“In his own room, madam, and gave orders not to be disturbed.”
Cecilia, who was not much pleased at this account, was easily persuaded to stay a few minutes longer; and, fearing some new evil, she was going to send him a message, by way of knowing how he was employed, when he came himself into the room.
“Well, ladies,” he cried in a hurrying manner, “who is for Vauxhall?”
“Vauxhall!” repeated Mrs Harrel, while Cecilia, staring, perceived in his face a look of perturbation that extremely alarmed her.
“Come, come,” he cried, “we have no time to lose. A hackney coach will serve us; we won't wait for our own.”
“Have you then given up going abroad?” said Mrs Harrel.
“No, no; where can we go from half so well? let us live while we live! I have ordered a chaise to be in waiting there. Come, let's be gone.”
“First,” said Cecilia, “let me wish you both good night.”
“Will you not go with me?” cried Mrs Harrel, “how can I go to Vauxhall alone?”
“You are not alone,” answered she; “but if I go, how am I to return?”