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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 accouise 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 hiave to Mr Monckton was extreme; he knew that he was unacquainted with Mr Harrel, for he reers 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 soed her not toher he could not have stayed two ain the next day: and when she added, "We would not hurry away so, only we are going to a rehearsal of an Opera," he exclaireatMr Monckton, he bowed to hireat respect, and enquired, with no little solearet, hoped she was perfectly recovered froard to her plan for the winter

This discourse was ill constructed for rendering his presence desirable to Mr Monckton; he answered hiain pressed their departure

"O," cried Morrice, "there's no occasion for such haste; the rehearsal does not begin till one"

"You are in 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 noras cutting capers in a uranti will divert you beyond measure; you never saw such a shabby set in your life: but theis to look in their faces, for all the tie 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"