uncertainty if I have not this man's life to answer for at the hazard
of my own, to take my wife--my bride,--from the kingdom I must fly!--
to make her a fugitive and an exile in the first publishing that she is
mine! No, if I am not a destined alien for life I can never permit it.
Nothing less, believe me, shall ever urge my consent to wound the
chaste propriety of your character, by making you an eloper with a
duelist."

They then again consulted upon their future plans; and concluded that
in the present disordered state of their affairs, it would be best not
to acknowledge even to Mr Delvile their marriage, to whom the news of
the duel, and Mr Monckton's danger, would be a blow so severe, that, to
add to it any other might half distract him.

To the few people already acquainted with it, Delvile therefore
determined to write from Ostend, re-urging his entreaties for their
discretion and secrecy. Cecilia promised every post to acquaint him how
Mr Monckton went on, and she then besought him to go instantly, that he
might out-travel the ill news to his mother.

He complied, and took leave of her in the tenderest manner, conjuring
her to support her spirits, and be careful of her health. "Happiness,"
said he, "is much in arrears with us, and though my violence may have
frightened it away, your sweetness and gentleness will yet attract it
back: all that for me is in store must be received at your hands,--
what is offered in any other way, I shall only mistake for evil! droop
not, therefore, my generous Cecilia, but in yourself preserve me!"

"I will not droop," said she; "you will find, I hope, you have not
intrusted yourself in ill hands."