These the editor offers to the publick, as he received them, without any alteration or addition.
CECILIA’S NARRATIVE, &c.
Being a Supplement to Mrs Arnold’s Journal
I set out on my return to England, immediately after the receipt of her last journal, the melancholy close of which had exceedingly terrified and afflicted me.
Immediately on my arrival in London, I flew to the dear friend of my heart; she was still at her house, in Pall-mall.
I found the dear Sidney alone, in her bed-chamber. She had been prepared to receive me; but though I had endeavoured to arm myself with resolution for this affecting interview, I was not mistress of myself at the sight of her.
The tears I shed did not spring from that sweet emotion, which long severed friends feel at seeing each other again; I wept in sorrow for the heavy misfortunes of the best of women.
But Mrs Arnold, still herself, and superior to adversity, received me with the tenderest marks of friendship, and with a composure that amazed me.
Piety, meekness, and patience, were ever Mrs Arnold’s characteristics; and they now all appeared blended, and so strongly impressed on her beautiful face, that I could not look at her without admiration.
As I was astonished to find her so calm under so trying an affliction, I could not help expressing myself to that purpose; but Mrs Arnold checked me, with this reply: ‘I have been set up as a mark, my Cecilia; let me fulfil the intention of my Maker, by shewing a perfect resignation to His will. I hope, my task is almost finished, and that he will soon permit me to return to the dust from which I came.’
Frederick Hildy had arrived from Ireland above a fortnight before, with Master Faulkland, a beautiful child of about five years old. They were both lodged in Mrs Arnold’s house.