Mr Masterton then entered into a detail with Lady de Clare as to what steps ought immediately to be taken, as the heirs-at-law would otherwise give some trouble; and having obtained her acquiescence, it was time to withdraw. "Mr Newland, I trust you will consider us as your warmest friends. I am so much in your debt, that I never can repay you; but I am also in your debt in a pecuniary way--that, at least, you must permit me to refund." "When I require it, Lady de Clare, I will accept it. Do not, pray, vex me by the proposition. I have not much happiness as it is, although I am rejoiced at yours and that of your daughter." "Come, Lady de Clare, I must not allow you to tease my protege, you do not know how sensitive he is. We will now take our leave." "You will come soon," said Cecilia, looking anxiously at me. "You have your mother, Cecilia," replied I; "what can you wish for more? I am a--nobody--without a parent." Cecilia burst into tears: I embraced her, and Mr Masterton and I left the room. PART TWO, CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. I RETURN TO THE GAY WORLD, BUT AM NOT WELL RECEIVED; I AM QUITE DISGUSTED WITH IT AND HONESTY, AND EVERYTHING ELSE. How strange, now that I had succeeded in the next dearest object of my wishes, after ascertaining my own parentage, that I should have felt so miserable; but it was the fact, and I cannot deny it. I could hardly answer Mr Masterton during our journey to town; and when I threw myself on the sofa in my own room, I felt as if I was desolate and deserted. I did not repine at Cecilia's happiness; so far from it, I would have sacrificed my life for her; but she was a creature of my own--one of the objects in this world to which I was endeared--one that had been dependent on me and loved me. Now that she was restored to her parent, she rose above me, and I was left still more desolate. I do not know that I ever passed a week of such misery as the one which followed a _denouement_ productive of so much happiness to others, and which had been sought with so much eagerness, and at so much risk, by myself. It was no feeling of envy, God knows; but it appeared to me as if everyone in the world was to be made happy except myself. But I had more to bear up against.