you appeared to me so worthy as at this moment! In tearing you from my
son, I partake all the wretchedness I give, but your own sense of duty
must something plead for the strictness with which I act up to mine."

She then moved towards the door.

"Is your carriage, madam," said Cecilia, struggling to disguise her
inward anguish under an appearance of sullenness, "in waiting?"

Mrs Delvile then came back, and holding out her hand, while her eyes
glistened with tears, said, "To part from you thus frigidly, while my
heart so warmly admires you, is almost more than I can endure. Oh
gentlest Cecilia! condemn not a mother who is impelled to this
severity, who performing what she holds to be her duty, thinks the
office her bitterest misfortune, who forsees in the rage of her
husband, and the resistance of her son, all the misery of domestic
contention, and who can only secure the honour of her family by
destroying its peace!--You will not, then, give me your hand?--"

Cecilia, who had affected not to see that she waited for it, now coldly
put it out, distantly [courtseying], and seeking to preserve her
steadiness by avoiding to speak. Mrs Delvile took it, and as she
repeated her adieu, affectionately pressed it to her lips; Cecilia,
starting, and breathing short, from encreasing yet smothered agitation,
called out "Why, why this condescension?--pray,--I entreat you,
madam!--"

"Heaven bless you, my love!" said Mrs Delvile, dropping a tear upon the
hand she still held, "heaven bless you, and restore the tranquillity
you so nobly deserve!"