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Scarce less unhappy in her decision than in her uncertainty, and every way dissatisfied with her situation, her views and herself, Cecilia was still so distressed and unco, that he could not discover what her determination had been, and fearfully enquired his doo favour

But Cecilia was above affectation, and a stranger to art "I would not, Sir," she said, "keep you an instant in suspense, when I a, but I have been nothing less, and you would readily exculpate me of caprice, if half the distress of my irresolution was known to you Even nohen I hesitate no more, my mind is so ill at ease, that I could neither wonder nor be displeased should you hesitate in your turn"

"You hesitate no more?" cried he, almost breathless at the sound of those words, "and is it possible--Oh my Cecilia!--is it possible your resolution is in my favour?"

"Alas!" cried she, "how little is your reason to rejoice! a dejected and ift is all you can receive!"

"Ere I take it, then," cried he, in a voice that spoke joy; pain, and fear all at once in coin in me, that I may rather even yet relinquish you, than merely owe your hand to the selfishness of persecution?"

"Your pride," said she, half sh I meant not to alarm it No! it is with myself only I ament that I quarrel,-- in you I have all the reliance that the highest opinion of your honour and integrity can give h for the warm heart of Delvile, not only to restore peace, but to awaken rapture He was alht, as he had before been with apprehension, and poured forth his acknowledgratitude, that Cecilia irew reconciled to herself, and before she missed her dejection, participated in his contentment

She quitted him as soon as she had power, to acquaint Mrs Charlton hat had passed, and assist in preparing her to accompany them to the altar; while Delvile flew to his new acquaintance, Mr Singleton, the lawyer, to request hi her away

All was now hastened with the utreed to meet at the church; their desire of secrecy, however potent, never urging them to wish the ceremony should be performed in a place less awful