appiness, and I am eternally
indebted to you for rescuing me from ignorance, poverty, and, perhaps,
vice. You have been more, much more than a father to me--more, much more
than a brother. I am, as it were, a creature of your own fashioning, and
I owe to you that which I never can repay. When, then, you returned so
unexpectedly, Japhet, I felt that you had a paramount right in my
disposal, and I was glad that I had not replied to Mr Harcourt, as I
wished first for your sanction and approval. I know all that has passed
between you, but I know not your real feelings towards Mr Harcourt; he
acknowledges that he treated you very ill, and it was his sincere
repentance of having so done, and his praise of you, which first won my
favour. And now, Japhet, if you have still animosity against Mr
Harcourt--if you--"

"Stop, my dear Fleta, I will answer all your questions at once." I took
Harcourt's hand, and placed it in her's. "May God bless you both, and
may you be happy!"

Cecilia threw her arms round me and wept; so did everybody else, I
believe. It was lucky for Harcourt that I was in love with Susannah
Temple. As soon as Cecilia had recovered a little, I kissed her, and
passed her over to her right owner, who led her to the sofa. Lady de
Clare and I went out of the room on important business, and did not
return for a quarter of an hour. When we returned, Cecilia went to her
mother and embraced her, while Harcourt silently squeezed my hand. We
then all sat down, and I gave them an account of all that had passed
during my second excursion--how I had nearly been hanged--how I had gone
mad--how I had turned Quaker and apothecary--which they all agreed, with
what had happened to me before, made up a very eventful history.

"And, Japhet, if it be a fair question about one so fair, was that Miss
Temple who was at church with you yesterday?"

"It was."

"Then, Cecilia, if ever she appears in the same circle, except in my
eyes, your beauty will stand in some danger of being eclipsed."

"How can you say, except in your eyes, Mr Harcourt," replied Cecilia,
"the very observation proves that it is eclipsed in your eyes, whatever
it may be in those of others. Now, as a punishment, I have a great mind
to order you away again, until you bring her face to face, that I may
judge myself."

"If I am again banished," replied Harcourt, "I shall have a second time
to appeal to De Benyon to be able to come back again. He can produce
her, I