“I am perfectly satisfied, Harcourt,” replied I:  “and I will go there, and make my peace as soon as I can.”

“Indeed, Japhet, if you knew the distress of Cecilia you would pity and love her more than ever.  Her mother is also much annoyed.  As soon as you were gone, they desired me to hasten after you and bring you back.  Cecilia had not yet given her answer:  I requested it before my departure, but, I presume to stimulate me, she declared that she would give me no answer, until I re-appeared with you.  This is now three weeks ago, and I have not dared to go there.  I have been trying all I can to see you again since you repulsed me at the Piazza, but without success, until I went to Mr Masterton, and begged him to procure me an interview.  I thank God it has succeeded.”

“Well, Harcourt, you shall see Cecilia to-morrow morning, if you please.”

“Japhet, what obligations I am under to you!  Had it not been for you I never should have known Cecilia; and more, were it not for your kindness, I might perhaps lose her for ever.”

“Not so, Harcourt; it was your own good feeling prompting you to find me out, which introduced you to Cecilia, and I wish you joy with all my heart.  This is a strange world—­who would have imagined that, in little Fleta, I was picking up a wife for a man whose life I nearly took away?  I will ask my governor for his carriage to-morrow, and will call and take you up at your lodgings at two o’clock, if that hour will suit you.  I will tell you all that has passed since I absconded, when we are at Lady de Clare’s; one story will do for all.”

Harcourt then took his leave, and I returned to my father, with whom I found Lord Windermear.

“De Benyon, I am happy to see you again,” said his lordship.  “I have just been giving a very good character of you to the general; I hope you will continue to deserve it.”

“I hope so too, my lord; I should be ungrateful indeed, if I did not, after my father’s kindness to me.”

Mr Masterton was then introduced:  Lord Windermear shook hands with him, and after a short conversation took his leave.

“Japhet,” said Mr Masterton aside, “I have a little business with your father; get out of the room any way you think best.”

“There are but two ways, my dear sir,” replied I, “the door or the windows:  with your permission, I will select the former, as most agreeable;” so saying, I went to my own room.  What passed between the general and Mr Masterton I did not know until afterwards, but they were closeted upwards of an hour, when I was sent for by Mr Masterton.

“Japhet, you said you would go with me to hear the new preacher; we have no time to lose:  so, general, I shall take my leave and run away with your son.”