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Thisoff in desperation all ti forward, and snatching the hand of Cecilia froive her up!--nor now, madam, nor ever!--I protest it most solemnly! I affirm it by my best hopes! I swear it by all that I hold sacred!"

Grief and horror next to frenzy at a disappointment thus unexpected, and thus pere her hand upon her forehead, cried, "My brain is on fire!" and rushed out of the rooe herself from Delvile, who, shocked at the exclamation, and confounded by the sudden departure of his erly to pursue her: she had only flown into the next parlour; but, upon following her thither, as his dread and his alarm, when he saw her extended, upon the floor, her face, hands and neck all covered with blood! "Great Heaven!" he exclai himself by her side, "what is it you have done!--where are you wounded?--what direful curse have you denounced against your son?"

Not able to speak, she angrily shook her head, and indignantly ht

Cecilia, who had followed, though half dead with terror, had yet the presence ofthe bell A servant ca up froeon or physician he could find

The alarht the rest of the servants into the rooround, and seated in a chair; she was still silent, but shewed a disgust to any assistance from her son, that made him deliver her into the hands of the servants, while, in speechless agony, he only looked on and watched her

Neither did Cecilia, though forgetting her own sorrow, and no longer sensible of personal weakness, venture to approach her: uncertain what had happened, she yet considered herself as the ultimate cause of this dreadful scene, and feared to risk the effect of the seon in a few lided hastily out of the rooitation, followed her quick into the next parlour; but having eagerly advanced to speak to her, he turned precipitately about, and hurrying into the hall, walked in hasty steps up and down it, without courage to enquire as passing