"I find," cried Cecilia, in whom a secret hope every moment grew stronger, "I have been too hasty; I did indeed believe Mrs Delvile would never authorise such a visit; but as you have so much surprised me, I have a right to your pardon for a little doubt."
"There spoke Miss Beverley!" cried Delvile, reanimating at this little apology, "the same, the unaltered Miss Beverley I hoped to find!--yet is she unaltered? am I not too precipitate? and is the tale I have heard about Belfield a dream? an error? a falsehood?"
"But that so quick a succession of quarrels," said Cecilia, half smiling, "would be endless perplexity, I, now, would be affronted that you can ask me such a question."
"Had I, indeed, thought it a question," cried he, "I would not have asked it: but never for a moment did I credit it, till the rigour of your repulse alarmed me. You have condescended, now, to account for that, and I am therefore encouraged to make known to you the purpose of my venturing this visit. Yet not with confidence shall I speak if, scarce even with hope!--it is a purpose that is the offspring of despair,-"One thing, Sir," cried Cecilia, who now became frightened again, "let me say before you proceed; if your purpose has not the sanction of Mrs Delvile, as well as your visit, I would gladly be excused hearing it, since I shall most certainly refuse it."
"I would mention nothing," answered he, "without her concurrence; she has given it me: and my father himself has permitted my present application."
"Good Heaven!" cried Cecilia, "is it possible!" clasping her hands together in the eagerness of her surprise and delight.
"Is it possible!" repeated Delvile, with a look of rapture; "ah Miss Beverley!--once my own Cecilia!--do you, can you wish it possible?"
"No, No!" cried she, while pleasure and expectation sparkled in her eyes, "I wish nothing about it.--Yet tell me how it has happened,--I am curious," added she, smiling, "though not interested in it."
"What hope would this sweetness give me," cried he, "were my scheme almost any other than it is!--but you cannot,--no, it would be unreasonable, it would be madness to expect your compliance!--it is next to madness even in me to wish it,--but how shall a man who is desperate be prudent and circumspect?"
"Spare, spare yourself," cried the ingenuous Cecilia, "this, unnecessary pain!--you will find from me no unnecessary scruples."
"You know not what you say!--all noble as you are, the sacrifice I have to propose--"