The two following days had neither event nor disturbance, except
some little vexation occasioned by the behaviour of Sir Robert
Floyer, who still appeared not to entertain any doubt of the success
of his addresses. This impertinent confidence she could only
attribute to the officious encouragement of Mr Harrel, and therefore
she determined rather to seek than to avoid an explanation with him. But she had, in the mean time, the satisfaction of hearing from Mr Arnott, who, ever eager to oblige her, was frequent in his enquiries, that Mr Belfield was almost entirely recovered.
On Thursday, according to her appointment, she again went to St
James' Square, and being shewn into the drawing-room till dinner was
ready, found there only young Mr Delvile.
After some general conversation, he asked her how lately she had had
any news of Mr Belfield?
"This morning," she answered, "when I had the pleasure of hearing he
was quite recovered. Have you seen him again, sir?"
"Yes madam, twice."
"And did you think him almost well?"
"I thought," answered he, with some hesitation, "and I think still, that your enquiries ought to be his cure."
"O," cried Cecilia, "I hope he has far better medicines: but I am
afraid I have been misinformed, for I see you do not think him
better."
"You must not, however," replied he, "blame those messengers whose
artifice has only had your satisfaction in view; nor should I be so
malignant as to blast their designs, if I did not fear that Mr
Belfield's actual safety may be endangered by your continual
deception."
"What deception, sir? I don't at all understand you. How is his
safety endangered?"
"Ah madam!" said he smiling, "what danger indeed is there that any
man would not risk to give birth to such solicitude! Mr Belfield
however, I believe is in none from which a command of yours cannot
rescue him."
"Then were I an hard-hearted damsel indeed not to issue it! but if
my commands are so medicinal, pray instruct me how to administer
them."
"You must order him to give up, for the present, his plan of going
into the country, where he can have no assistance, and where his
wound must be dressed only by a common servant, and to remain
quietly in town till his surgeon pronounces that he may travel
without any hazard."
"But is he, seriously, so mad as to intend leaving town without the
consent of his surgeon?"
"Nothing less than such an intention could have induced me to
undeceive you with respect to his recovery. But indeed I am no
friend to those artifices which purchase present relief by future
misery: I venture, therefore, to speak to you the simple truth, that
by a timely exertion of your influence you may prevent further
evil."
"I know not, Sir," said Cecilia, with the utmost surprise, "why you
should suppose I have any such influence; nor can I imagine that any
deception has been practiced."
"It is possible," answered he, "I may have been too much alarmed; but in such a case as this, no information ought to be depended upon but that of his surgeon. You, madam, may probably know his opinion?"
"Me?—No, indeed? I never saw his surgeon; I know not even who he
is."
"I purpose calling upon him to-morrow morning; will Miss Beverley
permit me afterwards the honour of communicating to her what may
pass?"
"I thank you, sir," said she, colouring very high; "but my
impatience is by no means so great as to occasion my giving you that
trouble."
Delvile, perceiving her change of countenance, instantly, and with
much respect, entreated her pardon for the proposal; which, however, she had no sooner granted, than he said very archly, "Why indeed you have not much right to be angry, since it was your own frankness that excited mine. And thus, you find, like most other culprits, I am ready to cast the blame of the offence upon the offended. I feel, however, an irresistible propensity to do service to Mr Belfield;— shall I sin quite beyond forgiveness if I venture to tell you how I found him situated this morning?"
"No, certainly,—if you wish it, I can have no objection."