O pray, now, cried she, dont be ill-natured, for if you are, youve no idea how I shall be disappointed. Only conceive what happened to me three weeks ago! you must know I was invited to Miss Clintons wedding, and so I made up a new dress on purpose, in a very particular sort of shape, quite of my own invention, and it had the sweetest effect you can conceive; well, and when the time came, do you know her mother happened to die! Never any thing was so excessive unlucky, for now she wont be married this half year, and my dress will be quite old and yellow; for its all white, and the most beautiful thing you ever saw in your life.
Upon my word you are very obliging! cried Cecilia laughing; and pray do you make interest regularly round with all your female acquaintance to be married upon this occasion, or am I the only one you think this distress will work upon?
Now how excessive teazing! cried Miss Larolles, when you know so well what I mean, and when all the town knows as well as myself.
Cecilia then seriously enquired whether she had really any meaning at all.
Lord yes, answered she, you know I mean about Sir Robert Floyer; for Im told youve quite refused Lord Derford.
And are you also told that I have accepted Sir Robert Floyer?
O dear yes!the jewels are bought, and the equipages are built; its quite a settled thing, I know very well.
Cecilia then very gravely began an attempt to undeceive her; but the dancing beginning also at the same time, she stayed not to hear her, hurrying, with a beating heart, to the place of action. Mr Monckton and his fair partner then followed, mutually exclaiming against Mr Harrels impenetrable conduct; of which Cecilia, however, in a short time ceased wholly to think, for as soon as the first cotillon was over, she perceived young Delvile just walking into the room.
Surprise, pleasure and confusion assailed her all at once; she had entirely given up her expectation of seeing him, and an absence so determined had led her to conclude he had pursuits which ought to make her join in wishing it lengthened; but now he appeared, that conclusion, with the fears that gave rise to it, vanished; and she regretted nothing but the unfortunate succession of engagements which would prevent her dancing with him at all, and probably keep off all conversation with him till supper time.
She soon, however, perceived a change in his air and behaviour that extremely astonished her; he looked grave and thoughtful, saluted her at a distance, shewed no sign of any intention to approach her, regarded the dancing and dancers as a public spectacle in which he had no chance of personal interest, and seemed wholly altered, not merely with respect to her, but to himself, as his former eagerness for her society was not more abated than [his] former general gaiety.
She had no time, however, for comments, as she was presently called to the second cotillon; but the confused and unpleasant ideas which, without waiting for time or reflection, crowded upon her imagination on observing his behaviour, were not more depressing to herself, than obvious to her partner; Mr Monckton by the change in her countenance first perceived the entrance of young Delvile, and by her apparent emotion and uneasiness, readily penetrated into the state of her mind; he was confirmed that her affections were engaged; he saw, too, that she was doubtful with what return.
The grief with which he made the first discovery, was somewhat lessened by the hopes he conceived from, the second; yet the evening was to him as painful as to Cecilia, since he now knew that whatever prosperity might ultimately attend his address and assiduity, her heart was not her own to bestow; and that even were he sure of young Delviles indifference, and actually at liberty to make proposals for himself, the time of being first in her esteem was at an end, and the long-earned good opinion which he had hoped would have ripened into affection, might now be wholly undermined by the sudden impression of a lively stranger, without trouble to himself, and perhaps without pleasure!
Reflections such as these wholly embittered the delight he had promised himself from dancing with her, and took from him all power to combat the anxiety with which she was seized; when the second cotillon, therefore, was over, instead of following her to a seat, or taking the privilege of his present situation to converse with her, the jealousy rising in his breast robbed him of all satisfaction, and gave to him no other desire than to judge its justice by watching her motions at a distance.
Mean while Cecilia, inattentive whether he accompanied or quitted her proceeded to the first vacant seat. Young Delvile was standing near it, and, in a short time, but rather as if he could not avoid than as if he wished it, he came to enquire how she did.
The simplest question, in the then situation of her mind, was sufficient to confuse her, and though she answered, she hardly knew what he had asked. A minutes recollection, however, restored an apparent composure, and she talked to him of Mrs Delvile, with her usual partial regard for that lady, and with an earnest endeavour to seem unconscious of any alteration in his behaviour.
Yet, to him, even this trifling and general conversation was evidently painful, and he looked relieved by the approach of Sir Robert Floyer, who soon after joined them.
At this time a young lady who was sitting by Cecilia, called to a servant who was passing, for a glass of lemonade; Cecilia desired he would bring her one also; but Delvile, not sorry to break off the discourse, said he would himself be her cup-bearer, and for that purpose went away.
A moment after, the servant returned with some lemonade to Cecilias neighbour, and Sir Robert, taking a glass from him, brought it to Cecilia at the very instant young Delvile came with another.
I think I am before hand with you, Sir, said the insolent Baronet.
No, Sir, answered young Delvile, I think we were both in together; Miss Beverley, however, is steward of the race, and we must submit to her decision.
Well, madam, cried Sir Robert, here we stand, waiting your pleasure. Which is to be the happy man!
Each, I hope, answered Cecilia, with admirable presence of mind, since I expect no less than that you will both do me the honour of drinking my health.
This little contrivance, which saved her alike from shewing favour or giving offence, could not but be applauded by both parties; and while they obeyed her orders, she took a third glass herself from the servant.
While this was passing, Mr Briggs, again perceiving her, stumpt hastily towards her, calling out Ah ha! my duck! whats that? got something nice? Come here, my lad, taste it myself.
He then took a glass, but having only put it to his mouth, made a wry face, and returned it, saying Bad! bad! poor punch indeed!not a drop of rum in it!
So much the better, Sir, cried Morrice, who diverted himself by following him, for then you see the master of the house spares in something, and you said he spared in nothing.
Dont spare in fools! returned Mr Briggs, keeps them in plenty.
No, Sir, nor in any out of the way characters, answered Morrice.
So much the worse, cried Briggs, so much the worse! Eat him out of house and home; wont leave him a rag to his back nor a penny in his pocket. Never mind em, my little duck; mind none of your guardians but me; tother two ant worth a rush.
Cecilia, somewhat ashamed of this speech, looked towards young Delvile, in whom it occasioned the first smile she had seen that evening.
Been looking about for you! continued Briggs, nodding sagaciously; believe Ive found one will do. Guess what I mean;£100,0000hay?what say to that? any thing better at the west end of the town?
Cecilia, somewhat ashamed of this speech, looked towards young Delvile, in whom it occasioned the first smile she had seen that evening.
Been looking about for you! continued Briggs, nodding sagaciously; believe Ive found one will do. Guess what I mean;£100,0000hay?what say to that? any thing better at the west end of the town?
£100,000! cried Morrice, and pray, Sir, who may this be?
Not you, Mr jackanapes! sure of that. Ant quite positive hell have you, neither. Think he will, though.
Pray; Sir, what age is he? cried the never daunted Morrice.
Why aboutlets seedont know, never heard,what signifies?
But, Sir, hes an old man, I suppose, by being so rich?
Old? no, no such thing; about my own standing.
What, Sir, and do you propose him for an husband to Miss Beverley?
Why not? know ever a one warmer? think Master Harrel will get her a better? or tother old Don, in the grand square?
If you please, Sir, cried Cecilia hastily, we will talk of this matter another time.
No, pray, cried young Delvile, who could not forbear laughing, let it be discussed now.
Hate em, continued Mr Briggs, hate em both! one spending more than hes worth, cheated and over-reached by fools, running into gaol to please a parcel of knaves; tother counting nothing but uncles and grandfathers, dealing out fine names instead of cash, casting up more cousins than guineas
Again Cecilia endeavoured to silence him, but, only chucking her under the chin, he went on, Ay, ay, my little duck, never mind em; one of em int worth a penny, and tother has nothing in his pockets but lists of the defunct. What good will come of that? would not give twopence a dozen for em! A poor set of grandees, with nothing but a tie-wig for their portions!
Cecilia, unable to bear this harangue in the presence of young Delvile, who, however, laughed it off with a very good grace, arose with an intention to retreat, which being perceived by Sir Robert Floyer, who had attended to this dialogue with haughty contempt, he came forward, and said, now then, madam, may I have the honour of your hand?
No, Sir, answered Cecilia, I am engaged.
Engaged again? cried he, with the air of a man who thought himself much injured.
Glad of it, glad of it! said Mr Briggs; served very right! have nothing to say to him, my chick!
Why not, Sir? cried Sir Robert, with an imperious look.
Shant have her, shant have her! can tell you that; wont consent; know you of old.
And what do you know of me, pray Sir?
No good, no good; nothing to say to you; found fault with my nose! hant forgot it.
At this moment Mr Marriot came to claim his partner, who, very willing to quit this scene of wrangling and vulgarity, immediately attended him. Miss Larolles, again flying up to her, said O my dear, we are all expiring to know who that creature is! I never saw such a horrid fright in my life!
Cecilia was beginning to satisfy her, but some more young ladies coming up to join in the request, she endeavoured to pass on; O but, cried Miss Larolles, detaining her, do pray stop, for Ive something to tell you thats so monstrous youve no idea. Do you know Mr Meadows has not danced at all! and hes been standing with Mr Sawyer, and looking on all the time, and whispering and laughing so youve no notion. However, I assure you, Im excessive glad he did not ask me, for all I have been sitting still all this time, for I had a great deal rather sit still, I assure you; only Im sorry I put on this dress, for any thing would have done just to look on in that stupid manner.
Here Mr Meadows sauntered towards them; and all the young ladies began playing with their fans, and turning their heads another way, to disguise the expectations his approach awakened; and Miss Larolles, in a hasty whisper to Cecilia, cried, Pray dont take any notice of what I said, for if he should happen to ask me, I cant well refuse him, you know, for if I do, hell be so excessive affronted you cant think.
Mr Meadows then, mixing in the little group, began, with sundry grimaces, to exclaim how intolerably hot it is! theres no such thing as breathing. How can anybody think of dancing! I am amazed Mr Harrel has not a ventilator in this room. Dont you think it would be a great improvement?
This speech, though particularly addressed to no one, received immediately an assenting answer from all the young ladies.
Then, turning to Miss Larolles, Dont you dance? he said.
Me? cried she, embarrassed, yes, I believe so,really I dont know,I ant quite determined.
O, do dance! cried he, stretching himself and yawning, it always gives me spirits to see you.
Then, turning suddenly to Cecilia, without any previous ceremony of renewing his acquaintance, either by speaking or bowing, he abruptly said Do you love dancing, maam?
Yes, Sir, extremely well.
Im very glad to hear it. You have one thing, then, to soften existence.
Do you dislike it yourself?
What dancing? Oh dreadful! how it was ever adopted in a civilized country I cannot find out; tis certainly a Barbarian exercise, and of savage origin. Dont you think so, Miss Larolles?
Lord no, cried Miss Larolles, I assure you I like it better than any thing; I know nothing so delightful, I declare I dare say I could not live without it; I should be so stupid you cant conceive.
Why I remember, said Mr Marriot, when Mr Meadows was always dancing himself. Have you forgot, Sir, when you used to wish the night would last for ever, that you might dance without ceasing?
Mr Meadows, who was now intently surveying a painting that was over the chimney-piece, seemed not to hear this question, but presently called out I am amazed Mr Harrel can suffer such a picture as this to be in his house. I hate a portrait, tis so wearisome looking at a thing that is doing nothing!
Do you like historical pictures, Sir, any better?
O no, I detest them! views of battles, murders, and death! Shocking! shocking!I shrink from them with horror!
Perhaps you are fond of landscapes?
By no means! Green trees and fat cows! what do they tell one? I hate every thing that is insipid.
Your toleration, then, said Cecilia, will not be very extensive.
No, said he, yawning, one can tolerate nothing! ones patience is wholly exhausted by the total tediousness of every thing one sees, and every body one talks with. Dont you find it so, maam?
Sometimes! said Cecilia, rather archly.
You are right, maam, extremely right; one does not know what in the world to do with ones self. At home, one is killed with meditation, abroad, one is overpowered by ceremony; no possibility of finding ease or comfort. You never go into public, I think, maam?
Why not to be much marked, I find! said Cecilia, laughing.
O, I beg your pardon! I believe I saw you one evening at Almacks; I really beg your pardon, but I had quite forgot it.
Lord, Mr Meadows, said Miss Larolles, dont you know you are meaning the Pantheon? only conceive how you forget things!
The Pantheon, was it? I never know one of those places from another. I heartily wish they were all abolished; I hate public places. Tis terrible to be under the same roof with a set of people who would care nothing if they saw one expiring!