Helen caught hold of her, and stopped her. Surprised, Cecilia said, “Do not stop me. I may never have the courage again if stopped now. Do not stop me, Helen.”
“I must, Cecilia. General Clarendon desired you not to interfere in the matter.”
“But this is not interfering, only interposing to prevent mischief.”
“But, Cecilia,” continued Helen eagerly, “another reason has just struck me.”
“I wish reasons would not strike you. Let me go. Oh, Helen; it is for you.”
“And it is for you I speak, Cecilia,” said Helen, as fast as she could. “If you told Beauclerc, you never could afterwards tell the general; it would be a new difficulty. You know the general could never endure your having confessed this to any man but himself—trusted Beauclerc rather than your husband.”
Cecilia stopped, and stood silent.
“My dear Cecilia,” continued Helen, “you must leave me to my own judgment now;” and, breaking from Cecilia, she left the room. She hurried out to meet Beauclerc. He stopped on seeing her, and then came forward with an air of evident deliberation.
“Do you wish to speak to me, Miss Stanley!”
“Miss Stanley!” cried Helen; “is it come to this, and without hearing me!”