I was to speak my notion, it is this; the best way to thrive in the
world is to get money; but how is it to be got? Why by business: for
business is to money, what fine words are to a lady, a sure road to
success. Now I don't mean by this to be censorious upon the ladies,
being they have nothing else to go by, for as to examining if a man
knows any thing of the world, and that, they have nothing whereby to
judge, knowing nothing of it themselves. So that when they are taken in
by rogues and sharpers, the fault is all in the law, for making no
proviso against their having money in their own hands. Let every one be
trusted according to their headpiece and what I say is this: a lady in
them cases is much to be pitied, for she is obligated to take a man
upon his own credit, which is tantamount to no credit at all, being
what man will speak an ill word of himself? you may as well expect a
bad shilling to cry out don't take me! That's what I say, and that's my
way of giving my vote."

Cecilia, quite tired of these interruptions, and impatient to be gone,
now said to Belfield, "I should be much obliged to you, Sir, if you
could send to me the man you speak of tomorrow morning. I wished, also
to consult you with regard to the route I ought to take. My purpose is
to go to Nice, and as I am very desirous to travel expeditiously, you
may perhaps be able to instruct me what is the best method for me to
pursue."

"Come, Mr Hobson and Mr Simkins," cried Mrs Belfield, with a look of
much significance and delight, "suppose you two and I was to walk into
the next room? There's no need for us to hear all the young lady may
have a mind to say."

"She has nothing to say, madam," cried Cecilia, "that the whole world