Harrel, who repined at it more openly, but with a selfishness so
evident that it blunted the edge of pity. She then announced to Albany
her inability to pursue, at present, their extensive schemes of
benevolence; and though he instantly left her, to carry on his
laborious plan elsewhere, the reverence she had now excited in him of
her character, made him leave her with no sensation but of regret, and
readily promise to return when her affairs were settled, or her mind
more composed.

These little preparations, which were all she could make, with
enquiries after Mr Monckton, and writing to Delvile, sufficiently
filled up her time, though her thoughts were by no means confined to
them. Day after day passed, and Mr Monckton continued to linger rather
than live; the letters of Delvile, still only dated from Ostend,
contained the most melancholy complaints of the illness of his mother;
and the time advanced when her answer would be claimed by the attorney.

The thought of such another visit was almost intolerable; and within
two days of the time that she expected it, she resolved to endeavour
herself to prevail with Mr Eggleston to wait longer.

Mr Eggleston was a gentleman whom she knew little more than by sight;
he was no relation to her family, nor had any connection with the Dean,
but by being a cousin to a lady he had married, and who had left him no
children. The dean had no particular regard for him, and had rather
mentioned him in his will as the successor of Cecilia, in case she died
unmarried or changed her name, as a mark that he approved of her doing
neither, than as a matter he thought probable, if even possible, to
turn out in his favour.