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Cecilia too easily conjectured the disappoint it; she forbore even to gratify her own curiosity by questions that could not but lead to herher therefore to take her own ti over her in silence with the most patient pity

Henrietta was very sensible of this kindness, though she knew not half itsti, that all Mr Delvile wanted, at last, was only to beg she would acquaint Miss Beverley, that he had done hie from Mrs Delvile

"Froood heaven! how much, then, have I been to blame? where is he nohere can I send to him?--tell me, my sweet Henrietta, this instant!"

"Ohinto a fresh flood of tears, "how foolish have I been to open my silly heart to you!--he is come to pay his addresses to you!--I am sure he is!--"

"No, no, no!" cried Cecilia, "indeed he is not!--but I ht to see hi for an answer--"

Cecilia, who at any other time would have been provoked at such a delay in the delivery of abut concern for Henrietta, whom she hastily kissed, but instantly, however, quitted, and hurried to Delvile, with expectations aluine as those her poor friend but the ht she, "if at last Mrs Delvile herself has relented, hat joy will I give up all reserve, all disguise, and frankly avow the faithful affection of erness hich he had first addressed her; he looked extremely disturbed, and, even after her entrance, undeterin

She waited, however, his explanation in silence; and, after an irresolute pause, he said, with a gravity not wholly free from resentment, "I presumed, madam, to wait upon you from the permission of my mother; but I believe I have obtained it so late, that the influence I hoped from it is past!"

"I had no means, Sir," answered she, chearfully, "to know that you came from her: I should else have received her commands without any hesitation"

"I would thank you for the honour you do her, were it less pointedly exclusive I have, however, no right of reproach! yet suffer , after a renunciation so absolute of all future claih extorted fro proine me so unsteady, so dishonourable, as to obtrude myself into your presence while that promise was still in force?"