Cecilia then, notwithstanding Mrs Belfield still kept talking, could no
longer refrain saying, "Good heaven, what does all this mean?"

"Rather for _me_ is that question," he answered, in such agitation he
could not, though he meant it, assist her into the chaise, "for mine, I
believe, is the greater surprise!"

"What surprise?" cried she, "explain, I conjure you!"

"By and bye I will," he answered; "go on postilion."

"Where, Sir?"

"Where you came from, I suppose."

"What, Sir, back to Rumford?"

"Rumford!" exclaimed he, with encreasing disorder, "you came then from
Suffolk hither?--from Suffolk to this very house?"

"Good heaven!" cried Cecilia, "come into the chaise, and let me speak
and hear to be understood!"

"Who is that now in it?"

"My Maid."

"Your maid?--and she waits for you thus at the door?"--

"What, what is it you mean?"