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The consternation of Cecilia at these speeches could by nothing be equalled but by the shah she knew not to whorace and the shock of them herself

"I suppose, Sir," continued Mrs Belfield, "you know my son?"

"No, ma'am, my acquaintance is--not very universal"

"Then, Sir, you are no judge hoell helady, she found him out, Sir, when not one of his own natural friends could tell where in the world he was gone! She was the first, Sir, to coh I was his own ious for quickness! it can see, I soh bricks and mortar Yet all this would not do, he was so obstinate not to take the hint!"

Cecilia now felt so extre in upon theh they tried her reason never conquered it, she restrained herself by considering that to issue forth fro as thus boldly asserted, than all her protestations could have chance to destroy

"And as to young ladies themselves," continued Mrs Belfield, "they know no more how to make their minds known than a baby does: so I suppose he'll shilly shally till somebody else will cry snap, and take her It is but a little while ago that it was all the report she was to have young Mr Delvile, one of her guardian's sons"

"I am sorry report was so i Mr Delvile is not to be disposed of with so little ceremony; he knows better what is due to his fanation, and Henrietta sighed from despondency

"Lord, Sir," answered Mrs Belfield, "what should his family do better? I never heard they were any so rich, and I dare say the old gentleh in her way, however it came about that they did not make a match of it: for as to old Mr Delvile, all the world says---"

"All the world takes a very great liberty," angrily interrupted Mr Delvile, "in saying any thing about hi you that a person of his rank and consideration, is not lightly to be mentioned upon every little occasion that occurs"

"Lord, Sir," cried Mrs Belfield, somewhat surprised at this unexpected prohibition, "I don't care for ain! I never heard any good of him in my life, for they say he's as proud as Lucifer, and nobody knohat it's of, for they say--"