Reflections such as these wholly embittered the delight he had
promised himself from dancing with her, and took from him all power to
combat the anxiety with which she was seized; when the second
cotillon, therefore, was over, instead of following her to a seat, or
taking the privilege of his present situation to converse with her,
the jealousy rising in his breast robbed him of all satisfaction, and
gave to him no other desire than to judge its justice by watching her
motions at a distance.

Mean while Cecilia, inattentive whether he accompanied or quitted her
proceeded to the first vacant seat. Young Delvile was standing near
it, and, in a short time, but rather as if he could not avoid than as
if he wished it, he came to enquire how she did.

The simplest question, in the then situation of her mind, was
sufficient to confuse her, and though she answered, she hardly knew
what he had asked. A minute's recollection, however, restored an
apparent composure, and she talked to him of Mrs Delvile, with her
usual partial regard for that lady, and with an earnest endeavour to
seem unconscious of any alteration in his behaviour.

Yet, to him, even this trifling and general conversation was evidently
painful, and he looked relieved by the approach of Sir Robert Floyer,
who soon after joined them.

At this time a young lady who was sitting by Cecilia, called to a
servant who was passing, for a glass of lemonade: Cecilia desired he
would bring her one also; but Delvile, not sorry to break off the
discourse, said he would himself be her cup-bearer, and for that
purpose went away.