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The attention of Cecilia to her own affairs, did notafter the busy day which was last recorded, as soon as she quitted the breakfast- rooan a note to Mr Monckton, but was interrupted with information that he was already in the house

She went to hi him alone: but desirous as she was to relate to hi day, there was in his countenance a gravity so unusual, that her impatience was involuntarily checked, and she waited first to hear if he had hi in suspence; "Miss Beverley," he said, "I bring you intelligence which though I know you will be very sorry to hear, it is absolutely necessary should be told you immediately: you may otherwise, from however laudable motives, be drawn into some action which you may repent for life"

"What now!" cried Cecilia, much alarmed

"All that I suspected," said he, "and more than I hinted to you, is true; Mr Harrel is a ruined roat, and he is in debt beyond what he ever possessed"

Cecilia made no answer: she knew but too fatally the desperate state of his affairs, yet that his debts were ht possible

"My enquiries," continued he, "have been a principals, and such as would not dare deceive ht enforce the injunctions I gave you when I had the pleasure of seeing you last, and prevent ayou into any injury of your own fortune, for a man who is past all relief froh you were to be destroyed for his sake"

"You are very good," said Cecilia, "but your counsel is now too late!" She then briefly acquainted hie a sue, aainst Mr Harrel in the bitterest terned your name to so base an imposition, could you not send for me?"

"I wished, I ht the time past when you could help iven with an oath the most solemn, and the first I have ever taken in my life"

"An oath so forced," answered he, "the most delicate conscience would have absolved you frorossly imposed upon, and pardon me if I add unaccountably to blame Was it not obvious that relief so circu less than certain, what tradesmen would have been insolent? You have therefore deprived yourself of the power of doing good to a worthier object, ance and villainy"