his rents, when all he ever owned +must be sold before they are due, and when he will not himself receive +a penny from the sale, as he has neither land, house, nor possession of +any sort that is not mortgaged?" + +"Nay, then," said Cecilia, "if so, it is indeed all, over! I am sorry, I +am grieved!--but it is past, and nothing, therefore, remains, but that I +try to forget I ever was richer!" + +"This is very youthful philosophy," said Mr Monckton; "but it will not +lessen your regret hereafter, when the value of money is better known to +you." + +"If I shall dearly buy my experience," said Cecilia, "let me be the +more attentive to making good use of it; and, since my loss seems +irremediable to myself, let me at least endeavour to secure its utility +to Mr Harrel." + +She then told him her wish to propose to that gentleman some scheme of +reformation, while yesterday's events were yet recent in his mind: but +Mr Monckton, who had hardly patience to hear her, exclaimed, "He is a +wretch, and deserves the full force of the disgrace he is courting. What +is now most necessary is to guard you from his further machinations, for +you may else be involved in ruin as deep as his own. He now knows the +way to frighten you, and he will not fail to put it in practice." + +"No, Sir," answered Cecilia, "he would vainly apply to me in future: I +cannot repent that I ventured not yesterday to brave his menaces, but +too little is the comfort I feel from what I have bestowed, to suffer +any consideration to make me part with more." + +"Your resolution," answered he, "will be as feeble as your generosity +will be potent: depend nothing upon yourself, but instantly quit +his house. You will else be made responsible for every debt that he +contracts; and whatever may be his difficulties hereafter, he will know +that to extricate himself from them, he has but to talk of dying, and to +shew you a sword or a pistol." + +"If so, then," said Cecilia, looking down while she spoke, "I suppose I +must again go to Mr Delvile's." + +This was by no means the purpose of Mr Monckton, who saw not more danger +to her fortune with one of her guardians, than to her person with the +other. He ventured, therefore, to recommend to her a residence with +Mr Briggs, well knowing that his house would be a security against her +seeing any man equal to himself, and hoping that under his roof he might +again be as unrivalled in her opinion and esteem, as he formerly was in +the country. + +But here the opposition of Cecilia was too earnest for any hope that +it might be surmounted; for, added to her dislike of Mr Briggs, +her repugnance to such an habitation was strongly, though silently +increased, by her secret inclination to return to St James's-square. + +"I mention not Mr Briggs as an eligible host," said Mr Monckton, after +listening to her objections, "but merely as one more proper for you than +Mr Delvile, with whom your fixing at present would but be ill thought of +in the world." + +"Ill thought of, Sir? Why so?" + +"Because he has a son; for whose sake alone it would be universally +concluded you changed your abode: and to give any pretence for such +a report, would by no means accord with the usual delicacy of your +conduct." + +Cecilia was confounded by this speech: the truth of the charge she felt, +and the probability of the censure she did not dare dispute. + +He then gave her a thousand exhortations to beware of the schemes and +artifices of Mr Harrel, which he foresaw would be innumerable. He told +her, too, that with respect to Sir Robert Floyer, he thought she had +better suffer the report to subside of itself, which in time it must +necessarily do, than give to it so much consequence as to send a message +to the Baronet, from which he might pretend to infer that hitherto she +had been wavering, or she would have sent to him sooner. + +But the real motive of this advice was, that as he found Sir Robert by +no means to be dreaded, he hoped the report, if generally circulated +and credited, might keep off other pretenders, and intimidate or deceive +young Delvile. + +The purport for which Cecilia had wished this conference was, however, +wholly unanswered; Mr Monckton, enraged by the conduct of Mr Harrel, +refused to talk of his affairs, and could only mention him with +detestation: but Cecilia, less severe in her judgment, and more tender +in her heart, would not yet give up the hope of an amendment she so +anxiously wished; and having now no other person to whom she could +apply, determined to consult with Mr Arnott, whose affection for his +sister would give him a zeal in the affair that might somewhat supply +the place of superior abilities. There was, indeed, no time to be lost +in making the projected attempt, for no sooner was the immediate danger +of suffering removed, than the alarm wore away, and the penitence was +forgotten; every thing went on as usual, no new regulations were made, +no expences abated, no pleasures forborn, not a thought of hereafter +admitted: and ruinous and terrible as had been the preceding storm, no +trace of it was visible in the serenity of the present calm. + +An occasion of discussion with Mr Arnott very speedily offered. Mr +Harrel said he had observed in the looks of his friends at the Pantheon +much surprise at the sight of him, and declared he should take yet +another measure for removing all suspicion. This was to give a splendid +entertainment at his own house to all his acquaintance, to which he +meant to invite every body of any consequence he had ever seen, and +almost every body he had ever heard of, in his life. + +Levity so unfeeling, and a spirit of extravagance so irreclaimable, were +hopeless prognostics; yet Cecilia would not desist from her design. She +therefore took the earliest opportunity of speaking with Mr Arnott upon +the subject, when she openly expressed her uneasiness at the state of +his brother's affairs, and warmly acknowledged her displeasure at his +dissipated way of life. + +Mr Arnott soon shewed that example was all he wanted to declare the same +sentiments. He owned he had long disapproved the conduct of Mr Harrel, +and trembled at the situation of his sister. They then considered +what it was possible to propose that might retrieve their affairs, and +concluded that entirely to quit London for some years, was the only +chance that remained of saving them from absolute destruction. + +Mr Arnott, therefore, though fearfully, and averse to the talk, told his +sister their mutual advice. She thanked him, said she was much obliged +to him, and would certainly consider his proposal, and mention it to Mr +Harrel.--Parties of pleasure, however, intervened, and the promise was +neglected. + +Cecilia then again spoke herself. Mrs Harrel, much softened by her +late acts of kindness, was no longer offended by her interference, but +contented herself with confessing that she quite hated the country, +and could only bear to live in it in summer time. And when Cecilia very +earnestly expostulated on the weakness of such an objection to a step +absolutely necessary for her future safety and happiness, she said, _she +could do no worse than that if already ruined_, and therefore that +she thought _it would be very hard to expect from her such a sacrifice +before-hand_. + +It was in vain Cecilia remonstrated: Mrs Harrel's love of pleasure was +stronger than her understanding, and therefore, though she listened to +her with patience, she concluded with the same answer she had begun. + +Cecilia then, though almost heartless, resolved upon talking with Mr +Harrel himself: and therefore, taking an opportunity which he had not +time to elude, she ingenuously told him her opinion of his danger, and +of the manner in which it might be avoided. + +He paid unusual attention to her advice, but said she was much mistaken +with respect to his affairs, which he believed he should now very +speedily retrieve, as he had had the preceding night an uncommon _run of +luck_, and flattered himself with being able very shortly to pay all his +debts, and begin the world again upon a new score. + +This open confession of gaming was but a new shock to Cecilia, who +scrupled not to represent to him the uncertainty of so hazardous a +reliance, and the inevitable evils of so destructive a practice. + +She made not, however, the least impression upon his mind; he assured +her he doubted not giving her shortly a good account of himself, and +that living in the country was a resource of desperation which need not +be anticipated. + +Cecilia, though grieved and provoked by their mutual folly and +blindness, could proceed no further: advice and admonition she spared +not, but authority she had none to use. She regretted her ineffectual +attempt to Mr Arnott, who was yet more cruelly afflicted at it; but +though they conversed upon the subject by every opportunity, they were +equally unable to relate any success from their efforts, or to devise +any plan more likely to ensure it. + + + + +CHAPTER viii + +A MISTAKE. + + +Mean time young Delvile failed not to honour Cecilia's introduction +of him to Mr Harrel, by waiting upon that gentleman as soon as the ill +effects of his accident at the Pantheon permitted him to leave his own +house. Mr Harrel, though just going out when he called, was desirous of +being upon good terms with his family, and therefore took him up stairs +to present him to his lady, and invited him to tea and cards the next +evening. + +Cecilia, who was with Mrs Harrel, did not see him without emotion; which +was not much lessened by the task of thanking him for his assistance at +the Pantheon, and enquiring how he had himself fared. No sign, however, +of emotion appeared in return, either when he first addressed, or +afterwards answered her: the look of solicitude with which she had been +so much struck when they last parted was no longer discernible, and the +voice of sensibility which had removed all her doubts, was no longer to +be heard. His general ease, and natural gaiety were again unruffled, and +though he had never seemed really indifferent to her, there was not the +least appearance of any added partiality. + +Cecilia felt an involuntary mortification as she observed this change: +yet, upon reflection, she still attributed his whole behaviour to his +mistake with respect to her situation, and therefore was but the more +gratified by the preference he occasionally betrayed. + +The invitation for the next evening was accepted, and Cecilia, for once, +felt no repugnance to joining the company. Young Delvile again was in +excellent spirits; but though his chief pleasure was evidently derived +from conversing with her, she had the vexation to observe that he seemed +to think her the undoubted property of the Baronet, always retreating +when he approached, and as careful, when next her, to yield his place if +he advanced, as, when he was distant, to guard it from all others. + +But when Sir Robert was employed at cards, all scruples ceasing, he +neglected not to engross her almost wholly. He was eager to speak to +her of the affairs of Mr Belfield, which he told her wore now a better +aspect. The letter, indeed, of recommendation which he had shewn to her, +had failed, as the nobleman to whom it was written had already entered +into an engagement for his son; but he had made application elsewhere +which he believed would be successful, and he had communicated his +proceedings to Mr Belfield, whose spirits he hoped would recover by this +prospect of employment and advantage. "It is, however, but too true," +he added, "that I have rather obtained his consent to the steps I am +taking, than his approbation of them: nor do I believe, had I previously +consulted him, I should have had even that. Disappointed in his higher +views, his spirit is broken, and he is heartless and hopeless, scarce +condescending to accept relief, from the bitter remembrance that he +expected preferment. Time, however, will blunt this acute sensibility, +and reflection will make him blush at this unreasonable delicacy. But we +must patiently soothe him till he is more himself, or while we mean to +serve, we shall only torment him. Sickness, sorrow, and poverty have all +fallen heavily upon him, and they have all fallen at once: we must not, +therefore, wonder to find him intractable, when his mind is as much +depressed, as his body is enervated." + +Cecilia, to whom his candour and generosity always gave fresh delight, +strengthened his opinions by her concurrence, and confirmed his designs +by the interest which she took in them. + +From this time, he found almost daily some occasion for calling in +Portman-square. The application of Cecilia in favour of Mr Belfield gave +him a right to communicate to her all his proceedings concerning him; +and he had some letter to shew, some new scheme to propose, some refusal +to lament, or some hope to rejoice over, almost perpetually: or even +when these failed, Cecilia had a cold, which he came to enquire +after, or Mrs Harrel gave him an invitation, which rendered any excuse +unnecessary. But though his intimacy with Cecilia was encreased, though +his admiration of her was conspicuous, and his fondness for her society +seemed to grow with the enjoyment of it, he yet never manifested any +doubt of her engagement with the Baronet, nor betrayed either intention +or desire to supplant him. Cecilia, however, repined not much at the +mistake, since she thought it might be instrumental to procuring her +a more impartial acquaintance with his character, than she could +rationally expect, if, as she hoped, the explanation of his error should +make him seek her good opinion with more study and design. + +To satisfy herself not only concerning the brother but the sister, she +again visited Miss Belfield, and had the pleasure of finding her in +better spirits, and hearing that the _noble friend_ of her brother, whom +she had already mentioned, and whom Cecilia had before suspected to be +young Delvile, had now pointed out to him a method of conduct by +which his affairs might be decently retrieved, and himself creditably +employed. Miss Belfield spoke of the plan with the highest satisfaction; +yet she acknowledged that her mother was extremely discontented with it, +and that her brother himself was rather led by shame than inclination to +its adoption. Yet he was evidently easier in his mind, though far from +happy, and already so much better, that Mr Rupil said he would very soon +be able to leave his room. + +Such was the quiet and contented situation of Cecilia, when one evening, +which was destined for company at home, while she was alone in the +drawing-room, which Mrs Harrel had just left to answer a note, Sir +Robert Floyer accidentally came up stairs before the other gentlemen. + +"Ha!" cried he, the moment he saw her, "at last have I the good fortune +to meet with you alone! this, indeed, is a favour I thought I was always +to be denied." + +He was then approaching her; but Cecilia, who shrunk involuntarily at +the sight of him, was retreating hastily to quit the room, when suddenly +recollecting that no better opportunity might ever offer for a +final explanation with him, she irresolutely stopt; and Sir Robert, +immediately following, took her hand, and pressing it to his lips as +she endeavoured to withdraw it, exclaimed, "You are a most charming +creature!" when the door was opened, and young Delvile at the same +moment was announced and appeared. + +Cecilia, colouring violently, and extremely chagrined, hastily +disengaged herself from his hold. Delvile seemed uncertain whether he +ought not to retire, which Sir Robert perceiving, bowed to him with an +air of mingled triumph and vexation, and said, "Sir your most obedient!" + +The doubt, however, in which every one appeared of what was next to +be done, was immediately removed by the return of Mrs Harrel, and the +arrival at almost the same moment of more company. + +The rest of the evening was spent, on the part of Cecilia, most +painfully: the explanation she had planned had ended in worse than +nothing, for by suffering the Baronet to detain her, she had rather +shewn a disposition to oblige, than any intention to discard him; and +the situation in which she had been surprised by young Delvile, was the +last to clear the suspicions she so little wished him to harbour: while, +on his part, the accident seemed to occasion no other alteration than +that of rendering him more than usually assiduous to give way to Sir +Robert whenever he approached her. + +Nor was Sir Robert slack in taking advantage of this attention: he was +highly in spirits, talked to her with more than common freedom, and wore +the whole evening an air of exulting satisfaction. + +Cecilia, provoked by this presumption, hurt by the behaviour of young +Delvile, and mortified by the whole affair, determined to leave this +mistake no longer in the power of accident, but to apply immediately +to Mr Delvile senior, and desire him, as her guardian, to wait upon Sir +Robert himself, and acquaint him that his perseverance in pursuing her +was both useless and offensive: and by this method she hoped at once +to disentangle herself for ever from the Baronet, and to discover more +fully the sentiments of young Delvile: for the provocation she had +just endured, robbed her of all patience for waiting the advice of Mr +Monckton. + + + + +CHAPTER ix + +AN EXPLANATION. + + +The following morning, therefore, Cecilia went early to St +James's-square: and, after the usual ceremonies of messages and long +waiting, she was shewn into an apartment where she found Mr Delvile and +his son. + +She rejoiced to see them together, and determined to make known to them +both the purport of her visit: and therefore, after some apologies and a +little hesitation, she told Mr Delvile, that encouraged by his offers of +serving her, she had taken the liberty to call upon him with a view to +entreat his assistance. + +Young Delvile, immediately arising, would have quitted the room; but +Cecilia, assuring him she rather desired what she had to say should be +known than kept secret, begged that he would not disturb himself. + +Delvile, pleased with this permission to hear her, and curious to know +what would follow, very readily returned to his seat. + +"I should by no means," she continued, "have thought of proclaiming +even to the most intimate of my friends, the partiality which Sir Robert +Floyer has been pleased to shew me, had he left to me the choice of +publishing or concealing it: but, on the contrary, his own behaviour +seems intended not merely to display it, but to insinuate that it +meets with my approbation. Mr Harrel, also, urged by too much warmth +of friendship, has encouraged this belief; nor, indeed, do I know at +present where the mistake stops, nor what it is report has not scrupled +to affirm. But I think I ought no longer to neglect it, and therefore +I have presumed to solicit your advice in what manner I may most +effectually contradict it." + +The extreme surprise of young Delvile at this speech was not more +evident than pleasant to Cecilia, to whom it accounted for all that had +perplext her in his conduct, while it animated every expectation she +wished to encourage. + +"The behaviour of Mr Harrel," answered Mr Delvile, "has by no means been +such as to lead me to forget that his father was the son of a steward of +Mr Grant, who lived in the neighbourhood of my friend and relation the +Duke of Derwent: nor can I sufficiently congratulate myself that I have +always declined acting with him. The late Dean, indeed, never committed +so strange an impropriety as that of nominating Mr Harrel and Mr Briggs +coadjutors with Mr Delvile. The impropriety, however, though extremely +offensive to me, has never obliterated from my mind the esteem I +bore the Dean: nor can I possibly give a greater proof of it than the +readiness I have always shewn to offer my counsel and instruction to his +niece. Mr Harrel, therefore, ought certainly to have desired Sir Robert +Floyer to acquaint me with his proposals before he gave to him any +answer." + +"Undoubtedly, Sir," said Cecilia, willing to shorten this parading +harangue, "but as he neglected that intention, will you think me too +impertinent should I entreat the favour of you to speak with Sir Robert +yourself, and explain to him the total inefficacy of his pursuit, since +my determination against him is unalterable?" + +Here the conference was interrupted by the entrance of a servant who +said something to Mr Delvile, which occasioned his apologizing to +Cecilia for leaving her for a few moments, and ostentatiously assuring +her that no business, however important, should prevent his thinking of +her affairs, or detain him from returning to her as soon as possible. + +The astonishment of young Delvile at the strength of her last expression +kept him silent some time after his father left the room; and then, with +a countenance that still marked his amazement, he said "Is it possible, +Miss Beverley, that I should twice have been thus egregiously deceived? +or rather, that the whole town, and even the most intimate of your +friends, should so unaccountably have persisted in a mistake." + +"For the town," answered Cecilia, "I know not how it can have had any +concern in so small a matter; but for my intimate friends, I have +too few to make it probable they should ever have been so strangely +misinformed." + +"Pardon me," cried he, "it was from one who ought to know, that I had +myself the intelligence." + +"I entreat you, then," said Cecilia, "to acquaint me who it was?" + +"Mr Harrel himself; who communicated it to a lady in my hearing, and at +a public place." + +Cecilia cast up her eyes in wonder and indignation at a proof so +incontrovertible of his falsehood, but made not any answer. + +"Even yet," continued he, "I can scarcely feel undeceived; +your engagement seemed so positive, your connection so +irretrievable,--so,--so _fixed_, I mean.--" + +He hesitated, a little embarrassed; but then suddenly exclaimed, "Yet +whence, if to _neither_ favourable, if indifferent alike to Sir Robert +and to Belfield, whence that animated apprehension for their safety at +the Opera-house? whence that never to be forgotten _oh stop him! good +God! will nobody stop him!_--Words of anxiety so tender! and sounds that +still vibrate in my ear!" + +Cecilia, struck with amazement in her turn at the strength of his own +expressions, blushed, and for a few minutes hesitated how to answer him: +but then, to leave nothing that related to so disagreeable a report in +any doubt, she resolved to tell him ingenuously the circumstances that +had occasioned her alarm: and therefore, though with some pain to her +modesty, she confessed her fears that she had herself provoked the +affront, though her only view had been to discountenance Sir Robert, +without meaning to shew any distinction to Mr Belfield. + +Delvile, who seemed charmed with the candour of this explanation, said, +when she had finished it, "You are then at liberty?---Ah madam!--how +many may rue so dangerous a discovery!" + +"Could you think," said Cecilia, endeavouring to speak with her usual +ease, "that Sir Robert Floyer would be found so irresistible?" + +"Oh no!" cried he, "far otherwise; a thousand times I have wondered at +his happiness; a thousand times, when I have looked at you, and +listened to you, I have thought it impossible!--yet my authority seemed +indisputable. And how was I to discredit what was not uttered as a +conjecture, but asserted as a fact? asserted, too, by the guardian with +whom you lived? and not hinted as a secret, but affirmed as a point +settled?" + +"Yet surely," said Cecilia, "you have heard me make use of expressions +that could not but lead you to suppose there was some mistake, whatever +might be the authority which had won your belief." + +"No," answered he, "I never supposed any mistake, though sometimes I +thought you repented your engagement. I concluded, indeed, you had +been unwarily drawn in, and I have even, at times, been tempted to +acknowledge my suspicions to you, state your independence, and exhort +you--as a _friend_, exhort you--to use it with spirit, and, if you were +shackled unwillingly, incautiously, or unworthily, to break the chains +by which you were confined, and restore to yourself that freedom of +choice upon the use of which all your happiness must ultimately depend. +But I doubted if this were honourable to the Baronet,--and what, indeed, +was my right to such a liberty? none that every man might not be proud +of, a wish to do honour to myself, under the officious pretence of +serving the most amiable of women." + +"Mr Harrel," said Cecilia, "has been so strangely bigoted to his friend, +that in his eagerness to manifest his regard for him, he seems to have +forgotten every other consideration; he would not, else, have spread so +widely a report that could so ill stand enquiry." + +"If Sir Robert," returned he, "is himself deceived while he deceives +others, who can forbear to pity him? for my own part, instead of +repining that hitherto I have been mistaken, ought I not rather to bless +an error that may have been my preservative from danger?" + +Cecilia, distressed in what manner to support her part in the +conversation, began now to wish the return of Mr Delvile; and, not +knowing what else to say, she expressed her surprise at his long +absence. + +"It is not, indeed, well timed," said young Delvile, "just now,--at +the moment when--" he stopt, and presently exclaiming "Oh dangerous +interval!" he arose from his seat in manifest disorder. + +Cecilia arose too, and hastily ringing the bell, said, "Mr Delvile I am +sure is detained, and therefore I will order my chair, and call another +time." + +"Do I frighten you away?" said he, assuming an appearance more placid. + +"No," answered she, "but I would not hasten Mr Delvile." + +A servant then came, and said the chair was ready. + +She would immediately have followed him, but young Delvile again +speaking, she stopt a moment to hear him. "I fear," said he, with much +hesitation, "I have strangely exposed myself--and that you cannot--but +the extreme astonishment--" he stopt again in the utmost confusion, and +then adding, "you will permit me to attend you to the chair," he handed +her down stairs, and in quitting her, bowed without saying a word more. + +Cecilia, who was almost wholly indifferent to every part of the +explanation but that which had actually passed, was now in a state of +felicity more delightful than any she had ever experienced. She had not +a doubt remaining of her influence over the mind of young Delvile, and +the surprise which had made him rather betray than express his regard, +was infinitely more flattering and satisfactory to her than any formal +or direct declaration. She had now convinced him she was disengaged, and +in return, though without seeming to intend it, he had convinced her of +the deep interest which he took in the discovery. His perturbation, the +words which escaped him, and his evident struggle to say no more, were +proofs just such as she wished to receive of his partial admiration, +since while they satisfied her heart, they also soothed her pride, by +shewing a diffidence of success which assured her that her own secret +was still sacred, and that no weakness or inadvertency on her part had +robbed her of the power of mingling dignity with the frankness with +which she meant to receive his addresses. All, therefore, that now +employed her care, was to keep off any indissoluble engagement till each +should be better known to the other. + +For this reserve, however, she had less immediate occasion than she +expected; she saw no more of young Delvile that day; neither did he +appear the next. The third she fully expected him,--but still he came +not. And while she wondered at an absence so uncommon, she received +a note from Lord Ernolf, to beg permission to wait upon her for two +minutes, at any time she would appoint. + +She readily sent word that she should be at home for the rest of the +day, as she wished much for an opportunity of immediately finishing +every affair but one, and setting her mind at liberty to think only of +that which she desired should prosper. + +Lord Ernolf was with her in half an hour. She found him sensible and +well bred, extremely desirous to promote her alliance with his son, +and apparently as much pleased with herself as with her fortune. He +acquainted her that he had addressed himself to Mr Harrel long since, +but had been informed that she was actually engaged to Sir Robert +Floyer: he should, therefore, have forborn taking up any part of +her time, had he not, on the preceding day, while on a visit at Mr +Delvile's, been assured that Mr Harrel was mistaken, and that she had +not yet declared for any body. He hoped, therefore, that she would allow +his son the honour of waiting upon her, and permit him to talk with Mr +Briggs, who he understood was her acting guardian, upon such matters as +ought to be speedily adjusted. + +Cecilia thanked him for the honour he intended her, and confirmed the +truth of the account he had heard in St James'-square, but at the same +time told him she must decline receiving any visits from his lordship's +son, and entreated him to take no measure towards the promotion of an +affair which never could succeed. + +He seemed much concerned at her answer, and endeavoured for some time to +soften her, but found her so steady, though civil in her refusal, that +he was obliged, however unwillingly, to give up his attempt. + +Cecilia, when he was gone, reflected with much vexation on the readiness +of the Delviles to encourage his visit; she considered, however, that +the intelligence he had heard might possibly be gathered in general +conversation; but she blamed herself that she had not led to some +enquiry what part of the family he had seen, and who was present when +the information was given him. + +Mean while she found that neither coldness, distance, nor aversion were +sufficient to repress Sir Robert Floyer, who continued to persecute her +with as much confidence of success as could have arisen from the utmost +encouragement. She again, though with much difficulty, contrived +to speak with Mr Harrel upon the subject, and openly accused him of +spreading a report abroad, as well as countenancing an expectation at +home, that had neither truth nor justice to support them. + +Mr Harrel, with his usual levity and carelessness, laughed at the +charge, but denied any belief in her displeasure, and affected to think +she was merely playing the coquet, while Sir Robert was not the less her +decided choice. + +Provoked and wearied, Cecilia resolved no longer to depend upon any body +but herself for the management of her own affairs, and therefore, to +conclude the business without any possibility of further cavilling, she +wrote the following note to Sir Robert herself. + +_To Sir Robert Floyer, Bart._ + +Miss BEVERLEY presents her compliments to Sir Robert Floyer, and as she +has some reason to fear Mr Harrel did not explicitly acquaint him with +her answer to the commission with which he was entrusted, she thinks it +necessary, in order to obviate any possible misunderstanding, to take +this method of returning him thanks for the honour of his good opinion, +but of begging at the same time that he would not lose a moment upon her +account, as her thanks are all she can now, or ever, offer in return. + +_Portman-square,_ _May_ 11th, 1779. + +To this note Cecilia received no answer: but she had the pleasure to +observe that Sir Robert forbore his usual visit on the day she sent it, +and, though he appeared again the day following, he never spoke to her +and seemed sullen and out of humour. + +Yet still young Delvile came not, and still, as her surprise encreased, +her tranquillity was diminished. She could form no excuse for his delay, +nor conjecture any reason for his absence. Every motive seemed to favour +his seeking, and not one his shunning her: the explanation which had so +lately passed had informed him he had no rival to fear, and the manner +in which he had heard it assured her the information was not indifferent +to him; why, then, so assiduous in his visits when he thought her +engaged, and so slack in all attendance when he knew she was at liberty? + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Cecilia, Volume 1 (of 3), by Frances Burney + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CECILIA, VOLUME 1 (OF 3) *** + +***** This file should be named 6346.txt or 6346.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/4/6346/ + +Produced by Delphine Lettau, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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