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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 doood-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 fro Cecilia's uneasiness, he determined not to make knohither 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 unreed hiain 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 ! 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 see 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, extreratulated, "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 ht 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 o, but it won't do now, I prohit only excited further raillery, and therefore prevailed upon herself to give hi, and scarce any reply

At dinner, when Sir Robert arrived, the dislike she had originally taken to hiust 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, frohest pinnacle of hu 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