naturally enough imputed to her youth and beauty, yet without
suspecting any cause more cogent than a general jealousy of
attractions of which she had herself so long outlived the
possession.

As their journey drew near to its conclusion, all the uneasy and
disagreeable sensations which in the bosom of Cecilia had
accompanied its commencement, gave way to the expectation of quick
approaching happiness in again meeting her favourite young friend.

Mrs Harrel had in childhood been her playmate, and in youth her
school-fellow; a similarity of disposition with respect to sweetness
of temper, had early rendered them dear to each other, though the
resemblance extended no farther, Mrs Harrel having no pretensions to
the wit or understanding of her friend; but she was amiable and
obliging, and therefore sufficiently deserving affection, though
neither blazing with attractions which laid claim to admiration, nor
endowed with those superior qualities which mingle respect in the
love they inspire.

From the time of her marriage, which was near three years, she had
entirely quitted Suffolk, and had had no intercourse with Cecilia
but by letter. She was now just returned from Violet Bank, the name
given by Mr Harrel to a villa about twelve miles from London, where
with a large party of company she had spent the Christmas holidays.

Their meeting was tender and affectionate; the sensibility of
Cecilia's heart flowed from her eyes, and the gladness of Mrs
Harrel's dimpled her cheeks.