“You see, then,” said Mrs Delvile with
a smile, that where reproof takes any effect, it is
not received: with that easiness you were just
now admiring: on the contrary, where a concession
is made without pain, it is also made without meaning,
for it is not in human nature to project any amendment
without a secret repugnance. That here, however,
you should differ from Lady Honoria Pemberton, who
can wonder, when you are superior to all comparison
with her in every thing?”
“Will you then,” said Cecilia, “accept
my apology, and forgive me?”
“I will do more,” said Mrs Delvile laughing,
“I will forgive you without an apology;
for the truth is I have heard none! But come,”
continued she, perceiving Cecilia much abashed by this
comment, “I will enquire no more about the matter;
I am glad to receive my young friend again, and even
half ashamed, deserving as she is, to say how
glad!”
She then embraced her affectionately, and owned she
had been more mortified by her fancied desertion than
she had been willing to own even to herself, repeatedly
assuring her that for many years she had not made
any acquaintance she so much wished to cultivate, nor
enjoyed any society from which she had derived so
much pleasure.
Cecilia, whose eyes glistened with modest joy, while
her heart beat quick with revived expectation, in
listening to an effusion of praise so infinitely grateful
to her, found little difficulty in returning her friendly
professions, and, in a few minutes, was not merely
reconciled, but more firmly united with her than ever.
Mrs Delvile insisted upon keeping her to dinner, and
Cecilia, but too happy in her earnestness, readily
agreed to send Mrs Harrel an excuse.
Neither of the Mr Delviles spent the day at home,
and nothing, therefore, disturbed or interrupted those
glowing and delightful sensations which spring from
a cordial renewal of friendship and kindness.
The report, indeed, of Lady Honoria Pemberton gave
her some uneasiness, yet the flighty character of
that lady, and Mrs Delvile’s reply to it, soon
made her drive it from her mind.
She returned home early in the evening, as other company
was expected, and she had not changed her dress since
the morning; but she first made a promise to see Mrs
Delvile some part of every day during the short time
that she meant to remain in town.
A SURMISE.
The next morning opened with another scene; Mrs Harrel
ran into Cecilia’s room before breakfast, and
acquainted her that Mr Harrel had not been at home
all night.
The consternation with which she heard this account
she instantly endeavoured to dissipate, in order to
soften the apprehension with which it was communicated:
Mrs Harrel, however, was extremely uneasy, and sent
all the town over to make enquiries, but without receiving
any intelligence.
