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She presently went down stairs,--and, upon entering the room, perceived Mrs Delvile!

Seized with astonishhast, held by the door, robbed of all power to receive so unexpected and unwelcoled with a dread of discovery and reproach

Mrs Delvile, addressing her with the coldest politeness, said, "I fear I have surprised you; I am sorry I had not time to acquaint you offrom the door, faintly answered, "I cannot, madam, but be honoured by your notice, whenever you are pleased to confer it"

They then sat down; Mrs Delvile preserving an air thewith apprehensive dis silence, "I mean not," said Mrs Delvile, "to embarrass or distress you; I will not, therefore, keep you in suspense of the purport of my visit I come not to make enquiries, I come not to put your sincerity to any trial, nor to torture your delicacy; I dispense with all explanation, for I have not one doubt to solve: I knohat has passed, I know that my son loves you"

Not all her secret alarht Cecilia to expect so direct an attack, nor enabled her to bear the shock of it with any composure: she could not speak, she could not look at Mrs Delvile; she arose, and walked to the ithout knohat she was doing

Here, however, her distress was not likely to diht she saas Fidel, who barked, and jumped up at theto lick her hands

"Good God! Fidel here!" exclaimed Mrs Delvile, a face with both her hands, and sunk into a chair

Mrs Delvile for a few ine not I an to develop your sentiments That Mortimer could love in vain I never, believed; that Miss Beverley, possessing so ht possible I mean not, therefore, to solicit any account or explanation, butyour patience while I talk to you myself, and your permission to speak to you with openness and truth"

Cecilia, though relieved by this calmness from all apprehension of reproach, found in her manner a coldness that convinced her of the loss of her affection, and in the introduction to her business a solemnity that assured her what she should decree would be unalterable She uncovered her face to shew her respectful attention, but she could not raise it up, and could not utter a word