pproval. I know all
that has passed between you, but I know not your real feelings towards
Mr Harcourt: he acknowledges that he treated you very ill, and it was
his sincere repentance of having so done, and his praise of you, which
first won my favour. And now, Japhet, if you have still animosity
against Mr Harcourt--if you--"

"Stop, my dear Fleta, I will answer all your questions at once." I took
Harcourt's hand, and placed it in hers. "May God bless you both, and
may you be happy!"

Cecilia threw her arms round me and wept; so did everybody else, I
believe. It was lucky for Harcourt that I was in love with Susannah
Temple. As soon as Cecilia had recovered a little, I kissed her, and
passed her over to her right owner, who led her to the sofa. Lady de
Clare and I went out of the room on important business, and did not
return for a quarter of an hour. When we returned, Cecilia went to her
mother and embraced her, while Harcourt silently squeezed my hand. We
then all sat down, and I gave them an account of all that had passed
during my second excursion--how I had nearly been hanged--how I had gone
mad--how I had turned Quaker and apothecary--which they all agreed, with
what had happened to me before, made up a very eventful history.

"And, Japhet, if it be a fair question about one so fair, was that Miss
Temple who was at church with you yesterday?"

"It was."

"Then, Cecilia, if ever she appears in the same circle, except in my
eyes, your beauty will stand in some danger of being eclipsed."

"How can you say except in your eyes, Mr Harcourt," replied Cecilia,
"the very observation proves that it is eclipsed in your eyes, whatever
it may be in those of others. Now, as a punishment, I have a great mind
to order you away again, until you bring her face to face, that I may
judge myself."

"If I am again banished," replied Harcourt, "I shall have, a second
time, to appeal to De Benyon to be able to come back again. He can
produce her, I have no doubt."

"And perhaps may, some of these days, Cecilia."

"Oh! do, Japhet. I will love her so."

"You must wait a little first. I am not quite so far advanced as you
and Harcourt. I have not received the consent of all parties, as you
have to-day. But I must now leave you. Harcourt, I presume you will
dine here. I must dine with my `Governor.'"

On my return, I found that the table was laid for three, and that the
general had asked Mr Masterton, from wh