Mears.

As they went together to the house of that lady, in Mrs Harrel's
vis-a-vis, Cecilia, not doubting but their opinions concerning the
Baronet would accord, instantly and openly declared her
disapprobation of every thing he had uttered; but Mrs Harrel, far
from confirming her expectations, only said, "I am sorry you don't
like him, for he is almost always with us?"

"Do you like him, then, yourself?"

"Extremely; he is very entertaining and clever, and knows the
world."

"How judiciously do you praise him!" cried Cecilia; "and how long
might you deliberate before you could add another word to his
panegyric!"

Mrs Harrel, satisfied to commend, without even attempting to
vindicate him, was soon content to change the subject; and Cecilia,
though much concerned that the husband of her friend had made so
disgraceful an election of a favourite, yet hoped that the lenity of
Mrs Harrel resulted from her desire to excuse his choice, not from
her own approbation.




CHAPTER v