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Cecilia the next , between nine and ten o'clock, went to St James'-Square; she found nobody immediately ready to receive her, but in a short time aited upon by Mr Delvile

After the usual salutations, "Miss Beverley," he said, "I have given express orders to my people, that Isome minutes in conversation with you before you are presented to Mrs Delvile"

And then, with an air of sole 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 wo: now as I consideryou as my ward, I think it is incumbent upon me to make enquiries into such of your affairs as becoraced myself, should it appear to the world, while you are under uardianship, that there was any want of propriety in the direction of your conduct"

Cecilia, not ravely answered that she fancied the affair had been misrepresented to hiive 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 letlady who has any right to expect such an attention frorounds the two gentlemen in question, for such, by courtesy, I presuht themselves entitled publicly to dispute your favour?"

"My favour, Sir!" cried Cecilia, much aive 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 uardian, and assure yourself I am perfectly well disposed to consider you as my ward Acquaint entlemen?"

"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 accustoe; I think it necessary to infor you will speak to me with freedom"