"I remember well," said Cecilia, "that when you left Suffolk I
thought I had lost my best friend."

"Is that possible?" cried Mr Arnott, with a look of much delight.

"Yes, indeed, and not without reason, for in all disputes you were
my advocate; in all plays, my companion; and in all difficulties, my
assistant."

"Madam," cried the same gentleman, "if you liked him because he was
your advocate, companion, and assistant, pray like me too, for I am
ready to become all three at once."

"You are very good," said Cecilia, laughing, "but at present I find
no want of any defender."

"That's pity," he returned, "for Mr Arnott seems to me very willing
to act the same parts over again with you."

"But for that purpose he must return to the days of his childhood."

"Ah, would to heaven it were possible!" cried Mr Arnott, "for they
were the happiest of my life."

"After such a confession," said his companion, "surely you will let
him attempt to renew them? 'tis but taking a walk backwards; and
though it is very early in life for Mr Arnott to sigh for that
retrograde motion, which, in the regular course of things, we shall
all in our turns desire, yet with such a motive as recovering Miss