longer defer the honour of waiting upon her.

Cecilia, much amazed at this warmth of civility from one to whom she
was almost a stranger, received her compliment rather coldly; but
Miss Larolles, without consulting her looks, or attending to her
manner, proceeded to express the earnest desire she had long had to
be known to her; to hope they should meet very often; to declare
nothing could make her so happy; and to beg leave to recommend to
her notice her own milliner.

"I assure you," she continued, "she has all Paris in her disposal;
the sweetest caps! the most beautiful trimmings! and her ribbons are
quite divine! It is the most dangerous thing you can conceive to go
near her; I never trust myself in her room but I am sure to be
ruined. If you please, I'll take you to her this morning."

"If her acquaintance is so ruinous," said Cecilia, "I think I had
better avoid it."

"Oh, impossible! there's no such thing as living without her. To be
sure she's shockingly dear, that I must own; but then who can
wonder? She makes such sweet things, 'tis impossible to pay her too
much for them."

Mrs Harrel now joining in the recommendation, the party was agreed
upon, and accompanied by Mr Arnott, the ladies proceeded to the
house of the milliner.

Here the raptures of Miss Larolles were again excited: she viewed
the finery displayed with delight inexpressible, enquired who were