Mr Delvile's own gentleman brought, with evident concern, the answer to
this petition; which was, that while the Honourable Mr Delvile was
himself alive, he thought the desire of any other person concerning his
house, was taking with him a very extraordinary liberty; and that he
was now going to bed, and had given orders to his servants to carry him
no more messages whatsoever, upon pain of instant dismission.

Cecilia now seemed totally destitute of all resource, and for a few
dreadful minutes, gave herself up to utter despondency: nor, when she
recovered her presence of mind, could she form any better plan than
that of waiting in the coach to watch the return of Delvile.

She told the coachman, therefore, to drive to a corner of the square,
begging Mr Simkins to have patience, which he promised with much
readiness, and endeavoured to give her comfort, by talking without
cessation.

She waited here near half an hour. She then feared the disappointment
of Delvile in not meeting her at first, had made him conclude she meant
not to obey his directions, and had perhaps urged him to call again
upon Belfield, whom he might fancy privy to her non-appearance. This
was new horror to her, and she resolved at all risks to drive to
Portland-street, and enquire if Belfield himself was returned home.
Yet, lest they should mutually be pursuing each other all night, she
stopt again at Mr Delvile's, and left word with the porter, that if
young Mr Delvile should come home, he would hear of the person he was
enquiring for at Mrs Roberts's in Fetter-lane. To Belfield's she did
not dare to direct him; and it was her intention, if there she procured
no new intelligence, to leave the same message, and then go to Mrs