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 Sir Charles, a little puzzled to understand the Meaning of these Words, which the grave Looks of Arabella made yet more mysterious, rose from his Seat with an Air of Discontent: I should have been glad to have spoken a Word in private to you, Niece, said she; but, since you think proper to make so much Ceremony in such a Trifle, I'll defer it till you are in a better Humour.

Miss Glanville, seeing her Father going out of the Room, stepped before him: Nay, Papa, said she, if you want to speak with my Cousin, my Brother and I will go out, and leave you to yourselves.

You will do me a very great Displeasure, said Arabella; for, I am sure, my Uncle has not any thing of Consequence to say to me: However, added she, seeing Miss Glanville go away, I am resolved, I will not be left alone; and therefore, Mr. Glanville, since I can pretend to some Power over you, I command you to stay.

You may remember, Madam, said Mr. Glanville, with a Smile, you refused to gratify my Curiosity, with regard to something you hinted to me some time ago; and, to punish you, added he, going out of the Room, I am resolved you shall listen to what my Father has to say to you; for, by your Unwillingness to hear it, I imagine you suspect already what it is.

Arabella, finding she had no way to avoid hearing what she dreaded so much, and observing her Uncle had resumed his Chair, prepared to give him Audience; but, in order to deprive him of all Hope, that she would receive his Discourse favourably, she assumed the se