"It is happy then, for me," answered Cecilia, "that neither my
actions nor myself will be sufficiently known to attract public
observation."

"You intend, then, madam," said Mr Belfield, "in defiance of these
maxims of the world, to be guided by the light of your own
understanding."

"And such," returned Mr Monckton, "at first setting out in life, is
the intention of every one. The closet reasoner is always refined in
his sentiments, and always confident in his virtue; but when he
mixes with the world, when he thinks less and acts more, he soon
finds the necessity of accommodating himself to such customs as are
already received, and of pursuing quietly the track that is already
marked out."

"But not," exclaimed Mr Belfield, "if he has the least grain of
spirit! the beaten track will be the last that a man of parts will
deign to tread,

For common rules were ne'er designed
Directors of a noble mind."

"A pernicious maxim! a most pernicious maxim!" cried the old
gentleman, who sat frowning in a corner of the room.

"Deviations from common rules," said Mr Monckton, without taking any
notice of this interruption, "when they proceed from genius, are not
merely pardonable, but admirable; and you, Belfield, have a peculiar