enquiry whether she might repeat her offer of assistance. A downcast
and dejected look answering in the affirmative, she put into her hand
a ten pound bank note, and wishing them good morning, hurried out of
the room.

Miss Belfield was running after her, but stopt by her mother, who
called out, "What is it?--How much is it?--Let me look at it!"--And
then, following Cecilia herself, she thanked her aloud all the way
down stairs for her _genteelness_, assuring her she would not
fail making it known to her son.

Cecilia at this declaration turned back, and exhorted her by no means
to mention it; after which she got into her chair, and returned home;
pitying Miss Belfield for the unjust partiality shewn to her brother,
and excusing the proud shame he had manifested of his relations, from
the vulgarity and selfishness of her who was at the head of them.

Almost a fortnight had now elapsed since her explanation with young
Delvile, yet not once had he been in Portman-square, though in the
fortnight which had preceded, scarce a day had passed which had not
afforded him some pretence for calling there.

At length a note arrived from Mrs Delvile. It contained the most
flattering reproaches for her long absence, and a pressing invitation
that she would dine and spend the next day with her.

Cecilia, who had merely denied herself the pleasure of this visit from
an apprehension of seeming too desirous of keeping up the connection,
now, from the same sense of propriety, determined upon making it,
wishing equally to avoid all appearance of consciousness, either by