Cecilia, Volume 2 (of 3)

his visit; for though, in her present uncertainty, she wished only to see that family when sought by themselves, s

t only given to her by the calumny of envy; for though her displeasure was undisguised, she deigned not to make any reproaches, evidently shewing that her disappointment in the loss of her society, was embittered by a proud regr

her apparent negligence; but, hitherto accustomed to the most distinguished kindness, a change to so mu

it in a vein of fashionable scandal, with a levity that the censures of Mrs Delvile, though by no means spared, had no power to [controul]; and, after having completely ransacked the topics of the day, she turned suddenly to Cecilia, with whom during her residence in St James's-squa

Cecilia, "your ladyship h

er heard of him, seems to have but one recommendation, and

sist flattering herself had reference to her son, now a little

man. But upon my word, for my own part, I cannot conjecture how she will manage among them, for Mr Marriot declares he's determined he won't be refus

"I am at least sure it must be wilful. B

oing forward. Besides, we are all looking in the news-paper

; "indeed they have neve

ou know, fought one for you in the beginning of the winter, w

sented! In the first place, I never was affronted at the Opera at all, and in the secon

e certainly came from; and they tell me he is wounded terribly, and Sir Robert has had all

cried Mrs Delvile, "do you contr

t all together as well as I can. But I could acquaint you

hat is

know it, you'll

vile laughing, "I shall p

trolled to a window; where, however, as Lady Honoria did not lower her voice, she heard her say "Why you must know I

h pleased when Mrs Delvile, with great indignation answered "I am sorry, Lady Honoria, you can find any amusement in listening to such idle scandal, which those who tell will never respect you for hearing. In times less daring in slander, the

Lady Honoria, giddily, "

d you once see with clearness and precision how much you lower your own dignity, while you stoop to depreciate tha

se, I should be quite perfect, and then you and I should never

astily shaking hands wi

ould be indeed more honoured in the breach than the observance. But levity is so much the fashionable characteristic of the present age,

said Cecilia, "that I should hope in a sho

h which she hears of her faults, is only another effect of the levity with which she commits them. But if the young are never tire

rbear repining that at the very moment she found herself threatened with a necessity of foregoing the society of her new favourite, Miss Belfield, the woman in the whole world whom she most wished to have for her frie

transact with Mr Delvile, she advised her to acquaint him

to Cecilia, who sorrowfully r

vile, "I hope you inten

w but half the respect I bear you, but half the sincerity with which I value and r

now, and for ever be over, if it pains you to hear them. I concluded that what I said would be a matter of indifference to

unfortunately appearances maybe against me, I have always had the highest sense of the kindness with which you have honoured

e contrary, where a concession is made without pain, it is also made without meaning, for it is not in human nature to project any amendment without a secret

Cecilia, "accept my ap

none! But come," continued she, perceiving Cecilia much abashed by this comment, "I will enquire no more about th

had been willing to own even to herself, repeatedly assuring her that for many years she had not made any acqu

ning to an effusion of praise so infinitely grateful to her, found little difficulty in returning her friend

r, and Cecilia, but too happy in her earnestne

sensations which spring from a cordial renewal of friendship and kindness. The report, indeed, of Lady Honoria Pemberton gave

not changed her dress since the morning; but she first made a promise to see Mrs De