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And then, to the great joy of Cecilia, he retired; leaving her htiness or his condescension humbled her most

"These men," said Mrs Delvile, "can never co into explanations of this sort: I understand it, however, too well to inflict it We will, therefore, have no explanations at all till we are better acquainted, and then if you will venture to favour me with any confidence, my best advice, and, should any be in my power, my best services shall be at your command"

"You do me, madam, much honour," answered Cecilia, "but I ive"

"Well, well, at present," returned Mrs Delvile, "I aht to any other: but hereafter I shall hope for more openness: it is promised me by your countenance, and I mean to claim the promise by ht me, and whatever are your enquiries, I shall always be proud to answer theard to this affair--"

"My dear Miss Beverley," interrupted Mrs Delvile, with a look of arch incredulity, "men seldom risk their lives where an escape is without hope of recompence But ill not now say a word more upon the subject I hope you will often favour me with your coet the shortness of our acquaintance"

Cecilia, finding her resistance only gave birth to fresh suspicion, now yielded, satisfied that a very little time must unavoidably clear up the truth But her visit was not therefore shortened; the sudden partiality hich the figure and countenance of Mrs Delvile had impressed her, was quickly ripened into esteem by the charms of her conversation: she found her sensible, well bred, and high spirited, gifted by nature with superior talents, and polished by education and study with all the elegant embellishments of cultivation She saw in her, indeed, soht to expect, but it was so ance, and so well tempered with kindness, that it elevated her character, without rendering her manners offensive

With such a wo, nor fertility of powers to hted with her visit, that though her carriage was announced at twelve o'clock, she reluctantly concluded it at two; and in taking her leave, gladly accepted an invitation to dine with her new friend three days after; who, equally pleased with her young guest, promised before that time to return her visit