He paused; but Cecilia felt less and less inclination to make use of the opportunity by speaking in her turn. “Yet though, as I just now hinted, young women of large fortunes may have little trouble in finding themselves establishments, they ought not, therefore, to trifle when proper ones are in their power, nor to suppose themselves equal to any they may chance to desire.” Cecilia coloured high at this pointed reprehension; but feeling her disgust every moment encrease, determined to sustain herself with dignity, and at least not suffer him to perceive the triumph of his ostentation and rudeness. “The proposals,” he continued, “of the Earl of Ernolf had always my approbation; it was certainly an ill-judged thing to neglect such an opportunity of being honourably settled. The clause of the name was, to _him_, immaterial; since his own name half a century ago was unheard of, and since he is himself only known by his title. He is still, however, I have authority to acquaint you, perfectly well disposed to renew his application to you.” “I am sorry, Sir,” said Cecilia coldly, “to hear it.” “You have, perhaps, some other better offer in view?” “No, Sir,” cried she, with spirit, “nor even in desire.” “Am I, then, to infer that some inferior offer has more chance of your approbation?” “There is no reason, Sir, to infer any thing; I am content with my actual situation, and have, at present, neither prospect nor intention of changing it.” “I perceive, but without surprise, your unwillingness to discuss the subject; nor do I mean to press it: I shall merely offer to your consideration one caution, and then relieve you from my presence. Young women of ample fortunes, who are early independent, are sometimes apt to presume they may do every thing with impunity; but they are mistaken; they are as liable to censure as those who are wholly unprovided for.” “I hope, Sir,” said Cecilia, staring, “this at least is a caution rather drawn from my situation than my behaviour?” “I mean not, ma'am, narrowly to go into, or investigate the subject; what I have said you may make your own use of; I have only to observe further, that when young women, at your time of life, are at all negligent of so nice a thing as reputation, they commonly live to repent it.” He then arose to go, but Cecilia, not more offended than amazed, said, “I must beg, Sir, you will explain yourself!” “Certainly this matter,” he answered, “must be immaterial to _me_: yet, as I have once been your guardian by the nomination of the Dean your uncle, I cannot forbear making an effort towards preventing any indiscretion: and frequent visits to a young man--” “Good God! Sir,” interrupted Cecilia, “what is it you mean?”