every day. However, mamma, we must put up with Sir
Francis whether he come or whether he remain away."

"The world may be less simple," said Mrs. Holt after a pause, "but I
don't think it half so nice. Young men used to think that there was
nothing so pleasant as a young lady's company when,--when,--when they
were engaged, you know." Then the conversation ended, and the morning
passed without the coming of Sir Francis.

After that a week passed,--with great forbearance on the part of
Cecilia. She thought herself at least to be forbearing. She thought
much of her lover, and had no doubt tried to interest herself in the
usual conversation of her friends. But they, by the end of the week,
perceived that Sir Francis was never first spoken of by herself. To
Maude Hippesley it was very difficult to avoid an expression of her
doubts, because Maude was niece to Sir Francis. And Sir Francis was
much talked about at the Deanery. "My uncle was not down here this
morning," Maude would say:--and then she would go on to excuse
the defalcation. He had had business requiring his immediate
attention,--probably something as to the marriage settlements. "But
of course he will tell you all that." Cecilia saw through the little
attempts. Maude was quite aware that Sir Francis was becoming weary
of his lover's cares, and made the best excuse she could for them.
But Maude Hippesley never had liked her uncle.

"Oh, my dear Maude," said Cecilia, "pray let him do what he pleases
with himself in these the last days of his liberty. When he has got a
wife he must attend to her,--more or less. Now he is as free as air.
Pray let him do as he pleases, and for heaven's sake do not bother
him!" Maude who had her own lover, and was perfectly satisfied with
him though she had been engaged to him for nearly twelve months, knew
that things were not going well, and was unhappy. But at the moment
she said nothing further.

"Where is this recreant knight?" said Francesca. There was something
in the tone of Miss Altifiorla's voice which grated against Cecilia's
ears, and almost made her angry. But she knew that in her present
condition it behoved her to be especially careful. Had she resolved
to break with her betrothed she would have been quite open on the
subject to all her friends. She would have been open to all Exeter.
But in her present condition of mind she was resolved,--she thought
she was resolved,--to go on with her marriage.

"Why you should c