“Well, ma'am, well, I mean no harm: only I hold it that the right way to hear of a young gentleman, is to ask for him of a young lady: that's my maxim. Come, Sir,” to Mr Briggs, “you and I had like to have fallen out, but what I say is this; let no man bear malice; that's my way: so I hope we part without ill blood?” “Ay, ay;” said Mr Briggs, giving him a nod. “Well, then,” added Hobson, “I hope the good-will may go round, and that not only you and I, but these two good old gentlemen will also lend a hand.” Mr Delvile now was at a loss which way to turn for very rage; but after looking at every one with a face flaming with ire, he said to Cecilia, “If you have collected together these persons for the purpose of affronting me, I must beg you to remember I am not one to be affronted with impunity!” Cecilia, half frightened, was beginning an answer that disclaimed any such intention, when Albany, with the most indignant energy, called out, “Oh pride of heart, with littleness of soul! check this vile arrogance, too vain for man, and spare to others some part of that lenity thou nourishest for thyself, or justly bestow on thyself that contempt thou nourishest for others!” And with these words he sternly left the house. The thunderstruck Mr Delvile began now to fancy that all the demons of torment were designedly let loose upon him, and his surprise and resentment operated so powerfully that it was only in broken sentences he could express either. “Very extraordinary!--a new method of conduct!--liberties to which I am not much used!--impertinences I shall not hastily forget,--treatment that would scarce be pardonable to a person wholly unknown!--” “Why indeed, Sir,” said Hobson, “I can't but say it was rather a cut up; but the old gentleman is what one may call a genius, which makes it a little excusable; for he does things all his own way, and I am told it's the same thing who he speaks to, so he can but find fault, and that.” “Sir,” interrupted the still more highly offended Mr Delvile, “what _you_ may be told is extremely immaterial to _me_; and I must take the liberty to hint to you, a conversation of this easy kind is not what I am much in practice in hearing.” “Sir, I ask pardon,” said Hobson, “I meant nothing but what was agreeable; however, I have done, and I wish you good day. Your humble servant, ma'am, and I hope, Sir,” to Mr Briggs, “you won't begin bad words again?” “No, no,” said Briggs, “ready to make up; all at end; only don't much like _Spain_, that's all!” winking significantly, “nor a'n't over fond of a _skeleton_!” Mr Hobson now retired; and Mr Delvile and Mr Briggs, being both wearied and both in haste to have done, settled in about five minutes all for which they met, after passing more than an hour in agreeing what that was.