This thought, however, awakened all the generosity
of her soul; “If,” cried she, “the
advantages I possess are merely those of riches, how
little should I be flattered by any appearance of preference!
and how ill can I judge with what sincerity it may
be offered! happier in that case is the lowly Henrietta,
who to poverty may attribute neglect, but who can
only be sought and caressed from motives of purest
regard. She loves Mr Delvile, loves him with
the most artless affection;—perhaps, too,
he loves her in return,—why else his solicitude
to know my opinion of her, and why so sudden his alarm
when he thought it unfavourable? Perhaps he means
to marry her, and to sacrifice to her innocence and
her attractions all plans of ambition, and all views
of aggrandizement:—thrice happy Henrietta,
if such is thy prospect of felicity! to have inspired
a passion so disinterested, may humble the most insolent
of thy superiors, and teach even the wealthiest to
envy thee!”
A BOLD STROKE.
When Cecilia returned home, she heard with much concern
that no tidings of Mr Harrel had yet been obtained.
His lady, who did not stay out late, was now very
seriously frightened, and entreated Cecilia to sit
up with her till some news could be procured:
she sent also for her brother, and they all three,
in trembling expectation of what was to ensue, passed
the whole night in watching.
At six o’clock in the morning, Mr Arnott besought
his sister and Cecilia to take some rest, promising
to go out himself to every place where Mr Harrel was
known to resort, and not to return without bringing
some account of him.
Mrs Harrel, whose feelings were not very acute, finding
the persuasions of her brother were seconded by her
own fatigue, consented to follow his advice, and desired
him to begin his search immediately.
A few moments after he was gone, while Mrs Harrel
and Cecilia were upon the stairs, they were startled
by a violent knocking at the door: Cecilia, prepared
for some calamity, hurried her friend back to the
drawing-room, and then flying out of it again to enquire
who entered, saw to her equal surprize and relief,
Mr Harrel himself.
She ran back with the welcome information, and he
instantly followed her: Mrs Harrel eagerly told
him of her fright, and Cecilia expressed her pleasure
at his return: but the satisfaction of neither
was of long duration.
He came into the room with a look of fierceness the
most terrifying, his hat on, and his arms folded.
He made no answer to what they said, but pushed back
the door with his foot, and flung himself upon a sofa.
Cecilia would now have withdrawn, but Mrs Harrel caught
her hand to prevent her. They continued some
minutes in this situation, and then Mr Harrel, suddenly
rising, called-out “Have you any thing to pack
up?”
“Pack up?” repeated Mrs Harrel, “Lord
bless me, for what?”
