about noon
The next morning opened with another scene ; Mrs Harrel ran into Cecilia 's room before breakfast , and acquainted her that Mr Harrel had not been at home all night . The consternation with which she heard this account she instantly endeavoured to dissipate , in order to soften the apprehension with which it was communicated ; Mrs Harrel , however , was extremely uneasy , and sent all the town over to make enquiries , but without receiving any intelligence . Cecilia , unwilling to leave her in a state of such alarm , wrote an excuse to Mrs Delvile , that she might continue with her till some information was procured . A subject also of such immediate concern , was sufficient apology for avoiding any particular conversation with Miss Belfield , who called , as usual , about noon , and whose susceptible heart was much affected by the evident disturbance in which she found Cecilia . The whole day passed , and no news arrived ; but , greatly to her astonishment , Mrs Harrel in the evening prepared for going to an assembly ! yet declaring at the same time it was extremely disagreeable to her , only she was afraid , if she stayed away , every body would suppose something was the matter . Who then at last , thought Cecilia , are half so much the slaves of the world as the gay and the dissipated ?