this language to me?"

"Mr Eggleston, madam, has behaved very honourably; though he knew the
whole affair so long ago, he was persuaded Mr Delvile had private
reasons for a short concealment; and expecting every day when they
would be cleared up by his taking your name, he never interfered: but
being now informed he set out last week for the continent, he has been
advised by his friends to claim his rights."

"That claim, sir, he need not fear will be satisfied; and without any
occasion for threats of enquiries or law suits."

"The truth, madam, is this; Mr Eggleston is at present in a little
difficulty about some money matters, which makes it a point with him of
some consequence to have the affair settled speedily: unless you could
conveniently compromise the matter, by advancing a particular sum, till
it suits you to refund the whole that is due to him, and quit the
premises."

"Nothing, sir, is due to him! at least, nothing worth mentioning. I
shall enter into no terms, for I have no compromise to make. As to the
premises, I will quit them with all the expedition in my power."

"You will do well, madam; for the truth is, it will not be convenient
to him to wait much longer."

He then went away.

"When, next," cried Cecilia, "shall I again be weak, vain, blind enough
to form any plan with a hope of secresy? or enter, with _any_ hope,