Cecilia, Volume 2 (of 3)

rbed by Mrs Harrel's maid, who came to entreat she would

se money even for his travelling expences, without risking a discovery of his project, and being seized by his creditors; he had therefore charged her, through her brother or her friend, to procure for him ￡3000, as less would not suffice to maintain them while abroad, and he knew no method by which he could have any remittances

ns of Mr Monckton no longer appeared overstrained; one year's income was already demanded, the annuity and the country house might next be required; she rejoiced, however, that thus wisely

aining its weight; but when Mrs Harrel was again able to go on with her account, she heard, to her infinite surprise, that all application to her brother had proved fruitless. "He will not hear me

e it were given; but to supply fuel for the very fire that is consuming you-no, no, my whole heart is hardened aga

ness, again attempted to sooth her, entreating her not to give way to such immoderate grief, since better prospects might arise from the very

h! Oh Miss Beverley, how happy are you! able to stay where you please,-rich,-rolling in wealth which you do not want,-o

think I have more than my share; but the time is only this moment past, when your own situation seemed as subject to the envy of others as mine may be now. My future destiny is yet undetermined, and the occasion I may have for my fortune is unknown to myself; but whether I possess it in peace or in turbulence, whether it proves to me a blessing or an injury, so long as I can call it my own, I shall always remember with alacrity the claim upon that and upon me which early friendship has so justly given Mrs Harrel. Yet permit me, at the same time, to add, that I do not hold myself so ent

t patient kindness till the servants announced dinner. She then declared she would not go down stairs; but Cecilia so strong

d sent word he had another engagement. Sir Robert Floyer also kept away, and, for the first time sinc

bore following her example; but Mr Harrel ate much as usual, talked all dinner-time, was extr

Harrel, after walking in a disordered manner about the room, rang the bell, and ordered his hat and cane, and as he took them, sa

r he was now gone it was not easy to conjecture, nor what was the new resource which he still seemed to think worth trying; but the manner of his quitt

rdered to admit no company. Mr Harrel himself then returned, and

tivate. Mrs Harrel, too much absorbed in her own affairs to care about any other, saw his entrance with a momentary surpris

rits, enlivened in his countenance, and restored to his good humour. A change so extraordinary both in conduct and disposition convinced her that some change no less extra-ordinary of circu

gave orders aloud not to be at home to Sir Robert Floyer; he made his court to Cecilia with unusual assiduity,

perceived a fondness so fruitless, and who knew not by what arts or with what views Mr Harrel might think proper to encourage it, determined to take all the means that were in her own power towards giving it immediate control.

Mrs Harrel ran

ted me! Mr Harrel says he shall stay another day; he says, t

Marriot was the next dupe to be played upon. Mrs Harrel, therefore, with a look of the utmost disappointment,

s summoned to supper; she found Mr Marriot still the

n, therefore, as the servants withdrew, she enquired of Mr Harrel if he had any commands with Mr

of much alarm, asked if

nswered, and pro

onvinced Cecilia he imagined he had procured himself a title to an easiness of intercourse and frequency of meeting which this intelligence destroyed. Cecilia, t

s Delvile, and gave her directions about packing up her clothes,

, who desiring to speak with her alone, when the maid was gone, sa

th yourself and me any further discussions. I have delayed

ared he could not stay even an hour in England if she was not in his house; that he had already had a violent quarrel with Mr

sition, strongly representing the real necessity of her going abroad, and the unpardonable weakness of

but Mr Harrel, she said, had behaved to her with the utmost brutality, calling her the cause of his ruin, and threatening that if s

ost indignation, "that I am to be frightened thr

would do what I wished, for so he always did formerly, and so once again I am sure he would do now, could I but make him come to me, and

y reproaching herself with the sufferings of his sister; alarmed, however, for her own constancy, she earnestly besought

friend; she had deprived her by her own advice of her customary refuge in her brother; to refuse, therefore, assistance to her seemed cruelty, though to deny it to Mr Harrel was justice; she endeavoured, therefore, to make a compromise between her judgment and co