Camilla hurried over her breakfast in expectation of the chaise, and in dread continual, lest her cousin should call her aside, to acquaint her that all was arranged. Edgar perceived, with surprise, that she was going out alone; and, no sooner gathered whither, than, drawing her to one of the windows, he earnestly said: 'Is it by appointment you wait upon Mrs. Arlbery?'
'No.'
'Does she at all expect you this morning?'
'No.'
'Would it, then, be asking too much, if I should entreat you to postpone your visit for a short time?'
The whole design of Camilla was to absent herself immediately; yet she hated to say no. She looked disturbed, and was silent.
'Have you made any further acquaintance with her since the morning of the raffle?'
'No, none; but I wish excessively to know more of her.'
'She is certainly, very—agreeable,' said he, with some hesitation; 'but, whether she is all Mrs. Tyrold would approve'—
'I hope you know no harm of her?—If you do, pray keep it to yourself!—for it would quite afflict me to hear anything to her disadvantage.'