Cecilia. By what means, sir, have you discovered me?— have you been at Lady Smatter’s?— does anybody there know where I am, except her Ladyship?

Censor. First let me ask you what possible allurement could draw you under this roof? Did you mean, by the volubility of folly, to over-power the sadness of recollection? Did you imagine that nonsense has the same oblivious quality as the waters of Lethe? & flatter yourself that, by swallowing large draughts, you should annihilate all remembrance of your misfortunes?

Cecilia. No, no! I came hither by the dire guidance of necessity. I wish to absent myself from my friends till the real state of my affairs is better known to me. I have sent my servant into the City, whence I expect speedy intelligence. Lady Smatter’s housekeeper assured me that