said, "Imagine not I am making any discovery, nor suspect me of any
design to develop your sentiments. That Mortimer could love in vain I
never, believed; that Miss Beverley, possessing so much merit, could be
blind to it in another, I never thought possible. I mean not,
therefore, to solicit any account or explanation, but merely to beg
your patience while I talk to you myself, and your permission to speak
to you with openness and truth."

Cecilia, though relieved by this calmness from all apprehension of
reproach, found in her manner a coldness that convinced her of the loss
of her affection, and in the introduction to her business a solemnity
that assured her what she should decree would be unalterable. She
uncovered her face to shew her respectful attention, but she could not
raise it up, and could not utter a word.

Mrs Delvile then seated herself next her, and gravely continued her
discourse.

"Miss Beverley, however little acquainted with the state of our family
affairs, can scarcely have been uninformed that a fortune such as hers
seems almost all that family can desire; nor can she have failed to
observe, that her merit and accomplishments have no where been more
felt and admired: the choice therefore of Mortimer she could not doubt
would have our sanction, and when she honoured his proposals with her
favour, she might naturally conclude she gave happiness and pleasure to
all his friends."

Cecilia, superior to accepting a palliation of which she felt herself
undeserving, now lifted up her head, and forcing herself to speak, said
"No, madam, I will not deceive you, for I have never been deceived