no more, distressed me, and, from
the character which he gave of my father, I felt convinced that my
happiness would not be at all increased by my having finally attained
the long-desired object of my wishes. Strange to say, I had no sooner
discovered my father, but I wished that he had never turned up; and when
I compared the peaceful and happy state of existence which I had lately
enjoyed, with the prospects of what I had in future to submit to, I
bitterly repented that the advertisement had been seen by Timothy; still,
on one point, I was peculiarly anxious, without hardly daring to
anatomise my feelings; it was relative to Cecilia de Clare, and what Mr
Masterton had mentioned in the course of our conversation. The next
morning I wrote to Timothy and to Mr Cophagus, giving them a shortdetail
of what I had been informed by Mr Masterton, and expressing a wish, which
I then really did feel, that I had never been summoned away from them.

Having finished my letters, I set off to Park Street, to call upon Lady
de Clare and Cecilia. It was rather early, but the footman who opened the
door recognised me, and I was admitted upon his own responsibility. It
was now more than eighteen months since I had quitted their house at
Richmond, and I was very anxious to know what reception I might have. I
followed the servant up stairs, and when he opened the door walked in,
as my name was announced.

Lady de Clare rose in haste, so did Cecilia, and so did a third person,
whom I had not expected to have met--Harcourt. "Mr Newland," exclaimed
Lady de Clare, "this is indeed unexpected." Cecilia also came forward,
blushing to the forehead. Harcourt held back, as if waiting for the
advances to be made on my side. On the whole, I never felt more
awkwardly, and I believe my feelings were reciprocated by the whole
party. I was evidently _de trop_.

"Do you know Mr Harcourt?" at last said Lady de Clare.

"If it is the Mr Harcourt I once knew," replied I, "I certainly do."

"Believe me it is the same, Newland," said Harcourt, coming to me and
offering his hand, which I took with pleasure.

"It is a long while since we met," observed Cecilia, who felt it
necessary to say something, but, at the same time, did not like to enter
upon my affairs before Harcourt.

"It is, Miss de Clare," replied I, for I was not exactly pleased at my
reception; "but I have been fortunate since I had the pleasure of seeing
you last."

Cecilia and her mother lo