convenience and freedom it promotes.

Thus disagreeably stationed, she found but little assistance from
the neighbourhood of Mr Arnott, since even his own desire of
conversing with her, was swallowed up by an anxious and involuntary
impulse to watch the looks and motions of Sir Robert.

At length, quite tired of sitting as if merely an object to be gazed
at, she determined to attempt entering into conversation with Miss
Leeson.

The difficulty, however, was not inconsiderable how to make the
attack; she was unacquainted with her friends and connections,
uninformed of her way of thinking, or her way of life, ignorant even
of the sound of her voice, and chilled by the coldness of her
aspect: yet, having no other alternative, she was more willing to
encounter the forbidding looks of this lady, than to continue
silently abashed under the scrutinizing eyes of Sir Robert.

After much deliberation with what subject to begin, she remembered
that Miss Larolles had been present the first time they had met, and
thought it probable they might be acquainted with each other; and
therefore, bending forward, she ventured to enquire if she had
lately seen that young lady?

Miss Leeson, in a voice alike inexpressive of satisfaction or
displeasure, quietly answered, "No, ma'am."

Cecilia, discouraged by this conciseness, was a few minutes silent;
but the perseverance of Sir Robert in staring at her, exciting her