e
Clare. I then explained to her all that had latterly passed between us,
and they in return communicated your events and dangers in Ireland.
Thus was an intimacy formed, and ever since I have been constantly
welcome at their house. I did not, however, abandon my inquiries for
many months, when I thought it was useless, and I had to console poor
Cecilia, who constantly mourned for you. And now, Japhet, I must make
my story short: I could not help admiring a young person who showed so
much attachment and gratitude joined to such personal attractions; but
she was an heiress, and I was a younger brother. Still Lady de Clare
insisted upon my coming to the house; and I was undecided how to act,
when the unfortunate death of my elder brother put me in a situation to
aspire to her hand. After that my visits were more frequent; and I was
tacitly received as a suitor by Lady de Clare, and had no reason to
complain of the treatment I received from Cecilia. Such was the
position of affairs until the day on which you broke in upon us so
unexpectedly; and at the very moment that you came in, I had, with the
sanction of her mother, made an offer to Cecilia, and was anxiously
awaiting an answer from her own dear lips. Can you, therefore, be
surprised, Japhet, at there being a degree of constraint on all sides at
the interruption occasioned by the presence of one who had long been
considered lost to us? Or that a young person just deciding upon the
most important step of her life should feel confused and agitated at the
entrance of a third party, however dear he might be to her as a brother
and benefactor?"

"I am perfectly satisfied, Harcourt," replied I; "and I will go there,
and make my peace as soon as I can."

"Indeed, Japhet, if you knew the distress of Cecilia, you would pity and
love her more than ever. Her mother is also much annoyed. As soon as
you were gone, they desired 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 mor