Morrice, with much pretended earnestness, flew from window to
window, to trace footsteps upon the turf which he knew had not
printed it: yet, never inattentive to his own interest, when he
perceived in the midst of the combustion he had raised, that Lady
Margaret was incensed at the noise it produced, he artfully gave
over his search, and seating himself in a chair next to her, eagerly
offered to assist her with cakes, chocolate, or whatever the table
afforded.

He had, however, effectually broken up the conversation; and
breakfast being over, Mr Harrel ordered his chaise, and Cecilia
arose to take leave.

And now not without some difficulty could Mr Monckton disguise the
uneasy fears which her departure occasioned him. Taking her hand, "I
suppose," he said, "you will not permit an old friend to visit you
in town, lest the sight of him should prove a disagreeable memorial
of the time you will soon regret having wasted in the country?"

"Why will you say this, Mr Monckton?" cried Cecilia; "I am sure you
cannot think it."

"These profound studiers of mankind, madam," said Belfield, "are
mighty sorry champions for constancy or friendship. They wage war
with all expectations but of depravity, and grant no quarter even to
the purest designs, where they think there will be any temptation to
deviate from them."

"Temptation," said Mr Monckton, "is very easy of resistance in