ar.,C-%^V| 
 
 a I E> R.AR.Y 
 
 OF THE 
 UNIVERSITY 
 or ILLINOIS 
 
 Bee)7c 
 
 < 
 
 
 
 
 . ^.-"- ... 
 
 
 
 
 tU**^-'^ 
 
 
 
 
 iB;^»_£i9^ 
 
 »e«i. /'^\ 
 
 .. ^M&^C^...^^^^
 
 ^
 
 CELIA 
 
 IN SEARCH OF A HUSBAND. 
 VOL, I. 
 
 C^ L.-
 
 CELIA 
 
 IN SEARCH OF A HUSBAND, 
 
 BY A MODERN ANTIQUE. 
 
 k* There wanted yet the miiter-worV, the eiid 
 Of all yet done ; a creature, who not prooe 
 And brute as other creatures, but endued 
 With sanctity of reason, — — 
 — — — — and from thence 
 
 Magnanimous, to correspond with Heaven, 
 But grateful to tckoowledge wheocc his good 
 Descends." 
 
 -*o«e^gxgqee^- 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 PRINTED AT THE 
 
 rOR A. K. NEWMAN AND CO, 
 
 CSuccestors to Lane, Newman, and Co,J 
 
 LEADEMHALL-STREST, 
 
 1809.
 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Ike title-page prefixed to this book bears 
 
 a strong appearance o{ presumption ; and 
 
 "^ the reader of these pages may, in the con- 
 
 dusiun, pronounce the author both Tain 
 
 and futile. The only apology she has to 
 
 ^ offer may probably lead her yet deeper 
 
 V into error; yet she cannot resist saying 
 
 ^ somethins: of herself, or rather of her mo- 
 
 tives. 
 
 C celebs had appeared — it lixndd be a»- 
 iiWered; but it must be ansv,ered dirccUy — a 
 long life, even blessed with superior ta- 
 lents, would scarcely produce a work, 
 whose intrinsic worth could class it with 
 1^ that performance. 
 
 VOL. I 
 
 The
 
 ii PREFACE. 
 
 The reader very naturally asks, 'rtj7?^answer 
 it at all ? — There are nlatiy reasons which 
 induce persons to write. Doctor Johnson 
 has said of this speclB of writing, " that 
 it requires that experience which can ne- 
 ver be attained by solitary diligence, but 
 must arise from general corivet'se, aild ac- 
 curate observation of the living wdrld.'V 
 
 i believe it possible to gleah a ttttte 
 worldly knbtvledge, without mixing in its 
 haunts; and were such advantages in^s- 
 pensiile in a writer, 
 
 ** How many would starve, who now are fed I" 
 
 Extend fhut fcoinpassioti towards this lin- 
 fortunate class, courteous reader — consi- 
 der, that What is " fepbrt fo ifou, is death to 
 
 ft h^; -with ii)uth justie^e, been said, that 
 " fo tell the public you havfe Written a book 
 
 in
 
 PREFAQC. m 
 
 in ^ hurrj^; that you do not stop to cor^ 
 rect/'&c. &c., are impertinences, and not 
 apologies to your readci-s. . 
 
 Yet in this case some allov.anees sheuld 
 be made — The garretetrs had taken scent 
 ^— goo§€-qwill3 and crow-qHills were im- 
 mersed; but the pen that writes, quickest 
 will suit the town best; for expectfttipu 
 is excited, and though it should be disap- 
 pointed, we all know that 
 
 ** Anticipation loads the vrings of Gme." 
 
 But I, and with humility I avow it, t 
 anticipate those dart-W^e qmlls, dipped in 
 gall — the Reviewers ; yes, I feel they will 
 — though I profess myself an antique, they 
 will not spare me. But to the Public I 
 would beg to say, that if I cannot edify by 
 the elevation of my style, I trust I shall not 
 dismay, by pourtraying characters not to 
 
 be
 
 IV PREFACE. 
 
 be found in this transitory state. The 
 business of life is not transacted in pom- 
 pous language, nor the speeches of all 
 lovers made in verse. The novel-writer 
 is engaged in portraits, in which every one 
 knows the original, and can detect any 
 deviation from exactness of resemblance — 
 other writings are safe, except from the 
 malice oUtarning, but these are in danger 
 from every reader. 
 
 If I have deviated from Nature, I need 
 say nothing ; I shall hearo£ that, and every 
 other failing of my presumptuous pen — 
 tut if the Ladies, for whom I write, Uthetj 
 should give me a 'patient reading, not put 
 me on the shelf from Sunday to Sundaij, 
 I shall be grateful, and in this hope beg to 
 ^bscribe myself 
 
 Their obedient Servant, 
 
 A MODERN ANTIQUE.
 
 C E L I A. 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 " These are thy glorious work";. Parent of good ; 
 Almighty, thine this universal frame!" 
 
 " JL HOUGH each new hour Hlustrates the 
 bounty of Providence, the spring season 
 seems peculiarly to claim our regard^ our 
 gratitude,** said Mrs. Martha Mansfield to 
 Celia Delacour, as they sauntered in the 
 budding garden attached to the demesne 
 of Hadley. *' So lately the earth was bare?, 
 ^nd now not a path is unadorned; gracious 
 Natiire decks 
 
 ** Her universal face with smiling green." 
 
 VOL. I. B Celia
 
 2 CELIA. 
 
 Celia was alive to the beauties of Na- 
 ture ; there is but one reference for the 
 creatiu-es of this worlds and who that ever 
 sought it, sought in vain ? Now Celia 
 worshipped the source — thus its streams 
 were her delight. 
 
 They were yet discoursing on the un- 
 sating theme, when J^cob Brown, the 
 butler of Mrs. Mansfield, announced " Sir 
 Harry Townly ;" and in the next moment, 
 a fashionable-looking man advanced to re- 
 ceive the sincere congratulations of the 
 ladies. . 
 
 *' You did not come alone ?'* said Mrs. 
 Mansfield. 
 
 " Where is Fanny ?" asked Celia. 
 
 "Fanny has been ill,'* replied Sir Harr}'. 
 
 '^ And the children ?" said Mrs. Mans- 
 field. 
 
 *' We have lost our boy," said the Ba- 
 ronet, in a faltering voice ; " but Rachel 
 is blooming and healthy as ever.'' 
 
 *' Poor Fanny !** interjoined Celia. 
 *^ Are you sure, my dear Townly, that in- 
 
 dis-
 
 CELIA. 3 
 
 di.^position docs iioi detain her rrom us 
 now ?" 
 
 '' Quite sure, Celia ; she is recovering ; 
 she has rccovej*ed her spirits wonderfully.'* 
 
 '' Thank God !" said Celia; '' it must have 
 been a sad trial/' 
 
 " A very sad one as a mother^ no doubt, 
 Cclin/' said Mrs. Mansdcld ; '' but as a 
 Ckrhtian, I trust she is too wise to yield 
 to immoderate griel." 
 
 The Baronet was silent for a moment. 
 Dismissing the " cast of thought" that had 
 stolen over his features, he avowed him 
 self fatigued/ and disposed to take refresh- 
 ment — they retired to the ho,use. 
 
 '' I have a petition to prefer/' said Sir 
 Harry to Mrs. Mansfield; '* you will spare 
 Celia to us for a few months — perhaps you 
 will hoili p,o under my escort — Fanny ia 
 most anxious to see ye." 
 
 Mrs. Mansfield hesitated — '' At such a 
 
 lime to refuse/' said she, *' seems selfish. 
 
 Eov myself , unless the health of my niece 
 
 rjequires it, Ishauld certainly wish to .avoid 
 
 B ^ visiting
 
 4 CELIA. 
 
 visiting the metropolis — and, though I 
 cannot withhold my consent, it is a fear- 
 ful separation, Townly. Celia has never 
 been absent from my sight one day — nay, 
 I must ask of you certain terms for my 
 novice in the ways of society." 
 
 wSir Harry smiled ; yet he acceded to the 
 restrictions imposed. 
 
 " In all essential matters,'' said Mrs. 
 Mansfield, " I leave her to her own judg- 
 ment; but in those particulars which cus- 
 tom imposes, I must guard her against 
 yielding. Fanny, from education and dis- 
 position, was in a manner self-taught, ere 
 she entered on the w^orld in her present 
 character. Let no example," continued 
 Mrs. Mansfield, addressing our heroine, 
 *' induce you to keep late hours ; adopt no 
 fashion that your cklicacij condemns ; add 
 none of those superficial attractions, which 
 the girat world term accumplishmcnis, to 
 your present 5/mpZe hoard of information ; 
 to be rational, is to be happy ; the wants 
 of the moderate are few — thus their grati- 
 tude
 
 CELIA. 5 
 
 tilde is ever flowins:, for thev are awake to 
 the never-slumbering eye of Providence. 
 I know, that no viaterial change could be 
 effected in my Celia ; but there is a species 
 of acquiescence, that is termed the ' usage 
 ofsociet/j/ from which, if a young woman 
 dissents, she must make up her feelings to 
 bear the contumely of the worldly votary ; 
 ytt you must do this, Celia — late hours will 
 draw you from God ; your bodily fatigue 
 will incapacitate you for that humility, and 
 .entire devotion, which should accompany 
 your orisons; and when you should return 
 from these nocturnal revels, when the 
 day is dawning on your sight, and you 
 should, with your accustomed piety, look 
 to the orient beam, and ask 
 
 if the night 
 
 Have gathered ought of evil, or concealed. 
 Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark." 
 
 Even though you do this, vou have in\ cri- 
 ed the order of Nature ; you will carry the 
 system onwards; next day, ' the fatal pre- 
 B 3 cedent
 
 6 CtLtA. 
 
 tedent will plead/ fill liaMt eraidicates wha-t 
 your youth, ^nd hitherto blameless life,, 
 has soi fondly pi^omised/* 
 
 Celia wepf unrestrainedly ; yet they were 
 hot the tears of a woman who had fears as 
 to her stability in th^se points. She might 
 have hirmfbled herself, and asked the illn- 
 mination that is " promised the ignorant/' 
 had she been told that her ??20?'r?/ sense was 
 imperfect, that her gratitude was irrefficienf. 
 It w^as the strong conviction she owned, that 
 the advice thus offered, the observances thus 
 recommended, had often, with equal tender- 
 ness, been addressed to her sister ; they had 
 made no impression ; and while our heroine, 
 in few, but emphatic v/ords, declared her in- 
 tention of abiding in thef path that had made 
 her youth happy, and gained the approval 
 of her affectionate protectress, that plea- 
 sure she anticipated in a meeting with n 
 gister vvhom she loved, with all her fiHilts, 
 Vas greatly diminished — " Sorrow softens 
 ^nd subdues the loftiest mind/' said Celia, 
 mentally ; '' ray dear Fanny has suffered 
 
 ^incr
 
 since I saw her." She took courage on a 
 c^rt^inty so soothing, yet the tears would 
 flow. 
 
 Sir Harry avowed himself a convert to 
 the arguments of Mrs. Mansfield ; he be- 
 lieved that the happiness of this life de- 
 pended upon a strict discharge of our mor 
 ral duties; but, at the same time, declared, 
 that a married inan, unless united to a wo- 
 nian whose sentiments were congenial, 
 must forego his ow7i opinions, in order to 
 guard his honour. 
 
 . Mrs. Mansfield started — '' Is this a gene- 
 ral or an individual opinion, Townly ?" 
 
 *' Oh, a general one, to be sure,'' said the 
 Baronet. 
 
 Yet Celia thought that his ingenuous 
 brow was lighted by a blush, which, though 
 reflected qn ]i£r cheek, was rejected by her 
 virtuously proud heart — for Lady Townly 
 was the sister of Celia Delacour. 
 
 The consent of Mrs. Mansfield thus 
 
 attained. Sir Harry expressed his inten- 
 
 B 4 tion
 
 8 CELIA. 
 
 tion of returning to London in two days. 
 This, on the first mention, seemed impos- 
 sible to Celia; yet a little reflection told 
 "her it was best, for every hour evinced the 
 anxiety that the separation caused her aunt. 
 She arose early on the next morning, and 
 inaking a round of callSy which in London 
 would have proved an excessive fatigue, 
 for all her fnends were at home, she im- 
 parted to the surprised and afflicted vil- 
 lagers (and it was in this class she was 
 visiting) her purposed departure — '^ Be 
 careful of my aunt/' was her parting in- 
 junction to each. To the promises that the 
 season held forth, she made appropriate 
 comments — '' the pasture seemed good, 
 and the corn had sprouted ;" she had been 
 used to administer to their wants, and was 
 qualified to judge of their gains. One aged 
 man, whose nourishment had often been 
 conveyed by her hands, wept in despair, 
 as she assured him that Mrs. Wilkins the 
 housekeeper had promised to take her 
 
 place
 
 CELIA. 9 
 
 place durin;^ her absence — '' Every thing 
 ojiall be done as usual," said Celia ; " \\i\- 
 kins is very kind." 
 
 " No doubt, no doubt/' St.id old God- 
 frey ; "■ but she cannot read to mc as you 
 do ; I fear I am selMsh — ah Madam ! it is 
 since you explained to me such things as 
 1 did not understand, that 1 have been so 
 happy." 
 
 Celia \v'as a (Tec ted by the zealous gra- 
 titude of her humble friend ; and secretly 
 resolving to recommend old Godfrey to 
 the particular care of her aunt, she return- 
 ed to the house. 
 
 Sir Harrv, though accustomed to a life 
 of dissipation, possessed a mind capable 
 of appreciating the beauties of Nature. 
 It ^vas on the second morning after his ar- 
 rival at Hadlcy, that, having made a cir- 
 cuit through the village, he, in his way 
 back, rested at the cottage of old Godfrey. 
 There is something peculiarly interesting 
 in that class of persons, to be met in 
 
 many
 
 10 CltfA. 
 
 iTiany^ of the <»ultivated villggea of tkii 
 island — we do not speak of man ufaetu ring 
 counties, but the smiling hamlet that skirt«- 
 the mansions of some munificent guardians 
 of the poor, who, while ihey shield them 
 from real ills, are active to inculcate the 
 necessity and virtue of industry — to see 
 the inhabitants of such a spot cheerful and 
 content, pursuing their daily toil, with 
 hearts void of care, gaining '^ sufficient for 
 the day," owning a resource in the *' gr€a$ 
 house/' for any contingence that sickness, 
 accident, or the season's '' chilling blight/* 
 may efTcct.'* If there is an enviable rank 
 in life, it is that of a country gentleman, 
 who draws his riches from the ground he 
 cultivates, and makes his treasure the gar- 
 ner of the poor. 
 
 Sir Harry took a scat at the door of old 
 Godfrey; he spoke of the manor-house; 
 Godfrey was eloquent in praise of Mrs. 
 Mansfield — '' She will be very sad when Miss 
 Celia leaves her," said Godfrey ; '' and we 
 
 shall 
 3
 
 CLLIA. fi 
 
 shall all be sad — I wish her London friends 
 knew how happy she is here, and they 
 would not have taken her from us." 
 
 Sir Harry was replying, when, looking 
 towards the door, he beheld the subject 
 of their conversation approaching; she 
 was walkin<); sIonv, and with evident cau- 
 tion. Sir Harry drew back, while God- 
 freyj pKaci ng his spectacles to aid his view, 
 declared it was Miss Celia. brinoin": him 
 some broth — '' This may be the last I shall 
 ever get from her dear hands," continued 
 Godfrey, in visible emotion. 
 
 Celia entered the cottage — '' I thought 
 you would like me to bring it while I 
 could,'' said she — "Ah, Townly ! so you 
 have discovered my old friend }" continued 
 Celia, as she placed the bason on the table, 
 and took a seat by the venerable cottager. 
 
 Sir Harry regarded our heroine in silence 
 for a minute — " Wliat would Fanny say to 
 this?" said he thoughtfully — " Celia, it is 
 to you I look for comfort; you will rccal 
 my thoughtless girl." 
 
 Celia
 
 12 C£LIA. 
 
 Celia saw \hc mental inquietude of the 
 Baronet with affectionate concern — yet it 
 was a subject on which she couid not speak 
 — if she entered into his feelings, she must 
 throw censure on her sister ; but as she 
 retrod the path to the manor-house, after 
 bidding adieu to Godfrey, she drew the 
 general plan by which she purposed to live 
 during her residence in town, WMth so much 
 simplicity, that, while Sir Harry smiled his 
 gracious approval, he wondered, as the plan 
 was merely rational, that every rational be- 
 ing did not pursue the same. He forgot 
 that there :M'e dcgj^'es oi' rational if jj ; that 
 there are creatures who own the dif^tiiidion, 
 yet elicit no emanation of reason — who 
 suffer the " tares to grow up," until the 
 soil is choked. 
 
 The next morning, while at breakfast, 
 Mrs. Mansfield repeated her wishes with 
 regard to our heroine — '' I am explicit in 
 your presence, my dear Townly," conti- 
 nued the anxious friend, '' that Celia may 
 be exonerated from prudery in every par- 
 ticular.
 
 CELTA. 13 
 
 ticular. I know no error into which 
 young people so readily fall, as the feel- 
 ingr of' false sh^me. I do not suspect Celia, 
 for she is ingenuous and humble ; but the 
 life in which she will mix (moderately I 
 trust), will call upon her to be (irm — she 
 must not be laughed out of her principles, 
 nor is it necessary she should defend them ; 
 in the former, she would prove her weak- 
 ness, in the latter, vanity alone could bear 
 her out — it is by reliring from the crowd, 
 and proving her heart, that she will preserve 
 herself from the contagion of vice. For- 
 give me, my dear Harry," continued Mrs. 
 Mansfield, ^' nor term me rigid; the times 
 are sadly ' out of joint.' Into those circles 
 that the v;orld calls honourable, the most 
 glaring moral errors have crept ; and 
 though my countrymen are justlv styled 
 heroes, I pronounce them dedcicnt in one 
 species of courage — they want moral 
 courage, Townly. If they were as anxious 
 to repel the advances of vice, as they \,'ould 
 
 be
 
 J 4 CEtlA. 
 
 be effectual in expelling the intrusion of 
 an hostile foe, they would be ' fighting the 
 good fight/ I have written Fanny a most 
 enormous packet; I knoW she will smile/' 
 added Mrs. Mansfield ; '' but my heart was 
 full, and I could not but tell her so, In 
 my arrangement for Celia, I have intruded 
 on your household — Pattv and Richard 
 must be her attendants ; 1 shall be more 
 at ease, as their ^vorth is known to me. It 
 is very proba]>le that one or two of our 
 country friends will claim a portion of 
 mv niece's time — Celia will act for her- 
 self on these occasions. Sir Peter Bcr- 
 ton, and Mr. Wai ford's family, will be 
 in London this season ; they are persons 
 in whose society she has always been 
 happy." 
 
 Sir Harry promised to further the views 
 of his affectionate relation, by considering 
 the feelings of Celia. 
 
 The carriage drove up the avenue — Mrs. 
 Mansfield caught her beloved child to her 
 
 bosom —
 
 CELT A. IS 
 
 bosom — " God protect you, my Celia 1" 
 sobbed the agitated friend. 
 
 Sir Harry drew tmr heroine from the 
 arms of her more than parent, and in the 
 next moment they were on the road to 
 London. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 16 CELIA, 
 
 <(4 
 
 CHAP. 11. 
 
 *' I hate when Vice can bolt her arguments, 
 And Virtue has no tongue to check her pride.' 
 
 The road to London, enter it by what 
 point you will, bears a strong similarity in 
 the last five or six miles. There appears 
 before you a mass of smoke, an atmosphere 
 so heavy, as to surprise and oppress the 
 rural child of Nature. Celia was sensible 
 of this; nor were Richard and Patty, who 
 followed in a chaise, inattentive observers 
 of this (to them) extraordinary appear- 
 ance. It was near seven o'clock in the 
 evening of a clear, yet cold, day in April, 
 that Celia Delacour entered the splendid 
 mansion of Sir Harry Townly, situated 
 in Portman-square. 
 
 The Baronet led the trembling Celia 
 
 ta
 
 CELiA. 17 
 
 to the (ira\Viiig-raom — her heart panted to 
 embrace her sister — she fled from the ten- 
 der restraint that his wish of surprising his 
 Lady would have imposed ; nor^ till she 
 had wept her joy on the neck of Lady 
 Townly^ perceived that she was in com- 
 pant/. ' 
 
 Confused^ and somewhat disappointed, 
 our heroine dropped into a seat; for 
 though Sir Harry had said that his Lady 
 had recovered her spirits — the event was 
 recent — none of the '' trappings of woe" 
 were visible in her Ladyship's appearance ; 
 yet Sir Harry was in black — she knew it 
 was possible to wear 
 
 *' That ^Ylt;hin -.vhich passeth shew." 
 
 But real grief is retired ; it vaunteth not 
 in vvords ; it is oppressed even by consa- 
 latiori ; it has only one resource, one balm ; 
 and it is not m society, at least in common 
 society^, wc can hope to find it. 
 
 " Miss Delacour," said Lady Towniy, 
 VOL. I. c addressing
 
 18 CELIA. 
 
 addressing the little party, " hev first ap- 
 pearance in London ; and I may add, 
 literally, in ' search of a husband/* 
 
 " Fanny/' said the astonished Celia, 
 ^' my dear Fanny !** 
 
 Sir Harry addressed his Lady — he begged 
 to know how Rachel was ? — if she had re- 
 tired for the night ? — how she had passed 
 her time in his absence? 
 
 To all of which Lady Townly replied 
 carelessly ; and turning to Celia, she at- 
 tacked her '' maiden blushes/' as she call- 
 ed them, with that ease which the " usage 
 of society" so peculiarly illustrates in a 
 woman of fashion. 
 
 ''You disown the imputed motive?" 
 said Lady Cardonnel, looking towards our 
 heroine. 
 
 " Wholly, Madam," said Celia ; " mine 
 is a visit of condolence — of aflfection, 1 
 should say/' and again she blushed, for the 
 allusion bore hard upon the thoughtless 
 mother. 
 
 " You were always a dear affectionate 
 
 girl/'
 
 CELIA. 19 
 
 g'lrl/'said Lady Townly, pressing the hand 
 of her sister; '' but really, Celia, your 
 IlacUci/ roses are highly becoming — a long 
 lecture from aunt Mansfield, I suppose/* 
 she continued. 
 
 " I have a packet for you, Fanny/* said 
 the Baronet ; '' indeed, my dear, we arc 
 deeply indebted to that best of women, 
 for her kind acquiescence in the present 
 case/* 
 
 " Oh certainly,*' said her Ladyship ; " I 
 will write my grateful thanks to-morrow/* 
 
 " However Lady Townly's charge may 
 be rejected by that young lady/' said an 
 intelligent handsome-looking man, past 
 the bloom of youth, " I pronounce it in 
 part just/* 
 
 '' Sir," said Celia, regarding the stranger 
 with attention. 
 
 '' Nay, hear me,** continued Mr. Bel- 
 ford, taking a seat by our astonished Celia, 
 *^ This is your first debut on the theatre of 
 the world ?'* 
 
 Celia bowed. 
 
 eg '' Then
 
 20 • CELIA. 
 
 *' Then you are a candidate for public 
 favour?" 
 
 '' I a candidate for, public favour \" said 
 Celia with ingenuous warmth. 
 
 " Yes, undoubtedly you are ; and you 
 will attain it, in proportion as you perform 
 your part. Have you fixed on the character 
 you mean to sustain ?'* added Mr. Belford 
 with a smile, that conveyed an infinity of 
 meaning. 
 
 '' Indeed, Sir," said Celia, in a voice by 
 no means audible, '' I know not how to. 
 reply to you,'* and her eyes glistened, 
 from a feeling which Mrs. Mansfield her- 
 self could not have condemned — it was 
 real shame., modest timidity. 
 
 " The very cynosure for those of her 
 age," said Mr. Belford, taking the hand of 
 our heroine, respectfully. '' A London au- 
 dience is a most incongruous medley, often 
 houglit up before the candidate appears. 
 I understand a little of their stage tricks ; 
 permit me to be the manager for you ; 
 
 make 
 3
 
 CELIA. 21 
 
 make no engagements without my conciu'- 
 rence." 
 
 Celia was impelled to smile; she per- 
 ceived her new friend was a man who 
 knew the world ; his manners were per- 
 suasive, though his language was evidently- 
 satirical. Celia paused — '' The satirist 
 spares neither friend nor foe/' said she, 
 mentally; '" yet it is the world o{ fashion 
 he is satirizing— and is notfoHi/ the gene- 
 ral enemjf of all its votaries?" Her eye 
 calight the features of her sister ; they 
 were disguised under a mask, which the 
 morality of Celia termed criminal. She 
 turned to Sir Harry, and, with an engaging 
 smile, asked if he approved such a league ? 
 
 " You could not do better, Celia,'* said 
 the Baronet. '' Belford will bring you 
 out with an eclat, that aunt Martha would 
 approve." 
 
 " Then I believe I may assent," said 
 Celia. 
 
 Mr. Belford declared himself flattered 
 
 by the^permission, at the same time add- 
 
 c 3 ing,
 
 9Q 
 
 CELIA. 
 
 ing, '' that he should give her her ciies iu 
 due order." 
 
 '''^ When is the first rehearj^al tp be?" 
 asked Lady Card onn el. 
 
 "" To-morrow morning." 
 
 *' Belford^ you will breakfast with us?*' 
 said Sir Harry. 
 
 Mr. Bel ford replied in the affirmative. 
 
 Our heroine, in a low voice, avowing: 
 herself fatigued, withdrew. 
 
 Lady Townly regarded her as she rc^ 
 tired, and as the door closed — " What 3; 
 fine carriage the girl has !" said she ; '^ it 
 is really astonishing ! I do not know that 
 she can dance. I fear your candidate will 
 appear a very country Miss, Belford," con- 
 tinued her Ladyship. '' She could make 
 apV, or a 'pudding, I believe ; and I know 
 she is a good sempstress, for I have some, 
 specimens of her ability in this way — but 
 as to the attractions which strike the eye, 
 she is sadiv defective, I am persuaded." 
 
 Ladv Cardonnel shru2:2:ed her shoulders 
 — " With all deference to country ladies, 
 
 T must
 
 CELTA, 23 
 
 1 must say, that they are in general very 
 stupid, and not a little conceited. For- 
 give me, my dear Townly ; I know you are 
 not bigotted to this class of people ; and 
 I own that, to me, there is something vast- 
 ly repulsive in their manners." 
 
 " If Lady Townly has entertained such 
 an erroneous opinion,'' said Sir Harry, 
 "she will blush to avow it a month hence." 
 
 '' You must not mind him/' said Lady 
 Townly, addressing her fashionable friend ; 
 *' you know he is fond of appearing ec- 
 centric; but the proof is before us — do 
 you see any man of rank select these na- 
 iural ladies ? the reason is plain — there is a 
 certain Je ne sais quoi, an elegance, in a 
 town-bred woman, with which a man of 
 fashion cannot dispense." 
 
 Sir Harry and Mr. Belford laughed out- 
 fight. 
 
 '" And yet, after six or seven years of 
 
 married misery," said Mr. Belford, " how 
 
 many men of fashion deplore the folly of 
 
 c 4 their
 
 ^4 C£LIA. 
 
 their choice ? For instance, when thejcne 
 sais quoi, and elegance of his uife evinces 
 itself in her desertion of himself and chil- 
 dren, of what nature are his regrets? they 
 may not lead him to fix on ani/ spot, from 
 which lie ought to have selected hio part- 
 ner, but that he chose her for qualities un- 
 essential, if not imheconiing, in the woman 
 who is termed modest; and it is not un- 
 reasonable to suppose, that as retiredness 
 is the most graceful charm of woman, his 
 reflections may lead him to draw conclu- 
 sions, highly in favour oi those females 
 who have been reai-ed remote from the 
 contagion of this dissipaied and immoral 
 town." 
 
 '' How moral you antiquated bachelors 
 can talk!" said Lady Cardonnel; ''but, 
 my dear Sir, we never attend to such sple- 
 netic animals; that churlish system which 
 must inevitably creep into the arrange- 
 ment of your gloomy lives, disqualifies 
 ^' o u 1 i ud^^e of so cial h a pp i n ess . " 
 
 '' Social
 
 CKLIA. »3 
 
 "Social happiness!" said Sir Harrv, 
 with a sigh, '^ \»hat a comprehensive teririj 
 ^ndhow little miderstood !" 
 
 Lady Townly looked thoughtful — she 
 took the hand of the Baronet — '*' My dear 
 Harry/' said her Ladyship, '' some men 
 expect very unreasonable sacrifices.'* 
 
 " Sacrifices, Fanny ! Alas! ^vhcn a v;o- 
 man thinks her dulks sacrifices, she mis- 
 conceives the charm o[ social life." 
 
 " I exonerate you now, Beliord/' said 
 Lady Card on nel^ rising ; '* I perceive that 
 a domestic husband is much upon a par 
 with a disap-pointed bachelor." 
 
 Lady Townly smiled languidly ; Mr. 
 Bel ford attended Lady Cardcnnel to her 
 carriage, aiid retired. 
 
 '' Let nie caution you, Fanny/' said the 
 Baronet to his Lady. '' Celia appears to 
 me the most perfect female I ever beheld; 
 her feelings are quick, and though you 
 cannot possibly mean all you say, she 
 would be highly susceptible of such sar- 
 casms, as I have with pain listened to this 
 
 evenincT.
 
 26 CELT A. 
 
 evening. She has no weak sensibih'ty, but 
 a very intelligent nature — we must not 
 oppose her printriples. I feel assured^ that 
 no example v;iil displace the very solid 
 advantages she possesses^ in a plain and 
 rational education : nay more, Fanny/*' 
 continued the Baronet, with affectionate 
 solicitude. '' I ask of you, my love, to 
 regard these advantages in their simple 
 point of view. I would not disparage the 
 woman I love, by supposing that she can 
 be insensible to my anxiety for her hap- 
 piness ; the natural goodness of your dis- 
 position is a charm of which I am fuliy 
 sensible — every thing is in our power — let 
 us be happy in ourselves, nor depend on 
 the adventiiious aids that fashion imposes." 
 Lady Townly smiled through tears, and 
 half promised to be :\ very good girl in 
 future. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 .CLLJAi 27 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 *' They piaise and they admire they kaow not what. 
 And know not whotn, but as one leads the other ; 
 And what delight to be by such extoU'd, 
 To live upon their tongues and be their talk, 
 Gf whom to be disprais'd were no small praise." 
 
 Though the reception of Miss Delacour, 
 on her arrival in Portman-sqiiarej was per- 
 fectly conformable to the ''usage of so- 
 ciety/' Celia^ as she withdrew to her cham- 
 ber^ was so simple as to contrast it with 
 the usual custom at Hadley, where she, in 
 }ier individual capacity^ had been used to 
 see licr visitors to their apartment^ and wit- 
 ness ail the affectionate arrangements that 
 real friendship deems indispensable. 
 
 " I suppose it is not consistent w^ith 
 town habits/' said Celia; yet we know- 
 pot that she rejected her country opinions. 
 
 She had passed two hours in the nursery. 
 
 of
 
 28 CELIA. 
 
 of Lady Townly next morning, ere any, 
 save the nurse and her child^ were visible. 
 
 The lirrle Rachel, then in her fifth year, 
 was soon made acquainted with the nature 
 of our heroine's relationship; she had 
 learned to call the affectionate Celia her 
 dear aunt — had asked when she came, and 
 how loner she would stay — had told her 
 that her poor brother Henry was gone to 
 Heaven — and awakened the simplest (be- 
 cause the most natural ) traits of sensibility, 
 when Lady Townly's bell admonished the 
 nurse that Miss Rachel might go down. 
 
 Celia sent her morning compliments to 
 her sister, and asked if she might be ad- 
 mitted to her toilet? 
 
 Martin returned — '' My Lady will be 
 happy to see you. Madam/' 
 
 Celia hastened to her Ladyship's dress- 
 ing-room. No language could do justice 
 to the astonishment of our unfashionable 
 Celia, as she beheld the system of her 
 Ladyship's toilet. When she sa\v the little 
 Rachel present the rou^c io her mother, 
 
 and
 
 CELIA. 29 
 
 and heard the infantine exclamations of 
 delight that the child evinced, as her mo- 
 ther grew into beauty, at each refineme^it 
 in art, affection, candour demanded that- 
 she should Sxiy something : telling Martin 
 that she would take charge of her young 
 lady, she dismissed one observing witness 
 of this (to our natural Celia) very immo- 
 ral exhibition. 
 
 ^' My dear Fanny," said our artless he- 
 roine, '^ how can you reconcile yourself 
 to the adopting of such custom^?'* 
 
 Lady Townly laughed — '' When you 
 have been married seven years, Celia, you 
 will find it impossible to do without these 
 aids.'' 
 
 " I may never marry," replied Celia ; 
 " and God forbid, that at any period of 
 mtj life, I should forget that evertj decep- 
 tion is a fault." 
 
 '' Ah ! my good girl, you v;ill be obliged 
 to rescind ; I will not offer an argnment — 
 hot rooms/ late Jwurs, SiXid general appro- 
 
 lation
 
 3d CELIA. 
 
 halion of these innocent heighteners of 
 beauty^ must convert you in tinier 
 
 "Never/' said Celia ; "I will not ex- 
 pose myself to the dangers you name ; the 
 appr^obation of the sensualist shall not of- 
 fend my delicacy, for I will avoid the in- 
 sidious effrontery ; and if Time destroys 
 mij few claims to natural beauty, I w^ill 
 not dare the power of the tyrant, lest he 
 punishes me for mv Dresumotion, and ante- 
 dates my doom/' 
 
 '^ What a prudish, dear, good girl you 
 are^ Celia! — quite on aunt Martha's plan, I 
 perceive — apropos, slie wiites in a most 
 impressive manner: if ever I might be 
 forgiven the toilet's aid, it is tliis morning, 
 for I have actually been crying over her 
 epistle till I was quite hideous." 
 
 '' I wish vou had allowed me to judo^e 
 for myself in this case/* said Celia; ''I 
 am persuaded, Fanny, that you would to 
 me have appeared infinitely more hand- 
 some than at present/' 
 
 Lady
 
 CELIA. 31 
 
 Lady Townly wanted faith in this parti- 
 cular, and Celia waved the argument. 
 
 They descended to the breakfast-room ; 
 where Sir Harry, and his friend Belford, 
 were already seated. 
 
 Jt is admitted that the sex, generally 
 speaking, look to most advantage by can- 
 dle-light. Mr. Bel ford, if he had before 
 entertained such an opinion, would have 
 rejected it at this moment; for Celia, in 
 her simple morning dress^ with her hair 
 gracefully confuied by an unadorned comb, 
 seemed to him the most natural and pleas- 
 ing woman he had ever beheld. 
 
 '' The manager is punctual, Celia/' said 
 the Baronet ,• '' Beiford has been here 
 above an hour." 
 
 Celia smiled ; while Mr. Beiford de- 
 clared, that though lit should be disap- 
 pointed to find she had revoked the pe?'- 
 mission granted him so lately, he yet be- 
 lieved there would be some danger in the 
 task. 
 
 '' If you think so," said Celia, with 
 
 infinite
 
 32 C£LIA. 
 
 infinite simplicity, ''I will grant you a re- 
 lease; indeed, upon reflecting, / think it 
 is a hazardous plan." 
 
 Sir Karry and his friend smiled. 
 
 She had not applied, Tor she did not nn- 
 d erst and, the compliment. 
 
 " Make the tea, Celia/' said Lady Townly, 
 '' while I skim the papers.'* 
 
 Rachel took a seat on her father's knee, 
 while our heroine did the honours of the 
 breakfast-table. 
 
 '' What are the dangers which i/07i ap- 
 prehend in oureiiirec?" asked Mr. Belford. 
 
 '' You said something about cclat last 
 night/' said Cclia ; " and iJuit is against mjj 
 principles.''* 
 
 '' Admirable !" said Lady Townly, laugh- 
 ing immoderately; ^' the Dowager Lady 
 Snovvden is about to give her fai?^ hand to 
 the Honourable Mr. Bridoon. The wi- 
 thered automaton ! I will call in Grosvenor- 
 sqiiare this morning, and try to draw her 
 out on the subject.*' 
 
 The gentlemen laughed immoderately. 
 
 Celia
 
 CELIA. 38 
 
 Celia had nothing to say. 
 
 '' This is eclat, Celia/' said Sir Harry. 
 
 " Allow me to set you right/* said Mr. 
 Bclford ; '' it was Townly who used the 
 term you reject." 
 
 Celia admitted the assertion, and they 
 conversed without reserve. 
 
 " My dear Celia/' said Lady Townly, 
 throwing the paper on one side, " you 
 must yield in o?ie point, that is, that though 
 you may gloss the matter as you please^ 
 you are in search of a husband." 
 
 '' Good Heavens, Fanny, let me intreat 
 of you to consider my feelings. I declare 
 I never entertained a thought of the kind; 
 indeed, indeed, I should blush that any 
 person could accuse me of an intention so 
 derogatory to delicacy." 
 
 ^' Mere nonsense, child/' rejoined her 
 Ladyship ; '' i[ we, who are, in a manner, 
 deputed to bji?ig you outj have not the 
 power to hint that you have a certain pro- 
 perty, &:c. &c. Sec. what will become of 
 you ? iitne is getting on — you are now five 
 
 VOL. I. D years
 
 34 citU. 
 
 years older than I was livh^n / ifi^fried ; 
 and what would you say, if, in a year or 
 two, all the men recollect what a fiiie girl 
 you it'^^-^^how ill Townly and his wife 
 managed, that they did not get you a hus- 
 band, till they rouse your pride; and, in 
 a fit of desperation, you make love to the 
 curate of Hadley, or are forced to be the 
 partner of some cynical bachelor, like 
 my friend Belford." 
 
 Celia was too much discomfited by the 
 nonchalance of her sister, to make any te- 
 ply ; while Mr. Bel ford, with appropriate 
 admiration of our heroine's delicacy, which 
 he termed the very essence of virtuous 
 jrride, avowed himself more than ever dis-^ 
 posed to attend her entre into life. '' You 
 will be accused cf this design," continued 
 he to Celia, " even though Lady Townly 
 should forbear to announce you in the way 
 she names — a new face in the fashionable 
 world excites a certain portion of curi-» 
 osity ; if the candidate is young and per- 
 sonable^ ivJw k she ? — if she is rich, what 
 
 a divine
 
 CELIA. 55 
 
 a ditin€ creature! — if well cofinected, patron- 
 '^ge is the order of the day. Her temper^ 
 education, ov morals, are seldom discovered, 
 tiH ^//cr she is a wife — with what satisfac- 
 tion to the possessors, the times eminently 
 illustmte. I do not mean to excuse rntj 
 sex/' added Mr. Belford. " Men who, in 
 the persons, riches, or accomplishments , of 
 their wives, overlook their moral excel- 
 lences, have no right to expect happiness, 
 as if human life were as a summer's day — 
 all sunshine. It is the compatiion in sickness 
 and in health, in joy and in sorrow. The 
 woman who, in her duties, exalts herself, 
 and honours her husband '* 
 
 '' I never can bear to hear that word dutif 
 brought into the wedded system," said Lady 
 Townly ; '' it is contrary to that universal 
 homage we ever demand.'' 
 
 " How mistaken !" said the Baronet — 
 '* BeHeve me, Fanny, I have blushed more 
 for this absurd reserve which many women 
 avow, than for any of those little flights that 
 their vivacity induces, if no other reason 
 D 2 existed
 
 36 CELTA. 
 
 existed than that which the divine institute 
 ordainedj as the perfection of liuman hap- 
 piness, where acquiescence is enjoined. Their 
 discernment is impeachable. Duty is the 
 arms of woman. What man possessed of 
 feeling, can be insensible to the yielding 
 sweetness of an affectionate heart ? as Milton 
 says J 
 
 *' Those graceful acts. 
 Those thousand (kcencies, that daily flow 
 From all her v.'ords and actions, mix'd with love. 
 And sweet compliance, which declare unfeign'd 
 Union of mind, or in us both one souL" 
 
 The subject, or the feelings of the Baronet, 
 gave an impression to his manner so touch- 
 ing, as to call the genuine tear of sympathy 
 into the eye of Celia. Mr. Belford took 
 part in the sentiment ; while Lady Townly, 
 to whom it was addressed, though over- 
 powered by its personality, felt it would 
 be too much like dnit/ to admit the con- 
 viction. — " Kiss your papa for me, Rachel," 
 said her Ladyship, ^' and tell him, that the 
 
 solvent
 
 celia: ^7 
 
 serpent has stalked the earth since those 
 happy days." 
 
 '' Save me from the naughty serpmt" 
 said Rachel, as she twined her arms round 
 his neck — " Will it bite, papa?" 
 
 '' Will 1J0U save this creature from that 
 serpent the world?'* said the Baronet, as he 
 placed his daughter in the arms of Celia, 
 and hastened out of the room. 
 
 A pause ensued. Had decorum permitted, 
 our heroine would have followed; for we 
 do not hesitate to say, that her sister, at 
 that moment, had no claim to her respect. 
 Mr. Belford referred to the new^spaper for a 
 subject. Celia was a stranger to the diurnal 
 prints, Mrs. Mansfield being content to re- 
 ceive all current news and opinions throu^^h 
 the medium of a -weekly paper. " This will 
 suffice,'* said this excellent woman. ^* There 
 is little to instruct in their pages, and much 
 to deplore. The less we see of them the 
 better." 
 
 Mr. Belford, however, soon called the 
 D 3 smiles
 
 ^ CELIA. 
 
 smiks on the features of Celia, as he read 
 the motley composition. 
 
 '* It must be difficnlt to<ieci^e whom to 
 employ," said Celia, *' \vhere all excel so 
 much." 
 
 " They are all excessively clever in their 
 way/* said Lady Townly : '^ /take them in 
 turn. — That reminds me, Celia, that you 
 must get some things this morning. Your 
 gowns are very ill made, and your hair is 
 inelegant. We must go to Ruspini : he 
 must give me his opinion of your teeth. 
 We will get the Gallery of Fashion, and you 
 shall study costume. It is absolutely in- 
 dispensiMc now.** 
 
 '' Not yet, Fanny,** said our heroine, 
 smiling ; " of my dress we will speak here- 
 after: my teeth must do as they are; in- 
 deed I am very grateful that they have 
 never as yet given me any pain : and as to 
 costume, I believe I understand the zvordj 
 but not the necessitij of its admission to my 
 toilet ; when I do, you shall direct me." 
 
 ^^ Why,
 
 CELIA* 39 
 
 " Why, what did you come to London 
 for?** asked Lady Townly, with a sarcastic 
 gjauce. 
 
 " Townly said you wished for my society,'* 
 replied Celia, with a look full of expression. 
 " So I did ; and I am most grateful for 
 my sister's attention to my wishes/' said 
 her Ladyship^ with a cordiality that the 
 quick feelings of our heroine, rather than 
 her Ladyship's gratitude, induced. 
 
 At this moment, a well-dressed man en- 
 tei-ed the room. Celia rose : she consi- 
 dered him as a visitor. Lady Townly 
 laughed. The man bowed, and presenting 
 a paper to her Ladyship, she glanced over 
 it. " It will do," said she : *' we dine en 
 famille," And Celia now understood it was 
 the man^cook. 
 
 Our heroine laughed at her want of know- 
 ledge in regard to a fashionable establish- 
 ment,^—" Aunt Martha would lecture me, 
 if £he was to see poor Petit; but really he 
 is an admirable creature^ in h.is way," said 
 her Ladyship, 
 
 D 4 '' What
 
 40 CELIA, 
 
 '' What a respectable body of people the 
 servants of the country gentry are!" said 
 Mr. Bel ford. '' I have owned much real 
 pleasure in conversing with them, in my 
 various excursions. Their attachment to 
 their employers, the morality of their lives^ 
 and that laudable spirit of independence 
 which suggests the propriety of laying up 
 their little store for that season when they 
 cannot work, is highly praiseworthy.'* 
 
 Celia was eloquent in praise of such as 
 she knew; while Lady Townly condemned 
 tind ridiculed their rustic awkwardness — 
 '* Ah ! Celia, you have brought two spe- 
 cimens with you : I will have them up." 
 And she rang the bell. 
 
 Celia blushed— she feared lest her sister 
 should wound the feelings of her humble 
 friends. 
 
 " Tell Miss Delacour's servants/* said 
 Lady Townly, to the man who waited her 
 commands, " that I wish to see them be- 
 fore I go out ; and order the carriage at 
 
 In
 
 CELIA. 41 
 
 In a few minutes Patty and Richard ap* 
 peared. Lndy Townly commanded her fea- 
 tures as she spoke to them, and with kind 
 condescension recollected their services to 
 herself, in a visit made four years since. 
 
 " What a fine young lady !" said Patty, 
 as she gazed on the blooming Rachel. 
 
 Celia led her niece to the affectionate 
 domestic. Richard was respectful^ but lost 
 in wonder at the furniture of the room, 
 which to him appeared most extraordinary. 
 Celia dismissed the disconcerted pair, grate- 
 ful that her sister had shewn them sucR 
 favour. The Baronet entered. ^' The car- 
 riage is at the door, Fanny," said he ; 
 '' where do you mean to call this morn- 
 ing?- 
 
 " Must I enumerate?*' said her Lady- 
 ship. 
 
 '' While Celia is your companion, I 
 should like to know,'* said he. 
 
 " Oh ! aye, my aunt says something of 
 this sort in her letter : — Well, I shall call 
 
 on
 
 4^ CEtiA* 
 
 pn old Snowden^ Cardo^nel, and the Des- 
 monds/' 
 
 The Baronet smiled — " You will be 
 amused :it least," said he. 
 
 " I shall meet yo;i," said Mr. Belford, 
 " and give you a few cues. But in this 
 your visit to London, my dear Madam, 
 I will venture to assert yoii will never 
 be more than amused. It is the age ot 
 cjnuscnicjU ; and this great and proudly- 
 gifted metropolis, v/hich in itself com- 
 prises all that haivry could wisih, or in- 
 tellect desire, is, from its growing im- 
 moraliiy and sensual refirseinents, falling 
 into that odium of which I once thought iX 
 incapable." 
 
 '' Belford is a reformer/' said I.ady 
 Townly — " one oi th£ socktjj for ihe sup- 
 pression of vice." 
 
 '' That I disown," said he ; " for the 
 root of all evil is considered aboie the 
 attacks of that phalanx ; and if / were a 
 member -of a community of Ciat sort, I 
 
 would
 
 CKLIA. 43 
 
 would begin at the head — you should all 
 tremble/' 
 
 '' We are beyond your power," said her 
 Ladyship, laughing, as, followed by our 
 heroine, she descended to the carriage. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 44 CELIA* 
 
 CHAP. IV, 
 
 *' Though grey our heads, our thoughts and aims are green 5 
 Like damag'd clocks, whose hand and bell dissenti 
 Fotly sings sixy while Nature points at iwelve." 
 
 " What crowded streets!" said Celia to 
 her sister, as they passed through Oxford- 
 street, down Bond-street, in their way to St. 
 James's-squarc. 
 
 " This is Bond-street/' said Lady Townly, 
 '' the emporium of fashion. You must get 
 a necklace and bracelet, Celia.'' And she 
 pulled the check and ordered the carriage 
 to . 
 
 Our heroine declared herself satisfied 
 with those she wore; they w^ere a present 
 from her aunt, and she w^as net partial to 
 ornaments. 
 
 ** Ridiculous!" said her Ladyship. The 
 
 carriage
 
 CELIA. 45 
 
 carriage stopped. " Any thing that's new 
 in the jewellery way?" said this slave of 
 fashion to the man who attended. 
 
 A drawer, containing nun^.berless inge- 
 nious and some ridiculous appendages of 
 modern taste, was presented. Cclia re- 
 garded them with curiosity ; but when, 
 amongst their variety, she discovered an 
 enamel eye^ '•' What torture it must be to 
 wear this I" said Celia. 
 
 '' Torture!" said Lady Townly — '' they 
 are highly becoming. Let me see — bring 
 me a hazel eye.'* 
 
 The man obeyed ; and, to the astonish- 
 nient of our heroine, her Ladyship broached 
 her gown with it. Celia sm.iled. She for- 
 bore any remark, while the jeweller re- 
 mained ; but her sister's persuasions were 
 ineffectual to make her accept a similar 
 bauble. " I will take this," said she^ se- 
 lecting one of trilling value. 
 
 '' Are you amused?" said Mr, Belford, 
 leaning in at the carriage. 
 
 '' Very much/' said Celia. 
 
 " Oh I
 
 46 CELTA. 
 
 '' Oh ! she is excessivclj prejudiced at 
 present," said Lady Townly: '' we must 
 conquer her provincial economy y 
 
 " It is not economy, but distaste/* said 
 Celia — '' Can you think that elegant?*' 
 said she, directing Mr. Belford to the liazel 
 qjc. 
 
 " It is odioi'S and ridiculous/* said he. 
 " My dear Lady Townly, you have a pair 
 of very intelligent orbs already. Give this 
 dim emblem to me, and I will leave it with 
 his . I am soino: towards the Park, 
 
 or? ' 
 
 and he, you know, both lends an eye to 
 Fashion, and gcU one from her hand** 
 
 *^ Cruelly severe!" said her Ladyship. 
 '' 1 will wear it, if but to teaze Celia and 
 you." 
 
 Mr. Rel ford waved his hand, and passed 
 ©n; and in a few minutes they were an- 
 Bounced and received at Lady Desmond's, 
 in St. James Vsquare. 
 
 On being ushered into a spacious drawing- 
 room, our heroine was infinitely surprised 
 at the scene which presented itself. The 
 
 hostess.
 
 CT.LIA. i7 
 
 hostess, a handsome woirnn, somewhat ad- 
 vanced in life, U'a3 seated at a piano. Two 
 grown girls, at a table, in one corner of the 
 room, were making slices. A handsome 
 young woman was sitting to ah artist. 
 Celia hesitated. She thought their presence 
 must be obtrusive. Lady Townly saw her 
 confusion, and, smiling, motioned her to 
 follow. Lady Desmond smiled over her 
 shoulder, proceeded with a very rapid exe- 
 cution of a chromatic passage, then, jump- 
 irig up in haste, ran to embrace her very 
 " dear friend. Lady Townlv." 
 
 *^ Miss DelacoLir," said Lady Desmond, 
 raising her eye-glass to regard our heroine, 
 *' I am most excessively flattered/' said 
 $he. 
 
 Celia wondered why ; nor could she com.- 
 prehend why her Ladyship used her glass 
 to view her, when she could read her music 
 without such aid. " It is the * iisoge of 
 society/' thought Celia. Yet, somewhat 
 oppressed by its effect, she took a seat by 
 her sister. 
 
 " How
 
 4S CELIA. 
 
 " How enchanting!" said Lady Townlj, 
 looking round her; '' tjout system is ad- 
 mirable — no idleness. I will only peep/' 
 she continued, rising, and taking a seat by 
 the artist — "Beautiful ! infinitely like ! they 
 are really dangerous to look upon." 
 
 The painter smiled with expressive mean- 
 ing. Celia owned a curiosity to see the 
 painting. Just as she had risen for the 
 purpose, Mr. Belford was announced. — 
 •' All busy," said he, approaching the Lady 
 of the house. 
 
 Lady Desmond laughed, and declared she 
 was always satisfied with her plans, till the 
 cynical Belford made his appearance. 
 
 " Why, surely, you never attend to what 
 /zcsays?" said Lady Townly. 
 
 '' No, I do not absolutely mind him ; but 
 t hate to be laughed at." 
 
 " In the name of wonder," said Belford, 
 looking over the shoulder of Celia, '' what 
 is this.?" 
 
 The painter bowed. — '' I have the honour 
 to be or}) 'painter to the nobility. Sir." 
 
 ^•This
 
 CELIA. 49 
 
 ^' This is a new idea, I presume?" said 
 Mr. Belford. 
 
 '' Quite wozaW/e in England, Sir/* con- 
 tinued the painter. '^ The French are ele- 
 gantly inventive. I am happy to assure 
 you, that the idea pleases here. I have a 
 great number of families, whom I must take 
 in their turn. I last week went down to 
 Fanmorc, and took the family eyes of 
 the r 
 
 " Very lovely, Celia !** said Lady Townly. 
 
 Celia smiled, and returned to her seat. 
 The painter withdrew. Miss Desmond ad- 
 dressed Mr. Belford. — '' I am afraid 7/c;zf will 
 not. encourge this refinement in the arts.?'* 
 said she. 
 
 " Certainly not. Madam ; it is perverting 
 a science, in itself truly sublime, to the 
 mere advantage of any caricaturist. What 
 pleasure could an absent friend receive in 
 a present of this sort ? I suppose the painter, 
 like Miss Peniweazle in the play, bids you 
 to / call up a look.?" 
 
 VOL. I. E *' Oh
 
 " Oh HO ; he only be^g4?d mama to play- 
 one of her Italian scenas, because music 
 always affects me so sensibly, that it gives 
 expression to the eyes." 
 
 ^^Brav^!" said Mt. Belford— '^ So you, 
 tny dear Madatw, are the painter's deputy 
 on this most interesting occasron?" 
 
 '' We]], you shall not convert me in this 
 particular/* said Lady Desmond. '' I think 
 every innocent employment is praiseworthy. 
 ' icUeiiess is the root of all evil.' You know 
 ihM is a moral sen^tence, my dear Bclford; 
 so %ay no more." 
 
 ''My sweet littlie cobhlcrs,'* said Mr.Belford, 
 approaching the young mechanises, '^ will 
 you admit me to look on?" 
 
 The young ladies smiled, and Mr.Belford 
 took zl seat by them. 
 
 *' Come, Miss Delacour," said be, ** ysr^ 
 will make room for you in our stall " 
 
 Oel'ia obeyed tbe summons. The Miss 
 Desmonds were surrounded by tools and 
 shreds. Some very good specimei5S of their 
 track lay before them. 
 
 " I think
 
 CELIA. 51 
 
 " 1 think this is a very laudable^ a very 
 heiiexolent devotion of time/' said Celia. 
 
 ^' Even Celia ajyproves/* %d\dL Lady Townly, 
 advancing. 
 
 Bel ford smiled — " Who are your custom- 
 ers?" said he ; " for I could not venture to 
 recommend you, till I know how many ladies 
 o^ rank employ you." 
 
 '' Oh ! we make all our own dress shoes/* 
 said Maria Desmond; '' and aunt Halford 
 has given up shoemakers entirely; we make 
 for her and her six children, besides other 
 friends." 
 
 *' How benevolent!" said Mr. Belford. 
 
 Celia blushed — " I thought you made 
 them for some person to sell/' said she. 
 
 '* Oh 1 no, my dear Madam," said Lady 
 Desmond, '' those are very impolitic 
 schemes. The familiarity that ensues, when 
 people in a certain rank bring their in- 
 feriors about them, in this way, is highly 
 inconvenient; besides, that amongst that 
 class of people to whom you allude, epi- 
 demic diseases are almost inseparable ; and 
 E 2 the 

 
 52 CELIA. 
 
 the. very idea of infection quite unhinges 
 me." 
 
 Celia was silent — She had been in the 
 habit of visiting the sick at Hadley ; she had 
 owned much happiness in conversing with 
 her inferiors^ seeking into their wants, and 
 alleviating their distresses — had employed 
 herself in worJdng for the villagers^ though 
 not as a meckanic. 
 
 " You perceive," said Mr. Belford^ ad- 
 dressing our heroine, '' that cohhiing is not so 
 benevolent a trade as you imagined it to be." 
 
 " Believe me. Madam," said Lady Des- 
 mond, " if you suffer Mr. Belford to direct 
 your taste, he will lead you into many 
 errors. All the young ladies of my ac- 
 quaintance condemn his fastidiousness, with 
 appropriate discernment." 
 
 '' Your caution comes too late. Madam," 
 said our heroine, smiling, ^^ for, unfortu- 
 7iatelt/j I have formed a sort of league with 
 this gentleman, from which I cannot with- 
 draw myself, until I discover my error in 
 admitting his tutelage." 
 
 ^^Then
 
 CELIA.' 53 
 
 ' '' Then you have not done so yetf" said 
 Lady Desmond^ with affected surprise. 
 
 " Not yet/' said Celia; "but our ac- 
 quaintance is short. Perhaps I shall soon 
 yield my opinion." 
 
 Mr. Belford professed his gratitude for 
 her leniency ;. adding, however his vanity 
 might be impeached by the avowal, he 
 presumed to think that Lady Desmond 
 would never class Miss Delacour amonest 
 her discerning young friends. 
 .' " Tolerably vain, Belford/' said Lady 
 Townly. 
 
 " Did you ever know him other.?" said 
 Lady Desmond. 
 
 '' Well, we must be gone/' said Lady 
 Townly. " I am going to old Snowdon, 
 merely to quiz her." 
 
 '' Very good: — don't spare/* said the 
 elegant hostess. 
 
 " Thank fortune, I am not a shoemaker !" 
 siaid Mr. Belford, as he bade adieu to the 
 young ladies, and attended Lady Townly 
 and her sister to the carriage, 
 
 E 3 Lady
 
 54: CILIA. 
 
 Lady Townly insisted upon his going 
 with them, to which he cheerfully assented. 
 
 '' Now tell me^ Gelia/' said her Ladyship, 
 *' what do you think of the Desmonds?" 
 
 Celia hesitated. 
 
 ^' No cavilling— be ingenuous." 
 
 '' I have been amused," said Celia, " but 
 not pleased." 
 
 *' Who could be ?" rejoined her Ladyship. 
 /' I thought you liked her Ladyship's 
 si/stem?" said Celia. 
 
 " Certainly, in her presence— ^ishy , I could 
 not tell her that I thought her a fool." 
 
 '^ Nor need you have told a falsehood," 
 said Celia. 
 
 Lady Townly blushed — " They are only 
 fashionable fibs, Celia — what you must 
 adopt, if you wish to keep up a circle of 
 visiting." 
 
 *' I cannot see the necessity of this," 
 replied Celia. '' The vanity of such people 
 will support them in their fancies ; they will 
 even construe our silence into admiration ; 
 and this is, of all methods, the most easy — 
 
 saves
 
 saves vs from argunieftt, yet kaves us ji^ 
 liberty to think for ourselves." 
 
 *' That is the * gokkn mean/'^ said Mr. 
 Belford — '* the most ^mple, yet the cag^t 
 rare lumination of reason.'* -r 
 
 Lady Townly attempted to prove the 
 impossibility of observing such a line of 
 conduct ; but ere she had half digested her 
 argumeuls, the carriage stopped at Lady 
 Snowdon'js. 
 
 " Now for autumnal Snowion>" saii 
 Belford, " 'vvho 
 
 -carries in her face 
 
 STemeizio mori to each pubKc pfctce.** 
 
 *' You have deranged my purTx>S€d com-^ 
 plimeivt/' said l^dy Townly. Yet^ on en- 
 tering the drawing-room of the bride-elect^ 
 her Ladyship devised ojie so extravagam as 
 to astonish Celia. 
 
 The withering candidate for notoriety 
 positively denied the report, though the 
 various articles scattered over the room, 
 the packages arranged for retaovaJ, &c.
 
 36 CELIA. 
 
 &c, &c. evinced that some affair of mo- 
 ment was in agitation. 
 
 '^ I shall expect favours/' said Lady 
 Townly — '^ nay, I must beg one for Miss 
 Delacour: my sister is new to the town ; 
 nothing could happen more fortunate than 
 -^ distinction of this sort, just at her entre — 
 for she is in *" search of a husband.** 
 
 Celia looked her displeasure, and secretly 
 resolved to exact of her sister a conduct 
 more refined, which, if refused, she would 
 instantly return to Hadley. 
 
 ''How is MissHarley?" asked Mr.Belford. 
 
 '' I have sent her into Wales,'* said Lady 
 Snowdon, '' in order to break off a silly 
 attachment.** 
 
 " You see,*' said Belford, turning to 
 Celia, '^ that even in her follies, this woman 
 presumes on her seniority: — if a silly thing 
 is to be done, she stands forward as the 
 actress.*' 
 
 Celia could not forbear the smile of 
 assent ; nor could she reprove a severity so 
 justly excited. 
 
 '' Poor
 
 CELIA. -57 
 
 '' Poor Cardonne]/* said Lady Townly — 
 ^' how does she wear the willow?'* '■ 
 
 While her LadyshTp was parrying the 
 gaitie of her fash io liable friend, a hastv 
 fodtstej> was heard advancing ; a lively 
 whistle wns warbled ; and in the next mo- 
 ment an clcgant-lookin'^ young man en- 
 tered. '' iMy dear Helen," said he, " will 
 you look at the barouche ? — Ah ! monDicu, 
 Lady Townly ! — Belford, how are you ? — I 
 am very happy to see you, Madam," he 
 continued, bowing to our heroine. 
 
 " Mr. Bridoon !'* said Lady Snowdon, in 
 a voice perfectly audible to the company — 
 a voice which was meant to convey that lie 
 was her property ; for his gaze, as he dis- 
 covered Celia, who was, as Lady Townly 
 said, new to society, alarmed the Alpine 
 dame. 
 
 '' Introduce me," said Bridoon^ in a low 
 voice, to Mr. Belford. 
 
 Mr.Belford complied. Celia was abashed 
 by the intrusive manners of the youthful 
 bridegroom. 
 
 ''Is
 
 /^Is the barouche at the door?*' said Lady 
 Snowdon. 
 
 '' You will see it, if you look through 
 the window/' said Bridoon, carelessly. 
 
 She arose ; while Belford, with a smile, 
 said, '' So that is i/oivr Helen t" 
 
 ^' No quizzing/' said the buck — '* the pill 
 is gilt.'* 
 
 Celia and Lady Townly advanced, to view 
 the equipage; while Bridoon, with all the 
 gallantry of the times, was making his in- 
 quiries concerning Celia. 
 
 " Poh V said Belford, '' it is too late to 
 descend: you have established yaur tasic 
 for the antique ; but, unlike the Trojan P^jm, 
 pimr Helen will spare you the dangers of a 
 foreign war/' 
 
 " Bv establishino: a dornesiic feud," said 
 Bridoon, laughing. '' Well, I will forgive 
 her/' continued he ; " I can cu/ with a good 
 grace in that event." 
 
 Lady Townly was rapturous in her ad- 
 cniration of the barouche. Celia thought 
 it handsome ; but b]\e was a stranger to the 
 
 technical
 
 CELIA. 59 
 
 technical terms used by her sister. " Well, 
 I must call on Cardonnel/' added her Lady- 
 ship. '' Vv'hat shall I say for you ?" address- 
 ing Bridoon. 
 
 *' Oh, I saw her ten minutes since — 
 Handsome as ever." 
 
 Lady Snowdon bit her lips, and darting 
 an angry look at her lover, the mischievous 
 Lady Townly and her companions took 
 leave — '' Home/* said her Ladyship, as she 
 entered the carnage. **' We shall be too 
 lat^ for Cardonnel ; and I recollect she half 
 promised to dine with us. Join us, Bel- 
 ford/* added she, kissing her hind ; '' we 
 will row her unmercifully." 
 
 Mr. Belford assented, declaring that otir 
 heroine's safety, and not her Ladvship's 
 purpose, demanded his presence. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 60 
 
 CELIA. 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 ** Birth, education, and abundance, are great blessings ; but 
 abused by pleasure into motives and instruments of indulgence, 
 hlitfi is more ignoble than obscurity, knowledge is more per- 
 nicious than ignorance, and abundance more a misforlime thari 
 want. . - 
 
 Our heroine, though anxious to avow her 
 disapprobation of Lady Townly's levity, 
 ivith regard to herself, was delicate as to 
 introducing the subject — " Yet is not this 
 false shame ?** said she mentally ; '^ has 
 not Fanny, in the space of a few hours, 
 called the blushes to my cheeks, and realltj 
 wounded my feelings? — I will talk with her 
 to-morrow." 
 
 As Patty assisted the toilet of Miss Dela- 
 cour, she availed herself of the opportu- 
 nity to express her surprise at all she had 
 seen. 
 
 '' It's
 
 CELIA. 6l 
 
 '' It's a noble house, to be sure," ^aid 
 Patty, *' but not so comfortable as Hadley ; 
 and as to the drawing-room. Miss Celia, I 
 declare to you, I counted Jrfteai tables, of 
 different sizes, and all odd tea-cups, put upon 
 the chimney-shelf, and comical jars, and 
 bottles, and paper boxes; and as to the black 
 figures that stand in the corners, they tell 
 me they are to hold wax-lights ; but, for 
 my part, I think they are best in the dark, 
 for they are only half dr eased — quite un- 
 decent things, to my mind. Mrs. Minet, 
 my Lady's woman, says they are beautiful, 
 because they arc classuc ; but, says I, I 
 don't know what you mean by that — only, 
 in plain English, they are not modest." 
 
 Celia smiled at the critique of her humble 
 friend, in whose sentiments she partly co- 
 incided ; recommending her, however, to 
 avoid altercation with her sister's servants, 
 and to continue to act according to her 
 usual way of life, she dismissed the faith- 
 ful Patty, and descended to the drawing- 
 room. 
 
 Rachel;,
 
 6d CELIA. 
 
 Hachel, dressed for ccmpany, was seated 
 on a spfa. Our heroine approached the 
 litde prattler, and began questioning her 
 ss to what she learned. The sprightly enfi- 
 blem o^ modern information fled to a hook- 
 table J and presently returned with about a 
 dozen small volumes — *' I can saij all these," 
 said Riichci. 
 
 Celia was referring to their pagc?^ when 
 Sir Han'v and Mr. Belford entered. 
 
 *' Seeking ammemcnt yet V* said Mr. 
 Belford. 
 
 Ceiia smiled — '' Are these the first ru- 
 diments of a London education ?" asked 
 Celia. 
 
 '' Decidedly/' said Mr. Belford ; '^ and I 
 have heard a lisping little innocent run 
 through half a dozen of thosc^ with a cor- 
 Ttctness that has assured me, that if their 
 t^lefiis had been directed to the attainment 
 of the CQ^nmandmenis, or a hymn of the 
 sul^liHYie Addison, thev would have been 
 equally successful." 
 
 *' What a pity !" said Celia. '' Yet some 
 
 of
 
 CELIA. ^ 
 
 of these have much merit, though fZ/ey 
 are certainly beyond the comprehension of 
 a child." 
 
 " Ah [ Celia/' said Lady Townly, " you 
 are revieuing Rachel's library. Is it not 
 infinitely entertaining?" 
 
 *' I wish it was instructive/' said our 
 hei*oine. 
 
 " You are the very patroness for a 
 Sunday school/' said her Ladyship. " What 
 could you possibly put into the hands of a 
 child of iive years of age?" 
 
 " I am not an advocate for book-leamine 
 at tlrat age/* said Celia ; *' but I think it is 
 possible to rouse a laudable love of learning 
 even at five years of age." 
 
 *' How would you begin this wonderful 
 system?" said Lady Townly. 
 
 " Tell me, Celia/* said Sir Harry, ad- 
 dressing our heroine, '* what would -you 
 recommend ?" 
 
 " Why, my aunt, whose plans appear to 
 m-e of the best sort., because the most simple, 
 is of opinion, that children ^re^ in infancy, 
 
 best
 
 64: CELIA. 
 
 best mstriTCted by conversations adapted to 
 'their capacities. She' considers them na- 
 turally prone to inquiry. Thus, she says, 
 it is unwise to illustrate too much to them. 
 Give them the simple idea^ in as correct a 
 way as possible ; but teach them to expect 
 from 1)0013 the highest and most lasting 
 information. I saw an instance of Ker plan 
 proving highly efficacious, where the child 
 of a clergyman, left destitute, became the 
 happy object of Iter care. 
 
 " Lucy Goodwin was four years old 
 when brought to Iladley. My aunt began 
 by teaching her to view the beauties of 
 nature. When Lucy admired a flower, 
 and asked its name, my aunt explained that 
 it was a daistj perhaps; that it grew in 
 the spring, &c. The child asked if she 
 could get daisies cicrij day? The answer 
 was simple — ' No; God gives particular 
 flowers to each season.' ' AVhat are sea- 
 sons?' asked Lucy. *■ Seasons divide the 
 year,' said my- aunt. — Thus grew out of 
 each simple question some new source of 
 
 wonder
 
 C£LIA. 65 
 
 wonder to the opening mind of the little 
 orphan ; and in the course of one year she 
 had imbibed a hoard of the most useful 
 knowledge ; so that, in the next spring, 
 she anticipated all that was to come : — and 
 from the works of nature, her thoughts 
 naturally aspired to understand the source 
 from which they flowed. Religion became 
 her delight. In short, so imperceptibly had 
 my aunt improved the understanding of her 
 protege, that at eleven years of age, she was 
 the most enlightened and happy child I ever 
 beheld/' 
 
 " And all this was effected without an 
 attempt to amuse the child?" said Mr, 
 Belford. 
 
 " Undoubtedly,*' said Celia. " I have 
 known my aunt leave her little charge pur- 
 posely in a room alone, for an hour. On 
 her return, her question was, ' How have 
 you emploi/ed yourseU, Lucy?' The child 
 had been reading or working perhaps, and 
 would express the same. ' Very proper,* 
 
 VOL I. p said
 
 M}d my •autit ; ' you zve advancing towards 
 reascm, Xiicy, and ha'V'e -discovered that it is 
 ainbecomiiig in a rational being to wast^ 
 
 ^^^My g(*ar Gelia/' sawil Lady Tow n^ly, 
 *' even admitting th^t theifeystem is pnrelj 
 tnorai and -vfise, and tha't l^was to adopt it 
 rn my own family, I should be rearing a 
 creature at whom the world would laug-h. 
 She must either die in ' single blessedness/ 
 or become ^he wife of a village preacher^ 
 where berp/c/f/may be -calletl into 'practice." 
 
 *^*^ Is piety ulwllif rejected in London?" 
 asked Celia. 
 
 " No, my dear sober girl/'stiid her Lady- 
 ship ; '' but really, Celia, such qualities, 
 however valuable in themselves, are not 
 estimated in a certain circle ;• ami if, after a 
 term of years, to which / look with hor^- 
 ror,'* (shrugging her shoulders) ''if I should 
 at kst present such a character as you de- 
 scribe, what a^lisappointment to the ex- 
 pecting town ! — No, positively, Rachel 
 
 shall
 
 CELIA.^ G7 
 
 shall be a point of attraction. Consider, I 
 am to revive into notice again, on her /w/ro- 
 ituction,'* 
 
 ^' Fanny, Fanny," said the Baronet, '^ no 
 more of this, I beseech you/' 
 
 Mr. Bel ford saw the uneasiness of his 
 friend, and by a reference to those days of 
 their first acquaintance, drew him to smile 
 at many a happy recollection. 
 
 Lady Cardonnel was announced — '' How 
 are you, my dearTownly?" said her Lady- 
 ship. — " Ah ! Miss Delacour, how have the 
 beaux behaved ? — have you seen one whom 
 yoii could select?" 
 
 '* The ladies have been the objects of my 
 snrprise this morning/' said Celia ; ''and 
 in regard to the gentlemen, my sister has 
 recanted her assertion of last night, per- 
 ceiving that it was objectionable to rae in 
 every point of view." 
 
 " Well, we shall see,*' said Lady Townly, 
 'Mf, after a few months, you retain this 
 opinion. In fact, if you quit London with- 
 out distinguishing a slave, we shall give you 
 p 2 credit
 
 68 CELIA. 
 
 credit for an immense portion of 'prudence, 
 or a viery cold heart." 
 
 '* I will be content under either conclu- 
 sion," replied Celia : " I should feel honoured 
 in the frst; and in the latter, time will 
 either establish your remark, or convince 
 you of your error." 
 
 Mr. Belford regarded our heroine with an 
 eye that seemed to look to the future with 
 fear; yet few men had more right to look 
 foi'xvard with hope. Perhaps our readers 
 will define the cause and nature of his 
 feelings. 
 
 As Celia took her seat at the dinner-table, 
 she owned a considerable portion of sur- 
 prise — not the vulgar surprise of a person 
 unused to the elegancies of life — but be- 
 tween the tables of Sir Harry Townly and 
 Mrs.Mansficld, there was ?i distinct difference; 
 it was as luxury compared to moderation — 
 nay, Celia thought it gross. She wondered, 
 but it was silently, how females, who called 
 themselves delicate, could eat of a dozen 
 dishes, applauding each with all the gout of 
 
 epicurism ;
 
 CELIA. 69 
 
 epicurism ; and as she played with -her 
 knife and fork, in order not to appear ob- 
 serving, the words of her favourite Milton 
 occurred. 
 
 " If every just man, that now pines with want. 
 Had but a moderate and becoming share 
 Of that which lewdly pamper'd Luxury 
 Now heaps upon some few with vast excess. 
 Nature's full blessings would be well dispens'd. 
 In unsuperfluous even proportion. 
 And she no bit cncumber'd with her store." 
 
 Nor did her wonder cease here. '* The 
 wines — the liquors — howstrange !'* thought 
 Celia. — '' Are there such characters as fe- 
 male ' hon vivants?" Oh! no/* said the 
 tenacious Celia, as her heart pleaded for the 
 fashionable Fanny, " it is only the ' usage 
 of socielJ/,'* Yet that she approved such a 
 system, we would not pretend to assert. 
 
 The ladies ascended to the drawing- 
 room. " My dear Car," said Lady Townly, 
 as she stood before the chimney-glass, 
 and arranged her gorgon ringlets^ ^^ what 
 f3 do
 
 70 CELIA. 
 
 do you mea7i to sa^ about Bridoon's 
 nuptials?" 
 
 " Why as they do by elections-*-moBt 
 •votes, viz. gold) carries the day. And you 
 are content with this parfaitement," said 
 Lady Cardonnel. *' I know how the Crea- 
 ture would have decided^ \[ puvci'tfj had not 
 stared him in the face. — Don't you think 
 Mr. Bridoon excessively handsome?" con- 
 tinued her Ladyship, addressing Celia. 
 
 '' I did not remark him sufficiently to 
 answer you." 
 
 .. • ^' Poor Bridoon/* said Lady Townjy, 
 . '-^how mortified he would feel ! As to Snow- 
 don, she is already as jealous as age and 
 ugliness can make her ; and I realljj took 
 infinite pleasure in adding to her derange- 
 ment. He has studied his part with deep 
 attention, I perceive: he will gain the en- 
 tire possession of her property." 
 
 " And he will speiid it with eclat/* said 
 Lady Cardonnel — '' Few men possess bet- 
 ter taste. I have known him discard an 
 equipage, on the instant that he discovered 
 
 the
 
 the eonsituctwu wa» not original. It. was 
 he who invenUd the rumble-tumble, ami 
 that iiigeniou* w/zep with the quizzing-glass 
 in the hook. — He was born to be coa- 
 spicuous.'* 
 
 " I think his present resolution is admir- 
 ably calculated to support his character in 
 this particular," said Celia, smiling. 
 
 *' What a piquant little satirist!" said 
 Lady Townly. — '' Celia, you will do in 
 time.'* 
 
 The arrival of the gentlemen gave a turn 
 to the conversation. Sir Harry requested 
 Celia to touch the piano. vShe complied; 
 but though the gentlemen applauded^ the 
 ladies were silent. 
 
 " Celia plays correct," said Lady Townly, 
 after a pause. *' She has good execution , 
 but no manner. My dear girl, when you 
 play ' God save the King/ ' Rule Britannia/ 
 Sic. &:c. we expectplain English cadences; 
 ihey are applicable; but in the divine 
 Italian airs, in the rapid chromatics of a 
 Dussek, we expect the interesting move- 
 F 4 ment
 
 72 CELTAr 
 
 ment of the form, the sweeping grace, if I 
 may express myself thus, that inclines the 
 body at one moment to the keys, and in the 
 next, with an appropriate look and gesture, 
 asks the suffrage, if not the applause, of 
 the admiring group. All this may be ac» 
 quired by sttidtj. I will send to ■ 
 
 to-morrow." 
 
 " Not for me," said Celia. *' I only play 
 to please a very lenient judge, who, like 
 myself, would think the resource of little 
 value, if it engaged too much of my time ; 
 besides, that all exhibitions are incompatible 
 with my ideas of delicacy." 
 
 Celia resigned her seat to Lady CardonncI, 
 who, by a perfect display of modern acting 
 in this science, would have deterred our 
 heroine from encreasing her musical know^ 
 ledge, had she not previousli/ avowed her 
 sentiments. 
 
 Her Ladyship followed by an Italian air, 
 in which equal feeling was illustrated. — 
 What would a woman o( fashion, a woman 
 of science, who has glees Tirittcn for her, 
 
 and
 
 CELIA. 7 
 
 J 
 
 and lends her house for a concert — what 
 "vvould such a woman feci, if she could hear 
 her taste termed erroneous, and her slijlt 
 indelicate? Why, she would say, what wc 
 are forced to coincide in, '' That it is only 
 the crcaivres who live out of the ivoi^ld who 
 could arraign a svstem so generally adopted, 
 and consequently approved/' 
 
 " There are two sides of" an argument" 
 says the child of Mature. ** By uJwm is this 
 style approved ?" Truth stands forward to 
 confess, that it is the '* voluptuous of one 
 sex, and the votaries in the train of no- 
 toriety in the other, who inake up the 
 fashionable uorld." — " Question ! ques- 
 tion \" says Reason. KatiirCy from her 
 known aiitiquitij, (a most imperious claim 
 in the present day), asserts her right. — 
 " Am I ever sweeter/' says the guileless 
 maid, *' than when the village swain 'tunes 
 his oaten reed?' or more harmonious than 
 when, in heavenly strain, I ' swell the note 
 of praise?' or more innocent than as I pre- 
 cede the bride to church, and alternately 
 
 dance
 
 74 CULIA^ 
 
 dance in her path, aiid play the merry air?" 
 -»— " Never, never!'* says the whole family 
 0.f Innocence ;— and as we Jwpe they are 
 the more numerous family, the majority is 
 •in favour of Nature, against Art and Italian 
 refinement. 
 
 Lady Townly was rapturous in her praise 
 of her fashionable friend, advising our 
 heroine to endeavour at attaining style, 
 without which music was q.uite a b&re. 
 
 Celia was silent. The allusion did not 
 oifend, for she was not an exhibitionist. 
 
 While yet her Ladyship was displaying 
 
 her judgment in the science, Mr. Danbury 
 
 and Lady Bab Blindon were announced. — 
 
 ^' How kind !" said Lady Townly, advancing 
 
 to her visitors. 
 
 - " Nay, believe me, Townly, you; owe vrm 
 nothing ; it is quite a call en passant » We 
 ?ire going to the Opera ; but Danbury in- 
 sisted upon looking in, for a few rainHtes> 
 as we saw you were at home."' 
 • " Introduce me," said Mr. Danbury, in. a 
 iow Ycice to Sir Harry, and glancing at Celiai 
 
 '' The
 
 CELIA. ^^ 
 
 *'' The secret 's out/V said Lady Townly, 
 laughing immoderately — '' Miss Delacour 
 is the magnet of attraction this evehing." 
 And she proceeded to the forms usm] on 
 these interesting occasions.- • 
 
 Gelia blushed most unfashibnably. Ttet 
 prominent situation in which her sister 
 always placed her, appeared to her unfeel- 
 ing. Her resolution was instantly taken 
 -■ — '' To-morrow morning/' said she, men- 
 tall y^, " I will make Fanny comprehend 
 my sentiments in these points. IF she 
 persists in such folly, I will retire to Hadley 
 directly." 
 
 Mr. Danbury was elegantly gallant and 
 complimentary. Mr Belford watched Its 
 effect on the genuine character of our 
 heroine, with an attentive curiosity, which 
 Celia almost inclined to think unkind. He 
 saw her distress ; yet he made no effort to 
 relieve her from it. 
 
 " Is it true you have withdrawn your 
 name from the club?'' said Sir Harry to 
 Mr. Danbury. 
 
 '^No;
 
 76 CELIA. 
 
 *' No ; we have arranged the difference/" 
 said he. 
 
 " What was the point in question ?'* asked 
 Mr. Bel ford. 
 
 " Why, three, of us were staunch as to 
 having the drab coat to meet the boots. 
 They Jacked at first; but we soon trained 
 them into the right track, ' Ocular de- 
 monstration/ says I — *■ look about you, is 
 it not the costume of Coclieef* They were 
 convinced, after a little 'plunging; and/zow, 
 nothing can be more natty than the whole 
 system is/* 
 
 '' You are right/* said Mr. Belford. 
 " There is a species of wisdom in your 
 making the plan so complete at once." 
 
 Danburv stared. He knew Belford to 
 be a man who satirised modern xissump- 
 tions. 
 
 " I am serious," continued Mr. Belford 
 '>-^" its perfection will make its saiietjj; and 
 we shall see you in search of some other 
 gewgaw, to astonish the vulgar, and make 
 the moral think.*' 
 ■:-:.. " What
 
 CELTA. 77 
 
 *• What a gloomy satirist Belford is !" said 
 Danbury. 
 
 '' He's a perfect anodyne to mirth/' said 
 Lady Bab. 
 
 " To ^oiir sort of mirth, I am an avowed 
 enemy/' replied Belford. 
 
 '' I will hear no more/' said her Lady- 
 ship, rising — '' Adieu!'* And, led by her 
 brother, she retired. 
 
 "I wish you joy, Celia,'* said Lady 
 Townly ; " in one day to have seen two of 
 the most dashing men in town, evidently 
 captivated by yournatural charms, is really 
 something." 
 
 " What terms your sex adopt on these 
 occasions!" said the Baronet, smiling — 
 " and in the present case they are lost, for 
 your sister is not desirous of false adulation ; 
 nor could she be flattered that such egre- 
 gious blockheads were in her train." 
 
 '' My dear Townly/' said Lady Cardonnel, 
 " you are actually getting quite morose. 
 Happily for those whoni you descry, your 
 Jiome-made feelings are very well known} 
 
 and
 
 78- CKLIA. 
 
 and you are certainly losing ground with 
 many whom I could name. But. there is 
 something immensely cruel in speaking 
 thus of one's fellow-creatures, besides the 
 very great dismlvantageh may prove to Miss 
 Delacour. She will regard all the men as 
 monsters, if she sees them through the 
 medium of your cynical colouring/' 
 
 " I am most happy in having so good a 
 judge of the world as Townly to elucidate 
 characters for me/* said Ceiia — '' not that 
 I should fear my own judgment, for as f/ef 
 it does not appear to me that much discern- 
 ment is requisite to know the xvorld for what 
 it i^r 
 
 *Mt is only the infos^icAtcd children of 
 fiilly who shun the sober path of reason/' 
 said Eelford, '' who, like the votary of 
 Bacchus, sips the insidious poison, in order 
 to drown reflection, that can be deceived 
 by the garish cheat/' 
 
 " HaiTy," said Lady Town^y, " you made 
 a very nice cU>9tinction just now:--- You 
 beiiev« that C^Iia expects to be adoredy 
 
 though
 
 CKLIA. 79 
 
 though slie would shrink from false adula* 
 tion." 
 
 i:*^ Fanny/' said our heroine, " you cer- 
 tainly entertain an erroneous bpinion of 
 iriy -disposition, if yoii think this sort of 
 badinage pleases me. I believe that you are 
 thus volatile, in order to do away the 
 ihmdife of my retired education. Let me 
 ask of you to desist. I do not blush to avow, 
 that no sallies of wit, however happy, shall 
 drdw me from the simple path which suits 
 my -inclination. Forgive me, if I am too 
 plain," continued Celia, taking the hand of 
 her sister : '^ less candour would disparage 
 the affection I bear you." 
 
 '' Ma ehere little moralist," said Lady 
 Cardonnel, '' all this is very pretty ; but 
 as Sir Harry, who must be supposed to 
 understand your character better than most 
 persons, has admitted that you hope to be 
 adored, it is not necessary t/ou should ex- 
 tenuate." 
 
 '^ Nor yet that any one ' should set down 
 aught in malice," said Mr. Belford; '' and 
 
 whatever
 
 so CELIA* 
 
 whatever the native delicacy of Miss Dela-» 
 cour may induce her to disclaim, / can 
 very readily believe that she was born to 
 be adored,'* 
 
 " This from Belford !*' said Lady Townly 
 and her friend in a breath. 
 
 " Yes, from Bel ford, who, while he avows 
 himself a true admirer of youth aiid beauty, 
 h outre enough, to assert, that an ingenuous 
 nnnd is a charm su])erior to either." 
 
 Celia, smiling, declared, " That she was 
 too new to the stage to bear unqualified 
 praise— I know not if I ought not to term 
 it liberal encouragement for a novice," con- 
 tinued she. At least allow mc to retire, for 
 I own myself oppressed by the leniency of 
 my audience/' And, with a smile of sweetest 
 expression, she withdrew. 
 
 The gentlemen were profuse in enco- 
 miums. Lady Townly thought her sister a 
 very perfect woman ; but that she would 
 be more agreeable, when some of her pre- 
 judices were done away. 
 
 '* I think her a fine girl,'' said Lady 
 
 Cardonnel;
 
 CELIA. 81 
 
 Cardonnel ; " but, my dear friend, though 
 a thousand Bel fords should say the contrary, 
 believe me, ?ihe will never please in a cer^ 
 tain rank. You, with all your matron graces, 
 would ever claim distinction, where she 
 would scarcely be seen." 
 
 Sir Harry looked his displeasure; while 
 Mr. Belford, with marked irony, illustrated 
 the various modes by which the married wo- 
 men of thej)rcsc7it day became conspicuous 
 — if no worse. 
 
 Lady Cardonnel took leave. The fashion- 
 able Fanny retiring soon after, the Baronet 
 and his friend enjoyed a social hour of un- 
 reserved friendship. Celia was their theme. 
 Each spoke, and each applauded. SirHarry's 
 was the praise of a man who knew her worthy 
 and took delight in expatiating on her cha- 
 racter: Mr. Belford's was that of an inte- 
 rested observer, who had given her full 
 credit foYrirtues of the most engaging sort: 
 but, like all aspiring minds, he did not dis- 
 dain to he furiJier informed; on the con- 
 trary, he was peculiarly anxious to elicit 
 
 VOL. I. Q the
 
 it CELIA. 
 
 (he most trivial trait of her dispOBifiofi ;, 
 and as he bade Sir Harry good-night, he^ 
 with a serious sort of smile, observed it was 
 ftiany years since he had sat np an hoiif aftei? 
 midnight, to talk of an individual woman. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 CELIA. 83 
 
 CHAP. VI. 
 
 * A soul without reflection, like a pile 
 Without inhabitant, to rain runs." 
 
 As Celia, with her niece, attended the 
 toilet of Lady Townly next morning, her 
 determined purpose weighed on her spirits 
 — " To reject it," said Celia, '' will appear 
 as though I w^as weak, indeed/* 
 
 Waiting the departure of Minet^ she 
 was summoning courage to revert to the 
 ostensible moiive of her present visit, when, 
 just as the period arrived, for Minet had 
 withdrawn, Rachel^ with a miniature case 
 in her hand, begged her aunt to open it, 
 that she might kiss her dear brother. 
 
 This, to the affectionate Celia, was a 
 fortuitous circun>stance ; she readily com- 
 plied, and gazing on the blooming por- 
 trait of the smiling angel, an involuntary 
 G 2 tear
 
 84 cttlA. 
 
 tear fell on the crystal — " Is this a g«;od 
 likeness?'* asked Celia. 
 
 " Very fine/' said her Ladyship. 
 
 Our heroine, with gentlest accent, en- 
 quired as to the cause and manner of his 
 death. 
 
 " It was a fever, Celia ; but 1 did not see 
 him after the third day." 
 
 Ceiia looked her surprise. 
 - *' ToAvnly staid with him, and Rachel 
 and I were removed into the country." 
 -; ?'- Was it so infectious ?" asked Celia. 
 
 " I feared it was,'* said Lady Townly ; 
 ^' but I have a great dread of fevers.*' 
 
 ** Indeed !*' said Celia, thoughtfully, 
 *' My dear Fanny," continued our hero- 
 ine, " while the subject is before u&> I am 
 most anxious to prove to you, that I bear 
 the fondest affection toward, and take the 
 liveliest interest in your feelings ; it was 
 this induced my aunt to spare me, at 
 Jownly's solicitations. I thought you were 
 in grief, and I hastened to share your feel- 
 ings— forgive , me when I add, that I am 
 
 dis-
 
 CELIA* ^1- 
 
 disappointed — that you mistake my ch^i-f 
 racter. Those lively sallies, which you 
 exert yourself to adopt for my amuse- 
 ment, are in fact painful to me. Admit 
 me to your confidence, as far as you feel 
 consistent; make me subservient to your 
 eomfort, by any of those concessions which, 
 as a sister, you have a right to demand. 
 I will devote my time to you, if your 
 health, or domestic arrangements, require 
 my services ; but, as my visit was purely 
 that of a wish to lessen your anguish as a 
 mother, \ feel myself ^t liberty to reject 
 all engagements that are incompatible 
 with my habits or opinions. Yet think 
 me not so arrogant, as to sit down con- 
 tented, at my time of life, without endea* 
 vouring to acquire a little worldly know- 
 ledge — it is my intention to do so ; but 
 then I must sip from the least intoxicating 
 source." 
 
 ^' Celia,'V said L.uly Townly, "I envy 
 
 you that equanimity of character .that you 
 
 G 3 possess;
 
 ^6 CELT A. 
 
 p^seSs ; rny spirits are sudden, and often 
 feiirfy me into errors, which I blush to ac- 
 k^K>wledge afterwards. In the instance 
 6f owr dear little Henry, I was no sooner 
 settled at the cottage, than I wished my* 
 self back again. I wrote Townly^ and 
 begged him to tell me if I might return 
 with safety — he did not write for two 
 d^ys, and on the third, my presence would 
 have been of no avail. Tell me, Celia, 
 was not this very remiss ?" 
 
 Celia was silent. 
 
 ^' Speak candidly — what would aunt 
 Martha say to it?'* 
 
 *' Gdd forbid she knew it !"said Celia. 
 " That is/' continued our heroine, who 
 blushed at the strong censure her words 
 conveyed, " my aunt is so indifferent to 
 all pei^f^onal incoiivenience, even for stran- 
 "gei's, that I have known her sit by a sick- 
 bed, where the most alarming symptonw 
 "have prevailed ; and I am sure she could 
 not hare any idea of the nature of those 
 
 feelings.
 
 icelingi, which couid drav a line betweezj 
 S€lf^ and those who by nature and afiection 
 have a right to our care." 
 
 Lady Townly seemed oppressed^ even 
 to suffocation. Celia was alarmed; she 
 CHdeavoured to rou>e her^ and was sue- 
 ^s&ful in prpdrticing a passionate shower 
 of tear^ 
 
 - J cannot ^efie^t, my sister," said Ladjr 
 Townl)!; *'•' a thousand reproaches cling 
 to my heartj when 1 think of my dear 
 
 However o^r heroiiie migh.t have been 
 alarmed at the hysterical afiec-tion of her 
 sister, or fearful that her remarks had been 
 too severe, she hailed this sembla*'^^^ ^^ 
 feeling, ^ind, with most persuasive elc- 
 quence^ illustrated the necessity of an im- 
 mediate humiliation before Him '*' who 
 seeth all hearts/' and turneth not frpm the 
 i^on trite. 
 
 iady fovnly was at this monient the 
 
 victim o^ false sluwie ; ..she iad up,t bUi^hedf 
 
 ^iU acting contrary to her chaacter as a 
 
 Q 4 moihctj
 
 88 CELIA. 
 
 mother, yet she could not, before her 
 sister^ fall prostrate and open her heart, 
 with the simplicity and candour which her 
 errors demanded. 
 
 Celia saw the struggle, and though she 
 secretly condemned the weakness of her 
 principles, she considered the present as a 
 moment of some interest — *^ I will leave 
 you, Fanny," said the well-judging sister, 
 taking Rachel in her hand ; '' you will 
 join us at the breakfast-table.** 
 
 Celia was full of hope, nor did the 
 vision flee her bosom, as, in half an hour 
 afterward. Lady Townly entered the draw- 
 ing-room, with a placid, yet not sorrowful 
 countenance. 
 
 The Baronet regarded his wife with a ten- 
 der solicitude — " Fanny," said he, " I 
 never saw a likeness between Celia and 
 you till this morning." 
 
 '' Indeed !" said her Ladyship ; and smil- 
 ing through tears, that spoke more of sen- 
 timent than xveaJcncss, she admitted, " that 
 if congeniality of opinion could effect 
 
 such
 
 CELIA, 89 
 
 such semblance, it was probable they 
 might look so that morning, as they had 
 been much interested in a recent confe- 
 rence." 
 
 Sir Harry, by a comprehensive glance 
 at Celia, gathered the nature of their con- 
 ference. All that gentleness, which ever 
 distinguishes a manly bosom, was accorded 
 to the awakened Fanny. 
 
 Celia began to think that her visit to Lon- 
 don would own all the advantages that the 
 affectionate husband had anticipated. But 
 she was doomed in part to rescind the 
 pleasing hope ; for ere the morning was 
 over in Portman-square, a train of fashion- 
 able calls had nearly deranged the favour- 
 able impression. The Baronet, vexed at 
 the intrusion, retired. Celia would gladly 
 have done the same, but it would be leav- 
 ing her sister to the enemy. 
 
 *' When shall we see you in public?'* 
 said Mrs. Vermont, a handsome-looking 
 young woman, dressed in the most ex- 
 pensive stvle. 
 
 - The
 
 9d CELIA. 
 
 *' The tiin.e is out/' said Lfidy Towi)}y ; 
 *' I shall be at CardonneJ's party to-mprroyy 
 evening.** 
 
 " I am excessively glad/' said Lady 
 Frost ; '' you have really made a most 
 excessive sacrifice to etiquette V 
 
 Lady Townly looked -towards our hero- 
 ine, as if §he feared she would discover the 
 allusion. 
 
 '' Come, Rachel/' said Mrs. Verraogit, 
 " let me Wr ' MoiJicr Hubbard/ before 
 
 I go/' 
 
 Rachel complied, aifjd rieceived dit^ ar|)- 
 plause for her i*ecitatio!a. 
 
 '' What an astonishing meme^yj the little 
 fairy has '/' said Lady Frost to Celia. 
 
 Celia replied in the affirmative. 
 
 ''My sister does not approve <>f this 
 sort of poetry for children/' said Lady 
 Townly. 
 
 '' Why, they are in high f^s^ioii,*' s<iid 
 Lady Frost. 
 
 Celia smiled, as though tltat 'in itself wa> 
 sufficient to make them valueless. with hei*. 
 5 . '' Yow
 
 •' You will find that tlu^ are UTiiversuliy 
 admired/' said Mrs. Vermont ; " in liict* 
 they are introduced at the best tables with 
 the dessert, as a hcmne douche.*' 
 
 *' It is there they may meet tluir ap^ 
 ^ropriatc praise, and prove harmlcfs^; 
 their aim is anmsemeiU, and tixy ccv^ 
 tainly own that power," tiaid Cclia ; ** and 
 it is this quality which makes them dan- 
 gerous in the hands ol" children." 
 
 " All work, and no plu^y," said Lady 
 Frost. " All, my dear Madam, tho«e were 
 the days of our grandmoilners. A grea/t 
 deal has been done for the risini^ f^enerar 
 tion ; even in my oww family, I aiti some- 
 times obliged to yield to the book-knowv 
 Ifidge of my daughters." 
 
 Mr. Belford was announced. 
 
 " Not a word, my dear Frost,^ said Mrs*, 
 Vermont ; " Mr. Belford will qui/ you 
 unmcrrrfully." 
 
 " What a fialutation I" iM Mr. Belford. 
 " Let me avow, before thi« little i:oterie, 
 ^hat has caused my di^gnac^ h»re/' bowbj^ 
 
 to
 
 §9 CELTA. 
 
 to Mrs. Vermont. " I happened to say, 
 that beauty 
 
 *' Is, when unadorned, adorned the most," 
 
 and she declared that I was satirizing her 
 lace drapery. I was at a loss/' continued 
 Mr. Belford, " to decide^ which was most 
 conspicuous, my satire or her 'vanity," 
 
 *' What an intolerably provoking crea- 
 ture you are !" said Mrs. Vermont. 
 
 Lady Frost laughed heartily at her friend, 
 and declared Mr. Beliord had the best of 
 the argument — '^ We were speaking of 
 education/* continued her Ladyship ; '' do 
 not you consider the present a very en- 
 lightened era }'* 
 
 " Brilliant in the extreme/* said Mr. 
 Bel ford ; " we are all dazzled now.** 
 
 '* Do, be serious for a moment/* said 
 Lady Frost. " Has not a great deal been 
 done for the children of this age ?'* 
 
 " Too much. Madam ; seriously, a great 
 deal too much. They have not time to 
 refieci on one volume, ere another is put 
 
 into
 
 celU. W 
 
 into their hands. They can trace the ce- 
 lestial world with some appearance of 
 science, yet are in general unacquainted 
 with the great Organizer of the system. 
 They are accurate in dates and events, be* 
 cause a tablet for the memory is often pre- 
 ferred to a slow and progressive study of 
 facts. The Roman and Grecian histories 
 are treasured in the minds of girls of^ 
 twelve and thirteen years of age> while the 
 Bible is withheld from them, because some 
 of its books are obscure, or, according to 
 the opinions of a/txt), not fit for children 
 to peruse. I am at a loss to understand 
 how they draw the line in this particular/' 
 continued Mr. Belford, " where the mean- 
 est capacity might so easily decide. But 
 in fact, it is the classical scholar, and not 
 the informed Christian, whom we are so- 
 licitous to rear, in this age of refinement ; 
 and when we begin by picture learning/ 
 as in this case," said Bclford, taking up 
 one of Rachel's books, '' we lay the 
 
 groulid-v
 
 94 CELIA, 
 
 groimd-work of a superficial education^ 
 the child remembers the subject from the 
 picture : the me7n<try\% exercised, I grant; 
 but this is a poor offering from a rational 
 being, who, even in its infancy, may b^ 
 taught to reflect.'* 
 
 " Well, you cannot convert me/' said 
 Lady Frost. 
 
 Mr. Bel ford sjniled — " It is not pos- 
 sible that 7\ fcisluonahle mother can be dis- 
 pleased with the present mode of educa^ 
 tion,'* continued he ; '' it does not break 
 in upon their amusements ; they purchase 
 all the hooks that are written for the ad- 
 vancement of youth ; the young ladies 
 have very copious libraries ; the pride of 
 the parent is gratified, by the variety of 
 knowledge which her daughters acquire ; 
 and they are, at the ages of fifteen or six- 
 teen, quite competent to the arrangement 
 of the literary tables of their mama. They 
 are brought out finished ; the richest man 
 is fixed upon as the husband, and some- 
 times
 
 €ELIA. tt 
 
 (imes with success— *they marrt, arid two 
 or three years after they are brought out, 
 they go offr 
 
 ^' How illiberal!" siiid Mrs. Vermont. 
 ** You do ^ise to continue single^ Belford ; 
 you adhere to the adage, ' bachelors' chil- 
 dren' are wonderfully managed in idea." 
 
 Lady Frost, turning to our heroine, 
 '^ begged her to be circumspect in admit* 
 ting Mr. Belford 's colouring to have too 
 much weight with her — he is a disappointed 
 raan^ my dear Madam," looking archly at 
 the judicious satirist. '' We shall see yoU 
 at Cardonnel's to-morrow, 1 hope. Adieu !" 
 arid,f0llowcd by Mrs Vermorit,she departed. 
 
 " You have actually set them off,'' said 
 Lady Townly, laughing. 
 
 " Then I have done you a service," said 
 Mr. Belford ; ** they are two of the many 
 pests who annoy all whom they visit, and 
 leave no impression, save the preponde- 
 rance of their follies." 
 
 '' Really I think Frost a very harmless 
 creature," said Lady Townly. 
 
 '' Divest
 
 ^S CEtlA. 
 
 " Divest her of her plans/* said Belford, 
 " and she would be what you say." 
 
 *' Nay now you are censorious — her 
 girls are not out yet.** 
 
 " What of that ? has she not invei- 
 gled young Ernmore, who is a ward of her 
 Lord's, into an engagement, from which 
 the blockhead has not the effrontery to 
 disengage himself? — 1 understand her. Miss 
 Frost will not make her debut till she is 
 Lady Ernmore." 
 
 '' Positively I did not understand this," 
 said her Ladyship ; " it is an admirable 
 manoeuvre ; and I am vexed at it, as I wish- 
 ed to introduce him to Celia ; he has an 
 immense fortune." 
 
 " I want no introductions of the sort,*' 
 said Celia, with warmth. '' I thought I 
 had told you, Fanny, that such remarks are 
 very objectionable to me." 
 
 '' Poh, child ! you must be established. 
 Ernmore is only twenty, to be sure^ and 
 you are three-and-twenty, Celia." 
 
 Mr.
 
 CJEITA. 97 
 
 Mr. Bel ford Hxed his eyes on our hero- 
 ine with a look of enquiry^ and smih'rig, 
 asked "^ if she suffered 'such ah important 
 fact to be divulged ?'* 
 
 '" It would be extraordinary if my sister 
 did not'know' my age,'* said Celia.^ ~^ ' 
 
 ^' Yet I doubt if she remembers her 
 own/" said Mr. Belford. 
 
 '' You are curious, I perceive/' said her 
 Ladyship. *' Don't betray me, Celia ; I am 
 resolved to keep the ' matter a secret. — I 
 Qok horridly to-day/* she continued, 
 watting to the glass. " Get your veil, 
 Celia; we will take a turn in the square.'* 
 
 ^fr. Belford attended them. — As they 
 walked in this fashionable promenade. 
 Lady Townly met a few' of her acquaint- 
 ance. 
 
 '■' A delicious morning — you look charm- 
 ingly — were you at the rooms last night ? 
 — oh no, r forgot — well, we shall soon be 
 enlivened by your smiles — you had no 
 loss, I can assure you; the operatic part 
 
 VOL, I, H was
 
 9S CELIA. 
 
 was execrable — the supper excellent — • 
 adieu, adieu !" 
 
 '' Did you remark how Hayford named 
 the supper?'* said Lady Townly; '' she 
 never takes a dimier on the days she goes 
 to the rooms — is not she an admirable 
 economist ?'* 
 
 " Hush, Fanny," said our heroine, '' she 
 will hear you/' 
 
 *■' She knows we understand her," said 
 Lady Townly. '' My dear girl, if Hay- 
 ford did not turn a deaf ear upon certain 
 occasions^ she could not shew her face in 
 society/' 
 
 " What a callous creature a woman of 
 fashion must be," said Celia, '' if you are 
 not indulging yourself at the expence of 
 those of whom you speak !" 
 
 " They are miserable truths," said Mr. 
 Bel ford. 
 
 At this moment Rachel emerged from 
 one of the shrubberies with her maid. 
 
 ''What a Hebe!" said Lady Townly, 
 catching the child in her arms. 
 
 " Does
 
 CELIA. 99 
 
 . :/' Does she know what is meant by the 
 term ?" asked Cclia. 
 
 '' Not yet, I trust/* said Air. Belford ; 
 " but it is highly absurd/* 
 
 "■ Naughty Belford, and aunt Celia, 
 wont let mama call her pet a beauty," said 
 Lady Townly to her daughter. 
 
 " Are you a good girl }" said Celia ; 
 '' shall I ask nurse if you have behaved 
 well during your walk?" 
 
 '' No/* said the child, with infinite nai- 
 vete, '' for Martin says I have been very 
 troublesome." 
 
 " What has Miss Townly done to offend 
 you?** said ;Lady Townly, turning indig- 
 nantly to the servant. 
 
 '' She would walk on the wet grass, my 
 Lady, though I told her not.** 
 
 '' My child will take cold !** said her 
 Ladyship in a fright. " Take offher shoes 
 this moment.*' 
 
 Martin was proceeding to take Rachel 
 
 from the arms of her mother, but Lady 
 
 H 2 Townly
 
 100 CELIA. 
 
 TdWnly apposed it with disdain — she would 
 carry the child herself. 
 
 Cella blushed for the mistaken resent- 
 ment of her sister. 
 
 iVti". Bclford smiled internally, but made 
 rib oifer of services to the offended rtiO- 
 ther, who hastened to quit the garden. 
 ' "How interesting !" sM two or three 
 of her Ladyship's vei*y dear friends, as they 
 met her thus matronly employed. 
 
 *' What a carriage she has!" said two 
 morning loungers, as they raised their 
 quizzing-glasses to admire her figure. 
 
 Whether the anger of Lady Townly, or 
 that grateful meed, which the world so well 
 knows hoic ^iwd when to administer/aided 
 tFis u'n'usi\al exertion, wc know not ; cer- 
 tain it is, her Ladyship never rested till she 
 o-ave her sVveet burthen into the arms of 
 Kir Harry, ^vho had just descended the 
 steps, and was going to mount his horse. 
 
 '' What has happened }" said the Baro- 
 net, in d arm. 
 
 '' My
 
 CELIA.' iOl 
 
 ^' My child Ikis caught her deatli !'* said 
 the incautious Fanny. 
 
 '' Oh sav not so," said the asjitated fa- 
 ther. 
 
 Mr. Belford calaxed the feelings of his 
 friend, bv dcclarinj]: there was no cause for 
 anxiety^ except that which Lady Townly 
 might experience from her exertion— 
 '' and that she deserves," continued Bel- 
 ford, as he closed the drawing-room door. 
 
 Lady Townly looked towards Mr. Bel- 
 ford with anger. 
 
 " I do not mind your scorn/' said he ; 
 " you have acted with too much haste, 
 zihollj/ without reflection — are the child's 
 stockings wet ?" 
 
 " Not in the least/* said Sir Harry, who 
 had been anxiously regarding the little 
 prattler, to discoypF^tJ^e nature of the ac- 
 cident. 
 
 ''Thank God !" said Lady Townly. 
 '' Belford, I forgive you," and she extend- 
 ed her hand to her real friend, 
 
 n3 Mr.
 
 lOS CELIA.' 
 
 Mr. Belford took a seat beside her Lady- 
 ship — " What apology will you offer to 
 your servant, who acted from principle^ 
 and has been so ill requited by you ?'' 
 
 '^ I will buy her a new gown/' said Lady 
 Townly, laughing. 
 
 '' To what degradations does the want 
 of reflection lead us V resumed Mr. Bel- 
 ford ; " how weak we must appear in the 
 eyes of those to whom we make these 
 concessions ! Let me advise you not to 
 qualify this matter by a present, but send 
 for the girl, and tell her that you find there 
 was no real occasion for your fears." 
 
 '* Impossible !" said Lady Townly. 
 
 " Your child's safety demands it/' said 
 Mr. Belford ; " you have destroyed her 
 self-confidence, and in a manner damped 
 her zeal ; even Rachel will not attend to 
 her instructions — not to mention the 
 wound you have given to her feelings." 
 
 " What ought I to do, Celia ?'* said her 
 Ladyship. 
 
 '' I am
 
 CELIA. 103 
 
 " I am of Mr. Belford's opinion/' said 
 our heroine, *^ if on no other principle 
 than to restore poor Martin's peace ; and, 
 in regard to Rachel, it is highly proper 
 she should be taught to observe a general 
 sort of humility to all those who have 
 charge over her/' 
 
 Lady Townly rang the bell, and ordered 
 Martin to be sent to her. The poor girl 
 appeared, but so pale and agitated, as to 
 claim the sympathy of Celia. Lady Town- 
 ly laughed at her '' sorrowful face,'* as she 
 called it, and hurried over her acknow- 
 ledged error, with all the vivacity of her 
 character. 
 
 So powerfully had her Ladyship's 
 thoughtlessness affected the spirits of Sir 
 Harry, that he could not recover the 
 shock. His heart was tender, and his re- 
 cent loss yet fresh in his memory ; his 
 purposed ride was given up, and he de- 
 parted v;ith Mr. Belford to take a walk. 
 
 Celia was the victim of regrets; she 
 II 4 saw
 
 104 C5LIA. 
 
 saw with anguish, that Lady Townly's asser- 
 tion was correct; she could not reflect, 
 and she trembled for the happiness of such 
 a wom9,n. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 eKLIA. 105 
 
 CHAP. VII. 
 
 " The world is still deceived with ornament." 
 
 It was in the evening of the day of which 
 we have been speaking, that our heroine 
 discovered, from the conversation of her 
 sister, that she had not been to any party 
 since the death of her child. 
 
 Celia expressed her surprise, that cii~ 
 quette should inlhience people, in a case 
 in which feeling alone should dictate. 
 
 Lady Townly contended for the usage 
 of socletijj observing, that she always at- 
 tended to the express terms of mourning, 
 in particular, as it was a dress so very un- 
 becominof. 
 
 Celia not only rejected her opinions as 
 false, but deprecated them as unfeeling — 
 '' No outwTj'd garb can add to, or diminish 
 the ixal feeling of any creature," said 
 Celia; ^' but there is a decency in the 
 
 obser-
 
 lOG CELIA.' 
 
 observaijce, which I consider as consoling 
 to an atTectionate heart; and^ as it owns 
 a sombre appearance, it would have the 
 effect on the world, of impressing them 
 with the belief, that we were not disposed to 
 mix in its circles, and, as such, spare us from 
 unmeaning intrusion, or importunities." 
 
 **■ Even if one thouglit as you do, Celia, 
 it would not be possible ,iO be so rigid ; 
 h hurts trade, and is, besides, very expen- 
 sive, for one's wardrobe gets, quite antique 
 in a couple of months — I declare I am at 
 a loss for a dress to-morrow evening — that 
 reminds me, Celia — what do you wear at 
 Cardonners to-morrow ?" 
 
 " I shall find a dress that shall do," said 
 Gelia, smiling. 
 
 " But, my dear girl, you must submit 
 la be directed ; Patty has no taste — Minet 
 shall assist you — and remember, my love, 
 that the costume of an evening party is very 
 distinct from a morning dress — in fact, you 
 must undress to go into public/' 
 
 *' I am not practicalli/ informed in this 
 
 essential
 
 CELIA. 107 
 
 es'Sential point/* said Celia, smiling, " but 
 I have made some observations en a few 
 whom I have seen — Lady Cardonnelj and 
 Lady Blind on J have given me an idea on 
 the subject ; but worlds should not tempt 
 me to adopt the style of either — No, 
 Fanny, if I accompany you^ it is partly in 
 compliance with your wishes, and^ in d 
 degree^ to satisfy my own curiosity. But 
 you know I am independent in some par- 
 ticularSj and this is one. There is much in- 
 genuity, and some taste, displayed in the 
 present fashion, but deJicacjj seems out of 
 question — to such innovations I never wilj 
 yield ; and, though I should see myself 
 ridiculed, and pointed at as a country Miss, 
 I will bear with it, rather than sacrifice my 
 feelings to false taste, and a stj/le at which 
 my rustic delicacy is somewhat ofTended." 
 
 Lady Townly endeavoured, by a lively 
 strain of ridicule, to draw her sister from 
 her prejudices, but in vain — " Then you 
 are resolved on going into public muffled 
 up, as if in armour ?" 
 
 " Not
 
 108 CELIA. 
 
 " Not in a u'7z«/f&o>7£' case/' said Celia, 
 laughing ; '' really I must condemn that 
 fashion. Fanny ; nothing can be more un- 
 gracefiil than the present shapes — there is 
 not a semblance of case in any of the wo- 
 men I have seen/' 
 
 " Vvhy^ I confess, there is a formality iu 
 the figure just nov;/' said Lady Townly ; 
 '^ the Grecian costume had much elegance 
 — but my dear, dear Celia, do, in com- 
 passion to your sister, dress more like a 
 ivomcm of fashion — you have no idea how 
 I shall be quizzed, if you are so rigid." 
 
 " The matter is easily adjusted," said 
 our heroine; '* I will decline all such 
 parties, rather than subject you to morti- 
 fication." 
 
 '" Not for the world, my dear — you will, 
 by mixing in society, learn the necessity 
 of conforming to received opinions." 
 
 Celia was indisposed to argue the mjitT 
 ter ; and retiring early, in order to write to 
 Mrs. Mansfield, left her sister in consulta- 
 tion with Minet, whose phrases and veering 
 
 exprcs-
 
 CELIA. 109 
 
 expi*essions were tedious to the nnfasbion- 
 ed Celia. It was a painful duty to our 
 candid heroine, to impart all she thought 
 and felt in her new situation ; yet she had 
 promised to be explicit ; thus, when she 
 shnced on those weak sacrifices which 
 Lady Townly made to fashion, though her 
 terms were lenient, yet were they correct : 
 but when she had occasion to record aHy 
 amiable trait, that simplicity which cha- 
 racterized her feelings, gave to the hope- 
 ful semblance a colouring, that appeased 
 the maternal heart of Mrs. Mansfield, and, 
 in a degree, reconciled her to the separa- 
 tion. 
 
 Patty observed the folded letter on her 
 mistress's table, as she attended her even- 
 ing bell—'' Dear Hadley !'' said Patty, '' I 
 wish we were there again.'* 
 
 " You are not unhappy ?" said our he- 
 roine. 
 
 " No, Miss Celia, I would not be so un- 
 grateful as to say that, because they are 
 all civil tome; but it is so confused, and 
 
 some-
 
 110 CELIA. 
 
 sometimes they laugh at Richard and t; 
 only because we waited for the grace to be 
 said at dinner^ they set up such a shout; 
 and to-night they wanted us to play at 
 cards ; and when I said, we never played 
 but tivice a-year at Iladley, on Madam*s 
 and your birth-day, they sneered sO;, I was 
 quite provoked. 'larn sure/ says I, 'if 
 you play for sixpences every night, I 
 don't know what is to become of you 
 when you fail sick; you can't save any 
 wages.* Some of them looked angry, and 
 they said zvages were out of fashion — they 
 call li salari/ now; but Mr. Donnel, Sir 
 Harry's man, said I was a wiic girl — and 
 just now he asked me hovv much money 
 I had in the Bank ? and when i told him 
 that my mistress took care of my money, 
 and that I had sixty pounds by me, he was 
 very civil in his words — indeed he is the 
 best amongst them.'* 
 
 Celia perceived that the little property 
 of her attendant was likely to make her 
 the credulous victim of a fasluonaUe mail 
 
 ill
 
 CELIA, III 
 
 in her own rank ; she therefore, in the most 
 cautious manner, guarded her against 
 placing confidence in strangers ; at the 
 same time assuring her, that she would 
 always find her ready to advise with her 
 upon all occasions. 
 
 Patty thanked her mistress; but owned 
 unfeigned surprise, at her young lady's 
 explanation of Mr. Donnel's probable in- 
 tention, in praising her prudence. 
 
 If Lady Townly was chagrined at the 
 very plain dress of Miss Dclacour, as she 
 entered the drawing-room, previous to 
 their departure for Lady Cardonnel's, next 
 evening, the feeling was mutual, but from 
 a different cause. Celia blushed, and 
 seized the moment of Sir Harry's absence, 
 to ask if her Ladyship purposed to venture 
 out so thinly clothed ? 
 
 '' Certainemcnt, my dear girl," said her 
 Ladyship, laughing. 
 
 "Fanny, is it possible that married wo- 
 men sanction this extraordinary exposure 
 of the person ?" 
 
 '•' Posi-
 
 12 CELIA. 
 
 ^^ Positively yon frighten me by your 
 erious face/' said her Ladyship, ndvancirig 
 /o the mirror. " I am excessively well 
 dressed Xo-mg\\t— classical, , perfectly in 
 costume. There is an infinity of taste in 
 this drapery/' she continued/waving a lace 
 shade/ fastened on one shoukter, and fold- 
 ed round her arm ; '' with a little mancige- 
 ment, its effect will be very ait r active." ' " 
 
 Ceiia sighed— the idea of a xc?/e an'd 
 mOihtr going into piibh'c with cih intention 
 to attract notice, seemed inexplicable to 
 her. The Baronet entered, and Celia sup- 
 pr^^sed the half-formed sentiment that her 
 sense of virtue had dictated. 
 
 vSir Harry smiled, as he scannM their 
 dresses — ^' There is a purity in yoiir mind, 
 Celia, which extends to your dress," said 
 he; '' if your sex kheW their interest,' it 
 would be their pride to appear like yoti-;- 
 but drapery, paint, ai'tificial ringlets, tinsel, 
 &C.&C., are adopted 77 oii; to tliat excess, 
 that a fasliiona'hlc female is a perfect 
 dolK"
 
 CELIA. 113 
 
 '' You stiall not make me angry/* said 
 Lady Townly ; yet Celia thought her sister 
 looked offended. 
 
 " My dear Townly," said our heroine, 
 ^' you must not be so diffuse in your cen- 
 sure ; remember I have not yet seen a 
 mixed assembly, and have therefore my 
 critique to make on the gentlemen. Such 
 morning loungers as I have met, appear 
 to me by no means deficient in vanity ; 
 nay, I really did feel some surprise, when 
 I first heard that extraordinary noise made 
 by a fashionable pair of hoots, and the 
 gigantic spurs, not omitting the watch- 
 chain, carried from one waistcoat pocket 
 to the other — but, above all, the language 
 of the men surprises me ; it never seems to 
 advance beyond chit-chat^ the mere garble 
 of the newspapers, horses, carriages, and 
 pugiJism. 1 have not as vet heard, ex- 
 cept from Mr. Bel ford, an expression that 
 ^evinced an intellectual resource." 
 
 •" It is too just,** said the Baronet ; *' yet 
 even this takes rise in the flimsiness of /<?* 
 
 TOL. r. I maU
 
 114 CELIA. 
 
 male education. A man of refined senti- 
 ment has no claim to the favour of a mo- 
 dern belle; she could not discern his worth, 
 nor he devote himself to such a nonentity. 
 We coujd not expect a baroucheTdriver, a 
 J)u<:kt, to appreciate the charms of a retired 
 woinawr—no, he selects a dasher, a woman 
 ofjigure-^'who is a judge of horses — who 
 understands all the technical terms of a 
 jock€t/-r:-qne who twitches the arm of a 
 JBuxton blade (as she wades through the 
 mud in Hyde Park), to point out a bit of 
 blood, which she remembers to haVe won 
 a plate at Egham, or any other race. But 
 if the earli/ instructions of women had 
 been calculated to produce respect for their 
 acquirements, not astonishmenty—\^ they 
 were studious to soQth, rather than to 
 attract, man is not so unaspiring, but 
 that he would have studied to win their 
 confidence, and wear their loves." 
 
 The can-iage was apaoyneed. 
 
 " I thank you, my lov^, for that siipe- 
 rior poiiit of view in which yqu have 
 
 placed
 
 CELIA- iiS 
 
 phced our seri/' said Lady Townly, as, led 
 fey the Baronet, she descended the stairs. 
 
 '' More of this anon," said Sir Harry, 
 laugliing. 
 
 Gelia followed ; and, in a few minutes_, 
 tliey were admitted at the mansion of Lady 
 Cardonnel. 
 
 A suite of apartments, lighted with Shep- 
 herd's brilliant lamps, Oakley's classical 
 furniture, after Hope's Treatise o-n Style> 
 was a scene too new and various, not ta 
 own proportioned attraction for a novice 
 like our heroine. She was led, according 
 to the usage of society, to the Lady-hostess 
 — '' Most excessively kind'* — " I am very 
 happy," was the jargon, as she pressed the 
 fingers of Celia. 
 
 '* My dear Town^y, you look charm- 
 ingly/' • 
 
 Celia looked around her; numbers were 
 promenad-ing the rooms in parties— many 
 iaiighing immoderately — others> in half 
 W'hispers> r«m»rking and quizzing thcs^ 
 dresses. 
 . .--: I 2 Sir
 
 1]Q CELtA. 
 
 Sir Harry was compelled to smile, when 
 Celia expressed her surprise at the opera 
 hats of the gentlemen. 
 
 " Are they not very outre ?" said she. 
 
 " No doubt they appear so/' said the 
 Baronet ; '' yet custom has reconciled us 
 to them in a degree — they are general/* 
 and he pointed to the one he carried. 
 
 " The constant use of the eye-glass is 
 affected and oppressive/* said Celia. 
 
 Sir Harry agreed to this. 
 
 '' And what an odd, yet frequent habit, 
 I observe amongst the men, that of placing 
 their hair, and, literally, combing the head 
 with the fingers — is it to give them height 
 that they do this? or is it fashionable to 
 look as if they ^'^ ere frightened?'* 
 
 '' Celia/* said the Baronet^ smiling, 
 '' this is the retort courteous — I find you 
 can be saucy." 
 
 '' No, really I am serious,** continued 
 our heroine ; *' remember I make my re- 
 marks in confidence; yet the oddity of all 
 these things has occurred to mc/* 
 
 " Bel-
 
 celta: li7 
 
 " Belford/' said Sir Harry, laying his 
 hand on the shoulder of his friend. 
 
 Mr. Belford dropped Lady Bab Blindon 
 and her party, and joined Celia — " How 
 do you like this mohf said Mr. Belford. 
 
 Celia declared she could not tell yet. 
 
 The Baronet repeated all she had been 
 saying-, 
 
 Belford laughed immoderately — " For- 
 merly/' said he, *' we were all 'petlt maitrcs, 
 now we are the aspiring compeers of our 
 grooms; but Fasliion may elicit something 
 noiiTcUe ere long — / should not be sur- 
 prised to see the discarded queue suspen- 
 ded to the eai^, such are the revolutions 
 of the goddess.'* 
 
 *' A revolution !" said Lady Bab Blin- 
 don, who had caught only this word eji 
 passant, " where ? tell me, I beseech you r" 
 and she made a line, with two other ladies, 
 before our heroine and her attendants. 
 
 " Very warm this evening,'' said her 
 Ladyship ; " it will be immense by and 
 bye." 
 
 I 3 Celia
 
 118 CELIA. 1 
 
 Celia thought it warm, and sjieisaid so. 
 
 '' But the revolution, Bclfordj that vfe 
 jnay have time to consider where we should 
 bury OLii* treasures." 
 
 " It is a mere report/* replied Belford, 
 with a comprehensive glance; " they say, 
 that the English ladies have come to a de- 
 termination to be less prodigal of their 
 charms.'* 
 
 '' Wh^t a bore V* said Lady Bab, tapping 
 him with her fan, and passing on. 
 
 " It will be a revolution in the present 
 coatume nevertheless," said Belford. 
 
 " You are a ridiculous creature/* she 
 added, laughing over her shoulder. 
 
 '*■ It is a period devoutly to be wished," 
 thought Celia, while the blush that passed 
 over her cheek repressed the gaite of her 
 companion. 
 
 '' IIov; d'ye do?" said Miss Desmond, 
 as she tripped after her mama, and joined 
 Lady Frost and Mrs. Vermont. 
 
 Lord Ernmore ad vanned — *' Who is that 
 
 divine
 
 CELIA. 119 
 
 divine girt?" said he, in a half whisper, to 
 Mr. Belford. 
 
 " A very rational mortal^** replied Bel- 
 ford, introducing our heroine. 
 
 " Are we to have any music ?" said my 
 Lord ; ^' 1 know Cardonnel likes to show 
 off." 
 
 At that moment the sounds of the harp 
 and piano, touched in prelude, caught 
 their ear — Celia turned intuitively. 
 
 '' Not yet," said Belford, '' we shall be 
 in time." 
 
 They strolled through the rooms ; as 
 they returned, Mr. Danbury joined them 
 — " How infinitely beyond my hopes is 
 this !" said he, bowing to Celia. 
 
 " You have seen her before ?" said Lord 
 Ernmore to Mr. Danbury. 
 
 The latter smiled, with an air of tri- 
 pmph. 
 
 *' Ernmore,'- said Lady Frost, '' I ani 
 fatigued to death; give me your arm," and 
 she drew the entangled Lord from a con- 
 templation inimical to her plans. 
 
 ; 4 ''I have
 
 3 20 CELIA. 
 
 "I have been looking for you this half 
 hour/' said Lady Bab to her brother; " I 
 -want my pocket-handkerchief." 
 
 Mr. Dan bury drew it from his pockef, 
 and presented it. 
 
 . Celia smiled — we will not say but that 
 she thought it more than ridiculous. 
 
 A *^ manuscript song" was whispered 
 through the rooms — the company hastened 
 to the music-room — *' Who's the author ?" 
 was the general question. 
 
 " Do, learn/* says Miss Dolce, a trans- 
 parent damsel, who leaned on the arm of 
 Lady Bab. 
 
 Mr. Danbury returned — '' They say it 
 is Lu tin's." 
 
 The ladies fled to the inner apartment. 
 
 " I would not lose a word for t!ie uni- 
 verse/' said Lady Bab. 
 
 '• Is the gentleman a great poet ?" asked 
 Celia. 
 
 " The Caledonian Reviewers ztlj the con- 
 trary/' replied Belford ; '' but you and I 
 will be content to listen at a distance ; 
 
 sounds
 
 CELIA. 1$1 
 
 sounds are improved by distance; we shall 
 get the better part of it, for the music will 
 be pleasing, no doubt " 
 
 There was a correctness in the decisions 
 of Mr. Belford, that at once informed and 
 bounded the curiosity of his hearers. 
 Celia gave her at-cntion to the harmony, 
 and was pleased. 
 
 '' Brave J bravo, hrarissimo !" was echoed 
 through the circle, as Lady Cardonnel 
 closed the song, with an qffetitosa per- 
 fectly in character with the words — the 
 torrent issued from the harmonic sphere^, 
 each warbling a strain of the enchanting 
 composition. 
 
 " You lost a great deal/' said Lady 
 Townly, as she passed her sister, with a 
 gentleman, with whom she seemed talking 
 in a most vivacious manner. 
 
 '' And we were spared something," said 
 Belford, with an expressive smile. 
 
 " Lutin has been vastly successful in 
 this ballad," said Miss Desmond. '' I will 
 
 send
 
 1^0 CELIA, 
 
 send to Hookham*s to-morrow, and "be- 
 speak it, the moment it appears." 
 
 '' To beguile the time while you are 
 coZ?&Z/?2g/* said Belford, ironically. 
 
 '' Did you ever hear such a torment as 
 he is?'* said Miss Desmond — '' My dear 
 creature/' continued the familiar fa- 
 shionable, " do you know," taking the 
 arm of Celia, " that you have made 
 three conquests r — yes, actually it is a 
 fact," perceiving the smile that our he- 
 roine accorded; ''but you are unfortu- 
 nate, for they arc all engaged men." 
 
 " How lamentable !" said Celia, laugh- 
 ing. 
 
 '' Ernmore is quite peiiserosa ; Dan- 
 bury is in raptures ; and poor Bridoon has 
 done nothing but talk of you these two 
 days," continued Miss Desmond. 
 
 '' Ernmore is bound by a Frost/' said 
 Belford; '' Danbury's raptures will, like 
 all his caprices, yield to the next new at- 
 traction ; ^^ and Bridoon *s ruminations 
 
 must
 
 CKLIA. 1^3 
 
 must be nearly at an end, for he never 
 talked or thought on any subject, for three 
 days togethetr." 
 
 " It is really quite provoking/' said 
 Miss Desmond ; '' you derange one's ideas 
 so. 1 was going tp tell Miss Delacour a 
 few of the handsome things I had heard 
 said of her^ and you have put them out of 
 my head/' 
 
 '' I forgive you most cordially. Madam/* 
 said CelixT. 
 
 '' You will be spoiled, I perceive/* said 
 Miss Desmond^ as-sh« took the arm o( Mrs. 
 Vermont, and drew her on one side, for 
 the express purpose of laughing at our 
 heroine, whose chaste style of dress, and 
 perfect indifference to her very interest- 
 ing cpmmunicationi had excited the in- 
 dignation of the little babbler. 
 
 Sir Harry, who had been engaged in a 
 distant apartment, looking over a card- 
 table, now approached. 
 
 '' What is the hour.^" asked Ceha, in a 
 low voice, 
 
 '' Just
 
 i2'4 CELIA. 
 
 " Just twelve/' said the Baronet. 
 
 " You will attend me ?" said Celiai. 
 
 Sir Harry instantly assented. 
 
 '' Where are you going in such a 
 hurry?" said Lady Townly, who, with 
 Lady Cardonnel, intercepted their pass- 
 ing. 
 
 " Belford will take charge of yo7i, 
 Fanny/* said the Baronet ; '' we are going 
 home." 
 
 '' Home !''said Lady Cardonnel ; '' what 
 do you mean ?'* 
 
 " Man Dieu !" said Lady Townly, " I 
 had forgot — haste, my dear Cinderella, 
 pray goodness you may not find the car- 
 riage transformed to a 'pumpkin, and the 
 servants to mice.'* 
 
 Celia coloured ; her glistening eyes 
 seemed to reproach the ungrateful levity. 
 Curtsying her adieus, she gave her hand 
 to Sir Harry, and retired. 
 
 Mr. Belford followed to the carriage; 
 and though he returned to take charge of 
 
 the
 
 CELIA. 125 
 
 the volatile Lady Townly, the task was 
 irksome. 
 
 '' Have any of ye seen a glass slipper?*' 
 asked Lady Cardonnel of her admiring 
 friends, for every body admires the xvit of 
 a rout-giving lady. 
 
 ^ " Who has lost one ?" said Danbury. 
 J' A fair nymph has just withdrawn, be- 
 cause the hour of midnight was passed," 
 said her Ladyship ; '' I am sure we shall 
 find the slipper, if we look about us.'* 
 
 '' La ! how. droll !'* says Miss Desmond. 
 
 *' A shoe of this sort is above your art," 
 said Mr. Belford, addressing the fair me- 
 chanic. 
 
 *' I should like to be able to make a pair 
 of glass shoes," said Miss Desmond, look- 
 ing thoughtfully. 
 
 ^' Let me entreat of you to desist," re- 
 plied Belford, with a look of keen satire; 
 " for. Heaven knows, the slips and tumbles 
 that occur daily, evince that packthread 
 and leather are not sure footing in these 
 
 perilous
 
 126 CELIA, 
 
 perilous times— g/^ss slives ! I sicken at 
 the idea/' 
 
 The ladies were half angry ; Miss Des- 
 mond ran away; but the cheerful rattle 
 of a Scotch reel, struck up by Lord Em- 
 more, put the ladies and beaux into mo- 
 tion. Mr. Belford seized the moment to 
 advise Lady Townly to forego her satire, 
 at the expence of the most amiable and 
 well-judging woman in existence — '' You 
 err deeply/' said this true friend, " \^hen 
 you venture a sarcasm in this case^ — in 
 fact, you draw a censure on yourself." 
 
 ' Lady Townly looked towards her com- 
 panion with displeasure. 
 
 " I do not value your anger/* said Mr, 
 Belford ; '^ reflect one moment on the 
 advantages which your sister possesses; 
 her youth, beauty, her natural beauty, and 
 her divine humility, then let me ask you 
 who has the superiority ? Come," con- 
 tinued he, " let us retire, nor allow a 
 young and unengaged woman to set an 
 example to a wife and mother," 
 
 a:/. 5 *'^Order
 
 CF.LIA. 127 
 
 •* Order the carriage/' said Lady Townly, 
 in a faltering voice. 
 
 Mr. Belford gladly obeyed her com- 
 mands ; and in less than an hour after our 
 heroine had retired, Lady Townly arrived 
 in Portman-square. 
 
 CH.'IP.
 
 12S CELT A. 
 
 CHAP. VIIL 
 
 -———** for nothing lovelier can be found 
 In woman, than to study household good." 
 
 The countenance of the Baronet, next 
 morning, bore strong indications of a dis- 
 ordered frame. Celia regarded him with 
 affectionate interest — she whispered her 
 fears to her sister. Lady Townly took 
 fright — the wh:Je house was in motion — 
 and a physician had arrived, ere the Baro- 
 net had spoken a word on the subject; yet 
 he did not deny to the discerning eye of 
 Doctor Walton, that he felt ill, who, or- 
 dering quiet and a little nursing, took 
 leave. 
 
 It was now that Celia extended her 
 knowledge of fashionable life. Nothing 
 could be more distinct, than that system of 
 officious confusion which reigned ihrough- 
 
 out
 
 CELIA. 129 
 
 out the housCj and the silentj yet active, 
 solicitude which her feelings dictated. She 
 feared to press 7ier opinion, for Lady 
 Tovvnly was all nerve; she ordered the 
 Jiouse to be kept free from noise, yet was 
 continually pulling the bells. She tor- 
 mented her husband by numberless ques- 
 tions, as to wbat he could fancy to eat; 
 and when he declined nourishment, she 
 wept, and declared herself the most un- 
 fortunate of women — all her best endea- 
 vours were treated with indifference. 
 
 Sir Harry looked concerned, but was 
 really too ill to reply. 
 
 During the day, Mr, Belford visited the 
 chamber of his friend : he waited the 
 evening call of Dr. Walton ; when, learn- 
 ing that it was a case in which no danger 
 was apprehended, he took leave. 
 
 Celia- awaited her sister's arrangement 
 for the night ; but when she saw her Lady- 
 ship take leave of the Baronet, and seek 
 repose in a distant apartment, her warm 
 heart rejected all the farcical exJiib it ions of 
 VOL. I, K anxiety
 
 130 CELIA. 
 
 aiixiety that had been' displayed through 
 the day. '' Is this the duty of a wife ?" 
 thought Celia; '' if I know my heah; I 
 could no^t be at ease, in such a case, un- 
 less I watched his pillow. I trust there is 
 no danger/* continued our unfashionable 
 heroine, as she reluctantly withdrew to 
 her chamber. 
 
 That prayer is efficacious in calming the 
 spirits, needs no illustration — that the de- 
 vout 7zw?72z7//?/ of a pure heart is not only 
 peculiarly acceptable to the benign Cre- 
 ator, but even in this life bliessed with gra- 
 cious promise, is a consolation, we trust, 
 experienced by many. Celia owned the 
 fullness of this sublime hope, as she arose 
 with the dawn, and creeping softly to the 
 anti-room of the Baronet, listened for 
 some time unobserved : at length the door 
 opened; and Mrs. Wilson, the* house- 
 keeper, issued forth. 
 
 " Dear me. Miss, you quite startled 
 me," said Mrs. Wilson. 
 
 ''How is Sir Harry ?" as^ked Celia. 
 
 '' Why
 
 Cl^LTA. ISl 
 
 " Why better. Miss; he has had but a 
 poorish sort of a night, I believe, for I 
 heard him very wakeful : but he has slept 
 for two hours; and I asked him just 
 now how he was^ and he said much re- 
 freshed/* jrvr^ V, 
 
 '' Has he taken any nourishment?" said 
 Celia. 
 
 '' None at all. Miss/' 
 
 Celia beo^oed Mrs. Wilson to remain 
 \vith her in the anti-room^ and leave the 
 door open. 
 
 Mrs. Wilson took a seat, and in less 
 than five minutes dropped into a com- 
 posed sleep. 
 
 *' It is absolutely necessary that our kiii- 
 drcd should attend in these cases," said 
 our heroine mentally ; '' this v/oman, even 
 admitting that she may be zealous in her 
 wish to be useful, wants the tender inte- 
 rest that shrinks from self-indulgence, and 
 h vigilant from love, as well viS principle/* 
 
 " Wilson !" said Sir Harry. 
 
 Wilson was snoring. 
 
 K 9 Celia
 
 132 CELTA. 
 
 Celia flew to his bedside. " My dear 
 Townly," said the zealous Celia, '•' how 
 are you ?'* 
 
 " Much better, Celia/' said the Baro- 
 net; " but why are you up so early ? take 
 care of yourself, my dear girl — I should be 
 miserable, if you suffered from the benig- 
 nity of your disposition.'* 
 
 *^' I am a very conceited nurse,** said 
 Celia, " and somewhat peremptory ; only 
 say what I can do for your comfort, but 
 no alking.** 
 
 Sir Harry, in a voice tremulous from 
 feeling, expressed a wish for some break- 
 fast. 
 
 Celia departed ; she awoke the un- 
 wieldy nurse ; and leaving her in charge 
 of her master, repaired to give directions 
 for its being brought. She was correct in 
 her opinions, though the warmth of her 
 heart sometimes elicited feelings which the 
 listless and insensible ( from not compre- 
 hending in their own bosoms) were prone 
 to censure. She carried the pleasing ti- 
 dings
 
 CELIA. i33 
 
 dings to her sister, whom she found half 
 dressed, though not unstudious of her ap- 
 pearance. Celia paused, as she beheld ar- 
 tificial bloom being placed on a cheek 
 where tenderness should have stamped the 
 lily's hue. " Townly is better," said our 
 heroine. 
 
 " Have you seen Wilson ?" asked her 
 Ladyship. 
 
 Celia explained — '' Never mind your 
 toilet/' said Celia; ''Harry wishes to see 
 you, no doubt." 
 
 Lady Townly arose, and followed to the 
 chamber of her husband. " Your deputy 
 nurse makes a favourable report," said her 
 Ladyship, as she took the hand of the Ba- 
 ronet. 
 
 '' She is a pattern of fem.ale excellence, 
 Fanny,'* said the grateful Townly. 
 
 '' She is used to study these matters/* 
 said her Ladyship, somewhat haughtily. 
 
 *' And why should not all women con- 
 sider these tender offices worthy of their 
 ?tudy } or, rather, why are they not, as 
 K 3 with
 
 134 CELIA. 
 
 with her, the spontaneous charm that ex- 
 alts them above themselves, and makes 
 them little less than angels ?" 
 
 '' Do, Celia, feel his pulse," said Lady 
 Townly ; '' his fever must be high." 
 
 '' Childish, giddy girl," said the Baro- 
 net, relaxing the hand he had detained, 
 while endeavourino- to eno-acre her atten- 
 tion. 
 
 Celia made the breakfast for the invalid; 
 and as she placed the cup in the hand of 
 her sister, and bade her give it to her hus- 
 band, she, in a low voice, but in gentlest 
 terms, reminded her of those regrets she^ 
 had heard her so recently express^ when 
 lamenting her want o^ reflection. 
 
 Now this was the moment in v>^hich Lady 
 Townly ovghi to have reflected, and it was 
 precisely that in which she could not bring 
 herself to think; like every being who 
 Vr'ants self-cortfickncej she found it neces- 
 sary to support her spirits, because she 
 felt her unworthiness ; yet when no im- 
 mediate cause for regret existed, she looked 
 
 Mcky
 
 CELIA. 135 
 
 hacky and wondered how she had ever been 
 so remiss. 
 
 To such readers of sensibility, as shall 
 glance over these pages, we could illus- 
 trate nothing that their delicacy would not 
 suggest. Where an amiable being suffered, 
 in a case transient as the Baronet^ to 
 tliose incapable of attaching interest to such 
 a scene^ we say nothing; and in pity to 
 the enmd it might occasion^, w^e will not 
 detain them them tao long in the sick- 
 chamber. 
 
 Suffice it to say, that the attack^ though 
 severe, was in two or three days much sub- 
 dued. 
 
 Doctor Walton attributed it to a sudden 
 chill. 
 
 Sir Harry left his chamber, and reclined 
 in a small book-room adjoining. 
 
 Mr. Belford had been admitted more 
 than once; but it was in the society of 
 Celia and his daughter, that Sir Harry 
 owned his happiness. 
 
 Lady Townly never appeared to so little 
 K 4 advantage;
 
 ISG CELIA. 
 
 advantage; she was out of humour with her- 
 self, yet took no pains to claim respect. 
 
 ^' Celia/* said Sir Harry, one morning, 
 " you are formed for donfestic life ; would 
 to Heaven I could see you the wife of a 
 man whom I love as a brother \" 
 
 Celia smiled—'' I entertain such exalted 
 notions of the state/' said she, " in fact, 
 I should make you angry, if I were to be- 
 tray half my vanity in this respect, that I 
 must be silent — nay, I am persuaded I shall 
 never marry/* 
 
 " Never marry!" said the Baronet, with 
 a languid smile ; " God forbid ! — ah, my 
 dear girl, there is a noble hej^rt waits your 
 acceptance, if you could overlook a little 
 disparity.in ages/' 
 
 *' Not a word, my dear Harry/' said our 
 heroine; '' I repeat, I never may marry ; 
 but if I do, my love must grow out of cir- 
 cumsiances, not out of friendship.'' 
 
 " I did not think you so romantic," said 
 the Baronet. 
 
 *' It is not romance," said CcJia:; *' it is 
 
 vanitij.
 
 CELIA. 137 
 
 i:anitij, Tovvnly." She took up a book— it 
 was Milton's Paradise Lost : *' How beau- 
 tiful !'' saidCelia— 
 
 «* Be for God only, ike for Gcd in him," 
 
 Sir Harry was replying, when Belford 
 and Doctor Walton were announced. 
 
 Belford drew the volume from the hand 
 of Celia — '' How suited to this nether 
 state are the sublime sentiments of the 
 immortal poet!" said he; and he directed 
 the eye of Celia to that passage in which 
 Adam regrets the weakness of our general 
 mother. Celia glanced over the lines; 
 while Belford, as he retook the volume, 
 unconsciously heaved a sigh. 
 
 " Let me prescribe," said Dqctor Wal- 
 ton, smiling; *' read the lines." 
 
 Mr. Belford complied. 
 
 for either 
 
 He never shall find out fit mate, but such 
 As some misfortune brings him, or mistake. 
 Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain 
 Through her pcrverseness, but shall see her gain'd 
 
 By
 
 138 CELIA. 
 
 By a far worse ; or if she love, withheld 
 
 By parents, or his happiest choice, too late 
 
 Shall meet, already lidkt and wedlock b6un4 
 
 To a tell adversary', hj> hate or shame : 
 
 "Which infiaite calamity shall cause 
 
 To human life, and household peace confound." 
 
 *' As experienced married men/* said Doc- 
 t?or Walion, '' neither my fiiend Townly 
 or myself can recommend any specific,, 
 s^we patience, in the two or three J^r5^inr- 
 stances; in the last, honour only can be ef- 
 fectual — the physician's art does not ex- 
 tend to the medicin<? for the mind. I trust 
 tjour case h not hopeless/' continued' the 
 l>octof, smiling ; " if it is, vent your 
 spleen, as Z;«cMors usually do; and if my 
 memory is not defective, you will disco- 
 ver, in the same page, an appropriate line> 
 ask why Heaven did 
 
 create at last 
 
 This novelty on earth, this fair defect 
 Of nature?" 
 
 " Not I/* said Belford ; "" what mj soul 
 
 was
 
 CELT A. 13'^ 
 
 \Vas formed to worship, my tongue 5>hall 
 never deny." 
 
 '' He's past cure, I perceive," said Wal- 
 ton, rising. " Well, now ! must see your 
 cook or housekeeper; I Vv^ish to order some 
 chicken-broth for my patient." 
 
 '^ I will take your directions. Sir," said 
 Celia, addressing the Doctor. 
 
 ''Madam!" said^Ir. Walton, in sur- 
 prise. 
 
 Sir Harry smiled — '' Miss Delacour is 
 serious," said he. 
 
 ''Is she?" said the Doctor, resuming 
 his seat; "then, my good young lady, 
 perhaps you understand how this simple 
 process is performed, uitJwtit my instruc- 
 tions. When I give my orders to servants 
 accustomed only to invent luxuriant arti- 
 fices, which are, in fact, the staNe support 
 of mij profession, I am strict, in order that 
 my patients may not be poisoned, while 
 under my care ; but when a lady of your 
 age has condescended to acquire such a nc- 
 cessary quality, I would not presume to 
 
 dictate.
 
 140 CELIA. 
 
 dictate. Sir Harry, I leave you in good 
 hands/' said the Doctor; and bowing to 
 our heroine, he retired. 
 
 " Now for a dissertation on cookery/* 
 says the yawning; reader; "a ineiJiod th^^t 
 is to refute the cstaNisJied system of Dame 
 Glasse, or any other dame who has written 
 on the culinary art/* No such thing, my 
 anticipating fair; we would merely say, 
 that Celia directed the making of the brolh, 
 With due deference to the accomplished Mrs. 
 Wilson, she did more — she hastemd the 
 performance, with all that zeal so consoling 
 to an expecting invalid ; for how often, be- 
 tween the period of an ordered nourish- 
 ment and its arrival, does the anxious pa- 
 tient lose the inclination to partake of it. 
 Our heroine awaited its arrival, and, re- 
 ceiving it from the hands of Mrs. Wilson, 
 was proceeding from the drawing-room to 
 the sick apartment, when Lady Cardonnel^ 
 accompanied by Lady Bab Blindon, as- 
 cended the stairs. 
 
 '' My fair Cinderella,'* said Lady Car- 
 don n el.
 
 CELIA. 141 
 
 donnel, '' what, in the name of Fortune^ 
 have you got there?** 
 
 Lady Bab raised her eye-giass — " Mo?i 
 Dieu/* said she, *' what an interesting 
 nurse!" 
 
 '' I will attend you present! y,'' said 
 Celia ; '^ my sister is in the drawing- 
 room:'* and she passed on. 
 
 Mr. Belford was reading to the Baronet; 
 as our heroine placed the waiter on the 
 table, he closed the book, and in silent 
 admiration regarded her manner. 
 
 Sir Harry dashed the tc?a* of grateful 
 sensibility from his cheek; and, as he re- 
 ceived the welcome beverage from her 
 hand, '' Celia, these are the feminine vir- 
 tues," said he. 
 
 '* Is not Townly very fashionable ?" said 
 Celia, addressing Mr. Belford; "observe 
 what high terms he gives to the simplest 
 duties." 
 
 '' They are perfectly in place," replied 
 Belford ; and rising hastily, he quitted the 
 room. 
 
 Celia
 
 MQ CELIA. 
 
 Celia was surprised at the abruptness of 
 his departure. 
 
 jThe Earonet owned no surprise — " Ra- 
 chd/" \said Sir Harry^ '' go, tell your 
 mama I wish to see her.'* 
 
 " She has- company/' said Celia. 
 
 '' If they are knoivn to you/' continued 
 he, '^ go, take her place, Celia.'* 
 , . Our heroine complied ; and delivering 
 the message of the Baronet, joined the 
 ladies and Mr. Belford. 
 
 '' We were speaking of you," said Lady 
 Cardonnel : " Belford is a known encoii- 
 rage)^ of^ genius; and I was representing to 
 Jiim, that it might be possible to get you a 
 patient for making hroth/' 
 
 ''An excellent idea!" said Lady Bab: 
 ''Count Rumford attained a patent for a 
 grate, you know; and the Del acour soup 
 would sound well, I declare." 
 
 "' You perceive how futile your wit is," 
 ^ai4 Belford, directing the eyes of the la- 
 dite^s to our heroine. " Miss Delacour has 
 performed a rare, but very becomings duty 
 
 in
 
 cr.LTA. 143 
 
 in her sex ; it is consistent with her cha- 
 racter to be superior in all the feminine 
 graces : thus your badinage is shaftless.'* 
 
 Celia blushed at the compliment, thouo-h 
 the satire of these votaries of fashion had 
 not the power to eiTect such a sensation. 
 
 '' Positively, I thought she looked very 
 interesting," said Lady Eab. 
 
 " In that case;' said Belford, " you 
 "woxM assume the character instantly ; but 
 if it was simply asserted that the act was 
 amiaUe, it would own no charm with you. 
 -There is not such a creature noiso as an ami- 
 able womanr— they are loxdtj, fascinating, or 
 dashing; their loveliness is the production 
 of Gattie — their fascljialkyn, the manners 
 of a Circe — and their dash, a masculine no- 
 toriety, as unbecoming in their sex, as fre- 
 judicial to their morals," 
 
 '' It is well that i/our influence is pro- 
 scribed/' said Lady Bab, ^-'or we should sink 
 into the merest housewives in existence; 
 and I much doubt, my good, moral Bel- 
 ford, if your earlier days have not been 
 
 tinctured
 
 144 CELIA. 
 
 tinctured by glaring derelictions^ your 
 censure is so unlimited ; nay, you speak 
 as from internal conviction.'* 
 
 *^^ But as none of us can remeinber the 
 antediluvian epoch," said Lady Cardonnel, 
 rising, with a sarcastic smile, '' it would 
 be useless to weary ourselves by conjec- 
 ture. Your sister is engaged, I conclude,"' 
 she continued; and curtsying somewhat 
 formally, the assimilating friends with- 
 drew. 
 
 Mr. Bel ford, who had been eloquent, 
 even to severity, while the ladies were pre- 
 sent, soon retired, as Celia thought, cle- 
 pressed. 
 
 She forbore to seek her sister, conjec- 
 turing, rightly, that the Baronet's con- 
 ference was of a domestic nature. 
 
 The observations that our heroine had 
 made since her arrival in London, were 
 not favourable, or at all suited, to its 
 boasted preeminence and refinements ; " and 
 I perceive,'* said Celia, mentally, " that 
 a domestic education is a point at which 
 
 unqualified
 
 CELIA. 145 
 
 unqualified satire levels its arrows — I can- 
 not see ivJiy ; and until I am converted 
 from an opinion long cherished, by an 
 evident proof of its inefficiency;, I must be- 
 lieve that the rctiredness of -woman is not 
 only her security, but her bliss, " 
 
 ^01, i. -^ GHAP-
 
 146 CELIA. 
 
 CHAP. IX. 
 
 '* What makes man wretched ? happiness denied f 
 Lorenza! no: 'th hip[>\ness disdained. 
 She comes too meanly drest to win our smile ; 
 And calls herself Content^ a homely name! 
 Our fljime is Transport, and Content our scorn." 
 
 Sir Harry Townly, though a reasonable 
 and amiable man^ had no right to expect 
 domestic happiness; he had selected, as 
 his wife, a handsome, and, according to 
 the general acceptation, an accomplished 
 %voman ; he had chosen her, as a patron of 
 the arts becomes the owner of a fine pic- 
 ture — She was the rage, talked of by many 
 an indigent connoisseur in beauty ; but she 
 was above their purchase. Sir Harry be- 
 came the envied possessor; and, like some 
 amateurs J we fear, discovered too late, that 
 the picture was not worth the price he had 
 
 giv^n.
 
 CELIA. 147 
 
 given. So Implicitly had the Baronet re- 
 lied upon the good disposition of his lady, 
 that, though by no means blind to her va- 
 nities, he believed she would, in tin^, be 
 all he wished : but time had stolen on, and 
 she was yet thoughtless, and devoted to a 
 life of fashion. He had remonstrated^ 'per- 
 suadedj and at last yielded to her caprices. 
 His boy was taken from them — this was 
 the moment to awaken reflection — it avail- 
 ed nothing ; cind, as a la^t resource, i|e 
 drew Cclia from the bosom of quiet, to 
 effect the so-much-wished, though almost 
 hopeless reformation. Those domestic quar 
 lj.tie§ which our heroip.e had exercised in 
 her short visit, were so many lively sources 
 of regret to Sir Harry. All his eloquence 
 failed to inspi/'e the volatile Fanny with a 
 particle of emulation; she was cppious in 
 her admiration of Celia, but alwavs con- 
 eluded by declaring, *' that when she should 
 discover such qualities were gaining ground 
 in socieiij, she would be found in tlie train." 
 The Baronet sighed ; and in the last con- 
 J. 2 ferer^ce
 
 148 CELIA. 
 
 ference which he held on the subject, and 
 which took place on Celia's intimation to 
 her Ladyship to attend Sir Harry, she had 
 appeared so little conciliating-, so desiroiift 
 of hastening the interview, that, in the 
 language of the Jirst disappointed hus* 
 ba?id, he was tempted to say — 
 
 ** Go i for thy stay, not free, absents thee more.'* 
 
 Celia had been in London near three 
 weeks, when a note from Lady Berton ap- 
 prised her of the family's arrival in Ha- 
 nover-square. Taking Rachel and her nurse 
 as companions, and Richard as her attend- 
 ant, she walked, to answer the note in 
 person. 
 
 Sir Peter and Lady Berton were de- 
 scended front an ancient and honourable 
 family ; their lives had been passed in the 
 country, excepting only three months in 
 each year, when they made their excur- 
 sions to the metropolis, for the express 
 purpose of attending the birth-days of the 
 King and Queen. Loyal from 'principle, 
 
 and
 
 CELIA. 149 
 
 and attached, from a natural respect to^ 
 virtue, their homage was consistent. 
 
 Celia met these early friends of her 
 youth with all the warmth of affection. A 
 thousand inquiries were made as to the 
 looks and spirits of her aunt — nor were 
 the villagers omitted. 
 
 Lady Berton was qualified to assure her 
 i;i each particular; and our heroine, in 
 this reunion, owned the superiority of 
 unfasliioned friendship 
 
 '' We are all impatience to meet 
 George/' said Lady Berton ; " I dispatch- 
 ed a messenger last night to acquaint him 
 of our arrival; but, unfortunately, too 
 late — he is gone to the country, to attend 
 the wedding of a friend." 
 
 " This is Lady Townly*s little girl/* said 
 Sir Peter; '' she is like her mother, Celia. 
 Well, how do you like London ? have you 
 been obliged to give up country habits.?'* 
 
 '' Not materiallif, I hope," said Ce;lia. 
 
 '•I am sure you have not," said Lady 
 
 ■Berton ; " as nothing but mistaken conde- 
 
 L 3, scension
 
 150 CELIA. 
 
 scension could induce such an error — an(I 
 I know you are above that/* 
 
 Celia explained, and submitted her con- 
 c!uct to the investigation of her partial 
 friends. 
 
 ''It is a red-letter book as vet," said 
 Lady Berton, smiling; '' we were speak- 
 inor of vou at the manor-house the ni^ht 
 before last, and we agreed there was no- 
 thing io fear in your risitj though much 
 to regret in your absence." 
 
 " I shall be more at ease, now you are 
 ^o nigh/* said Celia ; '* you will find me' 
 troublesome.*' 
 
 " We shall expect you to come to us for 
 a week or two/' said Sir Peter ; *' Mrs. 
 Mansfield promised us such a comfort.'* 
 
 Celia cheerfully acquiesced in a pi-o- 
 posal so suited to her wishes. 
 
 *' We must call on Lady Townly/* said 
 Lady Berton ; " I know how she estimates 
 country friends: but she shall not suppose 
 that we are going to assume new charac- 
 ters
 
 CELIA. 151 
 
 ters — if she admits us, it is well ; if not, 
 we must bear the disappointment." 
 
 Celia endeavoured to exonerate her sis- 
 ter in part ; but Sir Peter declared her elo- 
 quence must fail, " as the papers he had 
 just been reading eminently displayed the 
 estimation in which Lady Townly was 
 held;" and he proceeded to read the pa- 
 ragraph to which he referred : it ran thus — 
 
 " It is with pleasure we announce, that 
 the lovely Lady Townly again graces 
 those circles of which she is the admired 
 ornametit. Her Ladyship's partial sccUn 
 sion has been deeply felt ; and the lovers 
 of true taste will be happy to hear that 
 the family mansion in Portman-square 
 will shortly be the scene of much elegant 
 feativitt/," 
 
 '' How extraordinary!" said Celia; "I 
 am a stranger to all this; nav, it is abso- 
 lutely false, for I heard Townly sav this 
 morning, that he would avoid all large 
 parties, by not giving one at home." 
 
 L 4 '' Did
 
 152 CKLIA. 
 
 ''Did Fanny agree to it?" asked Sir 
 Pdter. 
 
 '' She did not absolutely agree/* said 
 Celia. 
 
 *' Then we shall find the zvife and the 
 newspaper will conquer the husband and 
 his resolutions/' said Sir Peter, laughing. 
 
 *' Have you never met George since 
 yotir arrival ?'* said Lady Berton. 
 
 Celia replied in the negative. 
 
 "I rejoice at it/* said her Ladyship; 
 '^l should like to surprise him into a meet- 
 ing — he will not know you, lam persuaded. 
 Come to us as soon as possible, my dear 
 Celia; my matron heart is not half satisfied 
 in the commencement of my present visit — 
 I expected that our son would have waited 
 our arrival — to be sure, a wedding is an 
 important attraction." 
 
 Celia promised to be in Kanover-square 
 in two days; and taking leave, proceeded 
 towards home. In crossing Oxford-street, 
 she recognised Mr. Belford, who, drop- 
 ping
 
 CELIA. 153 
 
 ping the arm of the gentleman with whom 
 he was walking, joined our heroine. 
 
 Celia gladly accepted the protection of 
 Mr. Belford — unused to the gaze of the 
 multitude, she was oppressed, even to con- 
 fusion, by that admiration, which was, in 
 fact, but the usage of men accustomed ta 
 society. 
 
 Mr. Belford smiled as he saw her avert 
 her head, to avoid those glances whi h were 
 actual condescensions, 
 
 '' A\\, Belford!" said Mr. Danbur^, as 
 he issued from a bookseller's ; '' a lovely 
 morning — most excessively Titrractive," 
 continued Mr. Danbury, addressing Celia. 
 
 Celia curtsied; she could not reply, ion 
 Mr. Danbury was eyeing a \or\e\Y pedestrian, 
 dressed in the most expensive style. She 
 knew not whether the remark applied to 
 the dmj, or to i\\Q creature oT the daij. 
 
 " It is a horrible bore to be troubled 
 with countrv commissions," said Danbury. 
 '' Hanson has desired me to select a lady's 
 
 library;
 
 154 gSliA. 
 
 library ; and I have been these two hours' 
 looking out a hundred volumes, though I 
 took the greater part on the bookseller's 
 recommendation — they know what sidts, 
 and it saved me some trouble/* 
 
 '' Hanson is obliged to you/' said Mr. 
 Belford ; " I should like to see your selec- 
 tion — all modern, I suppo e/* 
 
 ^' Chiefly/' said D anbury ; '' the living 
 poets, piquant novelists, and philosophi- 
 cal deists^ of themselves make a book- 
 stand." 
 
 " If they made a bonfire, it would be 
 better/' said Belford. 
 
 " Upon my soul, you are unmerciful/* 
 replied Danbury ; '' do you expect women 
 to devote themselves to history alone ? is 
 not light reading absolutely necessary at 
 times ? I derlare there is nothing more 
 pleasant than a pocket volume — I hate a 
 long chain of circumstance — it loads the 
 
 brain ; , for instance, is highly 
 
 entertaining." 
 
 " Yet
 
 CELIAC 155 
 
 " Yet there you must refer lo your La- 
 tin Gramnnar," said Bel ford. 
 
 "No, upon my soul ; I gulp what I don't 
 under tand/* 
 
 "You remind me of the Dean/' said Bel- 
 ford, " who, in one of his admirable sa- 
 tires, savs — ^ The most accomplished way 
 of usino books at present is, to serve them, 
 as some do lords — learn their titleSi and 
 then brag of their acquaintance." 
 
 " Is he not impertineiit ?" said Danbury 
 to our heroine. 
 
 " I am a stranger to modern literature," 
 saidCelia; " excepting the elegant 'Min- 
 strel/ and some few others " 
 
 " A just reserve,'* said Belford ; " Scot's 
 ' Lay,' Crabb's ' Scenes of Nature,' to be 
 felt and understood by every heart — yes, 
 these shall live when thcT authors are no 
 more : but to hear every rhymer dignified a 
 poet, when we can turn to the pages of a 
 Johnson, a Young, and a Pope, I blush 
 for the degeneracy of British taste/' 
 
 "Adieu!"
 
 156 CELIA. 
 
 "Adieu!" said Danbury, as he arrested 
 one of the " Four-in-Hand Club/* in his 
 progress towards Cumberland Gate, who^ 
 
 <* As he pass'd the gazing throng, 
 tl^ith graceful eas6, and smacli'd the thongg 
 "The idiot wonder they exprcss'd, 
 Was praise and transport to his breast.'* 
 
 '*■ How extraordinary!'* said our hero- 
 ine; '' to me there does not appear any 
 division of time set apart for study: in 
 the morning, indeed far beyond the natural 
 term of mid-day^ the men ^kvejockies, or 
 loungers; the short interval between that 
 period and the dinner- hour is, of course, 
 devoted to dressing ; and from the plea- 
 sures of the table they seldom retire until 
 almost midnight; parties succeed: is it 
 not a most thoughtless course for rational 
 beings ? I was prc])ared to meet gaieiif 
 and profusion ; but such general dissipation. 
 I did not expect to find tolerated.'* 
 
 " There are a few dissenters/' said Mr. 
 
 Belford:
 
 CELIA. 15/ 
 
 Belford; ^^ a few who mix cautiously in 
 the vortex, and retire with conscious su- 
 periority ; they are not estimated by the 
 fashionable rabble, who rather suffer, than 
 d€sire their society : yet I ever observe, 
 that virtue, though diffcrentli/ appreciated, 
 has always the power to claim a portion of 
 respect.*' 
 
 " It would be grievous to think it did 
 not," said Celia, as she entered the dwell- 
 ing of Sir Harry. 
 
 " My dear sister," said Lady Townly, 
 ^' I have been miserable in your absence, 
 and have just dispatched a servant with 
 Rachel's parasol — she will be quite a gip- 
 sey, if we expose her to the sun at this 
 season." 
 
 Celia smiled — '^ If your misery pro- 
 ceeds from so trivial a cause/' said she, 
 '* take comfort; the morning is cool, and 
 I do not believe we are either of us in- 
 jured by our walk." 
 
 " Bathe Miss Townly *s face with rose- 
 $ Water,"
 
 1'5S CELIA. 
 
 water/' yesumed her Ladyship, addressing 
 Martin ; '' and remember, from this day, 
 she must use her parasol." 
 
 Martin withdrew. 
 
 '^What a pity V said Celia ; '' consiJcr/ 
 my dear Fanny, how dangerous such so- 
 licitude about yo.ir child's p(^r607Z must bp 
 — she will attach the idea of* ucaiitij to the 
 use of rose-water, and you will deter her 
 from useful exercise, by placing an affect cd 
 appendage of fashion in her hands.-^I 
 often smile," continued Celia, '' when I 
 reflect how you and I reached our twelfth 
 year, or more, without carrying' this in- 
 dispensable shade. There were no skipping- 
 ropes or dumb bells when I was a child ; 
 yet health and aclrdti/ devised such exer- 
 tions as, I belli vej answered all the pur- 
 poses, without the exhibition.'* 
 
 " Just so," replied Bel ford ; "and here 
 again my remark holds good — th^y must 
 be amused, even in the most simple parti- 
 cular : neither skipping-ropes or dumb- 
 bells are exceptionable in themselves ; but 
 
 ^ if
 
 CELIA. 159 
 
 if we anticipate ccery thing for a child, we 
 curb the genius — there can be no imagina- 
 tion where there is no invention. Observe 
 the children of the poor—see their hap- 
 piness, when, by reflection and industrj/, 
 they have achieved some cluimy imitation 
 of a splendid toy; can a child of luxury, 
 oppressed by the variety of its amusements, 
 own a pleasure equal to their'sr" 
 
 " I declare you remind me of a most 
 Judicrous scene, in which T was a party/* 
 said Lady Townly: '' Celia, do you re- 
 member our travels in the hall, at Had- 
 ley, when you and I used to be seated in 
 a box, and old Thomson v,^as the horse ?'* 
 
 '' Perfectly," said Celia ; ^' and no 
 equipage in v/hich I have since travelled, 
 ever appeared half so pleasant/' 
 
 '' The reason is obvious,'' said Mr. Bel- 
 i'ord ; '' your ozim ingenuity effected vour 
 happiness; and in all our later enjoyments, 
 we aa'.e dependants on the tastes of others." 
 
 '' Are the Bertons primitive as ever?'' 
 psk^d Lady Tovvniy, addressing Celia.
 
 166 CELTA. 
 
 " They are well/* said our heroine, dis- 
 regarding the remark of her sister; '' and 
 1 have promised to go to them for a week.*' 
 
 *' I cannot consent to this — how could 
 you think of making such a sacrifice^ 
 Celia?^' 
 
 " It will be no sacrifice ; believe me, 
 Fanny, I consider it a great pleasure." 
 
 " Did you see George ?*' 
 
 Celia replied in the negative. 
 
 " Is it Sir Peter Berton of whom you 
 speak ?'' asked Mr. Bel ford. 
 
 Lady Townly explained. 
 
 " I did not know they were in town,'* 
 said Mr. Belford ; '' Lady Berton is a con- 
 nection of my mother's; I have not seen 
 her these two years. Then you know 
 George Berton?'* continued Belford. 
 
 Celia replied, that their early days had 
 been passed in much friendship; but that 
 Mr. Berton's removal to college, and sub- 
 sequent study of the law, had wholly 
 estranged them. 
 
 ^'It
 
 CELIA. 161 
 
 '•' It is nearly five years since I last saw 
 him,'* said Celia. 
 
 " George is a very fine young man/* said 
 Mr. Bel ford, " but too volatile ; he is now 
 gone into Wiltshire, with Bridoon, to be 
 present at his marriage." 
 
 " Is George Berton the associate of suck 
 a man ?" said Celia. 
 
 " My dear unfashionable girl/* said Lady 
 Townly, *' the Berton 2/ou knew, and the 
 Berton now known in the higher circles, 
 are very distinct creatures. Townly never 
 behaves commonly civil to him, or you 
 would have seen him here; yet he is a 
 very elegant young man : and as to his 
 being the friend of Bridoon, let me beg; 
 of you, Celia, not to speak of him thus ; 
 your taste will be justly condemned, for 
 no man stands higher in the scale of fashion 
 than Bridoon." 
 
 '' That is to say/' retorted Belford, '' that 
 he !s the most conspicuous blockhead of 
 the day. — I know not that I should have 
 
 VOL. u M sought
 
 162 CELT A. 
 
 sought the society of Lady Berton just now," 
 said Belford, " if Miss Delacour had not said 
 she should be their visitor for a period. 
 I have some reasons for declining the 
 meeting." 
 
 '^ Then why forego your inclinations on 
 Tny account ?'* said Celia, with unfashioned 
 simplicity. 
 
 ^•''Because/' said Mr. Belford, with a 
 cheek more than ordinarily flushed, "' I 
 have not philosophy enough to withstand 
 what owns so strong a charm with me, an 
 intellectual intercourse. The Bertons are 
 content in virtue; no adventitious aids are 
 necessary to make their home delightful ; 
 they have judgment to reject the boisterous 
 intrusions of folly, though their delicacy 
 makes them the lenient arbiters of its 
 thoughtless devotees. 1 shall see you fre- 
 quently during your visit," said Mr. Bel- 
 ford, as he withdrew. 
 
 Cdia was led to reflect on the very 
 tnarked manners of the amiable Belford ; 
 ' ! and
 
 CELIA. J65 
 
 and it now first occurred to her, that it 
 was to him Sir Harry alluded, when speak- 
 ing on the subject of marriage — " The 
 'preference of a man of honour is always a 
 flattering distinction/' said she, mentally; 
 ''but where we are uninterested, it is co- 
 quetry to encourage attentions. I may 
 be wrong," continued the humble Celia; 
 " yet were I, as Fanny says, in 'search of 
 a husband,' of all I have seen, he is most 
 worthy of regard : but he is not the man 
 my kleas have fancied — and have I really 
 imagined a creature with whom my heart 
 could associate? — it will assuredly eiul hi 
 imagination,'* said she, rising, and walk- 
 ing to the window. 
 
 'V Celia,'' said Lady Townly, " your ru- 
 minations have been very serious for the 
 last five minutes : has Belford been makino- 
 love to you ? I begin to suspect he is your 
 slave." 
 
 Celia denied the charge; and taking 
 her work-box, proceeded to employ her- 
 self in flowering a cap for Mrs. Wilkins, of 
 M 2 J whom
 
 104 CELIA. 
 
 vrhom she was not unmindful, though dis- 
 tant. 
 
 In a few minutes a very lovely woman 
 was announced, by the name of Welgrave. 
 
 Lady Townly received her with much 
 respect. 
 
 Mrs. Welgrave was young, unaffected, 
 and, according to our heroine's taste> 
 dressed with more elegance than any fe- 
 male she had seen since her arrival. 
 
 The conversation became interesting. 
 
 Celia was charmed by her manners ; she 
 appeared at no loss for a subject, though 
 fashions were not glanced at during her 
 stay. 
 
 " My dear Lady Townly," said Mrs. 
 Welgrave, ^' may I ask your assistance ?" 
 and she stated a very simple, yet pathetic 
 tale of a widow in distress, left with a 
 -small family, and wholly without support. 
 ^' Will you help me a little?'* continued 
 she : " I wish to put her in a way of pro- 
 viding for her family." 
 
 Cclia drew her purse spontaneously. 
 
 '* The
 
 CJiUAt 166 
 
 ** The fact touches every tvife and mo- 
 tlur/' said Mrs. Welgrave ; " and I have 
 some hopes of effecting my plan." 
 
 *' You are likely to be deceived in these 
 sort of persons," said Lady Townly ; '^ and 
 really I am almost a beggar myself just 
 now." 
 
 Celia gave her mite, with a face glowing 
 with shame — " If you have not your purse,'' 
 said she, addressing her sister, " use mine;" 
 and she presented it to her Ladyship. 
 
 ^' You have the advantage of me, Ce- 
 lia," said Lady Townly ; " you wear 
 j)Ock€ts ;" and she drew the string, and 
 placed a guinea in the hands of Mrs. Wei* 
 grave. 
 
 The fair daughter of Charity looked to- 
 wards our heroine with a smile of infinite 
 beauty — " You have not discarded your 
 pockets " said she. 
 
 Celia declared^ that no consideration 
 whatever could induce her to dispense 
 with them. 
 
 " They are certainly very useful/' re- 
 M 3 plied
 
 1^0 CEJjfAi 
 
 plied'MrsrWelgrave ; '' and Ido not per- 
 ceive thatT/oiir figure is in the le^st injured 
 by wearing them;" :;:■/: j ij ^r^cii : — -:! 
 
 '^That is so like «// yWr placid 74/5^/' 
 said Lady Tovvniy ; '' I know you would 
 say «2orf, if you did not consider me' as a 
 very pauper at this moment." 
 
 " I would not wish you to impress Miss 
 Delacour with an idea that I am ever 
 saucy,*' said Mrs. Welgrave, smiling ; " but 
 really, my dear Lady Tovvniy, I cannot re- 
 sist saying, that when we put it out of our 
 poiver to be cliaiitable, merely because we 
 will look fasMonable, it places our feelings 
 in a very doubtful point of view. f* 
 
 '' Aye, there it is/* said her Ladyship ; 
 *' I knew you would give me a cut.*' 
 
 "No, it is only a gentle philippic/* 
 continued Mrs. Welgrave, rising; '* I con- 
 sider 7/071 as possessing a very good heart, 
 but you sometimes suffer it to slumber. 
 My esteem for you alone propels my pre- 
 sumption;" and retiring, with a grace pe- 
 culiarly
 
 CELIA. 1^7; 
 
 caliaily her own^ she leh our heroine to 
 admire and expatiate on her character. 
 
 '' What a charming creature \" said Ce- 
 lia, as she watched her departure from the 
 window ; '' how easy and natural are her; 
 n;ianner3 ! — you must recommend me to^ 
 her favour^ Fanny." 
 
 " You have done that for yourself/' 
 said Lady Townly ; " she will draw upon 
 your pursCj now she knows you wear 
 pockets^ and have a melting heart. Ac- 
 tually / have no idea of giving away mo- 
 ney in this way. At one time she was 
 heggfng of all the world, to serve some 
 persons whom she knew, but whose names 
 she thought proper to withhold; and she 
 dressed the tale with much eloquence, and, 
 I dare say, made a good collection : but 
 these are ambiguities I do not understand 
 — how do we know that she appropriates it 
 as she says?'' 
 
 '' Good Heavens !" said Celia, with dis- 
 dain, '' could you dare to suspect such a 
 M 4 woman.
 
 16S CELIA. 
 
 woman, Fanny ?" and she burst into tears. 
 " You cannot be insensible to the beauty 
 of a character like Mrs. Welgrave's.** 
 
 **^Poh! Celia ; this zeal for a stranger 
 is ridiculous/' said Lady Townly : " I be- 
 lieve she is a good sort of womany but a 
 very inconvenient acquaintance." 
 
 Celia was silent ; there was so much wil- 
 ful blindness in the manner of her sister — 
 she so evidently depreciated the amiable 
 Mrs. Welgrave, because her own blunted 
 feelings made her incapable of taking pai^t 
 in her sentiments, that our heroine, almost 
 hopeless of seeing the thoughtless Fanny 
 reclaimed, sat mute and oppressed. 
 -The Baronet entered — "I have just seen 
 Mrs. Welgrave," said he ; ^' she looks, if 
 possible, more lovely than ever. Has she 
 been here ?" 
 
 Lady Townly replied. 
 
 " Is she not a charming woman ?" said 
 Sir Harry to Celia. 
 
 " Decidedly the most rational and ami- 
 able
 
 CELT A. 169 
 
 able female I have met in ray visit to LoU' 
 don/' replied our heroine. 
 
 '' Were you to see her in her own 
 house/' said the Baronet, *' it is there she 
 is irresistible : young as she appears, her 
 family are growing up around her, guarded 
 by her tenderness, and directed by her ju- 
 dicious instruction : all her domestic en- 
 joyments shew reflection — she descends to 
 the most minute investigation of her house- 
 hold establishment ; she is an admirable 
 economist — without meanness, keeps re- 
 gular books of her expenditures, and is, 
 consequently, a good arithmetician. I am 
 persuaded she has not a care but such as 
 si/mpathy induces; and these must be short- 
 lived, for her charities are ever flowins:/' 
 
 "What an eulogium \" said Lady Town- 
 }y : " my dear Harry, if I was disposed to 
 be jealous, this would certainly be the mo- 
 ment/' 
 
 " I wish you were eimdous/* said the 
 JBaronet; '' I should then be happy." 
 
 " Then
 
 .];70-' CELIA* 
 
 /^ Then I must go to school again/ said 
 her Ladyship ; '/ for as to figures, I dew. 
 clare I am quite ignorant of them : and in 
 regard to managing household alfairs, yo^i- 
 know I left aunt Martha when I was four- 
 teen, and she never cauld bring me to at-> 
 tendiMrs.Wilkins, while pickling or pre-' 
 serving:, nor vet to order a dinner : and of 
 what use could such things have been to 
 me? I should \i2i^Q denied my knowledge 
 m these particulars long ere this; so my. 
 ignorance h7i% .actually saved my veracity." ■> 
 , ?'iBut it has drawn largely on oxxv felicity, 
 ]Fani1y/' said the Baronet, thoughtfully. . , 
 Celia, unconsciously, added to the cha- 
 griA',Qf' her sister, by remarking, ''that fi-, 
 giireswere not only an amusing study, but 
 a.'T.efjerenee highly conducive to hcnevo- 
 lenc&i. It is by the knowledge of our pos- 
 sessions, that we may decide what we can 
 with justice spare — we can calculate our 
 ewp^nces . and contrcist our wants^ thus; gra- 
 tifying our feelings and resajing our ho^ 
 
 - The
 
 GtLIA. 171 
 
 "The remark is just/' said Sir Harry ; 
 *'' and in the instance of Mrs. Welirrave, I 
 remember to have heard, and that from 
 undoubted authority, that she bore the 
 sneers and whispers of the fashionable 
 world for a whole season, by exhibiting a 
 carriage of a very ancient make, rather 
 than she would forego the deli-^ht of as- 
 sisting a fellow-creature in distress/' 
 
 " It w^as her attention to eccpcnce which 
 induced this; and illicit must her husband 
 fe^l on such an occasion ?" 
 
 " Exactly what was proper/* continued 
 the Baronet; ^'^ for Welgrave is a man of 
 sense, ^ud Jiistli/ proud of his treasure." 
 
 Celia declared she must be better ac 
 quainted with this charming woman. 
 
 " You will find pleasure in her society," 
 said Sir Harry ; '' she mixes orcasionaliy 
 in parties, but never makes herself con- 
 spicuous by giving amj than social dinners. 
 Happiness, to her, consists in domestic 
 comfort, simple content. I never saw her 
 name Nazoned in any morning print, or 
 
 heard
 
 172 CELIA. 
 
 heard her fair fame tarnished, but by such 
 as^ wanting sentiment to imitate her, are 
 ready to decry that to which they cannot 
 aspire." 
 
 " Ten minutes, by my watch," said 
 Lady Townly, laughing; "this must do 
 for the present, Harry : now we will dress ; 
 'and then to dinner, with what appetite ye 
 may. 
 
 CRAP.
 
 CELIA. 175 
 
 CHAP. X. 
 
 " Much had he read j 
 Much more had seen : He studied from the life. 
 And in the original perus'd mankind." 
 
 ^' He pitied man : and much he pitied those 
 
 Whom falsely-smiling Fate has curs'd with means 
 To dissipate their days in quest of joy." 
 
 Lady Berton made her call in Portman- 
 square. The fair hostess of the mansion 
 was less disposed than ever to be cordial. 
 She disliked the calm manners of the 
 *' starched moralist," as she always termed 
 Lady Berton ; and to this repulsive quality 
 was now added the promised visit of our 
 heroine. 
 
 Celia was surprised at the unwillingness 
 with which her sister assented to her de- 
 parture — " If I was so happy as to add to 
 
 the
 
 174 CELIA* 
 
 the comfort of one whom I love so much, 
 if we agreed in sentiment, this i^ducianca 
 would be most flattering." 
 
 But, sincere as cr.r heroine was in every 
 feeling of her heart, her qffcction could not 
 blind her discernment. 
 
 The pixsence of Celia was a source of 
 libcrtjj to the thoughtless Lady Townly; ^o^ 
 while the Baronet saw Celia and his child, 
 the aJjsencc of Piis Lady was scarcely felt. 
 Celia saw that apathy which was gaining on 
 the natiiralh) good mind of Sir Llarry, v;ith 
 real alarm ; vl^clCi she trembled to think of the 
 consequences which might ensue, when no 
 restraint should be oiiercd to the ever-erring 
 and volatile Fanny — '' I perceive it is not 
 mij society that she regrets,'* said Celia : 
 !' she dreads her home — its horrible sainencsSy 
 sts.she calls it/' 
 
 - -Our heroine ventured her opinion on the 
 subject, ere she quirted Portman-square — 
 •/ I believe you love me, Fanny," said the 
 tearful Celia; " but I fear you love X\\i<^ 
 world yet heiter than your siitcr.'-' 
 
 " Cruel,
 
 CELIA. 175 
 
 *"•' Cruel, ungenerous girl'" said Lady 
 Townlv, " I did not exDect this from 
 you." 
 
 "Forgive me, "said our heroine — ^'lu^i me 
 ask of you a noble proof of youraffection :- — 
 devote yourself to your husband — study the 
 happiness of the best of men, ^vhose only 
 fault is his unlimited indul:rence. With a 
 man so fondly attached as he is, and a child, 
 whose unfolding mind claims your tcnderest 
 vigilance, what can my sister possibly Avant, 
 that Heaven has not given her?* ^■ 
 
 Lady Townly was sensibly afiected-^ 
 Nature asserted its ricrht, and she had no 
 power to replv for some minutes. 
 : "I will see you every day/* continued 
 Celia — '' Let me find you happy, and em- 
 ployed." 
 
 Her Ladyship half promised to consider 
 the system ; and our heroine, with \\QTiiMCLiv- 
 cipated domestics, removed to Hariover- 
 square. 
 
 If Ceiia owned an unfeigned pleasure in 
 the rational home of Lady Berton, Patty 
 
 and
 
 176 CELIA. 
 
 and Ri chard *s feelings amounted to tran- 
 sport. They could express their opinions, 
 without fear of being laughed at ; while the 
 servants of Sir Peter^ who had acquired a 
 sort o^poluhy from their perodical residence 
 in London^, were qualified to define the 
 many inexplicable assumptions of these 
 second-rate fash ionaUes. 
 
 Mr. Belford had been received with thie 
 esteem due to him. Lady Berton acknow- 
 ledged in his friendship a very superior 
 source of pleasure. Neither Sir Peter or 
 his Lady appeared at ease — the continued 
 absence of their son clouded their happi- 
 ness. Celia had been two days in Hanover- 
 square. She had just returned from Sir 
 Harry *s^ and, in the warmth of her heart, 
 had confided her hopes in the siaMitf/ of 
 her sister, by a simple relation of having 
 found her at home, employed in teaching 
 her daughter. The grateful perspective had 
 called the tears into her eyes. Lady Bertoo 
 had united in the sentiment, when a loud 
 rap announced visitors. Celia arose in 
 
 haste.
 
 CELIA. 177 
 
 haste, and drawing her veil over her face^ 
 hurried out of the room. In her way to 
 her own apartment, she encountered a 
 young and handsome man. He stopped^, 
 apparently to recognise and receive her 
 salutation. She curtsied in silence. The 
 cstranger gazed. He saw her tears; and the 
 dress she wore being plain, free from osten- 
 tatiofiy he believed her to be an applicant of 
 some sort. She turned from his oppressive 
 scrutiny. The stranger bowed, and entered 
 the drawing-room. Celia sought refuge in 
 her own room. She had dismissed these 
 traces of precious sorrow^ and was unfold- 
 ing her sanguine hopes in a long letter to 
 Mrs. Mansfield, when Lady Berton asked 
 admittance — "My dear Celia, said her lady- 
 ship, " I am happy at last — George is come. 
 He 'has fallen into an error of the most 
 whimsical sort imaginable. He met you 
 m the gallery, and had scarcely made his 
 filial apologies, ere he asked, ' What could 
 be the nature of that appeal to which / had 
 replied with austerity}* I was at a loss to 
 VOL. I, N understand
 
 178 CELIA. 
 
 understand him/' continued her Ladyship, 
 *' till he declared^ ' he had seen a very 
 lovely young woman, evidently in trouble, 
 issue from the drawing-room.' I entered 
 into the mistake, and merely said^ that ' I 
 ■::>hQ\\\di consider of her claims to my esteem;' 
 but lic could not quit the subject, and was 
 so curious to know what was the nature of 
 your distress, that, in order to parry his 
 inquiries, I was obliged to awaken his sen- 
 sibility for himself, by reproving that tardi- 
 ness which occasioned his father and myself 
 so much real unquiet. He is always so 
 contrite, and ready to admit reproof, that I 
 believe I executed my part with a leniency 
 perfectly well suited to his submission. He 
 is gone in search of his father, but will join 
 us at dinner. I am anticipating the pleasure 
 of his surprise, when he meets, in the fair 
 distressed, the companion of his youth.** 
 
 Our heroine smiled at the mistake, and 
 expressed much joy at the happy reunion 
 of the little family. 
 
 Mr. Bel ford, who was of the dinner-party, 
 
 arrived
 
 CELIA. 179 
 
 arrived some time before. Not so the son 
 and heir. The first course had gone out^ 
 when Mr. Berton was announced. The half- 
 formed censure that the Baronet had sug- 
 gested yielded to a smile^ as he saw his son 
 regarding our Heroine with fixed attention. 
 Lady Berton introduced Celia as her par- 
 ticular friend, taking care to pronounce 
 her name in a low voice. It was evident 
 that between Belford and Mr. Berton there 
 was a coolness, 
 
 " What a ridiculous union that is which 
 George has been witnessing!" said Lady 
 Berton. 
 
 " It was highly amusing/' said Mr. Berton 
 — '' in fact, the sacrifice, on Bridoon's part, 
 had become indispensible.** 
 
 " The woman's age,'' said Sir Peter^ '' de- 
 •sier\'edly ranks her as in her dotage; but 
 how any man should feel it indispensible 
 to act as a villain, I cannot conceive." 
 
 '' A villain!" said Georsre — '' Mv dear 
 
 father, you mistake my friend. Ke is gay 
 
 N ? and
 
 ISO CELIA. 
 
 and volatile; but it was from a principle 
 of honour that lie married. I can assure 
 you, that he has already compromised with 
 numberless importunate creditors, who 
 would, had he not taken this step, have 
 thrown him into durance vile/* 
 
 " What a cowardly subterfuge !" rejoined 
 Sir Peter; '' so to avoid a temporary evil, 
 he has voluntarily committed himself with 
 his everlasting Judge, s-woim to protect a 
 w^oman for whom he owns no affection j 
 and with whom he will keep terms no 
 longer than her Uindness administers to his 
 follies/* 
 
 Mr. Berton was silent — he saw bis father 
 was serious; and whatever might be his 
 private sentiments, he forbore to venture 
 an opinion. 
 
 " YoiL have seen Lady Bridoon?" said 
 Mr. Belford, addressing Celia. 
 
 Our heroine replied in the affirmative. 
 
 *' Do ypu know Mr. Bridoon, Madam?" 
 asked Berton. 
 
 " I sav/
 
 CELIA. 181 
 
 '* I saw him once. Sir/' said Cdia. 
 
 " Is he not a very fine young man?" said 
 JBerton. 
 
 Ceh'a, smiling, declared, '' he did not ap- 
 pear so to her." 
 
 "' It is Celia Delacour !" said George 
 Berton, rising, and advancing to take the 
 hand of our heroine. 
 
 The Baronet and his Lady laughed at 
 the warmth of his manner. Mr. Belford" 
 looked grave, and, fixing his eyes on Celia, 
 watched her features, as if to discover her 
 thoughts. 
 
 ^* How did you make this discovery?" 
 said Sir Peter. 
 
 '' It was her smile," said George — " I 
 had been thinking that I had seen her some- 
 where; but when she laughed, I was in- 
 stantly informed. — IIow isLady Townly.? — 
 though why should I ask? she is of too 
 much importance in society not to be distin- 
 guished. I have heard of her almost daily 
 since I left town." 
 
 " Indeed !'' said Celia— ^^^ How?" 
 
 T^ 3 " The
 
 18^ CilLIA. 
 
 *' Th€: prints^ my dear M^dam — those 
 feithful mirrors of superior beauty." 
 
 Celia smiled again ; but it was by no 
 means a smile of acquiescence, 
 
 '^ These faithfvl mirrors^ George, appear 
 to me the very cosmetics of fashion/' said 
 vSir Peter; '' they daub a character with all 
 the syperjicial aids that folly can deviiie, 
 and then hold the portrait to view, with a 
 verbositij that their colouring alone could 
 make current/' 
 
 '' Ah ! my dear Sir/' said Mr. Berton, 
 " believe me, time has reconciled us to the 
 mode now in use. I will admit that it was 
 at first offered cmpfricalli/. Like every new 
 style, it took; and Jioxv, a mere common- 
 place exprcssio?h when applied to beauty, 
 would appear tininteUigihle.*' 
 
 Lady Eerton shook her head — '' The 
 system is. bad/' said she. 
 
 " Criminal, I fear," said Celia; '' for is 
 it not falsehood ?" 
 
 '' Undoubtedly," said Mr.Bclford — '' not 
 only falsehood, hni-^k frcuid upon the under- 
 standings
 
 CELIA. 1S3' 
 
 Standings of women. Yet, when I heard a 
 lady gravely assert, the other day, that a 
 iprctty or a pleasing woman was a creature 
 out o^ date, in the present enlightened era, 
 that nothing but the superlative in beauty 
 could hope to charm noxv, I instantly com- 
 prehended that a false worship must be 
 acceptable — must, in fact^ be the incense of 
 the 7;^;?/?'; for such uvnders in nature are 
 not general." 
 
 " What an avowal I" said Berton — '' Does 
 not every day illustrate, that perfect beauty 
 is jriven to our vievv?" And he 2:lanccd at 
 •Celia, with an expression of approval. 
 
 '' Your reference is correct/' said Bel- 
 ford, '' in a great degree, because Miss 
 Delacour's share of beautv is natural. In 
 this point, she has the advantage ovei 
 •thousands/* 
 
 '^ What a provisional compliment'/" said 
 Mr. Beiion, smiling. 
 
 '^ It is the candour of an honest man,'* 
 
 said Sir Feter, " My little friend Celia is 
 
 N 4 by
 
 184 CELTA. 
 
 by no means so handsome as her sister. 
 Lady Townly, in her natural person, was 
 the most beautiful girl I ever saw. She is 
 now a very fine woman; but not a Celia 
 Delacour/' 
 
 Even Mr. Berton, if loOhS could be ac- 
 curately translated, seemed to agree in the 
 sentiments of his father. 
 
 Lady Berton and Celia withdrew. They 
 had not been manv minutes in the drawing- 
 room before Mrs.Welgrave was announced. 
 Our heroine and this lady appeared mutu- 
 ally pleased by the mcc^ting. Lady Berton 
 declared herself happy to find them known 
 to each other. The gentlemen soon joined 
 them. Mr. Berton took infinite pleasure 
 in reverting to their childish friendship and 
 pursuits. He reminded Celia of their hay- 
 making at Pladley, of their forfeits at 
 Christmas, and their birth-day galas. 
 
 Mr. Belford owned a pang, exquisitely 
 painful, during this familiar, yet natural 
 reference to times past. 
 
 *^ Have
 
 CELIA. 185 
 
 '' Have you accomplished your Diir- 
 pose?'* said Lady Bcrtcn, addressing Mrs. 
 We Ig rave. 
 
 '' Not exactly," said this amiable woman ; 
 '* I have two or three more, whom I mean 
 to attack to-morrow." 
 
 Celia comprehended to what they al- 
 luded; and, in a low voice, asked if ^/^^ 
 might not be further u;^cful ? 
 
 '' I will not consent to it yet," said Mrs. 
 "Wel«:rave — " Will you accompany me in 
 my calls in the morning? I think I can 
 promise yen some amusement." 
 
 Celia accepted the invitation ; ?.n^, 
 smiling at Mr. Belford, she made him com- 
 prehend that his sorroxv had as yet been 
 the climax of her entertainment. 
 
 " How kind of Mrs. Mansfield to spare 
 . you to my mother !" said Mr. Berton. 
 
 Celia explained. 
 
 ** Then you leave us soon ?" said he, with 
 a voice in which regret was visible. 
 
 *' In a few days," said Celia. 
 
 '' But ^^e shall see you often, my love," 
 
 said
 
 386 CELT A. 
 
 said Lady Bert on ; '' and your sister has 
 promised to look in upon us." 
 
 '' I have unfortunately offended Sir 
 Harry," said George. '' He has not left his 
 card at my chambers these three months. 
 I shall certainly wave etiquette, and venture 
 to show myself in Portman-square once 
 more." 
 
 '' I regret you should have Io:.t the 
 esteem of Townly/' said Sir Peter; '* he is 
 an amiable young man." 
 
 The ladies and Mr. Belford were unani- 
 mous in their praises of the Baronet; but 
 Celia felt her sensibility w^oundcd, when not 
 a word was said of her sister. To her un- 
 tutored heart, the pair linked in the holv 
 band were as one, and it seemed the most 
 Batural thing in the world, when speaking 
 of one, to blend the social order. — '' U I am 
 in search of a husband," thought Celia, 
 ** what a phantom am I seeking ! — a crda- 
 tiire whose confidence should be mv pride^ 
 whose love my honour; qualified to be my 
 guardian, yet humbled to the lempered- fan- 
 cies
 
 celia: 187 
 
 cies of my qffcciion— faithful to ray devoted 
 heart, 
 
 * His constant lamp,' 
 
 shall cheer my temporal sorrows ; and, while 
 I loved as a woman, teach me to be grateful 
 as a Christian." 
 
 From a reverie somewhat enthusiastic, 
 (as our readers will no doubt perceive). 
 Miss Delacour was roused by the words of 
 Mr. Belford — '' Yes, I am the manager m 
 this interesting enirt," said he; '' 1 only 
 elucidate existing facts and items, of which 
 Miss Delacour is uninformed, offer a few 
 remarks or cues, and then leave her to her 
 own discernment — But there are those who 
 say she is ' in search of a husband." 
 
 Celia blushed, and declared Mr. Belford 
 was exceeding his commission. 
 
 '' Celia," said Sir Peter, " suppose, by way 
 rJfMttering the many who take pleasure in 
 thinking for us, suppose you admit the <a3- 
 sertion — Have you as ijet seen a man whom 
 vou would dignifi! by the appellation?" 
 
 *' Never,"
 
 1S8 CELIA. 
 
 '' Never/' said Celia, in the warmth of 
 her heart. 
 
 Now, if cur heroine ho^dsludlcd, from all 
 that has been said or written on the beauty 
 of tandour, she could not have conceited ^o 
 depressing and hopeless a reply. It fell on 
 the heart of Belford like the Jiat of Fate; 
 for she was not a woman to speak but from 
 true feeling. 
 
 " Yet you have seen Mr. Danbury/' said 
 M rs . Wei gra v e, s m il i n g . 
 
 *' He is a lean," said Gelia, smiling. 
 
 *' And Bridoon was " said Belford^ 
 
 with :i forced smile. 
 
 '' A mere jockey,'" said our heroine. 
 
 '' Lord Ernmore '' continued Bel- 
 ford. 
 
 " A f^ocd musician,'* replied Celia. 
 
 " Mr. Berton " said Belford, looking 
 
 archly. 
 
 '^ He was a very good boy/* said Celia. ' 
 
 " Proceed/' said Lady Berton, with an 
 impressive smile — '' Celia, be candid." 
 
 Celia hesitated. • 
 
 Sir
 
 CELIA. IS^ 
 
 Sir Peter took the hand of cur heroine 
 — '■*' No evasion, Celia/* said he. 
 
 '' He appears a very fashionallc man," 
 said Celia. 
 
 " Excellent!*' said the Baronet — " a just, 
 a conclusive satire !" 
 
 Mr. Berton bowed to her decision, which 
 he could not attempt to refute — '' But I 
 will do more," said he — " Condescend^ mv 
 dear Miss Delacour, to new-model me ; I 
 am plastic in the hands of Beauty ; I will 
 submit myself to your guidance/' 
 
 Celia declared hci-self a novice, yet under 
 tuition, and wholly unsuited to the charge. 
 
 '^ Do you go on with your embellish- 
 ments at Highgate?" asked Mr. Belford. 
 
 " No yes/' replied Berton, somewhat 
 
 confused. 
 
 " Have you a villa?" said the Baronet. 
 
 George explained, that, as a relaxati'jn 
 from studv, he had fitted up a box at High- 
 j-ate, to which he retired occasionallv. 
 
 *' It is judicious," said Sir Peter; '' I 
 applaud your retiring from this voluptuous 
 
 tcv.n.
 
 190 CELIA. 
 
 town. Every hour that yon draw from its 
 intoxicating sphere, is an hour gained." 
 
 Mr.Belford looked as though he believed 
 vice was of no 'peculiar soil — as though the 
 7uan, and not the place, characterised the 
 hTjdra-headcd monster. 
 
 "We will surprise you son:ie morning," 
 said Lady Berton to her son. 
 
 '' Not yet, nrsy dear Madam," said Mr. 
 Berton ; *' I will apprise you when it is fit 
 to be so honoured." And his eye danced 
 towards Bel ford, while his cheek was crim- 
 soned, and his manner embarrassed. 
 
 Mrs. Welgrave and Celia had taken their 
 netting; Lady Berton was employed in 
 working an uim mat. 
 
 " '^ I have never seen three ladies thus 
 engaged since I left Eerton-llall," said 
 George. 
 
 •" You do not visit a domestic circle," 
 replied his mother. 
 
 '' Where w^ould he find one?" said Mr. 
 Eel ford. '* T, who have known London 
 some years longer than Mr. Berton, was 
 
 contemplating
 
 CELIA. 191 
 
 contemplatu-jg the present as a scene for 
 which my rrxmory finds no likeness/' 
 
 " Yet I must support the ladies in this 
 particular," said Mr. Berton ; '' thev are 
 indefatigable in acquiring er^^n/ new intro- 
 duction that is imported.'" 
 
 " Is that from a principle of industry, a 
 wish to employ time?" said Mr. Belford; 
 '' or is It not merely because they are 
 new?'' 
 
 '' I am not disposed to censure or analyzt 
 the feelings of our imperious enslavers/'' 
 said Eerton ; '' it is sufficient for me that 
 their varieiks are alvs^ays pleasing — in fact, 
 I am amused by their fancies." 
 
 '' If you are the slave of such/' said Mr, 
 Belford, '^if you depreciate creatures who 
 naturally rank Jiigh In the scale of reason, 
 by assenting to their follies, you are censur- 
 able." 
 
 '' Certainly," said Sir Peter; '' bat, as 
 Miss Delacour has observed, Gcorsie, voii 
 are really a very /irfsA7'(;7ZfiZjZj man." 
 . Mr. Berton now disowned the di.slinction, 
 
 but
 
 392 CELIA. 
 
 but with too much o^ the a&surnptio?! to 
 eradicate the impression. 
 
 *' Do you visit the Desmonds?" asked 
 Mr. Be] ford of Mrs. Vrelgrave. 
 
 '' I sometimes leave my card in St. 
 Jamcs's-square," said Mrs. V\c] grave. 
 
 '' They are charming girls/' said George 
 Berton, '' and lii/^hly domestic — ^^tliey make 
 their own sJiocs/' 
 
 *' They are admirable cobblers/' said 
 Bclford, "' to the iitrer destruction of the 
 pining mechanic, who stancs m liis garret; 
 Tvhilc ladies o^ fa-Moiij by their bungling 
 itlicnipls, spoil their f.:igcrs, and make them- 
 selves justly the object?] of ridicule." 
 
 *' I must agree with you. Sir/' replied 
 Mrs. Welgrave ; '' the art, in it.-^elf, is by 
 no means a necessary acquirement ; and as 
 f^rcicc aiul attitude are amongst the attrac- 
 tions of the day, I ratlicr wonder tliat vaiutjt/ 
 has not long since induced them to discard 
 the trwide.'* 
 
 " Nor can its hicicJcdgc be called a do- 
 KiCLiic quality/' said Lady Berlon ; " but I 
 
 perceive
 
 CKLIA. 193 
 
 perceive that the real attributes of such a 
 character are misnomers, in the present ac- 
 ceptation of the word." 
 
 " You are right/' said Mr. Belford ; '' I 
 l:now a very unassuming and amiable wo- 
 man, who has lost all claim to fasliioruible 
 suffrage, by having heen discovered in the 
 act of carrying a hasoii of broth to an 
 invalid friend, a relation — ' It was dero- 
 gatoru to a gentlewoman ;' vet the very 
 same people will descend to become the 
 compcmions of a shoemaker, to learn an 
 art wholly insia;nificant, and in which they 
 can be excelled by the most illiterate 
 professor." 
 
 Celia blushed — She comprehended to 
 whom he alluded. 
 
 " And might not the fair ambassador 
 from tiie kitchen be equally liable to a 
 humiliation of this sort?" asked Berton — • 
 '' could not she be outdone by the co,Oa, or 
 even the kitchen-maid?'* 
 
 " In the point o{ making it, perhaps she 
 
 mip;ht," replied Belford ; '' but in the simple 
 
 VOL. I. o heautv
 
 194 CELIA. 
 
 heauty of the act, in administering it, could 
 she ever appear more amiable^ than when 
 studious to alleviate the anguish of the 
 body, by gracing her duties with all the 
 charms o^ mind?'* 
 
 '' You ever throw in a dash of this sort," 
 retorted Berton; " after exalting the deed 
 to its climax, you yet term it a dutij.'* 
 
 '' A common dutv — one that reason and; 
 nature commands,'* rejoined Belford : " but 
 reason rarely dignifies the women of this- 
 day, and nature is out of coimienance/' 
 
 *^ I should like to see this rara avis, this 
 reasonable, natural, culinary damsel,'* said 
 Berton. 
 
 ^^ Use your eyes, George ; she is present,'* 
 said Mr. Belford. 
 
 " Celia," said Mr. Berton, arresting the 
 hand of our heroLw^ '[ is it possible'/* 
 
 Celia, smiling, jjeclared Mr. Berton wodld 
 spoil her netting ; while the deep blushes 
 that dyed her cheeks were the cause of 
 alarm to Belford. He attributed them to a 
 tender embarrassment, which the very fine 
 
 exterior 
 8
 
 CELIA* 105 
 
 €Xteri<»r of Mr, Berton wais 6minenf]y cal- 
 culated to inspire. He dishonoured the 
 feelings of our iieroine by such a c-onclti- 
 sion ; yet \ve believe the mibtake is not 
 unusual with an attached heart. The blushes 
 of Celia were excit-ed by twd caused— the 
 unqualified praises of Beiford^ and the irony 
 of George Berton, / 
 
 " MissDelacour has had the happiness to 
 be educated under the eye of the most 
 ejrce//«t^ and judicious of women/' said Sir 
 Peter; " she has been taught to feel her 
 own importance in society; that no super- 
 jicial acquirements are e^sehtial in them- 
 selves; while the discharge of her moral 
 duties have been so well directed, as to have 
 made her principal hapf)iness to consist in 
 their performance.' — ^It is your advantage^ 
 my child/' continued^k l^ter, ^' to be of 
 that sex which hafppily a&ives at maturity 
 ere^ the good impressiotis are effaced by an 
 intercourse with the world. ./ believe wo- 
 man to be capable cf all Xhvit is- exalted^ all 
 that i^ {iraiseworthy ; but I atthesame time 
 o 9 believe
 
 196 CELIA. 
 
 believe that their stable happiness is only 
 to be found in retirement. At nineteen 
 years of age^ I may with truth aver, that 
 Lydia and myself saw in our son all the 
 promise we could wish, in his manliness, 
 integrity, and correct moral conduct. The 
 world has since interfered — I trust not ir- 
 rcparally ; but you are indeed too fashion- 
 ahle a man to wear the approbation of your 
 father, my dear George.** 
 
 Mr. Berton was by no means prepared 
 for a lecture so serious. 
 
 Lady Berton removed her spectacles, 
 and, while she hid the tears that would force 
 down her cheek, she mildly remarked, '' that 
 she believed her son more a victim than a 
 convert to fashion.** 
 
 " In either case, he proves his weakness," 
 said the Baronet. 
 
 " George's career is not of the date you 
 imagine,*' said Mr. Belford : '' I avow, that 
 at four-and-twenty, he was a pattern for 
 thousands of his age. His follies are not 
 of tvco years growth,** continued Belford, 
 
 extending
 
 CELIA. , 197 
 
 extending his hand to the son of his friend. 
 *' And I have the vanity to add, that when 
 he ceased to believe me his friend, he did 
 himself the greatest injustice. I will not 
 say hoxv much he wounded my feelings.** 
 
 *' From this moment, my dear Belford/' 
 said the subdued Berton, *' let me entreat 
 of you to forget the past : from this mo- 
 ment, consider me proud and willing tobe 
 directed by your judgment/' 
 
 The reconciliation was ratified by tears, 
 for the ladies unanimously accorded the 
 tender meed. 
 
 There have been many vague attempts 
 made by certain independent minds, wearing 
 the form o? woman, to contend against the 
 idea of man's superiority. It were almost 
 a libel to say — that is, if truth is a libel-^ 
 that sucii women must wan t/emi«f/ze souls; 
 for surely, to a delicate mind, there is an 
 immensity of comfort in looking up to the 
 creature of your love, not only as the 
 treasure of your heart, but the guide of your 
 o 3 life.
 
 I9S GELIA. 
 
 Yh^. As Milton has f!)€av?tifu'lly expressed 
 
 : , rf7777--7-~-?-7::*':thy^onpuunga.od.tby Ipvci 
 . Not^hy &]^bjectioi3. "Weigh with her thyself. 
 Then value :,—orttimes nothing profits more 
 Than self esteem, giounded on just and right 
 Welllnahagecf."' 
 
 ■ To luinds thus attuned — women who 
 look upon the other sex with an asprmg 
 teikleiioe&s — to such womeH, there Can be 
 tid stronger appeal to their feelings- than 
 beholding a man in sorroii:. ."..^rf^t 
 
 ■ • lA femal-e auflior ii supposed to be roman- 
 tic; yet in this it is very po^fei%le to be mts- 
 iakch; hi\\\ the "wo^rian Hvho w^-ites these 
 pages aeknowlcdges, imsoHciied, that the 
 record of a noh!e deed, the daring of a 
 generous lyiindy \^'Q\\\d. be more likely to 
 awaken her se'n-sibi lily, than all {he xvhinings 
 of scntlmcrd. Wath such disposition^ it is 
 no wonder she gave tears to the woman 
 wbojn she'rrieant to exalt, or that she should 
 '■^''' think
 
 CELIA. 1&9 
 
 think the contrition o^ George ^erton (as a 
 superior being, because a man) was worthy 
 of a boon so precious. 
 
 " I do not apologize/* said Sir Peter to his 
 son^ '' for having awakened your feelings 
 in the presence of this circle. You must 
 appreciate such friends, my dear George. 
 Their esteem is of value to you." 
 
 Mr. Berton declared himself with can- 
 dour; and, as the amiable Belford arose to 
 retire, George made his adieus ; and, pro- 
 mising to breakfast with his parents next 
 morning, withdrew with his friend. 
 
 Mrs.Welgrave was eloquent, though sin- 
 cere, in illustrating many amiable traits of 
 character which actually graced the nature 
 of Mr. Berton — " Yet I have for some time 
 considered him in danger of falling from 
 his natural bias. Your arrival, my dear 
 friends, and a little perspective, which my 
 vanity induces me to believe we shall all 
 take delight in viewing, makes me sanguine 
 enough to add, that George will prove all 
 you could wish him." 
 
 4 Sir
 
 200 GELIA. 
 
 Sir Peter and his Lady admitted the hope; 
 while Celia, the fair destiny of their ma- 
 ternal bosoms^ retired, with a painful con- 
 viction that the world was a more powerful 
 tyrant than she had believed it^ since it had 
 transformed an amiable and moral young 
 man, accustomed to contemplate virtue 
 with profound reverence^ to the mere flut- 
 terer of the day — a man of fashion. 
 
 CHAP
 
 CELIA. 201 
 
 CHAP. XI. 
 
 " Of all the fools that pride can boast, 
 A coxcomb claims distinction most j 
 Coxcombs are of all ranks and kind. 
 They're not to sex or age confin'd. 
 
 Their own false balance gives them weight. 
 But every oz/ier finds 'em light." 
 
 Mr. Berton was punctual to his appoint- 
 ment next morning; Cclia observed, with 
 unfeigned pleasure, that he could be ra- 
 tional and unaffected. The Baronet and 
 his Lady were gratified by his attention, 
 though they justly attributed it, in part, to 
 the presence of their fair visitor. 
 
 George seized the moment of our he- 
 roine's morning walk to Portman-square, 
 to offer himself as her attendant. Celia 
 assented ; and, in introducing him to Sir 
 
 Harry,
 
 ^^02 CELIA. 
 
 Harry, effected a more perfect cordiality 
 between the gentlemen, than cards could 
 lijve negotiated in an age o^ fashion. 
 
 Again Celia- toiind her sister employ- 
 ed; she expressed the delight she owned 
 by STdileSj perfectly intelligible to Lady 
 Townly. 
 
 " Now, mama^ I may wear my gold 
 chain/' said Rachel, as she closed the 
 book she htid been reading. 
 
 Lady ToAvnly bade her daughter ring 
 the nursery bell, and desire Ma-rtin to 
 bring her necklace. 
 
 Celia caught the hand of Rachel — " I 
 -want to talk with you, Rachel," said our 
 heroine. 
 
 The child took her seat on the knee i^f 
 'Celia — she questioned her as to what she 
 had been reading. 
 
 '' Not a picture book," said the little 
 fair)' ; " but it was very pretty, all about 
 Cod, and liglt, and herbs — so now I m^jy 
 have my best necklace." '-^^.tii.* •:.. 
 
 ''No, Rachel," said our heroine ; - ^o,
 
 €ELIAi 503 
 
 «5k your papa, if he does '^et ^Ink his 
 Httle girl is growing wise ? ask hira if he 
 is pleased with you ?" 
 
 Rachel fled to her father — ^he Baronet 
 comprehended the motive of Gel ia, and, 
 in the most affectionate totes, expressed 
 hi':, approbation. 
 
 Rachel, how^ver^ could not forget her 
 necklace, and returning to Celia, asked if 
 she mijjht not now rinor the^bcll? 
 
 '*' Look at me," said otrr heroine ; '•' I 
 have read my lessons this morning, and 
 Lady Eerton said I wtz a gt^cd girl, butl 
 did not put on anij necklace." 
 
 Rachel was quiescent ; and Celia pro- 
 misino: to brin^i: her a book on the next 
 morning, the little prattler forgot her 
 pride, and thought v/holly of the morrow. 
 
 '•' Ceiia, I am counting the hours till 
 your return,'' said Lady Townly. 
 
 Mr. Bertcn declared he never, till that 
 moment, had felt disposed to offer an 
 opinion in opposition to her Ladyship. 
 
 Sir Harry, smiling, observed^ '' that in 
 
 the
 
 204 CELIA. 
 
 the present case^ his gallantry wore a 
 character not visual — that of truth; for 
 who/' continued he, " that ever had the 
 society of Celia, did not languish for her 
 return ? and who, that is blessed by her 
 presence^ but felt jealous of resigning 
 her?" 
 
 Mr. Berton bowed to t!)e justice of the 
 remark. 
 
 Lady Townly was willing to admit her 
 sister's claims to general esteem^ yet add- 
 ed, with a laugh, " that no stronger proof 
 of her excellence could be adduced, than 
 that it elicited a compliment from Townly." 
 
 *' Not a compliment, Fanny," said Sir 
 Harry; " Cclia knows me too well, to be- 
 lieve me insincere." 
 
 " Yet your praise is very high coloured, 
 my dear Harry," said our heroine ; '' but 
 Mr. Berton will make allovvanccs for your 
 partiality." 
 
 Lady Card on n el was announced. 
 
 " Ah ! my dear Cinderella," said her 
 Ladyship, advancing to Celia — when, re- 
 cognising
 
 C F.LI A. 205 
 
 cognising Mr. Berton, she declared her- 
 self delighted at the rencontre. 
 
 '' You are just returned from Snowdon 
 Kali — Poor Eridoon ! how does he wear 
 his chains ?'* 
 
 Mr. Berton was whimsically satirical ; 
 and Celia perceived with concern, all that 
 calm rational manner, which he had so re- 
 cently assumed, not only yielded to the 
 taste of his companion, but his language 
 was at once aflected and ridiculous. 
 
 Lady Townly tool: part in the fashion- 
 able conversation ; and Mr. Berton per- 
 fectly contradicted his assertion of the 
 preceding day '' that his friend's match 
 was a prudential one." Gn the contrary, 
 he now pronounced it a barbarous sacrifice, 
 and lamented, with an indirect glance at 
 the expecting fair, '' that some men want- 
 ed souls — for his part, he execrated the 
 being who consigned himself to such an 
 unnatural bondage.'* 
 
 "This conduct," thought Celia, "may 
 bear a very lenient term, in a certain so- 
 ciety;
 
 '206 CELIA. 
 
 ciety; but to me, it is palpable duplici- 
 
 Sir Harry dre^v Cclia on one side — '' Do 
 you like Bertcn's character?" said he. 
 
 '' I cannot understand it/' said our he- 
 roine. 
 
 '' It is an odd compound/' said the Ba- 
 ronet. '' He has much natural feeling, 
 but he wants strength to combat the assump- 
 tion of follies which his reason must con- 
 demn." 
 
 *^ How weak !" said Celia. 
 
 " I hope you have not been annoyed as 
 I have been/' said Lady Cardonnel. " Mrs. 
 Welgrave. has been attacking me on the 
 old score, chariti/ ; but I was determined 
 to resist her — for if once we give in, hei* 
 demands are unconscionable.'* 
 
 '' I was in a manner compelled," said 
 Lady Townly ; " for my sister being a 
 stranger to her extraordinary propensity, 
 was duped into a contribution, and I had 
 not courage to explain the fact in her 
 presence/' 
 
 '•' Pardon
 
 CELIA. 207 
 
 . " Parrdon me, Fanny/* said Gur heroine, 
 '' I then acred from the impulse of the mo-; 
 ment, excited by the unaffected eloquence 
 of that most amiable woman ; her cha- 
 racter has since risen in my esteem ; and I 
 am persuaded you are only using 2i fashion- 
 able licence, when you deny her power 
 over vou — nay, I should be sensibly 
 \>founded, if I believed that the sister I 
 loved did not value such a woman as she 
 deserves." 
 
 Sir Harry entered at large into ihe sen- 
 timents of Celia — even Mr. Berton joined 
 in her eulooium. 
 
 Lady Cardonnel laushed at all their at- 
 tempts, Avhich, she declared, should never 
 bring her to agree that any woman had a 
 right to draw upon the purses of her ac- 
 quaintance^ merely because she had a. 
 happy way of making up a piteous story. 
 
 ■' Though you should deny the power 
 of a mortal in such a case,'* said Celia, 
 " has not d-^rity beep enjoined ? have 
 
 vou
 
 208 CELIA. 
 
 you not been warned, not to turn from a 
 brother or sister in need ?" 
 
 '' Oh yes, I believe I recollect some- 
 thing of the kind/' said her Ladyship; 
 " but it is far better we should be left to 
 our own spontaneous acts, than be trepan- 
 ned into dilemmas for which we are not 
 prepared." 
 
 " All preparation must deduce from the 
 purity of our sympathy/' said Celia; '' for, 
 though it is our duty to seek into the worth 
 of the object, the creature may perish, 
 while we hesitate on the most convenient 
 way of afibrding assistance ; and though 
 our charity should be mispbced, the inten- 
 tion will exonerate the error/' 
 
 " Positively you are a most eccentric 
 girl/' said Lady Cardonnel ; '' but the 
 country should be your sphere/' 
 
 '' There is a wide field for benevolence 
 in this metropolis/' said the Baronet ; 
 'Mhousands pine in secret; numbers are 
 compelled to solicit aid — but when I see 
 
 a young
 
 CELIA. 209 
 
 a young lovely woman, like Mrs. Wel- 
 grave, disseminating her charities so libe- 
 rally, and that from a fortune by no 
 means affluent, I am disgusted with the 
 thoughtless profusion that dishonours the 
 higher circles.'* 
 
 " I must leave you,'' said Celia, rising ; 
 " I have an engagement at two/' 
 
 Sir Harry, joining our heroine and Mr. 
 Berton, accompanied them to Hanover- 
 square. The arrival of Mrs. Welgrave 
 drew Celia away — Mr. Berton saw her de- 
 part with regret. 
 
 *' There are few men who possess so 
 fine an exterior as Berton/' said Mrs. Wel- 
 grave, as the carriage drew off. 
 
 Celia agreed in thinking him a very 
 handsome man. 
 
 '' His manners are persuasive," conti- 
 nued Mrs. Welgrave. 
 
 '' He can be agreeable," said Celia. 
 
 " My dear Miss Delacour," rejoined 
 Mrs. Welgrave^ '^ your mind is admirably 
 
 VOL, I. p attuned
 
 210 CELIA* 
 
 attuned to meet the fallacious semblances 
 of the world ; you will never yield your 
 heart, where your reason would Uiish for 
 your preference — in fact, you will either 
 be a most happy, or a greatly deceived 
 wife/' 
 
 " I am almost tempted to believe that 
 I shall not marry,'* said Celia ; " yet my 
 disposition is suited to domestic life ; and, 
 like all enthusiasts, I have frequently drawn 
 an ideal home.'* 
 
 '' Then you have distinguished an ob- 
 ject?" said Mrs. Welgrave, smiling. 
 
 "■ No — that is, I 07ice regarded a being, 
 whom I thought amiable; our acquaint- 
 a nee was transient — fate led him to a dis- 
 tance—he died, and since that period, I 
 have not met his equal — for the men ap- 
 pear to me ashamed of being thought 
 moral, as if the practice of religion was an 
 austere system, inimical to youth and health 
 — alas ! if it is only taken up from fear, 
 resorted to in danger^ its adoption is a 
 
 puerile
 
 CELIA. 211 
 
 puerile resemblance of what it should be^ 
 and scarcely an acceptable offering to the 
 God who ordained it/' 
 
 '' These sentiments are perfectly con- 
 sistent with the idea I had formed of your 
 character/' said Mrs. Welgrave. " I know 
 but one man worthy of you, and he is a 
 wretched, disappointed — nay, a dishonour^ 
 €5f husband. But so it is, my fair friend ; 
 marriages are so hastily and injudiciously 
 concluded, that the torch of Hymen ex- 
 pires in a few months; indifference, if 
 not hatred, succeeds — and the only sym- 
 pathy of sentiment they evince, is the 
 mutual immorality into which they plunge, 
 in order to dissolve the mistaken union/* 
 
 The carriage stopped ; Mrs. Welgrave 
 and our heroine were ushered into the 
 drawing-room of Lady Visapoor. 
 
 ''Ah, my dear Welgrave!'' said her 
 Ladyship, '' this' is very kind — Miss Dela- 
 cour, I am really excessively glad to see 
 you/' . • 
 
 p 2 Celia
 
 212 CELIA. 
 
 , Celia was surprised ; she did not recol- 
 lect ever having seen her Ladyship. 
 
 *^^ You were immensely cruel ihe other 
 evening at Cardonnel's, to run away^ just 
 as Danbury had been raising my curiosity 
 to the utmost decree," 
 
 Celia believed Mr. Danbury had a very 
 lively invention. 
 
 '' He is an admirable judge of beauty/' 
 said her Ladyship v/ith an approving smile. 
 
 Our heroine blushed most profusely — ^A 
 servant entered^ and announced " Mr. To- 
 paz^ the jeweller." 
 
 *' Will you permit me to see him >" 
 a3ked her Ladyship, with obliging humi- 
 lity. 
 
 Mrs. Welgrave and Celia instantly as- 
 sented, and the jeweller was shown in. 
 
 '' Tell Fanchon to bring my jewel-box," 
 said Lady Visapoor. 
 
 Fanchon presented the valuable casket, 
 and her Ladyship proceeded to comment 
 on the beauty of her diamonds ViXid j^carls, 
 
 Mr.
 
 CELIA. 213 
 
 Mr. Topaz declared them to be a fine 
 collection — *' Their setting, to besurCj was 
 not exactly modern — but if her Ladyship 
 would permit him to new set them, he 
 would engage to make them superior to 
 any in the kingdom — not excepting Mrs. 
 Clanfield, who has her dress vMd her lui- 
 dress diamonds." 
 
 '' I am afraid to trust them in your 
 hands," said Lady Visapoor, with a con- 
 descending smile. 
 
 '* I know there are some tricks in the 
 trade, my Lady," replied Topaz; " but 
 you may rely upon niij honour." 
 
 " Well, what must I give you to mo- 
 dernize these?" and she placed a pearl 
 crescent, and a diamond bandeaUj in the 
 hands of ihe jeweller. 
 
 '' Somewhere about seventy pounds — 
 from that to a hundred, my Lady." 
 
 " Well, take them," said her Ladyship ; 
 *' that sum won't ruin me." 
 
 Topaz retired. 
 
 Mr^. Wclgrave and Celia took a view 
 p 3 of
 
 214 CJEILIA. 
 
 of. the interior of the casket — '' Did^you 
 ever calculate the interest upon these ?." 
 said Mrs. Wei grave. 
 
 " What an idea!" said her Ladyship; 
 '' actually, if I did not know your connex- 
 ions, I should take you for some trades- 
 man's daughter^ who could not forget the 
 shop." 
 
 " I might be a very respectable member 
 of society^ even owning such origin — but, 
 as I perceive you are indifferent to cx- 
 pence/' replied Mrs. Welgrave, '' I wish 
 you would add your name to this/' and 
 she presented the few names that she had 
 attained, for her inspection, relating the 
 case with her usual sweetness. 
 
 '' I am really Tery sorry," said Lady 
 Visapoor ; '' but I have been at great ex- 
 pence lately," and she returned the paper. 
 *' I feel ranch reluctance in refusing ^o/^/ 
 but tliis is the season when one is naturalln 
 led into nnavoidaUe expences: you may 
 perceive I have been getting lamps and 
 norelttcs to decorate my rooms," and she 
 
 directed
 
 OELIA. 215 
 
 dircc^d the ladies to observe these siiper- 
 lliious appendages of modern taste. 
 
 if*- The mind of this uwiuin wants light/' 
 thought Celia, as she turned from the bril- 
 liant chandelier to the callous possessor 
 of it. 
 
 ivTrs. Welgrave and our heroine retired^ 
 her Ladyship following them with her re- 
 grets that it should have occurred just at 
 iJiifj time. 
 
 *' What Jo you think of this woman r" 
 asked Mrs. Welgrave. 
 
 Celia declared, that such j^rofcssions 
 were criminal. 
 
 " You are right/' said Mrs. Welgrave ; 
 '' I did not expect to succeed in any mate' 
 rial degree ; but one would scarcely have 
 imagined, that she could ivJialljj have re- 
 fused her assistance, and be guilty of such 
 '^ palpable folly in our presence — the world 
 has been so censorious as to say, that her 
 ladyship's fortune (which is an Asiatic 
 one) was made most rapidly; and her 
 p 4 diamonds,
 
 216 CELTA. 
 
 diamonds^ in particular^ are named as rank 
 bribes." 
 
 ^' At all events/' said Celia, " her acqui- 
 escence would have graced her nature, 
 though I fear it could not redeem her 
 jewels — if such is the right by which she 
 holds them." 
 
 Again they were received at a noble 
 mansion — Mrs. Bruton was environed by- 
 cards, some written, others blank — '' E.\- 
 cuse me, my dear friend," said Mrs. Bru- 
 ton, as she squeezed the fingers of Mrs. 
 \Velgravc ; " 1 will dispatch these in a 
 moment — elucidate to your charming 
 friend the variety and press of nii/ avoca- 
 tions — tell her what an idle creature Bru- 
 ton is — how he leaves me to wade through 
 all this fatigue, and laughs at me, when my 
 ?ieixes are shattered almost to annihilation,'* 
 
 "You have left me nothing to say," 
 replied Mrs. Wclgrave, laughing ; '' Miss 
 Delacour will understand that you have a 
 bad ht^sband." 
 
 Mrs.
 
 CELTA. 217 
 
 . JMrs. Bniton declared " Mrs. Wclgravc 
 was very saucy. — I have a great mind not 
 to send Lady Townly a card/' said Mr^i, 
 Bruton, pausing ; " she is getting very 
 stingy — quite i^habbij — not one party this 
 season." 
 
 Had not Mrs. Bruton's eyes been direct- 
 ed towards Mrs. V/elgrave, she nuist have 
 discovered, by the confusion of Celia, that 
 she was in an error. 
 
 Mrs. Welgrave smiled. 
 
 " Yes, I will send her one," continued 
 she ; " for I know it will vex Sir Harry — I 
 owe him a little pique ;" and she penned a 
 card, with as much adroit juss as duvlicihj, 
 requesting the lionuur of their company 
 to dinner, <Scc. 
 
 The cheeks of our heroine were suffused 
 with blushes of honest indignation. 
 
 Mrs. Welgrave, by a look, repre^ed the 
 reply that seemed to be hovering on her 
 lips. 
 
 Mrs. Bruton finished her cards, and, 
 tc>uching the bell,, ran into a very copious 
 
 appro-
 
 §18 CELIA. 
 
 approbation of Lady Cardonnel's taste-* 
 " Ker rooms are uniquC;, and her music 
 ravishing ; but, poor Car ! she is fond of 
 sliowing ofC—^J really believe ir may be at- 
 tributed to ' cliagrin just now — ^Bridoon's 
 marriage is a terrible cut to her vanity.— 
 Deliver these tickets/' said Mrs. Bruton to 
 the servant, who waited her orders ; " and 
 call at Lady Querelle's, with my best lovej 
 and heo- to know how she is ? — And call at 
 Mrs. Moreton's, and enquire after the 
 children/' 
 
 The man withdrew. 
 
 " What an odious creature Ouerelle is !'* 
 said Mrs. Bruton ; '' the sooner she is off 
 the stage the better — And as to Moreton, 
 her house is a perfect hospital ; while her 
 ^llildren, who sicken one with their rudely 
 healthful looks,, appear more likely to die 
 of repletion, than any thing else." 
 ' Celia was disgusted by the hijpocrisij of 
 Mrs. Bruton — but let it be remembered, 
 sire was an almost stravp^pv to fashionable 
 fife. 
 
 '^ You
 
 CEIIA. ^^ 
 
 " You have heard of Lady ■ elope- 
 
 ment ?" continued the breathless voluble. 
 " She is much to be pitied — there was 
 something vastly interesting in her taking 
 leave of her children." -m 
 
 " It was a refinement in sin/' said Mrs-. 
 Welgrave ; '' though, I believe, the de- 
 ception is very generally understood.'* ^^^ 
 
 *' What ! you do not believe that sHe 
 regretted to leave her children ?" returned 
 Mrs. Bruton. 
 
 '' Good Heavens !'* said the gentlfe mo- 
 ther, '' can any one believe, that a woman- 
 who was rushing from the protection of 
 an honourable husband, to the arms of a: 
 libertine, could own one tender or becom- 
 ing feeling ? — No, no ; believe her what 
 she is — an infatuated shameless wife ; and 
 if such a wife can be a mother, every other- 
 incongruity in nature may blend." 
 
 " This is not like your usual charitr,'* 
 said Mrs, Bruton ; '' I remember to' have 
 gf en ifoii very active {o\' a 'fallen sister ,* as 
 
 voii'
 
 220 GELIA. 
 
 you tenned her, though not a married wo- 
 man." 
 
 " Ccrainly/' said Mrs. Welgrave, '' that 
 washer claim to my poor services ; «7ic 
 might be deceived, but a married woman 
 has no such plea.'' 
 
 '' Well, I cannot comprehend the 
 grounds on which you draw this line/' said 
 Mrs. Brut on. 
 
 Celia thought this very possible^ for 
 Mrs. Bruton was a coarse, unfeeling wo- 
 man^ and her fair antagonist the mild em- 
 blem of virtuous sensibility. 
 
 " Will you look at this ?" said Mrs. Wel- 
 grave, and she placed her charitable scroll 
 in the hands of Mrs. Bruton, again repeat- 
 ing her pathetic story. 
 Inif Did Lady Townly realii/ contribute her 
 mite ?" said the sarcastic hostess. 
 
 *' Certainly/' said Mrs. Welgrave; '' Ladv 
 Townly is very capable of a benevolent 
 deed." 
 
 " I cannot reach her Jusit now/' said 
 Mrs. Bruton, " for I have been forced to
 
 CELTA. 251 
 
 e]]g^ge to sing at my concert on 
 
 the 1 6th, and that has drained my purse — 
 he will not make a cadence under ten 
 guineas ; and 1 have been paying my sub- 
 scription to the Argyle Rooms, and the 
 lioyal Institution, so that I am very foor, 
 as you may suppose — at any /z//?/re time, 
 I shall be most happy to meet your 
 wishes/* 
 
 Mrs. Welgrave, smiling, received her 
 unsuccessful scroll. 
 
 A servant entered — '' Mr. Hookham has 
 promised an opera box. Madam." 
 
 '' Very good ; I am greatly obliged," 
 said Mrs. Bruton. '' Here, Jones, go pay 
 for it," and she drew her purse and gave 
 the money to the man. *' You have heard 
 Catalani, I suppose ?" 
 
 Celia replied in the negative. 
 
 '* She is exquisite ! oh you mui:t go — ■ 
 shall I have the pleasure of taking you this 
 evening ?*' 
 
 Celia declined the honour — she was en- 
 gaged. 
 
 '' Wei-
 
 22'i CRLIA. 
 
 '''■ Welgrave. will you take two scats ?*' 
 __" I am toopaor in taste,'' said Mi-s. Wel- 
 grave, " to 'paij for opera tickets just now^'* 
 and, with a smile that appeared to discom- 
 fort Mrs. Eruton, she arose. '■'-?. 
 
 " Is Miss Delacour residing with you }*^ 
 asked Mrs. Bruton ; '' I must solicit the 
 honour of her company for the IGth.'* 
 
 **" Miss Delacour is with Lady Berton at 
 present,'* replied Mrs. Welgrave ; *' her 
 home, while in London, is with her sister, 
 Ladv Townly.** 
 
 " Man Dlcn ! Pardon me, my dear 
 young ladv, I had not the least idea you 
 \yere a connexion of her Ladyship's — it is 
 the most unfortunate thing in the world tp 
 have a 'Kami heart — I say a thousand things 
 without thought; and Lady Townly has 
 heen so long considered as a meteor in a 
 certain circle, that the least diminution of 
 her wonted lustre awakens surprise and 
 regret." 
 
 *' And censure too," said Celia, mildly. 
 " That she has aer been so distinguished,' 
 
 is
 
 CF.LIA. 223 
 
 js her misfortune; I trust she will in fa- 
 iure concentrate her rays, and be content 
 to shine at home." 
 
 " I should deeply lament a rescission, so 
 prejudicial to the happiness of her nume- 
 rous friends," said Mrs. Bruton, with a 
 smile of systematic hypocrisy ; '' and no-x 
 thatsuch a planet is added to her train, it 
 would be absolutely cruel." 
 
 Celia neither regarded the compliment 
 or the speaker ; and in a few minutes after 
 retired. 
 
 *' These are the deceptions of fashionable 
 life/' said Mrs. Welgrave, as she ordered 
 the carriage to Lady Sarburton's. 
 
 " The deceived are the culpable party," 
 said our heroine; " what she h!*cS said of 
 my sister, is really matter of comfort to 
 me ; but how any person can sacrifice their, 
 time to such palpable impostors, is asto- 
 nishing." 
 
 " They support each other," said Mrs. 
 Welgrave ; '' and while they contribide to 
 
 the
 
 224 CELIA. 
 
 the intoxicating round, nothing can be 
 more attached than they appear to be ; the 
 least omission, however, is discovered; their 
 taste totters, they become parsimonious — 
 tshauhj ; and, at last, their dear friends cut. 
 Yet, in the very zenith of their rivaliti, the 
 most cowXcxwYiXWAe jealousies are visible — 
 I have known a lady of rank offer a sort 
 of hoiinUj to her confectioner, grccn-grocer, 
 S;c. §6*. in order to make her gala superior 
 to that of her preceding cotemporarij.'* 
 
 " Can any thing be more wizcorthi/ of 
 emulation, than this waste of health and 
 money ?" said Celia: '' to licar those de- 
 grading and callous excuses,- which have 
 been oflered to ijou, as apologies for their 
 inahililij to meet your request, is really 
 dreadful ; nay, they misconceive the na- 
 ture o? your appeal, and actually seem to 
 think that ijou are the obliged person, as 
 if common huniardtij, that claim which the 
 unhappy have on all who possess power, 
 was not equally applicable from the king 
 
 to
 
 CELIA. 999 
 
 to the peasant — it must be the effect of 
 education" — might she not have added — 
 
 studious they appear 
 
 Of ar<s that polish life, inventors rare. 
 Unmindful of their Maker, though His spirk 
 Taught them, but they His gifts acknowledged none. 
 
 For that fair female troop thou saw'st, that seem'd 
 Of goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay ; 
 Yet empty of all good wherein consists 
 fTofnan's domestic honour and chief praise ; 
 Bred only and completed to the tasi€ 
 ■ ' to sing, to dance. 
 
 To dress 
 
 " The awful derelictions in domestic 
 life, so prevalent at this period/' replied 
 Mrs. Welgrave, *' must have some weight 
 with the rising generation; at least, the 
 fallacy of all that has been done, by way 
 of re^nement and accojnpIishjnentSj will 
 awaken reflection in the bosoms o^ parents: 
 it is the want of companionable qualities^ 
 moral resources, that has classed English- 
 
 VOL, I, Q women
 
 225 0£L£A« 
 
 women with the voluptuous inhabitants of 
 other climes. When music^ dancing, and 
 French, are the xvhole of a child's studies ; 
 when, to each of these, a considerable por- 
 tion of the dat/ is devoted ; when not one 
 vi07^al obligation is enforced, or a divine 
 truth illustrated, the creature grows into 
 woman, with no other idea than to attract 
 — at sixteen she dances a pas seul, with 
 hahitnal confidence — languishes an Italian 
 air, with a manner offensive to delicacy — 
 and either closes her career, by a blushless 
 apathy to opinions, or casts the doubtful 
 semblance aside, and stands confest a con- 
 vert to the Rights of Woman** 
 
 Cclia listened to her judicious friend, 
 with that deference that her judgment ever 
 demanded, and mentally she rejoiced, that 
 she had been reared upon principles so 
 distinct. 
 
 '' You will witness an extraordinary 
 system of education where we are going," 
 said Mrs. Welgrave, " if her Ladyship is at 
 home." 
 
 The
 
 CELIA. 227 
 
 The carriage stopped — Lady Sarburton 
 was at home, and the ladies were admit- 
 ted. Her Ladyship was plainly, though 
 elegantly attired ; her manners were mild 
 and prepossessing — '^ You are greatly like 
 your sister/' said her Ladyship, addressing 
 Celia ; '' I remember Miss Delacour, when 
 she first made her entre, as a nrost lovely 
 young woman.*' 
 
 Celia, smiling, declared — " That she had 
 never been considered to resemble her 
 sister/' 
 
 " Yes, there is a certain cast of coun- 
 tenance, an expression perfectly similar,*' 
 said her Ladyship ; '' yet there is more of 
 sensibility in your contour — Lady Townly's 
 is a speaking vivacity — a face that says a 
 thousand lively things without speaking — 
 t/our's seems to ask acquaintance ; will 
 you admit me of the select coterie?" 
 
 There was something irresistible, though 
 eccentfiCj in the manner of Lady Sarburton, 
 yet Celia felt disposed to acquiesce — 
 ** Your Ladyship does me honour/' said 
 .. ' Q 2 . our
 
 2^ CELIA, 
 
 cmr heroine, as she admitted her election 
 to her favour. 
 
 ''^ I am a pupil of Lavater*s/' said Lady 
 Sarburton, '' and never yet found my de- 
 cisions erroneous." 
 
 Celia thoug-ht the study /^^wgeraws, cal- 
 culated to establish prejudices. 
 
 '" Not air all ; believe me, I atn most 
 grateful that such a perfect mirror of ha- 
 man nature is given to our view ; it will 
 eventually p^o^^ of Infinite utility t?o TWf," 
 and she sighed. 
 
 Celia looked her surprise. 
 
 ** Are all the young people well ?" ask- 
 ed Mrs. Welgrave. 
 
 "In high health," said her Ladyship. 
 
 A se^rvant ente^red — *' The dinner is go- 
 ing !l>, my Lttdy," said the man. 
 
 *' I will attend immediatehj,'' said her 
 Ladyship, rising. " Will you see the 
 girls ?" said Lady Sarburton. 
 
 Mr^. Welgrave expressed her wish to 
 do so. Our heroine, invited by her lady- 
 ship, followed into an inner apartment, 
 
 where
 
 CZLJA. ^S9 
 
 where a Frenchwoman, the governess of 
 the children, was waiting with her pupils. 
 A large pair of wooden scales were sus- 
 pended from the ceiling, into which one 
 of the children stepped; a man-servant 
 placed the weights. 
 
 " Miss Louhdisix ounces/' said her Lady- 
 ship. A second ascended the emblem of 
 justice — '' Four ounces and a half," said 
 the tutelary goddess, examining the 
 weights. '^ Now, Charlotte," said her 
 Ladyship. The little girl stepped lightly 
 into the scale, evidently contracting her 
 r^iuscles, in order to diminish her weight 
 -T-'' Five ounces and a half!" said the 
 astonished mother. '^ What a cormorant 
 you are, Charlotte ! Let me beg of you^ 
 Ma'amselle, to be vigilant with Charlotte, 
 or she will be hideously gross.*' 
 
 Ma'amselle promised to attend to her 
 orders, and the children rushed out of the 
 room. 
 
 Celia owned some curiosity with respect 
 
 to the scene she had w itnessed-»-Mrs. Wei- 
 
 Q 3 grave
 
 230 OELIA. 
 
 grave saw her feelings — " My friend Lady 
 Sarburton is an enemy to indulgence in 
 food/' said Mrs. Welgrave^ addressing our 
 heroine ; '' and she uses the method we 
 have just seen exh' jited, in order to ascer- 
 tain what quantity she thinks will suffice 
 for the meal that is to follow." 
 
 Celia was silent. 
 
 ^' I am persuaded, that there is nothing 
 more prejudicial to the health and intellects 
 of children, than full feeding," said her 
 Ladyship ; " nay, I attribute the superior 
 literary excellence of my own countrijmen 
 (her Ladyship was a native of Scotland"), 
 to that abstemiousness so generally preva- 
 lent in their early days." 
 
 Celia thought excess must be injurious, 
 but imagined //mz/a^/ow equally dangerous. 
 
 '' You did not remark the girls," said 
 her Ladyship ; " Louisa has a dull heavy 
 countenance, wholly void of animation; 
 Mary is all sensibility ; her feelings wear 
 her frame- — she, consequently, requires more 
 nourishment; while Charlotte, who is na- 
 turally
 
 CELIA. 231 
 
 nirally inclined to be en bon pointy must 
 be checked, in order to rescue her under- 
 standing/' 
 
 Our heroine could not agree in this 
 whimsical explanation of her Ladyship's 
 system, while Mrs. Welgrave declared^ that 
 it was erroneous, and calculated to lead 
 the children into many errors — '' I should 
 fear for them, whenever temptation assails 
 them— nay, I really perceive^ a material 
 alteration in their looks/' 
 
 ^' You alarm me !"said Lady Sarburton ; 
 " be sincere, I entreat of you." 
 
 " Why, then, candidly, they appear 
 languid and emaciated ; their spirits seem 
 depressed, quite out of tone; none of that 
 eugaging liveliness, that usually accom- 
 panies children of their ages, is visible." 
 
 " But Lavater, my dear Welgrave ; I 
 have actually studied their countenances, 
 till my mind has been wrought up to the 
 jHost horrid anticipations !'* 
 
 " Burn the illiberal deceiver V said Mrs. 
 Q 4 Wei-
 
 232 CAtlA. 
 
 Welgrave, " sttid let your vanity, your /^w^- 
 ahle vanity ;, refute the vain predictions; 
 you have a right, in your own natural 
 character, to expect your children should 
 be amiable ; be content with what Heaven 
 has done for them in their persons, and, 
 instead of devising a new system of edu* 
 cation, take up the long neglected routine 
 of a moral education ; be assured, that the 
 precepts of Christianity, followed up by 
 such practices as your fortune will admit, 
 will do more for theirs' and your own hap- 
 piness, than any ideal plan that our fancies 
 could suggest." 
 
 '' You have a most specious way of 
 low^ering one's self-confidence,'* said Lady 
 Sarburton ; '*' but I have an invincible dis- 
 like to the present mode of education ; and 
 I believe I have, in order to evince this, 
 been somewhat fastidious in my own 
 plans." 
 
 '' We are all coxcombs in some way or 
 other/' said Mrs. Welgrave, smiling ; " for 
 
 my
 
 CELIA. S33 
 
 my own part, I am an old-fashioned one, 
 and am resolved on making my girls noU 
 aUe, domestic — in short, housewives/' 
 
 The^ Miss Sarburntons entered the 
 room ; her Ladyship, yet under the influ- 
 ence of her own system, felt the pulse of 
 each of (he children. Our heroine thought 
 that their countenances uniformly indi- 
 cated famine. Mrs. Welgrave, after some 
 conciliating conversation with the young 
 people, who evinced much intelligence 
 and sweetness of manner, preferred her 
 petition to Lady Sarburton. 
 
 " With pleasure,'* said her Ladyship, as 
 she drew her purse, and added five guineas 
 for the widow's aid. The children, as ac- 
 tuated by one sentiment, each opened 
 their Morroco purses, and begged to offer 
 their little mites. 
 
 " Dear girls," said Celia, while her eyes 
 were dimmed by tears of celestial softness; 
 *' what just feelings !" 
 
 " I hope they are good children," said 
 Lady Sarburton, with a look, in which the 
 
 honest
 
 234 CELIA. 
 
 honest pride of the mother was tenderlv 
 conspicuous. 
 
 ^' They are verij amiable/* said Mrs. 
 Welgrave, as she saluted their chq^ks, and 
 with our heroine retired, at once gi-atified 
 and affected. 
 
 '' Lady Sarburton is a charming wo- 
 man/* said Celia ; "even her eccentricities 
 are lost, in the evident virtue she pos- 
 sesses.'* 
 
 *' It is very true/* said Mrs. Welgrave, 
 *' though I must condemn her system ; yet 
 I trust she will be induced to yield the 
 plan altogether, as I purpose to apprise 
 her of a few particulars, of which she is at 
 present unacquainted. Her children have/ 
 from this horrid restriction, been led into 
 some little errors, which I mean to point 
 out to her — such as taking food whenever 
 they think they will not be discovered; 
 and Welgrave never visits them, but he 
 fills his pockets with cakes, and contrives 
 to corivey them into their hands — of 
 course, the girls, who are discerning, will 
 
 con-
 
 CELIA. ^35 
 
 conceive their mother is not thought judi- 
 eious in her management^ and will be led 
 into any deception that can encrease their 
 com for ^^" 
 
 " But how can she ascertain, that they 
 eat only such quantity as she ordered ?'* 
 asked Celia. 
 
 *' Their food is always weighed, and 
 served up in pieces,, which, from custom, 
 are well known to their governess." 
 
 *' Persevere, in pity's name \" said Celia, 
 as she shook hands with her amiable friend 
 on arriving at Lady Berton*s; '' rescue 
 those sweet girls, and convince their mo- 
 ther, that she has every thing to hope from 
 their natural characters/' 
 
 Sir Peter listened to our heroine's ac* 
 count of her morning round ; her remarks 
 were perfectly in unison with his own ; 
 Mr. Berton, who dined in Hanovei^squarc, 
 appeared absent and thoughtful — '' And 
 I have made some whimsical calls,'* said 
 Sir Peter; *' it is lamentable to observe 
 |he degeneracy of the times. On being 
 
 ushered
 
 5?36 C£tIA. 
 
 ushered to the drawing-room o[ one young 
 man, \fhose father was an honour to his 
 country, I found him engaged with a pron 
 fessed pugilist^ not only taking a lesson, 
 but jicquiring, at the same time, a species 
 of language^ which he afterwards told me 
 was used and tolerated in society, by the 
 term alang. I found another employed 
 in Imping for a considerable bet ; his 
 companions^ by their names^ I knew to be 
 men of family. 1 remained only a short 
 time, but long enough to see him lose a sum 
 of money that might have been better 
 employed. A third was surrounded by mu- 
 sicians, Mniself the flattered fiddle of the 
 company — and I grieved internally^ that 
 Fate had made a nobleman of a man, evi- 
 dently lorn to fritter away his existence 
 to smniquavers — in fact, there appeal^ no 
 such being as a well-bred gentleman, a 
 luan who, from his independant rank in life, 
 might be supposed to have had leisure to 
 cultivate his understanding. But I must 
 not omit to name another sort of cox- 
 comb.
 
 CELIA. 237 
 
 comb, who fell in my way this morning,** 
 continued the Baronet, " an inventive ge- 
 nius, whom I found happy, and greedily; 
 swallowing the compliments of hJs tayioVs 
 to whom he had just imparted a most i;2- 
 genious contrivance of a pocket, to be 
 made in his tuck's coat, '' Will your Lord- 
 ship allow me to call it the Quadrige pocket f* 
 said the taylor. My Lord paused—' Damme 
 yes — why not ? the Buxtons, the Bladons, 
 and the Barrymores^ have had their day — 
 yes, you may use my name/ said Lord 
 Quadrige ; ' I dare say it will tafke.' The 
 taylor assurcd him it would, and departed 
 to circulate this imperious item in the an- 
 nals of fashion." 
 
 " I must rejoice, my dear George/' said 
 Lady Berton, " that your father was so 
 judicious as to give you a profession ; how 
 many irksome hours it has taken off your 
 hands, while its study must have been a 
 source of infinite delight !" 
 
 George declared, that all his father's de- 
 cisions were well intended ; yet be wished 
 
 h^
 
 238 CELIA. 
 
 he had filled a situation more immediately 
 under the eye of his parents. 
 
 Lady Berton looked anxiously at her 
 son. The Baronet^ smiling, *' hoped 
 George had not lost a good client that 
 morning?" 
 
 '' I assuredly have," said Mr. Berton, 
 rising. 
 
 " Will you not stay with us.?" asked the 
 tender mother. 
 
 " Not this evening, my dear Madam/* 
 said George, taking the hand of her Lady- 
 ship ; '' but I will be with you in the 
 morning,*' and, bowing to Celia, he hastily 
 retired. 
 
 " My child is unhappy," said Lady Ber- 
 ton. 
 
 *' I rather think, my dear, that our son 
 has been overtaken by the world," said Sir 
 Peter. ." I have such reliance on the 
 goodness of his heart, that I do not believe 
 it is a material inroad ; at all events, we 
 shall soon discover the extent, for he is 
 unreserved ; and I would rather he felt a 
 
 few
 
 CELIA. ^9 
 
 few of the consequences of his errors^ than, 
 by a mistaken clemency on our parts, heal 
 the salutary compunctions of conscience, 
 who 
 
 notes each moment misapplied; 
 
 la leaves more durable than leaves of brass, 
 Writes our whole history,** 
 
 Lady Berton was fondly attacned to her 
 son ; she believed him incapable of glaring 
 follies, as suchj entitled to her sympathy; 
 thus, ere she retired for the night, she dis- 
 patched a few lines to George, expressive 
 of her anxiety, and a gentle hintj that she 
 expected his confidence. 
 
 Celia beheld the uneasiness of her 
 esteemed friend with real concern, owning, 
 in her own pure mind, all the calm of 
 innocence. It seemed to her more than 
 probable, that the depression of Mr. Ber- 
 ton proceeded from a cause more 'potent 
 than maternal affection was willing to ad- 
 mit — whether /are or friendship were most 
 discerning, remains to be elucidated. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 S40 CELIA. 
 
 CHAP. XII. 
 
 *« Art, cursed Art! wipes off the indented blush 
 From Nature's cheek, and bronzes ev'ry shame: 
 Man snMes in ruin, glories in his guilt. 
 And Infamy stands candidate for praise." 
 
 The few days that remained of our heroine's 
 purposed sojourn in Hanover-square bore 
 no feature worthy of record, save only the 
 continued inquietude of the amiable mis- 
 tress of the mansion, whose truant son ap- 
 peared rarely, and always in evident haste 
 to retire. Yet his manners were far more 
 attractive than Celia had at first thought 
 them, and to her he was assiduous and 
 conciliating — " You leave my mother to- 
 day ?" said George Berton, as he heard 
 Celia order Patty to prepare for their de- 
 parture. 
 
 Celia
 
 CELIA. 241 
 
 Celia replied in the affirmative. 
 
 '' Let me ask of you to see her as often 
 as vou can/' said Mr. Berton ; '' she will, 
 with mvself, have reason io lament your 
 absence.*' 
 
 CcIia declared, that the request was too 
 much in unison with her feelings to be 
 refused. 
 
 '' I may not see you again immediatdi//' 
 said George, taking the hand of our heroine 
 — '' Forgive my presumption. Miss Dela- 
 cour: the time was, when I might, with 
 honest pride, have told you, what I nozi) 
 blush to acknowledge, that to be distin- 
 guished by you w^ould have been at once 
 the bliss of my life, and the reward of a 
 loz-e, pure as your virtues could claim — I 
 love you, Celia; but I am unworthy of 
 you. That childish intercourse, which 
 marked our early days, has sprung up in 
 mv heart, revived with a potency that as- 
 sures me that loze is not the growth of a 
 day." 
 
 Celia endeavoured to repress the tender 
 VOL. I. R edaircissement
 
 342 CELIA. 
 
 eclair cissement. She was flattered by his 
 esteem, regarded him as a brother, and, if 
 he would divest his language of an infer- 
 ence so extensive, she should be happy to 
 assure him of her esteem — '' Could slie eflect 
 his peace of mind, by telling his mother 
 that he was under any inquietude?'* 
 
 " No ; not for the world,'' said Mr. 
 Berton ; " she could not restore my peace; 
 I am doomed to give anguish, where I would 
 die to prove my affection. — Heaven bless 
 you Celia!'* said the subdued Berton, as he 
 respectfully raised the hand of our heroine 
 to his lips, and retired. 
 
 Celia was unfeignedly interested in the 
 feelings of Mr. Berton. There was in his 
 character a generosity of sentiment, a 
 warmth of heart, that was irresistibly at- 
 tractive ; but had he been as amiable as she 
 had remembered him, as uncontaminated 
 by the world as she had once known him, 
 yet he was not the sort of man to whom 
 she could have yielded her hearts" I be- 
 lieve I know the feeling to be spontaneous 
 
 — Love
 
 CELIA, 
 
 &'13 
 
 — Love is anterior to reflection: Ibiit that 
 love which will not hear refiection/' said 
 Celia, mentally, '' can never constitute hap- 
 piness/' 
 
 Lady Bertcn reluctantly parted with her 
 young friend. Sir Peter, as an assurance 
 of the value in which he held her society, 
 declared that he purposed to be 072€ amongst 
 the group invited to a select party at Lady 
 Townly's, fixed for the next week. 
 
 The return of our heroine was welcomed 
 by her sister with sincere pleasure. Sir 
 Harry seemed in better spirits. He was 
 eloquent in his approval of his Lady's 
 solidity — '' We have been at home three 
 evenings," said he, '' with no company 
 except Belford — nay, I already fancy that 
 your sister looks better for this quiet.'' 
 
 Celia readily admitted the impression; 
 while Lady Townly, half laughing, resorted 
 to the mirror, declaring she believed they 
 were in a league to deceive her into happiness, 
 by flattering her van it j/. 
 
 R 2 '' Your
 
 244 CELIA. 
 
 *' Your fyi^actice will amply illustrate the 
 motives of those who love you/' said Celia, 
 *' while its effects will constitute a beauty 
 that no mirror could reflect, because it is 
 internals* 
 
 *' So this is to reprove my vanity " said 
 Lady Townly^ turning from the glass. 
 
 " Rather to improve it, Fanny," said the 
 Baronet ; *' for Celia judiciously infers, that 
 mental beauty is preferable to personal at- 
 tractions/* 
 
 " I should be sorry that they could not 
 Mend,*' said her Ladyship, with a look too 
 much like vanity to be grateful io our 
 heroine. 
 
 A servant delivered a parcel to Lady 
 Townly, and at the same time announced 
 Mr.Belford. 
 
 The Baronet beheld the influence that 
 Celia had on the feelings of his friend with 
 unaffected concern ; for it was obvious to 
 him ^he esteemed him, but no more. 
 
 " 1 had calculated correctly/' said Mr. 
 
 Belford,
 
 CELIA. 245 
 
 Belford, addressing Celia; ''you see lam 
 punctual — how have you done without my 
 cues?" 
 
 " Pretty well/' said Celia; '' but you 
 know I have been in a domestic circle, 
 excepting one morning, and then Mrs. 
 Welgrave was my chaperon.** 
 
 Sir Harry and Belford united in opinion, 
 that every hour passed in the society of 
 such a woman was an hour gained. 
 
 *' My dear Townly/* said her Ladyship, 
 opening the parcel, **' how kind ! really 
 this is quite unexpected — Are they not 
 beautiful, Celia?" and she presented a most 
 expensive set of emeralds for the inspection 
 of Celia. 
 
 '' I heard you say you admired them," 
 said the Baronet. 
 
 Celia thought them very handsome. 
 
 '' How unique '/' said her Ladyship, 
 placing each ornament agreeably to their 
 designation, and again regarding herself in 
 the mirror. 
 
 Celia blushed — To her there was much 
 R 3 weakness
 
 S46 CELIA. 
 
 weakness in betraying such pleasure at ^ 
 present of the sort. She thought it very 
 natural to be gratified by tlie attention of 
 a husband^ to appreciate the gift as a proof 
 of his remembronce ; but to view herself 
 v,hh such apparent salisfaction, was ridicul- 
 ous. Mr. Bclford smiled. The footsteps 
 cf Kachel caught the car of Celia. She 
 arose to meet her niece. The child was 
 overjoyed when she learned that her " dear 
 Celia '* was come home again — '' What 
 pretty playthings! "said the lil tie girl, look- 
 ing at the present of the Baronet — '*' Did 
 papa buy them for Rachel ?'* 
 
 " They are mine,'' said Lady Townly, 
 laughing, and explaining the difTerent ar- 
 ticles by name. 
 
 " Then you are xcrij good/' said Rachel. 
 — '' May mama wear all these?" asked the 
 Jittle reascner, turning to Celia. 
 
 '' I wear these things, because it is th^ 
 fashion,'* said Lady Townly. 
 
 '' Fashion !" said Rachel, pausing. 
 
 ^'/ What
 
 CELIA. 247 
 
 " What is fashion?" asked Cella, address- 
 ing the child. 
 
 " Why, fashion is not to wear pockets/' 
 said Rachel. 
 
 The laugh that ensued deranged Rachel's 
 explanation, till Celia, placing the child by 
 her side, encouraged her to proceed. 
 
 *' Why, Mi net walked out with me yes- 
 terday, and I asked her to give me some 
 monev for a poor little girl, and she said 
 she had no money ; and I told her to feel 
 in her pockets, but she said she had none ; 
 and when I asked her why, she said, ' It 
 was not the fashion,'* 
 
 '' What a satire on the leaders of such 
 folly V said Mr.Belford, "and how forcibly 
 does it impress the necessity of placing 
 cliUdrcn under the care of something supe- 
 rior to this pocketless damsel/' 
 
 " The nurse-maid of Rachel," said our 
 heroine, '^ is a well-mannered unassuming 
 woman. I have been at some pains to un- 
 derstand her chafacter, and must believe 
 jier in all respects unexceptionable.'* 
 
 R 4 The
 
 248 CELIA. 
 
 The Baronet spoke in pi-aise of Martin, 
 while Lady Townly was wholly engaged in 
 admiring her emeralds. 
 
 Celia was anxious to correct the ideas of 
 Kachel with respect to fashion. The Hue 
 was somewhat difficult to. draw, where the 
 mother, had avowed herself as %i)caring 
 jewelsj because they were the fashion; yet 
 she made the attempt] and, with much suc- 
 cess, illustrated that it was benevolent to 
 encourage the making of ornaments, be- 
 cause a number o( families were supported 
 by their use — " And pockets are useful,'* 
 continued Celia; and she exemplified the 
 happiness that Rachel mjght have been able 
 to difiusc, had she had money when she 
 fished to relieve the child. 
 
 " Then some fashions are Jiaiighii/," said 
 pachel, with infinite simplicity. 
 
 *' They are," said Celia; " and till ^fou 
 can know the nscful from the nanghty, my 
 little Rachel will not make use of the 
 ^ord." 
 
 The child Vk'as satisfied by the explanation^ 
 ^ ^ and
 
 CELIA. 249 
 
 and our heroine, promising to teach her to 
 make a pocket, added to the happiness of 
 the fondly-attached Rachel. 
 
 " Celia/' said Lady Townly, " ail your 
 ideas are correct; yet how you c:\'^ have 
 acquired such a 'practical knowledoe of 
 the mode by which children should be 
 educated, is amazing to me. Really, my 
 dear girl, I should be sorry to think vou 
 never intended to marry, though actually 
 it will be next to impossible that vou 
 should, unless you are more encouraeinsr 
 than at present. There is Danburv, for 
 instance, he quite annoys me — nay, I have 
 half consented to let him run down to 
 Iladley, to ask aunt Martha's leave to address 
 you in form." 
 
 "How ridiculous!" said Celia, looking 
 serious; " you cannot suppose me so cre- 
 dulous, or that my ranily is gratified bv 
 your m.irth." 
 
 " It is certain that Danburv has avov/ed 
 himself your slave," said Sir Harry ; '•' but 
 I bade him take thought, nor tempt an 
 
 humiliation
 
 250 CELIA. 
 
 humiliation so dreadful to a beau. I was 
 assured you could not like him/' continued 
 Sir Harry, '' or I should not have crushed 
 his hopes." 
 
 " You either have no heart to give, 
 Celia, or your mind is very romantic,'* said 
 Lady Townly ; " for Danbury is a hand- 
 some man, possessed of a good fortune- 
 nay, I know half a dozen families into which 
 he could match, if he chose: but you are 
 insensible even to the elegant Berton, who, 
 if he was as poor as poverty coitld make 
 him, would find fortune in the form of many 
 a generous maid — Yes, I see how it is ; yoii 
 appear very difiident of yourself, but are, 
 in realitij, a very aspiring saucv:girl/* 
 
 " The charge is just," saidCella ; " though 
 I believe our sentiments are distinct as to 
 the presumptiGu of my nature. — I mdy aspire^ 
 but I cannot be deceived," 
 
 '' I think Berton appears to have acquired 
 solidity," said the Baronet, addressing Mr. 
 Belford. 
 
 Mr,
 
 CELIA. 251 
 
 Mr. Eelford thought him less volatile; 
 but he forbore to enlarge on the subject. 
 
 " There is a most happy proportion of 
 jealousy in your sex/' said Lady Townly^ 
 laughing ; " I declare I frequently say more 
 than I would in praise of two or three 
 young men of my acquaintance, merely 
 because I perceive the vexation it causes. 
 
 The motive is amiable,'* said Sir Harry, 
 smiling. 
 
 '' It IS laughable," said Mr. Bclford. — 
 " The characters of women, gcncrallij spe^k- 
 Jng, are highly wrought. Thus, when they 
 'praise from 'principle and from pique, the 
 distinction is easily traced. In x\ie first, their 
 sensibility distinguishes even the defects of 
 the approved, with a colouring exuberant 
 yet flattering to the object ; in the latter, 
 their applause is the badinage of sentiment — 
 such palpable caricature, that they elucidate 
 where they mean to deceive.** 
 
 " What an impertinent analysis!'* sai4 
 J^ady Townly. 
 
 '' I fear
 
 252 GELIA. 
 
 " I fear it is a most Gorre<:;t one;" said 
 Celia. 
 
 '' What, do you admit fhat we are such 
 ridiculous creatures?" said her Ladyship, 
 addressing Cell a. ^ 
 
 *' I rather consider Mr. Eelford has drawn 
 too fluttering a portrait/' rejoined our 
 heroine ; '' he has given moi^'df nature to 
 us than we dare claim." 
 
 " This is affected humility, a very ruinous 
 assertion ; my dear girl, reflect, you are 
 putting arms in the handr. of despotic wan, 
 that would, if gazers//// sanctioned, sink us 
 below our noble selves." 
 
 '' It is in your arlificiql characters that 
 you lose your supeiior it j/," said the Baronet 
 — " A natural, unaffected woman, is a crea- 
 ture who comrtiands respect, even from the 
 vicious. A libertine will not appreciate 
 such a being as she deserves; yet he is con- 
 scious of her worth, while he feels she is 
 ahove his censure." 
 
 '' You remind mc of Eiiincourt," said 
 Belford — " he has obtained a divorce, and 
 
 retired
 
 CEi.lA. 253 
 
 retired with ihis children, I believe, into 
 Wales." 
 
 "What an amiable fellow he is!'* said 
 Sir Harry. 
 
 '' He deserved his fate/* said Lady 
 Townly- '* never did nman exert such an 
 undue influence ; it was quite ridiculous — 
 poor Lady Ellincourt, if she walked^ it must 
 be with him; she must not dancer unless 
 she would wave established etiquette, and 
 allow him to he her partner — he looked 
 over her cards, and selected such as he chose 
 she should visit; and I heard him call her 
 deceptions, because she received old Snow- 
 don, according to the ' usage of society/ 
 and laughed (as we all do) the moment 
 she had quitted the room. She must go 
 to church eveiy Sunday ; and if she declined 
 it, he would not permit her to take the air 
 all that day ; yet he managed all this under 
 such a specious appearance of affection, that 
 I really believe few women have met less 
 pity than this married martyr/* 
 
 " Fanny, I beseech you not to defend 
 
 such
 
 254 CELIA. 
 
 such a. woman," said Sir Harry : " she is, 
 of all beings^ least worthy of regard ; when 
 I look at her deceived and honourable 
 partner, behold the ravages which grief has 
 made on his fine person, have witnessed the 
 torture of his bosom, when his innocent 
 and deserted children have awakened the 
 liveliest sensibility by their artless ques- 
 tions, I have been tempted to forget she 
 w'as a wxman — Never let me hear tjoic at- 
 tempt to qualify her errors : she is the vilest 
 of her sex/' 
 
 Lady Townly, half angry, requested the 
 Baronet would sionifv his commands in 
 terms less pereniptort/. 
 
 *' Forgive me," said Sir Harry, extending 
 his hand, '' you know my friendship for 
 ElJincourt, and the perfect respect I once 
 owned for his wretched wife. I have heard 
 you exhibit the ziriues of my friend as so 
 many apologies for the criminality of 
 Augusta. Consider yourself — rem.ember, 
 that though cowjpassion is a lovely and be- 
 coming attribute of your sex, you cannot 
 
 tolerate
 
 CELIA. 255 
 
 tolerate a moral defection, but by degrading 
 yourselves. Should she fall into po'ceni/^ 
 by the neglect of her protector, should she 
 need your aid, let your hand and heart be 
 ready to administer to her comfort; but 
 7/ct retain the pride of virtue — save her 
 from further guilt, by every means in your 
 power, sooth and recal her wandering soul ; 
 but let it be with the zeal of a Christian, 
 not the approral of an associate." 
 
 '* Sir Frederic will marr\' her directljj/' 
 said Lady Townly — " she will be received 
 in society, and we shall all forget what is 
 past." 
 
 '' Not all," s?!id the Baronet, with warmth, 
 " nor shall she ever be admitted here, under 
 anj/ name." 
 
 Celia blushed for her sister. There was 
 a want of delicacy in her present defence, 
 for which she could find no excuse — it was 
 beyond thoug-hilessness — it was levity. If 
 her understanding was not warped, her 
 religion must be imperfect; and though 
 the Baronet had descanted on her solidity, 
 
 Celia
 
 256 CELIA. 
 
 Celia believed her either relapsing into her 
 ysual habits, or, what she trembled to ac- 
 credit, iusineere. 
 
 '' It is dreadful to observe the false cha- 
 racters under which v,'omen now appear," 
 said Mr. Belford; '' to see the multitude 
 countenancing errors, that the meanest sense 
 of religion must refute; yet with what 
 supine austerity they look down upon the 
 deceived victim of man's unhallowed love, 
 with ^sh7\X fortitude they will cast the wretch- 
 ed "wanderer from their favour; no en- 
 couraging hand is stretched out, to place 
 her in society — she is beneath the suffrage of 
 the great; while the accomplished seducer, 
 who leads the married woman from the 
 path of honour, is absolutely carressed, 
 supported in his infamy, and his guilty 
 partner received where she ought to be 
 spurned : yet her associates would dare to 
 be offended, if told that their delicacy was 
 questionahlCj in suffering an innovation so 
 prejudicial to morality, so encouraging to 
 vice/* 
 
 3
 
 CKLIA. 257 
 
 *' In the name of goodness, what could I 
 possibly do, if I met Lady Ellincourt at the 
 parties of my friends?'* said Lady Townly; 
 " could / turn my back on her, when others 
 have thought proper to overlook what has 
 happened?*' 
 
 '' It might cost you a pang," said Sir 
 Harry, '' from the remembrance of what she 
 was ; but the knowledge of what she is, 
 should dictate the conduct proper for evert/ 
 woman of virtue to observe." 
 
 '' Well, I sincerely hope she may not 
 come in my way," said Lady Townly ; *' for 
 my feelings would not permit me to be so 
 rigid,'* 
 
 " You are imposing on yourself Fanny/* 
 said the Baronet; " mistaking weakness, a 
 mean siibmission to worldly opinions, for 
 sensibility. It is, like all the artifices of the 
 garish cheat, a brazen mask; and if the 
 prolific despot did not intoxicate ye by his 
 variety, Reason would usurp her throne, 
 and restore you to your natural cha- 
 racters." 
 
 VOL. I. s V Celia,
 
 258 CELIA. 
 
 " Celia, you will go with me to Lady 
 Desmond's this evening ? " said Lady Townly 
 — '' I accepted the invitation for you." 
 
 " Does Townly go ?'' asked Celia. 
 
 The Baronet replied in the affirmative, 
 and our heroine assented. 
 
 " I shall see you/' said Mr. Belford ; '' I 
 mean to be of the mob, but it will be late, 
 for I dine with Berton at his chambers." 
 
 " Mr. Berton appears to need the society 
 of a friend," said Celia; '^ he is quite out 
 of spirits." 
 
 Belford regarded Celia with attention. 
 
 " This is a beginning/' said Lady Townly 
 — '^ If once you condescend to cowpassion- 
 ate, Celia, you will learn to love." 
 
 '* I must change my disposition, if I could 
 be insensible to the uneasiness of those I 
 esteem ; and Lady Berton is so evidently 
 depressed by the alteration in her son's 
 manner, that I not only avow myself anxious 
 to see her peace restored, but interested 
 for George, whom I believe in many points 
 amiable." 
 
 Mr.
 
 CELIA. 259 
 
 Mr. Belford coincided in part, and, as 
 he arose, declared, " That if anything could 
 alleviate the present melancoUe of Berton^ 
 it would be the sympathy of Miss Dela- 
 cour ; but / have not the temerity to 
 offer the balm," continued Belford, " nor 
 yet the hardihood to msh it more than 
 friendship J* 
 
 " Ah! my poor Belford!'* said Lady 
 Townly, as the door closed, '' caught at 
 last ! — Really, MissDelacourj if your charms 
 had not already made some considerable 
 conquests, I must say that your vanity, in 
 the present case, could not be much ele- 
 vated/' 
 
 " We differ," said Celia— '' the conquests 
 to which you attach value seem to me truly 
 ridiculous ; as if it was possible men, whom 
 I have merely seen in large assemblies, of 
 whose characters I know nothing, and who 
 are perfect strangers to mine, could for a 
 moment engage my attention. If my vanity 
 can be flattered, it is by the approbation 
 of those who know me; and, of all the 
 s 2 men
 
 260 CELIA. 
 
 men I have yet seen, Mr. Bel ford's good 
 opinion is of most consequence to me. 
 — I like his character, and I honour his 
 principles.** 
 
 ' '' Mon DieuV* said Lady Townly, laugh- 
 ing-^'^ a mutual passion 1 Well, my dear 
 CeKa, a more eccentric choice you could 
 not have made — at least, you will be the 
 rage for a season ! '* 
 
 "J wish Belford was destined to a lot so 
 happy,** said the Baronet — '' nay, I wish 
 that Celia was disposed to requite his love; 
 but she is not. I understand her feelings 
 better than you do, Fanny. — May she meet 
 a heart as fondly attached to her, as worthy 
 of her unreserved affection!'* 
 
 Celia blushed. It was by now beyond a 
 doubt certain, that Mr. Belford had confided 
 his feelings to his friend; it was by no 
 means a triumph to our heroine ; her ideas 
 of love were not those of a moderne. Divest- 
 ing it of all romance, she believed it pos- 
 sible to have a serious effect on a good 
 mind— ''For does not the self -created im^ge 
 
 of
 
 CELIA. 261 
 
 of the fancy awaken our sensibility?'' said 
 Celia, mentally ; " and when we see our 
 iJwughts personified^ it must either prove 
 the perfection of sentiment, or the tomb of 
 hope/' And she secretly resolved to avoid, 
 as much as possible, every occasion that 
 could add to a preference, which she was 
 assured she could not requite. 
 
 The avowal of Mr. Berton made no im- 
 pression on pur heroine; for thoirgh he 
 might Mc sincere in his love, the natural 
 liveliness of his character would soon leave 
 him at liberty to sigh elsewhere. 
 
 Lady Townly, decked in her emeralds, 
 seemed wholly absorbed in self. Celia, 
 simply attired, attended her Ladyship to 
 St. James's-square. The same faces, the 
 same manners, that distinguish a certain 
 circle, were conspicuous. 
 
 " You are quite a pedestrian," said Lady 
 Desmond, as she addressed Celia — "' I have 
 seen you several mornings, with your 
 rustic attendant — you cannot imagine, my 
 dear Miss Delacour, what odd remarks 
 s3 (those
 
 262 CELIA. 
 
 (those who do not know you) make upon 
 this village Cymon." 
 
 '' He is an excellent and favourite ser- 
 vant/* said Celia — " I would not exchange 
 him, for any that London could produce/* 
 
 '' It is all prejudice, I believe/* said her 
 Ladyship, shrugging her shoulders. 
 
 '' Entirely so, I am persuaded," said 
 Celia. 
 
 '* Were you at Lady Frost's last night ?*' 
 said Lady Bal> Blindon, who, with her bro- 
 ther, joined our heroine. 
 
 Celia replied in the negative. 
 
 " Well, my dear creature, let me describe 
 it : — Her rooms are so smally that one has 
 scarcely the power of breathing ; then she 
 is so anxious to show off her daughters, that 
 she introduces music incessantly, so that 
 you are forced to stop your ears, in order 
 to avoid being stunned; and when you 
 perceive, by the manner o{ some, (who are 
 obliged to appear pleased), that the exhi- 
 bition is over, you find yourself too late to 
 offer your expected applause : — but it wpn't 
 
 do ;
 
 CELIA. 263 
 
 do ; the girls remain ; though it must be 
 allowed she does not spare expence, and 
 her dinners may boast all the beaux of con- 
 sequence. — How are you ? I hope you have 
 conquered the fatigue of last night?** said 
 Lady Bab to the iperson she had been thus 
 eloquent in ridiculing, 
 
 "Have you seen Ernmore?" said Lady 
 Frost — " He promised to be my escort this 
 evening, and has not yet made his appear- 
 ance/' 
 
 '' He dined with us/' replied Lady Bab ; 
 '^ but we dropped him at Bridoon's, who 
 has just arrived with his lovely bride/* 
 
 " What a bore!*' said Lady Frost — '' I 
 would not be punished by a visit of tb* 
 sort/* 
 
 " One is forced to bear with many dis^ 
 agreeables/* retorted Lady Bab, with a smile 
 — '' for instance, your stuffed parties/* sh(# 
 continued, in a low voice. "Adieu, forthe 
 present — Oh! here comes Querelle ; now 
 for a catalogue of horrors ; she will run 
 5 4 through
 
 264 
 
 CELIA. 
 
 through all the diseases that are known, 
 invent half- a thousand that never ex- 
 istedi and offer a pharmacopeia, with all 
 the dignity of an M.D.- V/hat an at- 
 mosphere!" said Lady Bab^ addressing Lady 
 Querelle. 
 
 '' It is intense, my dear friend/' replied 
 her Ladyship; '" but I am guarded;" and 
 she resorted to her gold scent-box. 
 
 Mrs. Welgrave advanced. 
 
 '' Tell me candidly/' said Lady Querelle, 
 arresting the progress of this amiable wo- 
 man, " m^y I venture to hold converse with 
 you?" .c \:.y. 
 
 '' You are quite safe/* said Mrs.Welgrave, 
 taking the arm of Celia; ." I publish my 
 family bulletin by being here," 
 
 " Aye, that I can believe/* said Lady 
 Querelle ; *' but have you not been seeking 
 danger, if not death, in your morning cha- 
 rities?*' 
 
 '' I do not go into danger voluntarily," 
 said Mrs. Welgrave ; and turning to Celia, 
 
 she
 
 celia: 265 
 
 she entered into a conversation that drew 
 our heroine from her fashionable com- 
 panion. 
 
 Lady Bab joined another party. 
 
 " This young lady carries a bill of health 
 in her countenance/* said Lady Querelle — 
 ^' it-must be a source of infinite happiness 
 to youj Madam/' 
 
 Celia declared herself grateful. 
 
 '' Yet persons so rudely healthy are a 
 certain prey in all epidemic attacks/* con- 
 tinued Lady Querelle. 
 
 *' Life is a frail tenure with us all/* said 
 Celia — " we should endeavour to be pre-' 
 pared.*' 
 
 '' I am always prepared, always guarded/' 
 said her Ladyship, again snuffing her aro- 
 matic vinegar — "' you are perfectly right/' 
 and dropping our heroine, she took the 
 arm of Mrs. Bruton. 
 
 '' What a strange being!** said Celia. 
 
 '' Quite a character/* said Mrs.Welgravc; 
 '/ She consults all the men of eminence, 
 
 with
 
 256 CELlA. 
 
 with as much formality as if she was really 
 ill. Some have deelined her summons^ 
 others laugh at her, and, by subscribing to 
 her foible^ eventually wrest her fortune, 
 for she is indefatigable till she gains ac- 
 quiescence. '■ 
 
 Lady Cardonnel, attended by Lord Ern- 
 Hiore and Mr. Bridoon, approached. Her 
 Ladyship was in high spirits. 
 
 " Here I am, sans ceremonie" said Bridoon 
 — " I must see Lady Desmond/' 
 
 *' You cruel creature/' said the fair 
 hostess, *' when you know how we languish 
 to see your good Lady, not to apprize me 
 of your arrival." 
 
 . Lady Cardonnel hid her face behind her 
 fan ; while Bridoon, with fashionable non- 
 cliakmce J . repYied to her Ladyship; but, 
 contrary to the hopes of Lady Cardonnel; 
 the gallant bridegroom joined our heroine, 
 with whom he found Lord Ernmore— ''Now 
 for a dutiful apology," said Bridoon; '^ here 
 comes 7/0 wr mama, Ernmore." 
 
 The
 
 CELIA. 267 
 
 The young Lord looked vexed. 
 
 *' You are a most dilatory beau,'* said 
 Lady Frost, somewhat piqued. 
 
 '' I must throw myself on your clemency," 
 said his Lordship. 
 
 " I have a message for you," continued 
 the wily mother. 
 
 " I will attend you presently. Madam/' 
 said Lord Ernmore, passing on. 
 
 Her Ladyship paused for a moment, then 
 using her fan with some vehemence, she 
 flung herself into a seat, in order to watch 
 her prey. 
 
 '' You cannot imagine how often I have 
 reflected on our last meeting," said Bridoon, 
 addressing Celia. 
 
 " Indeed \" said our heroine, smiling — 
 ^' and OUT first too, I believe, for we never 
 met but once/* 
 
 '' Your memory is vastly correct," said 
 Bridoon ; '' I am highly flattered by the 
 recollection." 
 
 ''Make way for an aspiring bachelor," said 
 JVIr. Danbury, putting Bridoon on one side 
 
 —'' my
 
 26S CKLfA. 
 
 — '* my dear Miss Delacoiir, these married 
 men are -the irsost presuming creatures in 
 existen e — allow me the honour ofattendr 
 mgyoiu". 
 
 Lord Ernmore declared it would be diffi-* 
 cult to draw a line in the pr^se?!^ instance. 
 
 Mrs. Bruton and Miss Desmond ap^ 
 preached — '' How excessively weW Lady 
 Townly looks to-night!'*' said Mrs; Bruton ; 
 " she is a most fascinating woman/* 
 
 Celia was silent ; she had not forgotten 
 this lady's former mention of her sister. 
 
 ^'^ Lady Townly is very handsome, no 
 doubt/' said Danbury ; '' I always thought 
 her so; but I have lived to see her, all 
 lovely as she is, completely eclipsed;'* and 
 lie bowed to our heroine. 
 
 " You must be cautious in admitting 
 Mr. Danbury's compliments/* said Mrs. 
 Bruton; *' he says the same to every young 
 lady.*' 
 
 '' After a time" said Mr, Belford, who 
 had awaited Mrs. Bruton's remark ere he 
 addressed our heroine. 
 
 ''He
 
 CELIA. 269 
 
 ^*' He Is a contemplative genius, we alt 
 know," said Lord Em more ; " pray, what 
 is the term of his ruminations?" 
 
 *' Only till he has learned the connexions 
 and expectations of his fair enslaver," replied 
 Belford. 
 
 Mr. Danbury looked fierce ; Lord Ern- 
 more laughed immoderately. 
 
 " Be passive," said Mr. Belford, speaking 
 in a low voice; '' J dined with Eerton." 
 
 Danbury was quiescent, and soon dis- 
 appeared. 
 
 " How intolerably stupid!" said Lady 
 Cardonnel ; " did you ever feel yourselves 
 more inclined to take a nap ? I have con- 
 trived to yawn two or three times before 
 our Lady-hostess, in order to give her a 
 hint that somethins: was wantinor." 
 
 Before Mrs. Welgrave or Celia could 
 reply. Lady Bab Blindon advanced — " The 
 secret's out," said she ; *' we are to have 
 music ; but poor Desmond has been cavilling 
 with the professors/ till within this half 
 
 hour.
 
 ^70 G£LIA. 
 
 hoiir^ and now "we must shut our eyes/ or 
 appear to be blind, while the arrangements' 
 are made." 
 
 ''' She is an admirable economist/' said 
 Lady Cardonnel ; " but there is something 
 vastly impertinent in collecting a party^ 
 with no intention of amusing them.'* 
 
 Celia smiled ; and Mr. Belford, with an 
 appropriate glance, observed, *' that Fashion 
 smiled on her votaries this evening; for 
 see,*' said he, *^ what an efficient interlude 
 is just announced !** 
 
 " Quadrige, I declare!" said the ladies, 
 with a gracious smile, and a perfect sm^^ei/ 
 and adjustment of their draperies, not 
 omitting the disposition of their gorgon. 
 ringlets. 
 
 My Lord advanced ; his figure was manly 
 and graceful ; a conscious sense of his per- 
 sonal advantages was apparent in every 
 movement. All the ladies endeavoured to 
 catch his eye, while the men were examin- 
 ing and contracting his dress. 
 
 '' 1 will
 
 CELIA. 271 
 
 '' I will be cruel/' said Mrs. Welgrave, 
 in a low voice; and she addressed Lord 
 Quadrige. 
 
 " My dear Madam/' said the Peer, join- 
 mg- Mrs.Welsrave, " how are we to account 
 for this condescension, you so seldom grace 
 the motley circle? — Ah ! I presume/* and 
 he bowed to Celia, '' this lady is the lovely 
 cause/' 
 
 Mi-s. Welgrave declared that chance alone 
 had given her the pleasure of Miss Dela- 
 cour's society that evening. 
 
 " Miss Delacour !" repeated ray Lord, 
 '^ I certainly remember the name.'* 
 
 '' This lady is a sister of Lady Townly s/' 
 rejoined Mrs. Welgrave, introducing our 
 heroine. 
 
 " I was conscious of a more than or- 
 dinary feeling/* said Lord Quadrige — 
 '' yes, I perceive the same expression, 
 the same exquisite animation, that at once 
 charms and piurders the peace of us poor 
 devils/' 
 
 '' You
 
 27^ CELIA. 
 
 '' You look well for a murdered lover/^ 
 said Belford. 
 
 " Aye, Belford, you may laugh," said 
 my Lord; '' you were once the repository 
 of my tender sentiments^ but you have 
 grown callous, a perfect barbarian." 
 
 *' Or rather is it not you who have 
 changed/* replied Belford — *' you have be- 
 come a leader." 
 
 '' The very question I was going to 
 ask," said Lady Bab, interrupting Mr. 
 Belford — '' Do tell us what colours your 
 leaders are to be on the hucks* starting 
 day? for there will be no discovering one's 
 friends, the dress is so elegantly exact, so 
 unique." 
 
 '* You will know us by the precedence in 
 which we move," said my Lord, with an air 
 of triumph ; at the same time going through 
 the fashionable list. 
 
 " We are all looking forward to the day 
 with the highest expectation,*'" said Lady 
 Bab. 
 
 '' We
 
 CELIA. 27S 
 
 ^' We will endeavour not to disappoint 
 you/' said the Peer, with a countenance as 
 serious as though the contention had been 
 one in which a man might be proud to be 
 classed. 
 
 The concert began ; but the ladies seem- 
 ed to have forgotten their ennui, till Lord 
 Quadrige attended our heroine and Mrs. 
 Welgrave to the music-room. 
 
 '' Charming! bravo!" was repeated be- 
 fore the performers had displayed their 
 talents at exciting such raptures. 
 
 Lady Desmond sang a bravura; it was 
 followed by a duo between Miss Desmond 
 and Lord Ernmore; Lady Frost declaring, 
 in . a loud whisper;, that Miss Desmond's 
 voice was not suited to the tenor of my 
 Lord — " Did you ever hear Caroline and 
 Ernmore?" said her Ladyship, turning to 
 Mr. Danbury. 
 
 "A thousand times," said the flatterer, 
 " and always with increased admiration." 
 
 Mr. Bridoon, accompanied by a very 
 ¥0L, I. T handsome*
 
 274 CELIA. 
 
 handsome-looking man, entered the room. 
 Ceha thought the countenance of Mr. 
 Belford seemed indignant. Mrs.Welgrave 
 turned towards the door — '' Milner, I de- 
 clare!" said she, turning pale; '' get me 
 out of this crowd, my dear Belford/* she 
 added, " and, if possible, unperceived." 
 
 At this moment Sir Harry waved his hand 
 to Celia, who, understanding the summons, 
 withdrew, under the care of Belford. The 
 agitation of Mrs. Welo^rave seemed of a 
 nature that repelled alleviation from active 
 services. Celia placed her arm silently 
 through her own — '' Do not let me take 
 you away,'* said Mrs.Welgrave. 
 
 Celia explained, that she never remained 
 at any party after twelve, if she could con- 
 veniently retire. 
 
 " Then we will go together," said Mrs. 
 
 Welgrave ; '' Sir Harry can return to Lady 
 
 Townly, and Mr. Belford shall take charge 
 
 of us." 
 
 Mr. Belford gladly accepted the permission. 
 
 ^'Poor
 
 CELiA. S75 
 
 ^' Poor Berkley/' said Mrs. Welgrave ; 
 '' how happy I am that he is removed from 
 the possibility of such a meeting!" 
 
 " He was always judicious, always well- 
 judging/' said Mr. Belford, *' and will, I 
 trust, regain, in his present retirement, 
 that peace which he has a right to ex- 
 pect/' 
 
 Celia was interested in the feelings of 
 her amiable friend, who, as she put her 
 down in Portman-square, affectionately 
 pressing her hand, made her promise to 
 spend the next morning in Devonshire- 
 place. Celia cheerfully assented ; and re- 
 ceiving two notes from the hands of Richard, 
 ascended to the drawing-room. Their con- 
 tents were cause of deep surprise to our 
 heroine. The first was from Mr. Berton, 
 who claimed the honour of half an hour*s 
 conversation, at a period as early as her 
 kindness would permit. The second was 
 in a female hand, and written with much 
 simplicity. It asked her pardon for the 
 T 2 presumption
 
 276 CEtiA. 
 
 pi^esumption of the address ; yet, in the next 
 line i\>5as assured af her forgiveness and 
 acquiesceiTee — ^'' I have heard — I knozv yon 
 are amiable," said the unaffected writer; 
 " I cannot shock your sig/i^, 'for I am not 
 atblusliless child of.ertor — ^but I ?Lm fallen, 
 miserably fallen.'* And the. note concluded 
 in terms respectful, but bearing no signature 
 or address. 
 
 Ct\\2i 'paused over this appeal to her feel- 
 ings, .with profound. yet unsuccessful medi- 
 tation. 'iShe "bald, -dtiring her residence in 
 London, replied to many of those distress- 
 ful tales which fill the columns of our 
 diurnal -prints; but this was ambiguous: 
 yet she.*tesolvcd:toitreasure the billet, in 
 the . hope ithat the ^vriter- would recolleGt 
 her imiccur news, and:give her th« opportu- 
 nitycof being useful. , 
 
 To Mr. Berton she puqjosed to reply 
 next -day. Xo igrant :his request was but 
 re2ifion:ih\e-^n2Ly, unpossihU ; to refuse ; the 
 purport, be^tfwhafcit would, she could feel 
 
 no
 
 CEITA. 277 
 
 no hesitation in replying to. She had 
 scarcely reperused the affecting billet^ ere 
 xYie Baronet and his Lady arrived. 
 
 '' Bid you see Sir Frederick Milner?** 
 said Lady Townly, addressing her sister. 
 
 Celia believed she had, if lie was the 
 gentleman who came into the musrc-roorfi 
 with Mr. Bridoon. 
 
 '' Is he not a very fine young man ?" asked 
 Lady Townly. 
 
 '' I did not observe him/' said our 
 heroine. 
 
 '^ I will learn if Lady Desmond invited 
 him/' said Sir Harry : " if she did, you shall 
 not leave your cards there again." 
 
 '' Poh ! you must not be so precise/' 
 said Lady Townly — " I know she did, for 
 she told me, that while the divorce was 
 pending, she had passed him over; but now 
 that was over, she had set the example to 
 us all." 
 
 '' She is mistaken," said the Baronet. 
 
 '* Did Welgrave see him }'* continued 
 Lady Townly. 
 
 T 3 Celia
 
 278 c:fcLiA. 
 
 Celia gave a partial explanation . 
 
 *' She will conquer her fine feelings in 
 time/' said her Ladyship — *' Sir Frederick 
 is the protector, and will soon be the ImsMnd 
 of Lady Ellincoiirt." 
 
 " Mrs.Welgrave is too virtuous a woman, 
 and too fondly attached to her cousin, ever 
 to be reconciled to the sight of his infamous 
 destroyer/' said Sir Harry. 
 
 And Celia now learned, that Lord Ellin- 
 court was the kinsman of Mrs. Welgrave. 
 It accounted for the sensibility of her feel- 
 ings in the late rencontre, and she now re- 
 collected those expressions of her amiable 
 friend as applied to herself, when speaking 
 on the subject of marriage. 
 
 " It is certainly beneath the character of 
 a delicate woman to admit a known seducer 
 into her parties," said Celia, " more espe- 
 cially when she has a family growing up, 
 and mixing in her circle/' 
 
 '' It is vile," said Sir Harry ; " but what 
 will you say, my dear Celia, when I declare, 
 that I heard a man cowflimcnt Sir Frederick 
 
 on
 
 CELTA. 279 
 
 on having ^j^ti the affections o£ one of the 
 finest women in England?" 
 
 " Say!" replied Celia, as she took her 
 taper from the side-table, " why, I will say, 
 with my aunt Mansfield, that the times are 
 ^ sadly out of joint:' — Life, in London, 
 seems wasted, not iised; they live as if they 
 held their days upon a lease, that can be 
 rene-wed at pleasure." 
 
 '' It is too true," said Sir Harry : " Dr, 
 Cotton expresses this with infinite beauty— 
 
 * But soft, my friend — arrest the present moments ; 
 For be assur'd, they all are arrant tell-tales j 
 And though their flight be silent, and their path 
 Trackless, as the wing'd couriers of the air. 
 They post to Heav'n, and there record thy folly ; 
 Because, though station'd on th' important watch, 
 Thou, like a sleeping faithless sentinel. 
 Didst let them pass unnoticed, unimprov'd. 
 And know, for that thou sluraber'st on the guard. 
 Thou shalt be made to answer at the bar 
 For evry fugitive : and when thou thus 
 Shalt stand impleaded at the high tribunal 
 Of hoodw'ink'd Justice, who shall tell thy audit! 
 
 T 4, Then
 
 t; \ s . ' 1 -i 3i O 
 
 SBO CELIA* 
 
 Then stay the present instant, dear Horatio ; 
 
 Imprint the marks of wisdom on its wings : 
 
 'Tis of more worth than kingdoms I fax more precious 
 
 Than all the crimson treasures of life's fountain. 
 
 Oh I let it not elude thy grasp, but, like 
 
 The good old patriarch upon record. 
 
 Hold the fleet angel fa&t, until he bless tbee.* 
 
 CHAP.
 
 CELTA. SBi 
 
 CHAP. xm. 
 
 She ccce, pexbip;, ir. T.'.'.ire p'e-.ry lies*. 
 Has wept at tiles cf:2':::r.:e d street ; 
 Hex modest Ioz'l^ :he c:::ire r::.r'r.: sdcm. 
 Sweet £5 the prl~:: = :r.r ihzzn, 
 
 GOLwiMiTH. 
 
 Alas ! no more that joyous mom appears. 
 That led the tracquil hoars of spotless fame. 
 For I have steep' d a father's coach in tears. 
 And ting'd a mother's glowing cheek with sliamc. 
 
 SaxysTOWx. 
 
 Whethir the heaj^ be interested in the 
 communication^ or friendship's tempered 
 feeling actuates the epistolarv repbf of a 
 woman, it is, to a delicate mind, a task 
 somewhat arduous : — Celia owned this, as 
 she took her pen nex! morning, to reply 
 to Mr. Berton. She was in possession of 
 
 his
 
 j2S'i CELIA. 
 
 liis sentiments^ and she believed his present 
 request to bear a reference to those sen- 
 timenrs. As relative to her feelinj^s, the 
 interview could not be too soon dismissed. 
 Couching a short, but polite acquiescence^ 
 she repaired to the library of the Baronet, 
 and simply stating to him what she had 
 done, requested he would forw^ard it to Mr. 
 Berton. 
 
 Sir Harry applauded her unaffected can- 
 dour — '' Berton has shown a refinement in 
 his present admiration, of which I had not 
 thought him capable/' said Sir Harry, '' for 
 his feelings have been some time blunted, 
 by the voluntary adulation of the females 
 with whom he has mixed; at all events, it 
 will prove of service to him, for there is 
 not a more humiliating pang, than that 
 which the calm refusal of a beloved object 
 can inflict." 
 
 Celia neither imagined him as under so 
 implicit a feeling, or herself more than 
 usually correct, in submitting her billet to 
 the inspection of Sir Harry. 
 
 She
 
 CELIA. ^3 
 
 She had risen to retire, had reached the 
 door, when a servant announced Lord 
 Ellincourt ; and in the next moment, a tall 
 elegant-looking man, whose fine features 
 seemed clouded by care, entered the room. 
 He stood irresolute. Sir Harry ran to em- 
 brace him ; and our heroine seized that 
 opportunity to withdraw. In passing 
 through the hall, she observed a travelling 
 chariot, equipped for a journev, in waiting. 
 — '' He is wise," thought Cclia ; " what 
 peace can there be for a man, under his 
 circumstances, in a town like this, where 
 the vicious are sanctioned, and the dishonour- 
 ed reviled ? and women, to justify these 
 grievous errors," said the musing Celia, 
 " arraigning the virtuous solicitude, the 
 tender zeal, of an attached husband, as 
 harsh restrictions^ arUtrary influence ! — 
 Never may / meet a being who shall de- 
 ceive my heart, by gaining its confidence, 
 and proving indijjcrtnt to its every feel- 
 ing!" 
 
 '' Celia/' said the Baronet^ as he entered 
 
 the
 
 ^'^i CELIA. 
 
 th6 drawing-room, '' I would ask your 
 silencd with ree^^rd to Ellincourt ; Fanny 
 -ivill not hear of his visit, and he is particu- 
 larly desirous that it should not be known 
 he has been in London/* 
 
 Celia instantly assented, and Sir Harry 
 spok6 on indifferent subjects. 
 
 Lady Townly sent an apology for her 
 nonappearance at breakfast — *^'She h^dthree 
 parties at which she must be visible that 
 evening, and would indulge herself, in 
 order to bear the fatigue." 
 
 Celia smiled, but made no comment. 
 " It will always be thus/' said the Baronet, 
 '* while we remain here.*' 
 
 " Then why do you brave such a certain 
 6vil?" asked Celia. 
 
 " There is no remedy, my dear Celia ; 
 your sister will not go to the Hall ; she 
 hates the northern air, and there is no 
 society. I have, for the last three seasons, 
 hired villas; but these are even worse than 
 London ; the intrusions are insufferable ; 
 the very phalanx from whom one flees, 
 
 in
 
 CKLTA. 235 
 
 in the hope of quiet, pursue you to these 
 retirements; and then, because it is fashioii- 
 able to be rural for 2i few weeks in the year, 
 they devise the most ridiculous modes of 
 destroxjing time, insomuch that I have ac- 
 tually sought refuge in town for a day or 
 two, as a release, and been content to 
 wander over these dismantled apartments, 
 owning in their stillness a degree of comfort 
 that my fancied retirement denied me/' 
 
 " I am persuaded that a visit to Hadley 
 would effect the happiest revolution in 
 Fanny's sentiments," said our heroine, *' if 
 not wholly subvert them. Adopt the plan, 
 my dear Townly ; you know not how our 
 good aunt sighs for this— forgive me when 
 I add, that she ascribes the imperfection of 
 your domestic happiness to your false in- 
 dulgence. She knows the goodness of your 
 heart, and the power my sister has on your 
 feelings; yet she continually deplores this 
 tenderness, as the primary cause of all your 
 discontent." 
 
 '' I fear she is right," said the Baronet ; 
 
 " and 
 6
 
 286 CELTA* 
 
 *^ and if I did not consider it too late, I 
 would certainly alter my system." 
 
 '' Oh! say not too late/' said Celia, as 
 she stemmed the genuine tear of sensibility; 
 *^ I would not think so for worlds; for 
 what a thoughtless, what a criminal career 
 is a life of unceasing pleasure? — they call 
 it 'pleasure ; but, in truth, it is a wilful de- 
 ception; the unfeminine traits are illus- 
 trated in its round, the most cruel slanders 
 are elicited, v>?here the mask of friendship 
 apparently smiles. They censure for. qua- 
 lities that are truly amiable, and applaud 
 where zirtue should blush to own a recog- 
 idtion. Religion seems wholly forgotten ; 
 and though liberality of sentiment is garbled 
 l)y every tongue, cliarity is exploded. I 
 have heard the most afflicting appeal dis- 
 regarded, nay rejected, and the fair har- 
 binger of m.ercy, who pleaded for the dis- 
 tressed, treated as though slie was the ap- 
 plicant, as if we v.ere not all of one 
 family." 
 
 Might she not have added, 
 
 <' How
 
 CELIA. 287 
 
 *• How deep are we in arrears to the distressed ? The dis- 
 tressed have, from reason, as just a demand on our superfluities, 
 as we have, from law, on our stewards for our estates. But this 
 is no play-debt, and therefore, without dishonour, undis- 
 charged." 
 
 The breakfast had scarcely gone out when 
 Mr. Berton was announced. Celia felt as 
 though she erred in allowing his visit; yet 
 could she have denied it, without coquetry, 
 without vanity ? Sir Harry, after a short 
 period, withdrew — "This amiable frankness^ 
 my dear Miss Delacour, is most justly ap- 
 preciated by your friend," said Mr. Berton; 
 ^^ I have pressed into your presence, with 
 all the temerity of my character; and now 
 that I am blessed by your sight, feel myself 
 unequal to my meditated recantation." 
 
 Celia was confused ; yet she summoned 
 courage to say, *' that it was the sincerity 
 of her esteem for every branch of his family 
 that made her so readily admit his visit." 
 
 " You are consistent, Celia," said the 
 unguarded Berton ; *' your manners are as 
 
 unaffected
 
 SS8 CELIA. 
 
 unaffecteJ as your .person is natural, t 
 %vish you would believe me when I sgy, 
 that my recfwf disparagement of myself, my 
 unsophisticated recrimination, was more the 
 effect of emulation than a deserved humilia- 
 tion, believe me, so true to ijoiir worthy 
 that in soaring to your favour, the striking 
 contrast rather rose out of my love than my 
 errors. I have reflected on it with incon- 
 ceivable anguish, and trembled lest I had 
 planted distrust, where it would be_my 
 pride, my happiness, to ask a softer feeling." 
 '' I will not affect to misunderstand you^ 
 Sir,** said our heroine; '' the preferenge 
 of a man of honour deserves our thanks. 
 Not an expression that regarded yourself, 
 in our late conference, could influence my 
 , reply. I should lament antj cause that could 
 deduce f'rom Tjour internal peace, with the 
 ..sincerity of friendship; but when I avow 
 this, I would be understood as candid in 
 -^declaring, that I could not accord you a 
 ..more flattering distinction." 
 
 ^^You
 
 CELIA, 289 
 
 " You believe me unworthy/' said Berton; 
 ^' I know the purity of your character, the 
 morality of your education/* 
 
 *' My education/' said Celia^ '' was moral; 
 and as such, I would not deceive you in so 
 important a truth — consider me as a friend/' 
 and she extended her hand to the despairing 
 Berton — '' believe me unworthy of your 
 love, because mv heart is not interested as 
 it should be, as it iiwit be, if I exer change 
 my state/' 
 
 •' I must believe you/' said Berton, as 
 he pressed the hand of our heroine; '"^ I 
 thank you for your candour ; but you will 
 jiOt reject my visits — I may see you^ 
 Celia?" 
 
 *' Assuredly/' said Celia; '' I should be 
 sorry to lose a friend, because I esteemed 
 him too w^eil to deceive him/' 
 
 '' Adieu ! — believe me grateful, though 
 wretched/' said Berton, as he hastily re- 
 tired. 
 
 The rejection, though one in which the 
 heart of Celia took no interest, was cause 
 
 VOL. I, U of
 
 ^90 CELIA. 
 
 of some disquiet to her. Lady Berton had 
 avowed herself as desirous of receiving our 
 heroine into her family, had, with the 
 tenderness of a mother, illustrated num- 
 berless traits of character, that really per- 
 tained to her son — '*" Yet,'* said Celia, '^am 
 I not more worthy of her continued re- 
 gard, than ifl had been insincere? Lady 
 Berton is liberal, she will hear my reasons, 
 and allow them just." 
 
 The billet of the unknown rose on her 
 remembrance — " Would I could trace this 
 child of sorrow V said Celia, as she again 
 perused the unconnected characters. It 
 was yet in her hand, when Richard en- 
 tered, and presented a letter. Celia broke 
 the seal, and read as follows : — 
 
 " I CAN believe you love him, 
 but do not vci2in'y yet — a little while, a very 
 little while, and it will be no matter. 
 Many would think that 7, who am cast 
 from his hearty would learn to hate him — 
 
 they
 
 C£LIA. 291 
 
 they never loved. In pity's namc^ do not 
 marry yet.'' 
 
 The same obscurity prevailed — neither 
 iiame nor place of abode were subscribed. 
 '' This/' said Celia, " is some credulous 
 child of wretchedness^ the victim of man's 
 art: but to zvJiom does she refer? is it 
 Berton ?" asked Celia mentally : ''it must 
 be him ; his late extenuation could not ef- 
 face his former strong avowal of error." 
 She had been seen with him often.; their 
 association had been that of early friend- 
 ship. ''But who is this sufferer?" andagain 
 she concluded by the vague wish — " Would 
 I could trace thee ! for assuredly I could 
 set your heart at peace in this particular." 
 
 Our heroine's promise to Mrs. Welgrave 
 standing in force^ she summoned Richard 
 to attend her. They had proceeded up 
 Baker-street, and were making an angle, 
 to expedite their progress towards Devon- 
 shire-place, when Mr. Belford, alighting 
 u 2 from
 
 292 CELIA. 
 
 from a hackney-coach, impeded her path ; 
 he looked embarrassed — '' Think on ^^ hat I 
 have said/' said he to a female who sat in 
 the carriage. 
 
 Celia intuitively looked into the vehi- 
 cle; she beheld a female weeping, and a 
 girl, whose appearance seemed that of a 
 domestic, seated on the opposite side. 
 To the utter astonishment of Celia, Ri- 
 chard, with a familiar air, nodded at the 
 girl. 
 
 Our heroine passed on ; Mr. Belford, 
 with his usual politeness, walking by her 
 side. 
 
 On arriving at Mrs. Welgrave's, she was 
 ushered into a small drawing-room, in 
 which she found her amiable friend em- 
 ployed, with her daughters, in needle- 
 work. The young people were diffident 
 in their manners; and Celia thought, even 
 in the transient view she had of their re- 
 treat (for the appearance of their go- 
 verness left Mrs. Welgrave at liberty to 
 retire with her visitor), that the wisdom 
 
 of
 
 C£LIA. S93 
 
 of the mother was conspicuous, in the mo- 
 dest simplicity and unostentatious display 
 of leannng that the room exhibited. 
 
 Mr. Bel ford was reading when the ladies 
 entered. Casting the book on one side — 
 " You had a visitor this morning," said 
 he, addressing Mrs. Welgrave. 
 
 '•' I had indeed," she replied, ' a sor- 
 rowing one ; how ill he looks ! it was with 
 difficulty I concealed my feelings, as I gazed 
 on his altered person." 
 
 " It is a lamentable vrreck," said Mr. 
 Belford ; '*' yet I hope much from his pre- 
 sent plan." 
 
 '-' Welgrave is gone with him," said Mrs. 
 Welgrave ; '• I hnve given him leave of 
 absence for a fortnight." 
 
 Mr. Belford expressed his pleasure at 
 the intimation, and the conversation be- 
 came general. 
 
 *' You are already apprised of the ptir- 
 ffose of Miss Delacours visit to London,' 
 ^id Belford, smiling. 
 
 '^It is whispered " said Mrs. Welgrave. 
 
 u 3 •• Good
 
 294 CELIA. 
 
 '' Good Heavens ! I hope not/' said 
 Celia. 
 
 "Why, what were your intentions, your 
 expectations?" asked Mrs. Vvelgrave, 
 archly. 
 
 ." Aifection brought me hither/' said 
 Celia; '*" nay, binds me to lengthen my 
 slay : it is only the imputed motive that I 
 a m desi r o u s o f re f u t i n g. " 
 
 ^' You cannot do this, my good girl,'' 
 said Mrs. Welgrave ; ." nor is it necessary 
 yoii should. Had you been born in Lon- 
 don, and educated in Us principles, your 
 c?itrc into life would have borne the same 
 character ;' and it is only disgraceful when 
 we marry for situation, for rajil;;, in place 
 o^ aJfectiGn. Why are the wardrobes of wor 
 meli extended, their taste displayed, but 
 to Win the lordly captive? I grant it should 
 not be the ultimatum of our sex's aim ; 
 but I fear we cannot wholly exonerate 
 ourselves from the imputation. I see you 
 smile — vou either think me a traitor, or a 
 piore fashionable being than you had ima- 
 gined.
 
 CELIA. 295 
 
 gined. Btit, my dear Miss Delacour, put- 
 ting taste and emulation out of the ques- 
 tion, were our lives destined to be herme- 
 tical, our natural tastes would lead us to 
 adopt a suitable habit : it is our humility, 
 however incongruous the term may seem, 
 that induces us to conform in a degree; no- 
 thing but egregious tanity could cause us 
 to abide by our own opinionj even in dress; 
 and though a woman of delicacy will always 
 draw a line betw^een the chaste and the 
 present immodest style o^ decoration or dis- 
 haMlle, she not only pleases herself hy its 
 adoption^ but attains the approbation of 
 those whose opinion she values." 
 
 Celia, smiling, declared that her friend 
 had considered her subject with much at- 
 tention. 
 
 ''Then you are a convert?" said Mrs. 
 Welgrave. 
 
 '' I dare not contradict you/' said Celia. 
 
 " You are right/' said Belford ; " yet^ 
 
 lest your vanity should rise too high, let 
 
 me acquaint you, that your taste is much 
 
 u 4 questioned.
 
 Q-96 CELT A. 
 
 questioned, not only in dress, but other 
 essential points — your rustic footman, your 
 wearing pockets, your insensibility to the 
 personal graces and /rt67i/o?z«Me notoriety of 
 Mr. Danbury, and other of your slaves, 
 are quite contrary to the usage of society ; 
 nay, they attribute all this to the narrow- 
 ness of your education, or an affected sin- 
 gularity.'- 
 
 *■' They take infinite trouble about one 
 who has no ambition to meet their praise," 
 said Celia. 
 
 *' My young friend reminds me of Berk- 
 ley," said Mrs. Welgrave ; " how strictly in 
 union with his sentiments are all her opi- 
 nions!" 
 
 ''There is a similarity , no doubt," said 
 Belford; '' yet every reflecting man would 
 estimate the solid qualities of such a mind;" 
 and the crimson that flushed the cheek of 
 Belford seemed to reproach Mrs. Wel- 
 grave for the association. " But you have 
 actually bev;ildered me," said Belford ; " I 
 |vas desirous of acquainting Miss Deiacour
 
 CELIA. 297 
 
 ■of her supremacy in the line of conquests. 
 Danbury goes to Portman-sqnare this 
 mornings to make his bow to Sir Harry^ 
 and ^sk permission to throw himself at the 
 feet of his fair enslaver.'* 
 
 '^^ How ridiculous '/' said Celia. 
 
 " Nay, hear me out/' said Belford: 
 " Lord Quadrige^ who has not done me 
 the honour of a call these six months^ sur- 
 prised me by his presence at breakfast to- 
 day ; and after a few preliminary questions 
 (quite usual in a certain society) confided 
 his tender passion to my keeping — I pro- 
 mised sccresy. ' Tush ! my dear Belford/ 
 said the conscious lover ; ' I do not mean 
 you to treasure my griefs^ but illustrate 
 them to the angelic fair one^ with as much 
 zeal as {hough you were the aspiring suitor/ 
 ' We should dijfer in our mode of offering/ 
 said I; ' excuse me/ — ' I will not let you 
 off/ said my Lord, ' I am really sincere, 
 she is a very charming woman. We should 
 be leaders, my dear Belford. I know half 
 a hundred mamas who would be sulky on 
 
 the
 
 ^298, CELIA. 
 
 the occasion, and not a fc^.v misses who 
 \^ oiv.d plunge, and be resiive; but that is 
 what we must expect — nay^ there is infi- 
 nite pleasure in disappointing these spe- 
 culists. I vow to you, Belford, I would 
 not marry from the liwwn circle for the 
 %vor]d ; there is nothing to asiofiisJi In such 
 a decision — the thing has been p7'(}jectcd, 
 conned by all the gossips in town ; but 
 when tlie fair creature is hron^ht from a 
 distance, did she want all the ngrcmcns for 
 which the world pants, curiMlj/ would 
 give her the eclat that is ind'ispf: usable in a 
 certain rank. Use your interest, my dear 
 Belford,' continued my Lord; 'for Dan- 
 bury is projecting an avowal. I would 
 have waited on Townly this morning; but, 
 as you may perceive, (referring to his 
 dress) we start for the first time this sea- 
 son, and I must be in the Square by 
 
 o'clock;' and before I could reply to him, 
 he quitted the room. liQ\'7 do you bear 
 these accumulating honours?" asl;cd Bel- 
 ford of our heroine. 
 
 '' Vy'lih
 
 CELIA. 209' 
 
 - ^' With appropriate humility," said Ce- 
 ]ia ; '' nay^ I fear that I am considered as 
 demanding this sort of homage; for if, as I 
 begin now to understand, if the report has 
 gone abroad, that I am ' in search of a 
 husband/ how ridiculous must I appear! — 
 I cannot forgive Fanny for having sanc- 
 tioned such an idea, by her thoughtless re- 
 mark on the evening of my arrival." 
 
 " Believe me, the badinage of Townly 
 does not in the slightest degree influence 
 the public opinion. I told you, on the 
 evening to which you allude, that you 
 would be a candidate for favour — you per- 
 ceive I was right. I forbear to offer cues 
 in the present instances, because your own 
 feelings must and should decide; I have 
 mcroly -prepared you for the scenes in which 
 you must shortly take a part." 
 
 " Never," said Celia ; '' I trust they will 
 prove the caprice of the niom.ent, and, by 
 saving me from all pubUciti/, give me no 
 cause to regret my visit to London." 
 
 '•' These are not the usual sentiments of 
 
 women
 
 SOO CELIA. 
 
 women of your age/* said Mrs. Welgrave ; 
 *' yet they are perfectly consistent with the 
 idea I had formed of your disposition : as 
 Bel ford has observed, the world will make 
 the well connected 2ind portioned viom^n iht 
 object of its transient favour, and^ in re- 
 turn, it asks her to devote her fortune at its 
 shrine; her heart may be held in requisi- 
 tion for annvotarij who shall hereafter make 
 the claim. How you, who are an almost 
 stranger to the unlimited power of the des- 
 pot, can hope to escape his trammels, I 
 cannot comprehend.'* 
 
 ''I ivill think for myself," said Celia; 
 '' I was reared remote from its haunts, and 
 v;ith a certain contempt for its principles. 
 Nothing that I have yet seen has displaced 
 my early instruction ; nay, I feel it to be 
 the source of all my happiness.** 
 
 " And it will continue to make your hap- 
 piness," said Mr. Bel ford, with an im- 
 pressive voice. " Shall I have the honour 
 of attending you to Portman-square?** he 
 continued, rising, 
 
 ''Do
 
 CELIA. 301 
 
 " Do not abridge my pleasure," said 
 Mrs. Welgrave ; " / will set Miss Dela- 
 cour down." 
 
 Mr. Bel ford withdrew. 
 
 '' Belford is an amiable being/' said Mrs. 
 Welgrave, '' a man who is admirably qua- 
 lified to make a domestic woman happy ;" 
 and she glanced at Celia, who, while she 
 did justice to the excellent Belford, ex- 
 pressed herself with all the moderation of 
 friendship, "' I perceive yon are indiffe- 
 rent to our mutual friend/* continued Mrs. 
 Welgrave ; '' may I ask you one question ? 
 believe me, when I say, it is not curiosiii/ 
 that induces my freedom — is George Ber- 
 ton a favoured lover ?" 
 
 Celia replied, unhesitatingly, in the ne- 
 gative. 
 
 ''I thank you," said Mrs. Welgrave, tak- 
 ing the hand of our heroine ; '' it is a 
 saucy privilege that I have asked, that of 
 probing your heart ; but I am presuming 
 in my friendships, and on owv^rst meet-
 
 302 CELIA. 
 
 ing, I felt assured that I could love you as 
 a sister." 
 
 Celia declared herself flattered by the 
 avov^alj v;hich she ?/e^ must believe her due, 
 as having, from the minute of her intro- 
 duction, been desirous of her esteem. 
 
 The remainder of our heroine's visit was 
 passed in social conversation^ uninterrupt- 
 ed by those intrusive calls, v/hich ever de- 
 stroyed the probability of society in Port- 
 man -square. 
 
 Celia used an early opportunit}'^ after 
 her return, to enquire of Richard, by what 
 means the two letters she had received 
 iVom her anonymous correspondent came 
 into Jiis hands^ as there were no post 
 marks ? 
 
 '' The llitle girl in the coach that Mr. 
 Belford got out of, brought them bolh," 
 said Richard. 
 
 Celia owned strong surprise ; she paused 
 — '" If she should come again/' said our 
 heroine, " beg her to wait till I write an 
 answer." 
 
 Richard
 
 CELIA. 303 
 
 Richard promised to regard her order, 
 and retired. 
 
 . " Belford !" said Celia, '' is it possible ? 
 yet I heard hAm tell the female in the 
 coach to ' think on what he had said' — 
 and she was in tears : it cannot be ; he is a 
 moral man^ one who condemns the weak- 
 nesses of the dissipated — could he be the 
 destroyer of innocence ? — no, I will not 
 believe it/' said Celia ; yet, assuredly, 
 the letter might equally appltj io Belford, 
 who was almost an inmate in Portman- 
 square, and Jier constant attendant. 
 
 Our heroine could not dismiss the sub- 
 ject from her mind; when she attributed 
 errors to Berton, she had not considered 
 the application illiberal — he had convic- 
 ted himself, and was considered, even by 
 those wlio esteemed him, as a man devoted 
 to the world — but in casting censure on 
 Eelford, there was something to give up; 
 it was lowering one's vanity, by admitting 
 th.at we had been deceived. 
 
 It was near three o'clock, and Lady 
 
 Townly
 
 304 CELIA. 
 
 Townly had not made her appearance ,' 
 Celia visited the nursery, and, in the com- 
 pany of Rachel, forgot her chagrin. A 
 summons from her sister led Celia and 
 her niece to her Ladyship's dressing-room. 
 
 '^ Will you give Rachel an airing/' said 
 Lady Townly, " and purchase some shrubs 
 forme?'* 
 
 Celia assented, and proceeded to the 
 Kew Road, to choose the plants. She had 
 %va]ked some time in the grounds, Rachel 
 at one moment with, and in the next at a 
 considerable distance from our heroine. 
 Celia had pursued her down a path, when, 
 on coming to one of those temporary, or 
 rather moveable recesses, usual in such 
 grounds, she found Rachel in conversation 
 with a female. 
 
 •''Arc you unhappy ?" said the child; 
 '' I have got a pocket,'* and she referred 
 to this unfashionalyle appendage, for ijchat 
 she considered a certain cure for all sorts 
 of trouble. 
 
 '' Sweet child," said the stranger. 
 
 Celia
 
 C£LIA. 305 
 
 Celia took the hand of her niege-^ 
 '.' You are troublesome, I fear," said our 
 heroine, and she endeavoured to draw tha 
 little prattler away. 
 
 '' Take this," said Rachel, laying all the 
 money she possessed on the lap of the 
 stranger. 
 
 . " You will pardon the zeal of my little 
 friend,*' said our heroine, as she made 
 Rachel comprehend that she was wrong. 
 
 The stranger seemed deeply affectetl by 
 the artless manner of the child ; and as she 
 restored the offered gift to Rachel, she 
 said, with a sigh — " I wish mine was a sor- 
 row: that could be thus healed." 
 
 Celia regarded the speaker; she did not 
 seem more than twenty years of age; her 
 face was pallid and interesting; her figure 
 light and elegant, but evidently emaciated. 
 She arose, and curtsying to our heroine, 
 proceeded with a slow pace down one of 
 i\iQ^ walks. 
 
 " She is afflicted in mind," said Celia, 
 and her heart impelled her to follow, and, 
 
 VOL, I. X ii
 
 30(5 CELIA. 
 
 if possible, lead her into conversation. 
 Again she hesitated ; there was something 
 indelicate, in breaking in upon the sorrows 
 . of a stransrer. She had dismissed the in- 
 tention, when, on looking round, she per- 
 ceived a book laying on the seat. Con- 
 cluding it belonged to the young sufferer, 
 she hastened after her, and, with a conde- 
 scension at once the grace and charm of 
 h^ character, presented it to her. 
 
 The stranger blushed, and, as she re- 
 ceived it from the hand of Celia, a tremor^ 
 near to fainting, overpowered her. 
 - *' You are ill," said Celia ; ''lean on 
 me ; can / be serviceable?" and she turn- 
 ed her jilisteninsreyes towards those of her 
 silent companion.. 
 
 V You could not cure a broken heart," 
 .said the trembling speaker, and her coun- 
 tenance assumed a wild, yet most expres- 
 sive meaning. 
 
 : /' The term is too extensive, too hope- 
 less, for oae so young," said Celia ; ** for- 
 give me, if I ^dd, it is xcra?;g to yield 
 
 whollv
 
 wholly to those ills which are inflicted for 
 our good — we are not to be fainf, as one 
 without hope." 
 
 * / dare not hope," said ihc stranger, 
 m an azony of tears. 
 
 At thLs mT)ment a man wheeled a bar- 
 row,, with the shrubs selected by our he- 
 poine — '' Where shall I send them. Ma- 
 4oin ?" said the man. 
 
 *' To Lady Townlys, Portmao -square," 
 said Ceiia. 
 
 Jhe ^tnoger loosed the arm that ha^ 
 supported her, and, ere Celia could pre- 
 vent it, fell senseless at her hct. The 
 gardener helped her to raise the poor 
 safierer, who^ by the aid of a spelling- 
 bortle, was restored. 
 
 •• Are yod Subject to these attacks f" 
 said. Celia. 
 
 .-/'lam better njuc/' said -the shrinki r*g 
 invalid, resisting the oSces of Ceiia ; and, 
 in a. faltering voice, thanking her for her 
 kindness,, toaered down the walk, with a 
 prccipitatien that alarmed -qw heroine^ 
 • - - X i? wh;^
 
 50$ CELIA. 
 
 who believed it impossible she dould 
 reach the house. 
 
 '' Follow that lady/' said Celia to th^ 
 gardener; " if ^he lives near, either see 
 her home, or get some person to attend 
 her — / will wait your return/* 
 
 The man obeyed ; and as Celia turned 
 from the fragile blossdm of nature, the 
 plant endowed with vital essence, to the 
 fioHoetets cultured by the hand of man — 
 " How strong is the similarity !" said the 
 fair* moralist ; " what perishable beings we 
 are? * the storm passeth over thi/ sweet- 
 ness/* and she took a bud from the fra- 
 grant rose, " and thou art no more the 
 pride of the garden — while the creatures 
 of tlijj mercy. Oh eternal Father! bask in 
 thy favour, unconscious of the coming 
 storm ; and when it overtakes us, we des- 
 pond, because the sunbeam does not al- 
 ivcrtjs bless our path-^poor sufterer,^* con- 
 tintied Celia, " / would not dare to cen- 
 sipre thee— hut why, oh why did you turn 
 from the voice of" friendship ?" 
 
 * With
 
 CELIA. SOD 
 
 With an anxiety unprecedented, our 
 heroine awaited the return of the garden- 
 er; at length his appearance gladdened 
 her heart ; ehe advanced to meet him-— 
 '' How h the lady ?" said Celia. 
 
 ''Poor thing!" said the man, *' she*5 
 monstrous weak ; I saw her home ; she 
 lives just by, at one of the houses in yon- 
 der row/' and he pointed to a row of new- 
 built houses, on the north side of the New 
 Road. " She was forced to lean on me 
 all the way— a physician brought her herf 
 one day, and asked master to give hex 
 leave to walk in the grounds of a morn- 
 ing, so she comes every day/* 
 
 *' What is her name r" asked Celia.. 
 
 *' Why, I cannot tell," said the man ; 
 '' for you must know. Ma'am, that this is ^ 
 quecrish sort of a neighbourhood — and, 
 perhaps, that young person, though, to 
 be sure, she looks very modest, yet may- 
 bap she is not quite a proper sort of wo- 
 man for 1JUU to notice ; but I have children 
 of my own ; God forbid I sh.ould hurt any 
 X 3 voung
 
 310 CELIA. 
 
 young woman's character — but, somehow 
 or other, it happens to strike me that she 
 is not a married woman; yet she has a 
 Httle boy, as tine a child as ever I saw/* - 
 
 *' I hope you are mistaken/' said Geb'a, 
 mildly ; and giving the man a douceur for 
 his trouble, she repaired home. 
 
 Our heroine could not shake off the 
 languor that oppressed her spirits, and, on 
 meeting Mr. Belford at dinner, the anony- 
 mous letter rose on her imaginations- 
 Richard's avowal, of the giri in the hack- 
 •ney-roach being the same who delivered 
 the letter, and her recent interview with a 
 female, whom she was inclined to tlvink, 
 ^vith the gardener, a victim to the arts of 
 tnan, formed a chain so complex, yet op- 
 pressive, as \o cause a relaxation of that 
 unequivocal cordiality she ever evinced 
 towards the amiable Belford. 
 
 Belford saw the change ; he was at some 
 trouble to trace a probable cause for it; 
 but conscious integrity made him certain 
 of himself, and, for the first time since his 
 ''^•- ' - acquaint-
 
 CELIA. 311 
 
 acquaintance with Celia, he thought he had 
 discovered something like caprice. He 
 endeavoured to rally her spirits ; he op- 
 posed the most conciliating manner ta- 
 wards her; and, in spite of the prejudice 
 she had imbibed, brought her to smile. 
 
 *' There is nothing like Irdtij in this 
 man/' said Celia, mentally ; '' it is th^ 
 cheerfuhiess of a ptire mind — I will not 
 believe it," and she grew insensibly at- 
 tentive to his conversation. 
 
 Richard once more appeared, and, pre- 
 senting a note, made an awkward sign, as 
 implying that the bearer waited. 
 
 Lady Townly laughed aloud — '•' What 
 project have you deputed your Scrub to 
 perform ?'* said she, addressing Celia. 
 
 Our heroine, looking towards her sister, 
 seemed to ask her forbearance, and, ad-^ 
 vancing to the window, broke the s^al — 
 the letter ran thus— 
 
 3^ 4 '' WjJhE
 
 312 CELJA. 
 
 " Were yoii conscious that yonr hii- 
 iftanity was this morning directed towards 
 the lost Jessy, your bold correspondent ? 
 I will not say that it has kumbled me more 
 'than it ought, because virtue should al- 
 ways feel its superiority ; yet I blush to 
 own it has depressed me beyond expres- 
 sion. I could not rest until I told you. 
 Madam, that a womaUj situated as J am, 
 has no claim to the countenance of a wo- 
 jnan of honour— and though ^ow are the 
 cause of all my present misery, there was 
 a gentleness in your manner, that strongly 
 induced me to confide in you — for / have 
 now no friend ; not a creature cares for 
 the wretched Jessy. I had a father and a 
 mother— do iheylive? I dare not think 
 of that. Let me entreat of you not to 
 marry him ijct. Perhaps at this moment 
 he is with you — I know it is easy to be- 
 lieve all he says; yoti may believe him ; 
 you are his equal — and I believed him^ but 
 not to-datj. He grieves to see me dtjing — 
 yet he is my murderer — do not tell him 
 -■ this —
 
 C£UA. 31^ 
 
 this — he would he angry^ and that would 
 hasten my end^ and shorten the repentance 
 pi the abandoned 
 
 Jessy/' 
 
 Doubt seemed certainty, as our hero- 
 ine read this epistle. It appeared that the 
 writer knew of Belford's visit — she had 
 seen him tliat morning. Celia knew this, 
 for she saw him descend from the coach — 
 '' And was it thee, thou poor sufferer?** 
 said Celia^ mentally; '' was it thee, whom 
 cha-nce threw in my way this day ?" 
 
 Plad she followed the impulse of her 
 heart at that moment, it would have in- 
 duced her to place the convicting epistle 
 in the hands of the seducer, and ask of him, 
 where was that benevolence, that morality/, 
 of which he could talk so plausibly? — 
 " Judge not/' said conscience ; and Celia 
 actually blushed at her hasty, though silent 
 censure. 
 
 Telling
 
 S14 CELIA. 
 
 Telling Richard to say she would answer 
 the note immediately, she retired for the 
 purpose; but ere she had penned a line, 
 Patty hastened to inform her, that the girl 
 was gone, having declared that she must 
 not stop. There yet remained a clue; 
 and resolving, through the man at the 
 nursery -grounds, to effect her purpose, 
 she returned to the drawing-room. 
 
 To the solicitatijons of Lady Townly 
 and the Baronet, v;ho wished her to attend 
 one party this evening, our heroine' offer- 
 ed as excuse, her wish of writing to Hadr 
 lev, and a want of spirits to join in com- 
 pany. 
 
 *^ What has deranged yon so much ?'• 
 said Lady Townly. '' I really believe, 
 Celia, that ypu feai' to meet Danbury, 
 after his- lover's confession — or, are you 
 not the dupe of some ingenious hypocrite, 
 who has, through your philanthropic friend, 
 Mrs. Welgrave, learned your character, an4 
 attacked your silly feelings V* 
 \.^;1? Neither," said Celia; '' I would not 
 :- :: go
 
 CELIA. 313 
 
 go into company, with my mind so little 
 disposed to cheerfulness ; it would be an 
 ill compliment to your friends. Mrs. 
 Welgrave's esteem I consider invaluable ; 
 though, at present, I must believe hei' as 
 much a stranger to the cause of my de- 
 pression as yourself/* 
 t;. *'. Remember, Fanny,'* said the Baronet, 
 '' Celia shall act for herself; we have no 
 authority to influence her acceptance or 
 refusal of any invitation/' 
 ■-: ''But, to-night, my dear Tov/nly, I had 
 promised myself great pleasure, in taking 
 her to Lady Bridcon's squeeze; I must 
 make a party, if only to deiour the kcanty 
 supply of confectionary that she always 
 displays: I have infinite pleasure in teaz* 
 ing the old quiz — And at Bruton's, it will 
 be-h^o^hlv amusing:, to see how she swallows 
 fl// the flattery that is ofiTered ; yet, to do 
 her justice, her rooms are in the rirst style 
 pf^ magnificence — that's right, my dear 
 Harry, I want three lamps, and half a thou- 
 sand novelties, for to-morrovy evening — I 
 
 cannot
 
 cannot op«n m^' dooi-s, unless you com^ 
 ply ; so think o^ this/* said her Ladyship, 
 as she withdrew to her toilet. 
 
 Our heroine retiring soon after, foU 
 lowed Lady Townly to her dressing-room i 
 and simply stating the remarks she had 
 heard Mrs. Bruton utter respecting her 
 ladyship, asked if she purposed to keep 
 terms with such a woman? 
 
 '' Mere badinage, my dear Celia ; what 
 I have said, half a hundred time^, o^ all 
 my acquaintance; in fact, Bruton is justi- 
 fied in what she says, for I haxe been very 
 shabby this season ; but it is not too late^^ 
 I will astonish the town ere long/* 
 
 " I should regret that I caused you to user 
 so absurd a refutation," said Celia; '' what 
 happiness can the applause of the multi- 
 tude possibly bestow, comparable with 
 the comfort of retirement, the approval of 
 your excellent Townly?*' 
 
 "I have been so good for the last 
 month,'* said her Ladyship, '[ that unless 
 you give me my parole^ I begin to fear 
 
 that
 
 ciLtA. 317 
 
 that I should dwindle into a mere wife — 
 no, positively, Celia, restraint, imiform re- 
 straint, would wholly unfit me for society; 
 nay, I even now feel almost too lazy to 
 dress.'* 
 
 ** Send your apologies in the morning," 
 said Celia, with warmth, " and let us re- 
 turn to that society which you are so well 
 disposed to appreciate/" 
 
 " Not to-night, Celia/* said her Lady- 
 ship ; *' I feel assured there will be much 
 
 to laugh at— besides, some of the 
 
 "will be there, and I enjoy to see Bruton, 
 all eye, asking admiration, following her 
 guests with a feigned humility, and regret- 
 ing that the very superior taste of the 
 Marchioness of *-— — — being displayed on 
 the same evening, must necessarily thin her 
 rooms ; and while we are assuring her that 
 we only regret it, as drawing us from her 
 attractive sphere, we are secretly resolving 
 to go off in groupes, in order to make her 
 feel in nfl/% what she ajfects to deplore/' 
 
 '' Are
 
 31S CELIA. 
 
 "Are these the actual motives with \vhicn 
 you attend such parties?" asked Celia. 
 
 " Bona fide,'* said her Ladyship ; '' Car-: 
 donnel and I have done wonders in this 
 way, and never been detected.'* 
 
 " I could be tempted to betray you/' 
 said Celia, with a languid smile, '' in the 
 hope that their just indignation would 
 cause you to be omitted in their future 
 invitations.'* 
 
 " I do not fear you," said Lady Townly; 
 " you have not courage for such an un- 
 dertaking." 
 
 Cdia believed she had not; and finding, 
 neither advice or encouragement cowld: 
 effect her wish of detaining her Ladyship 
 at home, she left her to pursue her plea- 
 sure, and, in the retirement of her cham- 
 ber, sat down to write to Mrs. Mansfield.:; 
 this done, she wrote a few lines, expressive 
 of that compassion which her bosom own-^; 
 ed for the erring Jessy — " If I can afford 
 you any comfort," said our heroine, in the 
 : .. : : . . . close
 
 CEtlA. 319 
 
 tlose of her letter, '' command me. 1 will 
 not shrink from any difficulty which you 
 shall impose; if you choose 2l personal 
 interview, I will meet you at the nursery- 
 grounds ; if you prefer communication by 
 letter, 1 will reply to you ; but the ambi- 
 guity you use with regard to the person 
 to whom your letter refers, gives me no 
 direct means of answering you at present. 
 I can assure' you, if it will give peace to 
 your mind, that i am under no engagement 
 of the sort to which you allude; but shall, 
 in all cases, own sincere pleasure in being 
 allowed to mitigate such portion of your 
 anxiety, as you shall deem it fit to confide 
 tome/' 
 
 This letter she resolved on taking with 
 her the ensuing morning, when, if the un- 
 fortunate Jessy was not in the garden, she 
 purposed dispatching it by the gardener, 
 and Vv'aiting the result. 
 
 In spite of all her efforts to the con- 
 trary, there yet appeared too much reason 
 to believe that Belford was the person in 
 
 question ;
 
 330 GELIA. 
 
 question ; under this impression, she felt 
 it impossible to return to the drawing- 
 room : taking her coffee from the hands 
 of Patty, she sat listening to the departure 
 of the carriage — ^* What a system of du- 
 plicity !" said the unfashionable Celia, a$ 
 she heard it go off. '' Is it not malicious 
 to enter a room with apparent cordialitVj 
 yet owning the intentions so lately avow- 
 ed by my sister ? I cannot believe she thinks 
 it so, or she could not practise it; but 
 how can she gloss such conduct ? Perhaps 
 Ms wretched girl,** said our heroine, re- 
 garding the epistle intended for her appli- 
 cant, " though a victim to the perfidy of 
 man, would blush to act thus. She has 
 been deceived^ and has undoubtedly de- 
 ceived herself — it is a single error — I am 
 persuaded it is a single error— there i^ 
 all the shame, all the despair of a good 
 mind — she wants hope ; there she is wrong. 
 I will see her," said Celia, all the piety, of 
 her character emanating on her counter 
 nance ; '' we will explore the sacred page 
 5 together ;
 
 together ; she sh^ll learn that th,6re is ^ joy 
 in Heaven over the penitent ;' we will ^sk 
 i^ fo*: ane who>ha^/ erred; and is deceived/ 
 and He will incline unto our pirayer." 
 
 Who, that had seen Celia thus fervent 
 for a stranger, an erring child of mortality, 
 but would have comprehended, that early 
 habits of piety are the sure comfort of ad- 
 vancing life ; that 
 
 ** On piety y humanity is built. 
 
 And on humanity, much happiness 5 
 
 And yet still more on piety itself. 
 
 A soul in commerce with her God is Heaven ; 
 
 Feels not the tumults and the shocks of life. 
 
 The whirls of passions, and the strokes of heart." 
 
 " Many,'* says the worldly reader, " many 
 would justly condemn that zeal which Celia 
 Delacour accorded to a frail sister." 
 
 " Why ?'* asks the uninformed children 
 of nature. The answer is simple — In raising 
 and upholding a being like Jessy, the act is 
 retired — all 'publicity would destroy the 
 good to be derived from it — it would not 
 
 VOL. I. Y be
 
 S22 CELIA. 
 
 be possible that the deed could be blazon- 
 ed — the known humanity of my Lady , 
 
 the amiable philanthropy of the Earl of 
 , may do something towards filling 
 the newspapers — but to heal the anguish 
 of the creaturewho sighs in secret — to bid 
 the weeping penitent '' go sin no more/* 
 -are exclusively the province of the pure 
 in heart, the moral, the religious charac- 
 ter, who '' vaunteth not," neither is guile 
 found in his heart— it is the free untutor- 
 ed mind, unlearned in thy school, oh 
 glittering, deceiving world 1 — -but purely 
 taught, in the principles of that faith, of 
 which we all believe ourselves pupils, 
 while, if our vanity did not blind us, we 
 should feel- that we w^ ere truants, arrant 
 tr^uants. 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
 Lane» Darling, and Co. Lcadenhall-Street.
 
 WORKS 
 
 IPrintetJ at t^e CtJ^incrba IPrec^, 
 
 PViih the Reviewers' Opinion* 
 
 FALCONBRIDGE ABBEY, 
 
 A DEVONSHIRE STORY, 
 
 BY MRS. HANWAY. 
 
 5 vols. £l 7s. fld. 
 
 *' The fair A' tl^or of this work, telis us In a Preftce, which Is 
 written with peculiar eiv. rgy, that, after a lf>i g lai)feof time, 
 (he truds her thiid "Work for puh.ic pcrufal, writttn under 
 many interruptions from ill health, which would certainly have 
 been a pl'^a for any def^6ts that might liave appeared, had the 
 fire and spirit of her talents, already well known and duly ap- 
 preciated by the Public, by her former valuable productions 
 ot « Ellinor"" and *' Andrew Stuart,'" been found to have 
 evaporated. But our judgment is decidedly given in favour 
 of a direct contrary pofition j for we are cf opinion, that if 
 <* Falconbridge Abbey" does not surpafs, it is cf-rtainly in 
 ro degree inferior, in the great points ot either arnvtlcment or 
 inftrndion, to either of her former pubhc exertions. 
 
 " The execution does juitice to the cie/?g?: pourrrayed ; the cha- 
 ra61ers are, in general, very ftrongly iiiarlceil, and wiih many 
 high touches of the pencil. Lady Falconbridge, although a rigid 
 moralift and a fl:ri«5f dilciplinari.m, both in mind and manncis, 
 has all the humanizing virtues of the heart, which the various 
 occurrences of the hiifo; y finely draw forth. The whole of the 
 El'Jerton family, which is powerfully delineated, exhibit in- 
 itancesof the temporary succefs of almoft every foecies of in- 
 famy to attain the (-bjefls of their ambition j which, though 
 gratified, ulti^nattly terminates to their confalion, an 1 indeed 
 complete deih-u5tion ; and that in a manner alike favomable 
 to morality ar.d probability, which flionld never be violated 
 in any imitation of hiilory, for fuch may be denominated a well- 
 written novel. Sir Henry' Falconbridge is a compound of 
 imbecility and goodnefs ot heart, his beli-dii t£led benevolence 
 being frequently mixed with an almoif intantine weaknefs, 
 from a certain conditutional languor of difpofition, and a wr.nt 
 pf mental energy. The natural Ion ot" this gentleman, who 
 
 comes
 
 New Works, S^c. continued. 
 
 comes very forward in the ftory, aod fecures the efttcm and 
 adiiijration of the reader by aiSlions well, calculated to com- 
 mand il, is, in every rerpe6V, a very hp.ppily-drawn cliara6ler, 
 evincing, in the progrefs of the a6"lion of the (lory, the puielt 
 generofity and ntmolt bravery, accompanied by the mod un- 
 affected senfibih'ty j at the fame time that he is a rare pattern 
 of fiiia! piety. 
 
 ** The different interefts of this '* DevonHiire Tale'* arc (o 
 clofcly interwoven with each other, and are made fb fkilfully 
 to conne6t, tha', al'.hough they are, from that very circum- 
 fiance, more important as a nvhole, they are, by that propor- 
 tiun^ lefs favourable to partial ex'racT. We fhall therefore 
 refer our readers, with a good confcience, to the perufal of the 
 work icfelf } after obftrving, that we have not a doubt, to ap- 
 ply her own words, *« the public en tnojfe wAW (till be found 
 c?ndid and liber^^l to her efforts for the aniuffinent of their lei,- 
 liire hours. " We will add, alio, for the injlru^ion of their 
 moji serious ones.^'' 
 
 Ceiiilemait's Magazine , March, 1809, 
 
 THE NUN AND HER DAUGHTER, 
 
 4 vols. 1 8s^ seweil. 
 
 ** The Nun and her Daughter is fupericr to moft puhlica- 
 lions of this foi t. The iVji y is tol.1 in a manner that indicates 
 afeitile ima;^^^in.\tion, and excites a great deal of inierelL" 
 
 Mcntkly Epitome, Majt 1805. 
 
 CASTLE OF SANTA F£. 
 
 A NOVEL, 
 
 4 vols. 1 8s, sewed. 
 
 " The CalHe of Santa Fe, by a Clergyman's Daughter, is 
 a weli-wriiten novrl j the inciden-s me dignified, and not 
 improbable, t:;c characters are well ru,.)puried, and the ten- 
 dency ofthe iloiy is moral and religious." 
 
 Monthly iViag. Sup . July 1805.
 
 I 
 
 .m^m^T'^^Mfi
 
 ■M'L^.::