Cecilia was far other than insensible to these representations: the danger, indeed, appeared to her so formidable, that her inclination the whole time opposed her refusal; yet her repugnance to giving way to the overbearing Baronet, and her fear of his resentment if she listened to Mr Marriot, forced her to be steady, since she saw that her preference would prove the signal of a quarrel.
Inattentive, therefore, to their joint persecution, she again deliberated by what possible method she could get home in safety; but unable to devise any, she at last resolved to make enquiries of the people in the bar, who had been extremely humane and civil, whether they could assist or counsel her. She therefore desired the two gentlemen to take care of Mrs Harrel, to which neither dared dissent, as both could not refuse, and hastily arising, went out of the room: but great indeed was her surprize when, as she was walking up to the bar, she was addressed by young Delvile!
Approaching her with that air of gravity and distance which of late he had assumed in her presence, he was beginning some speech about his mother; but the instant the sound of his voice reached Cecilia, she joyfully clasped her hands, and eagerly exclaimed, "Mr Delvile!--O now we are safe!--this is fortunate indeed!"
"Safe, Madam," cried he astonished, "yes I hope so!--has any thing endangered your safety?"
"O no matter for danger," cried she, "we will now trust ourselves with you, and I am sure you will protect us."
"Protect you!" repeated he again, and with warmth, "yes, while I live!--but what is the matter?--why are you so pale?--are you ill?-- are you frightened?--what is the matter?"
And losing all coldness and reserve, with the utmost earnestness he begged her to explain herself.
"Do you not know," cried she, "what has happened? Can you be here and not have heard it?"
"Heard what?" cried he, "I am but this moment arrived: my mother grew uneasy that she did not see you, she sent to your house, and was told that you were not returned from Vauxhall; some other circumstances also alarmed her, and therefore, late as it was, I came hither myself. The instant I entered this place, I saw you here. This is all my history; tell me now yours. Where is your party? where are Mr and Mrs Harrel?--Why are you alone?"
"O ask not!" cried she, "I cannot tell you!--take us but under your care, and you will soon know all."
She then hurried from him, and returning to Mrs Harrel, said she had now a conveyance at once safe and proper, and begged her to rise and come away.