The morning did not find her less averse to hear the confirmation of the suspected news. On the contrary, her repugnance to have it ascertained became stronger. She did not ask herself why; she did not consider the uselessness of flying for one hour what she must encounter the next. The present moment was all she could weigh; and, to procrastinate any evil, seemed, to her ardent and active imagination, to conquer it. Again, therefore, she planned a visit to Mrs. Arlbery; though she had given it up so long, from the discouragement of Lionel, that she felt more of shame than of pleasure in the idea of making so tardy an apology; but she could think of no other place to which the whole party would not accompany her; and to avoid them and their communications, for however short a space of time, was now her sole aim. Before breakfast, she repaired to the apartment of her uncle; her request was granted, as soon as heard; and she ordered the chaise. Indiana and Miss Margland, meanwhile, had learnt from the baronet, that the proposals were not yet made. Miss Margland softened the disappointment of Indiana, by suggesting that her admirer was probably waiting the arrival of some elegant trinket, that he destined to present her upon his declaration: but she was by no means free from doubt and suspicion herself. She languished to quit Cleves, and Sir Hugh had almost thought her accountable for the slowness of Mandlebert's proceedings. To keep up her own consequence, she had again repeated her assurances, that all was in a prosperous train; though she had frequently, with strong private uneasiness, observed the eyes of Edgar fixed upon Camilla, with an attention far more pointed than she had ever remarked in them when their direction was towards her fair pupil. Camilla hurried over her breakfast in expectation of the chaise, and in dread continual, lest her cousin should call her aside, to acquaint her that all was arranged. Edgar perceived, with surprise, that she was going out alone; and, no sooner gathered whither, than, drawing her to one of the windows, he earnestly said: 'Is it by appointment you wait upon Mrs. Arlbery?' 'No.' 'Does she at all expect you this morning?' 'No.' 'Would it, then, be asking too much, if I should entreat you to postpone your visit for a short time?' The whole design of Camilla was to absent herself immediately; yet she hated to say no. She looked disturbed, and was silent. 'Have you made any further acquaintance with her since the morning of the raffle?' 'No, none; but I wish excessively to know more of her.' 'She is certainly, very--agreeable,' said he, with some hesitation; 'but, whether she is all Mrs. Tyrold would approve'-- 'I hope you know no harm of her?--If you do, pray keep it to yourself!--for it would quite afflict me to hear anything to her disadvantage.'