ed me to hasten after you and bring you back.
Cecilia had not yet given her answer: I requested it before my departure,
but, I presume to stimulate me, she declared that she would give me no
answer, until I re-appeared with you. This is now three weeks ago, and
I have not dared to go there. I have been trying all I can to see you
again since you repulsed me at the Piazza, but without success, until I
went to Mr Masterton, and begged him to procure me an interview. I thank
God it has succeeded."

"Well, Harcourt, you shall see Cecilia to-morrow morning, if you please."

"Japhet, what obligations I am under to you! Had it not been for you I
never should have known Cecilia; and more, were it not for your kindness,
I might perhaps lose her for ever."

"Not so, Harcourt; it was your own good feeling prompting you to find me
out, which introduced you to Cecilia, and I wish you joy with all my
heart. This is a strange world--who would have imagined that, in little
Fleta, I was picking up a wife for a man whose life I nearly took away?
I will ask my governor for his carriage to-morrow, and will call and take
you up at your lodgings at two o'clock, if that hour will suit you. I will
tell you all that has passed since I absconded, when we are at Lady de
Clare's; one story will do for all."

Harcourt then took his leave, and I returned to my father, with whom I
found Lord Windermear.

"De Benyon, I am happy to see you again," said his lordship. "I have just
been giving a very good character of you to the general; I hope you will
continue to deserve it."

"I hope so too, my lord; I should be ungrateful indeed, if I did not,
after my father's kindness to me."

Mr Masterton was then introduced: Lord Windermear shook hands with him,
and after a short conversation took his leave.

"Japhet," said Mr Masterton aside, "I have a little business with your
father; get out of the room any way you think best."

"There are but two ways, my dear sir," replied I, "the door or the
windows: with your permission, I will select the former, as most
agreeable;" so saying, I went to my own room. What passed between the
general and Mr Masterton I did not know until afterwards, but they were
closeted upwards of an hour, when I was sent for by Mr Masterton.

"Japhet, you said you would go with me to hear the new preacher; we have
no time to lose: so, general, I shall take my leave and run away with
your son."

I followed Mr Masterton into his