#LyX 1.2 created this file. For more info see http://www.lyx.org/ \lyxformat 220 \textclass book \language english \inputencoding auto \fontscheme newcent \graphics default \paperfontsize 12 \spacing single \papersize Custom \paperpackage a4 \use_geometry 1 \use_amsmath 0 \use_natbib 0 \use_numerical_citations 0 \paperorientation portrait \paperwidth 5.5in \paperheight 8.5in \leftmargin 1in \topmargin 1in \rightmargin 1in \bottommargin 1in \secnumdepth 3 \tocdepth 3 \paragraph_separation indent \defskip medskip \quotes_language english \quotes_times 2 \papercolumns 1 \papersides 2 \paperpagestyle default \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash sloppy \newline \layout Standard \backslash pagestyle{empty} \end_inset \layout Title Mansfield Park \layout Author Jane Austen \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash frontmatter \newline \layout Standard \backslash pagestyle{myheadings} \end_inset \begin_inset LatexCommand \tableofcontents{} \end_inset \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash newpage \newline \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset Prefatory Materials \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{Mansfield Park}{ \end_inset Prefatory Materials \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The preparer of this public-domain text is unknown. The text was converted to LaTeX using \series bold GutenMark \series default software, and re-edited (formatting only) by Ron Burkey. Report problems to info@sandroid.org. \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash mainmatter \newline \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER I \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER I \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER I \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard About thirty years ago Miss Maria Ward, of Huntingdon, with only seven thousand pounds, had the good luck to captivate Sir Thomas Bertram, of Mansfield Park, in the county of Northampton, and to be thereby raised to the rank of a baronet's lady, with all the comforts and consequences of an handsome house and large income. All Huntingdon exclaimed on the greatness of the match, and her uncle, the lawyer, himself, allowed her to be at least three thousand pounds short of any equitable claim to it. She had two sisters to be benefited by her elevation; and such of their acquaintance as thought Miss Ward and Miss Frances quite as handsome as Miss Maria, did not scruple to predict their marrying with almost equal advantage. But there certainly are not so many men of large fortune in the world as there are pretty women to deserve them. Miss Ward, at the end of half a dozen years, found herself obliged to be attached to the Rev. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, a friend of her brother-in-law, with scarcely any private fortune, and Miss Frances fared yet worse. Miss Ward's match, indeed, when it came to the point, was not contemptible: Sir Thomas being happily able to give his friend an income in the living of Mansfield; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris began their career of conjugal felicity with very little less than a thousand a year. But Miss Frances married, in the common phrase, to disoblige her family, and by fixing on a lieutenant of marines, without education, fortune, or connexions, did it very thoroughly. She could hardly have made a more untoward choice. Sir Thomas Bertram had interest, which, from principle as well as pride--from a general wish of doing right, and a desire of seeing all that were connected with him in situations of respectability, he would have been glad to exert for the advantage of Lady Bertram's sister; but her husband's profession was such as no interest could reach; and before he had time to devise any other method of assisting them, an absolute breach between the sisters had taken place. It was the natural result of the conduct of each party, and such as a very imprudent marriage almost always produces. To save herself from useless remonstrance, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price never wrote to her family on the subject till actually married. Lady Bertram, who was a woman of very tranquil feelings, and a temper remarkabl y easy and indolent, would have contented herself with merely giving up her sister, and thinking no more of the matter; but Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had a spirit of activity, which could not be satisfied till she had written a long and angry letter to Fanny, to point out the folly of her conduct, and threaten her with all its possible ill consequences. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, in her turn, was injured and angry; and an answer, which comprehended each sister in its bitterness, and bestowed such very disrespectful reflections on the pride of Sir Thomas as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could not possibly keep to herself, put an end to all intercourse between them for a considerable period. \layout Standard Their homes were so distant, and the circles in which they moved so distinct, as almost to preclude the means of ever hearing of each other's existence during the eleven following years, or, at least, to make it very wonderful to Sir Thomas that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris should ever have it in her power to tell them, as she now and then did, in an angry voice, that Fanny had got another child. By the end of eleven years, however, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price could no longer afford to cherish pride or resentment, or to lose one connexion that might possibly assist her. A large and still increasing family, an husband disabled for active service, but not the less equal to company and good liquor, and a very small income to supply their wants, made her eager to regain the friends she had so carelessly sacrificed; and she addressed Lady Bertram in a letter which spoke so much contrition and despondence, such a superfluity of children, and such a want of almost everything else, as could not but dispose them all to a reconciliation. She was preparing for her ninth lying-in; and after bewailing the circumstance, and imploring their countenance as sponsors to the expected child, she could not conceal how important she felt they might be to the future maintenanc e of the eight already in being. Her eldest was a boy of ten years old, a fine spirited fellow, who longed to be out in the world; but what could she do? Was there any chance of his being hereafter useful to Sir Thomas in the concerns of his West Indian property? No situation would be beneath him; or what did Sir Thomas think of Woolwich? or how could a boy be sent out to the East? \layout Standard The letter was not unproductive. It re-established peace and kindness. Sir Thomas sent friendly advice and professions, Lady Bertram dispatched money and baby-linen, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris wrote the letters. \layout Standard Such were its immediate effects, and within a twelvemonth a more important advantage to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price resulted from it. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was often observing to the others that she could not get her poor sister and her family out of her head, and that, much as they had all done for her, she seemed to be wanting to do more; and at length she could not but own it to be her wish that poor Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price should be relieved from the charge and expense of one child entirely out of her great number. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What if they were among them to undertake the care of her eldest daughter, a girl now nine years old, of an age to require more attention than her poor mother could possibly give? The trouble and expense of it to them would be nothing, compared with the benevolence of the action. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Lady Bertram agreed with her instantly. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I think we cannot do better, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset let us send for the child. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas could not give so instantaneous and unqualified a consent. He debated and hesitated;--it was a serious charge;--a girl so brought up must be adequately provided for, or there would be cruelty instead of kindness in taking her from her family. He thought of his own four children, of his two sons, of cousins in love, \shape italic etc \shape default .;--but no sooner had he deliberately begun to state his objections, than Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris interrupted him with a reply to them all, whether stated or not. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Sir Thomas, I perfectly comprehend you, and do justice to the generosity and delicacy of your notions, which indeed are quite of a piece with your general conduct; and I entirely agree with you in the main as to the propriety of doing everything one could by way of providing for a child one had in a manner taken into one's own hands; and I am sure I should be the last person in the world to withhold my mite upon such an occasion. Having no children of my own, who should I look to in any little matter I may ever have to bestow, but the children of my sisters?--and I am sure Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris is too just--but you know I am a woman of few words and professions. Do not let us be frightened from a good deed by a trifle. Give a girl an education, and introduce her properly into the world, and ten to one but she has the means of settling well, without farther expense to anybody. A niece of ours, Sir Thomas, I may say, or at least of \shape italic yours \shape default , would not grow up in this neighbourhood without many advantages. I don't say she would be so handsome as her cousins. I dare say she would not; but she would be introduced into the society of this country under such very favourable circumstances as, in all human probability, would get her a creditable establishment. You are thinking of your sons--but do not you know that, of all things upon earth, \shape italic that \shape default is the least likely to happen, brought up as they would be, always together like brothers and sisters? It is morally impossible. I never knew an instance of it. It is, in fact, the only sure way of providing against the connexion. Suppose her a pretty girl, and seen by Tom or Edmund for the first time seven years hence, and I dare say there would be mischief. The very idea of her having been suffered to grow up at a distance from us all in poverty and neglect, would be enough to make either of the dear, sweet-tempered boys in love with her. But breed her up with them from this time, and suppose her even to have the beauty of an angel, and she will never be more to either than a sister. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There is a great deal of truth in what you say, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Sir Thomas, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and far be it from me to throw any fanciful impediment in the way of a plan which would be so consistent with the relative situations of each. I only meant to observe that it ought not to be lightly engaged in, and that to make it really serviceable to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, and creditable to ourselves, we must secure to the child, or consider ourselves engaged to secure to her hereafter, as circumstances may arise, the provision of a gentlewoman, if no such establishment should offer as you are so sanguine in expecting. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I thoroughly understand you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you are everything that is generous and considerate, and I am sure we shall never disagree on this point. Whatever I can do, as you well know, I am always ready enough to do for the good of those I love; and, though I could never feel for this little girl the hundredth part of the regard I bear your own dear children, nor consider her, in any respect, so much my own, I should hate myself if I were capable of neglecting her. Is not she a sister's child? and could I bear to see her want while I had a bit of bread to give her? My dear Sir Thomas, with all my faults I have a warm heart; and, poor as I am, would rather deny myself the necessaries of life than do an ungenerous thing. So, if you are not against it, I will write to my poor sister tomorrow, and make the proposal; and, as soon as matters are settled, \shape italic I \shape default will engage to get the child to Mansfield; \shape italic you \shape default shall have no trouble about it. My own trouble, you know, I never regard. I will send Nanny to London on purpose, and she may have a bed at her cousin the saddler's, and the child be appointed to meet her there. They may easily get her from Portsmouth to town by the coach, under the care of any creditable person that may chance to be going. I dare say there is always some reputable tradesman's wife or other going up. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Except to the attack on Nanny's cousin, Sir Thomas no longer made any objection, and a more respectable, though less economical rendezvous being accordingly substituted, everything was considered as settled, and the pleasures of so benevolent a scheme were already enjoyed. The division of gratifying sensations ought not, in strict justice, to have been equal; for Sir Thomas was fully resolved to be the real and consisten t patron of the selected child, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had not the least intention of being at any expense whatever in her maintenance. As far as walking, talking, and contriving reached, she was thoroughly benevolent, and nobody knew better how to dictate liberality to others; but her love of money was equal to her love of directing, and she knew quite as well how to save her own as to spend that of her friends. Having married on a narrower income than she had been used to look forward to, she had, from the first, fancied a very strict line of economy necessary; and what was begun as a matter of prudence, soon grew into a matter of choice, as an object of that needful solicitude which there were no children to supply. Had there been a family to provide for, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris might never have saved her money; but having no care of that kind, there was nothing to impede her frugality, or lessen the comfort of making a yearly addition to an income which they had never lived up to. Under this infatuating principle, counteracted by no real affection for her sister, it was impossible for her to aim at more than the credit of projecting and arranging so expensive a charity; though perhaps she might so little know herself as to walk home to the Parsonage, after this conversatio n, in the happy belief of being the most liberal-minded sister and aunt in the world. \layout Standard When the subject was brought forward again, her views were more fully explained; and, in reply to Lady Bertram's calm inquiry of \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Where shall the child come to first, sister, to you or to us? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Sir Thomas heard with some surprise that it would be totally out of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's power to take any share in the personal charge of her. He had been considering her as a particularly welcome addition at the Parsonage , as a desirable companion to an aunt who had no children of her own; but he found himself wholly mistaken. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was sorry to say that the little girl's staying with them, at least as things then were, was quite out of the question. Poor Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's indifferent state of health made it an impossibility: he could no more bear the noise of a child than he could fly; if, indeed, he should ever get well of his gouty complaints, it would be a different matter: she should then be glad to take her turn, and think nothing of the inconvenienc e; but just now, poor Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris took up every moment of her time, and the very mention of such a thing she was sure would distract him. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Then she had better come to us, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram, with the utmost composure. After a short pause Sir Thomas added with dignity, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, let her home be in this house. We will endeavour to do our duty by her, and she will, at least, have the advantage of companions of her own age, and of a regular instructress. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very true, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset which are both very important considerations; and it will be just the same to Miss Lee whether she has three girls to teach, or only two--there can be no difference. I only wish I could be more useful; but you see I do all in my power. I am not one of those that spare their own trouble; and Nanny shall fetch her, however it may put me to inconvenience to have my chief counsellor away for three days. I suppose, sister, you will put the child in the little white attic, near the old nurseries. It will be much the best place for her, so near Miss Lee, and not far from the girls, and close by the housemaids, who could either of them help to dress her, you know, and take care of her clothes, for I suppose you would not think it fair to expect Ellis to wait on her as well as the others. Indeed, I do not see that you could possibly place her anywhere else. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Lady Bertram made no opposition. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I hope she will prove a well-disposed girl, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and be sensible of her uncommon good fortune in having such friends. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Should her disposition be really bad, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we must not, for our own children's sake, continue her in the family; but there is no reason to expect so great an evil. We shall probably see much to wish altered in her, and must prepare ourselves for gross ignorance, some meanness of opinions, and very distressing vulgarity of manner; but these are not incurable faults; nor, I trust, can they be dangerous for her associates. Had my daughters been \shape italic younger \shape default than herself, I should have considered the introduction of such a companion as a matter of very serious moment; but, as it is, I hope there can be nothing to fear for \shape italic them \shape default , and everything to hope for \shape italic her \shape default , from the association. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That is exactly what I think, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and what I was saying to my husband this morning. It will be an education for the child, said I, only being with her cousins; if Miss Lee taught her nothing, she would learn to be good and clever from \shape italic them \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I hope she will not tease my poor pug, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have but just got Julia to leave it alone. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There will be some difficulty in our way, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset observed Sir Thomas, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset as to the distinction proper to be made between the girls as they grow up: how to preserve in the minds of my \shape italic daughters \shape default the consciousness of what they are, without making them think too lowly of their cousin; and how, without depressing her spirits too far, to make her remember that she is not a \shape italic Miss Bertram \shape default . I should wish to see them very good friends, and would, on no account, authorise in my girls the smallest degree of arrogance towards their relation; but still they cannot be equals. Their rank, fortune, rights, and expectations will always be different. It is a point of great delicacy, and you must assist us in our endeavours to choose exactly the right line of conduct. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was quite at his service; and though she perfectly agreed with him as to its being a most difficult thing, encouraged him to hope that between them it would be easily managed. \layout Standard It will be readily believed that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris did not write to her sister in vain. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price seemed rather surprised that a girl should be fixed on, when she had so many fine boys, but accepted the offer most thankfully, assuring them of her daughter's being a very well-disposed, good-humoured girl, and trusting they would never have cause to throw her off. She spoke of her farther as somewhat delicate and puny, but was sanguine in the hope of her being materially better for change of air. Poor woman! she probably thought change of air might agree with many of her children. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER II \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER II \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER II \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The little girl performed her long journey in safety; and at Northampton was met by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, who thus regaled in the credit of being foremost to welcome her, and in the importance of leading her in to the others, and recommending her to their kindness. \layout Standard Fanny Price was at this time just ten years old, and though there might not be much in her first appearance to captivate, there was, at least, nothing to disgust her relations. She was small of her age, with no glow of complexion, nor any other striking beauty; exceedingly timid and shy, and shrinking from notice; but her air, though awkward, was not vulgar, her voice was sweet, and when she spoke her countenance was pretty. Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram received her very kindly; and Sir Thomas, seeing how much she needed encouragement, tried to be all that was conciliating: but he had to work against a most untoward gravity of deportment; and Lady Bertram, without taking half so much trouble, or speaking one word where he spoke ten, by the mere aid of a good-humoured smile, became immediately the less awful character of the two. \layout Standard The young people were all at home, and sustained their share in the introduction very well, with much good humour, and no embarrassment, at least on the part of the sons, who, at seventeen and sixteen, and tall of their age, had all the grandeur of men in the eyes of their little cousin. The two girls were more at a loss from being younger and in greater awe of their father, who addressed them on the occasion with rather an injudicious particularity. But they were too much used to company and praise to have anything like natural shyness; and their confidence increasing from their cousin's total want of it, they were soon able to take a full survey of her face and her frock in easy indifference. \layout Standard They were a remarkably fine family, the sons very well-looking, the daughters decidedly handsome, and all of them well-grown and forward of their age, which produced as striking a difference between the cousins in person, as education had given to their address; and no one would have supposed the girls so nearly of an age as they really were. There were in fact but two years between the youngest and Fanny. Julia Bertram was only twelve, and Maria but a year older. The little visitor meanwhile was as unhappy as possible. Afraid of everybody, ashamed of herself, and longing for the home she had left, she knew not how to look up, and could scarcely speak to be heard, or without crying. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had been talking to her the whole way from Northampton of her wonderful good fortune, and the extraordinary degree of gratitude and good behaviour which it ought to produce, and her consciousness of misery was therefore increased by the idea of its being a wicked thing for her not to be happy. The fatigue, too, of so long a journey, became soon no trifling evil. In vain were the well-meant condescensions of Sir Thomas, and all the officious prognostications of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris that she would be a good girl; in vain did Lady Bertram smile and make her sit on the sofa with herself and pug, and vain was even the sight of a gooseberry tart towards giving her comfort; she could scarcely swallow two mouthfuls before tears interrupted her, and sleep seeming to be her likeliest friend, she was taken to finish her sorrows in bed. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is not a very promising beginning, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, when Fanny had left the room. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset After all that I said to her as we came along, I thought she would have behaved better; I told her how much might depend upon her acquitting herself well at first. I wish there may not be a little sulkiness of temper--her poor mother had a good deal; but we must make allowances for such a child--and I do not know that her being sorry to leave her home is really against her, for, with all its faults, it \shape italic was \shape default her home, and she cannot as yet understand how much she has changed for the better; but then there is moderation in all things. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard It required a longer time, however, than Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was inclined to allow, to reconcile Fanny to the novelty of Mansfield Park, and the separation from everybody she had been used to. Her feelings were very acute, and too little understood to be properly attended to. Nobody meant to be unkind, but nobody put themselves out of their way to secure her comfort. \layout Standard The holiday allowed to the Miss Bertrams the next day, on purpose to afford leisure for getting acquainted with, and entertaining their young cousin, produced little union. They could not but hold her cheap on finding that she had but two sashes, and had never learned French; and when they perceived her to be little struck with the duet they were so good as to play, they could do no more than make her a generous present of some of their least valued toys, and leave her to herself, while they adjourned to whatever might be the favourite holiday sport of the moment, making artificial flowers or wasting gold paper. \layout Standard Fanny, whether near or from her cousins, whether in the schoolroom, the drawing-room, or the shrubbery, was equally forlorn, finding something to fear in every person and place. She was disheartened by Lady Bertram's silence, awed by Sir Thomas's grave looks, and quite overcome by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's admonitions. Her elder cousins mortified her by reflections on her size, and abashed her by noticing her shyness: Miss Lee wondered at her ignorance, and the maid-servants sneered at her clothes; and when to these sorrows was added the idea of the brothers and sisters among whom she had always been important as playfellow, instructress, and nurse, the despondence that sunk her little heart was severe. \layout Standard The grandeur of the house astonished, but could not console her. The rooms were too large for her to move in with ease: whatever she touched she expected to injure, and she crept about in constant terror of something or other; often retreating towards her own chamber to cry; and the little girl who was spoken of in the drawing-room when she left it at night as seeming so desirably sensible of her peculiar good fortune, ended every day's sorrows by sobbing herself to sleep. A week had passed in this way, and no suspicion of it conveyed by her quiet passive manner, when she was found one morning by her cousin Edmund, the youngest of the sons, sitting crying on the attic stairs. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear little cousin, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, with all the gentleness of an excellent nature, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what can be the matter? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And sitting down by her, he was at great pains to overcome her shame in being so surprised, and persuade her to speak openly. Was she ill? or was anybody angry with her? or had she quarrelled with Maria and Julia? or was she puzzled about anything in her lesson that he could explain? Did she, in short, want anything he could possibly get her, or do for her? For a long while no answer could be obtained beyond a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset no, no--not at all--no, thank you \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; but he still persevered; and no sooner had he begun to revert to her own home, than her increased sobs explained to him where the grievance lay. He tried to console her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are sorry to leave Mama, my dear little Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset which shows you to be a very good girl; but you must remember that you are with relations and friends, who all love you, and wish to make you happy. Let us walk out in the park, and you shall tell me all about your brothers and sisters. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard On pursuing the subject, he found that, dear as all these brothers and sisters generally were, there was one among them who ran more in her thoughts than the rest. It was William whom she talked of most, and wanted most to see. William, the eldest, a year older than herself, her constant companion and friend; her advocate with her mother (of whom he was the darling) in every distress. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset William did not like she should come away; he had told her he should miss her very much indeed. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But William will write to you, I dare say. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, he had promised he would, but he had told \shape italic her \shape default to write first. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And when shall you do it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She hung her head and answered hesitatingly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she did not know; she had not any paper. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If that be all your difficulty, I will furnish you with paper and every other material, and you may write your letter whenever you choose. Would it make you happy to write to William? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, very. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Then let it be done now. Come with me into the breakfast-room, we shall find everything there, and be sure of having the room to ourselves. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But, cousin, will it go to the post? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, depend upon me it shall: it shall go with the other letters; and, as your uncle will frank it, it will cost William nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My uncle! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset repeated Fanny, with a frightened look. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, when you have written the letter, I will take it to my father to frank. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny thought it a bold measure, but offered no further resistance; and they went together into the breakfast-room, where Edmund prepared her paper, and ruled her lines with all the goodwill that her brother could himself have felt, and probably with somewhat more exactness. He continued with her the whole time of her writing, to assist her with his penknife or his orthography, as either were wanted; and added to these attentions, which she felt very much, a kindness to her brother which delighted her beyond all the rest. He wrote with his own hand his love to his cousin William, and sent him half a guinea under the seal. Fanny's feelings on the occasion were such as she believed herself incapable of expressing; but her countenance and a few artless words fully conveyed all their gratitude and delight, and her cousin began to find her an interestin g object. He talked to her more, and, from all that she said, was convinced of her having an affectionate heart, and a strong desire of doing right; and he could perceive her to be farther entitled to attention by great sensibility of her situation, and great timidity. He had never knowingly given her pain, but he now felt that she required more positive kindness; and with that view endeavoured, in the first place, to lessen her fears of them all, and gave her especially a great deal of good advice as to playing with Maria and Julia, and being as merry as possible. \layout Standard From this day Fanny grew more comfortable. She felt that she had a friend, and the kindness of her cousin Edmund gave her better spirits with everybody else. The place became less strange, and the people less formidable; and if there were some amongst them whom she could not cease to fear, she began at least to know their ways, and to catch the best manner of conforming to them. The little rusticities and awkwardnesses which had at first made grievous inroads on the tranquillity of all, and not least of herself, necessarily wore away, and she was no longer materially afraid to appear before her uncle, nor did her aunt Norris's voice make her start very much. To her cousins she became occasionally an acceptable companion. Though unworthy, from inferiority of age and strength, to be their constant associate, their pleasures and schemes were sometimes of a nature to make a third very useful, especially when that third was of an obliging, yielding temper; and they could not but own, when their aunt inquired into her faults, or their brother Edmund urged her claims to their kindness, that \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny was good-natured enough. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund was uniformly kind himself; and she had nothing worse to endure on the part of Tom than that sort of merriment which a young man of seventeen will always think fair with a child of ten. He was just entering into life, full of spirits, and with all the liberal dispositions of an eldest son, who feels born only for expense and enjoyment. His kindness to his little cousin was consistent with his situation and rights: he made her some very pretty presents, and laughed at her. \layout Standard As her appearance and spirits improved, Sir Thomas and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris thought with greater satisfaction of their benevolent plan; and it was pretty soon decided between them that, though far from clever, she showed a tractable disposition, and seemed likely to give them little trouble. A mean opinion of her abilities was not confined to \shape italic them \shape default . Fanny could read, work, and write, but she had been taught nothing more; and as her cousins found her ignorant of many things with which they had been long familiar, they thought her prodigiously stupid, and for the first two or three weeks were continually bringing some fresh report of it into the drawing-room. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dear mama, only think, my cousin cannot put the map of Europe together--or my cousin cannot tell the principal rivers in Russia--or, she never heard of Asia Minor--or she does not know the difference between water-colours and crayons!--How strange!--Did you ever hear anything so stupid? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset their considerate aunt would reply, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it is very bad, but you must not expect everybody to be as forward and quick at learning as yourself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But, aunt, she is really so very ignorant!--Do you know, we asked her last night which way she would go to get to Ireland; and she said, she should cross to the Isle of Wight. She thinks of nothing but the Isle of Wight, and she calls it \shape italic the \shape default \shape italic Island \shape default , as if there were no other island in the world. I am sure I should have been ashamed of myself, if I had not known better long before I was so old as she is. I cannot remember the time when I did not know a great deal that she has not the least notion of yet. How long ago it is, aunt, since we used to repeat the chronological order of the kings of England, with the dates of their accession, and most of the principal events of their reigns! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added the other; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and of the Roman emperors as low as Severus; besides a great deal of the heathen mythology, and all the metals, semi-metals, planets, and distinguished philosophers. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very true indeed, my dears, but you are blessed with wonderful memories, and your poor cousin has probably none at all. There is a vast deal of difference in memories, as well as in everything else, and therefore you must make allowance for your cousin, and pity her deficiency. And remember that, if you are ever so forward and clever yourselves, you should always be modest; for, much as you know already, there is a great deal more for you to learn. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, I know there is, till I am seventeen. But I must tell you another thing of Fanny, so odd and so stupid. Do you know, she says she does not want to learn either music or drawing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be sure, my dear, that is very stupid indeed, and shows a great want of genius and emulation. But, all things considered, I do not know whether it is not as well that it should be so, for, though you know (owing to me) your papa and mama are so good as to bring her up with you, it is not at all necessary that she should be as accomplished as you are;--on the contrary, it is much more desirable that there should be a difference. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Such were the counsels by which Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris assisted to form her nieces' minds; and it is not very wonderful that, with all their promising talents and early information, they should be entirely deficient in the less common acquirements of self-knowledge, generosity and humility. In everything but disposition they were admirably taught. Sir Thomas did not know what was wanting, because, though a truly anxious father, he was not outwardly affectionate, and the reserve of his manner repressed all the flow of their spirits before him. \layout Standard To the education of her daughters Lady Bertram paid not the smallest attention. She had not time for such cares. She was a woman who spent her days in sitting, nicely dressed, on a sofa, doing some long piece of needlework, of little use and no beauty, thinking more of her pug than her children, but very indulgent to the latter when it did not put herself to inconvenience, guided in everything important by Sir Thomas, and in smaller concerns by her sister. Had she possessed greater leisure for the service of her girls, she would probably have supposed it unnecessary, for they were under the care of a governess, with proper masters, and could want nothing more. As for Fanny's being stupid at learning, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she could only say it was very unlucky, but some people \shape italic were \shape default stupid, and Fanny must take more pains: she did not know what else was to be done; and, except her being so dull, she must add she saw no harm in the poor little thing, and always found her very handy and quick in carrying messages, and fetching, what she wanted. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, with all her faults of ignorance and timidity, was fixed at Mansfield Park, and learning to transfer in its favour much of her attachment to her former home, grew up there not unhappily among her cousins. There was no positive ill-nature in Maria or Julia; and though Fanny was often mortified by their treatment of her, she thought too lowly of her own claims to feel injured by it. \layout Standard From about the time of her entering the family, Lady Bertram, in consequence of a little ill-health, and a great deal of indolence, gave up the house in town, which she had been used to occupy every spring, and remained wholly in the country, leaving Sir Thomas to attend his duty in Parliament, with whatever increase or diminution of comfort might arise from her absence. In the country, therefore, the Miss Bertrams continued to exercise their memories, practise their duets, and grow tall and womanly: and their father saw them becoming in person, manner, and accomplishments, everything that could satisfy his anxiety. His eldest son was careless and extravagant, and had already given him much uneasiness; but his other children promised him nothing but good. His daughters, he felt, while they retained the name of Bertram, must be giving it new grace, and in quitting it, he trusted, would extend its respectab le alliances; and the character of Edmund, his strong good sense and uprightness of mind, bid most fairly for utility, honour, and happiness to himself and all his connexions. He was to be a clergyman. \layout Standard Amid the cares and the complacency which his own children suggested, Sir Thomas did not forget to do what he could for the children of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price: he assisted her liberally in the education and disposal of her sons as they became old enough for a determinate pursuit; and Fanny, though almost totally separated from her family, was sensible of the truest satisfacti on in hearing of any kindness towards them, or of anything at all promising in their situation or conduct. Once, and once only, in the course of many years, had she the happiness of being with William. Of the rest she saw nothing: nobody seemed to think of her ever going amongst them again, even for a visit, nobody at home seemed to want her; but William determining, soon after her removal, to be a sailor, was invited to spend a week with his sister in Northamptonshire before he went to sea. Their eager affection in meeting, their exquisite delight in being together, their hours of happy mirth, and moments of serious conference, may be imagined; as well as the sanguine views and spirits of the boy even to the last, and the misery of the girl when he left her. Luckily the visit happened in the Christmas holidays, when she could directly look for comfort to her cousin Edmund; and he told her such charming things of what William was to do, and be hereafter, in consequence of his profession, as made her gradually admit that the separation might have some use. Edmund's friendship never failed her: his leaving Eton for Oxford made no change in his kind dispositions, and only afforded more frequent opportuniti es of proving them. Without any display of doing more than the rest, or any fear of doing too much, he was always true to her interests, and considerate of her feelings, trying to make her good qualities understood, and to conquer the diffidence which prevented their being more apparent; giving her advice, consolation, and encouragement. \layout Standard Kept back as she was by everybody else, his single support could not bring her forward; but his attentions were otherwise of the highest importance in assisting the improvement of her mind, and extending its pleasures. He knew her to be clever, to have a quick apprehension as well as good sense, and a fondness for reading, which, properly directed, must be an education in itself. Miss Lee taught her French, and heard her read the daily portion of history; but he recommended the books which charmed her leisure hours, he encouraged her taste, and corrected her judgment: he made reading useful by talking to her of what she read, and heightened its attraction by judicious praise. In return for such services she loved him better than anybody in the world except William: her heart was divided between the two. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER III \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER III \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER III \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The first event of any importance in the family was the death of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, which happened when Fanny was about fifteen, and necessarily introduced alterations and novelties. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, on quitting the Parsonage, removed first to the Park, and afterwards to a small house of Sir Thomas's in the village, and consoled herself for the loss of her husband by considering that she could do very well without him; and for her reduction of income by the evident necessity of stricter economy. \layout Standard The living was hereafter for Edmund; and, had his uncle died a few years sooner, it would have been duly given to some friend to hold till he were old enough for orders. But Tom's extravagance had, previous to that event, been so great as to render a different disposal of the next presentation necessary, and the younger brother must help to pay for the pleasures of the elder. There was another family living actually held for Edmund; but though this circumstance had made the arrangement somewhat easier to Sir Thomas's conscienc e, he could not but feel it to be an act of injustice, and he earnestly tried to impress his eldest son with the same conviction, in the hope of its producing a better effect than anything he had yet been able to say or do. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I blush for you, Tom, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, in his most dignified manner; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I blush for the expedient which I am driven on, and I trust I may pity your feelings as a brother on the occasion. You have robbed Edmund for ten, twenty, thirty years, perhaps for life, of more than half the income which ought to be his. It may hereafter be in my power, or in yours (I hope it will), to procure him better preferment; but it must not be forgotten that no benefit of that sort would have been beyond his natural claims on us, and that nothing can, in fact, be an equivalent for the certain advantage which he is now obliged to forego through the urgency of your debts. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Tom listened with some shame and some sorrow; but escaping as quickly as possible, could soon with cheerful selfishness reflect, firstly, that he had not been half so much in debt as some of his friends; secondly, that his father had made a most tiresome piece of work of it; and, thirdly, that the future incumbent, whoever he might be, would, in all probability, die very soon. \layout Standard On Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's death the presentation became the right of a Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, who came consequently to reside at Mansfield; and on proving to be a hearty man of forty-five, seemed likely to disappoint Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram's calculations. But \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset no, he was a short-necked, apoplectic sort of fellow, and, plied well with good things, would soon pop off. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He had a wife about fifteen years his junior, but no children; and they entered the neighbourhood with the usual fair report of being very respectable, agreeable people. \layout Standard The time was now come when Sir Thomas expected his sister-in-law to claim her share in their niece, the change in Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's situation, and the improvement in Fanny's age, seeming not merely to do away any former objection to their living together, but even to give it the most decided eligibility; and as his own circumstances were rendered less fair than heretofore, by some recent losses on his West India estate, in addition to his eldest son's extravagance, it became not undesirable to himself to be relieved from the expense of her support, and the obligation of her future provision. In the fullness of his belief that such a thing must be, he mentioned its probability to his wife; and the first time of the subject's occurring to her again happening to be when Fanny was present, she calmly observed to her, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So, Fanny, you are going to leave us, and live with my sister. How shall you like it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was too much surprised to do more than repeat her aunt's words, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Going to leave you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, my dear; why should you be astonished? You have been five years with us, and my sister always meant to take you when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris died. But you must come up and tack on my patterns all the same. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The news was as disagreeable to Fanny as it had been unexpected. She had never received kindness from her aunt Norris, and could not love her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall be very sorry to go away, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, with a faltering voice. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, I dare say you will; \shape italic that's \shape default natural enough. I suppose you have had as little to vex you since you came into this house as any creature in the world. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I hope I am not ungrateful, aunt, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny modestly. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, my dear; I hope not. I have always found you a very good girl. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And am I never to live here again? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Never, my dear; but you are sure of a comfortable home. It can make very little difference to you, whether you are in one house or the other. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny left the room with a very sorrowful heart; she could not feel the difference to be so small, she could not think of living with her aunt with anything like satisfaction. As soon as she met with Edmund she told him her distress. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Cousin, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset something is going to happen which I do not like at all; and though you have often persuaded me into being reconciled to things that I disliked at first, you will not be able to do it now. I am going to live entirely with my aunt Norris. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes; my aunt Bertram has just told me so. It is quite settled. I am to leave Mansfield Park, and go to the White House, I suppose, as soon as she is removed there. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Fanny, and if the plan were not unpleasant to you, I should call it an excellent one. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh, cousin! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It has everything else in its favour. My aunt is acting like a sensible woman in wishing for you. She is choosing a friend and companion exactly where she ought, and I am glad her love of money does not interfere. You will be what you ought to be to her. I hope it does not distress you very much, Fanny? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed it does: I cannot like it. I love this house and everything in it: I shall love nothing there. You know how uncomfortable I feel with her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I can say nothing for her manner to you as a child; but it was the same with us all, or nearly so. She never knew how to be pleasant to children. But you are now of an age to be treated better; I think she is behaving better already; and when you are her only companion, you \shape italic must \shape default be important to her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I can never be important to any one. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What is to prevent you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Everything. My situation, my foolishness and awkwardness. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As to your foolishness and awkwardness, my dear Fanny, believe me, you never have a shadow of either, but in using the words so improperly. There is no reason in the world why you should not be important where you are known. You have good sense, and a sweet temper, and I am sure you have a grateful heart, that could never receive kindness without wishing to return it. I do not know any better qualifications for a friend and companion. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are too kind, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, colouring at such praise; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how shall I ever thank you as I ought, for thinking so well of me. Oh! cousin, if I am to go away, I shall remember your goodness to the last moment of my life. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why, indeed, Fanny, I should hope to be remembered at such a distance as the White House. You speak as if you were going two hundred miles off instead of only across the park; but you will belong to us almost as much as ever. The two families will be meeting every day in the year. The only difference will be that, living with your aunt, you will necessarily be brought forward as you ought to be. \shape italic Here \shape default there are too many whom you can hide behind; but with \shape italic her \shape default you will be forced to speak for yourself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! I do not say so. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must say it, and say it with pleasure. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris is much better fitted than my mother for having the charge of you now. She is of a temper to do a great deal for anybody she really interests herself about, and she will force you to do justice to your natural powers. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny sighed, and said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot see things as you do; but I ought to believe you to be right rather than myself, and I am very much obliged to you for trying to reconcile me to what must be. If I could suppose my aunt really to care for me, it would be delightful to feel myself of consequence to anybody. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic Here \shape default , I know, I am of none, and yet I love the place so well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The place, Fanny, is what you will not quit, though you quit the house. You will have as free a command of the park and gardens as ever. Even \shape italic your \shape default constant little heart need not take fright at such a nominal change. You will have the same walks to frequent, the same library to choose from, the same people to look at, the same horse to ride. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very true. Yes, dear old grey pony! Ah! cousin, when I remember how much I used to dread riding, what terrors it gave me to hear it talked of as likely to do me good (oh! how I have trembled at my uncle's opening his lips if horses were talked of), and then think of the kind pains you took to reason and persuade me out of my fears, and convince me that I should like it after a little while, and feel how right you proved to be, I am inclined to hope you may always prophesy as well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And I am quite convinced that your being with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris will be as good for your mind as riding has been for your health, and as much for your ultimate happiness too. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard So ended their discourse, which, for any very appropriate service it could render Fanny, might as well have been spared, for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had not the smallest intention of taking her. It had never occurred to her, on the present occasion, but as a thing to be carefully avoided. To prevent its being expected, she had fixed on the smallest habitation which could rank as genteel among the buildings of Mansfield parish, the White House being only just large enough to receive herself and her servants, and allow a spare room for a friend, of which she made a very particular point. The spare rooms at the Parsonage had never been wanted, but the absolute necessity of a spare room for a friend was now never forgotten. Not all her precautions, however, could save her from being suspected of something better; or, perhaps, her very display of the importance of a spare room might have misled Sir Thomas to suppose it really intended for Fanny. Lady Bertram soon brought the matter to a certainty by carelessly observing to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I think, sister, we need not keep Miss Lee any longer, when Fanny goes to live with you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris almost started. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Live with me, dear Lady Bertram! what do you mean? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Is she not to live with you? I thought you had settled it with Sir Thomas. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Me! never. I never spoke a syllable about it to Sir Thomas, nor he to me. Fanny live with me! the last thing in the world for me to think of, or for anybody to wish that really knows us both. Good heaven! what could I do with Fanny? Me! a poor, helpless, forlorn widow, unfit for anything, my spirits quite broke down; what could I do with a girl at her time of life? A girl of fifteen! the very age of all others to need most attention and care, and put the cheerfullest spirits to the test! Sure Sir Thomas could not seriously expect such a thing! Sir Thomas is too much my friend. Nobody that wishes me well, I am sure, would propose it. How came Sir Thomas to speak to you about it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed, I do not know. I suppose he thought it best. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But what did he say? He could not say he \shape italic wished \shape default me to take Fanny. I am sure in his heart he could not wish me to do it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No; he only said he thought it very likely; and I thought so too. We both thought it would be a comfort to you. But if you do not like it, there is no more to be said. She is no encumbrance here. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dear sister, if you consider my unhappy state, how can she be any comfort to me? Here am I, a poor desolate widow, deprived of the best of husbands, my health gone in attending and nursing him, my spirits still worse, all my peace in this world destroyed, with hardly enough to support me in the rank of a gentlewoman, and enable me to live so as not to disgrace the memory of the dear departed--what possible comfort could I have in taking such a charge upon me as Fanny? If I could wish it for my own sake, I would not do so unjust a thing by the poor girl. She is in good hands, and sure of doing well. I must struggle through my sorrows and difficulties as I can. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Then you will not mind living by yourself quite alone? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Lady Bertram, I do not complain. I know I cannot live as I have done, but I must retrench where I can, and learn to be a better manager. I \shape italic have \shape default \shape italic been \shape default a liberal housekeeper enough, but I shall not be ashamed to practise economy now. My situation is as much altered as my income. A great many things were due from poor Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, as clergyman of the parish, that cannot be expected from me. It is unknown how much was consumed in our kitchen by odd comers and goers. At the White House, matters must be better looked after. I \shape italic must \shape default live within my income, or I shall be miserable; and I own it would give me great satisfaction to be able to do rather more, to lay by a little at the end of the year. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I dare say you will. You always do, don't you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My object, Lady Bertram, is to be of use to those that come after me. It is for your children's good that I wish to be richer. I have nobody else to care for, but I should be very glad to think I could leave a little trifle among them worth their having. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are very good, but do not trouble yourself about them. They are sure of being well provided for. Sir Thomas will take care of that. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why, you know, Sir Thomas's means will be rather straitened if the Antigua estate is to make such poor returns. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! \shape italic that \shape default will soon be settled. Sir Thomas has been writing about it, I know. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Lady Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, moving to go, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I can only say that my sole desire is to be of use to your family: and so, if Sir Thomas should ever speak again about my taking Fanny, you will be able to say that my health and spirits put it quite out of the question; besides that, I really should not have a bed to give her, for I must keep a spare room for a friend. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Lady Bertram repeated enough of this conversation to her husband to convince him how much he had mistaken his sister-in-law's views; and she was from that moment perfectly safe from all expectation, or the slightest allusion to it from him. He could not but wonder at her refusing to do anything for a niece whom she had been so forward to adopt; but, as she took early care to make him, as well as Lady Bertram, understand that whatever she possessed was designed for their family, he soon grew reconciled to a distinction which, at the same time that it was advantageous and complimentary to them, would enable him better to provide for Fanny himself. \layout Standard Fanny soon learnt how unnecessary had been her fears of a removal; and her spontaneous, untaught felicity on the discovery, conveyed some consolation to Edmund for his disappointment in what he had expected to be so essentially serviceable to her. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris took possession of the White House, the Grants arrived at the Parsonage, and these events over, everything at Mansfield went on for some time as usual. \layout Standard The Grants showing a disposition to be friendly and sociable, gave great satisfaction in the main among their new acquaintance. They had their faults, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris soon found them out. The Doctor was very fond of eating, and would have a good dinner every day; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, instead of contriving to gratify him at little expense, gave her cook as high wages as they did at Mansfield Park, and was scarcely ever seen in her offices. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could not speak with any temper of such grievances, nor of the quantity of butter and eggs that were regularly consumed in the house. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nobody loved plenty and hospitality more than herself; nobody more hated pitiful doings; the Parsonage, she believed, had never been wanting in comforts of any sort, had never borne a bad character in \shape italic her \shape default \shape italic time \shape default , but this was a way of going on that she could not understand. A fine lady in a country parsonage was quite out of place. \shape italic Her \shape default store-room, she thought, might have been good enough for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to go into. Inquire where she would, she could not find out that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant had ever had more than five thousand pounds. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Lady Bertram listened without much interest to this sort of invective. She could not enter into the wrongs of an economist, but she felt all the injuries of beauty in Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's being so well settled in life without being handsome, and expressed her astonishment on that point almost as often, though not so diffusely, as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris discussed the other. \layout Standard These opinions had been hardly canvassed a year before another event arose of such importance in the family, as might fairly claim some place in the thoughts and conversation of the ladies. Sir Thomas found it expedient to go to Antigua himself, for the better arrangement of his affairs, and he took his eldest son with him, in the hope of detaching him from some bad connexions at home. They left England with the probability of being nearly a twelvemonth absent. \layout Standard The necessity of the measure in a pecuniary light, and the hope of its utility to his son, reconciled Sir Thomas to the effort of quitting the rest of his family, and of leaving his daughters to the direction of others at their present most interesting time of life. He could not think Lady Bertram quite equal to supply his place with them, or rather, to perform what should have been her own; but, in Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's watchful attention, and in Edmund's judgment, he had sufficient confidence to make him go without fears for their conduct. \layout Standard Lady Bertram did not at all like to have her husband leave her; but she was not disturbed by any alarm for his safety, or solicitude for his comfort, being one of those persons who think nothing can be dangerous, or difficult, or fatiguing to anybody but themselves. \layout Standard The Miss Bertrams were much to be pitied on the occasion: not for their sorrow, but for their want of it. Their father was no object of love to them; he had never seemed the friend of their pleasures, and his absence was unhappily most welcome. They were relieved by it from all restraint; and without aiming at one gratification that would probably have been forbidden by Sir Thomas, they felt themselves immediately at their own disposal, and to have every indulgence within their reach. Fanny's relief, and her consciousness of it, were quite equal to her cousins'; but a more tender nature suggested that her feelings were ungrateful, and she really grieved because she could not grieve. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas, who had done so much for her and her brothers, and who was gone perhaps never to return! that she should see him go without a tear! it was a shameful insensibility. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset He had said to her, moreover, on the very last morning, that he hoped she might see William again in the course of the ensuing winter, and had charged her to write and invite him to Mansfield as soon as the squadron to which he belonged should be known to be in England. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This was so thoughtful and kind! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and would he only have smiled upon her, and called her \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset my dear Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset while he said it, every former frown or cold address might have been forgotten. But he had ended his speech in a way to sink her in sad mortification, by adding, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If William does come to Mansfield, I hope you may be able to convince him that the many years which have passed since you parted have not been spent on your side entirely without improvement; though, I fear, he must find his sister at sixteen in some respects too much like his sister at ten. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She cried bitterly over this reflection when her uncle was gone; and her cousins, on seeing her with red eyes, set her down as a hypocrite. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER IV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER IV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER IV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Tom Bertram had of late spent so little of his time at home that he could be only nominally missed; and Lady Bertram was soon astonished to find how very well they did even without his father, how well Edmund could supply his place in carving, talking to the steward, writing to the attorney, settling with the servants, and equally saving her from all possible fatigue or exertion in every particular but that of directing her letters. \layout Standard The earliest intelligence of the travellers' safe arrival at Antigua, after a favourable voyage, was received; though not before Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had been indulging in very dreadful fears, and trying to make Edmund participate them whenever she could get him alone; and as she depended on being the first person made acquainted with any fatal catastrophe, she had already arranged the manner of breaking it to all the others, when Sir Thomas's assurances of their both being alive and well made it necessary to lay by her agitation and affectionate preparatory speeches for a while. \layout Standard The winter came and passed without their being called for; the accounts continued perfectly good; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, in promoting gaieties for her nieces, assisting their toilets, displayin g their accomplishments, and looking about for their future husbands, had so much to do as, in addition to all her own household cares, some interference in those of her sister, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's wasteful doings to overlook, left her very little occasion to be occupied in fears for the absent. \layout Standard The Miss Bertrams were now fully established among the belles of the neighbourho od; and as they joined to beauty and brilliant acquirements a manner naturally easy, and carefully formed to general civility and obligingness, they possessed its favour as well as its admiration. Their vanity was in such good order that they seemed to be quite free from it, and gave themselves no airs; while the praises attending such behaviour, secured and brought round by their aunt, served to strengthen them in believing they had no faults. \layout Standard Lady Bertram did not go into public with her daughters. She was too indolent even to accept a mother's gratification in witnessing their success and enjoyment at the expense of any personal trouble, and the charge was made over to her sister, who desired nothing better than a post of such honourable representation, and very thoroughly relished the means it afforded her of mixing in society without having horses to hire. \layout Standard Fanny had no share in the festivities of the season; but she enjoyed being avowedly useful as her aunt's companion when they called away the rest of the family; and, as Miss Lee had left Mansfield, she naturally became everything to Lady Bertram during the night of a ball or a party. She talked to her, listened to her, read to her; and the tranquillity of such evenings, her perfect security in such a \shape italic tete-a-tete \shape default from any sound of unkindness, was unspeakably welcome to a mind which had seldom known a pause in its alarms or embarrassments. As to her cousins' gaieties, she loved to hear an account of them, especially of the balls, and whom Edmund had danced with; but thought too lowly of her own situation to imagine she should ever be admitted to the same, and listened, therefore, without an idea of any nearer concern in them. Upon the whole, it was a comfortable winter to her; for though it brought no William to England, the never-failing hope of his arrival was worth much. \layout Standard The ensuing spring deprived her of her valued friend, the old grey pony; and for some time she was in danger of feeling the loss in her health as well as in her affections; for in spite of the acknowledged importance of her riding on horse-back, no measures were taken for mounting her again, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset because, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset as it was observed by her aunts, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she might ride one of her cousin's horses at any time when they did not want them, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and as the Miss Bertrams regularly wanted their horses every fine day, and had no idea of carrying their obliging manners to the sacrifice of any real pleasure, that time, of course, never came. They took their cheerful rides in the fine mornings of April and May; and Fanny either sat at home the whole day with one aunt, or walked beyond her strength at the instigation of the other: Lady Bertram holding exercise to be as unnecessary for everybody as it was unpleasant to herself; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, who was walking all day, thinking everybody ought to walk as much. Edmund was absent at this time, or the evil would have been earlier remedied. When he returned, to understand how Fanny was situated, and perceived its ill effects, there seemed with him but one thing to be done; and that \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny must have a horse \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was the resolute declaration with which he opposed whatever could be urged by the supineness of his mother, or the economy of his aunt, to make it appear unimportant. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could not help thinking that some steady old thing might be found among the numbers belonging to the Park that would do vastly well; or that one might be borrowed of the steward; or that perhaps Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant might now and then lend them the pony he sent to the post. She could not but consider it as absolutely unnecessary, and even improper, that Fanny should have a regular lady's horse of her own, in the style of her cousins. She was sure Sir Thomas had never intended it: and she must say that, to be making such a purchase in his absence, and adding to the great expenses of his stable, at a time when a large part of his income was unsettled, seemed to her very unjustifiable. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny must have a horse, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Edmund's only reply. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could not see it in the same light. Lady Bertram did: she entirely agreed with her son as to the necessity of it, and as to its being considered necessary by his father; she only pleaded against there being any hurry; she only wanted him to wait till Sir Thomas's return, and then Sir Thomas might settle it all himself. He would be at home in September, and where would be the harm of only waiting till September? \layout Standard Though Edmund was much more displeased with his aunt than with his mother, as evincing least regard for her niece, he could not help paying more attention to what she said; and at length determined on a method of proceeding which would obviate the risk of his father's thinking he had done too much, and at the same time procure for Fanny the immediate means of exercise, which he could not bear she should be without. He had three horses of his own, but not one that would carry a woman. Two of them were hunters; the third, a useful road-horse: this third he resolved to exchange for one that his cousin might ride; he knew where such a one was to be met with; and having once made up his mind, the whole business was soon completed. The new mare proved a treasure; with a very little trouble she became exactly calculated for the purpose, and Fanny was then put in almost full possession of her. She had not supposed before that anything could ever suit her like the old grey pony; but her delight in Edmund's mare was far beyond any former pleasure of the sort; and the addition it was ever receiving in the considerati on of that kindness from which her pleasure sprung, was beyond all her words to express. She regarded her cousin as an example of everything good and great, as possessing worth which no one but herself could ever appreciate, and as entitled to such gratitude from her as no feelings could be strong enough to pay. Her sentiments towards him were compounded of all that was respectful, grateful, confiding, and tender. \layout Standard As the horse continued in name, as well as fact, the property of Edmund, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could tolerate its being for Fanny's use; and had Lady Bertram ever thought about her own objection again, he might have been excused in her eyes for not waiting till Sir Thomas's return in September, for when September came Sir Thomas was still abroad, and without any near prospect of finishing his business. Unfavourable circumstances had suddenly arisen at a moment when he was beginning to turn all his thoughts towards England; and the very great uncertainty in which everything was then involved determined him on sending home his son, and waiting the final arrangement by himself Tom arrived safely, bringing an excellent account of his father's health; but to very little purpose, as far as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was concerned. Sir Thomas's sending away his son seemed to her so like a parent's care, under the influence of a foreboding of evil to himself, that she could not help feeling dreadful presentiments; and as the long evenings of autumn came on, was so terribly haunted by these ideas, in the sad solitariness of her cottage, as to be obliged to take daily refuge in the dining-room of the Park. The return of winter engagements, however, was not without its effect; and in the course of their progress, her mind became so pleasantly occupied in superintending the fortunes of her eldest niece, as tolerably to quiet her nerves. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If poor Sir Thomas were fated never to return, it would be peculiarly consoling to see their dear Maria well married, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she very often thought; always when they were in the company of men of fortune, and particularly on the introduction of a young man who had recently succeeded to one of the largest estates and finest places in the country. \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was from the first struck with the beauty of Miss Bertram, and, being inclined to marry, soon fancied himself in love. He was a heavy young man, with not more than common sense; but as there was nothing disagreeable in his figure or address, the young lady was well pleased with her conquest. Being now in her twenty-first year, Maria Bertram was beginning to think matrimony a duty; and as a marriage with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth would give her the enjoyment of a larger income than her father's, as well as ensure her the house in town, which was now a prime object, it became, by the same rule of moral obligation, her evident duty to marry Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth if she could. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was most zealous in promoting the match, by every suggestion and contrivance likely to enhance its desirableness to either party; and, among other means, by seeking an intimacy with the gentleman's mother, who at present lived with him, and to whom she even forced Lady Bertram to go through ten miles of indifferent road to pay a morning visit. It was not long before a good understanding took place between this lady and herself. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth acknowledged herself very desirous that her son should marry, and declared that of all the young ladies she had ever seen, Miss Bertram seemed, by her amiable qualities and accomplishments, the best adapted to make him happy. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris accepted the compliment, and admired the nice discernment of character which could so well distinguish merit. Maria was indeed the pride and delight of them all--perfectly faultless--an angel; and, of course, so surrounded by admirers, must be difficult in her choice: but yet, as far as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could allow herself to decide on so short an acquaintance, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth appeared precisely the young man to deserve and attach her. \layout Standard After dancing with each other at a proper number of balls, the young people justified these opinions, and an engagement, with a due reference to the absent Sir Thomas, was entered into, much to the satisfaction of their respective families, and of the general lookers-on of the neighbourhood, who had, for many weeks past, felt the expediency of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's marrying Miss Bertram. \layout Standard It was some months before Sir Thomas's consent could be received; but, in the meanwhile, as no one felt a doubt of his most cordial pleasure in the connexion, the intercourse of the two families was carried on without restraint , and no other attempt made at secrecy than Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's talking of it everywhere as a matter not to be talked of at present. \layout Standard Edmund was the only one of the family who could see a fault in the business; but no representation of his aunt's could induce him to find Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth a desirable companion. He could allow his sister to be the best judge of her own happiness, but he was not pleased that her happiness should centre in a large income; nor could he refrain from often saying to himself, in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's company-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If this man had not twelve thousand a year, he would be a very stupid fellow. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas, however, was truly happy in the prospect of an alliance so unquestio nably advantageous, and of which he heard nothing but the perfectly good and agreeable. It was a connexion exactly of the right sort--in the same county, and the same interest--and his most hearty concurrence was conveyed as soon as possible. He only conditioned that the marriage should not take place before his return, which he was again looking eagerly forward to. He wrote in April, and had strong hopes of settling everything to his entire satisfaction, and leaving Antigua before the end of the summer. \layout Standard Such was the state of affairs in the month of July; and Fanny had just reached her eighteenth year, when the society of the village received an addition in the brother and sister of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, a Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Miss Crawford, the children of her mother by a second marriage. They were young people of fortune. The son had a good estate in Norfolk, the daughter twenty thousand pounds. As children, their sister had been always very fond of them; but, as her own marriage had been soon followed by the death of their common parent, which left them to the care of a brother of their father, of whom Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant knew nothing, she had scarcely seen them since. In their uncle's house they had found a kind home. Admiral and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, though agreeing in nothing else, were united in affection for these children, or, at least, were no farther adverse in their feelings than that each had their favourite, to whom they showed the greatest fondness of the two. The Admiral delighted in the boy, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford doted on the girl; and it was the lady's death which now obliged her \shape italic protegee \shape default , after some months' further trial at her uncle's house, to find another home. Admiral Crawford was a man of vicious conduct, who chose, instead of retaining his niece, to bring his mistress under his own roof; and to this Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant was indebted for her sister's proposal of coming to her, a measure quite as welcome on one side as it could be expedient on the other; for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, having by this time run through the usual resources of ladies residing in the country without a family of children--having more than filled her favourite sitting-room with pretty furniture, and made a choice collection of plants and poultry--was very much in want of some variety at home. The arrival, therefore, of a sister whom she had always loved, and now hoped to retain with her as long as she remained single, was highly agreeable; and her chief anxiety was lest Mansfield should not satisfy the habits of a young woman who had been mostly used to London. \layout Standard Miss Crawford was not entirely free from similar apprehensions, though they arose principally from doubts of her sister's style of living and tone of society; and it was not till after she had tried in vain to persuade her brother to settle with her at his own country house, that she could resolve to hazard herself among her other relations. To anything like a permanence of abode, or limitation of society, Henry Crawford had, unluckily, a great dislike: he could not accommodate his sister in an article of such importance; but he escorted her, with the utmost kindness, into Northamptonshire, and as readily engaged to fetch her away again, at half an hour's notice, whenever she were weary of the place. \layout Standard The meeting was very satisfactory on each side. Miss Crawford found a sister without preciseness or rusticity, a sister's husband who looked the gentleman, and a house commodious and well fitted up; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant received in those whom she hoped to love better than ever a young man and woman of very prepossessing appearance. Mary Crawford was remarkably pretty; Henry, though not handsome, had air and countenance; the manners of both were lively and pleasant, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant immediately gave them credit for everything else. She was delighted with each, but Mary was her dearest object; and having never been able to glory in beauty of her own, she thoroughly enjoyed the power of being proud of her sister's. She had not waited her arrival to look out for a suitable match for her: she had fixed on Tom Bertram; the eldest son of a baronet was not too good for a girl of twenty thousand pounds, with all the elegance and accomplishments which Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant foresaw in her; and being a warm-hearted, unreserved woman, Mary had not been three hours in the house before she told her what she had planned. \layout Standard Miss Crawford was glad to find a family of such consequence so very near them, and not at all displeased either at her sister's early care, or the choice it had fallen on. Matrimony was her object, provided she could marry well: and having seen Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram in town, she knew that objection could no more be made to his person than to his situation in life. While she treated it as a joke, therefore, she did not forget to think of it seriously. The scheme was soon repeated to Henry. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And now, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have thought of something to make it complete. I should dearly love to settle you both in this country; and therefore, Henry, you shall marry the youngest Miss Bertram, a nice, handsome, good-humour ed, accomplished girl, who will make you very happy. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Henry bowed and thanked her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear sister, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mary, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset if you can persuade him into anything of the sort, it will be a fresh matter of delight to me to find myself allied to anybody so clever, and I shall only regret that you have not half a dozen daughters to dispose of. If you can persuade Henry to marry, you must have the address of a Frenchwoman. All that English abilities can do has been tried already. I have three very particular friends who have been all dying for him in their turn; and the pains which they, their mothers (very clever women), as well as my dear aunt and myself, have taken to reason, coax, or trick him into marrying, is inconceivable! He is the most horrible flirt that can be imagined. If your Miss Bertrams do not like to have their hearts broke, let them avoid Henry. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear brother, I will not believe this of you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, I am sure you are too good. You will be kinder than Mary. You will allow for the doubts of youth and inexperience. I am of a cautious temper, and unwilling to risk my happiness in a hurry. Nobody can think more highly of the matrimonial state than myself I consider the blessing of a wife as most justly described in those discreet lines of the poet--'Heaven's \shape italic last \shape default best gift. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ' \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, you see how he dwells on one word, and only look at his smile. I assure you he is very detestable; the Admiral's lessons have quite spoiled him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I pay very little regard, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant laughingly congratulated Miss Crawford on feeling no disinclination to the state herself. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes! I am not at all ashamed of it. I would have everybody marry if they can do it properly: I do not like to have people throw themselves away; but everybody should marry as soon as they can do it to advantage. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER V \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER V \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER V \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The young people were pleased with each other from the first. On each side there was much to attract, and their acquaintance soon promised as early an intimacy as good manners would warrant. Miss Crawford's beauty did her no disservice with the Miss Bertrams. They were too handsome themselves to dislike any woman for being so too, and were almost as much charmed as their brothers with her lively dark eye, clear brown complexion, and general prettiness. Had she been tall, full formed, and fair, it might have been more of a trial: but as it was, there could be no comparison; and she was most allowably a sweet, pretty girl, while they were the finest young women in the country. \layout Standard Her brother was not handsome: no, when they first saw him he was absolutely plain, black and plain; but still he was the gentleman, with a pleasing address. The second meeting proved him not so very plain: he was plain, to be sure, but then he had so much countenance, and his teeth were so good, and he was so well made, that one soon forgot he was plain; and after a third interview, after dining in company with him at the Parsonage, he was no longer allowed to be called so by anybody. He was, in fact, the most agreeable young man the sisters had ever known, and they were equally delighted with him. Miss Bertram's engagement made him in equity the property of Julia, of which Julia was fully aware; and before he had been at Mansfield a week, she was quite ready to be fallen in love with. \layout Standard Maria's notions on the subject were more confused and indistinct. She did not want to see or understand. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There could be no harm in her liking an agreeable man--everybody knew her situation--Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford must take care of himself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford did not mean to be in any danger! the Miss Bertrams were worth pleasing, and were ready to be pleased; and he began with no object but of making them like him. He did not want them to die of love; but with sense and temper which ought to have made him judge and feel better, he allowed himself great latitude on such points. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I like your Miss Bertrams exceedingly, sister, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, as he returned from attending them to their carriage after the said dinner visit; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset they are very elegant, agreeable girls. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So they are indeed, and I am delighted to hear you say it. But you like Julia best. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes! I like Julia best. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But do you really? for Miss Bertram is in general thought the handsomest. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So I should suppose. She has the advantage in every feature, and I prefer her countenance; but I like Julia best; Miss Bertram is certainly the handsomest, and I have found her the most agreeable, but I shall always like Julia best, because you order me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall not talk to you, Henry, but I know you \shape italic will \shape default like her best at last. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do not I tell you that I like her best \shape italic at \shape default \shape italic first \shape default ? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And besides, Miss Bertram is engaged. Remember that, my dear brother. Her choice is made. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, and I like her the better for it. An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged: no harm can be done. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why, as to that, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth is a very good sort of young man, and it is a great match for her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But Miss Bertram does not care three straws for him; \shape italic that \shape default is your opinion of your intimate friend. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic I \shape default do not subscribe to it. I am sure Miss Bertram is very much attached to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. I could see it in her eyes, when he was mentioned. I think too well of Miss Bertram to suppose she would ever give her hand without her heart. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mary, how shall we manage him? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We must leave him to himself, I believe. Talking does no good. He will be taken in at last. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But I would not have him \shape italic taken \shape default \shape italic in \shape default ; I would not have him duped; I would have it all fair and honourable. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh dear! let him stand his chance and be taken in. It will do just as well. Everybody is taken in at some period or other. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not always in marriage, dear Mary. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset In marriage especially. With all due respect to such of the present company as chance to be married, my dear Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, there is not one in a hundred of either sex who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it \shape italic is \shape default so; and I feel that it \shape italic must \shape default be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in which people expect most from others, and are least honest themselves. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ah! You have been in a bad school for matrimony, in Hill Street. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My poor aunt had certainly little cause to love the state; but, however, speaking from my own observation, it is a manoeuvring business. I know so many who have married in the full expectation and confidence of some one particular advantage in the connexion, or accomplishment, or good quality in the person, who have found themselves entirely deceived, and been obliged to put up with exactly the reverse. What is this but a take in? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear child, there must be a little imagination here. I beg your pardon, but I cannot quite believe you. Depend upon it, you see but half. You see the evil, but you do not see the consolation. There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere--and those evil-minded observers, dearest Mary, who make much of a little, are more taken in and deceived than the parties themselves. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well done, sister! I honour your \shape italic esprit \shape default \shape italic du \shape default \shape italic corps \shape default . When I am a wife, I mean to be just as staunch myself; and I wish my friends in general would be so too. It would save me many a heartache. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are as bad as your brother, Mary; but we will cure you both. Mansfield shall cure you both, and without any taking in. Stay with us, and we will cure you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The Crawfords, without wanting to be cured, were very willing to stay. Mary was satisfied with the Parsonage as a present home, and Henry equally ready to lengthen his visit. He had come, intending to spend only a few days with them; but Mansfield promised well, and there was nothing to call him elsewhere. It delighted Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to keep them both with her, and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant was exceedingly well contented to have it so: a talking pretty young woman like Miss Crawford is always pleasant society to an indolent, stay-at-hom e man; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's being his guest was an excuse for drinking claret every day. \layout Standard The Miss Bertrams' admiration of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was more rapturous than anything which Miss Crawford's habits made her likely to feel. She acknowledged, however, that the Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertrams were very fine young men, that two such young men were not often seen together even in London, and that their manners, particularly those of the eldest, were very good. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic He \shape default had been much in London, and had more liveliness and gallantry than Edmund, and must, therefore, be preferred; and, indeed, his being the eldest was another strong claim. She had felt an early presentiment that she \shape italic should \shape default like the eldest best. She knew it was her way. \layout Standard Tom Bertram must have been thought pleasant, indeed, at any rate; he was the sort of young man to be generally liked, his agreeableness was of the kind to be oftener found agreeable than some endowments of a higher stamp, for he had easy manners, excellent spirits, a large acquaintance, and a great deal to say; and the reversion of Mansfield Park, and a baronetcy, did no harm to all this. Miss Crawford soon felt that he and his situation might do. She looked about her with due consideration, and found almost everything in his favour: a park, a real park, five miles round, a spacious modern-built house, so well placed and well screened as to deserve to be in any collection of engravings of gentlemen's seats in the kingdom, and wanting only to be completely new furnished--pleasant sisters, a quiet mother, and an agreeable man himself--with the advantage of being tied up from much gaming at present by a promise to his father, and of being Sir Thomas hereafter. It might do very well; she believed she should accept him; and she began accordingly to interest herself a little about the horse which he had to run at the B------- races. \layout Standard These races were to call him away not long after their acquaintance began; and as it appeared that the family did not, from his usual goings on, expect him back again for many weeks, it would bring his passion to an early proof. Much was said on his side to induce her to attend the races, and schemes were made for a large party to them, with all the eagerness of inclination, but it would only do to be talked of. \layout Standard And Fanny, what was \shape italic she \shape default doing and thinking all this while? and what was \shape italic her \shape default opinion of the newcomers? Few young ladies of eighteen could be less called on to speak their opinion than Fanny. In a quiet way, very little attended to, she paid her tribute of admiration to Miss Crawford's beauty; but as she still continued to think Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford very plain, in spite of her two cousins having repeatedly proved the contrary, she never mentioned \shape italic him \shape default . The notice, which she excited herself, was to this effect. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I begin now to understand you all, except Miss Price, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, as she was walking with the Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertrams. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Pray, is she out, or is she not? I am puzzled. She dined at the Parsonage, with the rest of you, which seemed like being \shape italic out \shape default ; and yet she says so little, that I can hardly suppose she \shape italic is \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund, to whom this was chiefly addressed, replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe I know what you mean, but I will not undertake to answer the question. My cousin is grown up. She has the age and sense of a woman, but the outs and not outs are beyond me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And yet, in general, nothing can be more easily ascertained. The distinction is so broad. Manners as well as appearance are, generally speaking, so totally different. Till now, I could not have supposed it possible to be mistaken as to a girl's being out or not. A girl not out has always the same sort of dress: a close bonnet, for instance; looks very demure, and never says a word. You may smile, but it is so, I assure you; and except that it is sometimes carried a little too far, it is all very proper. Girls should be quiet and modest. The most objectionable part is, that the alteration of manners on being introduced into company is frequently too sudden. They sometimes pass in such very little time from reserve to quite the opposite--to confidence! \shape italic That \shape default is the faulty part of the present system. One does not like to see a girl of eighteen or nineteen so immediately up to every thing--and perhaps when one has seen her hardly able to speak the year before. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, I dare say \shape italic you \shape default have sometimes met with such changes. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe I have, but this is hardly fair; I see what you are at. You are quizzing me and Miss Anderson. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, indeed. Miss Anderson! I do not know who or what you mean. I am quite in the dark. But I \shape italic will \shape default quiz you with a great deal of pleasure, if you will tell me what about. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ah! you carry it off very well, but I cannot be quite so far imposed on. You must have had Miss Anderson in your eye, in describing an altered young lady. You paint too accurately for mistake. It was exactly so. The Andersons of Baker Street. We were speaking of them the other day, you know. Edmund, you have heard me mention Charles Anderson. The circumstance was precisely as this lady has represented it. When Anderson first introduced me to his family, about two years ago, his sister was not \shape italic out \shape default , and I could not get her to speak to me. I sat there an hour one morning waiting for Anderson, with only her and a little girl or two in the room, the governess being sick or run away, and the mother in and out every moment with letters of business, and I could hardly get a word or a look from the young lady--nothing like a civil answer--she screwed up her mouth, and turned from me with such an air! I did not see her again for a twelvemonth. She was then \shape italic out \shape default . I met her at Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Holford's, and did not recollect her. She came up to me, claimed me as an acquaintance, stared me out of countenance; and talked and laughed till I did not know which way to look. I felt that I must be the jest of the room at the time, and Miss Crawford, it is plain, has heard the story. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And a very pretty story it is, and with more truth in it, I dare say, than does credit to Miss Anderson. It is too common a fault. Mothers certainly have not yet got quite the right way of managing their daughters. I do not know where the error lies. I do not pretend to set people right, but I do see that they are often wrong. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Those who are showing the world what female manners \shape italic should \shape default be, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram gallantly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset are doing a great deal to set them right. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The error is plain enough, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said the less courteous Edmund; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset such girls are ill brought up. They are given wrong notions from the beginning. They are always acting upon motives of vanity, and there is no more real modesty in their behaviour \shape italic before \shape default they appear in public than afterwards. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not know, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Miss Crawford hesitatingly. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, I cannot agree with you there. It is certainly the modestest part of the business. It is much worse to have girls not out give themselves the same airs and take the same liberties as if they were, which I have seen done. That is worse than anything--quite disgusting! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \shape italic that \shape default is very inconvenient indeed, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It leads one astray; one does not know what to do. The close bonnet and demure air you describe so well (and nothing was ever juster), tell one what is expected; but I got into a dreadful scrape last year from the want of them. I went down to Ramsgate for a week with a friend last September, just after my return from the West Indies. My friend Sneyd--you have heard me speak of Sneyd, Edmund--his father, and mother, and sisters, were there, all new to me. When we reached Albion Place they were out; we went after them, and found them on the pier: Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and the two Miss Sneyds, with others of their acquaintance. I made my bow in form; and as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Sneyd was surrounded by men, attached myself to one of her daughters, walked by her side all the way home, and made myself as agreeable as I could; the young lady perfectly easy in her manners, and as ready to talk as to listen. I had not a suspicion that I could be doing anything wrong. They looked just the same: both well-dressed, with veils and parasols like other girls; but I afterwards found that I had been giving all my attention to the youngest, who was not \shape italic out \shape default , and had most excessively offended the eldest. Miss Augusta ought not to have been noticed for the next six months; and Miss Sneyd, I believe, has never forgiven me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That was bad indeed. Poor Miss Sneyd. Though I have no younger sister, I feel for her. To be neglected before one's time must be very vexatious; but it was entirely the mother's fault. Miss Augusta should have been with her governess. Such half-and-half doings never prosper. But now I must be satisfied about Miss Price. Does she go to balls? Does she dine out every where, as well as at my sister's? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Edmund; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not think she has ever been to a ball. My mother seldom goes into company herself, and dines nowhere but with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, and Fanny stays at home with \shape italic her \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! then the point is clear. Miss Price is not out. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER VI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER VI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER VI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Mr.\SpecialChar ~ Bertram set off for --------, and Miss Crawford was prepared to find a great chasm in their society, and to miss him decidedly in the meetings which were now becoming almost daily between the families; and on their all dining together at the Park soon after his going, she retook her chosen place near the bottom of the table, fully expecting to feel a most melancholy difference in the change of masters. It would be a very flat business, she was sure. In comparison with his brother, Edmund would have nothing to say. The soup would be sent round in a most spiritless manner, wine drank without any smiles or agreeable trifling, and the venison cut up without supplying one pleasant anecdote of any former haunch, or a single entertaining story, about ``my friend such a one.'' She must try to find amusement in what was passing at the upper end of the table, and in observing Mr.\SpecialChar ~ Rushworth, who was now making his appearance at Mansfield for the first time since the Crawfords' arrival. He had been visiting a friend in the neighbouring county, and that friend having recently had his grounds laid out by an improver, Mr.\SpecialChar ~ Rushworth was returned with his head full of the subject, and very eager to be improving his own place in the same way; and though not saying much to the purpose, could talk of nothing else. The subject had been already handled in the drawing-room; it was revived in the dining-parlour. Miss Bertram's attention and opinion was evidently his chief aim; and though her deportment showed rather conscious superiority than any solicitude to oblige him, the mention of Sotherton Court, and the ideas attached to it, gave her a feeling of complacency, which prevented her from being very ungracious. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wish you could see Compton, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it is the most complete thing! I never saw a place so altered in my life. I told Smith I did not know where I was. The approach \shape italic now \shape default , is one of the finest things in the country: you see the house in the most surprising manner. I declare, when I got back to Sotherton yesterday, it looked like a prison--qui te a dismal old prison. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh, for shame! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A prison indeed? Sotherton Court is the noblest old place in the world. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It wants improvement, ma'am, beyond anything. I never saw a place that wanted so much improvement in my life; and it is so forlorn that I do not know what can be done with it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No wonder that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth should think so at present, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, with a smile; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but depend upon it, Sotherton will have \shape italic every \shape default improvement in time which his heart can desire. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must try to do something with it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I do not know what. I hope I shall have some good friend to help me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your best friend upon such an occasion, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Bertram calmly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset would be Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Repton, I imagine. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That is what I was thinking of. As he has done so well by Smith, I think I had better have him at once. His terms are five guineas a day. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, and if they were \shape italic ten \shape default , \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sure \shape italic you \shape default need not regard it. The expense need not be any impediment. If I were you, I should not think of the expense. I would have everything done in the best style, and made as nice as possible. Such a place as Sotherton Court deserves everything that taste and money can do. You have space to work upon there, and grounds that will well reward you. For my own part, if I had anything within the fiftieth part of the size of Sotherton, I should be always planting and improving, for naturally I am excessively fond of it. It would be too ridiculous for me to attempt anything where I am now, with my little half acre. It would be quite a burlesque. But if I had more room, I should take a prodigious delight in improving and planting. We did a vast deal in that way at the Parsonage: we made it quite a different place from what it was when we first had it. You young ones do not remember much about it, perhaps; but if dear Sir Thomas were here, he could tell you what improvements we made: and a great deal more would have been done, but for poor Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's sad state of health. He could hardly ever get out, poor man, to enjoy anything, and \shape italic that \shape default disheartened me from doing several things that Sir Thomas and I used to talk of. If it had not been for \shape italic that \shape default , we should have carried on the garden wall, and made the plantation to shut out the churchyard, just as Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant has done. We were always doing something as it was. It was only the spring twelvemonth before Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's death that we put in the apricot against the stable wall, which is now grown such a noble tree, and getting to such perfection, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset addressing herself then to Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The tree thrives well, beyond a doubt, madam, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The soil is good; and I never pass it without regretting that the fruit should be so little worth the trouble of gathering. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir, it is a Moor Park, we bought it as a Moor Park, and it cost us--that is, it was a present from Sir Thomas, but I saw the bill--and I know it cost seven shillings, and was charged as a Moor Park. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You were imposed on, ma'am, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset these potatoes have as much the flavour of a Moor Park apricot as the fruit from that tree. It is an insipid fruit at the best; but a good apricot is eatable, which none from my garden are. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The truth is, ma'am, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, pretending to whisper across the table to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant hardly knows what the natural taste of our apricot is: he is scarcely ever indulged with one, for it is so valuable a fruit; with a little assistance , and ours is such a remarkably large, fair sort, that what with early tarts and preserves, my cook contrives to get them all. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, who had begun to redden, was appeased; and, for a little while, other subjects took place of the improvements of Sotherton. Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris were seldom good friends; their acquaintance had begun in dilapidations, and their habits were totally dissimilar. \layout Standard After a short interruption Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth began again. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Smith's place is the admiration of all the country; and it was a mere nothing before Repton took it in hand. I think I shall have Repton. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset if I were you, I would have a very pretty shrubbery. One likes to get out into a shrubbery in fine weather. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was eager to assure her ladyship of his acquiescence, and tried to make out something complimentary; but, between his submission to \shape italic her \shape default taste, and his having always intended the same himself, with the superadded objects of professing attention to the comfort of ladies in general, and of insinuating that there was one only whom he was anxious to please, he grew puzzled, and Edmund was glad to put an end to his speech by a proposal of wine. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, however, though not usually a great talker, had still more to say on the subject next his heart. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Smith has not much above a hundred acres altogether in his grounds, which is little enough, and makes it more surprising that the place can have been so improved. Now, at Sotherton we have a good seven hundred, without reckoning the water meadows; so that I think, if so much could be done at Compton, we need not despair. There have been two or three fine old trees cut down, that grew too near the house, and it opens the prospect amazingly, which makes me think that Repton, or anybody of that sort, would certainly have the avenue at Sotherton down: the avenue that leads from the west front to the top of the hill, you know, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset turning to Miss Bertram particularly as he spoke. But Miss Bertram thought it most becoming to reply-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The avenue! Oh! I do not recollect it. I really know very little of Sotherton. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, who was sitting on the other side of Edmund, exactly opposite Miss Crawford, and who had been attentively listening, now looked at him, and said in a low voice-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Cut down an avenue! What a pity! Does it not make you think of Cowper? 'Ye fallen avenues, once more I mourn your fate unmerited. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ' \layout Standard He smiled as he answered, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am afraid the avenue stands a bad chance, Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should like to see Sotherton before it is cut down, to see the place as it is now, in its old state; but I do not suppose I shall. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have you never been there? No, you never can; and, unluckily, it is out of distance for a ride. I wish we could contrive it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! it does not signify. Whenever I do see it, you will tell me how it has been altered. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I collect, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that Sotherton is an old place, and a place of some grandeur. In any particular style of building? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The house was built in Elizabeth's time, and is a large, regular, brick building; heavy, but respectable looking, and has many good rooms. It is ill placed. It stands in one of the lowest spots of the park; in that respect, unfavourable for improvement. But the woods are fine, and there is a stream, which, I dare say, might be made a good deal of. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth is quite right, I think, in meaning to give it a modern dress, and I have no doubt that it will be all done extremely well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford listened with submission, and said to herself, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset He is a well-bred man; he makes the best of it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not wish to influence Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he continued; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but, had I a place to new fashion, I should not put myself into the hands of an improver. I would rather have an inferior degree of beauty, of my own choice, and acquired progressively. I would rather abide by my own blunders than by his. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default would know what you were about, of course; but that would not suit \shape italic me \shape default . I have no eye or ingenuity for such matters, but as they are before me; and had I a place of my own in the country, I should be most thankful to any Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Repton who would undertake it, and give me as much beauty as he could for my money; and I should never look at it till it was complete. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It would be delightful to \shape italic me \shape default to see the progress of it all, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ay, you have been brought up to it. It was no part of my education; and the only dose I ever had, being administere d by not the first favourite in the world, has made me consider improvements \shape italic in \shape default \shape italic hand \shape default as the greatest of nuisances. Three years ago the Admiral, my honoured uncle, bought a cottage at Twickenham for us all to spend our summers in; and my aunt and I went down to it quite in raptures; but it being excessively pretty, it was soon found necessary to be improved, and for three months we were all dirt and confusion, without a gravel walk to step on, or a bench fit for use. I would have everything as complete as possible in the country, shrubberies and flower-gardens, and rustic seats innumerable: but it must all be done without my care. Henry is different; he loves to be doing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund was sorry to hear Miss Crawford, whom he was much disposed to admire, speak so freely of her uncle. It did not suit his sense of propriety, and he was silenced, till induced by further smiles and liveliness to put the matter by for the present. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have tidings of my harp at last. I am assured that it is safe at Northampton; and there it has probably been these ten days, in spite of the solemn assurances we have so often received to the contrary. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Edmund expressed his pleasure and surprise. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The truth is, that our inquiries were too direct; we sent a servant, we went ourselves: this will not do seventy miles from London; but this morning we heard of it in the right way. It was seen by some farmer, and he told the miller, and the miller told the butcher, and the butcher's son-in-law left word at the shop. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very glad that you have heard of it, by whatever means, and hope there will be no further delay. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am to have it to-morrow; but how do you think it is to be conveyed? Not by a wagon or cart: oh no! nothing of that kind could be hired in the village. I might as well have asked for porters and a handbarrow. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You would find it difficult, I dare say, just now, in the middle of a very late hay harvest, to hire a horse and cart? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was astonished to find what a piece of work was made of it! To want a horse and cart in the country seemed impossible, so I told my maid to speak for one directly; and as I cannot look out of my dressing-closet without seeing one farmyard, nor walk in the shrubbery without passing another, I thought it would be only ask and have, and was rather grieved that I could not give the advantage to all. Guess my surprise, when I found that I had been asking the most unreasonable, most impossible thing in the world; had offended all the farmers, all the labourers, all the hay in the parish! As for Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's bailiff, I believe I had better keep out of \shape italic his \shape default way; and my brother-in-law himself, who is all kindness in general, looked rather black upon me when he found what I had been at. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You could not be expected to have thought on the subject before; but when you \shape italic do \shape default think of it, you must see the importance of getting in the grass. The hire of a cart at any time might not be so easy as you suppose: our farmers are not in the habit of letting them out; but, in harvest, it must be quite out of their power to spare a horse. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall understand all your ways in time; but, coming down with the true London maxim, that everything is to be got with money, I was a little embarrass ed at first by the sturdy independence of your country customs. However, I am to have my harp fetched to-morrow. Henry, who is good-nature itself, has offered to fetch it in his barouche. Will it not be honourably conveyed? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund spoke of the harp as his favourite instrument, and hoped to be soon allowed to hear her. Fanny had never heard the harp at all, and wished for it very much. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall be most happy to play to you both, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset at least as long as you can like to listen: probably much longer, for I dearly love music myself, and where the natural taste is equal the player must always be best off, for she is gratified in more ways than one. Now, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, if you write to your brother, I entreat you to tell him that my harp is come: he heard so much of my misery about it. And you may say, if you please, that I shall prepare my most plaintive airs against his return, in compassion to his feelings, as I know his horse will lose. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I write, I will say whatever you wish me; but I do not, at present, foresee any occasion for writing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, I dare say, nor if he were to be gone a twelvemonth, would you ever write to him, nor he to you, if it could be helped. The occasion would never be foreseen. What strange creatures brothers are! You would not write to each other but upon the most urgent necessity in the world; and when obliged to take up the pen to say that such a horse is ill, or such a relation dead, it is done in the fewest possible words. You have but one style among you. I know it perfectly. Henry, who is in every other respect exactly what a brother should be, who loves me, consults me, confides in me, and will talk to me by the hour together, has never yet turned the page in a letter; and very often it is nothing more than--'Dear Mary, I am just arrived. Bath seems full, and everything as usual. Yours sincerely.' That is the true manly style; that is a complete brother's letter. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset When they are at a distance from all their family, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, colouring for William's sake, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset they can write long letters. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Miss Price has a brother at sea, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset whose excellence as a correspondent makes her think you too severe upon us. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset At sea, has she? In the king's service, of course? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny would rather have had Edmund tell the story, but his determined silence obliged her to relate her brother's situation: her voice was animated in speaking of his profession, and the foreign stations he had been on; but she could not mention the number of years that he had been absent without tears in her eyes. Miss Crawford civilly wished him an early promotion. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you know anything of my cousin's captain? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Captain Marshall? You have a large acquaintance in the navy, I conclude? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Among admirals, large enough; but, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset with an air of grandeur, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we know very little of the inferior ranks. Post-captains may be very good sort of men, but they do not belong to \shape italic us \shape default . Of various admirals I could tell you a great deal: of them and their flags, and the gradation of their pay, and their bickerings and jealousies. But, in general, I can assure you that they are all passed over, and all very ill used. Certainly, my home at my uncle's brought me acquainted with a circle of admirals. Of \shape italic Rears \shape default and \shape italic Vices \shape default I saw enough. Now do not be suspecting me of a pun, I entreat. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund again felt grave, and only replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is a noble profession. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, the profession is well enough under two circumstances: if it make the fortune, and there be discretion in spending it; but, in short, it is not a favourite profession of mine. It has never worn an amiable form to \shape italic me \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund reverted to the harp, and was again very happy in the prospect of hearing her play. \layout Standard The subject of improving grounds, meanwhile, was still under consideration among the others; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant could not help addressing her brother, though it was calling his attention from Miss Julia Bertram. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Henry, have \shape italic you \shape default nothing to say? You have been an improver yourself, and from what I hear of Everingham, it may vie with any place in England. Its natural beauties, I am sure, are great. Everingham, as it \shape italic used \shape default to be, was perfect in my estimation: such a happy fall of ground, and such timber! What would I not give to see it again? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nothing could be so gratifying to me as to hear your opinion of it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was his answer; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I fear there would be some disappointment: you would not find it equal to your present ideas. In extent, it is a mere nothing; you would be surprised at its insignificance; and, as for improvement, there was very little for me to do--too little: I should like to have been busy much longer. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are fond of the sort of thing? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Julia. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Excessively; but what with the natural advantages of the ground, which pointed out, even to a very young eye, what little remained to be done, and my own consequent resolutions, I had not been of age three months before Everingha m was all that it is now. My plan was laid at Westminster, a little altered, perhaps, at Cambridge, and at one-and-twenty executed. I am inclined to envy Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth for having so much happiness yet before him. I have been a devourer of my own. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Those who see quickly, will resolve quickly, and act quickly, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Julia. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default can never want employment. Instead of envying Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, you should assist him with your opinion. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, hearing the latter part of this speech, enforced it warmly, persuaded that no judgment could be equal to her brother's; and as Miss Bertram caught at the idea likewise, and gave it her full support, declaring that, in her opinion, it was infinitely better to consult with friends and disinterested advisers, than immediately to throw the business into the hands of a profession al man, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was very ready to request the favour of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's assistance; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, after properly depreciating his own abilities, was quite at his service in any way that could be useful. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth then began to propose Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's doing him the honour of coming over to Sotherton, and taking a bed there; when Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, as if reading in her two nieces' minds their little approbation of a plan which was to take Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford away, interposed with an amendment. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There can be no doubt of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's willingness; but why should not more of us go? Why should not we make a little party? Here are many that would be interested in your improvements, my dear Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, and that would like to hear Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's opinion on the spot, and that might be of some small use to you with \shape italic their \shape default opinions; and, for my own part, I have been long wishing to wait upon your good mother again; nothing but having no horses of my own could have made me so remiss; but now I could go and sit a few hours with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, while the rest of you walked about and settled things, and then we could all return to a late dinner here, or dine at Sotherton, just as might be most agreeable to your mother, and have a pleasant drive home by moonlight. I dare say Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford would take my two nieces and me in his barouche, and Edmund can go on horseback, you know, sister, and Fanny will stay at home with you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Lady Bertram made no objection; and every one concerned in the going was forward in expressing their ready concurrence, excepting Edmund, who heard it all and said nothing. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER VII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER VII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER VII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Fanny, and how do you like Miss Crawford \shape italic now \shape default ? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund the next day, after thinking some time on the subject himself. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How did you like her yesterday? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very well--very much. I like to hear her talk. She entertains me; and she is so extremely pretty, that I have great pleasure in looking at her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is her countenance that is so attractive. She has a wonderful play of feature! But was there nothing in her conversation that struck you, Fanny, as not quite right? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes! she ought not to have spoken of her uncle as she did. I was quite astonished. An uncle with whom she has been living so many years, and who, whatever his faults may be, is so very fond of her brother, treating him, they say, quite like a son. I could not have believed it! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I thought you would be struck. It was very wrong; very indecorous. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And very ungrateful, I think. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ungrateful is a strong word. I do not know that her uncle has any claim to her \shape italic gratitude \shape default ; his wife certainly had; and it is the warmth of her respect for her aunt's memory which misleads her here. She is awkwardly circumstanced. With such warm feelings and lively spirits it must be difficult to do justice to her affection for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, without throwing a shade on the Admiral. I do not pretend to know which was most to blame in their disagreements, though the Admiral's present conduct might incline one to the side of his wife; but it is natural and amiable that Miss Crawford should acquit her aunt entirely. I do not censure her \shape italic opinions \shape default ; but there certainly \shape italic is \shape default impropriety in making them public. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do not you think, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, after a little consideration, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that this impropriety is a reflection itself upon Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, as her niece has been entirely brought up by her? She cannot have given her right notions of what was due to the Admiral. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That is a fair remark. Yes, we must suppose the faults of the niece to have been those of the aunt; and it makes one more sensible of the disadvantages she has been under. But I think her present home must do her good. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's manners are just what they ought to be. She speaks of her brother with a very pleasing affection. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, except as to his writing her such short letters. She made me almost laugh; but I cannot rate so very highly the love or good-nature of a brother who will not give himself the trouble of writing anything worth reading to his sisters, when they are separated. I am sure William would never have used \shape italic me \shape default so, under any circumstances. And what right had she to suppose that \shape italic you \shape default would not write long letters when you were absent? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The right of a lively mind, Fanny, seizing whatever may contribute to its own amusement or that of others; perfectly allowable, when untinctured by ill-humour or roughness; and there is not a shadow of either in the countenance or manner of Miss Crawford: nothing sharp, or loud, or coarse. She is perfectly feminine, except in the instances we have been speaking of. There she cannot be justified. I am glad you saw it all as I did. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Having formed her mind and gained her affections, he had a good chance of her thinking like him; though at this period, and on this subject, there began now to be some danger of dissimilarity, for he was in a line of admiratio n of Miss Crawford, which might lead him where Fanny could not follow. Miss Crawford's attractions did not lessen. The harp arrived, and rather added to her beauty, wit, and good-humour; for she played with the greatest obligingness, with an expression and taste which were peculiarly becoming, and there was something clever to be said at the close of every air. Edmund was at the Parsonage every day, to be indulged with his favourite instrument: one morning secured an invitation for the next; for the lady could not be unwilling to have a listener, and every thing was soon in a fair train. \layout Standard A young woman, pretty, lively, with a harp as elegant as herself, and both placed near a window, cut down to the ground, and opening on a little lawn, surrounded by shrubs in the rich foliage of summer, was enough to catch any man's heart. The season, the scene, the air, were all favourable to tenderness and sentiment. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and her tambour frame were not without their use: it was all in harmony; and as everything will turn to account when love is once set going, even the sandwich tray, and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant doing the honours of it, were worth looking at. Without studying the business, however, or knowing what he was about, Edmund was beginning, at the end of a week of such intercourse, to be a good deal in love; and to the credit of the lady it may be added that, without his being a man of the world or an elder brother, without any of the arts of flattery or the gaieties of small talk, he began to be agreeable to her. She felt it to be so, though she had not foreseen, and could hardly understand it; for he was not pleasant by any common rule: he talked no nonsense; he paid no compliments; his opinions were unbending, his attentions tranquil and simple. There was a charm, perhaps, in his sincerity, his steadiness, his integrity, which Miss Crawford might be equal to feel, though not equal to discuss with herself. She did not think very much about it, however: he pleased her for the present; she liked to have him near her; it was enough. \layout Standard Fanny could not wonder that Edmund was at the Parsonage every morning; she would gladly have been there too, might she have gone in uninvited and unnoticed, to hear the harp; neither could she wonder that, when the evening stroll was over, and the two families parted again, he should think it right to attend Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and her sister to their home, while Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was devoted to the ladies of the Park; but she thought it a very bad exchange; and if Edmund were not there to mix the wine and water for her, would rather go without it than not. She was a little surprised that he could spend so many hours with Miss Crawford, and not see more of the sort of fault which he had already observed, and of which \shape italic she \shape default was almost always reminded by a something of the same nature whenever she was in her company; but so it was. Edmund was fond of speaking to her of Miss Crawford, but he seemed to think it enough that the Admiral had since been spared; and she scrupled to point out her own remarks to him, lest it should appear like ill-nature. The first actual pain which Miss Crawford occasioned her was the consequence of an inclination to learn to ride, which the former caught, soon after her being settled at Mansfield, from the example of the young ladies at the Park, and which, when Edmund's acquaintance with her increased, led to his encouraging the wish, and the offer of his own quiet mare for the purpose of her first attempts, as the best fitted for a beginner that either stable could furnish. No pain, no injury, however, was designed by him to his cousin in this offer: \shape italic she \shape default was not to lose a day's exercise by it. The mare was only to be taken down to the Parsonage half an hour before her ride were to begin; and Fanny, on its being first proposed, so far from feeling slighted, was almost over-powered with gratitude that he should be asking her leave for it. \layout Standard Miss Crawford made her first essay with great credit to herself, and no inconvenience to Fanny. Edmund, who had taken down the mare and presided at the whole, returned with it in excellent time, before either Fanny or the steady old coachman, who always attended her when she rode without her cousins, were ready to set forward. The second day's trial was not so guiltless. Miss Crawford's enjoyment of riding was such that she did not know how to leave off. Active and fearless, and though rather small, strongly made, she seemed formed for a horsewoman; and to the pure genuine pleasure of the exercise, something was probably added in Edmund's attendance and instructions, and something more in the conviction of very much surpassing her sex in general by her early progress, to make her unwilling to dismount. Fanny was ready and waiting, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was beginning to scold her for not being gone, and still no horse was announced, no Edmund appeared. To avoid her aunt, and look for him, she went out. \layout Standard The houses, though scarcely half a mile apart, were not within sight of each other; but, by walking fifty yards from the hall door, she could look down the park, and command a view of the Parsonage and all its demesnes, gently rising beyond the village road; and in Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's meadow she immediately saw the group--Edmund and Miss Crawford both on horse-back, riding side by side, Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, with two or three grooms, standing about and looking on. A happy party it appeared to her, all interested in one object: cheerful beyond a doubt, for the sound of merriment ascended even to her. It was a sound which did not make \shape italic her \shape default cheerful; she wondered that Edmund should forget her, and felt a pang. She could not turn her eyes from the meadow; she could not help watching all that passed. At first Miss Crawford and her companion made the circuit of the field, which was not small, at a foot's pace; then, at \shape italic her \shape default apparent suggestion, they rose into a canter; and to Fanny's timid nature it was most astonishing to see how well she sat. After a few minutes they stopped entirely. Edmund was close to her; he was speaking to her; he was evidently directing her management of the bridle; he had hold of her hand; she saw it, or the imagination supplied what the eye could not reach. She must not wonder at all this; what could be more natural than that Edmund should be making himself useful, and proving his good-nature by any one? She could not but think, indeed, that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford might as well have saved him the trouble; that it would have been particularly proper and becoming in a brother to have done it himself; but Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, with all his boasted good-nature, and all his coachmanship, probably knew nothing of the matter, and had no active kindness in comparison of Edmund. She began to think it rather hard upon the mare to have such double duty; if she were forgotten, the poor mare should be remembered. \layout Standard Her feelings for one and the other were soon a little tranquillised by seeing the party in the meadow disperse, and Miss Crawford still on horseback, but attended by Edmund on foot, pass through a gate into the lane, and so into the park, and make towards the spot where she stood. She began then to be afraid of appearing rude and impatient; and walked to meet them with a great anxiety to avoid the suspicion. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Miss Price, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, as soon as she was at all within hearing, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am come to make my own apologies for keeping you waiting; but I have nothing in the world to say for myself--I knew it was very late, and that I was behaving extremely ill; and therefore, if you please, you must forgive me. Selfishness must always be forgiven, you know, because there is no hope of a cure. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's answer was extremely civil, and Edmund added his conviction that she could be in no hurry. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset For there is more than time enough for my cousin to ride twice as far as she ever goes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and you have been promoting her comfort by preventing her from setting off half an hour sooner: clouds are now coming up, and she will not suffer from the heat as she would have done then. I wish \shape italic you \shape default may not be fatigued by so much exercise. I wish you had saved yourself this walk home. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No part of it fatigues me but getting off this horse, I assure you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, as she sprang down with his help; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very strong. Nothing ever fatigues me but doing what I do not like. Miss Price, I give way to you with a very bad grace; but I sincerely hope you will have a pleasant ride, and that I may have nothing but good to hear of this dear, delightful, beautiful animal. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The old coachman, who had been waiting about with his own horse, now joining them, Fanny was lifted on hers, and they set off across another part of the park; her feelings of discomfort not lightened by seeing, as she looked back, that the others were walking down the hill together to the village; nor did her attendant do her much good by his comments on Miss Crawford's great cleverness as a horse-woman, which he had been watching with an interest almost equal to her own. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is a pleasure to see a lady with such a good heart for riding! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I never see one sit a horse better. She did not seem to have a thought of fear. Very different from you, miss, when you first began, six years ago come next Easter. Lord bless you! how you did tremble when Sir Thomas first had you put on! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard In the drawing-room Miss Crawford was also celebrated. Her merit in being gifted by Nature with strength and courage was fully appreciated by the Miss Bertrams; her delight in riding was like their own; her early excellence in it was like their own, and they had great pleasure in praising it. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was sure she would ride well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Julia; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she has the make for it. Her figure is as neat as her brother's. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Maria, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and her spirits are as good, and she has the same energy of character. I cannot but think that good horsemanship has a great deal to do with the mind. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard When they parted at night Edmund asked Fanny whether she meant to ride the next day. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, I do not know--not if you want the mare, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was her answer. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not want her at all for myself, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but whenever you are next inclined to stay at home, I think Miss Crawford would be glad to have her a longer time--for a whole morning, in short. She has a great desire to get as far as Mansfield Common: Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant has been telling her of its fine views, and I have no doubt of her being perfectly equal to it. But any morning will do for this. She would be extremely sorry to interfere with you. It would be very wrong if she did. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic She \shape default rides only for pleasure; \shape italic you \shape default for health. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall not ride to-morrow, certainly, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have been out very often lately, and would rather stay at home. You know I am strong enough now to walk very well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund looked pleased, which must be Fanny's comfort, and the ride to Mansfield Common took place the next morning: the party included all the young people but herself, and was much enjoyed at the time, and doubly enjoyed again in the evening discussion. A successful scheme of this sort generally brings on another; and the having been to Mansfield Common disposed them all for going somewhere else the day after. There were many other views to be shewn; and though the weather was hot, there were shady lanes wherever they wanted to go. A young party is always provided with a shady lane. Four fine mornings successively were spent in this manner, in shewing the Crawfords the country, and doing the honours of its finest spots. Everything answered; it was all gaiety and good-humour, the heat only supplying inconvenience enough to be talked of with pleasure--till the fourth day, when the happiness of one of the party was exceedingly clouded. Miss Bertram was the one. Edmund and Julia were invited to dine at the Parsonage, and \shape italic she \shape default was excluded. It was meant and done by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, with perfect good-humour, on Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's account, who was partly expected at the Park that day; but it was felt as a very grievous injury, and her good manners were severely taxed to conceal her vexation and anger till she reached home. As Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth did \shape italic not \shape default come, the injury was increased, and she had not even the relief of shewing her power over him; she could only be sullen to her mother, aunt, and cousin, and throw as great a gloom as possible over their dinner and dessert. \layout Standard Between ten and eleven Edmund and Julia walked into the drawing-room, fresh with the evening air, glowing and cheerful, the very reverse of what they found in the three ladies sitting there, for Maria would scarcely raise her eyes from her book, and Lady Bertram was half-asleep; and even Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, discomposed by her niece's ill-humour, and having asked one or two questions about the dinner, which were not immediately attended to, seemed almost determined to say no more. For a few minutes the brother and sister were too eager in their praise of the night and their remarks on the stars, to think beyond themselves; but when the first pause came, Edmund, looking around, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But where is Fanny? Is she gone to bed? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, not that I know of, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she was here a moment ago. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her own gentle voice speaking from the other end of the room, which was a very long one, told them that she was on the sofa. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris began scolding. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That is a very foolish trick, Fanny, to be idling away all the evening upon a sofa. Why cannot you come and sit here, and employ yourself as \shape italic we \shape default do? If you have no work of your own, I can supply you from the poor basket. There is all the new calico, that was bought last week, not touched yet. I am sure I almost broke my back by cutting it out. You should learn to think of other people; and, take my word for it, it is a shocking trick for a young person to be always lolling upon a sofa. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Before half this was said, Fanny was returned to her seat at the table, and had taken up her work again; and Julia, who was in high good-humour, from the pleasures of the day, did her the justice of exclaiming, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must say, ma'am, that Fanny is as little upon the sofa as anybody in the house. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, after looking at her attentively, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sure you have the headache. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She could not deny it, but said it was not very bad. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I can hardly believe you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he replied; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know your looks too well. How long have you had it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Since a little before dinner. It is nothing but the heat. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Did you go out in the heat? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Go out! to be sure she did, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset would you have her stay within such a fine day as this? Were not we \shape italic all \shape default out? Even your mother was out to-day for above an hour. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, indeed, Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added her ladyship, who had been thoroughly awakened by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's sharp reprimand to Fanny; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was out above an hour. I sat three-quarters of an hour in the flower-garden, while Fanny cut the roses; and very pleasant it was, I assure you, but very hot. It was shady enough in the alcove, but I declare I quite dreaded the coming home again. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny has been cutting roses, has she? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, and I am afraid they will be the last this year. Poor thing! \shape italic She \shape default found it hot enough; but they were so full-blown that one could not wait. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There was no help for it, certainly, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset rejoined Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, in a rather softened voice; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I question whether her headache might not be caught \shape italic then \shape default , sister. There is nothing so likely to give it as standing and stooping in a hot sun; but I dare say it will be well to-morrow. Suppose you let her have your aromatic vinegar; I always forget to have mine filled. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She has got it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she has had it ever since she came back from your house the second time. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Edmund; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset has she been walking as well as cutting roses; walking across the hot park to your house, and doing it twice, ma'am? No wonder her head aches. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was talking to Julia, and did not hear. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was afraid it would be too much for her, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but when the roses were gathered, your aunt wished to have them, and then you know they must be taken home. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But were there roses enough to oblige her to go twice? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No; but they were to be put into the spare room to dry; and, unluckily, Fanny forgot to lock the door of the room and bring away the key, so she was obliged to go again. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund got up and walked about the room, saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And could nobody be employed on such an errand but Fanny? Upon my word, ma'am, it has been a very ill-managed business. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sure I do not know how it was to have been done better, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, unable to be longer deaf; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset unless I had gone myself, indeed; but I cannot be in two places at once; and I was talking to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Green at that very time about your mother's dairymaid, by \shape italic her \shape default desire, and had promised John Groom to write to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Jefferies about his son, and the poor fellow was waiting for me half an hour. I think nobody can justly accuse me of sparing myself upon any occasion, but really I cannot do everything at once. And as for Fanny's just stepping down to my house for me--it is not much above a quarter of a mile--I cannot think I was unreasonable to ask it. How often do I pace it three times a day, early and late, ay, and in all weathers too, and say nothing about it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wish Fanny had half your strength, ma'am. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If Fanny would be more regular in her exercise, she would not be knocked up so soon. She has not been out on horseback now this long while, and I am persuaded that, when she does not ride, she ought to walk. If she had been riding before, I should not have asked it of her. But I thought it would rather do her good after being stooping among the roses; for there is nothing so refreshing as a walk after a fatigue of that kind; and though the sun was strong, it was not so very hot. Between ourselves, Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset nodding significantly at his mother, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it was cutting the roses, and dawdling about in the flower-garden, that did the mischief. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am afraid it was, indeed, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said the more candid Lady Bertram, who had overheard her; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very much afraid she caught the headache there, for the heat was enough to kill anybody. It was as much as I could bear myself. Sitting and calling to Pug, and trying to keep him from the flower-beds, was almost too much for me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund said no more to either lady; but going quietly to another table, on which the supper-tray yet remained, brought a glass of Madeira to Fanny, and obliged her to drink the greater part. She wished to be able to decline it; but the tears, which a variety of feelings created, made it easier to swallow than to speak. \layout Standard Vexed as Edmund was with his mother and aunt, he was still more angry with himself. His own forgetfulness of her was worse than anything which they had done. Nothing of this would have happened had she been properly considered; but she had been left four days together without any choice of companions or exercise, and without any excuse for avoiding whatever her unreasonable aunts might require. He was ashamed to think that for four days together she had not had the power of riding, and very seriously resolved, however unwilling he must be to check a pleasure of Miss Crawford's, that it should never happen again. \layout Standard Fanny went to bed with her heart as full as on the first evening of her arrival at the Park. The state of her spirits had probably had its share in her indisposition; for she had been feeling neglected, and been struggling against discontent and envy for some days past. As she leant on the sofa, to which she had retreated that she might not be seen, the pain of her mind had been much beyond that in her head; and the sudden change which Edmund's kindness had then occasioned, made her hardly know how to support herself. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER VIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER VIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER VIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's rides recommenced the very next day; and as it was a pleasant fresh-feel ing morning, less hot than the weather had lately been, Edmund trusted that her losses, both of health and pleasure, would be soon made good. While she was gone Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth arrived, escorting his mother, who came to be civil and to shew her civility especially, in urging the execution of the plan for visiting Sotherton, which had been started a fortnight before, and which, in consequence of her subsequent absence from home, had since lain dormant. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris and her nieces were all well pleased with its revival, and an early day was named and agreed to, provided Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford should be disengaged: the young ladies did not forget that stipulation, and though Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris would willingly have answered for his being so, they would neither authorise the liberty nor run the risk; and at last, on a hint from Miss Bertram, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth discovered that the properest thing to be done was for him to walk down to the Parsonage directly, and call on Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, and inquire whether Wednesday would suit him or not. \layout Standard Before his return Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and Miss Crawford came in. Having been out some time, and taken a different route to the house, they had not met him. Comfortable hopes, however, were given that he would find Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford at home. The Sotherton scheme was mentioned of course. It was hardly possible, indeed, that anything else should be talked of, for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was in high spirits about it; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, a well-meaning, civil, prosing, pompous woman, who thought nothing of consequence, but as it related to her own and her son's concerns, had not yet given over pressing Lady Bertram to be of the party. Lady Bertram constantly declined it; but her placid manner of refusal made Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth still think she wished to come, till Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's more numerous words and louder tone convinced her of the truth. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The fatigue would be too much for my sister, a great deal too much, I assure you, my dear Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. Ten miles there, and ten back, you know. You must excuse my sister on this occasion, and accept of our two dear girls and myself without her. Sotherton is the only place that could give her a \shape italic wish \shape default to go so far, but it cannot be, indeed. She will have a companion in Fanny Price, you know, so it will all do very well; and as for Edmund, as he is not here to speak for himself, I will answer for his being most happy to join the party. He can go on horseback, you know. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth being obliged to yield to Lady Bertram's staying at home, could only be sorry. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The loss of her ladyship's company would be a great drawback, and she should have been extremely happy to have seen the young lady too, Miss Price, who had never been at Sotherton yet, and it was a pity she should not see the place. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are very kind, you are all kindness, my dear madam, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but as to Fanny, she will have opportunities in plenty of seeing Sotherton. She has time enough before her; and her going now is quite out of the question. Lady Bertram could not possibly spare her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh no! I cannot do without Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth proceeded next, under the conviction that everybody must be wanting to see Sotherton, to include Miss Crawford in the invitation; and though Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, who had not been at the trouble of visiting Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, on her coming into the neighbourhood, civilly declined it on her own account, she was glad to secure any pleasure for her sister; and Mary, properly pressed and persuaded, was not long in accepting her share of the civility. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth came back from the Parsonage successful; and Edmund made his appearanc e just in time to learn what had been settled for Wednesday, to attend Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth to her carriage, and walk half-way down the park with the two other ladies. \layout Standard On his return to the breakfast-room, he found Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris trying to make up her mind as to whether Miss Crawford's being of the party were desirable or not, or whether her brother's barouche would not be full without her. The Miss Bertrams laughed at the idea, assuring her that the barouche would hold four perfectly well, independent of the box, on which \shape italic one \shape default might go with him. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But why is it necessary, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that Crawford's carriage, or his \shape italic only \shape default , should be employed? Why is no use to be made of my mother's chaise? I could not, when the scheme was first mentioned the other day, understand why a visit from the family were not to be made in the carriage of the family. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Julia: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset go boxed up three in a postchaise in this weather, when we may have seats in a barouche! No, my dear Edmund, that will not quite do. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Besides, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Maria, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford depends upon taking us. After what passed at first, he would claim it as a promise. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And, my dear Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset taking out \shape italic two \shape default carriages when \shape italic one \shape default will do, would be trouble for nothing; and, between ourselves, coachman is not very fond of the roads between this and Sotherton: he always complains bitterly of the narrow lanes scratching his carriage, and you know one should not like to have dear Sir Thomas, when he comes home, find all the varnish scratched off. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That would not be a very handsome reason for using Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Maria; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but the truth is, that Wilcox is a stupid old fellow, and does not know how to drive. I will answer for it that we shall find no inconvenience from narrow roads on Wednesday. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There is no hardship, I suppose, nothing unpleasant, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset in going on the barouche box. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Unpleasant! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Maria: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset oh dear! I believe it would be generally thought the favourite seat. There can be no comparison as to one's view of the country. Probably Miss Crawford will choose the barouche-box herself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There can be no objection, then, to Fanny's going with you; there can be no doubt of your having room for her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset repeated Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset my dear Edmund, there is no idea of her going with us. She stays with her aunt. I told Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth so. She is not expected. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You can have no reason, I imagine, madam, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, addressing his mother, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for wishing Fanny \shape italic not \shape default to be of the party, but as it relates to yourself, to your own comfort. If you could do without her, you would not wish to keep her at home? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be sure not, but I \shape italic cannot \shape default do without her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You can, if I stay at home with you, as I mean to do. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard There was a general cry out at this. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he continued, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there is no necessity for my going, and I mean to stay at home. Fanny has a great desire to see Sotherton. I know she wishes it very much. She has not often a gratification of the kind, and I am sure, ma'am, you would be glad to give her the pleasure now? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes! very glad, if your aunt sees no objection. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was very ready with the only objection which could remain--their having positively assured Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth that Fanny could not go, and the very strange appearance there would consequently be in taking her, which seemed to her a difficulty quite impossible to be got over. It must have the strangest appearance! It would be something so very unceremoni ous, so bordering on disrespect for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, whose own manners were such a pattern of good-breeding and attention, that she really did not feel equal to it. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had no affection for Fanny, and no wish of procuring her pleasure at any time; but her opposition to Edmund \shape italic now \shape default , arose more from partiality for her own scheme, because it \shape italic was \shape default her own, than from anything else. She felt that she had arranged everything extremely well, and that any alteration must be for the worse. When Edmund, therefore, told her in reply, as he did when she would give him the hearing, that she need not distress herself on Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's account, because he had taken the opportunity, as he walked with her through the hall, of mentioning Miss Price as one who would probably be of the party, and had directly received a very sufficient invitation for his cousin, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was too much vexed to submit with a very good grace, and would only say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very well, very well, just as you chuse, settle it your own way, I am sure I do not care about it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It seems very odd, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Maria, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that you should be staying at home instead of Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sure she ought to be very much obliged to you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Julia, hastily leaving the room as she spoke, from a consciousness that she ought to offer to stay at home herself. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny will feel quite as grateful as the occasion requires, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Edmund's only reply, and the subject dropt. \layout Standard Fanny's gratitude, when she heard the plan, was, in fact, much greater than her pleasure. She felt Edmund's kindness with all, and more than all, the sensibility which he, unsuspicious of her fond attachment, could be aware of; but that he should forego any enjoyment on her account gave her pain, and her own satisfaction in seeing Sotherton would be nothing without him. \layout Standard The next meeting of the two Mansfield families produced another alteration in the plan, and one that was admitted with general approbation. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant offered herself as companion for the day to Lady Bertram in lieu of her son, and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant was to join them at dinner. Lady Bertram was very well pleased to have it so, and the young ladies were in spirits again. Even Edmund was very thankful for an arrangement which restored him to his share of the party; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris thought it an excellent plan, and had it at her tongue's end, and was on the point of proposing it, when Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant spoke. \layout Standard Wednesday was fine, and soon after breakfast the barouche arrived, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford driving his sisters; and as everybody was ready, there was nothing to be done but for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to alight and the others to take their places. The place of all places, the envied seat, the post of honour, was unappropriate d. To whose happy lot was it to fall? While each of the Miss Bertrams were meditating how best, and with the most appearance of obliging the others, to secure it, the matter was settled by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's saying, as she stepped from the carriage, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As there are five of you, it will be better that one should sit with Henry; and as you were saying lately that you wished you could drive, Julia, I think this will be a good opportunity for you to take a lesson. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Happy Julia! Unhappy Maria! The former was on the barouche-box in a moment, the latter took her seat within, in gloom and mortification; and the carriage drove off amid the good wishes of the two remaining ladies, and the barking of Pug in his mistress's arms. \layout Standard Their road was through a pleasant country; and Fanny, whose rides had never been extensive, was soon beyond her knowledge, and was very happy in observing all that was new, and admiring all that was pretty. She was not often invited to join in the conversation of the others, nor did she desire it. Her own thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions; and, in observing the appearance of the country, the bearings of the roads, the difference of soil, the state of the harvest, the cottages, the cattle, the children, she found entertainment that could only have been heightened by having Edmund to speak to of what she felt. That was the only point of resemblance between her and the lady who sat by her: in everything but a value for Edmund, Miss Crawford was very unlike her. She had none of Fanny's delicacy of taste, of mind, of feeling; she saw Nature, inanimate Nature, with little observation; her attention was all for men and women, her talents for the light and lively. In looking back after Edmund, however, when there was any stretch of road behind them, or when he gained on them in ascending a considerable hill, they were united, and a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there he is \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset broke at the same moment from them both, more than once. \layout Standard For the first seven miles Miss Bertram had very little real comfort: her prospect always ended in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford and her sister sitting side by side, full of conversation and merriment ; and to see only his expressive profile as he turned with a smile to Julia, or to catch the laugh of the other, was a perpetual source of irritation, which her own sense of propriety could but just smooth over. When Julia looked back, it was with a countenance of delight, and whenever she spoke to them, it was in the highest spirits: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset her view of the country was charming, she wished they could all see it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \shape italic etc \shape default .; but her only offer of exchange was addressed to Miss Crawford, as they gained the summit of a long hill, and was not more inviting than this: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Here is a fine burst of country. I wish you had my seat, but I dare say you will not take it, let me press you ever so much; \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and Miss Crawford could hardly answer before they were moving again at a good pace. \layout Standard When they came within the influence of Sotherton associations, it was better for Miss Bertram, who might be said to have two strings to her bow. She had Rushworth feelings, and Crawford feelings, and in the vicinity of Sotherton the former had considerable effect. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's consequence was hers. She could not tell Miss Crawford that \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset those woods belonged to Sotherton, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she could not carelessly observe that \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she believed that it was now all Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's property on each side of the road, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset without elation of heart; and it was a pleasure to increase with their approach to the capital freehold mansion, and ancient manorial residence of the family, with all its rights of court-leet and court-baron. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now we shall have no more rough road, Miss Crawford; our difficulties are over. The rest of the way is such as it ought to be. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth has made it since he succeeded to the estate. Here begins the village. Those cottages are really a disgrace. The church spire is reckoned remarkably handsome. I am glad the church is not so close to the great house as often happens in old places. The annoyance of the bells must be terrible. There is the parsonage: a tidy-looking house, and I understand the clergyman and his wife are very decent people. Those are almshouses, built by some of the family. To the right is the steward's house; he is a very respectable man. Now we are coming to the lodge-gates; but we have nearly a mile through the park still. It is not ugly, you see, at this end; there is some fine timber, but the situation of the house is dreadful. We go down hill to it for half a mile, and it is a pity, for it would not be an ill-looking place if it had a better approach. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford was not slow to admire; she pretty well guessed Miss Bertram's feelings, and made it a point of honour to promote her enjoyment to the utmost. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was all delight and volubility; and even Fanny had something to say in admiration, and might be heard with complacency. Her eye was eagerly taking in everything within her reach; and after being at some pains to get a view of the house, and observing that \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it was a sort of building which she could not look at but with respect, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now, where is the avenue? The house fronts the east, I perceive. The avenue, therefore, must be at the back of it. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth talked of the west front. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, it is exactly behind the house; begins at a little distance, and ascends for half a mile to the extremity of the grounds. You may see something of it here--something of the more distant trees. It is oak entirely. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Bertram could now speak with decided information of what she had known nothing about when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had asked her opinion; and her spirits were in as happy a flutter as vanity and pride could furnish, when they drove up to the spacious stone steps before the principal entrance. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER IX \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER IX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER IX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was at the door to receive his fair lady; and the whole party were welcomed by him with due attention. In the drawing-room they were met with equal cordiality by the mother, and Miss Bertram had all the distinction with each that she could wish. After the business of arriving was over, it was first necessary to eat, and the doors were thrown open to admit them through one or two intermediate rooms into the appointed dining-parlour, where a collation was prepared with abundance and elegance. Much was said, and much was ate, and all went well. The particular object of the day was then considered. How would Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford like, in what manner would he chuse, to take a survey of the grounds? Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth mentioned his curricle. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford suggested the greater desirableness of some carriage which might convey more than two. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be depriving themselves of the advantage of other eyes and other judgments, might be an evil even beyond the loss of present pleasure. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth proposed that the chaise should be taken also; but this was scarcely received as an amendment: the young ladies neither smiled nor spoke. Her next proposition, of shewing the house to such of them as had not been there before, was more acceptable, for Miss Bertram was pleased to have its size displayed, and all were glad to be doing something. \layout Standard The whole party rose accordingly, and under Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's guidance were shewn through a number of rooms, all lofty, and many large, and amply furnished in the taste of fifty years back, with shining floors, solid mahogany, rich damask, marble, gilding, and carving, each handsome in its way. Of pictures there were abundance, and some few good, but the larger part were family portraits, no longer anything to anybody but Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, who had been at great pains to learn all that the housekeeper could teach, and was now almost equally well qualified to shew the house. On the present occasion she addressed herself chiefly to Miss Crawford and Fanny, but there was no comparison in the willingness of their attention; for Miss Crawford, who had seen scores of great houses, and cared for none of them, had only the appearance of civilly listening, while Fanny, to whom everything was almost as interesting as it was new, attended with unaffected earnestness to all that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth could relate of the family in former times, its rise and grandeur, regal visits and loyal efforts, delighted to connect anything with history already known, or warm her imagination with scenes of the past. \layout Standard The situation of the house excluded the possibility of much prospect from any of the rooms; and while Fanny and some of the others were attending Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, Henry Crawford was looking grave and shaking his head at the windows. Every room on the west front looked across a lawn to the beginning of the avenue immediately beyond tall iron palisades and gates. \layout Standard Having visited many more rooms than could be supposed to be of any other use than to contribute to the window-tax, and find employment for housemaids, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we are coming to the chapel, which properly we ought to enter from above, and look down upon; but as we are quite among friends, I will take you in this way, if you will excuse me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard They entered. Fanny's imagination had prepared her for something grander than a mere spacious, oblong room, fitted up for the purpose of devotion: with nothing more striking or more solemn than the profusion of mahogany, and the crimson velvet cushions appearing over the ledge of the family gallery above. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am disappointed, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, in a low voice, to Edmund. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is not my idea of a chapel. There is nothing awful here, nothing melancholy, nothing grand. Here are no aisles, no arches, no inscriptions, no banners. No banners, cousin, to be `blown by the night wind of heaven.' No signs that a `Scottish monarch sleeps below. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ' \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You forget, Fanny, how lately all this has been built, and for how confined a purpose, compared with the old chapels of castles and monasteries. It was only for the private use of the family. They have been buried, I suppose, in the parish church. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic There \shape default you must look for the banners and the achievements. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It was foolish of me not to think of all that; but I am disappointed. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth began her relation. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This chapel was fitted up as you see it, in James the Second's time. Before that period, as I understand, the pews were only wainscot; and there is some reason to think that the linings and cushions of the pulpit and family seat were only purple cloth; but this is not quite certain. It is a handsome chapel, and was formerly in constant use both morning and evening. Prayers were always read in it by the domestic chaplain, within the memory of many; but the late Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth left it off. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Every generation has its improvements, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, with a smile, to Edmund. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was gone to repeat her lesson to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford; and Edmund, Fanny, and Miss Crawford remained in a cluster together. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is a pity, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that the custom should have been discontinued. It was a valuable part of former times. There is something in a chapel and chaplain so much in character with a great house, with one's ideas of what such a household should be! A whole family assembling regularly for the purpose of prayer is fine! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very fine indeed, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, laughing. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It must do the heads of the family a great deal of good to force all the poor housemaids and footmen to leave business and pleasure, and say their prayers here twice a day, while they are inventing excuses themselves for staying away. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic That \shape default is hardly Fanny's idea of a family assembling, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If the master and mistress do \shape italic not \shape default attend themselves, there must be more harm than good in the custom. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset At any rate, it is safer to leave people to their own devices on such subjects. Everybody likes to go their own way--to chuse their own time and manner of devotion. The obligation of attendance, the formality, the restraint, the length of time--altogether it is a formidable thing, and what nobody likes; and if the good people who used to kneel and gape in that gallery could have foreseen that the time would ever come when men and women might lie another ten minutes in bed, when they woke with a headache, without danger of reprobati on, because chapel was missed, they would have jumped with joy and envy. Cannot you imagine with what unwilling feelings the former belles of the house of Rushworth did many a time repair to this chapel? The young Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Eleanors and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bridgets--starched up into seeming piety, but with heads full of something very different--especially if the poor chaplain were not worth looking at--and, in those days, I fancy parsons were very inferior even to what they are now. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard For a few moments she was unanswered. Fanny coloured and looked at Edmund, but felt too angry for speech; and he needed a little recollection before he could say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your lively mind can hardly be serious even on serious subjects. You have given us an amusing sketch, and human nature cannot say it was not so. We must all feel \shape italic at \shape default \shape italic times \shape default the difficulty of fixing our thoughts as we could wish; but if you are supposing it a frequent thing, that is to say, a weakness grown into a habit from neglect, what could be expected from the \shape italic private \shape default devotions of such persons? Do you think the minds which are suffered, which are indulged in wanderings in a chapel, would be more collected in a closet? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, very likely. They would have two chances at least in their favour. There would be less to distract the attention from without, and it would not be tried so long. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The mind which does not struggle against itself under \shape italic one \shape default circumstance, would find objects to distract it in the \shape italic other \shape default , I believe; and the influence of the place and of example may often rouse better feelings than are begun with. The greater length of the service, however, I admit to be sometimes too hard a stretch upon the mind. One wishes it were not so; but I have not yet left Oxford long enough to forget what chapel prayers are. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard While this was passing, the rest of the party being scattered about the chapel, Julia called Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's attention to her sister, by saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do look at Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and Maria, standing side by side, exactly as if the ceremony were going to be performed. Have not they completely the air of it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford smiled his acquiescence, and stepping forward to Maria, said, in a voice which she only could hear, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not like to see Miss Bertram so near the altar. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Starting, the lady instinctively moved a step or two, but recovering herself in a moment, affected to laugh, and asked him, in a tone not much louder, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If he would give her away? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am afraid I should do it very awkwardly, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was his reply, with a look of meaning. \layout Standard Julia, joining them at the moment, carried on the joke. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Upon my word, it is really a pity that it should not take place directly, if we had but a proper licence, for here we are altogether, and nothing in the world could be more snug and pleasant. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And she talked and laughed about it with so little caution as to catch the comprehension of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and his mother, and expose her sister to the whispered gallantries of her lover, while Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth spoke with proper smiles and dignity of its being a most happy event to her whenever it took place. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If Edmund were but in orders! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Julia, and running to where he stood with Miss Crawford and Fanny: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Edmund, if you were but in orders now, you might perform the ceremony directly. How unlucky that you are not ordained; Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and Maria are quite ready. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford's countenance, as Julia spoke, might have amused a disinterested observer. She looked almost aghast under the new idea she was receiving. Fanny pitied her. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How distressed she will be at what she said just now, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset passed across her mind. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ordained! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what, are you to be a clergyman? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes; I shall take orders soon after my father's return--probably at Christmas. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford, rallying her spirits, and recovering her complexion, replied only, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I had known this before, I would have spoken of the cloth with more respect, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and turned the subject. \layout Standard The chapel was soon afterwards left to the silence and stillness which reigned in it, with few interruptions, throughout the year. Miss Bertram, displeased with her sister, led the way, and all seemed to feel that they had been there long enough. \layout Standard The lower part of the house had been now entirely shewn, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, never weary in the cause, would have proceeded towards the principal staircase, and taken them through all the rooms above, if her son had not interposed with a doubt of there being time enough. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset For if, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, with the sort of self-evident proposition which many a clearer head does not always avoid, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we are \shape italic too \shape default long going over the house, we shall not have time for what is to be done out of doors. It is past two, and we are to dine at five. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth submitted; and the question of surveying the grounds, with the who and the how, was likely to be more fully agitated, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was beginning to arrange by what junction of carriages and horses most could be done, when the young people, meeting with an outward door, temptingly open on a flight of steps which led immediately to turf and shrubs, and all the sweets of pleasure-grounds, as by one impulse, one wish for air and liberty, all walked out. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Suppose we turn down here for the present, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, civilly taking the hint and following them. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Here are the greatest number of our plants, and here are the curious pheasants. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Query, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, looking round him, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset whether we may not find something to employ us here before we go farther? I see walls of great promise. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, shall we summon a council on this lawn? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset James, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth to her son, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe the wilderness will be new to all the party. The Miss Bertrams have never seen the wilderness yet. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard No objection was made, but for some time there seemed no inclination to move in any plan, or to any distance. All were attracted at first by the plants or the pheasants, and all dispersed about in happy independence. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was the first to move forward to examine the capabilities of that end of the house. The lawn, bounded on each side by a high wall, contained beyond the first planted area a bowling-green, and beyond the bowling-green a long terrace walk, backed by iron palisades, and commanding a view over them into the tops of the trees of the wilderness immediately adjoining. It was a good spot for fault-finding. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was soon followed by Miss Bertram and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth; and when, after a little time, the others began to form into parties, these three were found in busy consultation on the terrace by Edmund, Miss Crawford, and Fanny, who seemed as naturally to unite, and who, after a short participation of their regrets and difficulties, left them and walked on. The remaining three, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, and Julia, were still far behind; for Julia, whose happy star no longer prevailed, was obliged to keep by the side of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, and restrain her impatient feet to that lady's slow pace, while her aunt, having fallen in with the housekeeper, who was come out to feed the pheasants, was lingering behind in gossip with her. Poor Julia, the only one out of the nine not tolerably satisfied with their lot, was now in a state of complete penance, and as different from the Julia of the barouche-box as could well be imagined. The politeness which she had been brought up to practise as a duty made it impossible for her to escape; while the want of that higher species of self-command, that just consideration of others, that knowledge of her own heart, that principle of right, which had not formed any essential part of her education, made her miserable under it. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is insufferably hot, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, when they had taken one turn on the terrace, and were drawing a second time to the door in the middle which opened to the wilderness. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shall any of us object to being comfortable? Here is a nice little wood, if one can but get into it. What happiness if the door should not be locked! but of course it is; for in these great places the gardeners are the only people who can go where they like. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The door, however, proved not to be locked, and they were all agreed in turning joyfully through it, and leaving the unmitigated glare of day behind. A considerable flight of steps landed them in the wilderness, which was a planted wood of about two acres, and though chiefly of larch and laurel, and beech cut down, and though laid out with too much regularity, was darkness and shade, and natural beauty, compared with the bowling-green and the terrace. They all felt the refreshment of it, and for some time could only walk and admire. At length, after a short pause, Miss Crawford began with, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So you are to be a clergyman, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram. This is rather a surprise to me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why should it surprise you? You must suppose me designed for some profession, and might perceive that I am neither a lawyer, nor a soldier, nor a sailor. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very true; but, in short, it had not occurred to me. And you know there is generally an uncle or a grandfather to leave a fortune to the second son. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A very praiseworthy practice, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but not quite universal. I am one of the exceptions, and \shape italic being \shape default one, must do something for myself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But why are you to be a clergyman? I thought \shape italic that \shape default was always the lot of the youngest, where there were many to chuse before him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you think the church itself never chosen, then? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic Never \shape default is a black word. But yes, in the \shape italic never \shape default of conversation, which means \shape italic not \shape default \shape italic very \shape default \shape italic often \shape default , I do think it. For what is to be done in the church? Men love to distinguish themselves, and in either of the other lines distinction may be gained, but not in the church. A clergyman is nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The \shape italic nothing \shape default of conversation has its gradations, I hope, as well as the \shape italic never \shape default . A clergyman cannot be high in state or fashion. He must not head mobs, or set the ton in dress. But I cannot call that situation nothing which has the charge of all that is of the first importance to mankind, individually or collectively considered, temporally and eternally, which has the guardianship of religion and morals, and consequently of the manners which result from their influence. No one here can call the \shape italic office \shape default nothing. If the man who holds it is so, it is by the neglect of his duty, by foregoing its just importance, and stepping out of his place to appear what he ought not to appear. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default assign greater consequence to the clergyman than one has been used to hear given, or than I can quite comprehend. One does not see much of this influence and importance in society, and how can it be acquired where they are so seldom seen themselves? How can two sermons a week, even supposing them worth hearing, supposing the preacher to have the sense to prefer Blair's to his own, do all that you speak of? govern the conduct and fashion the manners of a large congregation for the rest of the week? One scarcely sees a clergyman out of his pulpit. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default are speaking of London, \shape italic I \shape default am speaking of the nation at large. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The metropolis, I imagine, is a pretty fair sample of the rest. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not, I should hope, of the proportion of virtue to vice throughout the kingdom. We do not look in great cities for our best morality. It is not there that respectable people of any denomination can do most good; and it certainly is not there that the influence of the clergy can be most felt. A fine preacher is followed and admired; but it is not in fine preaching only that a good clergyman will be useful in his parish and his neighbourhood, where the parish and neighbourhood are of a size capable of knowing his private character, and observing his general conduct, which in London can rarely be the case. The clergy are lost there in the crowds of their parishioners. They are known to the largest part only as preachers. And with regard to their influencing public manners, Miss Crawford must not misunderstand me, or suppose I mean to call them the arbiters of good-breed ing, the regulators of refinement and courtesy, the masters of the ceremonies of life. The \shape italic manners \shape default I speak of might rather be called \shape italic conduct \shape default , perhaps, the result of good principles; the effect, in short, of those doctrines which it is their duty to teach and recommend; and it will, I believe, be everywhere found, that as the clergy are, or are not what they ought to be, so are the rest of the nation. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Certainly, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, with gentle earnestness. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you have quite convinced Miss Price already. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wish I could convince Miss Crawford too. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not think you ever will, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, with an arch smile; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am just as much surprised now as I was at first that you should intend to take orders. You really are fit for something better. Come, do change your mind. It is not too late. Go into the law. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Go into the law! With as much ease as I was told to go into this wilderness. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now you are going to say something about law being the worst wilderness of the two, but I forestall you; remember, I have forestalled you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You need not hurry when the object is only to prevent my saying a \shape italic bon \shape default \shape italic mot \shape default , for there is not the least wit in my nature. I am a very matter-of-fact, plain-spoken being, and may blunder on the borders of a repartee for half an hour together without striking it out. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A general silence succeeded. Each was thoughtful. Fanny made the first interruption by saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wonder that I should be tired with only walking in this sweet wood; but the next time we come to a seat, if it is not disagreeable to you, I should be glad to sit down for a little while. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Edmund, immediately drawing her arm within his, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how thoughtless I have been! I hope you are not very tired. Perhaps, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset turning to Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset my other companion may do me the honour of taking an arm. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Thank you, but I am not at all tired. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She took it, however, as she spoke, and the gratification of having her do so, of feeling such a connexion for the first time, made him a little forgetful of Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You scarcely touch me, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You do not make me of any use. What a difference in the weight of a woman's arm from that of a man! At Oxford I have been a good deal used to have a man lean on me for the length of a street, and you are only a fly in the comparison. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am really not tired, which I almost wonder at; for we must have walked at least a mile in this wood. Do not you think we have? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not half a mile, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was his sturdy answer; for he was not yet so much in love as to measure distance, or reckon time, with feminine lawlessness. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! you do not consider how much we have wound about. We have taken such a very serpentine course, and the wood itself must be half a mile long in a straight line, for we have never seen the end of it yet since we left the first great path. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But if you remember, before we left that first great path, we saw directly to the end of it. We looked down the whole vista, and saw it closed by iron gates, and it could not have been more than a furlong in length. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! I know nothing of your furlongs, but I am sure it is a very long wood, and that we have been winding in and out ever since we came into it; and therefore, when I say that we have walked a mile in it, I must speak within compass. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We have been exactly a quarter of an hour here, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, taking out his watch. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you think we are walking four miles an hour? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! do not attack me with your watch. A watch is always too fast or too slow. I cannot be dictated to by a watch. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A few steps farther brought them out at the bottom of the very walk they had been talking of; and standing back, well shaded and sheltered, and looking over a ha-ha into the park, was a comfortable-sized bench, on which they all sat down. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am afraid you are very tired, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, observing her; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset why would not you speak sooner? This will be a bad day's amusement for you if you are to be knocked up. Every sort of exercise fatigues her so soon, Miss Crawford, except riding. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How abominable in you, then, to let me engross her horse as I did all last week! I am ashamed of you and of myself, but it shall never happen again. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic Your \shape default attentiveness and consideration makes me more sensible of my own neglect. Fanny's interest seems in safer hands with you than with me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That she should be tired now, however, gives me no surprise; for there is nothing in the course of one's duties so fatiguing as what we have been doing this morning: seeing a great house, dawdling from one room to another, straining one's eyes and one's attention, hearing what one does not understand, admiring what one does not care for. It is generally allowed to be the greatest bore in the world, and Miss Price has found it so, though she did not know it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall soon be rested, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset to sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard After sitting a little while Miss Crawford was up again. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must move, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset resting fatigues me. I have looked across the ha-ha till I am weary. I must go and look through that iron gate at the same view, without being able to see it so well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund left the seat likewise. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now, Miss Crawford, if you will look up the walk, you will convince yourself that it cannot be half a mile long, or half half a mile. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is an immense distance, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I see \shape italic that \shape default with a glance. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He still reasoned with her, but in vain. She would not calculate, she would not compare. She would only smile and assert. The greatest degree of rational consistency could not have been more engaging, and they talked with mutual satisfaction. At last it was agreed that they should endeavour to determine the dimensions of the wood by walking a little more about it. They would go to one end of it, in the line they were then in--for there was a straight green walk along the bottom by the side of the ha-ha--and perhaps turn a little way in some other direction, if it seemed likely to assist them, and be back in a few minutes. Fanny said she was rested, and would have moved too, but this was not suffered. Edmund urged her remaining where she was with an earnestness which she could not resist, and she was left on the bench to think with pleasure of her cousin's care, but with great regret that she was not stronger. She watched them till they had turned the corner, and listened till all sound of them had ceased. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER X \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER X \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER X \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard A quarter of an hour, twenty minutes, passed away, and Fanny was still thinking of Edmund, Miss Crawford, and herself, without interruption from any one. She began to be surprised at being left so long, and to listen with an anxious desire of hearing their steps and their voices again. She listened, and at length she heard; she heard voices and feet approaching; but she had just satisfied herself that it was not those she wanted, when Miss Bertram, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford issued from the same path which she had trod herself, and were before her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Miss Price all alone \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Fanny, how comes this? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset were the first salutations. She told her story. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Poor dear Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried her cousin, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how ill you have been used by them! You had better have staid with us. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Then seating herself with a gentleman on each side, she resumed the conversation which had engaged them before, and discussed the possibility of improvements with much animation. Nothing was fixed on; but Henry Crawford was full of ideas and projects, and, generally speaking, whatever he proposed was immediately approved, first by her, and then by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, whose principal business seemed to be to hear the others, and who scarcely risked an original thought of his own beyond a wish that they had seen his friend Smith's place. \layout Standard After some minutes spent in this way, Miss Bertram, observing the iron gate, expressed a wish of passing through it into the park, that their views and their plans might be more comprehensive. It was the very thing of all others to be wished, it was the best, it was the only way of proceeding with any advantage, in Henry Crawford's opinion; and he directly saw a knoll not half a mile off, which would give them exactly the requisite command of the house. Go therefore they must to that knoll, and through that gate; but the gate was locked. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth wished he had brought the key; he had been very near thinking whether he should not bring the key; he was determined he would never come without the key again; but still this did not remove the present evil. They could not get through; and as Miss Bertram's inclination for so doing did by no means lessen, it ended in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's declaring outright that he would go and fetch the key. He set off accordingly. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is undoubtedly the best thing we can do now, as we are so far from the house already, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, when he was gone. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, there is nothing else to be done. But now, sincerely, do not you find the place altogether worse than you expected? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, indeed, far otherwise. I find it better, grander, more complete in its style, though that style may not be the best. And to tell you the truth, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset speaking rather lower, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not think that \shape italic I \shape default shall ever see Sotherton again with so much pleasure as I do now. Another summer will hardly improve it to me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard After a moment's embarrassment the lady replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are too much a man of the world not to see with the eyes of the world. If other people think Sotherton improved, I have no doubt that you will. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am afraid I am not quite so much the man of the world as might be good for me in some points. My feelings are not quite so evanescent, nor my memory of the past under such easy dominion as one finds to be the case with men of the world. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This was followed by a short silence. Miss Bertram began again. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You seemed to enjoy your drive here very much this morning. I was glad to see you so well entertained. You and Julia were laughing the whole way. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Were we? Yes, I believe we were; but I have not the least recollection at what. Oh! I believe I was relating to her some ridiculous stories of an old Irish groom of my uncle's. Your sister loves to laugh. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You think her more light-hearted than I am? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset More easily amused, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he replied; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset consequently, you know, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset smiling, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset better company. I could not have hoped to entertain you with Irish anecdotes during a ten miles' drive. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Naturally, I believe, I am as lively as Julia, but I have more to think of now. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You have, undoubtedly; and there are situations in which very high spirits would denote insensibility. Your prospects, however, are too fair to justify want of spirits. You have a very smiling scene before you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you mean literally or figuratively? Literally, I conclude. Yes, certainly, the sun shines, and the park looks very cheerful. But unluckily that iron gate, that ha-ha, give me a feeling of restraint and hardship. `I cannot get out,' as the starling said. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset As she spoke, and it was with expression, she walked to the gate: he followed her. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth is so long fetching this key! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And for the world you would not get out without the key and without Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's authority and protection, or I think you might with little difficult y pass round the edge of the gate, here, with my assistance; I think it might be done, if you really wished to be more at large, and could allow yourself to think it not prohibited. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Prohibited! nonsense! I certainly can get out that way, and I will. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth will be here in a moment, you know; we shall not be out of sight. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Or if we are, Miss Price will be so good as to tell him that he will find us near that knoll: the grove of oak on the knoll. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, feeling all this to be wrong, could not help making an effort to prevent it. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You will hurt yourself, Miss Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she cried; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you will certainly hurt yourself against those spikes; you will tear your gown; you will be in danger of slipping into the ha-ha. You had better not go. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her cousin was safe on the other side while these words were spoken, and, smiling with all the good-humour of success, she said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Thank you, my dear Fanny, but I and my gown are alive and well, and so good-bye. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was again left to her solitude, and with no increase of pleasant feelings, for she was sorry for almost all that she had seen and heard, astonished at Miss Bertram, and angry with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. By taking a circuitous route, and, as it appeared to her, very unreasonable direction to the knoll, they were soon beyond her eye; and for some minutes longer she remained without sight or sound of any companion. She seemed to have the little wood all to herself. She could almost have thought that Edmund and Miss Crawford had left it, but that it was impossible for Edmund to forget her so entirely. \layout Standard She was again roused from disagreeable musings by sudden footsteps: somebody was coming at a quick pace down the principal walk. She expected Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, but it was Julia, who, hot and out of breath, and with a look of disappointment, cried out on seeing her, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Heyday! Where are the others? I thought Maria and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford were with you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny explained. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A pretty trick, upon my word! I cannot see them anywhere, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset looking eagerly into the park. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But they cannot be very far off, and I think I am equal to as much as Maria, even without help. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But, Julia, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth will be here in a moment with the key. Do wait for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not I, indeed. I have had enough of the family for one morning. Why, child, I have but this moment escaped from his horrible mother. Such a penance as I have been enduring, while you were sitting here so composed and so happy! It might have been as well, perhaps, if you had been in my place, but you always contrive to keep out of these scrapes. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This was a most unjust reflection, but Fanny could allow for it, and let it pass: Julia was vexed, and her temper was hasty; but she felt that it would not last, and therefore, taking no notice, only asked her if she had not seen Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, yes, we saw him. He was posting away as if upon life and death, and could but just spare time to tell us his errand, and where you all were. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is a pity he should have so much trouble for nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic That \shape default is Miss Maria's concern. I am not obliged to punish myself for \shape italic her \shape default sins. The mother I could not avoid, as long as my tiresome aunt was dancing about with the housekeeper, but the son I \shape italic can \shape default get away from. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard And she immediately scrambled across the fence, and walked away, not attending to Fanny's last question of whether she had seen anything of Miss Crawford and Edmund. The sort of dread in which Fanny now sat of seeing Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth prevented her thinking so much of their continued absence, however, as she might have done. She felt that he had been very ill-used, and was quite unhappy in having to communicate what had passed. He joined her within five minutes after Julia's exit; and though she made the best of the story, he was evidently mortified and displeased in no common degree. At first he scarcely said anything; his looks only expressed his extreme surprise and vexation, and he walked to the gate and stood there, without seeming to know what to do. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset They desired me to stay--my cousin Maria charged me to say that you would find them at that knoll, or thereabouts. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not believe I shall go any farther, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he sullenly; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I see nothing of them. By the time I get to the knoll they may be gone somewhere else. I have had walking enough. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard And he sat down with a most gloomy countenance by Fanny. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very sorry, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it is very unlucky. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And she longed to be able to say something more to the purpose. \layout Standard After an interval of silence, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I think they might as well have staid for me, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Miss Bertram thought you would follow her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should not have had to follow her if she had staid. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This could not be denied, and Fanny was silenced. After another pause, he went on--"Pray, Miss Price, are you such a great admirer of this Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford as some people are? For my part, I can see nothing in him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not think him at all handsome. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Handsome! Nobody can call such an undersized man handsome. He is not five foot nine. I should not wonder if he is not more than five foot eight. I think he is an ill-looking fellow. In my opinion, these Crawfords are no addition at all. We did very well without them. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A small sigh escaped Fanny here, and she did not know how to contradict him. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I had made any difficulty about fetching the key, there might have been some excuse, but I went the very moment she said she wanted it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nothing could be more obliging than your manner, I am sure, and I dare say you walked as fast as you could; but still it is some distance, you know, from this spot to the house, quite into the house; and when people are waiting, they are bad judges of time, and every half minute seems like five. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He got up and walked to the gate again, and \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset wished he had had the key about him at the time. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Fanny thought she discerned in his standing there an indication of relenting, which encouraged her to another attempt, and she said, therefore, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is a pity you should not join them. They expected to have a better view of the house from that part of the park, and will be thinking how it may be improved; and nothing of that sort, you know, can be settled without you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She found herself more successful in sending away than in retaining a companion. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was worked on. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset if you really think I had better go: it would be foolish to bring the key for nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And letting himself out, he walked off without farther ceremony. \layout Standard Fanny's thoughts were now all engrossed by the two who had left her so long ago, and getting quite impatient, she resolved to go in search of them. She followed their steps along the bottom walk, and had just turned up into another, when the voice and the laugh of Miss Crawford once more caught her ear; the sound approached, and a few more windings brought them before her. They were just returned into the wilderness from the park, to which a sidegate, not fastened, had tempted them very soon after their leaving her, and they had been across a portion of the park into the very avenue which Fanny had been hoping the whole morning to reach at last, and had been sitting down under one of the trees. This was their history. It was evident that they had been spending their time pleasantly, and were not aware of the length of their absence. Fanny's best consolation was in being assured that Edmund had wished for her very much, and that he should certainly have come back for her, had she not been tired already; but this was not quite sufficient to do away with the pain of having been left a whole hour, when he had talked of only a few minutes, nor to banish the sort of curiosity she felt to know what they had been conversing about all that time; and the result of the whole was to her disappointment and depression, as they prepared by general agreement to return to the house. \layout Standard On reaching the bottom of the steps to the terrace, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris presented themselves at the top, just ready for the wilderness, at the end of an hour and a half from their leaving the house. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had been too well employed to move faster. Whatever cross-accidents had occurred to intercept the pleasures of her nieces, she had found a morning of complete enjoyment; for the housekeeper, after a great many courtesies on the subject of pheasants, had taken her to the dairy, told her all about their cows, and given her the receipt for a famous cream cheese; and since Julia's leaving them they had been met by the gardener, with whom she had made a most satisfactory acquaintance, for she had set him right as to his grandson's illness, convinced him that it was an ague, and promised him a charm for it; and he, in return, had shewn her all his choicest nursery of plants, and actually presented her with a very curious specimen of heath. \layout Standard On this \shape italic rencontre \shape default they all returned to the house together, there to lounge away the time as they could with sofas, and chit-chat, and Quarterly Reviews, till the return of the others, and the arrival of dinner. It was late before the Miss Bertrams and the two gentlemen came in, and their ramble did not appear to have been more than partially agreeable, or at all productive of anything useful with regard to the object of the day. By their own accounts they had been all walking after each other, and the junction which had taken place at last seemed, to Fanny's observation, to have been as much too late for re-establishing harmony, as it confessedly had been for determining on any alteration. She felt, as she looked at Julia and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, that hers was not the only dissatisfied bosom amongst them: there was gloom on the face of each. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford and Miss Bertram were much more gay, and she thought that he was taking particular pains, during dinner, to do away any little resentment of the other two, and restore general good-humour. \layout Standard Dinner was soon followed by tea and coffee, a ten miles' drive home allowed no waste of hours; and from the time of their sitting down to table, it was a quick succession of busy nothings till the carriage came to the door, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, having fidgeted about, and obtained a few pheasants' eggs and a cream cheese from the housekeeper, and made abundance of civil speeches to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, was ready to lead the way. At the same moment Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, approaching Julia, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I hope I am not to lose my companion, unless she is afraid of the evening air in so exposed a seat. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset The request had not been foreseen, but was very graciously received, and Julia's day was likely to end almost as well as it began. Miss Bertram had made up her mind to something different, and was a little disappointed; but her conviction of being really the one preferred comforted her under it, and enabled her to receive Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's parting attentions as she ought. He was certainly better pleased to hand her into the barouche than to assist her in ascending the box, and his complacency seemed confirmed by the arrangeme nt. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Fanny, this has been a fine day for you, upon my word, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, as they drove through the park. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nothing but pleasure from beginning to end! I am sure you ought to be very much obliged to your aunt Bertram and me for contriving to let you go. A pretty good day's amusement you have had! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Maria was just discontented enough to say directly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I think \shape italic you \shape default have done pretty well yourself, ma'am. Your lap seems full of good things, and here is a basket of something between us which has been knocking my elbow unmercifully. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear, it is only a beautiful little heath, which that nice old gardener would make me take; but if it is in your way, I will have it in my lap directly. There, Fanny, you shall carry that parcel for me; take great care of it: do not let it fall; it is a cream cheese, just like the excellent one we had at dinner. Nothing would satisfy that good old Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Whitaker, but my taking one of the cheeses. I stood out as long as I could, till the tears almost came into her eyes, and I knew it was just the sort that my sister would be delighted with. That Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Whitaker is a treasure! She was quite shocked when I asked her whether wine was allowed at the second table, and she has turned away two housemaids for wearing white gowns. Take care of the cheese, Fanny. Now I can manage the other parcel and the basket very well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What else have you been spunging? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Maria, half-pleased that Sotherton should be so complimented. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Spunging, my dear! It is nothing but four of those beautiful pheasants' eggs, which Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Whitaker would quite force upon me: she would not take a denial. She said it must be such an amusement to me, as she understood I lived quite alone, to have a few living creatures of that sort; and so to be sure it will. I shall get the dairymaid to set them under the first spare hen, and if they come to good I can have them moved to my own house and borrow a coop; and it will be a great delight to me in my lonely hours to attend to them. And if I have good luck, your mother shall have some. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard It was a beautiful evening, mild and still, and the drive was as pleasant as the serenity of Nature could make it; but when Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris ceased speaking, it was altogether a silent drive to those within. Their spirits were in general exhausted; and to determine whether the day had afforded most pleasure or pain, might occupy the meditations of almost all. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The day at Sotherton, with all its imperfections, afforded the Miss Bertrams much more agreeable feelings than were derived from the letters from Antigua, which soon afterwards reached Mansfield. It was much pleasanter to think of Henry Crawford than of their father; and to think of their father in England again within a certain period, which these letters obliged them to do, was a most unwelcome exercise. \layout Standard November was the black month fixed for his return. Sir Thomas wrote of it with as much decision as experience and anxiety could authorise. His business was so nearly concluded as to justify him in proposing to take his passage in the September packet, and he consequently looked forward with the hope of being with his beloved family again early in November. \layout Standard Maria was more to be pitied than Julia; for to her the father brought a husband, and the return of the friend most solicitous for her happiness would unite her to the lover, on whom she had chosen that happiness should depend. It was a gloomy prospect, and all she could do was to throw a mist over it, and hope when the mist cleared away she should see something else. It would hardly be \shape italic early \shape default in November, there were generally delays, a bad passage or \shape italic something \shape default ; that favouring \shape italic something \shape default which everybody who shuts their eyes while they look, or their understandings while they reason, feels the comfort of. It would probably be the middle of November at least; the middle of November was three months off. Three months comprised thirteen weeks. Much might happen in thirteen weeks. \layout Standard Sir Thomas would have been deeply mortified by a suspicion of half that his daughters felt on the subject of his return, and would hardly have found consolation in a knowledge of the interest it excited in the breast of another young lady. Miss Crawford, on walking up with her brother to spend the evening at Mansfield Park, heard the good news; and though seeming to have no concern in the affair beyond politeness, and to have vented all her feelings in a quiet congratulation, heard it with an attention not so easily satisfied. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris gave the particulars of the letters, and the subject was dropt; but after tea, as Miss Crawford was standing at an open window with Edmund and Fanny looking out on a twilight scene, while the Miss Bertrams, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, and Henry Crawford were all busy with candles at the pianoforte, she suddenly revived it by turning round towards the group, and saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How happy Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth looks! He is thinking of November. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund looked round at Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth too, but had nothing to say. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your father's return will be a very interesting event. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It will, indeed, after such an absence; an absence not only long, but including so many dangers. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It will be the forerunner also of other interesting events: your sister's marriage, and your taking orders. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Don't be affronted, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, laughing, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but it does put me in mind of some of the old heathen heroes, who, after performing great exploits in a foreign land, offered sacrifices to the gods on their safe return. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There is no sacrifice in the case, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Edmund, with a serious smile, and glancing at the pianoforte again; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it is entirely her own doing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes I know it is. I was merely joking. She has done no more than what every young woman would do; and I have no doubt of her being extremely happy. My other sacrifice, of course, you do not understand. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My taking orders, I assure you, is quite as voluntary as Maria's marrying. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is fortunate that your inclination and your father's convenience should accord so well. There is a very good living kept for you, I understand, hereabouts. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Which you suppose has biassed me? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But \shape italic that \shape default I am sure it has not, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Thank you for your good word, Fanny, but it is more than I would affirm myself. On the contrary, the knowing that there was such a provision for me probably did bias me. Nor can I think it wrong that it should. There was no natural disinclination to be overcome, and I see no reason why a man should make a worse clergyman for knowing that he will have a competence early in life. I was in safe hands. I hope I should not have been influenced myself in a wrong way, and I am sure my father was too conscientious to have allowed it. I have no doubt that I was biased, but I think it was blamelessly. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is the same sort of thing, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, after a short pause, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset as for the son of an admiral to go into the navy, or the son of a general to be in the army, and nobody sees anything wrong in that. Nobody wonders that they should prefer the line where their friends can serve them best, or suspects them to be less in earnest in it than they appear. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, my dear Miss Price, and for reasons good. The profession, either navy or army, is its own justification. It has everything in its favour: heroism, danger, bustle, fashion. Soldiers and sailors are always acceptable in society. Nobody can wonder that men are soldiers and sailors. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But the motives of a man who takes orders with the certainty of preferment may be fairly suspected, you think? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be justified in your eyes, he must do it in the most complete uncertainty of any provision. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What! take orders without a living! No; that is madness indeed; absolute madness. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shall I ask you how the church is to be filled, if a man is neither to take orders with a living nor without? No; for you certainly would not know what to say. But I must beg some advantage to the clergyman from your own argument. As he cannot be influenced by those feelings which you rank highly as temptatio n and reward to the soldier and sailor in their choice of a profession, as heroism, and noise, and fashion, are all against him, he ought to be less liable to the suspicion of wanting sincerity or good intentions in the choice of his. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! no doubt he is very sincere in preferring an income ready made, to the trouble of working for one; and has the best intentions of doing nothing all the rest of his days but eat, drink, and grow fat. It is indolence, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, indeed. Indolence and love of ease; a want of all laudable ambition, of taste for good company, or of inclination to take the trouble of being agreeable, which make men clergymen. A clergyman has nothing to do but be slovenly and selfish--read the newspaper, watch the weather, and quarrel with his wife. His curate does all the work, and the business of his own life is to dine. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There are such clergymen, no doubt, but I think they are not so common as to justify Miss Crawford in esteeming it their general character. I suspect that in this comprehensive and (may I say) commonplace censure, you are not judging from yourself, but from prejudiced persons, whose opinions you have been in the habit of hearing. It is impossible that your own observation can have given you much knowledge of the clergy. You can have been personally acquainted with very few of a set of men you condemn so conclusively. You are speaking what you have been told at your uncle's table. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I speak what appears to me the general opinion; and where an opinion is general, it is usually correct. Though \shape italic I \shape default have not seen much of the domestic lives of clergymen, it is seen by too many to leave any deficiency of information. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Where any one body of educated men, of whatever denomination, are condemned indiscriminately, there must be a deficiency of information, or (smiling) of something else. Your uncle, and his brother admirals, perhaps knew little of clergymen beyond the chaplains whom, good or bad, they were always wishing away. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Poor William! He has met with great kindness from the chaplain of the Antwerp, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was a tender apostrophe of Fanny's, very much to the purpose of her own feelings if not of the conversation. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have been so little addicted to take my opinions from my uncle, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that I can hardly suppose--and since you push me so hard, I must observe, that I am not entirely without the means of seeing what clergymen are, being at this present time the guest of my own brother, Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. And though Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant is most kind and obliging to me, and though he is really a gentleman, and, I dare say, a good scholar and clever, and often preaches good sermons, and is very respectable, \shape italic I \shape default see him to be an indolent, selfish \shape italic bon \shape default \shape italic vivant \shape default , who must have his palate consulted in everything; who will not stir a finger for the convenience of any one; and who, moreover, if the cook makes a blunder, is out of humour with his excellent wife. To own the truth, Henry and I were partly driven out this very evening by a disappointment about a green goose, which he could not get the better of. My poor sister was forced to stay and bear it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not wonder at your disapprobation, upon my word. It is a great defect of temper, made worse by a very faulty habit of self-indul gence; and to see your sister suffering from it must be exceedingly painful to such feelings as yours. Fanny, it goes against us. We cannot attempt to defend Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but we need not give up his profession for all that; because, whatever professio n Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant had chosen, he would have taken a--not a good temper into it; and as he must, either in the navy or army, have had a great many more people under his command than he has now, I think more would have been made unhappy by him as a sailor or soldier than as a clergyman. Besides, I cannot but suppose that whatever there may be to wish otherwise in Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant would have been in a greater danger of becoming worse in a more active and worldly profession, where he would have had less time and obligation--where he might have escaped that knowledge of himself, the \shape italic frequency \shape default , at least, of that knowledge which it is impossible he should escape as he is now. A man--a sensible man like Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, cannot be in the habit of teaching others their duty every week, cannot go to church twice every Sunday, and preach such very good sermons in so good a manner as he does, without being the better for it himself. It must make him think; and I have no doubt that he oftener endeavours to restrain himself than he would if he had been anything but a clergyman. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We cannot prove to the contrary, to be sure; but I wish you a better fate, Miss Price, than to be the wife of a man whose amiableness depends upon his own sermons; for though he may preach himself into a good-humour every Sunday, it will be bad enough to have him quarrelling about green geese from Monday morning till Saturday night. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I think the man who could often quarrel with Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund affectionately, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset must be beyond the reach of any sermons. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny turned farther into the window; and Miss Crawford had only time to say, in a pleasant manner, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I fancy Miss Price has been more used to deserve praise than to hear it \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; when, being earnestly invited by the Miss Bertrams to join in a glee, she tripped off to the instrument, leaving Edmund looking after her in an ecstasy of admiration of all her many virtues, from her obliging manners down to her light and graceful tread. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There goes good-humour, I am sure, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he presently. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There goes a temper which would never give pain! How well she walks! and how readily she falls in with the inclination of others! joining them the moment she is asked. What a pity, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he added, after an instant's reflection, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that she should have been in such hands! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny agreed to it, and had the pleasure of seeing him continue at the window with her, in spite of the expected glee; and of having his eyes soon turned, like hers, towards the scene without, where all that was solemn, and soothing, and lovely, appeared in the brilliancy of an unclouded night, and the contrast of the deep shade of the woods. Fanny spoke her feelings. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Here's harmony! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset here's repose! Here's what may leave all painting and all music behind, and what poetry only can attempt to describe! Here's what may tranquillise every care, and lift the heart to rapture! When I look out on such a night as this, I feel as if there could be neither wickedness nor sorrow in the world; and there certainly would be less of both if the sublimity of Nature were more attended to, and people were carried more out of themselves by contemplating such a scene. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I like to hear your enthusiasm, Fanny. It is a lovely night, and they are much to be pitied who have not been taught to feel, in some degree, as you do; who have not, at least, been given a taste for Nature in early life. They lose a great deal. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default taught me to think and feel on the subject, cousin. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I had a very apt scholar. There's Arcturus looking very bright. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, and the Bear. I wish I could see Cassiopeia. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We must go out on the lawn for that. Should you be afraid? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not in the least. It is a great while since we have had any star-gazing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes; I do not know how it has happened. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset The glee began. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We will stay till this is finished, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, turning his back on the window; and as it advanced, she had the mortification of seeing him advance too, moving forward by gentle degrees towards the instrument, and when it ceased, he was close by the singers, among the most urgent in requesting to hear the glee again. \layout Standard Fanny sighed alone at the window till scolded away by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's threats of catching cold. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas was to return in November, and his eldest son had duties to call him earlier home. The approach of September brought tidings of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, first in a letter to the gamekeeper and then in a letter to Edmund; and by the end of August he arrived himself, to be gay, agreeable, and gallant again as occasion served, or Miss Crawford demanded; to tell of races and Weymouth, and parties and friends, to which she might have listened six weeks before with some interest, and altogether to give her the fullest conviction, by the power of actual comparison, of her preferring his younger brother. \layout Standard It was very vexatious, and she was heartily sorry for it; but so it was; and so far from now meaning to marry the elder, she did not even want to attract him beyond what the simplest claims of conscious beauty required: his lengthened absence from Mansfield, without anything but pleasure in view, and his own will to consult, made it perfectly clear that he did not care about her; and his indifference was so much more than equalled by her own, that were he now to step forth the owner of Mansfield Park, the Sir Thomas complete, which he was to be in time, she did not believe she could accept him. \layout Standard The season and duties which brought Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram back to Mansfield took Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford into Norfolk. Everingham could not do without him in the beginning of September. He went for a fortnight--a fortnight of such dullness to the Miss Bertrams as ought to have put them both on their guard, and made even Julia admit, in her jealousy of her sister, the absolute necessity of distrusting his attentions, and wishing him not to return; and a fortnight of sufficient leisure, in the intervals of shooting and sleeping, to have convinced the gentleman that he ought to keep longer away, had he been more in the habit of examining his own motives, and of reflecting to what the indulgence of his idle vanity was tending; but, thoughtless and selfish from prosperity and bad example, he would not look beyond the present moment. The sisters, handsome, clever, and encouraging, were an amusement to his sated mind; and finding nothing in Norfolk to equal the social pleasures of Mansfield, he gladly returned to it at the time appointed, and was welcomed thither quite as gladly by those whom he came to trifle with further. \layout Standard Maria, with only Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth to attend to her, and doomed to the repeated details of his day's sport, good or bad, his boast of his dogs, his jealousy of his neighbours, his doubts of their qualifications, and his zeal after poachers, subjects which will not find their way to female feelings without some talent on one side or some attachment on the other, had missed Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford grievously; and Julia, unengaged and unemployed, felt all the right of missing him much more. Each sister believed herself the favourite. Julia might be justified in so doing by the hints of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, inclined to credit what she wished, and Maria by the hints of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford himself. Everything returned into the same channel as before his absence; his manners being to each so animated and agreeable as to lose no ground with either, and just stopping short of the consistence, the steadiness, the solicitude, and the warmth which might excite general notice. \layout Standard Fanny was the only one of the party who found anything to dislike; but since the day at Sotherton, she could never see Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford with either sister without observation, and seldom without wonder or censure; and had her confidence in her own judgment been equal to her exercise of it in every other respect, had she been sure that she was seeing clearly, and judging candidly, she would probably have made some important communications to her usual confidant. As it was, however, she only hazarded a hint, and the hint was lost. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am rather surprised, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford should come back again so soon, after being here so long before, full seven weeks; for I had understood he was so very fond of change and moving about, that I thought something would certainly occur, when he was once gone, to take him elsewhere. He is used to much gayer places than Mansfield. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is to his credit, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Edmund's answer; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and I dare say it gives his sister pleasure. She does not like his unsettled habits. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What a favourite he is with my cousins! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, his manners to women are such as must please. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, I believe, suspects him of a preference for Julia; I have never seen much symptom of it, but I wish it may be so. He has no faults but what a serious attachment would remove. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If Miss Bertram were not engaged, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny cautiously, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I could sometimes almost think that he admired her more than Julia. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Which is, perhaps, more in favour of his liking Julia best, than you, Fanny, may be aware; for I believe it often happens that a man, before he has quite made up his own mind, will distinguish the sister or intimate friend of the woman he is really thinking of more than the woman herself Crawford has too much sense to stay here if he found himself in any danger from Maria; and I am not at all afraid for her, after such a proof as she has given that her feelings are not strong. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny supposed she must have been mistaken, and meant to think differently in future; but with all that submission to Edmund could do, and all the help of the coinciding looks and hints which she occasionally noticed in some of the others, and which seemed to say that Julia was Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's choice, she knew not always what to think. She was privy, one evening, to the hopes of her aunt Norris on the subject, as well as to her feelings, and the feelings of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, on a point of some similarity, and could not help wondering as she listened; and glad would she have been not to be obliged to listen, for it was while all the other young people were dancing, and she sitting, most unwillingly, among the chaperons at the fire, longing for the re-entrance of her elder cousin, on whom all her own hopes of a partner then depended. It was Fanny's first ball, though without the preparation or splendour of many a young lady's first ball, being the thought only of the afternoon, built on the late acquisition of a violin player in the servants' hall, and the possibility of raising five couple with the help of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and a new intimate friend of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram's just arrived on a visit. It had, however, been a very happy one to Fanny through four dances, and she was quite grieved to be losing even a quarter of an hour. While waiting and wishing, looking now at the dancers and now at the door, this dialogue between the two above-mentioned ladies was forced on her-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I think, ma'am, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, her eyes directed towards Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and Maria, who were partners for the second time, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we shall see some happy faces again now. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, ma'am, indeed, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied the other, with a stately simper, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there will be some satisfaction in looking on \shape italic now \shape default , and I think it was rather a pity they should have been obliged to part. Young folks in their situation should be excused complying with the common forms. I wonder my son did not propose it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I dare say he did, ma'am. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth is never remiss. But dear Maria has such a strict sense of propriety, so much of that true delicacy which one seldom meets with nowadays, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth--that wish of avoiding particularity! Dear ma'am, only look at her face at this moment; how different from what it was the two last dances! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Bertram did indeed look happy, her eyes were sparkling with pleasure, and she was speaking with great animation, for Julia and her partner, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, were close to her; they were all in a cluster together. How she had looked before, Fanny could not recollect, for she had been dancing with Edmund herself, and had not thought about her. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris continued, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is quite delightful, ma'am, to see young people so properly happy, so well suited, and so much the thing! I cannot but think of dear Sir Thomas's delight. And what do you say, ma'am, to the chance of another match? Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth has set a good example, and such things are very catching. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, who saw nothing but her son, was quite at a loss. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The couple above, ma'am. Do you see no symptoms there? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh dear! Miss Julia and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. Yes, indeed, a very pretty match. What is his property? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Four thousand a year. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very well. Those who have not more must be satisfied with what they have. Four thousand a year is a pretty estate, and he seems a very genteel, steady young man, so I hope Miss Julia will be very happy. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is not a settled thing, ma'am, yet. We only speak of it among friends. But I have very little doubt it \shape italic will \shape default be. He is growing extremely particular in his attentions. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could listen no farther. Listening and wondering were all suspended for a time, for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram was in the room again; and though feeling it would be a great honour to be asked by him, she thought it must happen. He came towards their little circle; but instead of asking her to dance, drew a chair near her, and gave her an account of the present state of a sick horse, and the opinion of the groom, from whom he had just parted. Fanny found that it was not to be, and in the modesty of her nature immediately felt that she had been unreasonable in expecting it. When he had told of his horse, he took a newspaper from the table, and looking over it, said in a languid way, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you want to dance, Fanny, I will stand up with you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset With more than equal civility the offer was declined; she did not wish to dance. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am glad of it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, in a much brisker tone, and throwing down the newspaper again, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for I am tired to death. I only wonder how the good people can keep it up so long. They had need be \shape italic all \shape default in love, to find any amusement in such folly; and so they are, I fancy. If you look at them you may see they are so many couple of lovers--all but Yates and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant--and, between ourselves, she, poor woman, must want a lover as much as any one of them. A desperate dull life hers must be with the doctor, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset making a sly face as he spoke towards the chair of the latter, who proving, however, to be close at his elbow, made so instantaneous a change of expression and subject necessary, as Fanny, in spite of everything, could hardly help laughing at. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A strange business this in America, Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant! What is your opinion? I always come to you to know what I am to think of public matters. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Tom, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried his aunt soon afterwards, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset as you are not dancing, I dare say you will have no objection to join us in a rubber; shall you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Then leaving her seat, and coming to him to enforce the proposal, added in a whisper, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We want to make a table for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, you know. Your mother is quite anxious about it, but cannot very well spare time to sit down herself, because of her fringe. Now, you and I and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant will just do; and though \shape italic we \shape default play but half-crowns, you know, you may bet half-guineas with \shape italic him \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should be most happy, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied he aloud, and jumping up with alacrity, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it would give me the greatest pleasure; but that I am this moment going to dance. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Come, Fanny, taking her hand, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset do not be dawdling any longer, or the dance will be over. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was led off very willingly, though it was impossible for her to feel much gratitude towards her cousin, or distinguish, as he certainly did, between the selfishness of another person and his own. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A pretty modest request upon my word, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he indignantly exclaimed as they walked away. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To want to nail me to a card-table for the next two hours with herself and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, who are always quarrelling, and that poking old woman, who knows no more of whist than of algebra. I wish my good aunt would be a little less busy! And to ask me in such a way too! without ceremony, before them all, so as to leave me no possibility of refusing. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic That \shape default is what I dislike most particularly. It raises my spleen more than anything, to have the pretence of being asked, of being given a choice, and at the same time addressed in such a way as to oblige one to do the very thing, whatever it be! If I had not luckily thought of standing up with you I could not have got out of it. It is a great deal too bad. But when my aunt has got a fancy in her head, nothing can stop her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The Honourable John Yates, this new friend, had not much to recommend him beyond habits of fashion and expense, and being the younger son of a lord with a tolerable independence; and Sir Thomas would probably have thought his introduction at Mansfield by no means desirable. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram's acquaintance with him had begun at Weymouth, where they had spent ten days together in the same society, and the friendship, if friendship it might be called, had been proved and perfected by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's being invited to take Mansfield in his way, whenever he could, and by his promising to come; and he did come rather earlier than had been expected, in consequence of the sudden breaking-up of a large party assembled for gaiety at the house of another friend, which he had left Weymouth to join. He came on the wings of disappointment, and with his head full of acting, for it had been a theatrical party; and the play in which he had borne a part was within two days of representation, when the sudden death of one of the nearest connexions of the family had destroyed the scheme and dispersed the performers. To be so near happiness, so near fame, so near the long paragraph in praise of the private theatricals at Ecclesford, the seat of the Right Hon. Lord Ravenshaw, in Cornwall, which would of course have immortalised the whole party for at least a twelvemonth! and being so near, to lose it all, was an injury to be keenly felt, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates could talk of nothing else. Ecclesford and its theatre, with its arrangements and dresses, rehearsals and jokes, was his never-failing subject, and to boast of the past his only consolation. \layout Standard Happily for him, a love of the theatre is so general, an itch for acting so strong among young people, that he could hardly out-talk the interest of his hearers. From the first casting of the parts to the epilogue it was all bewitching, and there were few who did not wish to have been a party concerned, or would have hesitated to try their skill. The play had been Lovers' Vows, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates was to have been Count Cassel. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A trifling part, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and not at all to my taste, and such a one as I certainly would not accept again; but I was determined to make no difficulties. Lord Ravenshaw and the duke had appropriated the only two characters worth playing before I reached Ecclesford; and though Lord Ravenshaw offered to resign his to me, it was impossible to take it, you know. I was sorry for \shape italic him \shape default that he should have so mistaken his powers, for he was no more equal to the Baron--a little man with a weak voice, always hoarse after the first ten minutes. It must have injured the piece materially; but \shape italic I \shape default was resolved to make no difficulties. Sir Henry thought the duke not equal to Frederick, but that was because Sir Henry wanted the part himself; whereas it was certainly in the best hands of the two. I was surprised to see Sir Henry such a stick. Luckily the strength of the piece did not depend upon him. Our Agatha was inimitable, and the duke was thought very great by many. And upon the whole, it would certainly have gone off wonderfully. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It was a hard case, upon my word \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do think you were very much to be pitied, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset were the kind responses of listening sympathy. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is not worth complaining about; but to be sure the poor old dowager could not have died at a worse time; and it is impossible to help wishing that the news could have been suppressed for just the three days we wanted. It was but three days; and being only a grandmother, and all happening two hundred miles off, I think there would have been no great harm, and it was suggested, I know; but Lord Ravenshaw, who I suppose is one of the most correct men in England, would not hear of it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset An afterpiece instead of a comedy, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Lovers' Vows were at an end, and Lord and Lady Ravenshaw left to act My Grandmother by themselves. Well, the jointure may comfort \shape italic him \shape default ; and perhaps, between friends, he began to tremble for his credit and his lungs in the Baron, and was not sorry to withdraw; and to make \shape italic you \shape default amends, Yates, I think we must raise a little theatre at Mansfield, and ask you to be our manager. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This, though the thought of the moment, did not end with the moment; for the inclination to act was awakened, and in no one more strongly than in him who was now master of the house; and who, having so much leisure as to make almost any novelty a certain good, had likewise such a degree of lively talents and comic taste, as were exactly adapted to the novelty of acting. The thought returned again and again. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh for the Ecclesford theatre and scenery to try something with. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Each sister could echo the wish; and Henry Crawford, to whom, in all the riot of his gratifications it was yet an untasted pleasure, was quite alive at the idea. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I really believe, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I could be fool enough at this moment to undertake any character that ever was written, from Shylock or Richard III down to the singing hero of a farce in his scarlet coat and cocked hat. I feel as if I could be anything or everything; as if I could rant and storm, or sigh or cut capers, in any tragedy or comedy in the English language. Let us be doing something. Be it only half a play, an act, a scene; what should prevent us? Not these countenances, I am sure, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset looking towards the Miss Bertrams; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and for a theatre, what signifies a theatre? We shall be only amusing ourselves. Any room in this house might suffice. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We must have a curtain, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Tom Bertram; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset a few yards of green baize for a curtain, and perhaps that may be enough. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh, quite enough, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset with only just a side wing or two run up, doors in flat, and three or four scenes to be let down; nothing more would be necessary on such a plan as this. For mere amusement among ourselves we should want nothing more. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe we must be satisfied with \shape italic less \shape default , \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Maria. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There would not be time, and other difficulties would arise. We must rather adopt Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's views, and make the \shape italic performance \shape default , not the \shape italic theatre \shape default , our object. Many parts of our best plays are independent of scenery. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nay, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, who began to listen with alarm. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Let us do nothing by halves. If we are to act, let it be in a theatre completely fitted up with pit, boxes, and gallery, and let us have a play entire from beginning to end; so as it be a German play, no matter what, with a good tricking, shifting afterpiece, and a figure-dance, and a hornpipe, and a song between the acts. If we do not outdo Ecclesford, we do nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now, Edmund, do not be disagreeable, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Julia. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nobody loves a play better than you do, or can have gone much farther to see one. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset True, to see real acting, good hardened real acting; but I would hardly walk from this room to the next to look at the raw efforts of those who have not been bred to the trade: a set of gentlemen and ladies, who have all the disadvantages of education and decorum to struggle through. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard After a short pause, however, the subject still continued, and was discussed with unabated eagerness, every one's inclination increasing by the discussion, and a knowledge of the inclination of the rest; and though nothing was settled but that Tom Bertram would prefer a comedy, and his sisters and Henry Crawford a tragedy, and that nothing in the world could be easier than to find a piece which would please them all, the resolution to act something or other seemed so decided as to make Edmund quite uncomfortable. He was determined to prevent it, if possible, though his mother, who equally heard the conversation which passed at table, did not evince the least disapprobation. \layout Standard The same evening afforded him an opportunity of trying his strength. Maria, Julia, Henry Crawford, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates were in the billiard-room. Tom, returning from them into the drawing-room, where Edmund was standing thoughtfully by the fire, while Lady Bertram was on the sofa at a little distance, and Fanny close beside her arranging her work, thus began as he entered--"Such a horribly vile billiard-table as ours is not to be met with, I believe, above ground. I can stand it no longer, and I think, I may say, that nothing shall ever tempt me to it again; but one good thing I have just ascertained: it is the very room for a theatre, precisely the shape and length for it; and the doors at the farther end, communicating with each other, as they may be made to do in five minutes, by merely moving the bookcase in my father's room, is the very thing we could have desired, if we had sat down to wish for it; and my father's room will be an excellent greenroom. It seems to join the billiard-room on purpose. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are not serious, Tom, in meaning to act? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, in a low voice, as his brother approached the fire. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not serious! never more so, I assure you. What is there to surprise you in it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I think it would be very wrong. In a \shape italic general \shape default light, private theatricals are open to some objections, but as \shape italic we \shape default are circumstanced, I must think it would be highly injudicious, and more than injudicious to attempt anything of the kind. It would shew great want of feeling on my father's account, absent as he is, and in some degree of constant danger; and it would be imprudent, I think, with regard to Maria, whose situation is a very delicate one, considerin g everything, extremely delicate. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You take up a thing so seriously! as if we were going to act three times a week till my father's return, and invite all the country. But it is not to be a display of that sort. We mean nothing but a little amusement among ourselves, just to vary the scene, and exercise our powers in something new. We want no audience, no publicity. We may be trusted, I think, in chusing some play most perfectly unexceptionable ; and I can conceive no greater harm or danger to any of us in conversing in the elegant written language of some respectable author than in chattering in words of our own. I have no fears and no scruples. And as to my father's being absent, it is so far from an objection, that I consider it rather as a motive; for the expectation of his return must be a very anxious period to my mother; and if we can be the means of amusing that anxiety, and keeping up her spirits for the next few weeks, I shall think our time very well spent, and so, I am sure, will he. It is a \shape italic very \shape default anxious period for her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard As he said this, each looked towards their mother. Lady Bertram, sunk back in one corner of the sofa, the picture of health, wealth, ease, and tranquillity, was just falling into a gentle doze, while Fanny was getting through the few difficulties of her work for her. \layout Standard Edmund smiled and shook his head. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset By Jove! this won't do, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Tom, throwing himself into a chair with a hearty laugh. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be sure, my dear mother, your anxiety--I was unlucky there. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What is the matter? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset asked her ladyship, in the heavy tone of one half-roused; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was not asleep. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh dear, no, ma'am, nobody suspected you! Well, Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he continued, returning to the former subject, posture, and voice, as soon as Lady Bertram began to nod again, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but \shape italic this \shape default I \shape italic will \shape default maintain, that we shall be doing no harm. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot agree with you; I am convinced that my father would totally disapprove it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And I am convinced to the contrary. Nobody is fonder of the exercise of talent in young people, or promotes it more, than my father, and for anything of the acting, spouting, reciting kind, I think he has always a decided taste. I am sure he encouraged it in us as boys. How many a time have we mourned over the dead body of Julius Caesar, and to \shape italic be'd \shape default and not \shape italic to \shape default \shape italic be'd \shape default , in this very room, for his amusement? And I am sure, \shape italic my \shape default \shape italic name \shape default \shape italic was \shape default \shape italic Norval \shape default , every evening of my life through one Christmas holidays. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It was a very different thing. You must see the difference yourself. My father wished us, as schoolboys, to speak well, but he would never wish his grown-up daughters to be acting plays. His sense of decorum is strict. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know all that, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Tom, displeased. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know my father as well as you do; and I'll take care that his daughters do nothing to distress him. Manage your own concerns, Edmund, and I'll take care of the rest of the family. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you are resolved on acting, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied the persevering Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must hope it will be in a very small and quiet way; and I think a theatre ought not to be attempted. It would be taking liberties with my father's house in his absence which could not be justified. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset For everything of that nature I will be answerable, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Tom, in a decided tone. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset His house shall not be hurt. I have quite as great an interest in being careful of his house as you can have; and as to such alterations as I was suggesting just now, such as moving a bookcase, or unlocking a door, or even as using the billiard-room for the space of a week without playing at billiards in it, you might just as well suppose he would object to our sitting more in this room, and less in the breakfast-room, than we did before he went away, or to my sister's pianoforte being moved from one side of the room to the other. Absolute nonsense! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The innovation, if not wrong as an innovation, will be wrong as an expense. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, the expense of such an undertaking would be prodigious! Perhaps it might cost a whole twenty pounds. Something of a theatre we must have undoubtedly, but it will be on the simplest plan: a green curtain and a little carpenter's work, and that's all; and as the carpenter's work may be all done at home by Christopher Jackson himself, it will be too absurd to talk of expense; and as long as Jackson is employed, everything will be right with Sir Thomas. Don't imagine that nobody in this house can see or judge but yourself. Don't act yourself, if you do not like it, but don't expect to govern everybody else. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, as to acting myself, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic that \shape default I absolutely protest against. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Tom walked out of the room as he said it, and Edmund was left to sit down and stir the fire in thoughtful vexation. \layout Standard Fanny, who had heard it all, and borne Edmund company in every feeling throughou t the whole, now ventured to say, in her anxiety to suggest some comfort, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Perhaps they may not be able to find any play to suit them. Your brother's taste and your sisters' seem very different. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have no hope there, Fanny. If they persist in the scheme, they will find something. I shall speak to my sisters and try to dissuade \shape italic them \shape default , and that is all I can do. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should think my aunt Norris would be on your side. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I dare say she would, but she has no influence with either Tom or my sisters that could be of any use; and if I cannot convince them myself, I shall let things take their course, without attempting it through her. Family squabbling is the greatest evil of all, and we had better do anything than be altogether by the ears. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard His sisters, to whom he had an opportunity of speaking the next morning, were quite as impatient of his advice, quite as unyielding to his representatio n, quite as determined in the cause of pleasure, as Tom. Their mother had no objection to the plan, and they were not in the least afraid of their father's disapprobation. There could be no harm in what had been done in so many respectable families, and by so many women of the first consideration; and it must be scrupulousness run mad that could see anything to censure in a plan like theirs, comprehending only brothers and sisters and intimate friends, and which would never be heard of beyond themselves. Julia \shape italic did \shape default seem inclined to admit that Maria's situation might require particular caution and delicacy--but that could not extend to \shape italic her \shape default --she was at liberty; and Maria evidently considered her engagement as only raising her so much more above restraint, and leaving her less occasion than Julia to consult either father or mother. Edmund had little to hope, but he was still urging the subject when Henry Crawford entered the room, fresh from the Parsonage, calling out, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No want of hands in our theatre, Miss Bertram. No want of understrappers: my sister desires her love, and hopes to be admitted into the company, and will be happy to take the part of any old duenna or tame confidante, that you may not like to do yourselves. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Maria gave Edmund a glance, which meant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What say you now? Can we be wrong if Mary Crawford feels the same? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And Edmund, silenced, was obliged to acknowledge that the charm of acting might well carry fascination to the mind of genius; and with the ingenuity of love, to dwell more on the obliging, accommodating purport of the message than on anything else. \layout Standard The scheme advanced. Opposition was vain; and as to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, he was mistaken in supposing she would wish to make any. She started no difficulties that were not talked down in five minutes by her eldest nephew and niece, who were all-powerful with her; and as the whole arrangement was to bring very little expense to anybody, and none at all to herself, as she foresaw in it all the comforts of hurry, bustle, and importance, and derived the immediate advantage of fancying herself obliged to leave her own house, where she had been living a month at her own cost, and take up her abode in theirs, that every hour might be spent in their service, she was, in fact, exceedingly delighted with the project. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XIV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny seemed nearer being right than Edmund had supposed. The business of finding a play that would suit everybody proved to be no trifle; and the carpenter had received his orders and taken his measurements, had suggested and removed at least two sets of difficulties, and having made the necessity of an enlargement of plan and expense fully evident, was already at work, while a play was still to seek. Other preparations were also in hand. An enormous roll of green baize had arrived from Northampton, and been cut out by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris (with a saving by her good management of full three-quarters of a yard), and was actually forming into a curtain by the housemaids, and still the play was wanting; and as two or three days passed away in this manner, Edmund began almost to hope that none might ever be found. \layout Standard There were, in fact, so many things to be attended to, so many people to be pleased, so many best characters required, and, above all, such a need that the play should be at once both tragedy and comedy, that there did seem as little chance of a decision as anything pursued by youth and zeal could hold out. \layout Standard On the tragic side were the Miss Bertrams, Henry Crawford, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates; on the comic, Tom Bertram, not \shape italic quite \shape default alone, because it was evident that Mary Crawford's wishes, though politely kept back, inclined the same way: but his determinateness and his power seemed to make allies unnecessary; and, independent of this great irreconcilabl e difference, they wanted a piece containing very few characters in the whole, but every character first-rate, and three principal women. All the best plays were run over in vain. Neither Hamlet, nor Macbeth, nor Othello, nor Douglas, nor The Gamester, presented anything that could satisfy even the tragedians; and The Rivals, The School for Scandal, Wheel of Fortune, Heir at Law, and a long \shape italic et ceter \shape default a, were successively dismissed with yet warmer objections. No piece could be proposed that did not supply somebody with a difficulty, and on one side or the other it was a continual repetition of, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh no, \shape italic that \shape default will never do! Let us have no ranting tragedies. Too many characters. Not a tolerable woman's part in the play. Anything but \shape italic that \shape default , my dear Tom. It would be impossible to fill it up. One could not expect anybody to take such a part. Nothing but buffoonery from beginning to end. \shape italic That \shape default might do, perhaps, but for the low parts. If I \shape italic must \shape default give my opinion, I have always thought it the most insipid play in the English language. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic I \shape default do not wish to make objections; I shall be happy to be of any use, but I think we could not chuse worse. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny looked on and listened, not unamused to observe the selfishness which, more or less disguised, seemed to govern them all, and wondering how it would end. For her own gratification she could have wished that something might be acted, for she had never seen even half a play, but everything of higher consequence was against it. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This will never do, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Tom Bertram at last. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We are wasting time most abominably. Something must be fixed on. No matter what, so that something is chosen. We must not be so nice. A few characters too many must not frighten us. We must \shape italic double \shape default them. We must descend a little. If a part is insignificant, the greater our credit in making anything of it. From this moment I make no difficulties. I take any part you chuse to give me, so as it be comic. Let it but be comic, I condition for nothing more. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard For about the fifth time he then proposed the Heir at Law, doubting only whether to prefer Lord Duberley or Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Pangloss for himself; and very earnestly, but very unsuccessfully, trying to persuade the others that there were some fine tragic parts in the rest of the dramatis personae. \layout Standard The pause which followed this fruitless effort was ended by the same speaker, who, taking up one of the many volumes of plays that lay on the table, and turning it over, suddenly exclaimed--"Lovers' Vows! And why should not Lovers' Vows do for \shape italic us \shape default as well as for the Ravenshaws? How came it never to be thought of before? It strikes me as if it would do exactly. What say you all? Here are two capital tragic parts for Yates and Crawford, and here is the rhyming Butler for me, if nobody else wants it; a trifling part, but the sort of thing I should not dislike, and, as I said before, I am determined to take anything and do my best. And as for the rest, they may be filled up by anybody. It is only Count Cassel and Anhalt. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The suggestion was generally welcome. Everybody was growing weary of indecision, and the first idea with everybody was, that nothing had been proposed before so likely to suit them all. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates was particularly pleased: he had been sighing and longing to do the Baron at Ecclesford, had grudged every rant of Lord Ravenshaw's, and been forced to re-rant it all in his own room. The storm through Baron Wildenheim was the height of his theatrical ambition; and with the advantage of knowing half the scenes by heart already, he did now, with the greatest alacrity, offer his services for the part. To do him justice, however, he did not resolve to appropriate it; for rememberi ng that there was some very good ranting-ground in Frederick, he professed an equal willingness for that. Henry Crawford was ready to take either. Whichever Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates did not chuse would perfectly satisfy him, and a short parley of complimen t ensued. Miss Bertram, feeling all the interest of an Agatha in the question, took on her to decide it, by observing to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates that this was a point in which height and figure ought to be considered, and that \shape italic his \shape default being the tallest, seemed to fit him peculiarly for the Baron. She was acknowledged to be quite right, and the two parts being accepted accordingly, she was certain of the proper Frederick. Three of the characters were now cast, besides Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, who was always answered for by Maria as willing to do anything; when Julia, meaning, like her sister, to be Agatha, began to be scrupulous on Miss Crawford's account. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is not behaving well by the absent, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Here are not women enough. Amelia and Agatha may do for Maria and me, but here is nothing for your sister, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford desired \shape italic that \shape default might not be thought of: he was very sure his sister had no wish of acting but as she might be useful, and that she would not allow herself to be considered in the present case. But this was immediately opposed by Tom Bertram, who asserted the part of Amelia to be in every respect the property of Miss Crawford, if she would accept it. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It falls as naturally, as necessarily to her, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset as Agatha does to one or other of my sisters. It can be no sacrifice on their side, for it is highly comic. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A short silence followed. Each sister looked anxious; for each felt the best claim to Agatha, and was hoping to have it pressed on her by the rest. Henry Crawford, who meanwhile had taken up the play, and with seeming carelessn ess was turning over the first act, soon settled the business. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must entreat Miss \shape italic Julia \shape default Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset not to engage in the part of Agatha, or it will be the ruin of all my solemnity. You must not, indeed you must not \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (turning to her). \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I could not stand your countenance dressed up in woe and paleness. The many laughs we have had together would infallibly come across me, and Frederick and his knapsack would be obliged to run away. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Pleasantly, courteously, it was spoken; but the manner was lost in the matter to Julia's feelings. She saw a glance at Maria which confirmed the injury to herself: it was a scheme, a trick; she was slighted, Maria was preferred; the smile of triumph which Maria was trying to suppress shewed how well it was understood; and before Julia could command herself enough to speak, her brother gave his weight against her too, by saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes! Maria must be Agatha. Maria will be the best Agatha. Though Julia fancies she prefers tragedy, I would not trust her in it. There is nothing of tragedy about her. She has not the look of it. Her features are not tragic features, and she walks too quick, and speaks too quick, and would not keep her countenance. She had better do the old countrywoman: the Cottager's wife; you had, indeed, Julia. Cottager's wife is a very pretty part, I assure you. The old lady relieves the high-flown benevolence of her husband with a good deal of spirit. You shall be Cottager's wife. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Cottager's wife! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What are you talking of? The most trivial, paltry, insignificant part; the merest commonplace; not a tolerable speech in the whole. Your sister do that! It is an insult to propose it. At Ecclesford the governess was to have done it. We all agreed that it could not be offered to anybody else. A little more justice, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Manager, if you please. You do not deserve the office, if you cannot appreciate the talents of your company a little better. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why, as to \shape italic that \shape default , my good friend, till I and my company have really acted there must be some guesswork; but I mean no disparagement to Julia. We cannot have two Agathas, and we must have one Cottager's wife; and I am sure I set her the example of moderation myself in being satisfied with the old Butler. If the part is trifling she will have more credit in making something of it; and if she is so desperately bent against everything humorous, let her take Cottager's speeches instead of Cottager's wife's, and so change the parts all through; \shape italic he \shape default is solemn and pathetic enough, I am sure. It could make no difference in the play, and as for Cottager himself, when he has got his wife's speeches, \shape italic I \shape default would undertake him with all my heart. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset With all your partiality for Cottager's wife, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Henry Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it will be impossible to make anything of it fit for your sister, and we must not suffer her good-nature to be imposed on. We must not \shape italic allow \shape default her to accept the part. She must not be left to her own complaisance. Her talents will be wanted in Amelia. Amelia is a character more difficult to be well represented than even Agatha. I consider Amelia is the most difficult character in the whole piece. It requires great powers, great nicety, to give her playfulness and simplicity without extravagance. I have seen good actresses fail in the part. Simplicity, indeed, is beyond the reach of almost every actress by profession. It requires a delicacy of feeling which they have not. It requires a gentlewoman--a Julia Bertram. You \shape italic will \shape default undertake it, I hope? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset turning to her with a look of anxious entreaty, which softened her a little; but while she hesitated what to say, her brother again interposed with Miss Crawford's better claim. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, no, Julia must not be Amelia. It is not at all the part for her. She would not like it. She would not do well. She is too tall and robust. Amelia should be a small, light, girlish, skipping figure. It is fit for Miss Crawford, and Miss Crawford only. She looks the part, and I am persuaded will do it admirably. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Without attending to this, Henry Crawford continued his supplication. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You must oblige us, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset indeed you must. When you have studied the character, I am sure you will feel it suit you. Tragedy may be your choice, but it will certainly appear that comedy chuses \shape italic you \shape default . You will be to visit me in prison with a basket of provisions; you will not refuse to visit me in prison? I think I see you coming in with your basket \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The influence of his voice was felt. Julia wavered; but was he only trying to soothe and pacify her, and make her overlook the previous affront? She distrusted him. The slight had been most determined. He was, perhaps, but at treacherous play with her. She looked suspiciously at her sister; Maria's countenance was to decide it: if she were vexed and alarmed--but Maria looked all serenity and satisfacti on, and Julia well knew that on this ground Maria could not be happy but at her expense. With hasty indignation, therefore, and a tremulous voice, she said to him, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You do not seem afraid of not keeping your countenance when I come in with a basket of provisions--though one might have supposed--but it is only as Agatha that I was to be so overpowering! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She stopped--Henry Crawford looked rather foolish, and as if he did not know what to say. Tom Bertram began again-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Miss Crawford must be Amelia. She will be an excellent Amelia. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do not be afraid of \shape italic my \shape default wanting the character, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Julia, with angry quickness: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am \shape italic not \shape default to be Agatha, and I am sure I will do nothing else; and as to Amelia, it is of all parts in the world the most disgusting to me. I quite detest her. An odious, little, pert, unnatural, impudent girl. I have always protested against comedy, and this is comedy in its worst form. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And so saying, she walked hastily out of the room, leaving awkward feelings to more than one, but exciting small compassion in any except Fanny, who had been a quiet auditor of the whole, and who could not think of her as under the agitations of \shape italic jealousy \shape default without great pity. \layout Standard A short silence succeeded her leaving them; but her brother soon returned to business and Lovers' Vows, and was eagerly looking over the play, with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's help, to ascertain what scenery would be necessary--while Maria and Henry Crawford conversed together in an under-voice, and the declaration with which she began of, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sure I would give up the part to Julia most willingly, but that though I shall probably do it very ill, I feel persuaded \shape italic she \shape default would do it worse, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was doubtless receiving all the compliments it called for. \layout Standard When this had lasted some time, the division of the party was completed by Tom Bertram and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates walking off together to consult farther in the room now beginning to be called \shape italic the \shape default \shape italic Theatre \shape default , and Miss Bertram's resolving to go down to the Parsonage herself with the offer of Amelia to Miss Crawford; and Fanny remained alone. \layout Standard The first use she made of her solitude was to take up the volume which had been left on the table, and begin to acquaint herself with the play of which she had heard so much. Her curiosity was all awake, and she ran through it with an eagerness which was suspended only by intervals of astonishment, that it could be chosen in the present instance, that it could be proposed and accepted in a private theatre! Agatha and Amelia appeared to her in their different ways so totally improper for home representation--the situation of one, and the language of the other, so unfit to be expressed by any woman of modesty, that she could hardly suppose her cousins could be aware of what they were engaging in; and longed to have them roused as soon as possible by the remonstrance which Edmund would certainly make. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford accepted the part very readily; and soon after Miss Bertram's return from the Parsonage, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth arrived, and another character was consequently cast. He had the offer of Count Cassel and Anhalt, and at first did not know which to chuse, and wanted Miss Bertram to direct him; but upon being made to understand the different style of the characters, and which was which, and recollecting that he had once seen the play in London, and had thought Anhalt a very stupid fellow, he soon decided for the Count. Miss Bertram approved the decision, for the less he had to learn the better; and though she could not sympathise in his wish that the Count and Agatha might be to act together, nor wait very patiently while he was slowly turning over the leaves with the hope of still discovering such a scene, she very kindly took his part in hand, and curtailed every speech that admitted being shortened; besides pointing out the necessity of his being very much dressed, and chusing his colours. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth liked the idea of his finery very well, though affecting to despise it; and was too much engaged with what his own appearance would be to think of the others, or draw any of those conclusions, or feel any of that displeasur e which Maria had been half prepared for. \layout Standard Thus much was settled before Edmund, who had been out all the morning, knew anything of the matter; but when he entered the drawing-room before dinner, the buzz of discussion was high between Tom, Maria, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth stepped forward with great alacrity to tell him the agreeable news. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We have got a play, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is to be Lovers' Vows; and I am to be Count Cassel, and am to come in first with a blue dress and a pink satin cloak, and afterwards am to have another fine fancy suit, by way of a shooting-dress. I do not know how I shall like it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's eyes followed Edmund, and her heart beat for him as she heard this speech, and saw his look, and felt what his sensations must be. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Lovers' Vows! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset in a tone of the greatest amazement, was his only reply to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, and he turned towards his brother and sisters as if hardly doubting a contradiction. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset After all our debatings and difficulties, we find there is nothing that will suit us altogether so well, nothing so unexceptionable, as Lovers' Vows. The wonder is that it should not have been thought of before. My stupidity was abominable, for here we have all the advantage of what I saw at Ecclesford; and it is so useful to have anything of a model! We have cast almost every part. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But what do you do for women? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund gravely, and looking at Maria. \layout Standard Maria blushed in spite of herself as she answered, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I take the part which Lady Ravenshaw was to have done, and \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (with a bolder eye) \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Miss Crawford is to be Amelia. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should not have thought it the sort of play to be so easily filled up, with \shape italic us \shape default , \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Edmund, turning away to the fire, where sat his mother, aunt, and Fanny, and seating himself with a look of great vexation. \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth followed him to say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I come in three times, and have two-and-forty speeches. That's something, is not it? But I do not much like the idea of being so fine. I shall hardly know myself in a blue dress and a pink satin cloak. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund could not answer him. In a few minutes Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram was called out of the room to satisfy some doubts of the carpenter; and being accompanied by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, and followed soon afterwards by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, Edmund almost immediately took the opportunity of saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot, before Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, speak what I feel as to this play, without reflecting on his friends at Ecclesford; but I must now, my dear Maria, tell \shape italic you \shape default , that I think it exceedingly unfit for private representation, and that I hope you will give it up. I cannot but suppose you \shape italic will \shape default when you have read it carefully over. Read only the first act aloud to either your mother or aunt, and see how you can approve it. It will not be necessary to send you to your \shape italic father's \shape default judgment, I am convinced. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We see things very differently, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Maria. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am perfectly acquainted with the play, I assure you; and with a very few omissions, and so forth, which will be made, of course, I can see nothing objectionable in it; and \shape italic I \shape default am not the \shape italic only \shape default young woman you find who thinks it very fit for private representation. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sorry for it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was his answer; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but in this matter it is \shape italic you \shape default who are to lead. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default must set the example. If others have blundered, it is your place to put them right, and shew them what true delicacy is. In all points of decorum \shape italic your \shape default conduct must be law to the rest of the party. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This picture of her consequence had some effect, for no one loved better to lead than Maria; and with far more good-humour she answered, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am much obliged to you, Edmund; you mean very well, I am sure: but I still think you see things too strongly; and I really cannot undertake to harangue all the rest upon a subject of this kind. \shape italic There \shape default would be the greatest indecorum, I think. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you imagine that I could have such an idea in my head? No; let your conduct be the only harangue. Say that, on examining the part, you feel yourself unequal to it; that you find it requiring more exertion and confidence than you can be supposed to have. Say this with firmness, and it will be quite enough. All who can distinguish will understand your motive. The play will be given up, and your delicacy honoured as it ought. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do not act anything improper, my dear, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas would not like it.--Fanny, ring the bell; I must have my dinner.--To be sure, Julia is dressed by this time. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am convinced, madam, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, preventing Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that Sir Thomas would not like it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There, my dear, do you hear what Edmund says? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I were to decline the part, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Maria, with renewed zeal, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Julia would certainly take it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset if she knew your reasons! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! she might think the difference between us--the difference in our situations- -that \shape italic she \shape default need not be so scrupulous as \shape italic I \shape default might feel necessary. I am sure she would argue so. No; you must excuse me; I cannot retract my consent; it is too far settled, everybody would be so disappointed, Tom would be quite angry; and if we are so very nice, we shall never act anything. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was just going to say the very same thing, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If every play is to be objected to, you will act nothing, and the preparations will be all so much money thrown away, and I am sure \shape italic that \shape default would be a discredit to us all. I do not know the play; but, as Maria says, if there is anything a little too warm (and it is so with most of them) it can be easily left out. We must not be over-precise, Edmund. As Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth is to act too, there can be no harm. I only wish Tom had known his own mind when the carpenters began, for there was the loss of half a day's work about those side-doors. The curtain will be a good job, however. The maids do their work very well, and I think we shall be able to send back some dozens of the rings. There is no occasion to put them so very close together. I \shape italic am \shape default of some use, I hope, in preventing waste and making the most of things. There should always be one steady head to superintend so many young ones. I forgot to tell Tom of something that happened to me this very day. I had been looking about me in the poultry-yard, and was just coming out, when who should I see but Dick Jackson making up to the servants' hall-door with two bits of deal board in his hand, bringing them to father, you may be sure; mother had chanced to send him of a message to father, and then father had bid him bring up them two bits of board, for he could not no how do without them. I knew what all this meant, for the servants' dinner-bell was ringing at the very moment over our heads; and as I hate such encroaching people (the Jacksons are very encroaching, I have always said so: just the sort of people to get all they can), I said to the boy directly (a great lubberly fellow of ten years old, you know, who ought to be ashamed of himself), ' \shape italic I'll \shape default take the boards to your father, Dick, so get you home again as fast as you can.' The boy looked very silly, and turned away without offering a word, for I believe I might speak pretty sharp; and I dare say it will cure him of coming marauding about the house for one while. I hate such greediness--so good as your father is to the family, employing the man all the year round! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Nobody was at the trouble of an answer; the others soon returned; and Edmund found that to have endeavoured to set them right must be his only satisfaction. \layout Standard Dinner passed heavily. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris related again her triumph over Dick Jackson, but neither play nor preparation were otherwise much talked of, for Edmund's disapprobation was felt even by his brother, though he would not have owned it. Maria, wanting Henry Crawford's animating support, thought the subject better avoided. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, who was trying to make himself agreeable to Julia, found her gloom less impenetrable on any topic than that of his regret at her secession from their company; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, having only his own part and his own dress in his head, had soon talked away all that could be said of either. \layout Standard But the concerns of the theatre were suspended only for an hour or two: there was still a great deal to be settled; and the spirits of evening giving fresh courage, Tom, Maria, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, soon after their being reassembled in the drawing-room, seated themselves in committee at a separate table, with the play open before them, and were just getting deep in the subject when a most welcome interruption was given by the entrance of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Miss Crawford, who, late and dark and dirty as it was, could not help coming, and were received with the most grateful joy. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, how do you go on? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What have you settled? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! we can do nothing without you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset followed the first salutations; and Henry Crawford was soon seated with the other three at the table, while his sister made her way to Lady Bertram, and with pleasant attention was complimenting \shape italic her \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must really congratulate your ladyship, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset on the play being chosen; for though you have borne it with exemplary patience, I am sure you must be sick of all our noise and difficulties. The actors may be glad, but the bystanders must be infinitely more thankful for a decision; and I do sincerely give you joy, madam, as well as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, and everybody else who is in the same predicament, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset glancing half fearfully, half slyly, beyond Fanny to Edmund. \layout Standard She was very civilly answered by Lady Bertram, but Edmund said nothing. His being only a bystander was not disclaimed. After continuing in chat with the party round the fire a few minutes, Miss Crawford returned to the party round the table; and standing by them, seemed to interest herself in their arrangements till, as if struck by a sudden recollection, she exclaimed, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My good friends, you are most composedly at work upon these cottages and alehouses, inside and out; but pray let me know my fate in the meanwhile. Who is to be Anhalt? What gentleman among you am I to have the pleasure of making love to? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard For a moment no one spoke; and then many spoke together to tell the same melancholy truth, that they had not yet got any Anhalt. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was to be Count Cassel, but no one had yet undertaken Anhalt. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I had my choice of the parts, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I thought I should like the Count best, though I do not much relish the finery I am to have. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You chose very wisely, I am sure, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Miss Crawford, with a brightened look; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Anhalt is a heavy part. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic The \shape default \shape italic Count \shape default has two-and-forty speeches, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset returned Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset which is no trifle. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am not at all surprised, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, after a short pause, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset at this want of an Anhalt. Amelia deserves no better. Such a forward young lady may well frighten the men. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should be but too happy in taking the part, if it were possible, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Tom; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but, unluckily, the Butler and Anhalt are in together. I will not entirely give it up, however; I will try what can be done--I will look it over again. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your \shape italic brother \shape default should take the part, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, in a low voice. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do not you think he would? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic I \shape default shall not ask him, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Tom, in a cold, determined manner. \layout Standard Miss Crawford talked of something else, and soon afterwards rejoined the party at the fire. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset They do not want me at all, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, seating herself. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I only puzzle them, and oblige them to make civil speeches. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Edmund Bertram, as you do not act yourself, you will be a disinterested adviser; and, therefore, I apply to \shape italic you \shape default . What shall we do for an Anhalt? Is it practicable for any of the others to double it? What is your advice? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My advice, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he calmly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset is that you change the play. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic I \shape default should have no objection, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she replied; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for though I should not particularly dislike the part of Amelia if well supported, that is, if everything went well, I shall be sorry to be an inconvenience; but as they do not chuse to hear your advice at \shape italic that \shape default \shape italic table \shape default \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (looking round), \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it certainly will not be taken. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund said no more. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If \shape italic any \shape default part could tempt \shape italic you \shape default to act, I suppose it would be Anhalt, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset observed the lady archly, after a short pause; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for he is a clergyman, you know. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic That \shape default circumstance would by no means tempt me, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for I should be sorry to make the character ridiculous by bad acting. It must be very difficult to keep Anhalt from appearing a formal, solemn lecturer; and the man who chuses the profession itself is, perhaps, one of the last who would wish to represent it on the stage. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford was silenced, and with some feelings of resentment and mortificati on, moved her chair considerably nearer the tea-table, and gave all her attention to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, who was presiding there. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Tom Bertram, from the other table, where the conference was eagerly carrying on, and the conversation incessant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we want your services \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was up in a moment, expecting some errand; for the habit of employing her in that way was not yet overcome, in spite of all that Edmund could do. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! we do not want to disturb you from your seat. We do not want your \shape italic present \shape default services. We shall only want you in our play. You must be Cottager's wife. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Me! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, sitting down again with a most frightened look. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed you must excuse me. I could not act anything if you were to give me the world. No, indeed, I cannot act. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed, but you must, for we cannot excuse you. It need not frighten you: it is a nothing of a part, a mere nothing, not above half a dozen speeches altogether, and it will not much signify if nobody hears a word you say; so you may be as creep-mouse as you like, but we must have you to look at. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you are afraid of half a dozen speeches, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what would you do with such a part as mine? I have forty-two to learn. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is not that I am afraid of learning by heart, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, shocked to find herself at that moment the only speaker in the room, and to feel that almost every eye was upon her; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I really cannot act. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, yes, you can act well enough for \shape italic us \shape default . Learn your part, and we will teach you all the rest. You have only two scenes, and as I shall be Cottager, I'll put you in and push you about, and you will do it very well, I'll answer for it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, indeed, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, you must excuse me. You cannot have an idea. It would be absolutely impossible for me. If I were to undertake it, I should only disappoint you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Phoo! Phoo! Do not be so shamefaced. You'll do it very well. Every allowance will be made for you. We do not expect perfection. You must get a brown gown, and a white apron, and a mob cap, and we must make you a few wrinkles, and a little of the crowsfoot at the corner of your eyes, and you will be a very proper, little old woman. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You must excuse me, indeed you must excuse me, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, growing more and more red from excessive agitation, and looking distressfully at Edmund, who was kindly observing her; but unwilling to exasperate his brother by interference, gave her only an encouraging smile. Her entreaty had no effect on Tom: he only said again what he had said before; and it was not merely Tom, for the requisition was now backed by Maria, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, with an urgency which differed from his but in being more gentle or more ceremonious, and which altogether was quite overpowering to Fanny; and before she could breathe after it, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris completed the whole by thus addressing her in a whisper at once angry and audible--"What a piece of work here is about nothing: I am quite ashamed of you, Fanny, to make such a difficulty of obliging your cousins in a trifle of this sort--so kind as they are to you! Take the part with a good grace, and let us hear no more of the matter, I entreat. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do not urge her, madam, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is not fair to urge her in this manner. You see she does not like to act. Let her chuse for herself, as well as the rest of us. Her judgment may be quite as safely trusted. Do not urge her any more. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am not going to urge her, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris sharply; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I shall think her a very obstinate, ungrateful girl, if she does not do what her aunt and cousins wish her--very ungrateful, indeed, considering who and what she is. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund was too angry to speak; but Miss Crawford, looking for a moment with astonished eyes at Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, and then at Fanny, whose tears were beginning to shew themselves, immediately said, with some keenness, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not like my situation: this \shape italic place \shape default is too hot for me, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and moved away her chair to the opposite side of the table, close to Fanny, saying to her, in a kind, low whisper, as she placed herself, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Never mind, my dear Miss Price, this is a cross evening: everybody is cross and teasing, but do not let us mind them \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and with pointed attention continued to talk to her and endeavour to raise her spirits, in spite of being out of spirits herself. By a look at her brother she prevented any farther entreaty from the theatrical board, and the really good feelings by which she was almost purely governed were rapidly restoring her to all the little she had lost in Edmund's favour. \layout Standard Fanny did not love Miss Crawford; but she felt very much obliged to her for her present kindness; and when, from taking notice of her work, and wishing \shape italic she \shape default could work as well, and begging for the pattern, and supposing Fanny was now preparing for her \shape italic appearance \shape default , as of course she would come out when her cousin was married, Miss Crawford proceeded to inquire if she had heard lately from her brother at sea, and said that she had quite a curiosity to see him, and imagined him a very fine young man, and advised Fanny to get his picture drawn before he went to sea again--she could not help admitting it to be very agreeable flattery, or help listening, and answering with more animation than she had intended. \layout Standard The consultation upon the play still went on, and Miss Crawford's attention was first called from Fanny by Tom Bertram's telling her, with infinite regret, that he found it absolutely impossible for him to undertake the part of Anhalt in addition to the Butler: he had been most anxiously trying to make it out to be feasible, but it would not do; he must give it up. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But there will not be the smallest difficulty in filling it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he added. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We have but to speak the word; we may pick and chuse. I could name, at this moment, at least six young men within six miles of us, who are wild to be admitted into our company, and there are one or two that would not disgrace us: I should not be afraid to trust either of the Olivers or Charles Maddox. Tom Oliver is a very clever fellow, and Charles Maddox is as gentlemanlike a man as you will see anywhere, so I will take my horse early to-morrow morning and ride over to Stoke, and settle with one of them. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard While he spoke, Maria was looking apprehensively round at Edmund in full expectation that he must oppose such an enlargement of the plan as this: so contrary to all their first protestations; but Edmund said nothing. After a moment's thought, Miss Crawford calmly replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As far as I am concerned, I can have no objection to anything that you all think eligible. Have I ever seen either of the gentlemen? Yes, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Charles Maddox dined at my sister's one day, did not he, Henry? A quiet-looking young man. I remember him. Let \shape italic him \shape default be applied to, if you please, for it will be less unpleasant to me than to have a perfect stranger. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Charles Maddox was to be the man. Tom repeated his resolution of going to him early on the morrow; and though Julia, who had scarcely opened her lips before, observed, in a sarcastic manner, and with a glance first at Maria and then at Edmund, that \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset the Mansfield theatricals would enliven the whole neighbourhood exceedingly, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Edmund still held his peace, and shewed his feelings only by a determined gravity. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am not very sanguine as to our play, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, in an undervoice to Fanny, after some consideration; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and I can tell Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Maddox that I shall shorten some of \shape italic his \shape default speeches, and a great many of \shape italic my \shape default \shape italic own \shape default , before we rehearse together. It will be very disagreeable, and by no means what I expected. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XVI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard It was not in Miss Crawford's power to talk Fanny into any real forgetfulness of what had passed. When the evening was over, she went to bed full of it, her nerves still agitated by the shock of such an attack from her cousin Tom, so public and so persevered in, and her spirits sinking under her aunt's unkind reflectio n and reproach. To be called into notice in such a manner, to hear that it was but the prelude to something so infinitely worse, to be told that she must do what was so impossible as to act; and then to have the charge of obstinacy and ingratitude follow it, enforced with such a hint at the dependence of her situation, had been too distressing at the time to make the remembrance when she was alone much less so, especially with the superadded dread of what the morrow might produce in continuation of the subject. Miss Crawford had protected her only for the time; and if she were applied to again among themselves with all the authoritative urgency that Tom and Maria were capable of, and Edmund perhaps away, what should she do? She fell asleep before she could answer the question, and found it quite as puzzling when she awoke the next morning. The little white attic, which had continued her sleeping-room ever since her first entering the family, proving incompetent to suggest any reply, she had recourse, as soon as she was dressed, to another apartment more spacious and more meet for walking about in and thinking, and of which she had now for some time been almost equally mistress. It had been their school-room; so called till the Miss Bertrams would not allow it to be called so any longer, and inhabited as such to a later period. There Miss Lee had lived, and there they had read and written, and talked and laughed, till within the last three years, when she had quitted them. The room had then become useless, and for some time was quite deserted, except by Fanny, when she visited her plants, or wanted one of the books, which she was still glad to keep there, from the deficiency of space and accommodation in her little chamber above: but gradually, as her value for the comforts of it increased, she had added to her possessions, and spent more of her time there; and having nothing to oppose her, had so naturally and so artlessly worked herself into it, that it was now generally admitted to be hers. The East room, as it had been called ever since Maria Bertram was sixteen, was now considered Fanny's, almost as decidedly as the white attic: the smallness of the one making the use of the other so evidently reasonable that the Miss Bertrams, with every superiority in their own apartments which their own sense of superiority could demand, were entirely approving it; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, having stipulated for there never being a fire in it on Fanny's account, was tolerably resigned to her having the use of what nobody else wanted, though the terms in which she sometimes spoke of the indulgence seemed to imply that it was the best room in the house. \layout Standard The aspect was so favourable that even without a fire it was habitable in many an early spring and late autumn morning to such a willing mind as Fanny's; and while there was a gleam of sunshine she hoped not to be driven from it entirely, even when winter came. The comfort of it in her hours of leisure was extreme. She could go there after anything unpleasant below, and find immediate consolation in some pursuit, or some train of thought at hand. Her plants, her books--of which she had been a collector from the first hour of her commanding a shilling--her writing-desk, and her works of charity and ingenuity, were all within her reach; or if indisposed for employment, if nothing but musing would do, she could scarcely see an object in that room which had not an interesting remembrance connected with it. Everything was a friend, or bore her thoughts to a friend; and though there had been sometimes much of suffering to her; though her motives had often been misunderstood, her feelings disregarded, and her comprehension undervalued ; though she had known the pains of tyranny, of ridicule, and neglect, yet almost every recurrence of either had led to something consolatory: her aunt Bertram had spoken for her, or Miss Lee had been encouraging, or, what was yet more frequent or more dear, Edmund had been her champion and her friend: he had supported her cause or explained her meaning, he had told her not to cry, or had given her some proof of affection which made her tears delightful; and the whole was now so blended together, so harmonised by distance, that every former affliction had its charm. The room was most dear to her, and she would not have changed its furniture for the handsomest in the house, though what had been originally plain had suffered all the ill-usage of children; and its greatest elegancies and ornaments were a faded footstool of Julia's work, too ill done for the drawing-room, three transparencies, made in a rage for transparencies, for the three lower panes of one window, where Tintern Abbey held its station between a cave in Italy and a moonlight lake in Cumberland, a collection of family profiles, thought unworthy of being anywhere else, over the mantelpie ce, and by their side, and pinned against the wall, a small sketch of a ship sent four years ago from the Mediterranean by William, with H.M.S. Antwerp at the bottom, in letters as tall as the mainmast. \layout Standard To this nest of comforts Fanny now walked down to try its influence on an agitated, doubting spirit, to see if by looking at Edmund's profile she could catch any of his counsel, or by giving air to her geraniums she might inhale a breeze of mental strength herself. But she had more than fears of her own perseverance to remove: she had begun to feel undecided as to what she \shape italic ought \shape default \shape italic to \shape default \shape italic do \shape default ; and as she walked round the room her doubts were increasing. Was she \shape italic right \shape default in refusing what was so warmly asked, so strongly wished for--what might be so essential to a scheme on which some of those to whom she owed the greatest complaisance had set their hearts? Was it not ill-nature, selfishness, and a fear of exposing herself? And would Edmund's judgment, would his persuasion of Sir Thomas's disapprobation of the whole, be enough to justify her in a determined denial in spite of all the rest? It would be so horrible to her to act that she was inclined to suspect the truth and purity of her own scruples; and as she looked around her, the claims of her cousins to being obliged were strengthened by the sight of present upon present that she had received from them. The table between the windows was covered with work-boxes and netting-boxes which had been given her at different times, principally by Tom; and she grew bewildered as to the amount of the debt which all these kind remembrances produced. A tap at the door roused her in the midst of this attempt to find her way to her duty, and her gentle \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Come in \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was answered by the appearance of one, before whom all her doubts were wont to be laid. Her eyes brightened at the sight of Edmund. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Can I speak with you, Fanny, for a few minutes? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, certainly. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I want to consult. I want your opinion. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My opinion! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she cried, shrinking from such a compliment, highly as it gratified her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, your advice and opinion. I do not know what to do. This acting scheme gets worse and worse, you see. They have chosen almost as bad a play as they could, and now, to complete the business, are going to ask the help of a young man very slightly known to any of us. This is the end of all the privacy and propriety which was talked about at first. I know no harm of Charles Maddox; but the excessive intimacy which must spring from his being admitted among us in this manner is highly objectionable, the \shape italic more \shape default than intimacy--the familiarity. I cannot think of it with any patience; and it does appear to me an evil of such magnitude as must, \shape italic if \shape default \shape italic possible \shape default , be prevented. Do not you see it in the same light? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes; but what can be done? Your brother is so determined. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There is but \shape italic one \shape default thing to be done, Fanny. I must take Anhalt myself. I am well aware that nothing else will quiet Tom. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could not answer him. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is not at all what I like, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he continued. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No man can like being driven into the \shape italic appearance \shape default of such inconsistency. After being known to oppose the scheme from the beginning, there is absurdity in the face of my joining them \shape italic now \shape default , when they are exceeding their first plan in every respect; but I can think of no other alternative. Can you, Fanny? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny slowly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset not immediately, but-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But what? I see your judgment is not with me. Think it a little over. Perhaps you are not so much aware as I am of the mischief that \shape italic may \shape default , of the unpleasantness that \shape italic must \shape default arise from a young man's being received in this manner: domesticated among us; authorised to come at all hours, and placed suddenly on a footing which must do away all restraints. To think only of the licence which every rehearsal must tend to create. It is all very bad! Put yourself in Miss Crawford's place, Fanny. Consider what it would be to act Amelia with a stranger. She has a right to be felt for, because she evidently feels for herself. I heard enough of what she said to you last night to understand her unwillingne ss to be acting with a stranger; and as she probably engaged in the part with different expectations--perhaps without considering the subject enough to know what was likely to be--it would be ungenerous, it would be really wrong to expose her to it. Her feelings ought to be respected. Does it not strike you so, Fanny? You hesitate. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sorry for Miss Crawford; but I am more sorry to see you drawn in to do what you had resolved against, and what you are known to think will be disagreeable to my uncle. It will be such a triumph to the others! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset They will not have much cause of triumph when they see how infamously I act. But, however, triumph there certainly will be, and I must brave it. But if I can be the means of restraining the publicity of the business, of limiting the exhibition, of concentrating our folly, I shall be well repaid. As I am now, I have no influence, I can do nothing: I have offended them, and they will not hear me; but when I have put them in good-humour by this concession, I am not without hopes of persuading them to confine the representa tion within a much smaller circle than they are now in the high road for. This will be a material gain. My object is to confine it to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and the Grants. Will not this be worth gaining? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, it will be a great point. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But still it has not your approbation. Can you mention any other measure by which I have a chance of doing equal good? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, I cannot think of anything else. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Give me your approbation, then, Fanny. I am not comfortable without it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh, cousin! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you are against me, I ought to distrust myself, and yet--But it is absolutely impossible to let Tom go on in this way, riding about the country in quest of anybody who can be persuaded to act--no matter whom: the look of a gentleman is to be enough. I thought \shape italic you \shape default would have entered more into Miss Crawford's feelings. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No doubt she will be very glad. It must be a great relief to her, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, trying for greater warmth of manner. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She never appeared more amiable than in her behaviour to you last night. It gave her a very strong claim on my goodwill. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She \shape italic was \shape default very kind, indeed, and I am glad to have her spared"... \layout Standard She could not finish the generous effusion. Her conscience stopt her in the middle, but Edmund was satisfied. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall walk down immediately after breakfast, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and am sure of giving pleasure there. And now, dear Fanny, I will not interrupt you any longer. You want to be reading. But I could not be easy till I had spoken to you, and come to a decision. Sleeping or waking, my head has been full of this matter all night. It is an evil, but I am certainly making it less than it might be. If Tom is up, I shall go to him directly and get it over, and when we meet at breakfast we shall be all in high good-humour at the prospect of acting the fool together with such unanimity. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default , in the meanwhile, will be taking a trip into China, I suppose. How does Lord Macartney go on?"--opening a volume on the table and then taking up some others. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And here are Crabbe's Tales, and the Idler, at hand to relieve you, if you tire of your great book. I admire your little establishment exceedingly; and as soon as I am gone, you will empty your head of all this nonsense of acting, and sit comfortably down to your table. But do not stay here to be cold. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He went; but there was no reading, no China, no composure for Fanny. He had told her the most extraordinary, the most inconceivable, the most unwelcome news; and she could think of nothing else. To be acting! After all his objections--objections so just and so public! After all that she had heard him say, and seen him look, and known him to be feeling. Could it be possible? Edmund so inconsistent! Was he not deceiving himself? Was he not wrong? Alas! it was all Miss Crawford's doing. She had seen her influence in every speech, and was miserable. The doubts and alarms as to her own conduct, which had previously distressed her, and which had all slept while she listened to him, were become of little consequence now. This deeper anxiety swallowed them up. Things should take their course; she cared not how it ended. Her cousins might attack, but could hardly tease her. She was beyond their reach; and if at last obliged to yield--no matter--it was all misery now. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XVII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard It was, indeed, a triumphant day to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram and Maria. Such a victory over Edmund's discretion had been beyond their hopes, and was most delightful. There was no longer anything to disturb them in their darling project, and they congratulated each other in private on the jealous weakness to which they attributed the change, with all the glee of feelings gratified in every way. Edmund might still look grave, and say he did not like the scheme in general, and must disapprove the play in particular; their point was gained: he was to act, and he was driven to it by the force of selfish inclinations only. Edmund had descended from that moral elevation which he had maintained before, and they were both as much the better as the happier for the descent. \layout Standard They behaved very well, however, to \shape italic him \shape default on the occasion, betraying no exultation beyond the lines about the corners of the mouth, and seemed to think it as great an escape to be quit of the intrusion of Charles Maddox, as if they had been forced into admitting him against their inclination. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To have it quite in their own family circle was what they had particularly wished. A stranger among them would have been the destruction of all their comfort \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and when Edmund, pursuing that idea, gave a hint of his hope as to the limitation of the audience, they were ready, in the complaisance of the moment, to promise anything. It was all good-humour and encouragement. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris offered to contrive his dress, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates assured him that Anhalt's last scene with the Baron admitted a good deal of action and emphasis, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth undertook to count his speeches. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Perhaps, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Tom, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny may be more disposed to oblige us now. Perhaps you may persuade \shape italic her \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, she is quite determined. She certainly will not act. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! very well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And not another word was said; but Fanny felt herself again in danger, and her indifference to the danger was beginning to fail her already. \layout Standard There were not fewer smiles at the Parsonage than at the Park on this change in Edmund; Miss Crawford looked very lovely in hers, and entered with such an instantaneous renewal of cheerfulness into the whole affair as could have but one effect on him. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset He was certainly right in respecting such feelings; he was glad he had determine d on it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And the morning wore away in satisfactions very sweet, if not very sound. One advantage resulted from it to Fanny: at the earnest request of Miss Crawford, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant had, with her usual good-humour, agreed to undertake the part for which Fanny had been wanted; and this was all that occurred to gladden \shape italic her \shape default heart during the day; and even this, when imparted by Edmund, brought a pang with it, for it was Miss Crawford to whom she was obliged--it was Miss Crawford whose kind exertions were to excite her gratitude, and whose merit in making them was spoken of with a glow of admiration. She was safe; but peace and safety were unconnected here. Her mind had been never farther from peace. She could not feel that she had done wrong herself, but she was disquieted in every other way. Her heart and her judgment were equally against Edmund's decision: she could not acquit his unsteadiness, and his happiness under it made her wretched. She was full of jealousy and agitation. Miss Crawford came with looks of gaiety which seemed an insult, with friendly expressions towards herself which she could hardly answer calmly. Everybody around her was gay and busy, prosperous and important; each had their object of interest, their part, their dress, their favourite scene, their friends and confederates: all were finding employment in consultations and comparisons, or diversion in the playful conceits they suggested. She alone was sad and insignificant: she had no share in anything; she might go or stay; she might be in the midst of their noise, or retreat from it to the solitude of the East room, without being seen or missed. She could almost think anything would have been preferable to this. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant was of consequence: \shape italic her \shape default good-nature had honourable mention; her taste and her time were considered; her presence was wanted; she was sought for, and attended, and praised; and Fanny was at first in some danger of envying her the character she had accepted. But reflection brought better feelings, and shewed her that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant was entitled to respect, which could never have belonged to \shape italic her \shape default ; and that, had she received even the greatest, she could never have been easy in joining a scheme which, considering only her uncle, she must condemn altogether. \layout Standard Fanny's heart was not absolutely the only saddened one amongst them, as she soon began to acknowledge to herself. Julia was a sufferer too, though not quite so blamelessly. \layout Standard Henry Crawford had trifled with her feelings; but she had very long allowed and even sought his attentions, with a jealousy of her sister so reasonable as ought to have been their cure; and now that the conviction of his preference for Maria had been forced on her, she submitted to it without any alarm for Maria's situation, or any endeavour at rational tranquillity for herself. She either sat in gloomy silence, wrapt in such gravity as nothing could subdue, no curiosity touch, no wit amuse; or allowing the attentions of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, was talking with forced gaiety to him alone, and ridiculing the acting of the others. \layout Standard For a day or two after the affront was given, Henry Crawford had endeavoured to do it away by the usual attack of gallantry and compliment, but he had not cared enough about it to persevere against a few repulses; and becoming soon too busy with his play to have time for more than one flirtation, he grew indifferent to the quarrel, or rather thought it a lucky occurrence, as quietly putting an end to what might ere long have raised expectations in more than Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. She was not pleased to see Julia excluded from the play, and sitting by disregarded; but as it was not a matter which really involved her happiness, as Henry must be the best judge of his own, and as he did assure her, with a most persuasive smile, that neither he nor Julia had ever had a serious thought of each other, she could only renew her former caution as to the elder sister, entreat him not to risk his tranquillity by too much admiration there, and then gladly take her share in anything that brought cheerfulness to the young people in general, and that did so particularly promote the pleasure of the two so dear to her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I rather wonder Julia is not in love with Henry, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was her observation to Mary. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I dare say she is, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Mary coldly. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I imagine both sisters are. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Both! no, no, that must not be. Do not give him a hint of it. Think of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You had better tell Miss Bertram to think of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. It may do \shape italic her \shape default some good. I often think of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's property and independence, and wish them in other hands; but I never think of him. A man might represent the county with such an estate; a man might escape a profession and represent the county. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I dare say he \shape italic will \shape default be in parliament soon. When Sir Thomas comes, I dare say he will be in for some borough, but there has been nobody to put him in the way of doing anything yet. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas is to achieve many mighty things when he comes home, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mary, after a pause. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you remember Hawkins Browne's `Address to Tobacco,' in imitation of Pope?-- \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash begin{flushleft} \backslash begin{verse} \backslash footnotesize \layout Standard Blest leaf! whose aromatic gales dispense \backslash \backslash * \layout Standard To Templars modesty, to Parsons sense. \layout Standard \backslash end{verse} \backslash end{flushleft} \end_inset I will parody them-- \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash begin{flushleft} \backslash begin{verse} \backslash footnotesize \layout Standard Blest Knight! whose dictatorial looks dispense \backslash \backslash * \layout Standard To Children affluence, to Rushworth sense. \layout Standard \backslash end{verse} \backslash end{flushleft} \end_inset Will not that do, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant? Everything seems to depend upon Sir Thomas's return. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You will find his consequence very just and reasonable when you see him in his family, I assure you. I do not think we do so well without him. He has a fine dignified manner, which suits the head of such a house, and keeps everybody in their place. Lady Bertram seems more of a cipher now than when he is at home; and nobody else can keep Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris in order. But, Mary, do not fancy that Maria Bertram cares for Henry. I am sure \shape italic Julia \shape default does not, or she would not have flirted as she did last night with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates; and though he and Maria are very good friends, I think she likes Sotherton too well to be inconstant. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I would not give much for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's chance if Henry stept in before the articles were signed. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you have such a suspicion, something must be done; and as soon as the play is all over, we will talk to him seriously and make him know his own mind; and if he means nothing, we will send him off, though he is Henry, for a time. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Julia \shape italic did \shape default suffer, however, though Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant discerned it not, and though it escaped the notice of many of her own family likewise. She had loved, she did love still, and she had all the suffering which a warm temper and a high spirit were likely to endure under the disappointment of a dear, though irrational hope, with a strong sense of ill-usage. Her heart was sore and angry, and she was capable only of angry consolations. The sister with whom she was used to be on easy terms was now become her greatest enemy: they were alienated from each other; and Julia was not superior to the hope of some distressing end to the attentions which were still carrying on there, some punishment to Maria for conduct so shameful towards herself as well as towards Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. With no material fault of temper, or difference of opinion, to prevent their being very good friends while their interests were the same, the sisters, under such a trial as this, had not affection or principle enough to make them merciful or just, to give them honour or compassion. Maria felt her triumph, and pursued her purpose, careless of Julia; and Julia could never see Maria distinguished by Henry Crawford without trusting that it would create jealousy, and bring a public disturbance at last. \layout Standard Fanny saw and pitied much of this in Julia; but there was no outward fellowship between them. Julia made no communication, and Fanny took no liberties. They were two solitary sufferers, or connected only by Fanny's consciousness. \layout Standard The inattention of the two brothers and the aunt to Julia's discomposure, and their blindness to its true cause, must be imputed to the fullness of their own minds. They were totally preoccupied. Tom was engrossed by the concerns of his theatre, and saw nothing that did not immediately relate to it. Edmund, between his theatrical and his real part, between Miss Crawford's claims and his own conduct, between love and consistency, was equally unobserva nt; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was too busy in contriving and directing the general little matters of the company, superintending their various dresses with economical expedient, for which nobody thanked her, and saving, with delighted integrity, half a crown here and there to the absent Sir Thomas, to have leisure for watching the behaviour, or guarding the happiness of his daughters. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XVIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Everything was now in a regular train: theatre, actors, actresses, and dresses, were all getting forward; but though no other great impediments arose, Fanny found, before many days were past, that it was not all uninterrupted enjoyment to the party themselves, and that she had not to witness the continuance of such unanimity and delight as had been almost too much for her at first. Everybody began to have their vexation. Edmund had many. Entirely against \shape italic his \shape default judgment, a scene-painter arrived from town, and was at work, much to the increase of the expenses, and, what was worse, of the eclat of their proceeding s; and his brother, instead of being really guided by him as to the privacy of the representation, was giving an invitation to every family who came in his way. Tom himself began to fret over the scene-painter's slow progress, and to feel the miseries of waiting. He had learned his part--all his parts, for he took every trifling one that could be united with the Butler, and began to be impatient to be acting; and every day thus unemployed was tending to increase his sense of the insignificance of all his parts together, and make him more ready to regret that some other play had not been chosen. \layout Standard Fanny, being always a very courteous listener, and often the only listener at hand, came in for the complaints and the distresses of most of them. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic She \shape default knew that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates was in general thought to rant dreadfully; that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates was disappointed in Henry Crawford; that Tom Bertram spoke so quick he would be unintelligible; that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant spoiled everything by laughing; that Edmund was behindhand with his part, and that it was misery to have anything to do with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, who was wanting a prompter through every speech. She knew, also, that poor Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth could seldom get anybody to rehearse with him: \shape italic his \shape default complaint came before her as well as the rest; and so decided to her eye was her cousin Maria's avoidance of him, and so needlessly often the rehearsal of the first scene between her and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, that she had soon all the terror of other complaints from \shape italic him \shape default . So far from being all satisfied and all enjoying, she found everybody requiring something they had not, and giving occasion of discontent to the others. Everybody had a part either too long or too short; nobody would attend as they ought; nobody would remember on which side they were to come in; nobody but the complainer would observe any directions. \layout Standard Fanny believed herself to derive as much innocent enjoyment from the play as any of them; Henry Crawford acted well, and it was a pleasure to \shape italic her \shape default to creep into the theatre, and attend the rehearsal of the first act, in spite of the feelings it excited in some speeches for Maria. Maria, she also thought, acted well, too well; and after the first rehearsal or two, Fanny began to be their only audience; and sometimes as prompter, sometimes as spectator, was often very useful. As far as she could judge, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was considerably the best actor of all: he had more confidence than Edmund, more judgment than Tom, more talent and taste than Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates. She did not like him as a man, but she must admit him to be the best actor, and on this point there were not many who differed from her. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, indeed, exclaimed against his tameness and insipidity; and the day came at last, when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth turned to her with a black look, and said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you think there is anything so very fine in all this? For the life and soul of me, I cannot admire him; and, between ourselves, to see such an undersized, little, mean-looking man, set up for a fine actor, is very ridiculous in my opinion. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard From this moment there was a return of his former jealousy, which Maria, from increasing hopes of Crawford, was at little pains to remove; and the chances of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's ever attaining to the knowledge of his two-and-forty speeches became much less. As to his ever making anything \shape italic tolerable \shape default of them, nobody had the smallest idea of that except his mother; \shape italic she \shape default , indeed, regretted that his part was not more considerable, and deferred coming over to Mansfield till they were forward enough in their rehearsal to comprehend all his scenes; but the others aspired at nothing beyond his remembering the catchword, and the first line of his speech, and being able to follow the prompter through the rest. Fanny, in her pity and kindheartedness, was at great pains to teach him how to learn, giving him all the helps and directions in her power, trying to make an artificial memory for him, and learning every word of his part herself, but without his being much the forwarder. \layout Standard Many uncomfortable, anxious, apprehensive feelings she certainly had; but with all these, and other claims on her time and attention, she was as far from finding herself without employment or utility amongst them, as without a companion in uneasiness; quite as far from having no demand on her leisure as on her compassion. The gloom of her first anticipations was proved to have been unfounded. She was occasionally useful to all; she was perhaps as much at peace as any. \layout Standard There was a great deal of needlework to be done, moreover, in which her help was wanted; and that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris thought her quite as well off as the rest, was evident by the manner in which she claimed it--"Come, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she cried, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset these are fine times for you, but you must not be always walking from one room to the other, and doing the lookings-on at your ease, in this way; I want you here. I have been slaving myself till I can hardly stand, to contrive Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's cloak without sending for any more satin; and now I think you may give me your help in putting it together. There are but three seams; you may do them in a trice. It would be lucky for me if I had nothing but the executive part to do. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default are best off, I can tell you: but if nobody did more than \shape italic you \shape default , we should not get on very fast \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny took the work very quietly, without attempting any defence; but her kinder aunt Bertram observed on her behalf-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset One cannot wonder, sister, that Fanny \shape italic should \shape default be delighted: it is all new to her, you know; you and I used to be very fond of a play ourselves, and so am I still; and as soon as I am a little more at leisure, \shape italic I \shape default mean to look in at their rehearsals too. What is the play about, Fanny? you have never told me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! sister, pray do not ask her now; for Fanny is not one of those who can talk and work at the same time. It is about Lovers' Vows. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny to her aunt Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there will be three acts rehearsed to-morrow evening, and that will give you an opportunity of seeing all the actors at once. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You had better stay till the curtain is hung, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset interposed Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset the curtain will be hung in a day or two--there is very little sense in a play without a curtain--and I am much mistaken if you do not find it draw up into very handsome festoons. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Lady Bertram seemed quite resigned to waiting. Fanny did not share her aunt's composure: she thought of the morrow a great deal, for if the three acts were rehearsed, Edmund and Miss Crawford would then be acting together for the first time; the third act would bring a scene between them which interested her most particularly, and which she was longing and dreading to see how they would perform. The whole subject of it was love--a marriage of love was to be described by the gentleman, and very little short of a declaration of love be made by the lady. \layout Standard She had read and read the scene again with many painful, many wondering emotions, and looked forward to their representation of it as a circumstance almost too interesting. She did not \shape italic believe \shape default they had yet rehearsed it, even in private. \layout Standard The morrow came, the plan for the evening continued, and Fanny's consideration of it did not become less agitated. She worked very diligently under her aunt's directions, but her diligence and her silence concealed a very absent, anxious mind; and about noon she made her escape with her work to the East room, that she might have no concern in another, and, as she deemed it, most unnecessary rehearsal of the first act, which Henry Crawford was just proposing, desirous at once of having her time to herself, and of avoiding the sight of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. A glimpse, as she passed through the hall, of the two ladies walking up from the Parsonage made no change in her wish of retreat, and she worked and meditated in the East room, undisturbed, for a quarter of an hour, when a gentle tap at the door was followed by the entrance of Miss Crawford. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Am I right? Yes; this is the East room. My dear Miss Price, I beg your pardon, but I have made my way to you on purpose to entreat your help. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, quite surprised, endeavoured to shew herself mistress of the room by her civilities, and looked at the bright bars of her empty grate with concern. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Thank you; I am quite warm, very warm. Allow me to stay here a little while, and do have the goodness to hear me my third act. I have brought my book, and if you would but rehearse it with me, I should be \shape italic so \shape default obliged! I came here to-day intending to rehearse it with Edmund--by ourselves- -against the evening, but he is not in the way; and if he \shape italic were \shape default , I do not think I could go through it with \shape italic him \shape default , till I have hardened myself a little; for really there is a speech or two. You will be so good, won't you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was most civil in her assurances, though she could not give them in a very steady voice. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have you ever happened to look at the part I mean? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Miss Crawford, opening her book. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Here it is. I did not think much of it at first--but, upon my word. There, look at \shape italic that \shape default speech, and \shape italic that \shape default , and \shape italic that \shape default . How am I ever to look him in the face and say such things? Could you do it? But then he is your cousin, which makes all the difference. You must rehearse it with me, that I may fancy \shape italic you \shape default him, and get on by degrees. You \shape italic have \shape default a look of \shape italic his \shape default sometimes. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have I? I will do my best with the greatest readiness; but I must \shape italic read \shape default the part, for I can say very little of it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic None \shape default of it, I suppose. You are to have the book, of course. Now for it. We must have two chairs at hand for you to bring forward to the front of the stage. There--very good school-room chairs, not made for a theatre, I dare say; much more fitted for little girls to sit and kick their feet against when they are learning a lesson. What would your governess and your uncle say to see them used for such a purpose? Could Sir Thomas look in upon us just now, he would bless himself, for we are rehearsing all over the house. Yates is storming away in the dining-room. I heard him as I came upstairs, and the theatre is engaged of course by those indefatigable rehearsers, Agatha and Frederick. If \shape italic they \shape default are not perfect, I \shape italic shall \shape default be surprised. By the bye, I looked in upon them five minutes ago, and it happened to be exactly at one of the times when they were trying \shape italic not \shape default to embrace, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was with me. I thought he began to look a little queer, so I turned it off as well as I could, by whispering to him, 'We shall have an excellent Agatha; there is something so \shape italic maternal \shape default in her manner, so completely \shape italic maternal \shape default in her voice and countenance.' Was not that well done of me? He brightened up directly. Now for my soliloquy. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She began, and Fanny joined in with all the modest feeling which the idea of representing Edmund was so strongly calculated to inspire; but with looks and voice so truly feminine as to be no very good picture of a man. With such an Anhalt, however, Miss Crawford had courage enough; and they had got through half the scene, when a tap at the door brought a pause, and the entrance of Edmund, the next moment, suspended it all. \layout Standard Surprise, consciousness, and pleasure appeared in each of the three on this unexpected meeting; and as Edmund was come on the very same business that had brought Miss Crawford, consciousness and pleasure were likely to be more than momentary in \shape italic them \shape default . He too had his book, and was seeking Fanny, to ask her to rehearse with him, and help him to prepare for the evening, without knowing Miss Crawford to be in the house; and great was the joy and animation of being thus thrown together, of comparing schemes, and sympathising in praise of Fanny's kind offices. \layout Standard \shape italic She \shape default could not equal them in their warmth. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic Her \shape default spirits sank under the glow of theirs, and she felt herself becoming too nearly nothing to both to have any comfort in having been sought by either. They must now rehearse together. Edmund proposed, urged, entreated it, till the lady, not very unwilling at first, could refuse no longer, and Fanny was wanted only to prompt and observe them. She was invested, indeed, with the office of judge and critic, and earnestly desired to exercise it and tell them all their faults; but from doing so every feeling within her shrank--she could not, would not, dared not attempt it: had she been otherwise qualified for criticism, her conscience must have restrained her from venturing at disapprobation. She believed herself to feel too much of it in the aggregate for honesty or safety in particulars. To prompt them must be enough for her; and it was sometimes \shape italic more \shape default than enough; for she could not always pay attention to the book. In watching them she forgot herself; and, agitated by the increasing spirit of Edmund's manner, had once closed the page and turned away exactly as he wanted help. It was imputed to very reasonable weariness, and she was thanked and pitied; but she deserved their pity more than she hoped they would ever surmise. At last the scene was over, and Fanny forced herself to add her praise to the compliments each was giving the other; and when again alone and able to recall the whole, she was inclined to believe their performance would, indeed, have such nature and feeling in it as must ensure their credit, and make it a very suffering exhibition to herself. Whatever might be its effect, however, she must stand the brunt of it again that very day. \layout Standard The first regular rehearsal of the three first acts was certainly to take place in the evening: Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and the Crawfords were engaged to return for that purpose as soon as they could after dinner; and every one concerned was looking forward with eagerness. There seemed a general diffusion of cheerfulness on the occasion. Tom was enjoying such an advance towards the end; Edmund was in spirits from the morning's rehearsal, and little vexations seemed everywhere smoothed away. All were alert and impatient; the ladies moved soon, the gentlemen soon followed them, and with the exception of Lady Bertram, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, and Julia, everybody was in the theatre at an early hour; and having lighted it up as well as its unfinished state admitted, were waiting only the arrival of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and the Crawfords to begin. \layout Standard They did not wait long for the Crawfords, but there was no Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. She could not come. Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, professing an indisposition, for which he had little credit with his fair sister-in-law, could not spare his wife. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant is ill, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, with mock solemnity. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset He has been ill ever since he did not eat any of the pheasant today. He fancied it tough, sent away his plate, and has been suffering ever since \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . \layout Standard Here was disappointment! Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's non-attendance was sad indeed. Her pleasant manners and cheerful conformity made her always valuable amongst them; but \shape italic now \shape default she was absolutely necessary. They could not act, they could not rehearse with any satisfaction without her. The comfort of the whole evening was destroyed. What was to be done? Tom, as Cottager, was in despair. After a pause of perplexity, some eyes began to be turned towards Fanny, and a voice or two to say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If Miss Price would be so good as to \shape italic read \shape default the part. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She was immediately surrounded by supplications; everybody asked it; even Edmund said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do, Fanny, if it is not \shape italic very \shape default disagreeable to you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard But Fanny still hung back. She could not endure the idea of it. Why was not Miss Crawford to be applied to as well? Or why had not she rather gone to her own room, as she had felt to be safest, instead of attending the rehearsal at all? She had known it would irritate and distress her; she had known it her duty to keep away. She was properly punished. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You have only to \shape italic read \shape default the part, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Henry Crawford, with renewed entreaty. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And I do believe she can say every word of it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Maria, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for she could put Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant right the other day in twenty places. Fanny, I am sure you know the part. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could not say she did \shape italic not \shape default ; and as they all persevered, as Edmund repeated his wish, and with a look of even fond dependence on her good-nature, she must yield. She would do her best. Everybody was satisfied; and she was left to the tremors of a most palpitating heart, while the others prepared to begin. \layout Standard They \shape italic did \shape default begin; and being too much engaged in their own noise to be struck by an unusual noise in the other part of the house, had proceeded some way when the door of the room was thrown open, and Julia, appearing at it, with a face all aghast, exclaimed, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My father is come! He is in the hall at this moment. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XIX \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XIX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XIX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard How is the consternation of the party to be described? To the greater number it was a moment of absolute horror. Sir Thomas in the house! All felt the instantaneous conviction. Not a hope of imposition or mistake was harboured anywhere. Julia's looks were an evidence of the fact that made it indisputable; and after the first starts and exclamations, not a word was spoken for half a minute: each with an altered countenance was looking at some other, and almost each was feeling it a stroke the most unwelcome, most ill-timed, most appalling! Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates might consider it only as a vexatious interruption for the evening, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth might imagine it a blessing; but every other heart was sinking under some degree of self-condemnation or undefined alarm, every other heart was suggesting, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What will become of us? what is to be done now? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset It was a terrible pause; and terrible to every ear were the corroborating sounds of opening doors and passing footsteps. \layout Standard Julia was the first to move and speak again. Jealousy and bitterness had been suspended: selfishness was lost in the common cause; but at the moment of her appearance, Frederick was listening with looks of devotion to Agatha's narrative, and pressing her hand to his heart; and as soon as she could notice this, and see that, in spite of the shock of her words, he still kept his station and retained her sister's hand, her wounded heart swelled again with injury, and looking as red as she had been white before, she turned out of the room, saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic I \shape default need not be afraid of appearing before him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her going roused the rest; and at the same moment the two brothers stepped forward, feeling the necessity of doing something. A very few words between them were sufficient. The case admitted no difference of opinion: they must go to the drawing-room directly. Maria joined them with the same intent, just then the stoutest of the three; for the very circumstance which had driven Julia away was to her the sweetest support. Henry Crawford's retaining her hand at such a moment, a moment of such peculiar proof and importance, was worth ages of doubt and anxiety. She hailed it as an earnest of the most serious determination, and was equal even to encounter her father. They walked off, utterly heedless of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's repeated question of, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shall I go too? Had not I better go too? Will not it be right for me to go too? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset but they were no sooner through the door than Henry Crawford undertook to answer the anxious inquiry, and, encouraging him by all means to pay his respects to Sir Thomas without delay, sent him after the others with delighted haste. \layout Standard Fanny was left with only the Crawfords and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates. She had been quite overlooked by her cousins; and as her own opinion of her claims on Sir Thomas's affection was much too humble to give her any idea of classing herself with his children, she was glad to remain behind and gain a little breathing-time. Her agitation and alarm exceeded all that was endured by the rest, by the right of a disposition which not even innocence could keep from suffering. She was nearly fainting: all her former habitual dread of her uncle was returning, and with it compassion for him and for almost every one of the party on the development before him, with solicitude on Edmund's account indescribable. She had found a seat, where in excessive trembling she was enduring all these fearful thoughts, while the other three, no longer under any restraint, were giving vent to their feelings of vexation, lamenting over such an unlooked-for premature arrival as a most untoward event, and without mercy wishing poor Sir Thomas had been twice as long on his passage, or were still in Antigua. \layout Standard The Crawfords were more warm on the subject than Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, from better understanding the family, and judging more clearly of the mischief that must ensue. The ruin of the play was to them a certainty: they felt the total destruction of the scheme to be inevitably at hand; while Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates considered it only as a temporary interruption, a disaster for the evening, and could even suggest the possibility of the rehearsal being renewed after tea, when the bustle of receiving Sir Thomas were over, and he might be at leisure to be amused by it. The Crawfords laughed at the idea; and having soon agreed on the propriety of their walking quietly home and leaving the family to themselves, proposed Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's accompanying them and spending the evening at the Parsonage. But Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, having never been with those who thought much of parental claims, or family confidence, could not perceive that anything of the kind was necessary; and therefore, thanking them, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset he preferred remaining where he was, that he might pay his respects to the old gentleman handsomely since he \shape italic was \shape default come; and besides, he did not think it would be fair by the others to have everybody run away. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was just beginning to collect herself, and to feel that if she staid longer behind it might seem disrespectful, when this point was settled, and being commissioned with the brother and sister's apology, saw them preparing to go as she quitted the room herself to perform the dreadful duty of appearing before her uncle. \layout Standard Too soon did she find herself at the drawing-room door; and after pausing a moment for what she knew would not come, for a courage which the outside of no door had ever supplied to her, she turned the lock in desperation, and the lights of the drawing-room, and all the collected family, were before her. As she entered, her own name caught her ear. Sir Thomas was at that moment looking round him, and saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But where is Fanny? Why do not I see my little Fanny?"--and on perceiving her, came forward with a kindness which astonished and penetrated her, calling her his dear Fanny, kissing her affectionately, and observing with decided pleasure how much she was grown! Fanny knew not how to feel, nor where to look. She was quite oppressed. He had never been so kind, so \shape italic very \shape default kind to her in his life. His manner seemed changed, his voice was quick from the agitation of joy; and all that had been awful in his dignity seemed lost in tenderness. He led her nearer the light and looked at her again--inquired particularly after her health, and then, correcting himself, observed that he need not inquire, for her appearance spoke sufficiently on that point. A fine blush having succeeded the previous paleness of her face, he was justified in his belief of her equal improvement in health and beauty. He inquired next after her family, especially William: and his kindness altogether was such as made her reproach herself for loving him so little, and thinking his return a misfortune; and when, on having courage to lift her eyes to his face, she saw that he was grown thinner, and had the burnt, fagged, worn look of fatigue and a hot climate, every tender feeling was increased, and she was miserable in considering how much unsuspected vexation was probably ready to burst on him. \layout Standard Sir Thomas was indeed the life of the party, who at his suggestion now seated themselves round the fire. He had the best right to be the talker; and the delight of his sensations in being again in his own house, in the centre of his family, after such a separation, made him communicative and chatty in a very unusual degree; and he was ready to give every information as to his voyage, and answer every question of his two sons almost before it was put. His business in Antigua had latterly been prosperously rapid, and he came directly from Liverpool, having had an opportunity of making his passage thither in a private vessel, instead of waiting for the packet; and all the little particulars of his proceedings and events, his arrivals and departures, were most promptly delivered, as he sat by Lady Bertram and looked with heartfelt satisfaction on the faces around him--interrupting himself more than once, however, to remark on his good fortune in finding them all at home--coming unexpectedly as he did--all collected together exactly as he could have wished, but dared not depend on. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was not forgotten: a most friendly reception and warmth of hand-shakin g had already met him, and with pointed attention he was now included in the objects most intimately connected with Mansfield. There was nothing disagreeable in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's appearance, and Sir Thomas was liking him already. \layout Standard By not one of the circle was he listened to with such unbroken, unalloyed enjoyment as by his wife, who was really extremely happy to see him, and whose feelings were so warmed by his sudden arrival as to place her nearer agitation than she had been for the last twenty years. She had been \shape italic almost \shape default fluttered for a few minutes, and still remained so sensibly animated as to put away her work, move Pug from her side, and give all her attention and all the rest of her sofa to her husband. She had no anxieties for anybody to cloud \shape italic her \shape default pleasure: her own time had been irreproachably spent during his absence: she had done a great deal of carpet-work, and made many yards of fringe; and she would have answered as freely for the good conduct and useful pursuits of all the young people as for her own. It was so agreeable to her to see him again, and hear him talk, to have her ear amused and her whole comprehension filled by his narratives, that she began particularly to feel how dreadfully she must have missed him, and how impossible it would have been for her to bear a lengthened absence. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was by no means to be compared in happiness to her sister. Not that \shape italic she \shape default was incommoded by many fears of Sir Thomas's disapprobation when the present state of his house should be known, for her judgment had been so blinded that, except by the instinctive caution with which she had whisked away Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's pink satin cloak as her brother-in-law entered, she could hardly be said to shew any sign of alarm; but she was vexed by the \shape italic manner \shape default of his return. It had left her nothing to do. Instead of being sent for out of the room, and seeing him first, and having to spread the happy news through the house, Sir Thomas, with a very reasonable dependence, perhaps, on the nerves of his wife and children, had sought no confidant but the butler, and had been following him almost instantaneously into the drawing-room. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris felt herself defrauded of an office on which she had always depended, whether his arrival or his death were to be the thing unfolded; and was now trying to be in a bustle without having anything to bustle about, and labouring to be important where nothing was wanted but tranquillity and silence. Would Sir Thomas have consented to eat, she might have gone to the housekeeper with troublesome directions, and insulted the footmen with injunctions of despatch; but Sir Thomas resolutely declined all dinner: he would take nothing, nothing till tea came--he would rather wait for tea. Still Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was at intervals urging something different; and in the most interesting moment of his passage to England, when the alarm of a French privateer was at the height, she burst through his recital with the proposal of soup. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sure, my dear Sir Thomas, a basin of soup would be a much better thing for you than tea. Do have a basin of soup. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas could not be provoked. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Still the same anxiety for everybody's comfort, my dear Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was his answer. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, then, Lady Bertram, suppose you speak for tea directly; suppose you hurry Baddeley a little; he seems behindhand to-night. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She carried this point, and Sir Thomas's narrative proceeded. \layout Standard At length there was a pause. His immediate communications were exhausted, and it seemed enough to be looking joyfully around him, now at one, now at another of the beloved circle; but the pause was not long: in the elation of her spirits Lady Bertram became talkative, and what were the sensations of her children upon hearing her say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How do you think the young people have been amusing themselves lately, Sir Thomas? They have been acting. We have been all alive with acting. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed! and what have you been acting? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! they'll tell you all about it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The \shape italic all \shape default will soon be told, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Tom hastily, and with affected unconcern; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but it is not worth while to bore my father with it now. You will hear enough of it to-morrow, sir. We have just been trying, by way of doing something, and amusing my mother, just within the last week, to get up a few scenes, a mere trifle. We have had such incessant rains almost since October began, that we have been nearly confined to the house for days together. I have hardly taken out a gun since the 3rd. Tolerable sport the first three days, but there has been no attempting anything since. The first day I went over Mansfield Wood, and Edmund took the copses beyond Easton, and we brought home six brace between us, and might each have killed six times as many, but we respect your pheasants, sir, I assure you, as much as you could desire. I do not think you will find your woods by any means worse stocked than they were. \shape italic I \shape default never saw Mansfield Wood so full of pheasants in my life as this year. I hope you will take a day's sport there yourself, sir, soon. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard For the present the danger was over, and Fanny's sick feelings subsided; but when tea was soon afterwards brought in, and Sir Thomas, getting up, said that he found that he could not be any longer in the house without just looking into his own dear room, every agitation was returning. He was gone before anything had been said to prepare him for the change he must find there; and a pause of alarm followed his disappearance. Edmund was the first to speak-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Something must be done, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is time to think of our visitors, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Maria, still feeling her hand pressed to Henry Crawford's heart, and caring little for anything else. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Where did you leave Miss Crawford, Fanny? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny told of their departure, and delivered their message. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Then poor Yates is all alone, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Tom. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will go and fetch him. He will be no bad assistant when it all comes out. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard To the theatre he went, and reached it just in time to witness the first meeting of his father and his friend. Sir Thomas had been a good deal surprised to find candles burning in his room; and on casting his eye round it, to see other symptoms of recent habitation and a general air of confusion in the furniture. The removal of the bookcase from before the billiard-room door struck him especially, but he had scarcely more than time to feel astonished at all this, before there were sounds from the billiard-room to astonish him still farther. Some one was talking there in a very loud accent; he did not know the voice--mo re than talking--almost hallooing. He stepped to the door, rejoicing at that moment in having the means of immediate communication, and, opening it, found himself on the stage of a theatre, and opposed to a ranting young man, who appeared likely to knock him down backwards. At the very moment of Yates perceiving Sir Thomas, and giving perhaps the very best start he had ever given in the whole course of his rehearsals, Tom Bertram entered at the other end of the room; and never had he found greater difficulty in keeping his countenance. His father's looks of solemnity and amazement on this his first appearance on any stage, and the gradual metamorphosis of the impassioned Baron Wildenheim into the well-bred and easy Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, making his bow and apology to Sir Thomas Bertram, was such an exhibition, such a piece of true acting, as he would not have lost upon any account. It would be the last--in all probability--the last scene on that stage; but he was sure there could not be a finer. The house would close with the greatest eclat. \layout Standard There was little time, however, for the indulgence of any images of merriment. It was necessary for him to step forward, too, and assist the introduction, and with many awkward sensations he did his best. Sir Thomas received Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates with all the appearance of cordiality which was due to his own character, but was really as far from pleased with the necessity of the acquaintance as with the manner of its commencement. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's family and connexions were sufficiently known to him to render his introduction as the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset particular friend, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset another of the hundred particular friends of his son, exceedingly unwelcome; and it needed all the felicity of being again at home, and all the forbearance it could supply, to save Sir Thomas from anger on finding himself thus bewildered in his own house, making part of a ridiculous exhibition in the midst of theatrical nonsense, and forced in so untoward a moment to admit the acquaintance of a young man whom he felt sure of disapproving, and whose easy indifference and volubility in the course of the first five minutes seemed to mark him the most at home of the two. \layout Standard Tom understood his father's thoughts, and heartily wishing he might be always as well disposed to give them but partial expression, began to see, more clearly than he had ever done before, that there might be some ground of offence, that there might be some reason for the glance his father gave towards the ceiling and stucco of the room; and that when he inquired with mild gravity after the fate of the billiard-table, he was not proceeding beyond a very allowable curiosity. A few minutes were enough for such unsatisfactory sensations on each side; and Sir Thomas having exerted himself so far as to speak a few words of calm approbation in reply to an eager appeal of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, as to the happiness of the arrangement, the three gentlemen returned to the drawing-room together, Sir Thomas with an increase of gravity which was not lost on all. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I come from your theatre, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he composedly, as he sat down; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I found myself in it rather unexpectedly. Its vicinity to my own room--but in every respect, indeed, it took me by surprise, as I had not the smallest suspicion of your acting having assumed so serious a character. It appears a neat job, however, as far as I could judge by candlelight, and does my friend Christopher Jackson credit. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And then he would have changed the subject, and sipped his coffee in peace over domestic matters of a calmer hue; but Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, without discernment to catch Sir Thomas's meaning, or diffidence, or delicacy, or discretion enough to allow him to lead the discourse while he mingled among the others with the least obtrusiveness himself, would keep him on the topic of the theatre, would torment him with questions and remarks relative to it, and finally would make him hear the whole history of his disappointment at Ecclesford. Sir Thomas listened most politely, but found much to offend his ideas of decorum, and confirm his ill-opinion of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's habits of thinking, from the beginning to the end of the story; and when it was over, could give him no other assurance of sympathy than what a slight bow conveyed. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This was, in fact, the origin of \shape italic our \shape default acting, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Tom, after a moment's thought. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My friend Yates brought the infection from Ecclesford, and it spread--as those things always spread, you know, sir--the faster, probably, from \shape italic your \shape default having so often encouraged the sort of thing in us formerly. It was like treading old ground again. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates took the subject from his friend as soon as possible, and immediately gave Sir Thomas an account of what they had done and were doing: told him of the gradual increase of their views, the happy conclusion of their first difficulties, and present promising state of affairs; relating everything with so blind an interest as made him not only totally unconscious of the uneasy movements of many of his friends as they sat, the change of countenance, the fidget, the hem! of unquietness, but prevented him even from seeing the expression of the face on which his own eyes were fixed--from seeing Sir Thomas's dark brow contract as he looked with inquiring earnestness at his daughters and Edmund, dwelling particularly on the latter, and speaking a language, a remonstrance, a reproof, which \shape italic he \shape default felt at his heart. Not less acutely was it felt by Fanny, who had edged back her chair behind her aunt's end of the sofa, and, screened from notice herself, saw all that was passing before her. Such a look of reproach at Edmund from his father she could never have expected to witness; and to feel that it was in any degree deserved was an aggravation indeed. Sir Thomas's look implied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset On your judgment, Edmund, I depended; what have you been about? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She knelt in spirit to her uncle, and her bosom swelled to utter, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh, not to \shape italic him \shape default ! Look so to all the others, but not to \shape italic him \shape default ! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates was still talking. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To own the truth, Sir Thomas, we were in the middle of a rehearsal when you arrived this evening. We were going through the three first acts, and not unsuccessfully upon the whole. Our company is now so dispersed, from the Crawfords being gone home, that nothing more can be done to-night; but if you will give us the honour of your company to-morrow evening, I should not be afraid of the result. We bespeak your indulgence, you understand, as young performers; we bespeak your indulgence. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My indulgence shall be given, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Sir Thomas gravely, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but without any other rehearsal. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And with a relenting smile, he added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I come home to be happy and indulgent. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Then turning away towards any or all of the rest, he tranquilly said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Miss Crawford were mentioned in my last letters from Mansfield. Do you find them agreeable acquaintance? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Tom was the only one at all ready with an answer, but he being entirely without particular regard for either, without jealousy either in love or acting, could speak very handsomely of both. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was a most pleasant, gentleman-like man; his sister a sweet, pretty, elegant, lively girl. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth could be silent no longer. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not say he is not gentleman-like, considering; but you should tell your father he is not above five feet eight, or he will be expecting a well-looking man. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas did not quite understand this, and looked with some surprise at the speaker. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I must say what I think, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset in my opinion it is very disagreeable to be always rehearsing. It is having too much of a good thing. I am not so fond of acting as I was at first. I think we are a great deal better employed, sitting comfortably here among ourselves, and doing nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas looked again, and then replied with an approving smile, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am happy to find our sentiments on this subject so much the same. It gives me sincere satisfaction. That I should be cautious and quick-sighted, and feel many scruples which my children do \shape italic not \shape default feel, is perfectly natural; and equally so that my value for domestic tranquill ity, for a home which shuts out noisy pleasures, should much exceed theirs. But at your time of life to feel all this, is a most favourable circumstance for yourself, and for everybody connected with you; and I am sensible of the importance of having an ally of such weight. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas meant to be giving Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's opinion in better words than he could find himself. He was aware that he must not expect a genius in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth; but as a well-judging, steady young man, with better notions than his elocution would do justice to, he intended to value him very highly. It was impossible for many of the others not to smile. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth hardly knew what to do with so much meaning; but by looking, as he really felt, most exceedingly pleased with Sir Thomas's good opinion, and saying scarcely anything, he did his best towards preserving that good opinion a little longer. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XX \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund's first object the next morning was to see his father alone, and give him a fair statement of the whole acting scheme, defending his own share in it as far only as he could then, in a soberer moment, feel his motives to deserve, and acknowledging, with perfect ingenuousness, that his concession had been attended with such partial good as to make his judgment in it very doubtful. He was anxious, while vindicating himself, to say nothing unkind of the others: but there was only one amongst them whose conduct he could mention without some necessity of defence or palliation. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We have all been more or less to blame, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset every one of us, excepting Fanny. Fanny is the only one who has judged rightly throughout; who has been consisten t. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic Her \shape default feelings have been steadily against it from first to last. She never ceased to think of what was due to you. You will find Fanny everything you could wish. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas saw all the impropriety of such a scheme among such a party, and at such a time, as strongly as his son had ever supposed he must; he felt it too much, indeed, for many words; and having shaken hands with Edmund, meant to try to lose the disagreeable impression, and forget how much he had been forgotten himself as soon as he could, after the house had been cleared of every object enforcing the remembrance, and restored to its proper state. He did not enter into any remonstrance with his other children: he was more willing to believe they felt their error than to run the risk of investiga tion. The reproof of an immediate conclusion of everything, the sweep of every preparation, would be sufficient. \layout Standard There was one person, however, in the house, whom he could not leave to learn his sentiments merely through his conduct. He could not help giving Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris a hint of his having hoped that her advice might have been interposed to prevent what her judgment must certainly have disapproved. The young people had been very inconsiderate in forming the plan; they ought to have been capable of a better decision themselves; but they were young; and, excepting Edmund, he believed, of unsteady characters; and with greater surprise, therefore, he must regard her acquiescence in their wrong measures, her countenance of their unsafe amusements, than that such measures and such amusements should have been suggested. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was a little confounded and as nearly being silenced as ever she had been in her life; for she was ashamed to confess having never seen any of the impropriety which was so glaring to Sir Thomas, and would not have admitted that her influence was insufficient--that she might have talked in vain. Her only resource was to get out of the subject as fast as possible, and turn the current of Sir Thomas's ideas into a happier channel. She had a great deal to insinuate in her own praise as to \shape italic general \shape default attention to the interest and comfort of his family, much exertion and many sacrifices to glance at in the form of hurried walks and sudden removals from her own fireside, and many excellent hints of distrust and economy to Lady Bertram and Edmund to detail, whereby a most considerable saving had always arisen, and more than one bad servant been detected. But her chief strength lay in Sotherton. Her greatest support and glory was in having formed the connexion with the Rushworths. \shape italic There \shape default she was impregnable. She took to herself all the credit of bringing Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's admiration of Maria to any effect. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I had not been active, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and made a point of being introduced to his mother, and then prevailed on my sister to pay the first visit, I am as certain as I sit here that nothing would have come of it; for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth is the sort of amiable modest young man who wants a great deal of encouragement, and there were girls enough on the catch for him if we had been idle. But I left no stone unturned. I was ready to move heaven and earth to persuade my sister, and at last I did persuade her. You know the distance to Sotherton; it was in the middle of winter, and the roads almost impassable, but I did persuade her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know how great, how justly great, your influence is with Lady Bertram and her children, and am the more concerned that it should not have been. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Sir Thomas, if you had seen the state of the roads \shape italic that \shape default day! I thought we should never have got through them, though we had the four horses of course; and poor old coachman would attend us, out of his great love and kindness, though he was hardly able to sit the box on account of the rheumatism which I had been doctoring him for ever since Michaelmas. I cured him at last; but he was very bad all the winter--and this was such a day, I could not help going to him up in his room before we set off to advise him not to venture: he was putting on his wig; so I said, 'Coachman, you had much better not go; your Lady and I shall be very safe; you know how steady Stephen is, and Charles has been upon the leaders so often now, that I am sure there is no fear.' But, however, I soon found it would not do; he was bent upon going, and as I hate to be worrying and officious, I said no more; but my heart quite ached for him at every jolt, and when we got into the rough lanes about Stoke, where, what with frost and snow upon beds of stones, it was worse than anything you can imagine, I was quite in an agony about him. And then the poor horses too! To see them straining away! You know how I always feel for the horses. And when we got to the bottom of Sandcroft Hill, what do you think I did? You will laugh at me; but I got out and walked up. I did indeed. It might not be saving them much, but it was something, and I could not bear to sit at my ease and be dragged up at the expense of those noble animals. I caught a dreadful cold, but \shape italic that \shape default I did not regard. My object was accomplished in the visit. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I hope we shall always think the acquaintance worth any trouble that might be taken to establish it. There is nothing very striking in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's manners, but I was pleased last night with what appeared to be his opinion on one subject: his decided preference of a quiet family party to the bustle and confusion of acting. He seemed to feel exactly as one could wish. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, indeed, and the more you know of him the better you will like him. He is not a shining character, but he has a thousand good qualities; and is so disposed to look up to you, that I am quite laughed at about it, for everybody considers it as my doing. 'Upon my word, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris,' said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant the other day, 'if Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth were a son of your own, he could not hold Sir Thomas in greater respect. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ' \layout Standard Sir Thomas gave up the point, foiled by her evasions, disarmed by her flattery; and was obliged to rest satisfied with the conviction that where the present pleasure of those she loved was at stake, her kindness did sometimes overpower her judgment. \layout Standard It was a busy morning with him. Conversation with any of them occupied but a small part of it. He had to reinstate himself in all the wonted concerns of his Mansfield life: to see his steward and his bailiff; to examine and compute, and, in the intervals of business, to walk into his stables and his gardens, and nearest plantations; but active and methodical, he had not only done all this before he resumed his seat as master of the house at dinner, he had also set the carpenter to work in pulling down what had been so lately put up in the billiard-room, and given the scene-painter his dismissal long enough to justify the pleasing belief of his being then at least as far off as Northampton. The scene-painter was gone, having spoilt only the floor of one room, ruined all the coachman's sponges, and made five of the under-servants idle and dissatisfied; and Sir Thomas was in hopes that another day or two would suffice to wipe away every outward memento of what had been, even to the destruction of every unbound copy of Lovers' Vows in the house, for he was burning all that met his eye. \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates was beginning now to understand Sir Thomas's intentions, though as far as ever from understanding their source. He and his friend had been out with their guns the chief of the morning, and Tom had taken the opportunity of explaining, with proper apologies for his father's particularity, what was to be expected. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates felt it as acutely as might be supposed. To be a second time disappointed in the same way was an instance of very severe ill-luck; and his indignation was such, that had it not been for delicacy towards his friend, and his friend's youngest sister, he believed he should certainly attack the baronet on the absurdity of his proceedings, and argue him into a little more rationality. He believed this very stoutly while he was in Mansfield Wood, and all the way home; but there was a something in Sir Thomas, when they sat round the same table, which made Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates think it wiser to let him pursue his own way, and feel the folly of it without opposition. He had known many disagreeable fathers before, and often been struck with the inconveniences they occasioned, but never, in the whole course of his life, had he seen one of that class so unintelligibly moral, so infamously tyrannical as Sir Thomas. He was not a man to be endured but for his children's sake, and he might be thankful to his fair daughter Julia that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates did yet mean to stay a few days longer under his roof. \layout Standard The evening passed with external smoothness, though almost every mind was ruffled; and the music which Sir Thomas called for from his daughters helped to conceal the want of real harmony. Maria was in a good deal of agitation. It was of the utmost consequence to her that Crawford should now lose no time in declaring himself, and she was disturbed that even a day should be gone by without seeming to advance that point. She had been expecting to see him the whole morning, and all the evening, too, was still expecting him. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had set off early with the great news for Sotherton; and she had fondly hoped for such an immediate \shape italic eclaircissement \shape default as might save him the trouble of ever coming back again. But they had seen no one from the Parsonage, not a creature, and had heard no tidings beyond a friendly note of congratulation and inquiry from Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to Lady Bertram. It was the first day for many, many weeks, in which the families had been wholly divided. Four-and-twenty hours had never passed before, since August began, without bringing them together in some way or other. It was a sad, anxious day; and the morrow, though differing in the sort of evil, did by no means bring less. A few moments of feverish enjoyment were followed by hours of acute suffering. Henry Crawford was again in the house: he walked up with Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, who was anxious to pay his respects to Sir Thomas, and at rather an early hour they were ushered into the breakfast-room, where were most of the family. Sir Thomas soon appeared, and Maria saw with delight and agitation the introduction of the man she loved to her father. Her sensations were indefinable, and so were they a few minutes afterwards upon hearing Henry Crawford, who had a chair between herself and Tom, ask the latter in an undervoice whether there were any plans for resuming the play after the present happy interruption (with a courteous glance at Sir Thomas), because, in that case, he should make a point of returning to Mansfield at any time required by the party: he was going away immediately, being to meet his uncle at Bath without delay; but if there were any prospect of a renewal of Lovers' Vows, he should hold himself positively engaged, he should break through every other claim, he should absolutely condition with his uncle for attending them whenever he might be wanted. The play should not be lost by \shape italic his \shape default absence. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset From Bath, Norfolk, London, York, wherever I may be, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will attend you from any place in England, at an hour's notice. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard It was well at that moment that Tom had to speak, and not his sister. He could immediately say with easy fluency, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sorry you are going; but as to our play, \shape italic that \shape default is all over--entirely at an end \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (looking significantly at his father). \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The painter was sent off yesterday, and very little will remain of the theatre to-morrow. I knew how \shape italic that \shape default would be from the first. It is early for Bath. You will find nobody there. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is about my uncle's usual time. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset When do you think of going? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I may, perhaps, get as far as Banbury to-day. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Whose stables do you use at Bath? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was the next question; and while this branch of the subject was under discussio n, Maria, who wanted neither pride nor resolution, was preparing to encounter her share of it with tolerable calmness. \layout Standard To her he soon turned, repeating much of what he had already said, with only a softened air and stronger expressions of regret. But what availed his expressions or his air? He was going, and, if not voluntarily going, voluntarily intending to stay away; for, excepting what might be due to his uncle, his engagements were all self-imposed. He might talk of necessity, but she knew his independence. The hand which had so pressed hers to his heart! the hand and the heart were alike motionless and passive now! Her spirit supported her, but the agony of her mind was severe. She had not long to endure what arose from listening to language which his actions contradicted, or to bury the tumult of her feelings under the restraint of society; for general civilities soon called his notice from her, and the farewell visit, as it then became openly acknowledged, was a very short one. He was gone--he had touched her hand for the last time, he had made his parting bow, and she might seek directly all that solitude could do for her. Henry Crawford was gone, gone from the house, and within two hours afterwards from the parish; and so ended all the hopes his selfish vanity had raised in Maria and Julia Bertram. \layout Standard Julia could rejoice that he was gone. His presence was beginning to be odious to her; and if Maria gained him not, she was now cool enough to dispense with any other revenge. She did not want exposure to be added to desertion. Henry Crawford gone, she could even pity her sister. \layout Standard With a purer spirit did Fanny rejoice in the intelligence. She heard it at dinner, and felt it a blessing. By all the others it was mentioned with regret; and his merits honoured with due gradation of feeling--from the sincerity of Edmund's too partial regard, to the unconcern of his mother speaking entirely by rote. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris began to look about her, and wonder that his falling in love with Julia had come to nothing; and could almost fear that she had been remiss herself in forwarding it; but with so many to care for, how was it possible for even \shape italic her \shape default activity to keep pace with her wishes? \layout Standard Another day or two, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates was gone likewise. In \shape italic his \shape default departure Sir Thomas felt the chief interest: wanting to be alone with his family, the presence of a stranger superior to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates must have been irksome; but of him, trifling and confident, idle and expensive, it was every way vexatious. In himself he was wearisome, but as the friend of Tom and the admirer of Julia he became offensive. Sir Thomas had been quite indifferent to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's going or staying: but his good wishes for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's having a pleasant journey, as he walked with him to the hall-door, were given with genuine satisfaction. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates had staid to see the destruction of every theatrical preparation at Mansfield, the removal of everything appertaining to the play: he left the house in all the soberness of its general character; and Sir Thomas hoped, in seeing him out of it, to be rid of the worst object connected with the scheme, and the last that must be inevitably reminding him of its existence. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris contrived to remove one article from his sight that might have distressed him. The curtain, over which she had presided with such talent and such success, went off with her to her cottage, where she happened to be particularly in want of green baize. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas's return made a striking change in the ways of the family, independen t of Lovers' Vows. Under his government, Mansfield was an altered place. Some members of their society sent away, and the spirits of many others saddened--it was all sameness and gloom compared with the past--a sombre family party rarely enlivened. There was little intercourse with the Parsonage. Sir Thomas, drawing back from intimacies in general, was particularly disinclin ed, at this time, for any engagements but in one quarter. The Rushworths were the only addition to his own domestic circle which he could solicit. \layout Standard Edmund did not wonder that such should be his father's feelings, nor could he regret anything but the exclusion of the Grants. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But they, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he observed to Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset have a claim. They seem to belong to us; they seem to be part of ourselves. I could wish my father were more sensible of their very great attention to my mother and sisters while he was away. I am afraid they may feel themselves neglected. But the truth is, that my father hardly knows them. They had not been here a twelvemonth when he left England. If he knew them better, he would value their society as it deserves; for they are in fact exactly the sort of people he would like. We are sometimes a little in want of animation among ourselves: my sisters seem out of spirits, and Tom is certainly not at his ease. Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant would enliven us, and make our evenings pass away with more enjoyment even to my father. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you think so? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset in my opinion, my uncle would not like \shape italic any \shape default addition. I think he values the very quietness you speak of, and that the repose of his own family circle is all he wants. And it does not appear to me that we are more serious than we used to be--I mean before my uncle went abroad. As well as I can recollect, it was always much the same. There was never much laughing in his presence; or, if there is any difference, it is not more, I think, than such an absence has a tendency to produce at first. There must be a sort of shyness; but I cannot recollect that our evenings formerly were ever merry, except when my uncle was in town. No young people's are, I suppose, when those they look up to are at home \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe you are right, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was his reply, after a short consideration. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe our evenings are rather returned to what they were, than assuming a new character. The novelty was in their being lively. Yet, how strong the impression that only a few weeks will give! I have been feeling as if we had never lived so before. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I suppose I am graver than other people, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The evenings do not appear long to me. I love to hear my uncle talk of the West Indies. I could listen to him for an hour together. It entertains \shape italic me \shape default more than many other things have done; but then I am unlike other people, I dare say. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why should you dare say \shape italic that \shape default ? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (smiling). \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you want to be told that you are only unlike other people in being more wise and discreet? But when did you, or anybody, ever get a compliment from me, Fanny? Go to my father if you want to be complimented. He will satisfy you. Ask your uncle what he thinks, and you will hear compliments enough: and though they may be chiefly on your person, you must put up with it, and trust to his seeing as much beauty of mind in time. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Such language was so new to Fanny that it quite embarrassed her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your uncle thinks you very pretty, dear Fanny--and that is the long and the short of the matter. Anybody but myself would have made something more of it, and anybody but you would resent that you had not been thought very pretty before; but the truth is, that your uncle never did admire you till now--and now he does. Your complexion is so improved!--and you have gained so much countenance!--and your figure--nay, Fanny, do not turn away about it--it is but an uncle. If you cannot bear an uncle's admiration, what is to become of you? You must really begin to harden yourself to the idea of being worth looking at. You must try not to mind growing up into a pretty woman. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! don't talk so, don't talk so, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, distressed by more feelings than he was aware of; but seeing that she was distressed, he had done with the subject, and only added more seriously-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your uncle is disposed to be pleased with you in every respect; and I only wish you would talk to him more. You are one of those who are too silent in the evening circle. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But I do talk to him more than I used. I am sure I do. Did not you hear me ask him about the slave-trade last night? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I did--and was in hopes the question would be followed up by others. It would have pleased your uncle to be inquired of farther. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And I longed to do it--but there was such a dead silence! And while my cousins were sitting by without speaking a word, or seeming at all interested in the subject, I did not like--I thought it would appear as if I wanted to set myself off at their expense, by shewing a curiosity and pleasure in his information which he must wish his own daughters to feel. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Miss Crawford was very right in what she said of you the other day: that you seemed almost as fearful of notice and praise as other women were of neglect. We were talking of you at the Parsonage, and those were her words. She has great discernment. I know nobody who distinguishes characters better. For so young a woman it is remarkable! She certainly understands \shape italic you \shape default better than you are understood by the greater part of those who have known you so long; and with regard to some others, I can perceive, from occasional lively hints, the unguarded expressions of the moment, that she could define \shape italic many \shape default as accurately, did not delicacy forbid it. I wonder what she thinks of my father! She must admire him as a fine-looking man, with most gentlemanlike, dignified, consistent manners; but perhaps, having seen him so seldom, his reserve may be a little repulsive. Could they be much together, I feel sure of their liking each other. He would enjoy her liveliness and she has talents to value his powers. I wish they met more frequently! I hope she does not suppose there is any dislike on his side. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She must know herself too secure of the regard of all the rest of you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, with half a sigh, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset to have any such apprehension. And Sir Thomas's wishing just at first to be only with his family, is so very natural, that she can argue nothing from that. After a little while, I dare say, we shall be meeting again in the same sort of way, allowing for the difference of the time of year. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is the first October that she has passed in the country since her infancy. I do not call Tunbridge or Cheltenham the country; and November is a still more serious month, and I can see that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant is very anxious for her not finding Mansfield dull as winter comes on. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could have said a great deal, but it was safer to say nothing, and leave untouched all Miss Crawford's resources--her accomplishments, her spirits, her importance, her friends, lest it should betray her into any observations seemingly unhandsome. Miss Crawford's kind opinion of herself deserved at least a grateful forbearanc e, and she began to talk of something else. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To-morrow, I think, my uncle dines at Sotherton, and you and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram too. We shall be quite a small party at home. I hope my uncle may continue to like Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That is impossible, Fanny. He must like him less after to-morrow's visit, for we shall be five hours in his company. I should dread the stupidity of the day, if there were not a much greater evil to follow--the impression it must leave on Sir Thomas. He cannot much longer deceive himself. I am sorry for them all, and would give something that Rushworth and Maria had never met. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard In this quarter, indeed, disappointment was impending over Sir Thomas. Not all his good-will for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, not all Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's deference for him, could prevent him from soon discerning some part of the truth--that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was an inferior young man, as ignorant in business as in books, with opinions in general unfixed, and without seeming much aware of it himself. \layout Standard He had expected a very different son-in-law; and beginning to feel grave on Maria's account, tried to understand \shape italic her \shape default feelings. Little observation there was necessary to tell him that indifference was the most favourable state they could be in. Her behaviour to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was careless and cold. She could not, did not like him. Sir Thomas resolved to speak seriously to her. Advantageous as would be the alliance, and long standing and public as was the engagement, her happiness must not be sacrificed to it. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had, perhaps, been accepted on too short an acquaintance, and, on knowing him better, she was repenting. \layout Standard With solemn kindness Sir Thomas addressed her: told her his fears, inquired into her wishes, entreated her to be open and sincere, and assured her that every inconvenience should be braved, and the connexion entirely given up, if she felt herself unhappy in the prospect of it. He would act for her and release her. Maria had a moment's struggle as she listened, and only a moment's: when her father ceased, she was able to give her answer immediately, decidedly, and with no apparent agitation. She thanked him for his great attention, his paternal kindness, but he was quite mistaken in supposing she had the smallest desire of breaking through her engagement, or was sensible of any change of opinion or inclination since her forming it. She had the highest esteem for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's character and disposition, and could not have a doubt of her happiness with him. \layout Standard Sir Thomas was satisfied; too glad to be satisfied, perhaps, to urge the matter quite so far as his judgment might have dictated to others. It was an alliance which he could not have relinquished without pain; and thus he reasoned. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was young enough to improve. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth must and would improve in good society; and if Maria could now speak so securely of her happiness with him, speaking certainly without the prejudice, the blindness of love, she ought to be believed. Her feelings, probably, were not acute; he had never supposed them to be so; but her comforts might not be less on that account; and if she could dispense with seeing her husband a leading, shining character, there would certainly be everything else in her favour. A well-disposed young woman, who did not marry for love, was in general but the more attached to her own family; and the nearness of Sotherton to Mansfield must naturally hold out the greatest temptation, and would, in all probability, be a continual supply of the most amiable and innocent enjoyments. Such and such-like were the reasonings of Sir Thomas, happy to escape the embarrassing evils of a rupture, the wonder, the reflections, the reproach that must attend it; happy to secure a marriage which would bring him such an addition of respectability and influence, and very happy to think anything of his daughter's disposition that was most favourable for the purpose. \layout Standard To her the conference closed as satisfactorily as to him. She was in a state of mind to be glad that she had secured her fate beyond recall: that she had pledged herself anew to Sotherton; that she was safe from the possibility of giving Crawford the triumph of governing her actions, and destroying her prospects; and retired in proud resolve, determined only to behave more cautiously to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth in future, that her father might not be again suspecting her. \layout Standard Had Sir Thomas applied to his daughter within the first three or four days after Henry Crawford's leaving Mansfield, before her feelings were at all tranquillised, before she had given up every hope of him, or absolutely resolved on enduring his rival, her answer might have been different; but after another three or four days, when there was no return, no letter, no message, no symptom of a softened heart, no hope of advantage from separatio n, her mind became cool enough to seek all the comfort that pride and self revenge could give. \layout Standard Henry Crawford had destroyed her happiness, but he should not know that he had done it; he should not destroy her credit, her appearance, her prosperit y, too. He should not have to think of her as pining in the retirement of Mansfield for \shape italic him \shape default , rejecting Sotherton and London, independence and splendour, for \shape italic his \shape default sake. Independence was more needful than ever; the want of it at Mansfield more sensibly felt. She was less and less able to endure the restraint which her father imposed. The liberty which his absence had given was now become absolutely necessary. She must escape from him and Mansfield as soon as possible, and find consolatio n in fortune and consequence, bustle and the world, for a wounded spirit. Her mind was quite determined, and varied not. \layout Standard To such feelings delay, even the delay of much preparation, would have been an evil, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth could hardly be more impatient for the marriage than herself. In all the important preparations of the mind she was complete: being prepared for matrimony by an hatred of home, restraint, and tranquillity; by the misery of disappointed affection, and contempt of the man she was to marry. The rest might wait. The preparations of new carriages and furniture might wait for London and spring, when her own taste could have fairer play. \layout Standard The principals being all agreed in this respect, it soon appeared that a very few weeks would be sufficient for such arrangements as must precede the wedding. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was quite ready to retire, and make way for the fortunate young woman whom her dear son had selected; and very early in November removed herself, her maid, her footman, and her chariot, with true dowager propriety, to Bath, there to parade over the wonders of Sotherton in her evening parties; enjoying them as thoroughly, perhaps, in the animation of a card-table, as she had ever done on the spot; and before the middle of the same month the ceremony had taken place which gave Sotherton another mistress. \layout Standard It was a very proper wedding. The bride was elegantly dressed; the two bridesmaids were duly inferior; her father gave her away; her mother stood with salts in her hand, expecting to be agitated; her aunt tried to cry; and the service was impressively read by Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. Nothing could be objected to when it came under the discussion of the neighbour hood, except that the carriage which conveyed the bride and bridegroom and Julia from the church-door to Sotherton was the same chaise which Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had used for a twelvemonth before. In everything else the etiquette of the day might stand the strictest investiga tion. \layout Standard It was done, and they were gone. Sir Thomas felt as an anxious father must feel, and was indeed experiencing much of the agitation which his wife had been apprehensive of for herself, but had fortunately escaped. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, most happy to assist in the duties of the day, by spending it at the Park to support her sister's spirits, and drinking the health of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth in a supernumerary glass or two, was all joyous delight; for she had made the match; she had done everything; and no one would have supposed, from her confident triumph, that she had ever heard of conjugal infelicity in her life, or could have the smallest insight into the disposition of the niece who had been brought up under her eye. \layout Standard The plan of the young couple was to proceed, after a few days, to Brighton, and take a house there for some weeks. Every public place was new to Maria, and Brighton is almost as gay in winter as in summer. When the novelty of amusement there was over, it would be time for the wider range of London. \layout Standard Julia was to go with them to Brighton. Since rivalry between the sisters had ceased, they had been gradually recoverin g much of their former good understanding; and were at least sufficiently friends to make each of them exceedingly glad to be with the other at such a time. Some other companion than Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was of the first consequence to his lady; and Julia was quite as eager for novelty and pleasure as Maria, though she might not have struggled through so much to obtain them, and could better bear a subordinate situation. \layout Standard Their departure made another material change at Mansfield, a chasm which required some time to fill up. The family circle became greatly contracted; and though the Miss Bertrams had latterly added little to its gaiety, they could not but be missed. Even their mother missed them; and how much more their tenderhearted cousin, who wandered about the house, and thought of them, and felt for them, with a degree of affectionate regret which they had never done much to deserve! \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's consequence increased on the departure of her cousins. Becoming, as she then did, the only young woman in the drawing-room, the only occupier of that interesting division of a family in which she had hitherto held so humble a third, it was impossible for her not to be more looked at, more thought of and attended to, than she had ever been before; and \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Where is Fanny? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset became no uncommon question, even without her being wanted for any one's convenience. \layout Standard Not only at home did her value increase, but at the Parsonage too. In that house, which she had hardly entered twice a year since Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's death, she became a welcome, an invited guest, and in the gloom and dirt of a November day, most acceptable to Mary Crawford. Her visits there, beginning by chance, were continued by solicitation. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, really eager to get any change for her sister, could, by the easiest self-deceit, persuade herself that she was doing the kindest thing by Fanny, and giving her the most important opportunities of improvement in pressing her frequent calls. \layout Standard Fanny, having been sent into the village on some errand by her aunt Norris, was overtaken by a heavy shower close to the Parsonage; and being descried from one of the windows endeavouring to find shelter under the branches and lingering leaves of an oak just beyond their premises, was forced, though not without some modest reluctance on her part, to come in. A civil servant she had withstood; but when Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant himself went out with an umbrella, there was nothing to be done but to be very much ashamed, and to get into the house as fast as possible; and to poor Miss Crawford, who had just been contemplating the dismal rain in a very desponding state of mind, sighing over the ruin of all her plan of exercise for that morning, and of every chance of seeing a single creature beyond themselves for the next twenty-four hours, the sound of a little bustle at the front door, and the sight of Miss Price dripping with wet in the vestibule, was delightful. The value of an event on a wet day in the country was most forcibly brought before her. She was all alive again directly, and among the most active in being useful to Fanny, in detecting her to be wetter than she would at first allow, and providing her with dry clothes; and Fanny, after being obliged to submit to all this attention, and to being assisted and waited on by mistresses and maids, being also obliged, on returning downstairs, to be fixed in their drawing-room for an hour while the rain continued, the blessing of something fresh to see and think of was thus extended to Miss Crawford, and might carry on her spirits to the period of dressing and dinner. \layout Standard The two sisters were so kind to her, and so pleasant, that Fanny might have enjoyed her visit could she have believed herself not in the way, and could she have foreseen that the weather would certainly clear at the end of the hour, and save her from the shame of having Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's carriage and horses out to take her home, with which she was threatened. As to anxiety for any alarm that her absence in such weather might occasion at home, she had nothing to suffer on that score; for as her being out was known only to her two aunts, she was perfectly aware that none would be felt, and that in whatever cottage aunt Norris might chuse to establish her during the rain, her being in such cottage would be indubitable to aunt Bertram. \layout Standard It was beginning to look brighter, when Fanny, observing a harp in the room, asked some questions about it, which soon led to an acknowledgment of her wishing very much to hear it, and a confession, which could hardly be believed, of her having never yet heard it since its being in Mansfield. To Fanny herself it appeared a very simple and natural circumstance. She had scarcely ever been at the Parsonage since the instrument's arrival, there had been no reason that she should; but Miss Crawford, calling to mind an early expressed wish on the subject, was concerned at her own neglect; and \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shall I play to you now? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What will you have? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset were questions immediately following with the readiest good-humour. \layout Standard She played accordingly; happy to have a new listener, and a listener who seemed so much obliged, so full of wonder at the performance, and who shewed herself not wanting in taste. She played till Fanny's eyes, straying to the window on the weather's being evidently fair, spoke what she felt must be done. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Another quarter of an hour, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and we shall see how it will be. Do not run away the first moment of its holding up. Those clouds look alarming. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But they are passed over, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have been watching them. This weather is all from the south. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset South or north, I know a black cloud when I see it; and you must not set forward while it is so threatening. And besides, I want to play something more to you--a very pretty piece--and your cousin Edmund's prime favourite. You must stay and hear your cousin's favourite. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny felt that she must; and though she had not waited for that sentence to be thinking of Edmund, such a memento made her particularly awake to his idea, and she fancied him sitting in that room again and again, perhaps in the very spot where she sat now, listening with constant delight to the favourite air, played, as it appeared to her, with superior tone and expression; and though pleased with it herself, and glad to like whatever was liked by him, she was more sincerely impatient to go away at the conclusion of it than she had been before; and on this being evident, she was so kindly asked to call again, to take them in her walk whenever she could, to come and hear more of the harp, that she felt it necessary to be done, if no objection arose at home. \layout Standard Such was the origin of the sort of intimacy which took place between them within the first fortnight after the Miss Bertrams' going away--an intimacy resulting principally from Miss Crawford's desire of something new, and which had little reality in Fanny's feelings. Fanny went to her every two or three days: it seemed a kind of fascination: she could not be easy without going, and yet it was without loving her, without ever thinking like her, without any sense of obligation for being sought after now when nobody else was to be had; and deriving no higher pleasure from her conversation than occasional amusement, and \shape italic that \shape default often at the expense of her judgment, when it was raised by pleasantry on people or subjects which she wished to be respected. She went, however, and they sauntered about together many an half-hour in Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's shrubbery, the weather being unusually mild for the time of year, and venturing sometimes even to sit down on one of the benches now comparativel y unsheltered, remaining there perhaps till, in the midst of some tender ejaculation of Fanny's on the sweets of so protracted an autumn, they were forced, by the sudden swell of a cold gust shaking down the last few yellow leaves about them, to jump up and walk for warmth. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is pretty, very pretty, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, looking around her as they were thus sitting together one day; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset every time I come into this shrubbery I am more struck with its growth and beauty. Three years ago, this was nothing but a rough hedgerow along the upper side of the field, never thought of as anything, or capable of becoming anything; and now it is converted into a walk, and it would be difficult to say whether most valuable as a convenience or an ornament; and perhaps, in another three years, we may be forgetting--almost forgetting what it was before. How wonderful, how very wonderful the operations of time, and the changes of the human mind! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And following the latter train of thought, she soon afterwards added: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If any one faculty of our nature may be called \shape italic more \shape default wonderful than the rest, I do think it is memory. There seems something more speakingly incomprehensible in the powers, the failures, the inequalities of memory, than in any other of our intelligences. The memory is sometimes so retentive, so serviceable, so obedient; at others, so bewildered and so weak; and at others again, so tyrannic, so beyond control! We are, to be sure, a miracle every way; but our powers of recollectin g and of forgetting do seem peculiarly past finding out. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford, untouched and inattentive, had nothing to say; and Fanny, perceiving it, brought back her own mind to what she thought must interest. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It may seem impertinent in \shape italic me \shape default to praise, but I must admire the taste Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant has shewn in all this. There is such a quiet simplicity in the plan of the walk! Not too much attempted! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Miss Crawford carelessly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it does very well for a place of this sort. One does not think of extent \shape italic here \shape default ; and between ourselves, till I came to Mansfield, I had not imagined a country parson ever aspired to a shrubbery, or anything of the kind. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am so glad to see the evergreens thrive! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, in reply. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My uncle's gardener always says the soil here is better than his own, and so it appears from the growth of the laurels and evergreens in general. The evergreen! How beautiful, how welcome, how wonderful the evergreen! When one thinks of it, how astonishing a variety of nature! In some countries we know the tree that sheds its leaf is the variety, but that does not make it less amazing that the same soil and the same sun should nurture plants differing in the first rule and law of their existence. You will think me rhapsodising; but when I am out of doors, especially when I am sitting out of doors, I am very apt to get into this sort of wondering strain. One cannot fix one's eyes on the commonest natural production without finding food for a rambling fancy. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To say the truth, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am something like the famous Doge at the court of Lewis XIV.; and may declare that I see no wonder in this shrubbery equal to seeing myself in it. If anybody had told me a year ago that this place would be my home, that I should be spending month after month here, as I have done, I certainly should not have believed them. I have now been here nearly five months; and, moreover, the quietest five months I ever passed. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic Too \shape default quiet for you, I believe. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should have thought so \shape italic theoretically \shape default myself, but, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and her eyes brightened as she spoke, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset take it all and all, I never spent so happy a summer. But then, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset with a more thoughtful air and lowered voice, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there is no saying what it may lead to. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's heart beat quick, and she felt quite unequal to surmising or soliciting anything more. Miss Crawford, however, with renewed animation, soon went on-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am conscious of being far better reconciled to a country residence than I had ever expected to be. I can even suppose it pleasant to spend \shape italic half \shape default the year in the country, under certain circumstances, very pleasant. An elegant, moderate-sized house in the centre of family connexions; continual engagements among them; commanding the first society in the neighbourhood; looked up to, perhaps, as leading it even more than those of larger fortune, and turning from the cheerful round of such amusements to nothing worse than a \shape italic tete-a-tete \shape default with the person one feels most agreeable in the world. There is nothing frightful in such a picture, is there, Miss Price? One need not envy the new Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth with such a home as \shape italic that \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Envy Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was all that Fanny attempted to say. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Come, come, it would be very un-handsome in us to be severe on Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, for I look forward to our owing her a great many gay, brilliant, happy hours. I expect we shall be all very much at Sotherton another year. Such a match as Miss Bertram has made is a public blessing; for the first pleasures of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's wife must be to fill her house, and give the best balls in the country. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was silent, and Miss Crawford relapsed into thoughtfulness, till suddenly looking up at the end of a few minutes, she exclaimed, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ah! here he is. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset It was not Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, however, but Edmund, who then appeared walking towards them with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My sister and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram. I am so glad your eldest cousin is gone, that he may be Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram again. There is something in the sound of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic Edmund \shape default Bertram so formal, so pitiful, so younger-brother-like, that I detest it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How differently we feel! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To me, the sound of \shape italic Mr. \shape default Bertram is so cold and nothing-meaning, so entirely without warmth or character ! It just stands for a gentleman, and that's all. But there is nobleness in the name of Edmund. It is a name of heroism and renown; of kings, princes, and knights; and seems to breathe the spirit of chivalry and warm affections. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I grant you the name is good in itself, and \shape italic Lord \shape default Edmund or \shape italic Sir \shape default Edmund sound delightfully; but sink it under the chill, the annihilation of a Mr., and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Edmund is no more than Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset John or Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Thomas. Well, shall we join and disappoint them of half their lecture upon sitting down out of doors at this time of year, by being up before they can begin? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund met them with particular pleasure. It was the first time of his seeing them together since the beginning of that better acquaintance which he had been hearing of with great satisfaction. A friendship between two so very dear to him was exactly what he could have wished: and to the credit of the lover's understanding, be it stated, that he did not by any means consider Fanny as the only, or even as the greater gainer by such a friendship. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and do you not scold us for our imprudence? What do you think we have been sitting down for but to be talked to about it, and entreated and supplicated never to do so again? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Perhaps I might have scolded, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset if either of you had been sitting down alone; but while you do wrong together, I can overlook a great deal. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset They cannot have been sitting long, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for when I went up for my shawl I saw them from the staircase window, and then they were walking. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And really, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset the day is so mild, that your sitting down for a few minutes can be hardly thought imprudent. Our weather must not always be judged by the calendar. We may sometimes take greater liberties in November than in May. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Upon my word, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you are two of the most disappointing and unfeeling kind friends I ever met with! There is no giving you a moment's uneasiness. You do not know how much we have been suffering, nor what chills we have felt! But I have long thought Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram one of the worst subjects to work on, in any little manoeuvre against common sense, that a woman could be plagued with. I had very little hope of \shape italic him \shape default from the first; but you, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, my sister, my own sister, I think I had a right to alarm you a little. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do not flatter yourself, my dearest Mary. You have not the smallest chance of moving me. I have my alarms, but they are quite in a different quarter; and if I could have altered the weather, you would have had a good sharp east wind blowing on you the whole time--for here are some of my plants which Robert \shape italic will \shape default leave out because the nights are so mild, and I know the end of it will be, that we shall have a sudden change of weather, a hard frost setting in all at once, taking everybody (at least Robert) by surprise, and I shall lose every one; and what is worse, cook has just been telling me that the turkey, which I particularly wished not to be dressed till Sunday, because I know how much more Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant would enjoy it on Sunday after the fatigues of the day, will not keep beyond to-morrow. These are something like grievances, and make me think the weather most unseasonably close. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The sweets of housekeeping in a country village! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford archly. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Commend me to the nurseryman and the poulterer. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear child, commend Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to the deanery of Westminster or St. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Paul's, and I should be as glad of your nurseryman and poulterer as you could be. But we have no such people in Mansfield. What would you have me do? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! you can do nothing but what you do already: be plagued very often, and never lose your temper. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Thank you; but there is no escaping these little vexations, Mary, live where we may; and when you are settled in town and I come to see you, I dare say I shall find you with yours, in spite of the nurseryman and the poulterer, perhaps on their very account. Their remoteness and unpunctuality, or their exorbitant charges and frauds, will be drawing forth bitter lamentations. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I mean to be too rich to lament or to feel anything of the sort. A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of. It certainly may secure all the myrtle and turkey part of it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You intend to be very rich? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, with a look which, to Fanny's eye, had a great deal of serious meaning. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be sure. Do not you? Do not we all? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot intend anything which it must be so completely beyond my power to command. Miss Crawford may chuse her degree of wealth. She has only to fix on her number of thousands a year, and there can be no doubt of their coming. My intentions are only not to be poor. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset By moderation and economy, and bringing down your wants to your income, and all that. I understand you--and a very proper plan it is for a person at your time of life, with such limited means and indifferent connexions. What can \shape italic you \shape default want but a decent maintenance? You have not much time before you; and your relations are in no situation to do anything for you, or to mortify you by the contrast of their own wealth and consequence. Be honest and poor, by all means--but I shall not envy you; I do not much think I shall even respect you. I have a much greater respect for those that are honest and rich. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your degree of respect for honesty, rich or poor, is precisely what I have no manner of concern with. I do not mean to be poor. Poverty is exactly what I have determined against. Honesty, in the something between, in the middle state of worldly circumstances , is all that I am anxious for your not looking down on. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But I do look down upon it, if it might have been higher. I must look down upon anything contented with obscurity when it might rise to distinction. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But how may it rise? How may my honesty at least rise to any distinction? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This was not so very easy a question to answer, and occasioned an \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset of some length from the fair lady before she could add, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You ought to be in parliament, or you should have gone into the army ten years ago. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic That \shape default is not much to the purpose now; and as to my being in parliament, I believe I must wait till there is an especial assembly for the representation of younger sons who have little to live on. No, Miss Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he added, in a more serious tone, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there \shape italic are \shape default distinctions which I should be miserable if I thought myself without any chance--absolutely without chance or possibility of obtaining--but they are of a different character. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A look of consciousness as he spoke, and what seemed a consciousness of manner on Miss Crawford's side as she made some laughing answer, was sorrowfull food for Fanny's observation; and finding herself quite unable to attend as she ought to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, by whose side she was now following the others, she had nearly resolved on going home immediately, and only waited for courage to say so, when the sound of the great clock at Mansfield Park, striking three, made her feel that she had really been much longer absent than usual, and brought the previous self-inquiry of whether she should take leave or not just then, and how, to a very speedy issue. With undoubting decision she directly began her adieus; and Edmund began at the same time to recollect that his mother had been inquiring for her, and that he had walked down to the Parsonage on purpose to bring her back. \layout Standard Fanny's hurry increased; and without in the least expecting Edmund's attendance, she would have hastened away alone; but the general pace was quickened, and they all accompanied her into the house, through which it was necessary to pass. Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant was in the vestibule, and as they stopt to speak to him she found, from Edmund's manner, that he \shape italic did \shape default mean to go with her. He too was taking leave. She could not but be thankful. In the moment of parting, Edmund was invited by Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to eat his mutton with him the next day; and Fanny had barely time for an unpleasant feeling on the occasion, when Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, with sudden recollection, turned to her and asked for the pleasure of her company too. This was so new an attention, so perfectly new a circumstance in the events of Fanny's life, that she was all surprise and embarrassment; and while stammering out her great obligation, and her \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but she did not suppose it would be in her power, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was looking at Edmund for his opinion and help. But Edmund, delighted with her having such an happiness offered, and ascertaini ng with half a look, and half a sentence, that she had no objection but on her aunt's account, could not imagine that his mother would make any difficulty of sparing her, and therefore gave his decided open advice that the invitation should be accepted; and though Fanny would not venture, even on his encouragement, to such a flight of audacious independence, it was soon settled, that if nothing were heard to the contrary, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant might expect her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And you know what your dinner will be, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, smiling--"the turkey, and I assure you a very fine one; for, my dear, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset turning to her husband, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset cook insists upon the turkey's being dressed to-morrow. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very well, very well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset all the better; I am glad to hear you have anything so good in the house. But Miss Price and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Edmund Bertram, I dare say, would take their chance. We none of us want to hear the bill of fare. A friendly meeting, and not a fine dinner, is all we have in view. A turkey, or a goose, or a leg of mutton, or whatever you and your cook chuse to give us. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The two cousins walked home together; and, except in the immediate discussion of this engagement, which Edmund spoke of with the warmest satisfaction, as so particularly desirable for her in the intimacy which he saw with so much pleasure established, it was a silent walk; for having finished that subject, he grew thoughtful and indisposed for any other. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But why should Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant ask Fanny? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How came she to think of asking Fanny? Fanny never dines there, you know, in this sort of way. I cannot spare her, and I am sure she does not want to go. Fanny, you do not want to go, do you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you put such a question to her, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Edmund, preventing his cousin's speaking, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny will immediately say No; but I am sure, my dear mother, she would like to go; and I can see no reason why she should not. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot imagine why Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant should think of asking her? She never did before. She used to ask your sisters now and then, but she never asked Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you cannot do without me, ma'am-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, in a self-denying tone. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But my mother will have my father with her all the evening. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be sure, so I shall. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Suppose you take my father's opinion, ma'am. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That's well thought of. So I will, Edmund. I will ask Sir Thomas, as soon as he comes in, whether I can do without her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As you please, ma'am, on that head; but I meant my father's opinion as to the \shape italic propriety \shape default of the invitation's being accepted or not; and I think he will consider it a right thing by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, as well as by Fanny, that being the \shape italic first \shape default invitation it should be accepted. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not know. We will ask him. But he will be very much surprised that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant should ask Fanny at all. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard There was nothing more to be said, or that could be said to any purpose, till Sir Thomas were present; but the subject involving, as it did, her own evening's comfort for the morrow, was so much uppermost in Lady Bertram's mind, that half an hour afterwards, on his looking in for a minute in his way from his plantation to his dressing-room, she called him back again, when he had almost closed the door, with \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas, stop a moment--I have something to say to you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her tone of calm languor, for she never took the trouble of raising her voice, was always heard and attended to; and Sir Thomas came back. Her story began; and Fanny immediately slipped out of the room; for to hear herself the subject of any discussion with her uncle was more than her nerves could bear. She was anxious, she knew--more anxious perhaps than she ought to be--for what was it after all whether she went or staid? but if her uncle were to be a great while considering and deciding, and with very grave looks, and those grave looks directed to her, and at last decide against her, she might not be able to appear properly submissive and indifferent. Her cause, meanwhile, went on well. It began, on Lady Bertram's part, with--"I have something to tell you that will surprise you. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant has asked Fanny to dinner. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, as if waiting more to accomplish the surprise. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Edmund wants her to go. But how can I spare her? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She will be late, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, taking out his watch; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but what is your difficulty? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund found himself obliged to speak and fill up the blanks in his mother's story. He told the whole; and she had only to add, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So strange! for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant never used to ask her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But is it not very natural, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset observed Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant should wish to procure so agreeable a visitor for her sister? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nothing can be more natural, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, after a short deliberation; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset nor, were there no sister in the case, could anything, in my opinion, be more natural. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's shewing civility to Miss Price, to Lady Bertram's niece, could never want explanation. The only surprise I can feel is, that this should be the \shape italic first \shape default time of its being paid. Fanny was perfectly right in giving only a conditional answer. She appears to feel as she ought. But as I conclude that she must wish to go, since all young people like to be together, I can see no reason why she should be denied the indulgence. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But can I do without her, Sir Thomas? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed I think you may. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She always makes tea, you know, when my sister is not here. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Your sister, perhaps, may be prevailed on to spend the day with us, and I shall certainly be at home. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very well, then, Fanny may go, Edmund. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The good news soon followed her. Edmund knocked at her door in his way to his own. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Fanny, it is all happily settled, and without the smallest hesitation on your uncle's side. He had but one opinion. You are to go. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Thank you, I am \shape italic so \shape default glad, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Fanny's instinctive reply; though when she had turned from him and shut the door, she could not help feeling, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And yet why should I be glad? for am I not certain of seeing or hearing something there to pain me? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard In spite of this conviction, however, she was glad. Simple as such an engagement might appear in other eyes, it had novelty and importance in hers, for excepting the day at Sotherton, she had scarcely ever dined out before; and though now going only half a mile, and only to three people, still it was dining out, and all the little interests of preparation were enjoyments in themselves. She had neither sympathy nor assistance from those who ought to have entered into her feelings and directed her taste; for Lady Bertram never thought of being useful to anybody, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, when she came on the morrow, in consequence of an early call and invitation from Sir Thomas, was in a very ill humour, and seemed intent only on lessening her niece's pleasure, both present and future, as much as possible. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Upon my word, Fanny, you are in high luck to meet with such attention and indulgence! You ought to be very much obliged to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant for thinking of you, and to your aunt for letting you go, and you ought to look upon it as something extraordinary; for I hope you are aware that there is no real occasion for your going into company in this sort of way, or ever dining out at all; and it is what you must not depend upon ever being repeated. Nor must you be fancying that the invitation is meant as any particular compliment to \shape italic you \shape default ; the compliment is intended to your uncle and aunt and me. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant thinks it a civility due to \shape italic us \shape default to take a little notice of you, or else it would never have come into her head, and you may be very certain that, if your cousin Julia had been at home, you would not have been asked at all. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had now so ingeniously done away all Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's part of the favour, that Fanny, who found herself expected to speak, could only say that she was very much obliged to her aunt Bertram for sparing her, and that she was endeavouring to put her aunt's evening work in such a state as to prevent her being missed. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! depend upon it, your aunt can do very well without you, or you would not be allowed to go. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic I \shape default shall be here, so you may be quite easy about your aunt. And I hope you will have a very \shape italic agreeable \shape default day, and find it all mighty \shape italic delightful \shape default . But I must observe that five is the very awkwardest of all possible numbers to sit down to table; and I cannot but be surprised that such an \shape italic elegant \shape default lady as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant should not contrive better! And round their enormous great wide table, too, which fills up the room so dreadfully! Had the doctor been contented to take my dining-table when I came away, as anybody in their senses would have done, instead of having that absurd new one of his own, which is wider, literally wider than the dinner-table here, how infinitely better it would have been! and how much more he would have been respected! for people are never respected when they step out of their proper sphere. Remember that, Fanny. Five--only five to be sitting round that table. However, you will have dinner enough on it for ten, I dare say. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris fetched breath, and went on again. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The nonsense and folly of people's stepping out of their rank and trying to appear above themselves, makes me think it right to give \shape italic you \shape default a hint, Fanny, now that you are going into company without any of us; and I do beseech and entreat you not to be putting yourself forward, and talking and giving your opinion as if you were one of your cousins--as if you were dear Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth or Julia. \shape italic That \shape default will never do, believe me. Remember, wherever you are, you must be the lowest and last; and though Miss Crawford is in a manner at home at the Parsonage, you are not to be taking place of her. And as to coming away at night, you are to stay just as long as Edmund chuses. Leave him to settle \shape italic that \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, ma'am, I should not think of anything else. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And if it should rain, which I think exceedingly likely, for I never saw it more threatening for a wet evening in my life, you must manage as well as you can, and not be expecting the carriage to be sent for you. I certainly do not go home to-night, and, therefore, the carriage will not be out on my account; so you must make up your mind to what may happen, and take your things accordingly. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her niece thought it perfectly reasonable. She rated her own claims to comfort as low even as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could; and when Sir Thomas soon afterwards, just opening the door, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny, at what time would you have the carriage come round? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she felt a degree of astonishment which made it impossible for her to speak. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Sir Thomas! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, red with anger, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny can walk. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Walk! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset repeated Sir Thomas, in a tone of most unanswerable dignity, and coming farther into the room. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My niece walk to a dinner engagement at this time of the year! Will twenty minutes after four suit you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Fanny's humble answer, given with the feelings almost of a criminal towards Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris; and not bearing to remain with her in what might seem a state of triumph, she followed her uncle out of the room, having staid behind him only long enough to hear these words spoken in angry agitation-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Quite unnecessary! a great deal too kind! But Edmund goes; true, it is upon Edmund's account. I observed he was hoarse on Thursday night. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard But this could not impose on Fanny. She felt that the carriage was for herself, and herself alone: and her uncle's consideration of her, coming immediately after such representations from her aunt, cost her some tears of gratitude when she was alone. \layout Standard The coachman drove round to a minute; another minute brought down the gentleman; and as the lady had, with a most scrupulous fear of being late, been many minutes seated in the drawing-room, Sir Thomas saw them off in as good time as his own correctly punctual habits required. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now I must look at you, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, with the kind smile of an affectionate brother, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and tell you how I like you; and as well as I can judge by this light, you look very nicely indeed. What have you got on? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The new dress that my uncle was so good as to give me on my cousin's marriage. I hope it is not too fine; but I thought I ought to wear it as soon as I could, and that I might not have such another opportunity all the winter. I hope you do not think me too fine. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A woman can never be too fine while she is all in white. No, I see no finery about you; nothing but what is perfectly proper. Your gown seems very pretty. I like these glossy spots. Has not Miss Crawford a gown something the same? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard In approaching the Parsonage they passed close by the stable-yard and coach-hous e. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Heyday! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset here's company, here's a carriage! who have they got to meet us? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And letting down the side-glass to distinguish, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset 'Tis Crawford's, Crawford's barouche, I protest! There are his own two men pushing it back into its old quarters. He is here, of course. This is quite a surprise, Fanny. I shall be very glad to see him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard There was no occasion, there was no time for Fanny to say how very differently she felt; but the idea of having such another to observe her was a great increase of the trepidation with which she performed the very awful ceremony of walking into the drawing-room. \layout Standard In the drawing-room Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford certainly was, having been just long enough arrived to be ready for dinner; and the smiles and pleased looks of the three others standing round him, shewed how welcome was his sudden resolution of coming to them for a few days on leaving Bath. A very cordial meeting passed between him and Edmund; and with the exception of Fanny, the pleasure was general; and even to \shape italic her \shape default there might be some advantage in his presence, since every addition to the party must rather forward her favourite indulgence of being suffered to sit silent and unattended to. She was soon aware of this herself; for though she must submit, as her own propriety of mind directed, in spite of her aunt Norris's opinion, to being the principal lady in company, and to all the little distinctions consequent thereon, she found, while they were at table, such a happy flow of conversation prevailing, in which she was not required to take any part--the re was so much to be said between the brother and sister about Bath, so much between the two young men about hunting, so much of politics between Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, and of everything and all together between Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, as to leave her the fairest prospect of having only to listen in quiet, and of passing a very agreeable day. She could not compliment the newly arrived gentleman, however, with any appearance of interest, in a scheme for extending his stay at Mansfield, and sending for his hunters from Norfolk, which, suggested by Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, advised by Edmund, and warmly urged by the two sisters, was soon in possession of his mind, and which he seemed to want to be encouraged even by her to resolve on. Her opinion was sought as to the probable continuance of the open weather, but her answers were as short and indifferent as civility allowed. She could not wish him to stay, and would much rather not have him speak to her. \layout Standard Her two absent cousins, especially Maria, were much in her thoughts on seeing him; but no embarrassing remembrance affected \shape italic his \shape default spirits. Here he was again on the same ground where all had passed before, and apparentl y as willing to stay and be happy without the Miss Bertrams, as if he had never known Mansfield in any other state. She heard them spoken of by him only in a general way, till they were all re-assembled in the drawing-room, when Edmund, being engaged apart in some matter of business with Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, which seemed entirely to engross them, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant occupied at the tea-table, he began talking of them with more particularit y to his other sister. With a significant smile, which made Fanny quite hate him, he said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So! Rushworth and his fair bride are at Brighton, I understand; happy man! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, they have been there about a fortnight, Miss Price, have they not? And Julia is with them. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, I presume, is not far off. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates! Oh! we hear nothing of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates. I do not imagine he figures much in the letters to Mansfield Park; do you, Miss Price? I think my friend Julia knows better than to entertain her father with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Poor Rushworth and his two-and-forty speeches! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Crawford. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nobody can ever forget them. Poor fellow! I see him now--his toil and his despair. Well, I am much mistaken if his lovely Maria will ever want him to make two-and-forty speeches to her \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; adding, with a momentary seriousness, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She is too good for him--much too good. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And then changing his tone again to one of gentle gallantry, and addressing Fanny, he said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You were Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's best friend. Your kindness and patience can never be forgotten, your indefatigable patience in trying to make it possible for him to learn his part--in trying to give him a brain which nature had denied--to mix up an understanding for him out of the superfluity of your own! \shape italic He \shape default might not have sense enough himself to estimate your kindness, but I may venture to say that it had honour from all the rest of the party. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny coloured, and said nothing. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is as a dream, a pleasant dream! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he exclaimed, breaking forth again, after a few minutes' musing. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall always look back on our theatricals with exquisite pleasure. There was such an interest, such an animation, such a spirit diffused. Everybody felt it. We were all alive. There was employment, hope, solicitude, bustle, for every hour of the day. Always some little objection, some little doubt, some little anxiety to be got over. I never was happier. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard With silent indignation Fanny repeated to herself, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Never happier!--never happier than when doing what you must know was not justifiable!--never happier than when behaving so dishonourably and unfeelingly ! Oh! what a corrupted mind! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We were unlucky, Miss Price, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he continued, in a lower tone, to avoid the possibility of being heard by Edmund, and not at all aware of her feelings, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we certainly were very unlucky. Another week, only one other week, would have been enough for us. I think if we had had the disposal of events--if Mansfield Park had had the government of the winds just for a week or two, about the equinox, there would have been a difference. Not that we would have endangered his safety by any tremendous weather--but only by a steady contrary wind, or a calm. I think, Miss Price, we would have indulged ourselves with a week's calm in the Atlantic at that season. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He seemed determined to be answered; and Fanny, averting her face, said, with a firmer tone than usual, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As far as \shape italic I \shape default am concerned, sir, I would not have delayed his return for a day. My uncle disapproved it all so entirely when he did arrive, that in my opinion everything had gone quite far enough. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She had never spoken so much at once to him in her life before, and never so angrily to any one; and when her speech was over, she trembled and blushed at her own daring. He was surprised; but after a few moments' silent consideration of her, replied in a calmer, graver tone, and as if the candid result of conviction, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I believe you are right. It was more pleasant than prudent. We were getting too noisy. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And then turning the conversation, he would have engaged her on some other subject, but her answers were so shy and reluctant that he could not advance in any. \layout Standard Miss Crawford, who had been repeatedly eyeing Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and Edmund, now observed, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Those gentlemen must have some very interesting point to discuss. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The most interesting in the world, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied her brother-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how to make money; how to turn a good income into a better. Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant is giving Bertram instructions about the living he is to step into so soon. I find he takes orders in a few weeks. They were at it in the dining-parlour. I am glad to hear Bertram will be so well off. He will have a very pretty income to make ducks and drakes with, and earned without much trouble. I apprehend he will not have less than seven hundred a year. Seven hundred a year is a fine thing for a younger brother; and as of course he will still live at home, it will be all for his \shape italic menus \shape default \shape italic plaisirs \shape default ; and a sermon at Christmas and Easter, I suppose, will be the sum total of sacrifice. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard His sister tried to laugh off her feelings by saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nothing amuses me more than the easy manner with which everybody settles the abundance of those who have a great deal less than themselves. You would look rather blank, Henry, if your \shape italic menus \shape default \shape italic plaisirs \shape default were to be limited to seven hundred a year. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Perhaps I might; but all \shape italic that \shape default you know is entirely comparative. Birthright and habit must settle the business. Bertram is certainly well off for a cadet of even a baronet's family. By the time he is four or five and twenty he will have seven hundred a year, and nothing to do for it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford \shape italic could \shape default have said that there would be a something to do and to suffer for it, which she could not think lightly of; but she checked herself and let it pass; and tried to look calm and unconcerned when the two gentlemen shortly afterward s joined them. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Henry Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall make a point of coming to Mansfield to hear you preach your first sermon. I shall come on purpose to encourage a young beginner. When is it to be? Miss Price, will not you join me in encouraging your cousin? Will not you engage to attend with your eyes steadily fixed on him the whole time--as I shall do--not to lose a word; or only looking off just to note down any sentence preeminently beautiful? We will provide ourselves with tablets and a pencil. When will it be? You must preach at Mansfield, you know, that Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram may hear you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall keep clear of you, Crawford, as long as I can, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for you would be more likely to disconcert me, and I should be more sorry to see you trying at it than almost any other man. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Will he not feel this? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset thought Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, he can feel nothing as he ought. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The party being now all united, and the chief talkers attracting each other, she remained in tranquillity; and as a whist-table was formed after tea--formed really for the amusement of Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, by his attentive wife, though it was not to be supposed so--and Miss Crawford took her harp, she had nothing to do but to listen; and her tranquilli ty remained undisturbed the rest of the evening, except when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford now and then addressed to her a question or observation, which she could not avoid answering. Miss Crawford was too much vexed by what had passed to be in a humour for anything but music. With that she soothed herself and amused her friend. \layout Standard The assurance of Edmund's being so soon to take orders, coming upon her like a blow that had been suspended, and still hoped uncertain and at a distance, was felt with resentment and mortification. She was very angry with him. She had thought her influence more. She \shape italic had \shape default begun to think of him; she felt that she had, with great regard, with almost decided intentions; but she would now meet him with his own cool feelings. It was plain that he could have no serious views, no true attachment, by fixing himself in a situation which he must know she would never stoop to. She would learn to match him in his indifference. She would henceforth admit his attentions without any idea beyond immediate amusement. If \shape italic he \shape default could so command his affections, \shape italic hers \shape default should do her no harm. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXIV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Henry Crawford had quite made up his mind by the next morning to give another fortnight to Mansfield, and having sent for his hunters, and written a few lines of explanation to the Admiral, he looked round at his sister as he sealed and threw the letter from him, and seeing the coast clear of the rest of the family, said, with a smile, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And how do you think I mean to amuse myself, Mary, on the days that I do not hunt? I am grown too old to go out more than three times a week; but I have a plan for the intermediate days, and what do you think it is? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To walk and ride with me, to be sure. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not exactly, though I shall be happy to do both, but \shape italic that \shape default would be exercise only to my body, and I must take care of my mind. Besides, \shape italic that \shape default would be all recreation and indulgence, without the wholesome alloy of labour, and I do not like to eat the bread of idleness. No, my plan is to make Fanny Price in love with me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny Price! Nonsense! No, no. You ought to be satisfied with her two cousins. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But I cannot be satisfied without Fanny Price, without making a small hole in Fanny Price's heart. You do not seem properly aware of her claims to notice. When we talked of her last night, you none of you seemed sensible of the wonderful improvement that has taken place in her looks within the last six weeks. You see her every day, and therefore do not notice it; but I assure you she is quite a different creature from what she was in the autumn. She was then merely a quiet, modest, not plain-looking girl, but she is now absolutely pretty. I used to think she had neither complexion nor countenance; but in that soft skin of hers, so frequently tinged with a blush as it was yesterday, there is decided beauty; and from what I observed of her eyes and mouth, I do not despair of their being capable of expression enough when she has anything to express. And then, her air, her manner, her \shape italic tout \shape default \shape italic ensemble \shape default , is so indescribably improved! She must be grown two inches, at least, since October. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Phoo! phoo! This is only because there were no tall women to compare her with, and because she has got a new gown, and you never saw her so well dressed before. She is just what she was in October, believe me. The truth is, that she was the only girl in company for you to notice, and you must have a somebody. I have always thought her pretty--not strikingly pretty--but `pretty enough,' as people say; a sort of beauty that grows on one. Her eyes should be darker, but she has a sweet smile; but as for this wonderful degree of improvement, I am sure it may all be resolved into a better style of dress, and your having nobody else to look at; and therefore, if you do set about a flirtation with her, you never will persuade me that it is in compliment to her beauty, or that it proceeds from anything but your own idleness and folly. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her brother gave only a smile to this accusation, and soon afterwards said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not quite know what to make of Miss Fanny. I do not understand her. I could not tell what she would be at yesterday. What is her character? Is she solemn? Is she queer? Is she prudish? Why did she draw back and look so grave at me? I could hardly get her to speak. I never was so long in company with a girl in my life, trying to entertain her, and succeed so ill! Never met with a girl who looked so grave on me! I must try to get the better of this. Her looks say, `I will not like you, I am determined not to like you'; and I say she shall. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Foolish fellow! And so this is her attraction after all! This it is, her not caring about you, which gives her such a soft skin, and makes her so much taller, and produces all these charms and graces! I do desire that you will not be making her really unhappy; a \shape italic little \shape default love, perhaps, may animate and do her good, but I will not have you plunge her deep, for she is as good a little creature as ever lived, and has a great deal of feeling. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It can be but for a fortnight, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Henry; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and if a fortnight can kill her, she must have a constitution which nothing could save. No, I will not do her any harm, dear little soul! only want her to look kindly on me, to give me smiles as well as blushes, to keep a chair for me by herself wherever we are, and be all animation when I take it and talk to her; to think as I think, be interested in all my possessions and pleasures, try to keep me longer at Mansfield, and feel when I go away that she shall be never happy again. I want nothing more. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Moderation itself! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mary. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I can have no scruples now. Well, you will have opportunities enough of endeavouring to recommend yourself, for we are a great deal together. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard And without attempting any farther remonstrance, she left Fanny to her fate, a fate which, had not Fanny's heart been guarded in a way unsuspected by Miss Crawford, might have been a little harder than she deserved; for although there doubtless are such unconquerable young ladies of eighteen (or one should not read about them) as are never to be persuaded into love against their judgment by all that talent, manner, attention, and flattery can do, I have no inclination to believe Fanny one of them, or to think that with so much tenderness of disposition, and so much taste as belonged to her, she could have escaped heart-whole from the courtship (though the courtship only of a fortnight) of such a man as Crawford, in spite of there being some previous ill opinion of him to be overcome, had not her affection been engaged elsewhere. With all the security which love of another and disesteem of him could give to the peace of mind he was attacking, his continued attentions--continued , but not obtrusive, and adapting themselves more and more to the gentleness and delicacy of her character--obliged her very soon to dislike him less than formerly. She had by no means forgotten the past, and she thought as ill of him as ever; but she felt his powers: he was entertaining; and his manners were so improved, so polite, so seriously and blamelessly polite, that it was impossible not to be civil to him in return. \layout Standard A very few days were enough to effect this; and at the end of those few days, circumstances arose which had a tendency rather to forward his views of pleasing her, inasmuch as they gave her a degree of happiness which must dispose her to be pleased with everybody. William, her brother, the so long absent and dearly loved brother, was in England again. She had a letter from him herself, a few hurried happy lines, written as the ship came up Channel, and sent into Portsmouth with the first boat that left the Antwerp at anchor in Spithead; and when Crawford walked up with the newspaper in his hand, which he had hoped would bring the first tidings, he found her trembling with joy over this letter, and listening with a glowing, grateful countenance to the kind invitation which her uncle was most collectedly dictating in reply. \layout Standard It was but the day before that Crawford had made himself thoroughly master of the subject, or had in fact become at all aware of her having such a brother, or his being in such a ship, but the interest then excited had been very properly lively, determining him on his return to town to apply for information as to the probable period of the Antwerp's return from the Mediterranean, \shape italic etc \shape default .; and the good luck which attended his early examination of ship news the next morning seemed the reward of his ingenuity in finding out such a method of pleasing her, as well as of his dutiful attention to the Admiral, in having for many years taken in the paper esteemed to have the earliest naval intelligence. He proved, however, to be too late. All those fine first feelings, of which he had hoped to be the exciter, were already given. But his intention, the kindness of his intention, was thankfully acknowledged: quite thankfully and warmly, for she was elevated beyond the common timidity of her mind by the flow of her love for William. \layout Standard This dear William would soon be amongst them. There could be no doubt of his obtaining leave of absence immediately, for he was still only a midshipman; and as his parents, from living on the spot, must already have seen him, and be seeing him perhaps daily, his direct holidays might with justice be instantly given to the sister, who had been his best correspondent through a period of seven years, and the uncle who had done most for his support and advancement; and accordingly the reply to her reply, fixing a very early day for his arrival, came as soon as possible; and scarcely ten days had passed since Fanny had been in the agitation of her first dinner-visit, when she found herself in an agitation of a higher nature, watching in the hall, in the lobby, on the stairs, for the first sound of the carriage which was to bring her a brother. \layout Standard It came happily while she was thus waiting; and there being neither ceremony nor fearfulness to delay the moment of meeting, she was with him as he entered the house, and the first minutes of exquisite feeling had no interrupti on and no witnesses, unless the servants chiefly intent upon opening the proper doors could be called such. This was exactly what Sir Thomas and Edmund had been separately conniving at, as each proved to the other by the sympathetic alacrity with which they both advised Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's continuing where she was, instead of rushing out into the hall as soon as the noises of the arrival reached them. \layout Standard William and Fanny soon shewed themselves; and Sir Thomas had the pleasure of receiving, in his protege, certainly a very different person from the one he had equipped seven years ago, but a young man of an open, pleasant countenance, and frank, unstudied, but feeling and respectful manners, and such as confirmed him his friend. \layout Standard It was long before Fanny could recover from the agitating happiness of such an hour as was formed by the last thirty minutes of expectation, and the first of fruition; it was some time even before her happiness could be said to make her happy, before the disappointment inseparable from the alteration of person had vanished, and she could see in him the same William as before, and talk to him, as her heart had been yearning to do through many a past year. That time, however, did gradually come, forwarded by an affection on his side as warm as her own, and much less encumbered by refinement or self-distrus t. She was the first object of his love, but it was a love which his stronger spirits, and bolder temper, made it as natural for him to express as to feel. On the morrow they were walking about together with true enjoyment, and every succeeding morrow renewed a \shape italic tete-a-tete \shape default which Sir Thomas could not but observe with complacency, even before Edmund had pointed it out to him. \layout Standard Excepting the moments of peculiar delight, which any marked or unlooked-for instance of Edmund's consideration of her in the last few months had excited, Fanny had never known so much felicity in her life, as in this unchecked, equal, fearless intercourse with the brother and friend who was opening all his heart to her, telling her all his hopes and fears, plans, and solicitud es respecting that long thought of, dearly earned, and justly valued blessing of promotion; who could give her direct and minute information of the father and mother, brothers and sisters, of whom she very seldom heard; who was interested in all the comforts and all the little hardships of her home at Mansfield; ready to think of every member of that home as she directed, or differing only by a less scrupulous opinion, and more noisy abuse of their aunt Norris, and with whom (perhaps the dearest indulgence of the whole) all the evil and good of their earliest years could be gone over again, and every former united pain and pleasure retraced with the fondest recollection. An advantage this, a strengthener of love, in which even the conjugal tie is beneath the fraternal. Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connexions can supply; and it must be by a long and unnatural estrangement, by a divorce which no subsequent connexion can justify, if such precious remains of the earliest attachments are ever entirely outlived. Too often, alas! it is so. Fraternal love, sometimes almost everything, is at others worse than nothing. But with William and Fanny Price it was still a sentiment in all its prime and freshness, wounded by no opposition of interest, cooled by no separate attachment, and feeling the influence of time and absence only in its increase. \layout Standard An affection so amiable was advancing each in the opinion of all who had hearts to value anything good. Henry Crawford was as much struck with it as any. He honoured the warm-hearted, blunt fondness of the young sailor, which led him to say, with his hands stretched towards Fanny's head, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you know, I begin to like that queer fashion already, though when I first heard of such things being done in England, I could not believe it; and when Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Brown, and the other women at the Commissioner's at Gibraltar, appeared in the same trim, I thought they were mad; but Fanny can reconcile me to anything \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and saw, with lively admiration, the glow of Fanny's cheek, the brightness of her eye, the deep interest, the absorbed attention, while her brother was describing any of the imminent hazards, or terrific scenes, which such a period at sea must supply. \layout Standard It was a picture which Henry Crawford had moral taste enough to value. Fanny's attractions increased--increased twofold; for the sensibility which beautified her complexion and illumined her countenance was an attraction in itself. He was no longer in doubt of the capabilities of her heart. She had feeling, genuine feeling. It would be something to be loved by such a girl, to excite the first ardours of her young unsophisticated mind! She interested him more than he had foreseen. A fortnight was not enough. His stay became indefinite. \layout Standard William was often called on by his uncle to be the talker. His recitals were amusing in themselves to Sir Thomas, but the chief object in seeking them was to understand the reciter, to know the young man by his histories; and he listened to his clear, simple, spirited details with full satisfaction, seeing in them the proof of good principles, professional knowledge, energy, courage, and cheerfulness, everything that could deserve or promise well. Young as he was, William had already seen a great deal. He had been in the Mediterranean; in the West Indies; in the Mediterranean again; had been often taken on shore by the favour of his captain, and in the course of seven years had known every variety of danger which sea and war together could offer. With such means in his power he had a right to be listened to; and though Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris could fidget about the room, and disturb everybody in quest of two needlefuls of thread or a second-hand shirt button, in the midst of her nephew's account of a shipwreck or an engagement, everybody else was attentive; and even Lady Bertram could not hear of such horrors unmoved, or without sometimes lifting her eyes from her work to say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dear me! how disagreeable! I wonder anybody can ever go to sea. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard To Henry Crawford they gave a different feeling. He longed to have been at sea, and seen and done and suffered as much. His heart was warmed, his fancy fired, and he felt the highest respect for a lad who, before he was twenty, had gone through such bodily hardships and given such proofs of mind. The glory of heroism, of usefulness, of exertion, of endurance, made his own habits of selfish indulgence appear in shameful contrast; and he wished he had been a William Price, distinguishing himself and working his way to fortune and consequence with so much self-respect and happy ardour, instead of what he was! \layout Standard The wish was rather eager than lasting. He was roused from the reverie of retrospection and regret produced by it, by some inquiry from Edmund as to his plans for the next day's hunting; and he found it was as well to be a man of fortune at once with horses and grooms at his command. In one respect it was better, as it gave him the means of conferring a kindness where he wished to oblige. With spirits, courage, and curiosity up to anything, William expressed an inclination to hunt; and Crawford could mount him without the slightest inconvenience to himself, and with only some scruples to obviate in Sir Thomas, who knew better than his nephew the value of such a loan, and some alarms to reason away in Fanny. She feared for William; by no means convinced by all that he could relate of his own horsemanship in various countries, of the scrambling parties in which he had been engaged, the rough horses and mules he had ridden, or his many narrow escapes from dreadful falls, that he was at all equal to the management of a high-fed hunter in an English fox-chase; nor till he returned safe and well, without accident or discredit, could she be reconciled to the risk, or feel any of that obligation to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford for lending the horse which he had fully intended it should produce. When it was proved, however, to have done William no harm, she could allow it to be a kindness, and even reward the owner with a smile when the animal was one minute tendered to his use again; and the next, with the greatest cordiality, and in a manner not to be resisted, made over to his use entirely so long as he remained in Northamptonshire. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The intercourse of the two families was at this period more nearly restored to what it had been in the autumn, than any member of the old intimacy had thought ever likely to be again. The return of Henry Crawford, and the arrival of William Price, had much to do with it, but much was still owing to Sir Thomas's more than toleration of the neighbourly attempts at the Parsonage. His mind, now disengaged from the cares which had pressed on him at first, was at leisure to find the Grants and their young inmates really worth visiting; and though infinitely above scheming or contriving for any the most advantageous matrimonial establishment that could be among the apparent possibilities of any one most dear to him, and disdaining even as a littleness the being quick-sighted on such points, he could not avoid perceiving, in a grand and careless way, that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was somewhat distinguishing his niece--nor perhaps refrain (though unconsciously) from giving a more willing assent to invitations on that account. \layout Standard His readiness, however, in agreeing to dine at the Parsonage, when the general invitation was at last hazarded, after many debates and many doubts as to whether it were worth while, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset because Sir Thomas seemed so ill inclined, and Lady Bertram was so indolent! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset proceeded from good-breeding and goodwill alone, and had nothing to do with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, but as being one in an agreeable group: for it was in the course of that very visit that he first began to think that any one in the habit of such idle observations \shape italic would \shape default \shape italic have \shape default \shape italic thought \shape default that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was the admirer of Fanny Price. \layout Standard The meeting was generally felt to be a pleasant one, being composed in a good proportion of those who would talk and those who would listen; and the dinner itself was elegant and plentiful, according to the usual style of the Grants, and too much according to the usual habits of all to raise any emotion except in Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, who could never behold either the wide table or the number of dishes on it with patience, and who did always contrive to experience some evil from the passing of the servants behind her chair, and to bring away some fresh conviction of its being impossible among so many dishes but that some must be cold. \layout Standard In the evening it was found, according to the predetermination of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and her sister, that after making up the whist-table there would remain sufficient for a round game, and everybody being as perfectly complying and without a choice as on such occasions they always are, speculation was decided on almost as soon as whist; and Lady Bertram soon found herself in the critical situation of being applied to for her own choice between the games, and being required either to draw a card for whist or not. She hesitated. Luckily Sir Thomas was at hand. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What shall I do, Sir Thomas? Whist and speculation; which will amuse me most? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas, after a moment's thought, recommended speculation. He was a whist player himself, and perhaps might feel that it would not much amuse him to have her for a partner. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was her ladyship's contented answer; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset then speculation, if you please, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. I know nothing about it, but Fanny must teach me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Here Fanny interposed, however, with anxious protestations of her own equal ignorance; she had never played the game nor seen it played in her life; and Lady Bertram felt a moment's indecision again; but upon everybody's assuring her that nothing could be so easy, that it was the easiest game on the cards, and Henry Crawford's stepping forward with a most earnest request to be allowed to sit between her ladyship and Miss Price, and teach them both, it was so settled; and Sir Thomas, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant being seated at the table of prime intellectual state and dignity, the remaining six, under Miss Crawford's direction, were arranged round the other. It was a fine arrangement for Henry Crawford, who was close to Fanny, and with his hands full of business, having two persons' cards to manage as well as his own; for though it was impossible for Fanny not to feel herself mistress of the rules of the game in three minutes, he had yet to inspirit her play, sharpen her avarice, and harden her heart, which, especially in any competition with William, was a work of some difficulty; and as for Lady Bertram, he must continue in charge of all her fame and fortune through the whole evening; and if quick enough to keep her from looking at her cards when the deal began, must direct her in whatever was to be done with them to the end of it. \layout Standard He was in high spirits, doing everything with happy ease, and preeminent in all the lively turns, quick resources, and playful impudence that could do honour to the game; and the round table was altogether a very comfortable contrast to the steady sobriety and orderly silence of the other. \layout Standard Twice had Sir Thomas inquired into the enjoyment and success of his lady, but in vain; no pause was long enough for the time his measured manner needed; and very little of her state could be known till Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant was able, at the end of the first rubber, to go to her and pay her compliments. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I hope your ladyship is pleased with the game. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh dear, yes! very entertaining indeed. A very odd game. I do not know what it is all about. I am never to see my cards; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford does all the rest. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Crawford, some time afterwards, taking the opportunity of a little languor in the game, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have never told you what happened to me yesterday in my ride home. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset They had been hunting together, and were in the midst of a good run, and at some distance from Mansfield, when his horse being found to have flung a shoe, Henry Crawford had been obliged to give up, and make the best of his way back. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I told you I lost my way after passing that old farmhouse with the yew-trees, because I can never bear to ask; but I have not told you that, with my usual luck--for I never do wrong without gaining by it--I found myself in due time in the very place which I had a curiosity to see. I was suddenly, upon turning the corner of a steepish downy field, in the midst of a retired little village between gently rising hills; a small stream before me to be forded, a church standing on a sort of knoll to my right--which church was strikingly large and handsome for the place, and not a gentleman or half a gentleman's house to be seen excepting one--to be presumed the Parsonage--within a stone's throw of the said knoll and church. I found myself, in short, in Thornton Lacey. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It sounds like it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but which way did you turn after passing Sewell's farm? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I answer no such irrelevant and insidious questions; though were I to answer all that you could put in the course of an hour, you would never be able to prove that it was \shape italic not \shape default Thornton Lacey--for such it certainly was. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You inquired, then? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, I never inquire. But I \shape italic told \shape default a man mending a hedge that it was Thornton Lacey, and he agreed to it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You have a good memory. I had forgotten having ever told you half so much of the place. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Thornton Lacey was the name of his impending living, as Miss Crawford well knew; and her interest in a negotiation for William Price's knave increased. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and how did you like what you saw? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very much indeed. You are a lucky fellow. There will be work for five summers at least before the place is liveable. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, no, not so bad as that. The farmyard must be moved, I grant you; but I am not aware of anything else. The house is by no means bad, and when the yard is removed, there may be a very tolerable approach to it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The farmyard must be cleared away entirely, and planted up to shut out the blacksmith's shop. The house must be turned to front the east instead of the north--the entrance and principal rooms, I mean, must be on that side, where the view is really very pretty; I am sure it may be done. And \shape italic there \shape default must be your approach, through what is at present the garden. You must make a new garden at what is now the back of the house; which will be giving it the best aspect in the world, sloping to the south-east. The ground seems precisely formed for it. I rode fifty yards up the lane, between the church and the house, in order to look about me; and saw how it might all be. Nothing can be easier. The meadows beyond what \shape italic will \shape default \shape italic be \shape default the garden, as well as what now \shape italic is \shape default , sweeping round from the lane I stood in to the north-east, that is, to the principal road through the village, must be all laid together, of course; very pretty meadows they are, finely sprinkled with timber. They belong to the living, I suppose; if not, you must purchase them. Then the stream--something must be done with the stream; but I could not quite determine what. I had two or three ideas. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And I have two or three ideas also, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and one of them is, that very little of your plan for Thornton Lacey will ever be put in practice. I must be satisfied with rather less ornament and beauty. I think the house and premises may be made comfortable, and given the air of a gentleman's residence, without any very heavy expense, and that must suffice me; and, I hope, may suffice all who care about me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford, a little suspicious and resentful of a certain tone of voice, and a certain half-look attending the last expression of his hope, made a hasty finish of her dealings with William Price; and securing his knave at an exorbitant rate, exclaimed, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There, I will stake my last like a woman of spirit. No cold prudence for me. I am not born to sit still and do nothing. If I lose the game, it shall not be from not striving for it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The game was hers, and only did not pay her for what she had given to secure it. Another deal proceeded, and Crawford began again about Thornton Lacey. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My plan may not be the best possible: I had not many minutes to form it in; but you must do a good deal. The place deserves it, and you will find yourself not satisfied with much less than it is capable of. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset (Excuse me, your ladyship must not see your cards. There, let them lie just before you.) The place deserves it, Bertram. You talk of giving it the air of a gentleman's residence. \shape italic That \shape default will be done by the removal of the farmyard; for, independent of that terrible nuisance, I never saw a house of the kind which had in itself so much the air of a gentleman's residence, so much the look of a something above a mere parsonage-house--above the expenditure of a few hundreds a year. It is not a scrambling collection of low single rooms, with as many roofs as windows; it is not cramped into the vulgar compactness of a square farmhouse : it is a solid, roomy, mansion-like looking house, such as one might suppose a respectable old country family had lived in from generation to generation, through two centuries at least, and were now spending from two to three thousand a year in. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Miss Crawford listened, and Edmund agreed to this. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The air of a gentleman's residence, therefore, you cannot but give it, if you do anything. But it is capable of much more. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset (Let me see, Mary; Lady Bertram bids a dozen for that queen; no, no, a dozen is more than it is worth. Lady Bertram does not bid a dozen. She will have nothing to say to it. Go on, go on.) By some such improvements as I have suggested (I do not really require you to proceed upon my plan, though, by the bye, I doubt anybody's striking out a better) you may give it a higher character. You may raise it into a \shape italic place \shape default . From being the mere gentleman's residence, it becomes, by judicious improvement , the residence of a man of education, taste, modern manners, good connexions. All this may be stamped on it; and that house receive such an air as to make its owner be set down as the great landholder of the parish by every creature travelling the road; especially as there is no real squire's house to dispute the point--a circumstance, between ourselves, to enhance the value of such a situation in point of privilege and independence beyond all calculation. \shape italic You \shape default think with me, I hope \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (turning with a softened voice to Fanny). \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have you ever seen the place? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny gave a quick negative, and tried to hide her interest in the subject by an eager attention to her brother, who was driving as hard a bargain, and imposing on her as much as he could; but Crawford pursued with \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, no, you must not part with the queen. You have bought her too dearly, and your brother does not offer half her value. No, no, sir, hands off, hands off. Your sister does not part with the queen. She is quite determined. The game will be yours, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset turning to her again; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it will certainly be yours. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And Fanny had much rather it were William's, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, smiling at her. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Poor Fanny! not allowed to cheat herself as she wishes! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, a few minutes afterwards, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you know Henry to be such a capital improver, that you cannot possibly engage in anything of the sort at Thornton Lacey without accepting his help. Only think how useful he was at Sotherton! Only think what grand things were produced there by our all going with him one hot day in August to drive about the grounds, and see his genius take fire. There we went, and there we came home again; and what was done there is not to be told! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's eyes were turned on Crawford for a moment with an expression more than grave--even reproachful; but on catching his, were instantly withdrawn. With something of consciousness he shook his head at his sister, and laughingly replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot say there was much done at Sotherton; but it was a hot day, and we were all walking after each other, and bewildered. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset As soon as a general buzz gave him shelter, he added, in a low voice, directed solely at Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should be sorry to have my powers of \shape italic planning \shape default judged of by the day at Sotherton. I see things very differently now. Do not think of me as I appeared then. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sotherton was a word to catch Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, and being just then in the happy leisure which followed securing the odd trick by Sir Thomas's capital play and her own against Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's great hands, she called out, in high good-humour, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sotherton! Yes, that is a place, indeed, and we had a charming day there. William, you are quite out of luck; but the next time you come, I hope dear Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth will be at home, and I am sure I can answer for your being kindly received by both. Your cousins are not of a sort to forget their relations, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth is a most amiable man. They are at Brighton now, you know; in one of the best houses there, as Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's fine fortune gives them a right to be. I do not exactly know the distance, but when you get back to Portsmouth, if it is not very far off, you ought to go over and pay your respects to them; and I could send a little parcel by you that I want to get conveyed to your cousins. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should be very happy, aunt; but Brighton is almost by Beachey Head; and if I could get so far, I could not expect to be welcome in such a smart place as that--poor scrubby midshipman as I am. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was beginning an eager assurance of the affability he might depend on, when she was stopped by Sir Thomas's saying with authority, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not advise your going to Brighton, William, as I trust you may soon have more convenient opportunities of meeting; but my daughters would be happy to see their cousins anywhere; and you will find Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth most sincerely disposed to regard all the connexions of our family as his own. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I would rather find him private secretary to the First Lord than anything else, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was William's only answer, in an undervoice, not meant to reach far, and the subject dropped. \layout Standard As yet Sir Thomas had seen nothing to remark in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's behaviour; but when the whist-table broke up at the end of the second rubber, and leaving Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris to dispute over their last play, he became a looker-on at the other, he found his niece the object of attentions, or rather of professions, of a somewhat pointed character. \layout Standard Henry Crawford was in the first glow of another scheme about Thornton Lacey; and not being able to catch Edmund's ear, was detailing it to his fair neighbour with a look of considerable earnestness. His scheme was to rent the house himself the following winter, that he might have a home of his own in that neighbourhood; and it was not merely for the use of it in the hunting-season (as he was then telling her), though \shape italic that \shape default consideration had certainly some weight, feeling as he did that, in spite of all Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's very great kindness, it was impossible for him and his horses to be accommodated where they now were without material inconvenience; but his attachment to that neighbourhood did not depend upon one amusement or one season of the year: he had set his heart upon having a something there that he could come to at any time, a little homestall at his command, where all the holidays of his year might be spent, and he might find himself continuing, improving, and \shape italic perfecting \shape default that friendship and intimacy with the Mansfield Park family which was increasin g in value to him every day. Sir Thomas heard and was not offended. There was no want of respect in the young man's address; and Fanny's reception of it was so proper and modest, so calm and uninviting, that he had nothing to censure in her. She said little, assented only here and there, and betrayed no inclination either of appropriating any part of the compliment to herself, or of strengthen ing his views in favour of Northamptonshire. Finding by whom he was observed, Henry Crawford addressed himself on the same subject to Sir Thomas, in a more everyday tone, but still with feeling. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I want to be your neighbour, Sir Thomas, as you have, perhaps, heard me telling Miss Price. May I hope for your acquiescence, and for your not influencing your son against such a tenant? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas, politely bowing, replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is the only way, sir, in which I could \shape italic not \shape default wish you established as a permanent neighbour; but I hope, and believe, that Edmund will occupy his own house at Thornton Lacey. Edmund, am I saying too much? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund, on this appeal, had first to hear what was going on; but, on understandi ng the question, was at no loss for an answer. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Certainly, sir, I have no idea but of residence. But, Crawford, though I refuse you as a tenant, come to me as a friend. Consider the house as half your own every winter, and we will add to the stables on your own improved plan, and with all the improvements of your improved plan that may occur to you this spring. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We shall be the losers, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Sir Thomas. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset His going, though only eight miles, will be an unwelcome contraction of our family circle; but I should have been deeply mortified if any son of mine could reconcile himself to doing less. It is perfectly natural that you should not have thought much on the subject, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. But a parish has wants and claims which can be known only by a clergyman constantly resident, and which no proxy can be capable of satisfying to the same extent. Edmund might, in the common phrase, do the duty of Thornton, that is, he might read prayers and preach, without giving up Mansfield Park: he might ride over every Sunday, to a house nominally inhabited, and go through divine service; he might be the clergyman of Thornton Lacey every seventh day, for three or four hours, if that would content him. But it will not. He knows that human nature needs more lessons than a weekly sermon can convey; and that if he does not live among his parishioners, and prove himself, by constant attention, their well-wisher and friend, he does very little either for their good or his own. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford bowed his acquiescence. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I repeat again, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Sir Thomas, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that Thornton Lacey is the only house in the neighbourhood in which I should \shape italic not \shape default be happy to wait on Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford as occupier. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford bowed his thanks. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset undoubtedly understands the duty of a parish priest. We must hope his son may prove that \shape italic he \shape default knows it too. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Whatever effect Sir Thomas's little harangue might really produce on Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, it raised some awkward sensations in two of the others, two of his most attentive listeners--Miss Crawford and Fanny. One of whom, having never before understood that Thornton was so soon and so completely to be his home, was pondering with downcast eyes on what it would be \shape italic not \shape default to see Edmund every day; and the other, startled from the agreeable fancies she had been previously indulging on the strength of her brother's description, no longer able, in the picture she had been forming of a future Thornton, to shut out the church, sink the clergyman, and see only the respectable, elegant, modernised, and occasional residence of a man of independent fortune, was considering Sir Thomas, with decided ill-will, as the destroyer of all this, and suffering the more from that involuntary forbearance which his character and manner commanded, and from not daring to relieve herself by a single attempt at throwing ridicule on his cause. \layout Standard All the agreeable of \shape italic her \shape default speculation was over for that hour. It was time to have done with cards, if sermons prevailed; and she was glad to find it necessary to come to a conclusion, and be able to refresh her spirits by a change of place and neighbour. \layout Standard The chief of the party were now collected irregularly round the fire, and waiting the final break-up. William and Fanny were the most detached. They remained together at the otherwise deserted card-table, talking very comfortably, and not thinking of the rest, till some of the rest began to think of them. Henry Crawford's chair was the first to be given a direction towards them, and he sat silently observing them for a few minutes; himself, in the meanwhile , observed by Sir Thomas, who was standing in chat with Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is the assembly night, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said William. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I were at Portsmouth I should be at it, perhaps. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But you do not wish yourself at Portsmouth, William? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, Fanny, that I do not. I shall have enough of Portsmouth and of dancing too, when I cannot have you. And I do not know that there would be any good in going to the assembly, for I might not get a partner. The Portsmouth girls turn up their noses at anybody who has not a commission. One might as well be nothing as a midshipman. One \shape italic is \shape default nothing, indeed. You remember the Gregorys; they are grown up amazing fine girls, but they will hardly speak to \shape italic me \shape default , because Lucy is courted by a lieutenant. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! shame, shame! But never mind it, William \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (her own cheeks in a glow of indignation as she spoke). \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is not worth minding. It is no reflection on \shape italic you \shape default ; it is no more than what the greatest admirals have all experienced, more or less, in their time. You must think of that, you must try to make up your mind to it as one of the hardships which fall to every sailor's share, like bad weather and hard living, only with this advantage, that there will be an end to it, that there will come a time when you will have nothing of that sort to endure. When you are a lieutenant! only think, William, when you are a lieutenant, how little you will care for any nonsense of this kind. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I begin to think I shall never be a lieutenant, Fanny. Everybody gets made but me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! my dear William, do not talk so; do not be so desponding. My uncle says nothing, but I am sure he will do everything in his power to get you made. He knows, as well as you do, of what consequence it is. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She was checked by the sight of her uncle much nearer to them than she had any suspicion of, and each found it necessary to talk of something else. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Are you fond of dancing, Fanny? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, very; only I am soon tired. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should like to go to a ball with you and see you dance. Have you never any balls at Northampton? I should like to see you dance, and I'd dance with you if you \shape italic would \shape default , for nobody would know who I was here, and I should like to be your partner once more. We used to jump about together many a time, did not we? when the hand-organ was in the street? I am a pretty good dancer in my way, but I dare say you are a better. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And turning to his uncle, who was now close to them, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Is not Fanny a very good dancer, sir? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, in dismay at such an unprecedented question, did not know which way to look, or how to be prepared for the answer. Some very grave reproof, or at least the coldest expression of indifference, must be coming to distress her brother, and sink her to the ground. But, on the contrary, it was no worse than, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sorry to say that I am unable to answer your question. I have never seen Fanny dance since she was a little girl; but I trust we shall both think she acquits herself like a gentlewoman when we do see her, which, perhaps, we may have an opportunity of doing ere long. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have had the pleasure of seeing your sister dance, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Henry Crawford, leaning forward, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and will engage to answer every inquiry which you can make on the subject, to your entire satisfaction. But I believe \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (seeing Fanny looked distressed) \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it must be at some other time. There is \shape italic one \shape default person in company who does not like to have Miss Price spoken of. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard True enough, he had once seen Fanny dance; and it was equally true that he would now have answered for her gliding about with quiet, light elegance, and in admirable time; but, in fact, he could not for the life of him recall what her dancing had been, and rather took it for granted that she had been present than remembered anything about her. \layout Standard He passed, however, for an admirer of her dancing; and Sir Thomas, by no means displeased, prolonged the conversation on dancing in general, and was so well engaged in describing the balls of Antigua, and listening to what his nephew could relate of the different modes of dancing which had fallen within his observation, that he had not heard his carriage announced, and was first called to the knowledge of it by the bustle of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Come, Fanny, Fanny, what are you about? We are going. Do not you see your aunt is going? Quick, quick! I cannot bear to keep good old Wilcox waiting. You should always remember the coachman and horses. My dear Sir Thomas, we have settled it that the carriage should come back for you, and Edmund and William. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas could not dissent, as it had been his own arrangement, previously communicated to his wife and sister; but \shape italic that \shape default seemed forgotten by Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, who must fancy that she settled it all herself. \layout Standard Fanny's last feeling in the visit was disappointment: for the shawl which Edmund was quietly taking from the servant to bring and put round her shoulders was seized by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's quicker hand, and she was obliged to be indebted to his more prominent attention. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXVI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard William's desire of seeing Fanny dance made more than a momentary impression on his uncle. The hope of an opportunity, which Sir Thomas had then given, was not given to be thought of no more. He remained steadily inclined to gratify so amiable a feeling; to gratify anybody else who might wish to see Fanny dance, and to give pleasure to the young people in general; and having thought the matter over, and taken his resolution in quiet independence, the result of it appeared the next morning at breakfast, when, after recalling and commending what his nephew had said, he added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not like, William, that you should leave Northamptonshire without this indulgence. It would give me pleasure to see you both dance. You spoke of the balls at Northampton. Your cousins have occasionally attended them; but they would not altogether suit us now. The fatigue would be too much for your aunt. I believe we must not think of a Northampton ball. A dance at home would be more eligible; and if-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ah, my dear Sir Thomas! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset interrupted Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I knew what was coming. I knew what you were going to say. If dear Julia were at home, or dearest Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth at Sotherton, to afford a reason, an occasion for such a thing, you would be tempted to give the young people a dance at Mansfield. I know you would. If \shape italic they \shape default were at home to grace the ball, a ball you would have this very Christmas. Thank your uncle, William, thank your uncle! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My daughters, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Sir Thomas, gravely interposing, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset have their pleasures at Brighton, and I hope are very happy; but the dance which I think of giving at Mansfield will be for their cousins. Could we be all assembled, our satisfaction would undoubtedly be more complete, but the absence of some is not to debar the others of amusement. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had not another word to say. She saw decision in his looks, and her surprise and vexation required some minutes' silence to be settled into composure. A ball at such a time! His daughters absent and herself not consulted! There was comfort, however, soon at hand. \shape italic She \shape default must be the doer of everything: Lady Bertram would of course be spared all thought and exertion, and it would all fall upon \shape italic her \shape default . She should have to do the honours of the evening; and this reflection quickly restored so much of her good-humour as enabled her to join in with the others, before their happiness and thanks were all expressed. \layout Standard Edmund, William, and Fanny did, in their different ways, look and speak as much grateful pleasure in the promised ball as Sir Thomas could desire. Edmund's feelings were for the other two. His father had never conferred a favour or shewn a kindness more to his satisfaction. \layout Standard Lady Bertram was perfectly quiescent and contented, and had no objections to make. Sir Thomas engaged for its giving her very little trouble; and she assured him \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that she was not at all afraid of the trouble; indeed, she could not imagine there would be any. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was ready with her suggestions as to the rooms he would think fittest to be used, but found it all prearranged; and when she would have conjectured and hinted about the day, it appeared that the day was settled too. Sir Thomas had been amusing himself with shaping a very complete outline of the business; and as soon as she would listen quietly, could read his list of the families to be invited, from whom he calculated, with all necessary allowance for the shortness of the notice, to collect young people enough to form twelve or fourteen couple: and could detail the considerations which had induced him to fix on the 22nd as the most eligible day. William was required to be at Portsmouth on the 24th; the 22nd would therefore be the last day of his visit; but where the days were so few it would be unwise to fix on any earlier. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was obliged to be satisfied with thinking just the same, and with having been on the point of proposing the 22nd herself, as by far the best day for the purpose. \layout Standard The ball was now a settled thing, and before the evening a proclaimed thing to all whom it concerned. Invitations were sent with despatch, and many a young lady went to bed that night with her head full of happy cares as well as Fanny. To her the cares were sometimes almost beyond the happiness; for young and inexperienced, with small means of choice and no confidence in her own taste, the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how she should be dressed \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was a point of painful solicitude; and the almost solitary ornament in her possession, a very pretty amber cross which William had brought her from Sicily, was the greatest distress of all, for she had nothing but a bit of ribbon to fasten it to; and though she had worn it in that manner once, would it be allowable at such a time in the midst of all the rich ornaments which she supposed all the other young ladies would appear in? And yet not to wear it! William had wanted to buy her a gold chain too, but the purchase had been beyond his means, and therefore not to wear the cross might be mortifying him. These were anxious considerations; enough to sober her spirits even under the prospect of a ball given principally for her gratification. \layout Standard The preparations meanwhile went on, and Lady Bertram continued to sit on her sofa without any inconvenience from them. She had some extra visits from the housekeeper, and her maid was rather hurried in making up a new dress for her: Sir Thomas gave orders, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris ran about; but all this gave \shape italic her \shape default no trouble, and as she had foreseen, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there was, in fact, no trouble in the business. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund was at this time particularly full of cares: his mind being deeply occupied in the consideration of two important events now at hand, which were to fix his fate in life--ordination and matrimony--events of such a serious character as to make the ball, which would be very quickly followed by one of them, appear of less moment in his eyes than in those of any other person in the house. On the 23rd he was going to a friend near Peterborough, in the same situation as himself, and they were to receive ordination in the course of the Christmas week. Half his destiny would then be determined, but the other half might not be so very smoothly wooed. His duties would be established, but the wife who was to share, and animate, and reward those duties, might yet be unattainable. He knew his own mind, but he was not always perfectly assured of knowing Miss Crawford's. There were points on which they did not quite agree; there were moments in which she did not seem propitious; and though trusting altogether to her affection, so far as to be resolved--almost resolved--on bringing it to a decision within a very short time, as soon as the variety of business before him were arranged, and he knew what he had to offer her, he had many anxious feelings, many doubting hours as to the result. His conviction of her regard for him was sometimes very strong; he could look back on a long course of encouragement, and she was as perfect in disinterested attachment as in everything else. But at other times doubt and alarm intermingled with his hopes; and when he thought of her acknowledged disinclination for privacy and retirement, her decided preference of a London life, what could he expect but a determined rejection? unless it were an acceptance even more to be deprecated, demanding such sacrifices of situation and employment on his side as conscience must forbid. \layout Standard The issue of all depended on one question. Did she love him well enough to forego what had used to be essential points? Did she love him well enough to make them no longer essential? And this question, which he was continually repeating to himself, though oftenest answered with a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset had sometimes its \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford was soon to leave Mansfield, and on this circumstance the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset no \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset yes \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset had been very recently in alternation. He had seen her eyes sparkle as she spoke of the dear friend's letter, which claimed a long visit from her in London, and of the kindness of Henry, in engaging to remain where he was till January, that he might convey her thither; he had heard her speak of the pleasure of such a journey with an animation which had \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset no \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset in every tone. But this had occurred on the first day of its being settled, within the first hour of the burst of such enjoyment, when nothing but the friends she was to visit was before her. He had since heard her express herself differently, with other feelings, more chequered feelings: he had heard her tell Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant that she should leave her with regret; that she began to believe neither the friends nor the pleasures she was going to were worth those she left behind; and that though she felt she must go, and knew she should enjoy herself when once away, she was already looking forward to being at Mansfield again. Was there not a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset yes \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset in all this? \layout Standard With such matters to ponder over, and arrange, and re-arrange, Edmund could not, on his own account, think very much of the evening which the rest of the family were looking forward to with a more equal degree of strong interest. Independent of his two cousins' enjoyment in it, the evening was to him of no higher value than any other appointed meeting of the two families might be. In every meeting there was a hope of receiving farther confirmation of Miss Crawford's attachment; but the whirl of a ballroom, perhaps, was not particularly favourable to the excitement or expression of serious feelings. To engage her early for the two first dances was all the command of individual happiness which he felt in his power, and the only preparation for the ball which he could enter into, in spite of all that was passing around him on the subject, from morning till night. \layout Standard Thursday was the day of the ball; and on Wednesday morning Fanny, still unable to satisfy herself as to what she ought to wear, determined to seek the counsel of the more enlightened, and apply to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and her sister, whose acknowledged taste would certainly bear her blameless; and as Edmund and William were gone to Northampton, and she had reason to think Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford likewise out, she walked down to the Parsonage without much fear of wanting an opportunity for private discussion; and the privacy of such a discussion was a most important part of it to Fanny, being more than half-ashamed of her own solicitude. \layout Standard She met Miss Crawford within a few yards of the Parsonage, just setting out to call on her, and as it seemed to her that her friend, though obliged to insist on turning back, was unwilling to lose her walk, she explained her business at once, and observed, that if she would be so kind as to give her opinion, it might be all talked over as well without doors as within. Miss Crawford appeared gratified by the application, and after a moment's thought, urged Fanny's returning with her in a much more cordial manner than before, and proposed their going up into her room, where they might have a comfortable coze, without disturbing Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, who were together in the drawing-room. It was just the plan to suit Fanny; and with a great deal of gratitude on her side for such ready and kind attention, they proceeded indoors, and upstairs, and were soon deep in the interesting subject. Miss Crawford, pleased with the appeal, gave her all her best judgment and taste, made everything easy by her suggestions, and tried to make everythin g agreeable by her encouragement. The dress being settled in all its grander parts-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But what shall you have by way of necklace? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shall not you wear your brother's cross? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And as she spoke she was undoing a small parcel, which Fanny had observed in her hand when they met. Fanny acknowledged her wishes and doubts on this point: she did not know how either to wear the cross, or to refrain from wearing it. She was answered by having a small trinket-box placed before her, and being requested to chuse from among several gold chains and necklaces. Such had been the parcel with which Miss Crawford was provided, and such the object of her intended visit: and in the kindest manner she now urged Fanny's taking one for the cross and to keep for her sake, saying everything she could think of to obviate the scruples which were making Fanny start back at first with a look of horror at the proposal. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You see what a collection I have, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset more by half than I ever use or think of. I do not offer them as new. I offer nothing but an old necklace. You must forgive the liberty, and oblige me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny still resisted, and from her heart. The gift was too valuable. But Miss Crawford persevered, and argued the case with so much affectionate earnestness through all the heads of William and the cross, and the ball, and herself, as to be finally successful. Fanny found herself obliged to yield, that she might not be accused of pride or indifference, or some other littleness; and having with modest reluctance given her consent, proceeded to make the selection. She looked and looked, longing to know which might be least valuable; and was determined in her choice at last, by fancying there was one necklace more frequently placed before her eyes than the rest. It was of gold, prettily worked; and though Fanny would have preferred a longer and a plainer chain as more adapted for her purpose, she hoped, in fixing on this, to be chusing what Miss Crawford least wished to keep. Miss Crawford smiled her perfect approbation; and hastened to complete the gift by putting the necklace round her, and making her see how well it looked. Fanny had not a word to say against its becomingness, and, excepting what remained of her scruples, was exceedingly pleased with an acquisition so very apropos. She would rather, perhaps, have been obliged to some other person. But this was an unworthy feeling. Miss Crawford had anticipated her wants with a kindness which proved her a real friend. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset When I wear this necklace I shall always think of you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and feel how very kind you were. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You must think of somebody else too, when you wear that necklace, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Miss Crawford. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You must think of Henry, for it was his choice in the first place. He gave it to me, and with the necklace I make over to you all the duty of remembering the original giver. It is to be a family remembrancer. The sister is not to be in your mind without bringing the brother too. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, in great astonishment and confusion, would have returned the present instantly. To take what had been the gift of another person, of a brother too, impossible! it must not be! and with an eagerness and embarrassment quite diverting to her companion, she laid down the necklace again on its cotton, and seemed resolved either to take another or none at all. Miss Crawford thought she had never seen a prettier consciousness. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear child, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, laughing, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what are you afraid of? Do you think Henry will claim the necklace as mine, and fancy you did not come honestly by it? or are you imagining he would be too much flattered by seeing round your lovely throat an ornament which his money purchased three years ago, before he knew there was such a throat in the world? or perhaps"--looking archly-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you suspect a confederacy between us, and that what I am now doing is with his knowledge and at his desire? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard With the deepest blushes Fanny protested against such a thought. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, then, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Miss Crawford more seriously, but without at all believing her, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset to convince me that you suspect no trick, and are as unsuspicious of compliment as I have always found you, take the necklace and say no more about it. Its being a gift of my brother's need not make the smallest difference in your accepting it, as I assure you it makes none in my willingness to part with it. He is always giving me something or other. I have such innumerable presents from him that it is quite impossible for me to value or for him to remember half. And as for this necklace, I do not suppose I have worn it six times: it is very pretty, but I never think of it; and though you would be most heartily welcome to any other in my trinket-box, you have happened to fix on the very one which, if I have a choice, I would rather part with and see in your possession than any other. Say no more against it, I entreat you. Such a trifle is not worth half so many words. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny dared not make any farther opposition; and with renewed but less happy thanks accepted the necklace again, for there was an expression in Miss Crawford's eyes which she could not be satisfied with. \layout Standard It was impossible for her to be insensible of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's change of manners. She had long seen it. He evidently tried to please her: he was gallant, he was attentive, he was something like what he had been to her cousins: he wanted, she supposed, to cheat her of her tranquillity as he had cheated them; and whether he might not have some concern in this necklace--she could not be convinced that he had not, for Miss Crawford, complaisant as a sister, was careless as a woman and a friend. \layout Standard Reflecting and doubting, and feeling that the possession of what she had so much wished for did not bring much satisfaction, she now walked home again, with a change rather than a diminution of cares since her treading that path before. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXVII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard On reaching home Fanny went immediately upstairs to deposit this unexpected acquisition, this doubtful good of a necklace, in some favourite box in the East room, which held all her smaller treasures; but on opening the door, what was her surprise to find her cousin Edmund there writing at the table! Such a sight having never occurred before, was almost as wonderful as it was welcome. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he directly, leaving his seat and his pen, and meeting her with something in his hand, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I beg your pardon for being here. I came to look for you, and after waiting a little while in hope of your coming in, was making use of your inkstand to explain my errand. You will find the beginning of a note to yourself; but I can now speak my business, which is merely to beg your acceptance of this little trifle--a chain for William's cross. You ought to have had it a week ago, but there has been a delay from my brother's not being in town by several days so soon as I expected; and I have only just now received it at Northampton. I hope you will like the chain itself, Fanny. I endeavoured to consult the simplicity of your taste; but, at any rate, I know you will be kind to my intentions, and consider it, as it really is, a token of the love of one of your oldest friends. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard And so saying, he was hurrying away, before Fanny, overpowered by a thousand feelings of pain and pleasure, could attempt to speak; but quickened by one sovereign wish, she then called out, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! cousin, stop a moment, pray stop! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He turned back. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot attempt to thank you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she continued, in a very agitated manner; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset thanks are out of the question. I feel much more than I can possibly express. Your goodness in thinking of me in such a way is beyond--" \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If that is all you have to say, Fanny \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset smiling and turning away again. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, no, it is not. I want to consult you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Almost unconsciously she had now undone the parcel he had just put into her hand, and seeing before her, in all the niceness of jewellers' packing, a plain gold chain, perfectly simple and neat, she could not help bursting forth again, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh, this is beautiful indeed! This is the very thing, precisely what I wished for! This is the only ornament I have ever had a desire to possess. It will exactly suit my cross. They must and shall be worn together. It comes, too, in such an acceptable moment. Oh, cousin, you do not know how acceptable it is. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Fanny, you feel these things a great deal too much. I am most happy that you like the chain, and that it should be here in time for to-morrow; but your thanks are far beyond the occasion. Believe me, I have no pleasure in the world superior to that of contributing to yours. No, I can safely say, I have no pleasure so complete, so unalloyed. It is without a drawback. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Upon such expressions of affection Fanny could have lived an hour without saying another word; but Edmund, after waiting a moment, obliged her to bring down her mind from its heavenly flight by saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But what is it that you want to consult me about? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard It was about the necklace, which she was now most earnestly longing to return, and hoped to obtain his approbation of her doing. She gave the history of her recent visit, and now her raptures might well be over; for Edmund was so struck with the circumstance, so delighted with what Miss Crawford had done, so gratified by such a coincidence of conduct between them, that Fanny could not but admit the superior power of one pleasure over his own mind, though it might have its drawback. It was some time before she could get his attention to her plan, or any answer to her demand of his opinion: he was in a reverie of fond reflection, uttering only now and then a few half-sentences of praise; but when he did awake and understand, he was very decided in opposing what she wished. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Return the necklace! No, my dear Fanny, upon no account. It would be mortifying her severely. There can hardly be a more unpleasant sensation than the having anything returned on our hands which we have given with a reasonable hope of its contributing to the comfort of a friend. Why should she lose a pleasure which she has shewn herself so deserving of? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If it had been given to me in the first instance, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should not have thought of returning it; but being her brother's present, is not it fair to suppose that she would rather not part with it, when it is not wanted? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She must not suppose it not wanted, not acceptable, at least: and its having been originally her brother's gift makes no difference; for as she was not prevented from offering, nor you from taking it on that account, it ought not to prevent you from keeping it. No doubt it is handsomer than mine, and fitter for a ballroom. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, it is not handsomer, not at all handsomer in its way, and, for my purpose, not half so fit. The chain will agree with William's cross beyond all comparison better than the necklace. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset For one night, Fanny, for only one night, if it \shape italic be \shape default a sacrifice; I am sure you will, upon consideration, make that sacrifice rather than give pain to one who has been so studious of your comfort. Miss Crawford's attentions to you have been--not more than you were justly entitled to--I am the last person to think that \shape italic could \shape default \shape italic be \shape default , but they have been invariable; and to be returning them with what must have something the \shape italic air \shape default of ingratitude, though I know it could never have the \shape italic meaning \shape default , is not in your nature, I am sure. Wear the necklace, as you are engaged to do, to-morrow evening, and let the chain, which was not ordered with any reference to the ball, be kept for commoner occasions. This is my advice. I would not have the shadow of a coolness between the two whose intimacy I have been observing with the greatest pleasure, and in whose characters there is so much general resemblance in true generosity and natural delicacy as to make the few slight differences, resulting principally from situation, no reasonable hindrance to a perfect friendship. I would not have the shadow of a coolness arise, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he repeated, his voice sinking a little, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset between the two dearest objects I have on earth. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He was gone as he spoke; and Fanny remained to tranquillise herself as she could. She was one of his two dearest--that must support her. But the other: the first! She had never heard him speak so openly before, and though it told her no more than what she had long perceived, it was a stab, for it told of his own convictions and views. They were decided. He would marry Miss Crawford. It was a stab, in spite of every long-standing expectation; and she was obliged to repeat again and again, that she was one of his two dearest, before the words gave her any sensation. Could she believe Miss Crawford to deserve him, it would be--oh, how different would it be--how far more tolerable! But he was deceived in her: he gave her merits which she had not; her faults were what they had ever been, but he saw them no longer. Till she had shed many tears over this deception, Fanny could not subdue her agitation; and the dejection which followed could only be relieved by the influence of fervent prayers for his happiness. \layout Standard It was her intention, as she felt it to be her duty, to try to overcome all that was excessive, all that bordered on selfishness, in her affection for Edmund. To call or to fancy it a loss, a disappointment, would be a presumption for which she had not words strong enough to satisfy her own humility. To think of him as Miss Crawford might be justified in thinking, would in her be insanity. To her he could be nothing under any circumstances; nothing dearer than a friend. Why did such an idea occur to her even enough to be reprobated and forbidden? It ought not to have touched on the confines of her imagination. She would endeavour to be rational, and to deserve the right of judging of Miss Crawford's character, and the privilege of true solicitude for him by a sound intellect and an honest heart. \layout Standard She had all the heroism of principle, and was determined to do her duty; but having also many of the feelings of youth and nature, let her not be much wondered at, if, after making all these good resolutions on the side of self-government, she seized the scrap of paper on which Edmund had begun writing to her, as a treasure beyond all her hopes, and reading with the tenderest emotion these words, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My very dear Fanny, you must do me the favour to accept \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset locked it up with the chain, as the dearest part of the gift. It was the only thing approaching to a letter which she had ever received from him; she might never receive another; it was impossible that she ever should receive another so perfectly gratifying in the occasion and the style. Two lines more prized had never fallen from the pen of the most distinguished author--never more completely blessed the researches of the fondest biographer. The enthusiasm of a woman's love is even beyond the biographer's. To her, the handwriting itself, independent of anything it may convey, is a blessedness. Never were such characters cut by any other human being as Edmund's commonest handwriting gave! This specimen, written in haste as it was, had not a fault; and there was a felicity in the flow of the first four words, in the arrangement of \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My very dear Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset which she could have looked at for ever. \layout Standard Having regulated her thoughts and comforted her feelings by this happy mixture of reason and weakness, she was able in due time to go down and resume her usual employments near her aunt Bertram, and pay her the usual observances without any apparent want of spirits. \layout Standard Thursday, predestined to hope and enjoyment, came; and opened with more kindness to Fanny than such self-willed, unmanageable days often volunteer, for soon after breakfast a very friendly note was brought from Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford to William, stating that as he found himself obliged to go to London on the morrow for a few days, he could not help trying to procure a companion; and therefore hoped that if William could make up his mind to leave Mansfield half a day earlier than had been proposed, he would accept a place in his carriage. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford meant to be in town by his uncle's accustomary late dinner-hour, and William was invited to dine with him at the Admiral's. The proposal was a very pleasant one to William himself, who enjoyed the idea of travelling post with four horses, and such a good-humoured, agreeable friend; and, in likening it to going up with despatches, was saying at once everything in favour of its happiness and dignity which his imagination could suggest; and Fanny, from a different motive, was exceedingly pleased; for the original plan was that William should go up by the mail from Northampto n the following night, which would not have allowed him an hour's rest before he must have got into a Portsmouth coach; and though this offer of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's would rob her of many hours of his company, she was too happy in having William spared from the fatigue of such a journey, to think of anything else. Sir Thomas approved of it for another reason. His nephew's introduction to Admiral Crawford might be of service. The Admiral, he believed, had interest. Upon the whole, it was a very joyous note. Fanny's spirits lived on it half the morning, deriving some accession of pleasure from its writer being himself to go away. \layout Standard As for the ball, so near at hand, she had too many agitations and fears to have half the enjoyment in anticipation which she ought to have had, or must have been supposed to have by the many young ladies looking forward to the same event in situations more at ease, but under circumstances of less novelty, less interest, less peculiar gratification, than would be attributed to her. Miss Price, known only by name to half the people invited, was now to make her first appearance, and must be regarded as the queen of the evening. Who could be happier than Miss Price? But Miss Price had not been brought up to the trade of \shape italic coming \shape default \shape italic out \shape default ; and had she known in what light this ball was, in general, considered respecting her, it would very much have lessened her comfort by increasing the fears she already had of doing wrong and being looked at. To dance without much observation or any extraordinary fatigue, to have strength and partners for about half the evening, to dance a little with Edmund, and not a great deal with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, to see William enjoy himself, and be able to keep away from her aunt Norris, was the height of her ambition, and seemed to comprehend her greatest possibility of happiness. As these were the best of her hopes, they could not always prevail; and in the course of a long morning, spent principally with her two aunts, she was often under the influence of much less sanguine views. William, determined to make this last day a day of thorough enjoyment, was out snipe-shooting; Edmund, she had too much reason to suppose, was at the Parsonage; and left alone to bear the worrying of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, who was cross because the housekeeper would have her own way with the supper, and whom \shape italic she \shape default could not avoid though the housekeeper might, Fanny was worn down at last to think everything an evil belonging to the ball, and when sent off with a parting worry to dress, moved as languidly towards her own room, and felt as incapable of happiness as if she had been allowed no share in it. \layout Standard As she walked slowly upstairs she thought of yesterday; it had been about the same hour that she had returned from the Parsonage, and found Edmund in the East room. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Suppose I were to find him there again to-day! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she to herself, in a fond indulgence of fancy. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said a voice at that moment near her. Starting and looking up, she saw, across the lobby she had just reached, Edmund himself, standing at the head of a different staircase. He came towards her. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You look tired and fagged, Fanny. You have been walking too far. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, I have not been out at all. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Then you have had fatigues within doors, which are worse. You had better have gone out. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, not liking to complain, found it easiest to make no answer; and though he looked at her with his usual kindness, she believed he had soon ceased to think of her countenance. He did not appear in spirits: something unconnected with her was probably amiss. They proceeded upstairs together, their rooms being on the same floor above. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I come from Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund presently. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You may guess my errand there, Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And he looked so conscious, that Fanny could think but of one errand, which turned her too sick for speech. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wished to engage Miss Crawford for the two first dances, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was the explanation that followed, and brought Fanny to life again, enabling her, as she found she was expected to speak, to utter something like an inquiry as to the result. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he answered, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she is engaged to me; but \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (with a smile that did not sit easy) \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she says it is to be the last time that she ever will dance with me. She is not serious. I think, I hope, I am sure she is not serious; but I would rather not hear it. She never has danced with a clergyman, she says, and she never \shape italic will \shape default . For my own sake, I could wish there had been no ball just at--I mean not this very week, this very day; to-morrow I leave home. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny struggled for speech, and said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very sorry that anything has occurred to distress you. This ought to be a day of pleasure. My uncle meant it so. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes, yes! and it will be a day of pleasure. It will all end right. I am only vexed for a moment. In fact, it is not that I consider the ball as ill-timed; what does it signify? But, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset stopping her, by taking her hand, and speaking low and seriously, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you know what all this means. You see how it is; and could tell me, perhaps better than I could tell you, how and why I am vexed. Let me talk to you a little. You are a kind, kind listener. I have been pained by her manner this morning, and cannot get the better of it. I know her disposition to be as sweet and faultless as your own, but the influence of her former companions makes her seem--gives to her conversation, to her professed opinions, sometimes a tinge of wrong. She does not \shape italic think \shape default evil, but she speaks it, speaks it in playfulness; and though I know it to be playfulness, it grieves me to the soul. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The effect of education, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny gently. \layout Standard Edmund could not but agree to it. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, that uncle and aunt! They have injured the finest mind; for sometimes, Fanny, I own to you, it does appear more than manner: it appears as if the mind itself was tainted. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny imagined this to be an appeal to her judgment, and therefore, after a moment's consideration, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you only want me as a listener, cousin, I will be as useful as I can; but I am not qualified for an adviser. Do not ask advice of \shape italic me \shape default . I am not competent. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are right, Fanny, to protest against such an office, but you need not be afraid. It is a subject on which I should never ask advice; it is the sort of subject on which it had better never be asked; and few, I imagine, do ask it, but when they want to be influenced against their conscience. I only want to talk to you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset One thing more. Excuse the liberty; but take care \shape italic how \shape default you talk to me. Do not tell me anything now, which hereafter you may be sorry for. The time may come-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The colour rushed into her cheeks as she spoke. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dearest Fanny! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Edmund, pressing her hand to his lips with almost as much warmth as if it had been Miss Crawford's, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you are all considerate thought! But it is unnecessary here. The time will never come. No such time as you allude to will ever come. I begin to think it most improbable: the chances grow less and less; and even if it should, there will be nothing to be remembered by either you or me that we need be afraid of, for I can never be ashamed of my own scruples; and if they are removed, it must be by changes that will only raise her character the more by the recollection of the faults she once had. You are the only being upon earth to whom I should say what I have said; but you have always known my opinion of her; you can bear me witness, Fanny, that I have never been blinded. How many a time have we talked over her little errors! You need not fear me; I have almost given up every serious idea of her; but I must be a blockhead indeed, if, whatever befell me, I could think of your kindness and sympathy without the sincerest gratitude. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He had said enough to shake the experience of eighteen. He had said enough to give Fanny some happier feelings than she had lately known, and with a brighter look, she answered, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, cousin, I am convinced that \shape italic you \shape default would be incapable of anything else, though perhaps some might not. I cannot be afraid of hearing anything you wish to say. Do not check yourself. Tell me whatever you like. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard They were now on the second floor, and the appearance of a housemaid prevented any farther conversation. For Fanny's present comfort it was concluded, perhaps, at the happiest moment: had he been able to talk another five minutes, there is no saying that he might not have talked away all Miss Crawford's faults and his own despondence. But as it was, they parted with looks on his side of grateful affection, and with some very precious sensations on hers. She had felt nothing like it for hours. Since the first joy from Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's note to William had worn away, she had been in a state absolutely the reverse; there had been no comfort around, no hope within her. Now everything was smiling. William's good fortune returned again upon her mind, and seemed of greater value than at first. The ball, too--such an evening of pleasure before her! It was now a real animation; and she began to dress for it with much of the happy flutter which belongs to a ball. All went well: she did not dislike her own looks; and when she came to the necklaces again, her good fortune seemed complete, for upon trial the one given her by Miss Crawford would by no means go through the ring of the cross. She had, to oblige Edmund, resolved to wear it; but it was too large for the purpose. His, therefore, must be worn; and having, with delightful feelings, joined the chain and the cross--those memorials of the two most beloved of her heart, those dearest tokens so formed for each other by everything real and imaginary--and put them round her neck, and seen and felt how full of William and Edmund they were, she was able, without an effort, to resolve on wearing Miss Crawford's necklace too. She acknowledged it to be right. Miss Crawford had a claim; and when it was no longer to encroach on, to interfere with the stronger claims, the truer kindness of another, she could do her justice even with pleasure to herself. The necklace really looked very well; and Fanny left her room at last, comfortably satisfied with herself and all about her. \layout Standard Her aunt Bertram had recollected her on this occasion with an unusual degree of wakefulness. It had really occurred to her, unprompted, that Fanny, preparing for a ball, might be glad of better help than the upper housemaid's, and when dressed herself, she actually sent her own maid to assist her; too late, of course, to be of any use. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Chapman had just reached the attic floor, when Miss Price came out of her room completely dressed, and only civilities were necessary; but Fanny felt her aunt's attention almost as much as Lady Bertram or Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Chapman could do themselves. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXVIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Her uncle and both her aunts were in the drawing-room when Fanny went down. To the former she was an interesting object, and he saw with pleasure the general elegance of her appearance, and her being in remarkably good looks. The neatness and propriety of her dress was all that he would allow himself to commend in her presence, but upon her leaving the room again soon afterwards , he spoke of her beauty with very decided praise. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she looks very well. I sent Chapman to her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Look well! Oh, yes! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset she has good reason to look well with all her advantages: brought up in this family as she has been, with all the benefit of her cousins' manners before her. Only think, my dear Sir Thomas, what extraordinary advantages you and I have been the means of giving her. The very gown you have been taking notice of is your own generous present to her when dear Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth married. What would she have been if we had not taken her by the hand? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas said no more; but when they sat down to table the eyes of the two young men assured him that the subject might be gently touched again, when the ladies withdrew, with more success. Fanny saw that she was approved; and the consciousness of looking well made her look still better. From a variety of causes she was happy, and she was soon made still happier; for in following her aunts out of the room, Edmund, who was holding open the door, said, as she passed him, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You must dance with me, Fanny; you must keep two dances for me; any two that you like, except the first. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She had nothing more to wish for. She had hardly ever been in a state so nearly approaching high spirits in her life. Her cousins' former gaiety on the day of a ball was no longer surprising to her; she felt it to be indeed very charming, and was actually practising her steps about the drawing-room as long as she could be safe from the notice of her aunt Norris, who was entirely taken up at first in fresh arranging and injuring the noble fire which the butler had prepared. \layout Standard Half an hour followed that would have been at least languid under any other circumstances, but Fanny's happiness still prevailed. It was but to think of her conversation with Edmund, and what was the restlessn ess of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris? What were the yawns of Lady Bertram? \layout Standard The gentlemen joined them; and soon after began the sweet expectation of a carriage, when a general spirit of ease and enjoyment seemed diffused, and they all stood about and talked and laughed, and every moment had its pleasure and its hope. Fanny felt that there must be a struggle in Edmund's cheerfulness, but it was delightful to see the effort so successfully made. \layout Standard When the carriages were really heard, when the guests began really to assemble, her own gaiety of heart was much subdued: the sight of so many strangers threw her back into herself; and besides the gravity and formality of the first great circle, which the manners of neither Sir Thomas nor Lady Bertram were of a kind to do away, she found herself occasionally called on to endure something worse. She was introduced here and there by her uncle, and forced to be spoken to, and to curtsey, and speak again. This was a hard duty, and she was never summoned to it without looking at William, as he walked about at his ease in the background of the scene, and longing to be with him. \layout Standard The entrance of the Grants and Crawfords was a favourable epoch. The stiffness of the meeting soon gave way before their popular manners and more diffused intimacies: little groups were formed, and everybody grew comfortable. Fanny felt the advantage; and, drawing back from the toils of civility, would have been again most happy, could she have kept her eyes from wandering between Edmund and Mary Crawford. \shape italic She \shape default looked all loveliness--and what might not be the end of it? Her own musings were brought to an end on perceiving Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford before her, and her thoughts were put into another channel by his engaging her almost instantly for the first two dances. Her happiness on this occasion was very much \shape italic a \shape default \shape italic la \shape default \shape italic mortal \shape default , finely chequered. To be secure of a partner at first was a most essential good--for the moment of beginning was now growing seriously near; and she so little understood her own claims as to think that if Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford had not asked her, she must have been the last to be sought after, and should have received a partner only through a series of inquiry, and bustle, and interference, which would have been terrible; but at the same time there was a pointedness in his manner of asking her which she did not like, and she saw his eye glancing for a moment at her necklace, with a smile--she thought there was a smile--which made her blush and feel wretched. And though there was no second glance to disturb her, though his object seemed then to be only quietly agreeable, she could not get the better of her embarrassment, heightened as it was by the idea of his perceiving it, and had no composure till he turned away to some one else. Then she could gradually rise up to the genuine satisfaction of having a partner, a voluntary partner, secured against the dancing began. \layout Standard When the company were moving into the ballroom, she found herself for the first time near Miss Crawford, whose eyes and smiles were immediately and more unequivocally directed as her brother's had been, and who was beginning to speak on the subject, when Fanny, anxious to get the story over, hastened to give the explanation of the second necklace: the real chain. Miss Crawford listened; and all her intended compliments and insinuations to Fanny were forgotten: she felt only one thing; and her eyes, bright as they had been before, shewing they could yet be brighter, she exclaimed with eager pleasure, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Did he? Did Edmund? That was like himself. No other man would have thought of it. I honour him beyond expression. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And she looked around as if longing to tell him so. He was not near, he was attending a party of ladies out of the room; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant coming up to the two girls, and taking an arm of each, they followed with the rest. \layout Standard Fanny's heart sunk, but there was no leisure for thinking long even of Miss Crawford's feelings. They were in the ballroom, the violins were playing, and her mind was in a flutter that forbade its fixing on anything serious. She must watch the general arrangements, and see how everything was done. \layout Standard In a few minutes Sir Thomas came to her, and asked if she were engaged; and the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, sir; to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was exactly what he had intended to hear. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was not far off; Sir Thomas brought him to her, saying something which discovered to Fanny, that \shape italic she \shape default was to lead the way and open the ball; an idea that had never occurred to her before. Whenever she had thought of the minutiae of the evening, it had been as a matter of course that Edmund would begin with Miss Crawford; and the impression was so strong, that though \shape italic her \shape default \shape italic uncle \shape default spoke the contrary, she could not help an exclamation of surprise, a hint of her unfitness, an entreaty even to be excused. To be urging her opinion against Sir Thomas's was a proof of the extremity of the case; but such was her horror at the first suggestion, that she could actually look him in the face and say that she hoped it might be settled otherwise; in vain, however: Sir Thomas smiled, tried to encourage her, and then looked too serious, and said too decidedly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It must be so, my dear, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset for her to hazard another word; and she found herself the next moment conducted by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford to the top of the room, and standing there to be joined by the rest of the dancers, couple after couple, as they were formed. \layout Standard She could hardly believe it. To be placed above so many elegant young women! The distinction was too great. It was treating her like her cousins! And her thoughts flew to those absent cousins with most unfeigned and truly tender regret, that they were not at home to take their own place in the room, and have their share of a pleasure which would have been so very delightful to them. So often as she had heard them wish for a ball at home as the greatest of all felicities! And to have them away when it was given--and for \shape italic her \shape default to be opening the ball--and with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford too! She hoped they would not envy her that distinction \shape italic now \shape default ; but when she looked back to the state of things in the autumn, to what they had all been to each other when once dancing in that house before, the present arrangement was almost more than she could understand herself. \layout Standard The ball began. It was rather honour than happiness to Fanny, for the first dance at least: her partner was in excellent spirits, and tried to impart them to her; but she was a great deal too much frightened to have any enjoyment till she could suppose herself no longer looked at. Young, pretty, and gentle, however, she had no awkwardnesses that were not as good as graces, and there were few persons present that were not disposed to praise her. She was attractive, she was modest, she was Sir Thomas's niece, and she was soon said to be admired by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. It was enough to give her general favour. Sir Thomas himself was watching her progress down the dance with much complacen cy; he was proud of his niece; and without attributing all her personal beauty, as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris seemed to do, to her transplantation to Mansfield, he was pleased with himself for having supplied everything else: education and manners she owed to him. \layout Standard Miss Crawford saw much of Sir Thomas's thoughts as he stood, and having, in spite of all his wrongs towards her, a general prevailing desire of recommending herself to him, took an opportunity of stepping aside to say something agreeable of Fanny. Her praise was warm, and he received it as she could wish, joining in it as far as discretion, and politeness, and slowness of speech would allow, and certainly appearing to greater advantage on the subject than his lady did soon afterwards, when Mary, perceiving her on a sofa very near, turned round before she began to dance, to compliment her on Miss Price's looks. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, she does look very well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Lady Bertram's placid reply. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Chapman helped her to dress. I sent Chapman to her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Not but that she was really pleased to have Fanny admired; but she was so much more struck with her own kindness in sending Chapman to her, that she could not get it out of her head. \layout Standard Miss Crawford knew Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris too well to think of gratifying \shape italic her \shape default by commendation of Fanny; to her, it was as the occasion offered--"Ah! ma'am, how much we want dear Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and Julia to-night! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris paid her with as many smiles and courteous words as she had time for, amid so much occupation as she found for herself in making up card-tables, giving hints to Sir Thomas, and trying to move all the chaperons to a better part of the room. \layout Standard Miss Crawford blundered most towards Fanny herself in her intentions to please. She meant to be giving her little heart a happy flutter, and filling her with sensations of delightful self-consequence; and, misinterpreting Fanny's blushes, still thought she must be doing so when she went to her after the two first dances, and said, with a significant look, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Perhaps \shape italic you \shape default can tell me why my brother goes to town to-morrow? He says he has business there, but will not tell me what. The first time he ever denied me his confidence! But this is what we all come to. All are supplanted sooner or later. Now, I must apply to you for information. Pray, what is Henry going for? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny protested her ignorance as steadily as her embarrassment allowed. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, then, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Miss Crawford, laughing, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must suppose it to be purely for the pleasure of conveying your brother, and of talking of you by the way. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was confused, but it was the confusion of discontent; while Miss Crawford wondered she did not smile, and thought her over-anxious, or thought her odd, or thought her anything rather than insensible of pleasure in Henry's attentions. Fanny had a good deal of enjoyment in the course of the evening; but Henry's attentions had very little to do with it. She would much rather \shape italic not \shape default have been asked by him again so very soon, and she wished she had not been obliged to suspect that his previous inquiries of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, about the supper hour, were all for the sake of securing her at that part of the evening. But it was not to be avoided: he made her feel that she was the object of all; though she could not say that it was unpleasantly done, that there was indelicacy or ostentation in his manner; and sometimes, when he talked of William, he was really not unagreeable, and shewed even a warmth of heart which did him credit. But still his attentions made no part of her satisfaction. She was happy whenever she looked at William, and saw how perfectly he was enjoying himself, in every five minutes that she could walk about with him and hear his account of his partners; she was happy in knowing herself admired; and she was happy in having the two dances with Edmund still to look forward to, during the greatest part of the evening, her hand being so eagerly sought after that her indefinite engagement with \shape italic him \shape default was in continual perspective. She was happy even when they did take place; but not from any flow of spirits on his side, or any such expressions of tender gallantry as had blessed the morning. His mind was fagged, and her happiness sprung from being the friend with whom it could find repose. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am worn out with civility, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have been talking incessantly all night, and with nothing to say. But with \shape italic you \shape default , Fanny, there may be peace. You will not want to be talked to. Let us have the luxury of silence. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Fanny would hardly even speak her agreement. A weariness, arising probably, in great measure, from the same feelings which he had acknowledged in the morning, was peculiarly to be respected, and they went down their two dances together with such sober tranquillity as might satisfy any looker-on that Sir Thomas had been bringing up no wife for his younger son. \layout Standard The evening had afforded Edmund little pleasure. Miss Crawford had been in gay spirits when they first danced together, but it was not her gaiety that could do him good: it rather sank than raised his comfort; and afterwards, for he found himself still impelled to seek her again, she had absolutely pained him by her manner of speaking of the profession to which he was now on the point of belonging. They had talked, and they had been silent; he had reasoned, she had ridiculed; and they had parted at last with mutual vexation. Fanny, not able to refrain entirely from observing them, had seen enough to be tolerably satisfied. It was barbarous to be happy when Edmund was suffering. Yet some happiness must and would arise from the very conviction that he did suffer. \layout Standard When her two dances with him were over, her inclination and strength for more were pretty well at an end; and Sir Thomas, having seen her walk rather than dance down the shortening set, breathless, and with her hand at her side, gave his orders for her sitting down entirely. From that time Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford sat down likewise. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Poor Fanny! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried William, coming for a moment to visit her, and working away his partner's fan as if for life, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how soon she is knocked up! Why, the sport is but just begun. I hope we shall keep it up these two hours. How can you be tired so soon? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So soon! my good friend, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, producing his watch with all necessary caution; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it is three o'clock, and your sister is not used to these sort of hours. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, then, Fanny, you shall not get up to-morrow before I go. Sleep as long as you can, and never mind me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! William. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What! Did she think of being up before you set off? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! yes, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, rising eagerly from her seat to be nearer her uncle; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must get up and breakfast with him. It will be the last time, you know; the last morning. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You had better not. He is to have breakfasted and be gone by half-past nine. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, I think you call for him at half-past nine? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was too urgent, however, and had too many tears in her eyes for denial; and it ended in a gracious \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, well! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset which was permission. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, half-past nine, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Crawford to William as the latter was leaving them, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and I shall be punctual, for there will be no kind sister to get up for \shape italic me \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And in a lower tone to Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall have only a desolate house to hurry from. Your brother will find my ideas of time and his own very different to-morrow. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard After a short consideration, Sir Thomas asked Crawford to join the early breakfast party in that house instead of eating alone: he should himself be of it; and the readiness with which his invitation was accepted convinced him that the suspicions whence, he must confess to himself, this very ball had in great measure sprung, were well founded. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was in love with Fanny. He had a pleasing anticipation of what would be. His niece, meanwhile, did not thank him for what he had just done. She had hoped to have William all to herself the last morning. It would have been an unspeakable indulgence. But though her wishes were overthrown, there was no spirit of murmuring within her. On the contrary, she was so totally unused to have her pleasure consulted, or to have anything take place at all in the way she could desire, that she was more disposed to wonder and rejoice in having carried her point so far, than to repine at the counteraction which followed. \layout Standard Shortly afterward, Sir Thomas was again interfering a little with her inclinatio n, by advising her to go immediately to bed. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Advise \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was his word, but it was the advice of absolute power, and she had only to rise, and, with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's very cordial adieus, pass quietly away; stopping at the entrance-door , like the Lady of Branxholm Hall, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset one moment and no more, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset to view the happy scene, and take a last look at the five or six determined couple who were still hard at work; and then, creeping slowly up the principal staircase, pursued by the ceaseless country-dance, feverish with hopes and fears, soup and negus, sore-footed and fatigued, restless and agitated, yet feeling, in spite of everything, that a ball was indeed delightful. \layout Standard In thus sending her away, Sir Thomas perhaps might not be thinking merely of her health. It might occur to him that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford had been sitting by her long enough, or he might mean to recommend her as a wife by shewing her persuadableness. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXIX \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXIX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXIX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The ball was over, and the breakfast was soon over too; the last kiss was given, and William was gone. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford had, as he foretold, been very punctual, and short and pleasant had been the meal. \layout Standard After seeing William to the last moment, Fanny walked back to the breakfast-room with a very saddened heart to grieve over the melancholy change; and there her uncle kindly left her to cry in peace, conceiving, perhaps, that the deserted chair of each young man might exercise her tender enthusiasm, and that the remaining cold pork bones and mustard in William's plate might but divide her feelings with the broken egg-shells in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's. She sat and cried \shape italic con \shape default \shape italic amore \shape default as her uncle intended, but it was \shape italic con \shape default \shape italic amore \shape default fraternal and no other. William was gone, and she now felt as if she had wasted half his visit in idle cares and selfish solicitudes unconnected with him. \layout Standard Fanny's disposition was such that she could never even think of her aunt Norris in the meagreness and cheerlessness of her own small house, without reproaching herself for some little want of attention to her when they had been last together; much less could her feelings acquit her of having done and said and thought everything by William that was due to him for a whole fortnight. \layout Standard It was a heavy, melancholy day. Soon after the second breakfast, Edmund bade them good-bye for a week, and mounted his horse for Peterborough, and then all were gone. Nothing remained of last night but remembrances, which she had nobody to share in. She talked to her aunt Bertram--she must talk to somebody of the ball; but her aunt had seen so little of what had passed, and had so little curiosity , that it was heavy work. Lady Bertram was not certain of anybody's dress or anybody's place at supper but her own. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She could not recollect what it was that she had heard about one of the Miss Maddoxes, or what it was that Lady Prescott had noticed in Fanny: she was not sure whether Colonel Harrison had been talking of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford or of William when he said he was the finest young man in the room--som ebody had whispered something to her; she had forgot to ask Sir Thomas what it could be. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And these were her longest speeches and clearest communications: the rest was only a languid \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, yes; very well; did you? did he? I did not see \shape italic that \shape default ; I should not know one from the other. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset This was very bad. It was only better than Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's sharp answers would have been; but she being gone home with all the supernumerary jellies to nurse a sick maid, there was peace and good-humour in their little party, though it could not boast much beside. \layout Standard The evening was heavy like the day. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot think what is the matter with me, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram, when the tea-things were removed. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I feel quite stupid. It must be sitting up so late last night. Fanny, you must do something to keep me awake. I cannot work. Fetch the cards; I feel so very stupid. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The cards were brought, and Fanny played at cribbage with her aunt till bedtime; and as Sir Thomas was reading to himself, no sounds were heard in the room for the next two hours beyond the reckonings of the game--"And \shape italic that \shape default makes thirty-one; four in hand and eight in crib. You are to deal, ma'am; shall I deal for you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Fanny thought and thought again of the difference which twenty-four hours had made in that room, and all that part of the house. Last night it had been hope and smiles, bustle and motion, noise and brilliancy , in the drawing-room, and out of the drawing-room, and everywhere. Now it was languor, and all but solitude. \layout Standard A good night's rest improved her spirits. She could think of William the next day more cheerfully; and as the morning afforded her an opportunity of talking over Thursday night with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant and Miss Crawford, in a very handsome style, with all the heightenings of imagination, and all the laughs of playfulness which are so essential to the shade of a departed ball, she could afterwards bring her mind without much effort into its everyday state, and easily conform to the tranquillity of the present quiet week. \layout Standard They were indeed a smaller party than she had ever known there for a whole day together, and \shape italic he \shape default was gone on whom the comfort and cheerfulness of every family meeting and every meal chiefly depended. But this must be learned to be endured. He would soon be always gone; and she was thankful that she could now sit in the same room with her uncle, hear his voice, receive his questions, and even answer them, without such wretched feelings as she had formerly known. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We miss our two young men, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Sir Thomas's observation on both the first and second day, as they formed their very reduced circle after dinner; and in consideration of Fanny's swimming eyes, nothing more was said on the first day than to drink their good health; but on the second it led to something farther. William was kindly commended and his promotion hoped for. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And there is no reason to suppose, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset added Sir Thomas, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but that his visits to us may now be tolerably frequent. As to Edmund, we must learn to do without him. This will be the last winter of his belonging to us, as he has done. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I wish he was not going away. They are all going away, I think. I wish they would stay at home. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This wish was levelled principally at Julia, who had just applied for permission to go to town with Maria; and as Sir Thomas thought it best for each daughter that the permission should be granted, Lady Bertram, though in her own good-nature she would not have prevented it, was lamenting the change it made in the prospect of Julia's return, which would otherwise have taken place about this time. A great deal of good sense followed on Sir Thomas's side, tending to reconcile his wife to the arrangement. Everything that a considerate parent \shape italic ought \shape default to feel was advanced for her use; and everything that an affectionate mother \shape italic must \shape default feel in promoting her children's enjoyment was attributed to her nature. Lady Bertram agreed to it all with a calm \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and at the end of a quarter of an hour's silent consideration spontaneously observed, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas, I have been thinking--and I am very glad we took Fanny as we did, for now the others are away we feel the good of it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas immediately improved this compliment by adding, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very true. We shew Fanny what a good girl we think her by praising her to her face, she is now a very valuable companion. If we have been kind to \shape italic her \shape default , she is now quite as necessary to \shape italic us \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram presently; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and it is a comfort to think that we shall always have \shape italic her \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas paused, half smiled, glanced at his niece, and then gravely replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She will never leave us, I hope, till invited to some other home that may reasonably promise her greater happiness than she knows here. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And \shape italic that \shape default is not very likely to be, Sir Thomas. Who should invite her? Maria might be very glad to see her at Sotherton now and then, but she would not think of asking her to live there; and I am sure she is better off here; and besides, I cannot do without her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The week which passed so quietly and peaceably at the great house in Mansfield had a very different character at the Parsonage. To the young lady, at least, in each family, it brought very different feelings. What was tranquillity and comfort to Fanny was tediousness and vexation to Mary. Something arose from difference of disposition and habit: one so easily satisfied, the other so unused to endure; but still more might be imputed to difference of circumstances. In some points of interest they were exactly opposed to each other. To Fanny's mind, Edmund's absence was really, in its cause and its tendency, a relief. To Mary it was every way painful. She felt the want of his society every day, almost every hour, and was too much in want of it to derive anything but irritation from considering the object for which he went. He could not have devised anything more likely to raise his consequence than this week's absence, occurring as it did at the very time of her brother's going away, of William Price's going too, and completing the sort of general break-up of a party which had been so animated. She felt it keenly. They were now a miserable trio, confined within doors by a series of rain and snow, with nothing to do and no variety to hope for. Angry as she was with Edmund for adhering to his own notions, and acting on them in defiance of her (and she had been so angry that they had hardly parted friends at the ball), she could not help thinking of him continually when absent, dwelling on his merit and affection, and longing again for the almost daily meetings they lately had. His absence was unnecessarily long. He should not have planned such an absence--he should not have left home for a week, when her own departure from Mansfield was so near. Then she began to blame herself. She wished she had not spoken so warmly in their last conversation. She was afraid she had used some strong, some contemptuous expressions in speaking of the clergy, and that should not have been. It was ill-bred; it was wrong. She wished such words unsaid with all her heart. \layout Standard Her vexation did not end with the week. All this was bad, but she had still more to feel when Friday came round again and brought no Edmund; when Saturday came and still no Edmund; and when, through the slight communication with the other family which Sunday produced, she learned that he had actually written home to defer his return, having promised to remain some days longer with his friend. \layout Standard If she had felt impatience and regret before--if she had been sorry for what she said, and feared its too strong effect on him--she now felt and feared it all tenfold more. She had, moreover, to contend with one disagreeable emotion entirely new to her--jealousy. His friend Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Owen had sisters; he might find them attractive. But, at any rate, his staying away at a time when, according to all preceding plans, she was to remove to London, meant something that she could not bear. Had Henry returned, as he talked of doing, at the end of three or four days, she should now have been leaving Mansfield. It became absolutely necessary for her to get to Fanny and try to learn something more. She could not live any longer in such solitary wretchedness; and she made her way to the Park, through difficulties of walking which she had deemed unconquerable a week before, for the chance of hearing a little in addition, for the sake of at least hearing his name. \layout Standard The first half-hour was lost, for Fanny and Lady Bertram were together, and unless she had Fanny to herself she could hope for nothing. But at last Lady Bertram left the room, and then almost immediately Miss Crawford thus began, with a voice as well regulated as she could--"And how do \shape italic you \shape default like your cousin Edmund's staying away so long? Being the only young person at home, I consider \shape italic you \shape default as the greatest sufferer. You must miss him. Does his staying longer surprise you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not know, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny hesitatingly. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes; I had not particularly expected it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Perhaps he will always stay longer than he talks of. It is the general way all young men do. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset He did not, the only time he went to see Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Owen before. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset He finds the house more agreeable \shape italic now \shape default . He is a very--a very pleasing young man himself, and I cannot help being rather concerned at not seeing him again before I go to London, as will now undoubtedly be the case. I am looking for Henry every day, and as soon as he comes there will be nothing to detain me at Mansfield. I should like to have seen him once more, I confess. But you must give my compliments to him. Yes; I think it must be compliments. Is not there a something wanted, Miss Price, in our language--a something between compliments and--and love--to suit the sort of friendly acquaintance we have had together? So many months' acquaintance! But compliments may be sufficient here. Was his letter a long one? Does he give you much account of what he is doing? Is it Christmas gaieties that he is staying for? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I only heard a part of the letter; it was to my uncle; but I believe it was very short; indeed I am sure it was but a few lines. All that I heard was that his friend had pressed him to stay longer, and that he had agreed to do so. A \shape italic few \shape default days longer, or \shape italic some \shape default days longer; I am not quite sure which. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! if he wrote to his father; but I thought it might have been to Lady Bertram or you. But if he wrote to his father, no wonder he was concise. Who could write chat to Sir Thomas? If he had written to you, there would have been more particulars. You would have heard of balls and parties. He would have sent you a description of everything and everybody. How many Miss Owens are there? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Three grown up. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Are they musical? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not at all know. I never heard. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That is the first question, you know, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Miss Crawford, trying to appear gay and unconcerned, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset which every woman who plays herself is sure to ask about another. But it is very foolish to ask questions about any young ladies--about any three sisters just grown up; for one knows, without being told, exactly what they are: all very accomplished and pleasing, and one very pretty. There is a beauty in every family; it is a regular thing. Two play on the pianoforte, and one on the harp; and all sing, or would sing if they were taught, or sing all the better for not being taught; or something like it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know nothing of the Miss Owens, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny calmly. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You know nothing and you care less, as people say. Never did tone express indifference plainer. Indeed, how can one care for those one has never seen? Well, when your cousin comes back, he will find Mansfield very quiet; all the noisy ones gone, your brother and mine and myself I do not like the idea of leaving Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant now the time draws near. She does not like my going. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny felt obliged to speak. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You cannot doubt your being missed by many, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You will be very much missed. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford turned her eye on her, as if wanting to hear or see more, and then laughingly said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes! missed as every noisy evil is missed when it is taken away; that is, there is a great difference felt. But I am not fishing; don't compliment me. If I \shape italic am \shape default missed, it will appear. I may be discovered by those who want to see me. I shall not be in any doubtful, or distant, or unapproachable region. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Now Fanny could not bring herself to speak, and Miss Crawford was disappointed; for she had hoped to hear some pleasant assurance of her power from one who she thought must know, and her spirits were clouded again. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The Miss Owens, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, soon afterwards; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset suppose you were to have one of the Miss Owens settled at Thornton Lacey; how should you like it? Stranger things have happened. I dare say they are trying for it. And they are quite in the light, for it would be a very pretty establishment for them. I do not at all wonder or blame them. It is everybody's duty to do as well for themselves as they can. Sir Thomas Bertram's son is somebody; and now he is in their own line. Their father is a clergyman, and their brother is a clergyman, and they are all clergymen together. He is their lawful property; he fairly belongs to them. You don't speak, Fanny; Miss Price, you don't speak. But honestly now, do not you rather expect it than otherwise? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny stoutly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not expect it at all. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not at all! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Miss Crawford with alacrity. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wonder at that. But I dare say you know exactly--I always imagine you are--perhaps you do not think him likely to marry at all--or not at present. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, I do not, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny softly, hoping she did not err either in the belief or the acknowled gment of it. \layout Standard Her companion looked at her keenly; and gathering greater spirit from the blush soon produced from such a look, only said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset He is best off as he is, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and turned the subject. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXX \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Miss Crawford's uneasiness was much lightened by this conversation, and she walked home again in spirits which might have defied almost another week of the same small party in the same bad weather, had they been put to the proof; but as that very evening brought her brother down from London again in quite, or more than quite, his usual cheerfulness, she had nothing farther to try her own. His still refusing to tell her what he had gone for was but the promotion of gaiety; a day before it might have irritated, but now it was a pleasant joke--suspected only of concealing something planned as a pleasant surprise to herself. And the next day \shape italic did \shape default bring a surprise to her. Henry had said he should just go and ask the Bertrams how they did, and be back in ten minutes, but he was gone above an hour; and when his sister, who had been waiting for him to walk with her in the garden, met him at last most impatiently in the sweep, and cried out, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Henry, where can you have been all this time? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he had only to say that he had been sitting with Lady Bertram and Fanny. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sitting with them an hour and a half! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset exclaimed Mary. \layout Standard But this was only the beginning of her surprise. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, Mary, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, drawing her arm within his, and walking along the sweep as if not knowing where he was: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I could not get away sooner; Fanny looked so lovely! I am quite determined, Mary. My mind is entirely made up. Will it astonish you? No: you must be aware that I am quite determined to marry Fanny Price. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The surprise was now complete; for, in spite of whatever his consciousness might suggest, a suspicion of his having any such views had never entered his sister's imagination; and she looked so truly the astonishment she felt, that he was obliged to repeat what he had said, and more fully and more solemnly. The conviction of his determination once admitted, it was not unwelcome. There was even pleasure with the surprise. Mary was in a state of mind to rejoice in a connexion with the Bertram family, and to be not displeased with her brother's marrying a little beneath him. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, Mary, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Henry's concluding assurance. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am fairly caught. You know with what idle designs I began; but this is the end of them. I have, I flatter myself, made no inconsiderable progress in her affections; but my own are entirely fixed. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Lucky, lucky girl! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mary, as soon as she could speak; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what a match for her! My dearest Henry, this must be my \shape italic first \shape default feeling; but my \shape italic second \shape default , which you shall have as sincerely, is, that I approve your choice from my soul, and foresee your happiness as heartily as I wish and desire it. You will have a sweet little wife; all gratitude and devotion. Exactly what you deserve. What an amazing match for her! Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris often talks of her luck; what will she say now? The delight of all the family, indeed! And she has some \shape italic true \shape default friends in it! How \shape italic they \shape default will rejoice! But tell me all about it! Talk to me for ever. When did you begin to think seriously about her? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Nothing could be more impossible than to answer such a question, though nothing could be more agreeable than to have it asked. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How the pleasing plague had stolen on him \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he could not say; and before he had expressed the same sentiment with a little variation of words three times over, his sister eagerly interrupted him with, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ah, my dear Henry, and this is what took you to London! This was your business! You chose to consult the Admiral before you made up your mind. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard But this he stoutly denied. He knew his uncle too well to consult him on any matrimonial scheme. The Admiral hated marriage, and thought it never pardonable in a young man of independent fortune. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset When Fanny is known to him, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Henry, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset he will doat on her. She is exactly the woman to do away every prejudice of such a man as the Admiral, for she he would describe, if indeed he has now delicacy of language enough to embody his own ideas. But till it is absolutely settled--settled beyond all interference, he shall know nothing of the matter. No, Mary, you are quite mistaken. You have not discovered my business yet. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, well, I am satisfied. I know now to whom it must relate, and am in no hurry for the rest. Fanny Price! wonderful, quite wonderful! That Mansfield should have done so much for--that \shape italic you \shape default should have found your fate in Mansfield! But you are quite right; you could not have chosen better. There is not a better girl in the world, and you do not want for fortune; and as to her connexions, they are more than good. The Bertrams are undoubtedly some of the first people in this country. She is niece to Sir Thomas Bertram; that will be enough for the world. But go on, go on. Tell me more. What are your plans? Does she know her own happiness? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What are you waiting for? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset For--for very little more than opportunity. Mary, she is not like her cousins; but I think I shall not ask in vain. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh no! you cannot. Were you even less pleasing--supposing her not to love you already (of which, however, I can have little doubt)--you would be safe. The gentleness and gratitude of her disposition would secure her all your own immediately. From my soul I do not think she would marry you \shape italic without \shape default love; that is, if there is a girl in the world capable of being uninfluenced by ambition, I can suppose it her; but ask her to love you, and she will never have the heart to refuse. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard As soon as her eagerness could rest in silence, he was as happy to tell as she could be to listen; and a conversation followed almost as deeply interesting to her as to himself, though he had in fact nothing to relate but his own sensations, nothing to dwell on but Fanny's charms. Fanny's beauty of face and figure, Fanny's graces of manner and goodness of heart, were the exhaustless theme. The gentleness, modesty, and sweetness of her character were warmly expatiated on; that sweetness which makes so essential a part of every woman's worth in the judgment of man, that though he sometimes loves where it is not, he can never believe it absent. Her temper he had good reason to depend on and to praise. He had often seen it tried. Was there one of the family, excepting Edmund, who had not in some way or other continually exercised her patience and forbearance? Her affections were evidently strong. To see her with her brother! What could more delightfully prove that the warmth of her heart was equal to its gentleness? What could be more encouraging to a man who had her love in view? Then, her understanding was beyond every suspicion, quick and clear; and her manners were the mirror of her own modest and elegant mind. Nor was this all. Henry Crawford had too much sense not to feel the worth of good principles in a wife, though he was too little accustomed to serious reflection to know them by their proper name; but when he talked of her having such a steadiness and regularity of conduct, such a high notion of honour, and such an observance of decorum as might warrant any man in the fullest dependenc e on her faith and integrity, he expressed what was inspired by the knowledge of her being well principled and religious. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I could so wholly and absolutely confide in her, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and \shape italic that \shape default is what I want. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Well might his sister, believing as she really did that his opinion of Fanny Price was scarcely beyond her merits, rejoice in her prospects. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The more I think of it, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she cried, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset the more am I convinced that you are doing quite right; and though I should never have selected Fanny Price as the girl most likely to attach you, I am now persuaded she is the very one to make you happy. Your wicked project upon her peace turns out a clever thought indeed. You will both find your good in it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It was bad, very bad in me against such a creature; but I did not know her then; and she shall have no reason to lament the hour that first put it into my head. I will make her very happy, Mary; happier than she has ever yet been herself, or ever seen anybody else. I will not take her from Northamptonshire. I shall let Everingham, and rent a place in this neighbourhood; perhaps Stanwix Lodge. I shall let a seven years' lease of Everingham. I am sure of an excellent tenant at half a word. I could name three people now, who would give me my own terms and thank me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ha! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mary; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset settle in Northamptonshire! That is pleasant! Then we shall be all together. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard When she had spoken it, she recollected herself, and wished it unsaid; but there was no need of confusion; for her brother saw her only as the supposed inmate of Mansfield parsonage, and replied but to invite her in the kindest manner to his own house, and to claim the best right in her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You must give us more than half your time, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot admit Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant to have an equal claim with Fanny and myself, for we shall both have a right in you. Fanny will be so truly your sister! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mary had only to be grateful and give general assurances; but she was now very fully purposed to be the guest of neither brother nor sister many months longer. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You will divide your year between London and Northamptonshire? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That's right; and in London, of course, a house of your own: no longer with the Admiral. My dearest Henry, the advantage to you of getting away from the Admiral before your manners are hurt by the contagion of his, before you have contracte d any of his foolish opinions, or learned to sit over your dinner as if it were the best blessing of life! \shape italic You \shape default are not sensible of the gain, for your regard for him has blinded you; but, in my estimation, your marrying early may be the saving of you. To have seen you grow like the Admiral in word or deed, look or gesture, would have broken my heart. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, well, we do not think quite alike here. The Admiral has his faults, but he is a very good man, and has been more than a father to me. Few fathers would have let me have my own way half so much. You must not prejudice Fanny against him. I must have them love one another. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mary refrained from saying what she felt, that there could not be two persons in existence whose characters and manners were less accordant: time would discover it to him; but she could not help \shape italic this \shape default reflection on the Admiral. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Henry, I think so highly of Fanny Price, that if I could suppose the next Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford would have half the reason which my poor ill-used aunt had to abhor the very name, I would prevent the marriage, if possible; but I know you: I know that a wife you \shape italic loved \shape default would be the happiest of women, and that even when you ceased to love, she would yet find in you the liberality and good-breeding of a gentleman. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The impossibility of not doing everything in the world to make Fanny Price happy, or of ceasing to love Fanny Price, was of course the groundwork of his eloquent answer. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Had you seen her this morning, Mary, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he continued, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset attending with such ineffable sweetness and patience to all the demands of her aunt's stupidity, working with her, and for her, her colour beautifully heightened as she leant over the work, then returning to her seat to finish a note which she was previously engaged in writing for that stupid woman's service, and all this with such unpretending gentleness, so much as if it were a matter of course that she was not to have a moment at her own command, her hair arranged as neatly as it always is, and one little curl falling forward as she wrote, which she now and then shook back, and in the midst of all this, still speaking at intervals to \shape italic me \shape default , or listening, and as if she liked to listen, to what I said. Had you seen her so, Mary, you would not have implied the possibility of her power over my heart ever ceasing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dearest Henry, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mary, stopping short, and smiling in his face, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how glad I am to see you so much in love! It quite delights me. But what will Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and Julia say? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I care neither what they say nor what they feel. They will now see what sort of woman it is that can attach me, that can attach a man of sense. I wish the discovery may do them any good. And they will now see their cousin treated as she ought to be, and I wish they may be heartily ashamed of their own abominable neglect and unkindness. They will be angry, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he added, after a moment's silence, and in a cooler tone; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth will be very angry. It will be a bitter pill to her; that is, like other bitter pills, it will have two moments' ill flavour, and then be swallowed and forgotten; for I am not such a coxcomb as to suppose her feelings more lasting than other women's, though \shape italic I \shape default was the object of them. Yes, Mary, my Fanny will feel a difference indeed: a daily, hourly difference, in the behaviour of every being who approaches her; and it will be the completion of my happiness to know that I am the doer of it, that I am the person to give the consequence so justly her due. Now she is dependent, helpless, friendless, neglected, forgotten. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nay, Henry, not by all; not forgotten by all; not friendless or forgotten. Her cousin Edmund never forgets her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Edmund! True, I believe he is, generally speaking, kind to her, and so is Sir Thomas in his way; but it is the way of a rich, superior, long-worded, arbitrary uncle. What can Sir Thomas and Edmund together do, what do they \shape italic do \shape default for her happiness, comfort, honour, and dignity in the world, to what I \shape italic shall \shape default do? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Henry Crawford was at Mansfield Park again the next morning, and at an earlier hour than common visiting warrants. The two ladies were together in the breakfast-room, and, fortunately for him, Lady Bertram was on the very point of quitting it as he entered. She was almost at the door, and not chusing by any means to take so much trouble in vain, she still went on, after a civil reception, a short sentence about being waited for, and a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Let Sir Thomas know \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset to the servant. \layout Standard Henry, overjoyed to have her go, bowed and watched her off, and without losing another moment, turned instantly to Fanny, and, taking out some letters, said, with a most animated look, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must acknowledge myself infinitely obliged to any creature who gives me such an opportunity of seeing you alone: I have been wishing it more than you can have any idea. Knowing as I do what your feelings as a sister are, I could hardly have borne that any one in the house should share with you in the first knowledge of the news I now bring. He is made. Your brother is a lieutenant. I have the infinite satisfaction of congratulating you on your brother's promotion. Here are the letters which announce it, this moment come to hand. You will, perhaps, like to see them. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could not speak, but he did not want her to speak. To see the expression of her eyes, the change of her complexion, the progress of her feelings, their doubt, confusion, and felicity, was enough. She took the letters as he gave them. The first was from the Admiral to inform his nephew, in a few words, of his having succeeded in the object he had undertaken, the promotion of young Price, and enclosing two more, one from the Secretary of the First Lord to a friend, whom the Admiral had set to work in the business, the other from that friend to himself, by which it appeared that his lordship had the very great happiness of attending to the recommendation of Sir Charles; that Sir Charles was much delighted in having such an opportunity of proving his regard for Admiral Crawford, and that the circumstance of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset William Price's commission as Second Lieutenant of H.M. Sloop Thrush being made out was spreading general joy through a wide circle of great people. \layout Standard While her hand was trembling under these letters, her eye running from one to the other, and her heart swelling with emotion, Crawford thus continued, with unfeigned eagerness, to express his interest in the event-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will not talk of my own happiness, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset great as it is, for I think only of yours. Compared with you, who has a right to be happy? I have almost grudged myself my own prior knowledge of what you ought to have known before all the world. I have not lost a moment, however. The post was late this morning, but there has not been since a moment's delay. How impatient, how anxious, how wild I have been on the subject, I will not attempt to describe; how severely mortified, how cruelly disappointed, in not having it finished while I was in London! I was kept there from day to day in the hope of it, for nothing less dear to me than such an object would have detained me half the time from Mansfield. But though my uncle entered into my wishes with all the warmth I could desire, and exerted himself immediately, there were difficulties from the absence of one friend, and the engagements of another, which at last I could no longer bear to stay the end of, and knowing in what good hands I left the cause, I came away on Monday, trusting that many posts would not pass before I should be followed by such very letters as these. My uncle, who is the very best man in the world, has exerted himself, as I knew he would, after seeing your brother. He was delighted with him. I would not allow myself yesterday to say how delighted, or to repeat half that the Admiral said in his praise. I deferred it all till his praise should be proved the praise of a friend, as this day \shape italic does \shape default prove it. \shape italic Now \shape default I may say that even I could not require William Price to excite a greater interest, or be followed by warmer wishes and higher commendation, than were most voluntarily bestowed by my uncle after the evening they had passed together. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Has this been all \shape italic your \shape default doing, then? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Good heaven! how very, very kind! Have you really--was it by \shape italic your \shape default desire? I beg your pardon, but I am bewildered. Did Admiral Crawford apply? How was it? I am stupefied. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Henry was most happy to make it more intelligible, by beginning at an earlier stage, and explaining very particularly what he had done. His last journey to London had been undertaken with no other view than that of introducing her brother in Hill Street, and prevailing on the Admiral to exert whatever interest he might have for getting him on. This had been his business. He had communicated it to no creature: he had not breathed a syllable of it even to Mary; while uncertain of the issue, he could not have borne any participation of his feelings, but this had been his business; and he spoke with such a glow of what his solicitude had been, and used such strong expressions, was so abounding in the \shape italic deepest \shape default \shape italic interest \shape default , in \shape italic twofold \shape default \shape italic motives \shape default , in \shape italic views \shape default \shape italic and \shape default \shape italic wishes \shape default \shape italic more \shape default \shape italic than \shape default \shape italic could \shape default \shape italic be \shape default \shape italic told \shape default , that Fanny could not have remained insensible of his drift, had she been able to attend; but her heart was so full and her senses still so astonished, that she could listen but imperfectly even to what he told her of William, and saying only when he paused, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How kind! how very kind! Oh, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, we are infinitely obliged to you! Dearest, dearest William! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She jumped up and moved in haste towards the door, crying out, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will go to my uncle. My uncle ought to know it as soon as possible. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset But this could not be suffered. The opportunity was too fair, and his feelings too impatient. He was after her immediately. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She must not go, she must allow him five minutes longer, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and he took her hand and led her back to her seat, and was in the middle of his farther explanation, before she had suspected for what she was detained. When she did understand it, however, and found herself expected to believe that she had created sensations which his heart had never known before, and that everything he had done for William was to be placed to the account of his excessive and unequalled attachment to her, she was exceedingly distressed, and for some moments unable to speak. She considered it all as nonsense, as mere trifling and gallantry, which meant only to deceive for the hour; she could not but feel that it was treating her improperly and unworthily, and in such a way as she had not deserved; but it was like himself, and entirely of a piece with what she had seen before; and she would not allow herself to shew half the displeasure she felt, because he had been conferring an obligation, which no want of delicacy on his part could make a trifle to her. While her heart was still bounding with joy and gratitude on William's behalf, she could not be severely resentful of anything that injured only herself; and after having twice drawn back her hand, and twice attempted in vain to turn away from him, she got up, and said only, with much agitation, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Don't, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, pray don't! I beg you would not. This is a sort of talking which is very unpleasant to me. I must go away. I cannot bear it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset But he was still talking on, describing his affection, soliciting a return, and, finally, in words so plain as to bear but one meaning even to her, offering himself, hand, fortune, everything, to her acceptance. It was so; he had said it. Her astonishment and confusion increased; and though still not knowing how to suppose him serious, she could hardly stand. He pressed for an answer. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, no, no! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she cried, hiding her face. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is all nonsense. Do not distress me. I can hear no more of this. Your kindness to William makes me more obliged to you than words can express; but I do not want, I cannot bear, I must not listen to such--No, no, don't think of me. But you are \shape italic not \shape default thinking of me. I know it is all nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She had burst away from him, and at that moment Sir Thomas was heard speaking to a servant in his way towards the room they were in. It was no time for farther assurances or entreaty, though to part with her at a moment when her modesty alone seemed, to his sanguine and preassured mind, to stand in the way of the happiness he sought, was a cruel necessity. She rushed out at an opposite door from the one her uncle was approaching, and was walking up and down the East room ill the utmost confusion of contrary feeling, before Sir Thomas's politeness or apologies were over, or he had reached the beginning of the joyful intelligence which his visitor came to communicate. \layout Standard She was feeling, thinking, trembling about everything; agitated, happy, miserable, infinitely obliged, absolutely angry. It was all beyond belief! He was inexcusable, incomprehensible! But such were his habits that he could do nothing without a mixture of evil. He had previously made her the happiest of human beings, and now he had insulted--she knew not what to say, how to class, or how to regard it. She would not have him be serious, and yet what could excuse the use of such words and offers, if they meant but to trifle? \layout Standard But William was a lieutenant. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic That \shape default was a fact beyond a doubt, and without an alloy. She would think of it for ever and forget all the rest. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford would certainly never address her so again: he must have seen how unwelcome it was to her; and in that case, how gratefully she could esteem him for his friendship to William! \layout Standard She would not stir farther from the East room than the head of the great staircase, till she had satisfied herself of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's having left the house; but when convinced of his being gone, she was eager to go down and be with her uncle, and have all the happiness of his joy as well as her own, and all the benefit of his information or his conjectures as to what would now be William's destination. Sir Thomas was as joyful as she could desire, and very kind and communicative; and she had so comfortable a talk with him about William as to make her feel as if nothing had occurred to vex her, till she found, towards the close, that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was engaged to return and dine there that very day. This was a most unwelcome hearing, for though he might think nothing of what had passed, it would be quite distressing to her to see him again so soon. \layout Standard She tried to get the better of it; tried very hard, as the dinner hour approache d, to feel and appear as usual; but it was quite impossible for her not to look most shy and uncomfortable when their visitor entered the room. She could not have supposed it in the power of any concurrence of circumstances to give her so many painful sensations on the first day of hearing of William's promotion. \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was not only in the room--he was soon close to her. He had a note to deliver from his sister. Fanny could not look at him, but there was no consciousness of past folly in his voice. She opened her note immediately, glad to have anything to do, and happy, as she read it, to feel that the fidgetings of her aunt Norris, who was also to dine there, screened her a little from view. \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Fanny,--for so I may now always call you, to the infinite relief of a tongue that has been stumbling at \shape italic Miss \shape default \shape italic Price \shape default for at least the last six weeks--I cannot let my brother go without sending you a few lines of general congratulation, and giving my most joyful consent and approval. Go on, my dear Fanny, and without fear; there can be no difficulties worth naming. I chuse to suppose that the assurance of my consent will be something; so you may smile upon him with your sweetest smiles this afternoon, and send him back to me even happier than he goes.--Yours affectionately, M. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset C. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard These were not expressions to do Fanny any good; for though she read in too much haste and confusion to form the clearest judgment of Miss Crawford's meaning, it was evident that she meant to compliment her on her brother's attachment, and even to \shape italic appear \shape default to believe it serious. She did not know what to do, or what to think. There was wretchedness in the idea of its being serious; there was perplexity and agitation every way. She was distressed whenever Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford spoke to her, and he spoke to her much too often; and she was afraid there was a something in his voice and manner in addressing her very different from what they were when he talked to the others. Her comfort in that day's dinner was quite destroyed: she could hardly eat anything; and when Sir Thomas good-humouredly observed that joy had taken away her appetite, she was ready to sink with shame, from the dread of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's interpretation; for though nothing could have tempted her to turn her eyes to the right hand, where he sat, she felt that \shape italic his \shape default were immediately directed towards her. \layout Standard She was more silent than ever. She would hardly join even when William was the subject, for his commission came all from the right hand too, and there was pain in the connexion. \layout Standard She thought Lady Bertram sat longer than ever, and began to be in despair of ever getting away; but at last they were in the drawing-room, and she was able to think as she would, while her aunts finished the subject of William's appointment in their own style. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris seemed as much delighted with the saving it would be to Sir Thomas as with any part of it. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic Now \shape default William would be able to keep himself, which would make a vast difference to his uncle, for it was unknown how much he had cost his uncle; and, indeed, it would make some difference in \shape italic her \shape default presents too. She was very glad that she had given William what she did at parting, very glad, indeed, that it had been in her power, without material inconvenience, just at that time to give him something rather considerable; that is, for \shape italic her \shape default , with \shape italic her \shape default limited means, for now it would all be useful in helping to fit up his cabin. She knew he must be at some expense, that he would have many things to buy, though to be sure his father and mother would be able to put him in the way of getting everything very cheap; but she was very glad she had contributed her mite towards it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am glad you gave him something considerable, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Lady Bertram, with most unsuspicious calmness, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset for \shape italic I \shape default gave him only 10. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, reddening. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Upon my word, he must have gone off with his pockets well lined, and at no expense for his journey to London either! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas told me 10 would be enough. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, being not at all inclined to question its sufficiency, began to take the matter in another point. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is amazing, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how much young people cost their friends, what with bringing them up and putting them out in the world! They little think how much it comes to, or what their parents, or their uncles and aunts, pay for them in the course of the year. Now, here are my sister Price's children; take them all together, I dare say nobody would believe what a sum they cost Sir Thomas every year, to say nothing of what \shape italic I \shape default do for them. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very true, sister, as you say. But, poor things! they cannot help it; and you know it makes very little difference to Sir Thomas. Fanny, William must not forget my shawl if he goes to the East Indies; and I shall give him a commission for anything else that is worth having. I wish he may go to the East Indies, that I may have my shawl. I think I will have two shawls, Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, meanwhile, speaking only when she could not help it, was very earnestly trying to understand what Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Miss Crawford were at. There was everything in the world \shape italic against \shape default their being serious but his words and manner. Everything natural, probable, reasonable, was against it; all their habits and ways of thinking, and all her own demerits. How could \shape italic she \shape default have excited serious attachment in a man who had seen so many, and been admired by so many, and flirted with so many, infinitely her superiors; who seemed so little open to serious impressions, even where pains had been taken to please him; who thought so slightly, so carelessly, so unfeelingl y on all such points; who was everything to everybody, and seemed to find no one essential to him? And farther, how could it be supposed that his sister, with all her high and worldly notions of matrimony, would be forwarding anything of a serious nature in such a quarter? Nothing could be more unnatural in either. Fanny was ashamed of her own doubts. Everything might be possible rather than serious attachment, or serious approbation of it toward her. She had quite convinced herself of this before Sir Thomas and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford joined them. The difficulty was in maintaining the conviction quite so absolutely after Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was in the room; for once or twice a look seemed forced on her which she did not know how to class among the common meaning; in any other man, at least, she would have said that it meant something very earnest, very pointed. But she still tried to believe it no more than what he might often have expressed towards her cousins and fifty other women. \layout Standard She thought he was wishing to speak to her unheard by the rest. She fancied he was trying for it the whole evening at intervals, whenever Sir Thomas was out of the room, or at all engaged with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, and she carefully refused him every opportunity. \layout Standard At last--it seemed an at last to Fanny's nervousness, though not remarkably late--he began to talk of going away; but the comfort of the sound was impaired by his turning to her the next moment, and saying, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have you nothing to send to Mary? No answer to her note? She will be disappointe d if she receives nothing from you. Pray write to her, if it be only a line. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes! certainly, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, rising in haste, the haste of embarrassment and of wanting to get away-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will write directly. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She went accordingly to the table, where she was in the habit of writing for her aunt, and prepared her materials without knowing what in the world to say. She had read Miss Crawford's note only once, and how to reply to anything so imperfectly understood was most distressing. Quite unpractised in such sort of note-writing, had there been time for scruples and fears as to style she would have felt them in abundance: but something must be instantly written; and with only one decided feeling, that of wishing not to appear to think anything really intended, she wrote thus, in great trembling both of spirits and hand-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very much obliged to you, my dear Miss Crawford, for your kind congratulati ons, as far as they relate to my dearest William. The rest of your note I know means nothing; but I am so unequal to anything of the sort, that I hope you will excuse my begging you to take no farther notice. I have seen too much of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford not to understand his manners; if he understood me as well, he would, I dare say, behave differently. I do not know what I write, but it would be a great favour of you never to mention the subject again. With thanks for the honour of your note, I remain, dear Miss Crawford, \shape italic etc \shape default ., \shape italic etc \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The conclusion was scarcely intelligible from increasing fright, for she found that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, under pretence of receiving the note, was coming towards her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You cannot think I mean to hurry you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, in an undervoice, perceiving the amazing trepidation with which she made up the note, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you cannot think I have any such object. Do not hurry yourself, I entreat. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! I thank you; I have quite done, just done; it will be ready in a moment; I am very much obliged to you; if you will be so good as to give \shape italic that \shape default to Miss Crawford. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The note was held out, and must be taken; and as she instantly and with averted eyes walked towards the fireplace, where sat the others, he had nothing to do but to go in good earnest. \layout Standard Fanny thought she had never known a day of greater agitation, both of pain and pleasure; but happily the pleasure was not of a sort to die with the day; for every day would restore the knowledge of William's advancement, whereas the pain, she hoped, would return no more. She had no doubt that her note must appear excessively ill-written, that the language would disgrace a child, for her distress had allowed no arrangemen t; but at least it would assure them both of her being neither imposed on nor gratified by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's attentions. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny had by no means forgotten Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford when she awoke the next morning; but she remembered the purport of her note, and was not less sanguine as to its effect than she had been the night before. If Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford would but go away! That was what she most earnestly desired: go and take his sister with him, as he was to do, and as he returned to Mansfield on purpose to do. And why it was not done already she could not devise, for Miss Crawford certainly wanted no delay. Fanny had hoped, in the course of his yesterday's visit, to hear the day named; but he had only spoken of their journey as what would take place ere long. \layout Standard Having so satisfactorily settled the conviction her note would convey, she could not but be astonished to see Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, as she accidentally did, coming up to the house again, and at an hour as early as the day before. His coming might have nothing to do with her, but she must avoid seeing him if possible; and being then on her way upstairs, she resolved there to remain, during the whole of his visit, unless actually sent for; and as Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was still in the house, there seemed little danger of her being wanted. \layout Standard She sat some time in a good deal of agitation, listening, trembling, and fearing to be sent for every moment; but as no footsteps approached the East room, she grew gradually composed, could sit down, and be able to employ herself, and able to hope that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford had come and would go without her being obliged to know anything of the matter. \layout Standard Nearly half an hour had passed, and she was growing very comfortable, when suddenly the sound of a step in regular approach was heard; a heavy step, an unusual step in that part of the house: it was her uncle's; she knew it as well as his voice; she had trembled at it as often, and began to tremble again, at the idea of his coming up to speak to her, whatever might be the subject. It was indeed Sir Thomas who opened the door and asked if she were there, and if he might come in. The terror of his former occasional visits to that room seemed all renewed, and she felt as if he were going to examine her again in French and English. \layout Standard She was all attention, however, in placing a chair for him, and trying to appear honoured; and, in her agitation, had quite overlooked the deficiencies of her apartment, till he, stopping short as he entered, said, with much surprise, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why have you no fire to-day? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard There was snow on the ground, and she was sitting in a shawl. She hesitated. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am not cold, sir: I never sit here long at this time of year. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But you have a fire in general? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, sir. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How comes this about? Here must be some mistake. I understood that you had the use of this room by way of making you perfectly comfortable. In your bedchamber I know you \shape italic cannot \shape default have a fire. Here is some great misapprehension which must be rectified. It is highly unfit for you to sit, be it only half an hour a day, without a fire. You are not strong. You are chilly. Your aunt cannot be aware of this. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny would rather have been silent; but being obliged to speak, she could not forbear, in justice to the aunt she loved best, from saying something in which the words \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset my aunt Norris \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset were distinguishable. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I understand, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried her uncle, recollecting himself, and not wanting to hear more: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I understand. Your aunt Norris has always been an advocate, and very judiciously, for young people's being brought up without unnecessary indulgences; but there should be moderation in everything. She is also very hardy herself, which of course will influence her in her opinion of the wants of others. And on another account, too, I can perfectly comprehend. I know what her sentiments have always been. The principle was good in itself, but it may have been, and I believe \shape italic has \shape default \shape italic been \shape default , carried too far in your case. I am aware that there has been sometimes, in some points, a misplaced distincti on; but I think too well of you, Fanny, to suppose you will ever harbour resentment on that account. You have an understanding which will prevent you from receiving things only in part, and judging partially by the event. You will take in the whole of the past, you will consider times, persons, and probabilities, and you will feel that \shape italic they \shape default were not least your friends who were educating and preparing you for that mediocrity of condition which \shape italic seemed \shape default to be your lot. Though their caution may prove eventually unnecessary, it was kindly meant; and of this you may be assured, that every advantage of affluence will be doubled by the little privations and restrictions that may have been imposed. I am sure you will not disappoint my opinion of you, by failing at any time to treat your aunt Norris with the respect and attention that are due to her. But enough of this. Sit down, my dear. I must speak to you for a few minutes, but I will not detain you long. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny obeyed, with eyes cast down and colour rising. After a moment's pause, Sir Thomas, trying to suppress a smile, went on. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are not aware, perhaps, that I have had a visitor this morning. I had not been long in my own room, after breakfast, when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was shewn in. His errand you may probably conjecture. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's colour grew deeper and deeper; and her uncle, perceiving that she was embarrassed to a degree that made either speaking or looking up quite impossible, turned away his own eyes, and without any farther pause proceeded in his account of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's visit. \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's business had been to declare himself the lover of Fanny, make decided proposals for her, and entreat the sanction of the uncle, who seemed to stand in the place of her parents; and he had done it all so well, so openly, so liberally, so properly, that Sir Thomas, feeling, moreover, his own replies, and his own remarks to have been very much to the purpose, was exceedingly happy to give the particulars of their conversation; and little aware of what was passing in his niece's mind, conceived that by such details he must be gratifying her far more than himself. He talked, therefore, for several minutes without Fanny's daring to interrupt him. She had hardly even attained the wish to do it. Her mind was in too much confusion. She had changed her position; and, with her eyes fixed intently on one of the windows, was listening to her uncle in the utmost perturbation and dismay. For a moment he ceased, but she had barely become conscious of it, when, rising from his chair, he said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And now, Fanny, having performed one part of my commission, and shewn you everything placed on a basis the most assured and satisfactory, I may execute the remainder by prevailing on you to accompany me downstairs, where, though I cannot but presume on having been no unacceptable companion myself, I must submit to your finding one still better worth listening to. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, as you have perhaps foreseen, is yet in the house. He is in my room, and hoping to see you there. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard There was a look, a start, an exclamation on hearing this, which astonished Sir Thomas; but what was his increase of astonishment on hearing her exclaim--" Oh! no, sir, I cannot, indeed I cannot go down to him. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford ought to know--he must know that: I told him enough yesterday to convince him; he spoke to me on this subject yesterday, and I told him without disguise that it was very disagreeable to me, and quite out of my power to return his good opinion. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not catch your meaning, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, sitting down again. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Out of your power to return his good opinion? What is all this? I know he spoke to you yesterday, and (as far as I understand) received as much encourage ment to proceed as a well-judging young woman could permit herself to give. I was very much pleased with what I collected to have been your behaviour on the occasion; it shewed a discretion highly to be commended. But now, when he has made his overtures so properly, and honourably--what are your scruples \shape italic now \shape default ? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are mistaken, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, forced by the anxiety of the moment even to tell her uncle that he was wrong; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you are quite mistaken. How could Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford say such a thing? I gave him no encouragement yesterday. On the contrary, I told him, I cannot recollect my exact words, but I am sure I told him that I would not listen to him, that it was very unpleasant to me in every respect, and that I begged him never to talk to me in that manner again. I am sure I said as much as that and more; and I should have said still more, if I had been quite certain of his meaning anything seriously; but I did not like to be, I could not bear to be, imputing more than might be intended. I thought it might all pass for nothing with \shape italic him \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She could say no more; her breath was almost gone. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Am I to understand, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, after a few moments' silence, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that you mean to \shape italic refuse \shape default Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, sir. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Refuse him? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, sir. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Refuse Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford! Upon what plea? For what reason? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I--I cannot like him, sir, well enough to marry him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is very strange! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, in a voice of calm displeasure. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There is something in this which my comprehension does not reach. Here is a young man wishing to pay his addresses to you, with everything to recommend him: not merely situation in life, fortune, and character, but with more than common agreeableness, with address and conversation pleasing to everybody. And he is not an acquaintance of to-day; you have now known him some time. His sister, moreover, is your intimate friend, and he has been doing \shape italic that \shape default for your brother, which I should suppose would have been almost sufficient recommendation to you, had there been no other. It is very uncertain when my interest might have got William on. He has done it already. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, in a faint voice, and looking down with fresh shame; and she did feel almost ashamed of herself, after such a picture as her uncle had drawn, for not liking Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You must have been aware, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Sir Thomas presently, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you must have been some time aware of a particularity in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's manners to you. This cannot have taken you by surprise. You must have observed his attentions; and though you always received them very properly (I have no accusation to make on that head), I never perceived them to be unpleasant to you. I am half inclined to think, Fanny, that you do not quite know your own feelings. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh yes, sir! indeed I do. His attentions were always--what I did not like. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Sir Thomas looked at her with deeper surprise. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This is beyond me, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This requires explanation. Young as you are, and having seen scarcely any one, it is hardly possible that your affections-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He paused and eyed her fixedly. He saw her lips formed into a \shape italic no \shape default , though the sound was inarticulate, but her face was like scarlet. That, however, in so modest a girl, might be very compatible with innocence; and chusing at least to appear satisfied, he quickly added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, no, I know \shape italic that \shape default is quite out of the question; quite impossible. Well, there is nothing more to be said. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard And for a few minutes he did say nothing. He was deep in thought. His niece was deep in thought likewise, trying to harden and prepare herself against farther questioning. She would rather die than own the truth; and she hoped, by a little reflection, to fortify herself beyond betraying it. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Independently of the interest which Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's \shape italic choice \shape default seemed to justify \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas, beginning again, and very composedly, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset his wishing to marry at all so early is recommendatory to me. I am an advocate for early marriages, where there are means in proportion, and would have every young man, with a sufficient income, settle as soon after four-and-twenty as he can. This is so much my opinion, that I am sorry to think how little likely my own eldest son, your cousin, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram, is to marry early; but at present, as far as I can judge, matrimony makes no part of his plans or thoughts. I wish he were more likely to fix. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Here was a glance at Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Edmund, I consider, from his dispositions and habits, as much more likely to marry early than his brother. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic He \shape default , indeed, I have lately thought, has seen the woman he could love, which, I am convinced, my eldest son has not. Am I right? Do you agree with me, my dear? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, sir. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard It was gently, but it was calmly said, and Sir Thomas was easy on the score of the cousins. But the removal of his alarm did his niece no service: as her unaccountableness was confirmed his displeasure increased; and getting up and walking about the room with a frown, which Fanny could picture to herself, though she dared not lift up her eyes, he shortly afterwards, and in a voice of authority, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have you any reason, child, to think ill of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's temper? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, sir. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She longed to add, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But of his principles I have \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; but her heart sunk under the appalling prospect of discussion, explanation, and probably non-conviction. Her ill opinion of him was founded chiefly on observations, which, for her cousins' sake, she could scarcely dare mention to their father. Maria and Julia, and especially Maria, were so closely implicated in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's misconduct, that she could not give his character, such as she believed it, without betraying them. She had hoped that, to a man like her uncle, so discerning, so honourable, so good, the simple acknowledgment of settled \shape italic dislike \shape default on her side would have been sufficient. To her infinite grief she found it was not. \layout Standard Sir Thomas came towards the table where she sat in trembling wretchedness, and with a good deal of cold sternness, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is of no use, I perceive, to talk to you. We had better put an end to this most mortifying conference. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford must not be kept longer waiting. I will, therefore, only add, as thinking it my duty to mark my opinion of your conduct, that you have disappointed every expectation I had formed, and proved yourself of a character the very reverse of what I had supposed. For I \shape italic had \shape default , Fanny, as I think my behaviour must have shewn, formed a very favourable opinion of you from the period of my return to England. I had thought you peculiarly free from wilfulness of temper, self-conceit, and every tendency to that independence of spirit which prevails so much in modern days, even in young women, and which in young women is offensive and disgusting beyond all common offence. But you have now shewn me that you can be wilful and perverse; that you can and will decide for yourself, without any consideration or deference for those who have surely some right to guide you, without even asking their advice. You have shewn yourself very, very different from anything that I had imagined. The advantage or disadvantage of your family, of your parents, your brothers and sisters, never seems to have had a moment's share in your thoughts on this occasion. How \shape italic they \shape default might be benefited, how \shape italic they \shape default must rejoice in such an establishment for you, is nothing to \shape italic you \shape default . You think only of yourself, and because you do not feel for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford exactly what a young heated fancy imagines to be necessary for happiness, you resolve to refuse him at once, without wishing even for a little time to consider of it, a little more time for cool consideration, and for really examining your own inclinations; and are, in a wild fit of folly, throwing away from you such an opportunity of being settled in life, eligibly, honourably, nobly settled, as will, probably, never occur to you again. Here is a young man of sense, of character, of temper, of manners, and of fortune, exceedingly attached to you, and seeking your hand in the most handsome and disinterested way; and let me tell you, Fanny, that you may live eighteen years longer in the world without being addressed by a man of half Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's estate, or a tenth part of his merits. Gladly would I have bestowed either of my own daughters on him. Maria is nobly married; but had Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford sought Julia's hand, I should have given it to him with superior and more heartfelt satisfaction than I gave Maria's to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset After half a moment's pause: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And I should have been very much surprised had either of my daughters, on receiving a proposal of marriage at any time which might carry with it only \shape italic half \shape default the eligibility of \shape italic this \shape default , immediately and peremptorily, and without paying my opinion or my regard the compliment of any consultation, put a decided negative on it. I should have been much surprised and much hurt by such a proceeding. I should have thought it a gross violation of duty and respect. \shape italic You \shape default are not to be judged by the same rule. You do not owe me the duty of a child. But, Fanny, if your heart can acquit you of \shape italic ingratitude \shape default -- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He ceased. Fanny was by this time crying so bitterly that, angry as he was, he would not press that article farther. Her heart was almost broke by such a picture of what she appeared to him; by such accusations, so heavy, so multiplied, so rising in dreadful gradation! Self-willed, obstinate, selfish, and ungrateful. He thought her all this. She had deceived his expectations; she had lost his good opinion. What was to become of her? \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very sorry, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she inarticulately, through her tears, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very sorry indeed. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sorry! yes, I hope you are sorry; and you will probably have reason to be long sorry for this day's transactions. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If it were possible for me to do otherwise \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, with another strong effort; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I am so perfectly convinced that I could never make him happy, and that I should be miserable myself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Another burst of tears; but in spite of that burst, and in spite of that great black word \shape italic miserable \shape default , which served to introduce it, Sir Thomas began to think a little relenting, a little change of inclination, might have something to do with it; and to augur favourably from the personal entreaty of the young man himself. He knew her to be very timid, and exceedingly nervous; and thought it not improbable that her mind might be in such a state as a little time, a little pressing, a little patience, and a little impatience, a judicious mixture of all on the lover's side, might work their usual effect on. If the gentleman would but persevere, if he had but love enough to persevere, Sir Thomas began to have hopes; and these reflections having passed across his mind and cheered it, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, in a tone of becoming gravity, but of less anger, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset well, child, dry up your tears. There is no use in these tears; they can do no good. You must now come downstairs with me. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford has been kept waiting too long already. You must give him your own answer: we cannot expect him to be satisfied with less; and you only can explain to him the grounds of that misconception of your sentiments, which, unfortunately for himself, he certainly has imbibed. I am totally unequal to it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard But Fanny shewed such reluctance, such misery, at the idea of going down to him, that Sir Thomas, after a little consideration, judged it better to indulge her. His hopes from both gentleman and lady suffered a small depression in consequen ce; but when he looked at his niece, and saw the state of feature and complexion which her crying had brought her into, he thought there might be as much lost as gained by an immediate interview. With a few words, therefore, of no particular meaning, he walked off by himself, leaving his poor niece to sit and cry over what had passed, with very wretched feelings. \layout Standard Her mind was all disorder. The past, present, future, everything was terrible. But her uncle's anger gave her the severest pain of all. Selfish and ungrateful! to have appeared so to him! She was miserable for ever. She had no one to take her part, to counsel, or speak for her. Her only friend was absent. He might have softened his father; but all, perhaps all, would think her selfish and ungrateful. She might have to endure the reproach again and again; she might hear it, or see it, or know it to exist for ever in every connexion about her. She could not but feel some resentment against Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford; yet, if he really loved her, and were unhappy too! It was all wretchedness together. \layout Standard In about a quarter of an hour her uncle returned; she was almost ready to faint at the sight of him. He spoke calmly, however, without austerity, without reproach, and she revived a little. There was comfort, too, in his words, as well as his manner, for he began with, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford is gone: he has just left me. I need not repeat what has passed. I do not want to add to anything you may now be feeling, by an account of what he has felt. Suffice it, that he has behaved in the most gentlemanlike and generous manner, and has confirmed me in a most favourable opinion of his understanding, heart, and temper. Upon my representation of what you were suffering, he immediately, and with the greatest delicacy, ceased to urge to see you for the present. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Here Fanny, who had looked up, looked down again. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Of course, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued her uncle, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it cannot be supposed but that he should request to speak with you alone, be it only for five minutes; a request too natural, a claim too just to be denied. But there is no time fixed; perhaps to-morrow, or whenever your spirits are composed enough. For the present you have only to tranquillise yourself. Check these tears; they do but exhaust you. If, as I am willing to suppose, you wish to shew me any observance, you will not give way to these emotions, but endeavour to reason yourself into a stronger frame of mind. I advise you to go out: the air will do you good; go out for an hour on the gravel; you will have the shrubbery to yourself, and will be the better for air and exercise. And, Fanny \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (turning back again for a moment), \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall make no mention below of what has passed; I shall not even tell your aunt Bertram. There is no occasion for spreading the disappointment; say nothing about it yourself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This was an order to be most joyfully obeyed; this was an act of kindness which Fanny felt at her heart. To be spared from her aunt Norris's interminable reproaches! he left her in a glow of gratitude. Anything might be bearable rather than such reproaches. Even to see Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford would be less overpowering. \layout Standard She walked out directly, as her uncle recommended, and followed his advice throughout, as far as she could; did check her tears; did earnestly try to compose her spirits and strengthen her mind. She wished to prove to him that she did desire his comfort, and sought to regain his favour; and he had given her another strong motive for exertion, in keeping the whole affair from the knowledge of her aunts. Not to excite suspicion by her look or manner was now an object worth attaining ; and she felt equal to almost anything that might save her from her aunt Norris. \layout Standard She was struck, quite struck, when, on returning from her walk and going into the East room again, the first thing which caught her eye was a fire lighted and burning. A fire! it seemed too much; just at that time to be giving her such an indulgence was exciting even painful gratitude. She wondered that Sir Thomas could have leisure to think of such a trifle again; but she soon found, from the voluntary information of the housemaid, who came in to attend it, that so it was to be every day. Sir Thomas had given orders for it. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must be a brute, indeed, if I can be really ungrateful! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, in soliloquy. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Heaven defend me from being ungrateful! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She saw nothing more of her uncle, nor of her aunt Norris, till they met at dinner. Her uncle's behaviour to her was then as nearly as possible what it had been before; she was sure he did not mean there should be any change, and that it was only her own conscience that could fancy any; but her aunt was soon quarrelling with her; and when she found how much and how unpleasantly her having only walked out without her aunt's knowledge could be dwelt on, she felt all the reason she had to bless the kindness which saved her from the same spirit of reproach, exerted on a more momentous subject. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If I had known you were going out, I should have got you just to go as far as my house with some orders for Nanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset which I have since, to my very great inconvenience, been obliged to go and carry myself. I could very ill spare the time, and you might have saved me the trouble, if you would only have been so good as to let us know you were going out. It would have made no difference to you, I suppose, whether you had walked in the shrubbery or gone to my house. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I recommended the shrubbery to Fanny as the driest place, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Sir Thomas. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, with a moment's check, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that was very kind of you, Sir Thomas; but you do not know how dry the path is to my house. Fanny would have had quite as good a walk there, I assure you, with the advantage of being of some use, and obliging her aunt: it is all her fault. If she would but have let us know she was going out but there is a something about Fanny, I have often observed it before--she likes to go her own way to work; she does not like to be dictated to; she takes her own independent walk whenever she can; she certainly has a little spirit of secrecy, and independence, and nonsense, about her, which I would advise her to get the better of. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard As a general reflection on Fanny, Sir Thomas thought nothing could be more unjust, though he had been so lately expressing the same sentiments himself, and he tried to turn the conversation: tried repeatedly before he could succeed; for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris had not discernment enough to perceive, either now, or at any other time, to what degree he thought well of his niece, or how very far he was from wishing to have his own children's merits set off by the depreciation of hers. She was talking \shape italic at \shape default Fanny, and resenting this private walk half through the dinner. \layout Standard It was over, however, at last; and the evening set in with more composure to Fanny, and more cheerfulness of spirits than she could have hoped for after so stormy a morning; but she trusted, in the first place, that she had done right: that her judgment had not misled her. For the purity of her intentions she could answer; and she was willing to hope, secondly, that her uncle's displeasure was abating, and would abate farther as he considered the matter with more impartiality, and felt, as a good man must feel, how wretched, and how unpardonable, how hopeless, and how wicked it was to marry without affection. \layout Standard When the meeting with which she was threatened for the morrow was past, she could not but flatter herself that the subject would be finally concluded, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford once gone from Mansfield, that everything would soon be as if no such subject had existed. She would not, could not believe, that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's affection for her could distress him long; his mind was not of that sort. London would soon bring its cure. In London he would soon learn to wonder at his infatuation, and be thankful for the right reason in her which had saved him from its evil consequences. \layout Standard While Fanny's mind was engaged in these sort of hopes, her uncle was, soon after tea, called out of the room; an occurrence too common to strike her, and she thought nothing of it till the butler reappeared ten minutes afterwards , and advancing decidedly towards herself, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir Thomas wishes to speak with you, ma'am, in his own room. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Then it occurred to her what might be going on; a suspicion rushed over her mind which drove the colour from her cheeks; but instantly rising, she was preparing to obey, when Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris called out, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Stay, stay, Fanny! what are you about? where are you going? don't be in such a hurry. Depend upon it, it is not you who are wanted; depend upon it, it is me \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (looking at the butler); \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but you are so very eager to put yourself forward. What should Sir Thomas want you for? It is me, Baddeley, you mean; I am coming this moment. You mean me, Baddeley, I am sure; Sir Thomas wants me, not Miss Price. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard But Baddeley was stout. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, ma'am, it is Miss Price; I am certain of its being Miss Price. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And there was a half-smile with the words, which meant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not think you would answer the purpose at all. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, much discontented, was obliged to compose herself to work again; and Fanny, walking off in agitating consciousness, found herself, as she anticipated, in another minute alone with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The conference was neither so short nor so conclusive as the lady had designed. The gentleman was not so easily satisfied. He had all the disposition to persevere that Sir Thomas could wish him. He had vanity, which strongly inclined him in the first place to think she did love him, though she might not know it herself; and which, secondly, when constrained at last to admit that she did know her own present feelings, convinced him that he should be able in time to make those feelings what he wished. \layout Standard He was in love, very much in love; and it was a love which, operating on an active, sanguine spirit, of more warmth than delicacy, made her affection appear of greater consequence because it was withheld, and determined him to have the glory, as well as the felicity, of forcing her to love him. \layout Standard He would not despair: he would not desist. He had every well-grounded reason for solid attachment; he knew her to have all the worth that could justify the warmest hopes of lasting happiness with her; her conduct at this very time, by speaking the disinterestedness and delicacy of her character (qualities which he believed most rare indeed), was of a sort to heighten all his wishes, and confirm all his resolutions. He knew not that he had a pre-engaged heart to attack. Of \shape italic that \shape default he had no suspicion. He considered her rather as one who had never thought on the subject enough to be in danger; who had been guarded by youth, a youth of mind as lovely as of person; whose modesty had prevented her from understanding his attentions , and who was still overpowered by the suddenness of addresses so wholly unexpected, and the novelty of a situation which her fancy had never taken into account. \layout Standard Must it not follow of course, that, when he was understood, he should succeed? He believed it fully. Love such as his, in a man like himself, must with perseverance secure a return, and at no great distance; and he had so much delight in the idea of obliging her to love him in a very short time, that her not loving him now was scarcely regretted. A little difficulty to be overcome was no evil to Henry Crawford. He rather derived spirits from it. He had been apt to gain hearts too easily. His situation was new and animating. \layout Standard To Fanny, however, who had known too much opposition all her life to find any charm in it, all this was unintelligible. She found that he did mean to persevere; but how he could, after such language from her as she felt herself obliged to use, was not to be understood. She told him that she did not love him, could not love him, was sure she never should love him; that such a change was quite impossible; that the subject was most painful to her; that she must entreat him never to mention it again, to allow her to leave him at once, and let it be considered as concluded for ever. And when farther pressed, had added, that in her opinion their dispositions were so totally dissimilar as to make mutual affection incompatible; and that they were unfitted for each other by nature, education, and habit. All this she had said, and with the earnestness of sincerity; yet this was not enough, for he immediately denied there being anything uncongenial in their characters, or anything unfriendly in their situations; and positively declared, that he would still love, and still hope! \layout Standard Fanny knew her own meaning, but was no judge of her own manner. Her manner was incurably gentle; and she was not aware how much it concealed the sternness of her purpose. Her diffidence, gratitude, and softness made every expression of indifference seem almost an effort of self-denial; seem, at least, to be giving nearly as much pain to herself as to him. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was no longer the Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford who, as the clandestine, insidious, treacherous admirer of Maria Bertram, had been her abhorrence, whom she had hated to see or to speak to, in whom she could believe no good quality to exist, and whose power, even of being agreeable, she had barely acknowledged. He was now the Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford who was addressing herself with ardent, disinterested love; whose feelings were apparently become all that was honourable and upright, whose views of happiness were all fixed on a marriage of attachment; who was pouring out his sense of her merits, describing and describing again his affection, proving as far as words could prove it, and in the language, tone, and spirit of a man of talent too, that he sought her for her gentleness and her goodness; and to complete the whole, he was now the Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford who had procured William's promotion! \layout Standard Here was a change, and here were claims which could not but operate! She might have disdained him in all the dignity of angry virtue, in the grounds of Sotherton, or the theatre at Mansfield Park; but he approached her now with rights that demanded different treatment. She must be courteous, and she must be compassionate. She must have a sensation of being honoured, and whether thinking of herself or her brother, she must have a strong feeling of gratitude. The effect of the whole was a manner so pitying and agitated, and words intermingled with her refusal so expressive of obligation and concern, that to a temper of vanity and hope like Crawford's, the truth, or at least the strength of her indifference, might well be questionable; and he was not so irrational as Fanny considered him, in the professions of persevering, assiduous, and not desponding attachment which closed the interview. \layout Standard It was with reluctance that he suffered her to go; but there was no look of despair in parting to belie his words, or give her hopes of his being less unreasonable than he professed himself. \layout Standard Now she was angry. Some resentment did arise at a perseverance so selfish and ungenerous. Here was again a want of delicacy and regard for others which had formerly so struck and disgusted her. Here was again a something of the same Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford whom she had so reprobated before. How evidently was there a gross want of feeling and humanity where his own pleasure was concerned; and alas! how always known no principle to supply as a duty what the heart was deficient in! Had her own affections been as free as perhaps they ought to have been, he never could have engaged them. \layout Standard So thought Fanny, in good truth and sober sadness, as she sat musing over that too great indulgence and luxury of a fire upstairs: wondering at the past and present; wondering at what was yet to come, and in a nervous agitation which made nothing clear to her but the persuasion of her being never under any circumstances able to love Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, and the felicity of having a fire to sit over and think of it. \layout Standard Sir Thomas was obliged, or obliged himself, to wait till the morrow for a knowledge of what had passed between the young people. He then saw Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, and received his account. The first feeling was disappointment: he had hoped better things; he had thought that an hour's entreaty from a young man like Crawford could not have worked so little change on a gentle-tempered girl like Fanny; but there was speedy comfort in the determined views and sanguine perseverance of the lover; and when seeing such confidence of success in the principal, Sir Thomas was soon able to depend on it himself. \layout Standard Nothing was omitted, on his side, of civility, compliment, or kindness, that might assist the plan. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's steadiness was honoured, and Fanny was praised, and the connexion was still the most desirable in the world. At Mansfield Park Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford would always be welcome; he had only to consult his own judgment and feelings as to the frequency of his visits, at present or in future. In all his niece's family and friends, there could be but one opinion, one wish on the subject; the influence of all who loved her must incline one way. \layout Standard Everything was said that could encourage, every encouragement received with grateful joy, and the gentlemen parted the best of friends. \layout Standard Satisfied that the cause was now on a footing the most proper and hopeful, Sir Thomas resolved to abstain from all farther importunity with his niece, and to shew no open interference. Upon her disposition he believed kindness might be the best way of working. Entreaty should be from one quarter only. The forbearance of her family on a point, respecting which she could be in no doubt of their wishes, might be their surest means of forwarding it. Accordingly, on this principle, Sir Thomas took the first opportunity of saying to her, with a mild gravity, intended to be overcoming, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Fanny, I have seen Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford again, and learn from him exactly how matters stand between you. He is a most extraordinary young man, and whatever be the event, you must feel that you have created an attachment of no common character; though, young as you are, and little acquainted with the transient, varying, unsteady nature of love, as it generally exists, you cannot be struck as I am with all that is wonderful in a perseverance of this sort against discouragement. With him it is entirely a matter of feeling: he claims no merit in it; perhaps is entitled to none. Yet, having chosen so well, his constancy has a respectable stamp. Had his choice been less unexceptionable, I should have condemned his perseveri ng. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am very sorry that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford should continue to know that it is paying me a very great compliment, and I feel most undeservedly honoured; but I am so perfectly convinced, and I have told him so, that it never will be in my power-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset interrupted Sir Thomas, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset there is no occasion for this. Your feelings are as well known to me as my wishes and regrets must be to you. There is nothing more to be said or done. From this hour the subject is never to be revived between us. You will have nothing to fear, or to be agitated about. You cannot suppose me capable of trying to persuade you to marry against your inclinations. Your happiness and advantage are all that I have in view, and nothing is required of you but to bear with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's endeavours to convince you that they may not be incompatible with his. He proceeds at his own risk. You are on safe ground. I have engaged for your seeing him whenever he calls, as you might have done had nothing of this sort occurred. You will see him with the rest of us, in the same manner, and, as much as you can, dismissing the recollection of everything unpleasant. He leaves Northamptonshire so soon, that even this slight sacrifice cannot be often demanded. The future must be very uncertain. And now, my dear Fanny, this subject is closed between us. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The promised departure was all that Fanny could think of with much satisfaction. Her uncle's kind expressions, however, and forbearing manner, were sensibly felt; and when she considered how much of the truth was unknown to him, she believed she had no right to wonder at the line of conduct he pursued. He, who had married a daughter to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth: romantic delicacy was certainly not to be expected from him. She must do her duty, and trust that time might make her duty easier than it now was. \layout Standard She could not, though only eighteen, suppose Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's attachment would hold out for ever; she could not but imagine that steady, unceasing discouragement from herself would put an end to it in time. How much time she might, in her own fancy, allot for its dominion, is another concern. It would not be fair to inquire into a young lady's exact estimate of her own perfections. \layout Standard In spite of his intended silence, Sir Thomas found himself once more obliged to mention the subject to his niece, to prepare her briefly for its being imparted to her aunts; a measure which he would still have avoided, if possible, but which became necessary from the totally opposite feelings of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford as to any secrecy of proceeding. He had no idea of concealment. It was all known at the Parsonage, where he loved to talk over the future with both his sisters, and it would be rather gratifying to him to have enlightened witnesses of the progress of his success. When Sir Thomas understood this, he felt the necessity of making his own wife and sister-in-law acquainted with the business without delay; though, on Fanny's account, he almost dreaded the effect of the communication to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris as much as Fanny herself. He deprecated her mistaken but well-meaning zeal. Sir Thomas, indeed, was, by this time, not very far from classing Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris as one of those well-meaning people who are always doing mistaken and very disagreeable things. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, however, relieved him. He pressed for the strictest forbearance and silence towards their niece; she not only promised, but did observe it. She only looked her increased ill-will. Angry she was: bitterly angry; but she was more angry with Fanny for having received such an offer than for refusing it. It was an injury and affront to Julia, who ought to have been Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's choice; and, independently of that, she disliked Fanny, because she had neglected her; and she would have grudged such an elevation to one whom she had been always trying to depress. \layout Standard Sir Thomas gave her more credit for discretion on the occasion than she deserved; and Fanny could have blessed her for allowing her only to see her displeasure, and not to hear it. \layout Standard Lady Bertram took it differently. She had been a beauty, and a prosperous beauty, all her life; and beauty and wealth were all that excited her respect. To know Fanny to be sought in marriage by a man of fortune, raised her, therefore, very much in her opinion. By convincing her that Fanny \shape italic was \shape default very pretty, which she had been doubting about before, and that she would be advantageously married, it made her feel a sort of credit in calling her niece. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, as soon as they were alone together afterwards, and she really had known something like impatience to be alone with her, and her countenance, as she spoke, had extraordinary animation; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, Fanny, I have had a very agreeable surprise this morning. I must just speak of it \shape italic once \shape default , I told Sir Thomas I must \shape italic once \shape default , and then I shall have done. I give you joy, my dear niece. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And looking at her complacently, she added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Humph, we certainly are a handsome family! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny coloured, and doubted at first what to say; when, hoping to assail her on her vulnerable side, she presently answered-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear aunt, \shape italic you \shape default cannot wish me to do differently from what I have done, I am sure. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic You \shape default cannot wish me to marry; for you would miss me, should not you? Yes, I am sure you would miss me too much for that. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, my dear, I should not think of missing you, when such an offer as this comes in your way. I could do very well without you, if you were married to a man of such good estate as Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. And you must be aware, Fanny, that it is every young woman's duty to accept such a very unexceptionable offer as this. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This was almost the only rule of conduct, the only piece of advice, which Fanny had ever received from her aunt in the course of eight years and a half. It silenced her. She felt how unprofitable contention would be. If her aunt's feelings were against her, nothing could be hoped from attacking her understanding. Lady Bertram was quite talkative. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will tell you what, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sure he fell in love with you at the ball; I am sure the mischief was done that evening. You did look remarkably well. Everybody said so. Sir Thomas said so. And you know you had Chapman to help you to dress. I am very glad I sent Chapman to you. I shall tell Sir Thomas that I am sure it was done that evening. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And still pursuing the same cheerful thoughts, she soon afterwards added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And will tell you what, Fanny, which is more than I did for Maria: the next time Pug has a litter you shall have a puppy. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund had great things to hear on his return. Many surprises were awaiting him. The first that occurred was not least in interest: the appearance of Henry Crawford and his sister walking together through the village as he rode into it. He had concluded--he had meant them to be far distant. His absence had been extended beyond a fortnight purposely to avoid Miss Crawford. He was returning to Mansfield with spirits ready to feed on melancholy remembrances, and tender associations, when her own fair self was before him, leaning on her brother's arm, and he found himself receiving a welcome, unquestionably friendly, from the woman whom, two moments before, he had been thinking of as seventy miles off, and as farther, much farther, from him in inclination than any distance could express. \layout Standard Her reception of him was of a sort which he could not have hoped for, had he expected to see her. Coming as he did from such a purport fulfilled as had taken him away, he would have expected anything rather than a look of satisfaction, and words of simple, pleasant meaning. It was enough to set his heart in a glow, and to bring him home in the properest state for feeling the full value of the other joyful surprises at hand. \layout Standard William's promotion, with all its particulars, he was soon master of; and with such a secret provision of comfort within his own breast to help the joy, he found in it a source of most gratifying sensation and unvarying cheerfulness all dinner-time. \layout Standard After dinner, when he and his father were alone, he had Fanny's history; and then all the great events of the last fortnight, and the present situation of matters at Mansfield were known to him. \layout Standard Fanny suspected what was going on. They sat so much longer than usual in the dining-parlour, that she was sure they must be talking of her; and when tea at last brought them away, and she was to be seen by Edmund again, she felt dreadfully guilty. He came to her, sat down by her, took her hand, and pressed it kindly; and at that moment she thought that, but for the occupation and the scene which the tea-things afforded, she must have betrayed her emotion in some unpardonable excess. \layout Standard He was not intending, however, by such action, to be conveying to her that unqualified approbation and encouragement which her hopes drew from it. It was designed only to express his participation in all that interested her, and to tell her that he had been hearing what quickened every feeling of affection. He was, in fact, entirely on his father's side of the question. His surprise was not so great as his father's at her refusing Crawford, because, so far from supposing her to consider him with anything like a preference, he had always believed it to be rather the reverse, and could imagine her to be taken perfectly unprepared, but Sir Thomas could not regard the connexion as more desirable than he did. It had every recommendation to him; and while honouring her for what she had done under the influence of her present indifference, honouring her in rather stronger terms than Sir Thomas could quite echo, he was most earnest in hoping, and sanguine in believing, that it would be a match at last, and that, united by mutual affection, it would appear that their dispositions were as exactly fitted to make them blessed in each other, as he was now beginning seriously to consider them. Crawford had been too precipitate. He had not given her time to attach herself. He had begun at the wrong end. With such powers as his, however, and such a disposition as hers, Edmund trusted that everything would work out a happy conclusion. Meanwhile, he saw enough of Fanny's embarrassment to make him scrupulously guard against exciting it a second time, by any word, or look, or movement. \layout Standard Crawford called the next day, and on the score of Edmund's return, Sir Thomas felt himself more than licensed to ask him to stay dinner; it was really a necessary compliment. He staid of course, and Edmund had then ample opportunity for observing how he sped with Fanny, and what degree of immediate encouragement for him might be extracted from her manners; and it was so little, so very, very little--every chance, every possibility of it, resting upon her embarrassm ent only; if there was not hope in her confusion, there was hope in nothing else--that he was almost ready to wonder at his friend's perseverance. Fanny was worth it all; he held her to be worth every effort of patience, every exertion of mind, but he did not think he could have gone on himself with any woman breathing, without something more to warm his courage than his eyes could discern in hers. He was very willing to hope that Crawford saw clearer, and this was the most comfortable conclusion for his friend that he could come to from all that he observed to pass before, and at, and after dinner. \layout Standard In the evening a few circumstances occurred which he thought more promising. When he and Crawford walked into the drawing-room, his mother and Fanny were sitting as intently and silently at work as if there were nothing else to care for. Edmund could not help noticing their apparently deep tranquillity. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We have not been so silent all the time, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied his mother. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Fanny has been reading to me, and only put the book down upon hearing you coming. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And sure enough there was a book on the table which had the air of being very recently closed: a volume of Shakespeare. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She often reads to me out of those books; and she was in the middle of a very fine speech of that man's--what's his name, Fanny?--when we heard your footsteps. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Crawford took the volume. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Let me have the pleasure of finishing that speech to your ladyship, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall find it immediately. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And by carefully giving way to the inclination of the leaves, he did find it, or within a page or two, quite near enough to satisfy Lady Bertram, who assured him, as soon as he mentioned the name of Cardinal Wolsey, that he had got the very speech. Not a look or an offer of help had Fanny given; not a syllable for or against. All her attention was for her work. She seemed determined to be interested by nothing else. But taste was too strong in her. She could not abstract her mind five minutes: she was forced to listen; his reading was capital, and her pleasure in good reading extreme. To \shape italic good \shape default reading, however, she had been long used: her uncle read well, her cousins all, Edmund very well, but in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's reading there was a variety of excellence beyond what she had ever met with. The King, the Queen, Buckingham, Wolsey, Cromwell, all were given in turn; for with the happiest knack, the happiest power of jumping and guessing, he could always alight at will on the best scene, or the best speeches of each; and whether it were dignity, or pride, or tenderness, or remorse, or whatever were to be expressed, he could do it with equal beauty. It was truly dramatic. His acting had first taught Fanny what pleasure a play might give, and his reading brought all his acting before her again; nay, perhaps with greater enjoyment, for it came unexpectedly, and with no such drawback as she had been used to suffer in seeing him on the stage with Miss Bertram. \layout Standard Edmund watched the progress of her attention, and was amused and gratified by seeing how she gradually slackened in the needlework, which at the beginning seemed to occupy her totally: how it fell from her hand while she sat motionles s over it, and at last, how the eyes which had appeared so studiously to avoid him throughout the day were turned and fixed on Crawford--fixed on him for minutes, fixed on him, in short, till the attraction drew Crawford's upon her, and the book was closed, and the charm was broken. Then she was shrinking again into herself, and blushing and working as hard as ever; but it had been enough to give Edmund encouragement for his friend, and as he cordially thanked him, he hoped to be expressing Fanny's secret feelings too. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That play must be a favourite with you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you read as if you knew it well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It will be a favourite, I believe, from this hour, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Crawford; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but I do not think I have had a volume of Shakespeare in my hand before since I was fifteen. I once saw Henry the Eighth acted, or I have heard of it from somebody who did, I am not certain which. But Shakespeare one gets acquainted with without knowing how. It is a part of an Englishman's constitution. His thoughts and beauties are so spread abroad that one touches them everywhere ; one is intimate with him by instinct. No man of any brain can open at a good part of one of his plays without falling into the flow of his meaning immediately. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No doubt one is familiar with Shakespeare in a degree, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset from one's earliest years. His celebrated passages are quoted by everybody; they are in half the books we open, and we all talk Shakespeare, use his similes, and describe with his descriptions; but this is totally distinct from giving his sense as you gave it. To know him in bits and scraps is common enough; to know him pretty thoroughly is, perhaps, not uncommon; but to read him well aloud is no everyday talent. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sir, you do me honour, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Crawford's answer, with a bow of mock gravity. \layout Standard Both gentlemen had a glance at Fanny, to see if a word of accordant praise could be extorted from her; yet both feeling that it could not be. Her praise had been given in her attention; \shape italic that \shape default must content them. \layout Standard Lady Bertram's admiration was expressed, and strongly too. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It was really like being at a play, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wish Sir Thomas had been here. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Crawford was excessively pleased. If Lady Bertram, with all her incompetency and languor, could feel this, the inference of what her niece, alive and enlightened as she was, must feel, was elevating. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You have a great turn for acting, I am sure, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said her ladyship soon afterwards; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset and I will tell you what, I think you will have a theatre, some time or other, at your house in Norfolk. I mean when you are settled there. I do indeed. I think you will fit up a theatre at your house in Norfolk. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you, ma'am? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried he, with quickness. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, no, that will never be. Your ladyship is quite mistaken. No theatre at Everingham! Oh no! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And he looked at Fanny with an expressive smile, which evidently meant, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That lady will never allow a theatre at Everingham. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund saw it all, and saw Fanny so determined \shape italic not \shape default to see it, as to make it clear that the voice was enough to convey the full meaning of the protestation; and such a quick consciousness of compliment, such a ready comprehension of a hint, he thought, was rather favourable than not. \layout Standard The subject of reading aloud was farther discussed. The two young men were the only talkers, but they, standing by the fire, talked over the too common neglect of the qualification, the total inattention to it, in the ordinary school-system for boys, the consequently natural, yet in some instances almost unnatural, degree of ignorance and uncouthness of men, of sensible and well-informed men, when suddenly called to the necessity of reading aloud, which had fallen within their notice, giving instances of blunders, and failures with their secondary causes, the want of management of the voice, of proper modulation and emphasis, of foresight and judgment, all proceeding from the first cause: want of early attention and habit; and Fanny was listening again with great entertainment. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Even in my profession, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Edmund, with a smile, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset how little the art of reading has been studied! how little a clear manner, and good delivery, have been attended to! I speak rather of the past, however, than the present. There is now a spirit of improvement abroad; but among those who were ordained twenty, thirty, forty years ago, the larger number, to judge by their performan ce, must have thought reading was reading, and preaching was preaching. It is different now. The subject is more justly considered. It is felt that distinctness and energy may have weight in recommending the most solid truths; and besides, there is more general observation and taste, a more critical knowledge diffused than formerly; in every congregation there is a larger proportion who know a little of the matter, and who can judge and criticise. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund had already gone through the service once since his ordination; and upon this being understood, he had a variety of questions from Crawford as to his feelings and success; questions, which being made, though with the vivacity of friendly interest and quick taste, without any touch of that spirit of banter or air of levity which Edmund knew to be most offensive to Fanny, he had true pleasure in satisfying; and when Crawford proceeded to ask his opinion and give his own as to the properest manner in which particular passages in the service should be delivered, shewing it to be a subject on which he had thought before, and thought with judgment, Edmund was still more and more pleased. This would be the way to Fanny's heart. She was not to be won by all that gallantry and wit and good-nature together could do; or, at least, she would not be won by them nearly so soon, without the assistance of sentiment and feeling, and seriousness on serious subjects. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Our liturgy, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset observed Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset has beauties, which not even a careless, slovenly style of reading can destroy; but it has also redundancies and repetitions which require good reading not to be felt. For myself, at least, I must confess being not always so attentive as I ought to be \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (here was a glance at Fanny); \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that nineteen times out of twenty I am thinking how such a prayer ought to be read, and longing to have it to read myself. Did you speak? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset stepping eagerly to Fanny, and addressing her in a softened voice; and upon her saying \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Are you sure you did not speak? I saw your lips move. I fancied you might be going to tell me I ought to be more attentive, and not \shape italic allow \shape default my thoughts to wander. Are not you going to tell me so? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No, indeed, you know your duty too well for me to--even supposing-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She stopt, felt herself getting into a puzzle, and could not be prevailed on to add another word, not by dint of several minutes of supplication and waiting. He then returned to his former station, and went on as if there had been no such tender interruption. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A sermon, well delivered, is more uncommon even than prayers well read. A sermon, good in itself, is no rare thing. It is more difficult to speak well than to compose well; that is, the rules and trick of composition are oftener an object of study. A thoroughly good sermon, thoroughly well delivered, is a capital gratification. I can never hear such a one without the greatest admiration and respect, and more than half a mind to take orders and preach myself. There is something in the eloquence of the pulpit, when it is really eloquence, which is entitled to the highest praise and honour. The preacher who can touch and affect such an heterogeneous mass of hearers, on subjects limited, and long worn threadbare in all common hands; who can say anything new or striking, anything that rouses the attention without offending the taste, or wearing out the feelings of his hearers, is a man whom one could not, in his public capacity, honour enough. I should like to be such a man. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund laughed. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should indeed. I never listened to a distinguished preacher in my life without a sort of envy. But then, I must have a London audience. I could not preach but to the educated; to those who were capable of estimating my composition. And I do not know that I should be fond of preaching often; now and then, perhaps once or twice in the spring, after being anxiously expected for half a dozen Sundays together; but not for a constancy; it would not do for a constancy. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Here Fanny, who could not but listen, involuntarily shook her head, and Crawford was instantly by her side again, entreating to know her meaning; and as Edmund perceived, by his drawing in a chair, and sitting down close by her, that it was to be a very thorough attack, that looks and undertones were to be well tried, he sank as quietly as possible into a corner, turned his back, and took up a newspaper, very sincerely wishing that dear little Fanny might be persuaded into explaining away that shake of the head to the satisfaction of her ardent lover; and as earnestly trying to bury every sound of the business from himself in murmurs of his own, over the various advertisements of \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A most desirable Estate in South Wales \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To Parents and Guardians \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Capital season'd Hunter. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, meanwhile, vexed with herself for not having been as motionless as she was speechless, and grieved to the heart to see Edmund's arrangements, was trying by everything in the power of her modest, gentle nature, to repulse Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, and avoid both his looks and inquiries; and he, unrepulsable, was persisting in both. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What did that shake of the head mean? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What was it meant to express? Disapprobation, I fear. But of what? What had I been saying to displease you? Did you think me speaking improperly, lightly, irreverently on the subject? Only tell me if I was. Only tell me if I was wrong. I want to be set right. Nay, nay, I entreat you; for one moment put down your work. What did that shake of the head mean? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard In vain was her \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Pray, sir, don't; pray, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset repeated twice over; and in vain did she try to move away. In the same low, eager voice, and the same close neighbourhood, he went on, reurging the same questions as before. She grew more agitated and displeased. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How can you, sir? You quite astonish me; I wonder how you can-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do I astonish you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you wonder? Is there anything in my present entreaty that you do not understand? I will explain to you instantly all that makes me urge you in this manner, all that gives me an interest in what you look and do, and excites my present curiosity. I will not leave you to wonder long. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard In spite of herself, she could not help half a smile, but she said nothing. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You shook your head at my acknowledging that I should not like to engage in the duties of a clergyman always for a constancy. Yes, that was the word. Constancy: I am not afraid of the word. I would spell it, read it, write it with anybody. I see nothing alarming in the word. Did you think I ought? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Perhaps, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, wearied at last into speaking-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset perhaps, sir, I thought it was a pity you did not always know yourself as well as you seemed to do at that moment. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Crawford, delighted to get her to speak at any rate, was determined to keep it up; and poor Fanny, who had hoped to silence him by such an extremity of reproof, found herself sadly mistaken, and that it was only a change from one object of curiosity and one set of words to another. He had always something to entreat the explanation of. The opportunity was too fair. None such had occurred since his seeing her in her uncle's room, none such might occur again before his leaving Mansfield. Lady Bertram's being just on the other side of the table was a trifle, for she might always be considered as only half-awake, and Edmund's advertiseme nts were still of the first utility. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Well, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Crawford, after a course of rapid questions and reluctant answers; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am happier than I was, because I now understand more clearly your opinion of me. You think me unsteady: easily swayed by the whim of the moment, easily tempted, easily put aside. With such an opinion, no wonder that. But we shall see. It is not by protestations that I shall endeavour to convince you I am wronged; it is not by telling you that my affections are steady. My conduct shall speak for me; absence, distance, time shall speak for me. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic They \shape default shall prove that, as far as you can be deserved by anybody, I do deserve you. You are infinitely my superior in merit; all \shape italic that \shape default I know. You have qualities which I had not before supposed to exist in such a degree in any human creature. You have some touches of the angel in you beyond what--not merely beyond what one sees, because one never sees anything like it--but beyond what one fancies might be. But still I am not frightened. It is not by equality of merit that you can be won. That is out of the question. It is he who sees and worships your merit the strongest, who loves you most devotedly, that has the best right to a return. There I build my confidence. By that right I do and will deserve you; and when once convinced that my attachment is what I declare it, I know you too well not to entertain the warmest hopes. Yes, dearest, sweetest Fanny. Nay \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (seeing her draw back displeased), \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset forgive me. Perhaps I have as yet no right; but by what other name can I call you? Do you suppose you are ever present to my imagination under any other? No, it is `Fanny' that I think of all day, and dream of all night. You have given the name such reality of sweetness, that nothing else can now be descriptive of you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could hardly have kept her seat any longer, or have refrained from at least trying to get away in spite of all the too public opposition she foresaw to it, had it not been for the sound of approaching relief, the very sound which she had been long watching for, and long thinking strangely delayed. \layout Standard The solemn procession, headed by Baddeley, of tea-board, urn, and cake-bearers, made its appearance, and delivered her from a grievous imprisonment of body and mind. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was obliged to move. She was at liberty, she was busy, she was protected. \layout Standard Edmund was not sorry to be admitted again among the number of those who might speak and hear. But though the conference had seemed full long to him, and though on looking at Fanny he saw rather a flush of vexation, he inclined to hope that so much could not have been said and listened to without some profit to the speaker. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund had determined that it belonged entirely to Fanny to chuse whether her situation with regard to Crawford should be mentioned between them or not; and that if she did not lead the way, it should never be touched on by him; but after a day or two of mutual reserve, he was induced by his father to change his mind, and try what his influence might do for his friend. \layout Standard A day, and a very early day, was actually fixed for the Crawfords' departure; and Sir Thomas thought it might be as well to make one more effort for the young man before he left Mansfield, that all his professions and vows of unshaken attachment might have as much hope to sustain them as possible. \layout Standard Sir Thomas was most cordially anxious for the perfection of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's character in that point. He wished him to be a model of constancy; and fancied the best means of effecting it would be by not trying him too long. \layout Standard Edmund was not unwilling to be persuaded to engage in the business; he wanted to know Fanny's feelings. She had been used to consult him in every difficulty, and he loved her too well to bear to be denied her confidence now; he hoped to be of service to her, he thought he must be of service to her; whom else had she to open her heart to? If she did not need counsel, she must need the comfort of communication. Fanny estranged from him, silent and reserved, was an unnatural state of things; a state which he must break through, and which he could easily learn to think she was wanting him to break through. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will speak to her, sir: I will take the first opportunity of speaking to her alone, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was the result of such thoughts as these; and upon Sir Thomas's information of her being at that very time walking alone in the shrubbery, he instantly joined her. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am come to walk with you, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shall I? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Drawing her arm within his. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is a long while since we have had a comfortable walk together. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She assented to it all rather by look than word. Her spirits were low. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he presently added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset in order to have a comfortable walk, something more is necessary than merely pacing this gravel together. You must talk to me. I know you have something on your mind. I know what you are thinking of. You cannot suppose me uninformed. Am I to hear of it from everybody but Fanny herself? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny, at once agitated and dejected, replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset If you hear of it from everybody, cousin, there can be nothing for me to tell. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Not of facts, perhaps; but of feelings, Fanny. No one but you can tell me them. I do not mean to press you, however. If it is not what you wish yourself, I have done. I had thought it might be a relief. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am afraid we think too differently for me to find any relief in talking of what I feel. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you suppose that we think differently? I have no idea of it. I dare say that, on a comparison of our opinions, they would be found as much alike as they have been used to be: to the point--I consider Crawford's proposals as most advantageous and desirable, if you could return his affection. I consider it as most natural that all your family should wish you could return it; but that, as you cannot, you have done exactly as you ought in refusing him. Can there be any disagreement between us here? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh no! But I thought you blamed me. I thought you were against me. This is such a comfort! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This comfort you might have had sooner, Fanny, had you sought it. But how could you possibly suppose me against you? How could you imagine me an advocate for marriage without love? Were I even careless in general on such matters, how could you imagine me so where your happiness was at stake? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My uncle thought me wrong, and I knew he had been talking to you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As far as you have gone, Fanny, I think you perfectly right. I may be sorry, I may be surprised--though hardly \shape italic that \shape default , for you had not had time to attach yourself--but I think you perfectly right. Can it admit of a question? It is disgraceful to us if it does. You did not love him; nothing could have justified your accepting him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny had not felt so comfortable for days and days. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset So far your conduct has been faultless, and they were quite mistaken who wished you to do otherwise. But the matter does not end here. Crawford's is no common attachment; he perseveres, with the hope of creating that regard which had not been created before. This, we know, must be a work of time. But \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (with an affectionate smile) \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset let him succeed at last, Fanny, let him succeed at last. You have proved yourself upright and disinterested, prove yourself grateful and tender-hearted; and then you will be the perfect model of a woman which I have always believed you born for. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! never, never, never! he never will succeed with me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And she spoke with a warmth which quite astonished Edmund, and which she blushed at the recollection of herself, when she saw his look, and heard him reply, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Never! Fanny!--so very determined and positive! This is not like yourself, your rational self. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I mean, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she cried, sorrowfully correcting herself, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that I \shape italic think \shape default I never shall, as far as the future can be answered for; I think I never shall return his regard. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must hope better things. I am aware, more aware than Crawford can be, that the man who means to make you love him (you having due notice of his intentions) must have very uphill work, for there are all your early attachments and habits in battle array; and before he can get your heart for his own use he has to unfasten it from all the holds upon things animate and inanimate, which so many years' growth have confirmed, and which are considerably tightened for the moment by the very idea of separation. I know that the apprehension of being forced to quit Mansfield will for a time be arming you against him. I wish he had not been obliged to tell you what he was trying for. I wish he had known you as well as I do, Fanny. Between us, I think we should have won you. My theoretical and his practical knowledge together could not have failed. He should have worked upon my plans. I must hope, however, that time, proving him (as I firmly believe it will) to deserve you by his steady affection, will give him his reward. I cannot suppose that you have not the \shape italic wish \shape default to love him--the natural wish of gratitude. You must have some feeling of that sort. You must be sorry for your own indifference. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We are so totally unlike, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, avoiding a direct answer, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset we are so very, very different in all our inclinations and ways, that I consider it as quite impossible we should ever be tolerably happy together, even if I \shape italic could \shape default like him. There never were two people more dissimilar. We have not one taste in common. We should be miserable. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are mistaken, Fanny. The dissimilarity is not so strong. You are quite enough alike. You \shape italic have \shape default tastes in common. You have moral and literary tastes in common. You have both warm hearts and benevolent feelings; and, Fanny, who that heard him read, and saw you listen to Shakespeare the other night, will think you unfitted as companions? You forget yourself: there is a decided difference in your tempers, I allow. He is lively, you are serious; but so much the better: his spirits will support yours. It is your disposition to be easily dejected and to fancy difficulties greater than they are. His cheerfulness will counteract this. He sees difficulties nowhere: and his pleasantness and gaiety will be a constant support to you. Your being so far unlike, Fanny, does not in the smallest degree make against the probability of your happiness together: do not imagine it. I am myself convinced that it is rather a favourable circumstance. I am perfectly persuaded that the tempers had better be unlike: I mean unlike in the flow of the spirits, in the manners, in the inclination for much or little company, in the propensity to talk or to be silent, to be grave or to be gay. Some opposition here is, I am thoroughly convinced, friendly to matrimonial happiness. I exclude extremes, of course; and a very close resemblance in all those points would be the likeliest way to produce an extreme. A counteraction, gentle and continual, is the best safeguard of manners and conduct. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Full well could Fanny guess where his thoughts were now: Miss Crawford's power was all returning. He had been speaking of her cheerfully from the hour of his coming home. His avoiding her was quite at an end. He had dined at the Parsonage only the preceding day. \layout Standard After leaving him to his happier thoughts for some minutes, Fanny, feeling it due to herself, returned to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, and said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is not merely in \shape italic temper \shape default that I consider him as totally unsuited to myself; though, in \shape italic that \shape default respect, I think the difference between us too great, infinitely too great: his spirits often oppress me; but there is something in him which I object to still more. I must say, cousin, that I cannot approve his character. I have not thought well of him from the time of the play. I then saw him behaving, as it appeared to me, so very improperly and unfeeling ly--I may speak of it now because it is all over--so improperly by poor Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, not seeming to care how he exposed or hurt him, and paying attentions to my cousin Maria, which--in short, at the time of the play, I received an impression which will never be got over. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Edmund, scarcely hearing her to the end, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset let us not, any of us, be judged by what we appeared at that period of general folly. The time of the play is a time which I hate to recollect. Maria was wrong, Crawford was wrong, we were all wrong together; but none so wrong as myself. Compared with me, all the rest were blameless. I was playing the fool with my eyes open. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As a bystander, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset perhaps I saw more than you did; and I do think that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth was sometimes very jealous. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very possibly. No wonder. Nothing could be more improper than the whole business. I am shocked whenever I think that Maria could be capable of it; but, if she could undertake the part, we must not be surprised at the rest. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Before the play, I am much mistaken if \shape italic Julia \shape default did not think he was paying her attentions. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Julia! I have heard before from some one of his being in love with Julia; but I could never see anything of it. And, Fanny, though I hope I do justice to my sisters' good qualities, I think it very possible that they might, one or both, be more desirous of being admired by Crawford, and might shew that desire rather more unguardedly than was perfectly prudent. I can remember that they were evidently fond of his society; and with such encouragement, a man like Crawford, lively, and it may be, a little unthinking, might be led on to--there could be nothing very striking, because it is clear that he had no pretensions: his heart was reserved for you. And I must say, that its being for you has raised him inconceivably in my opinion. It does him the highest honour; it shews his proper estimation of the blessing of domestic happiness and pure attachment. It proves him unspoilt by his uncle. It proves him, in short, everything that I had been used to wish to believe him, and feared he was not. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am persuaded that he does not think, as he ought, on serious subjects. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Say, rather, that he has not thought at all upon serious subjects, which I believe to be a good deal the case. How could it be otherwise, with such an education and adviser? Under the disadvantages, indeed, which both have had, is it not wonderful that they should be what they are? Crawford's \shape italic feelings \shape default , I am ready to acknowledge, have hitherto been too much his guides. Happily, those feelings have generally been good. You will supply the rest; and a most fortunate man he is to attach himself to such a creature--to a woman who, firm as a rock in her own principles, has a gentleness of character so well adapted to recommend them. He has chosen his partner, indeed, with rare felicity. He will make you happy, Fanny; I know he will make you happy; but you will make him everything. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I would not engage in such a charge, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Fanny, in a shrinking accent; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset in such an office of high responsibility! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset As usual, believing yourself unequal to anything! fancying everything too much for you! Well, though I may not be able to persuade you into different feelings, you will be persuaded into them, I trust. I confess myself sincerely anxious that you may. I have no common interest in Crawford's well-doing. Next to your happiness, Fanny, his has the first claim on me. You are aware of my having no common interest in Crawford. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was too well aware of it to have anything to say; and they walked on together some fifty yards in mutual silence and abstraction. Edmund first began again-- \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was very much pleased by her manner of speaking of it yesterday, particularly pleased, because I had not depended upon her seeing everything in so just a light. I knew she was very fond of you; but yet I was afraid of her not estimating your worth to her brother quite as it deserved, and of her regretting that he had not rather fixed on some woman of distinction or fortune. I was afraid of the bias of those worldly maxims, which she has been too much used to hear. But it was very different. She spoke of you, Fanny, just as she ought. She desires the connexion as warmly as your uncle or myself. We had a long talk about it. I should not have mentioned the subject, though very anxious to know her sentiments; but I had not been in the room five minutes before she began introducing it with all that openness of heart, and sweet peculiarity of manner, that spirit and ingenuousness which are so much a part of herself. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant laughed at her for her rapidity. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Was Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant in the room, then? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, when I reached the house I found the two sisters together by themselves; and when once we had begun, we had not done with you, Fanny, till Crawford and Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant came in. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is above a week since I saw Miss Crawford. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, she laments it; yet owns it may have been best. You will see her, however, before she goes. She is very angry with you, Fanny; you must be prepared for that. She calls herself very angry, but you can imagine her anger. It is the regret and disappointment of a sister, who thinks her brother has a right to everything he may wish for, at the first moment. She is hurt, as you would be for William; but she loves and esteems you with all her heart. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I knew she would be very angry with me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dearest Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Edmund, pressing her arm closer to him, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset do not let the idea of her anger distress you. It is anger to be talked of rather than felt. Her heart is made for love and kindness, not for resentment. I wish you could have overheard her tribute of praise; I wish you could have seen her countenance, when she said that you \shape italic should \shape default be Henry's wife. And I observed that she always spoke of you as `Fanny,' which she was never used to do; and it had a sound of most sisterly cordiality. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, did she say--did she speak; was she there all the time? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, she was agreeing exactly with her sister. The surprise of your refusal, Fanny, seems to have been unbounded. That you could refuse such a man as Henry Crawford seems more than they can understand. I said what I could for you; but in good truth, as they stated the case--you must prove yourself to be in your senses as soon as you can by a different conduct; nothing else will satisfy them. But this is teasing you. I have done. Do not turn away from me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I \shape italic should \shape default have thought, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, after a pause of recollection and exertion, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that every woman must have felt the possibility of a man's not being approved, not being loved by some one of her sex at least, let him be ever so generally agreeable. Let him have all the perfections in the world, I think it ought not to be set down as certain that a man must be acceptable to every woman he may happen to like himself. But, even supposing it is so, allowing Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford to have all the claims which his sisters think he has, how was I to be prepared to meet him with any feeling answerable to his own? He took me wholly by surprise. I had not an idea that his behaviour to me before had any meaning; and surely I was not to be teaching myself to like him only because he was taking what seemed very idle notice of me. In my situation, it would have been the extreme of vanity to be forming expectations on Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. I am sure his sisters, rating him as they do, must have thought it so, supposing he had meant nothing. How, then, was I to be--to be in love with him the moment he said he was with me? How was I to have an attachment at his service, as soon as it was asked for? His sisters should consider me as well as him. The higher his deserts, the more improper for me ever to have thought of him. And, and--we think very differently of the nature of women, if they can imagine a woman so very soon capable of returning an affection as this seems to imply. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My dear, dear Fanny, now I have the truth. I know this to be the truth; and most worthy of you are such feelings. I had attributed them to you before. I thought I could understand you. You have now given exactly the explanation which I ventured to make for you to your friend and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, and they were both better satisfied, though your warm-hearted friend was still run away with a little by the enthusiasm of her fondness for Henry. I told them that you were of all human creatures the one over whom habit had most power and novelty least; and that the very circumstance of the novelty of Crawford's addresses was against him. Their being so new and so recent was all in their disfavour; that you could tolerate nothing that you were not used to; and a great deal more to the same purpose, to give them a knowledge of your character. Miss Crawford made us laugh by her plans of encouragement for her brother. She meant to urge him to persevere in the hope of being loved in time, and of having his addresses most kindly received at the end of about ten years' happy marriage. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could with difficulty give the smile that was here asked for. Her feelings were all in revolt. She feared she had been doing wrong: saying too much, overacting the caution which she had been fancying necessary; in guarding against one evil, laying herself open to another; and to have Miss Crawford's liveliness repeated to her at such a moment, and on such a subject, was a bitter aggravation. \layout Standard Edmund saw weariness and distress in her face, and immediately resolved to forbear all farther discussion; and not even to mention the name of Crawford again, except as it might be connected with what \shape italic must \shape default be agreeable to her. On this principle, he soon afterwards observed-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset They go on Monday. You are sure, therefore, of seeing your friend either to-morrow or Sunday. They really go on Monday; and I was within a trifle of being persuaded to stay at Lessingby till that very day! I had almost promised it. What a difference it might have made! Those five or six days more at Lessingby might have been felt all my life. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You were near staying there? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Very. I was most kindly pressed, and had nearly consented. Had I received any letter from Mansfield, to tell me how you were all going on, I believe I should certainly have staid; but I knew nothing that had happened here for a fortnight, and felt that I had been away long enough. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You spent your time pleasantly there? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes; that is, it was the fault of my own mind if I did not. They were all very pleasant. I doubt their finding me so. I took uneasiness with me, and there was no getting rid of it till I was in Mansfield again. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The Miss Owens--you liked them, did not you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, very well. Pleasant, good-humoured, unaffected girls. But I am spoilt, Fanny, for common female society. Good-humoured, unaffected girls will not do for a man who has been used to sensible women. They are two distinct orders of being. You and Miss Crawford have made me too nice. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Still, however, Fanny was oppressed and wearied; he saw it in her looks, it could not be talked away; and attempting it no more, he led her directly, with the kind authority of a privileged guardian, into the house. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Edmund now believed himself perfectly acquainted with all that Fanny could tell, or could leave to be conjectured of her sentiments, and he was satisfied. It had been, as he before presumed, too hasty a measure on Crawford's side, and time must be given to make the idea first familiar, and then agreeable to her. She must be used to the consideration of his being in love with her, and then a return of affection might not be very distant. \layout Standard He gave this opinion as the result of the conversation to his father; and recommended there being nothing more said to her: no farther attempts to influence or persuade; but that everything should be left to Crawford's assiduities, and the natural workings of her own mind. \layout Standard Sir Thomas promised that it should be so. Edmund's account of Fanny's disposition he could believe to be just; he supposed she had all those feelings, but he must consider it as very unfortunat e that she \shape italic had \shape default ; for, less willing than his son to trust to the future, he could not help fearing that if such very long allowances of time and habit were necessary for her, she might not have persuaded herself into receiving his addresses properly before the young man's inclination for paying them were over. There was nothing to be done, however, but to submit quietly and hope the best. \layout Standard The promised visit from \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset her friend, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset as Edmund called Miss Crawford, was a formidable threat to Fanny, and she lived in continual terror of it. As a sister, so partial and so angry, and so little scrupulous of what she said, and in another light so triumphant and secure, she was in every way an object of painful alarm. Her displeasure, her penetration, and her happiness were all fearful to encounter; and the dependence of having others present when they met was Fanny's only support in looking forward to it. She absented herself as little as possible from Lady Bertram, kept away from the East room, and took no solitary walk in the shrubbery, in her caution to avoid any sudden attack. \layout Standard She succeeded. She was safe in the breakfast-room, with her aunt, when Miss Crawford did come; and the first misery over, and Miss Crawford looking and speaking with much less particularity of expression than she had anticipated, Fanny began to hope there would be nothing worse to be endured than a half-hour of moderate agitation. But here she hoped too much; Miss Crawford was not the slave of opportunity. She was determined to see Fanny alone, and therefore said to her tolerably soon, in a low voice, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I must speak to you for a few minutes somewhere \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; words that Fanny felt all over her, in all her pulses and all her nerves. Denial was impossible. Her habits of ready submission, on the contrary, made her almost instantly rise and lead the way out of the room. She did it with wretched feelings, but it was inevitable. \layout Standard They were no sooner in the hall than all restraint of countenance was over on Miss Crawford's side. She immediately shook her head at Fanny with arch, yet affectionate reproach, and taking her hand, seemed hardly able to help beginning directly. She said nothing, however, but, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Sad, sad girl! I do not know when I shall have done scolding you, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and had discretion enough to reserve the rest till they might be secure of having four walls to themselves. Fanny naturally turned upstairs, and took her guest to the apartment which was now always fit for comfortable use; opening the door, however, with a most aching heart, and feeling that she had a more distressing scene before her than ever that spot had yet witnessed. But the evil ready to burst on her was at least delayed by the sudden change in Miss Crawford's ideas; by the strong effect on her mind which the finding herself in the East room again produced. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ha! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she cried, with instant animation, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset am I here again? The East room! Once only was I in this room before \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and after stopping to look about her, and seemingly to retrace all that had then passed, she added, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Once only before. Do you remember it? I came to rehearse. Your cousin came too; and we had a rehearsal. You were our audience and prompter. A delightful rehearsal. I shall never forget it. Here we were, just in this part of the room: here was your cousin, here was I, here were the chairs. Oh! why will such things ever pass away? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Happily for her companion, she wanted no answer. Her mind was entirely self-engrossed. She was in a reverie of sweet remembrances. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The scene we were rehearsing was so very remarkable! The subject of it so very--very--what shall I say? He was to be describing and recommending matrimony to me. I think I see him now, trying to be as demure and composed as Anhalt ought, through the two long speeches. 'When two sympathetic hearts meet in the marriage state, matrimony may be called a happy life.' I suppose no time can ever wear out the impression I have of his looks and voice as he said those words. It was curious, very curious, that we should have such a scene to play! If I had the power of recalling any one week of my existence, it should be that week--that acting week. Say what you would, Fanny, it should be \shape italic that \shape default ; for I never knew such exquisite happiness in any other. His sturdy spirit to bend as it did! Oh! it was sweet beyond expression. But alas, that very evening destroyed it all. That very evening brought your most unwelcome uncle. Poor Sir Thomas, who was glad to see you? Yet, Fanny, do not imagine I would now speak disrespectfully of Sir Thomas, though I certainly did hate him for many a week. No, I do him justice now. He is just what the head of such a family should be. Nay, in sober sadness, I believe I now love you all. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And having said so, with a degree of tenderness and consciousness which Fanny had never seen in her before, and now thought only too becoming, she turned away for a moment to recover herself. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have had a little fit since I came into this room, as you may perceive, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she presently, with a playful smile, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but it is over now; so let us sit down and be comfortable; for as to scolding you, Fanny, which I came fully intending to do, I have not the heart for it when it comes to the point. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And embracing her very affectionately, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Good, gentle Fanny! when I think of this being the last time of seeing you for I do not know how long, I feel it quite impossible to do anything but love you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was affected. She had not foreseen anything of this, and her feelings could seldom withstand the melancholy influence of the word \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset last. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She cried as if she had loved Miss Crawford more than she possibly could; and Miss Crawford, yet farther softened by the sight of such emotion, hung about her with fondness, and said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I hate to leave you. I shall see no one half so amiable where I am going. Who says we shall not be sisters? I know we shall. I feel that we are born to be connected; and those tears convince me that you feel it too, dear Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny roused herself, and replying only in part, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset But you are only going from one set of friends to another. You are going to a very particular friend. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, very true. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser has been my intimate friend for years. But I have not the least inclination to go near her. I can think only of the friends I am leaving: my excellent sister, yourself, and the Bertrams in general. You have all so much more \shape italic heart \shape default among you than one finds in the world at large. You all give me a feeling of being able to trust and confide in you, which in common intercourse one knows nothing of. I wish I had settled with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser not to go to her till after Easter, a much better time for the visit, but now I cannot put her off. And when I have done with her I must go to her sister, Lady Stornaway, because \shape italic she \shape default was rather my most particular friend of the two, but I have not cared much for \shape italic her \shape default these three years. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard After this speech the two girls sat many minutes silent, each thoughtful: Fanny meditating on the different sorts of friendship in the world, Mary on something of less philosophic tendency. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic She \shape default first spoke again. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How perfectly I remember my resolving to look for you upstairs, and setting off to find my way to the East room, without having an idea whereabouts it was! How well I remember what I was thinking of as I came along, and my looking in and seeing you here sitting at this table at work; and then your cousin's astonishment, when he opened the door, at seeing me here! To be sure, your uncle's returning that very evening! There never was anything quite like it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Another short fit of abstraction followed, when, shaking it off, she thus attacked her companion. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why, Fanny, you are absolutely in a reverie. Thinking, I hope, of one who is always thinking of you. Oh! that I could transport you for a short time into our circle in town, that you might understand how your power over Henry is thought of there! Oh! the envyings and heartburnings of dozens and dozens; the wonder, the incredulity that will be felt at hearing what you have done! For as to secrecy, Henry is quite the hero of an old romance, and glories in his chains. You should come to London to know how to estimate your conquest. If you were to see how he is courted, and how I am courted for his sake! Now, I am well aware that I shall not be half so welcome to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser in consequence of his situation with you. When she comes to know the truth she will, very likely, wish me in Northamptons hire again; for there is a daughter of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser, by a first wife, whom she is wild to get married, and wants Henry to take. Oh! she has been trying for him to such a degree. Innocent and quiet as you sit here, you cannot have an idea of the \shape italic sensation \shape default that you will be occasioning, of the curiosity there will be to see you, of the endless questions I shall have to answer! Poor Margaret Fraser will be at me for ever about your eyes and your teeth, and how you do your hair, and who makes your shoes. I wish Margaret were married, for my poor friend's sake, for I look upon the Frasers to be about as unhappy as most other married people. And yet it was a most desirable match for Janet at the time. We were all delighted. She could not do otherwise than accept him, for he was rich, and she had nothing; but he turns out ill-tempered and \shape italic exigeant \shape default , and wants a young woman, a beautiful young woman of five-and-twenty, to be as steady as himself. And my friend does not manage him well; she does not seem to know how to make the best of it. There is a spirit of irritation which, to say nothing worse, is certainly very ill-bred. In their house I shall call to mind the conjugal manners of Mansfield Parsonage with respect. Even Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant does shew a thorough confidence in my sister, and a certain consideration for her judgment, which makes one feel there \shape italic is \shape default attachment; but of that I shall see nothing with the Frasers. I shall be at Mansfield for ever, Fanny. My own sister as a wife, Sir Thomas Bertram as a husband, are my standards of perfection. Poor Janet has been sadly taken in, and yet there was nothing improper on her side: she did not run into the match inconsiderately; there was no want of foresight. She took three days to consider of his proposals, and during those three days asked the advice of everybody connected with her whose opinion was worth having, and especially applied to my late dear aunt, whose knowledge of the world made her judgment very generally and deservedly looked up to by all the young people of her acquaintance, and she was decidedly in favour of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser. This seems as if nothing were a security for matrimonial comfort. I have not so much to say for my friend Flora, who jilted a very nice young man in the Blues for the sake of that horrid Lord Stornaway, who has about as much sense, Fanny, as Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, but much worse-looking, and with a blackguard character. I \shape italic had \shape default my doubts at the time about her being right, for he has not even the air of a gentleman, and now I am sure she was wrong. By the bye, Flora Ross was dying for Henry the first winter she came out. But were I to attempt to tell you of all the women whom I have known to be in love with him, I should never have done. It is you, only you, insensible Fanny, who can think of him with anything like indifference. But are you so insensible as you profess yourself? No, no, I see you are not. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard There was, indeed, so deep a blush over Fanny's face at that moment as might warrant strong suspicion in a predisposed mind. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Excellent creature! I will not tease you. Everything shall take its course. But, dear Fanny, you must allow that you were not so absolutely unprepared to have the question asked as your cousin fancies. It is not possible but that you must have had some thoughts on the subject, some surmises as to what might be. You must have seen that he was trying to please you by every attention in his power. Was not he devoted to you at the ball? And then before the ball, the necklace! Oh! you received it just as it was meant. You were as conscious as heart could desire. I remember it perfectly. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Do you mean, then, that your brother knew of the necklace beforehand? Oh! Miss Crawford, \shape italic that \shape default was not fair. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Knew of it! It was his own doing entirely, his own thought. I am ashamed to say that it had never entered my head, but I was delighted to act on his proposal for both your sakes. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will not say, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset replied Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset that I was not half afraid at the time of its being so, for there was something in your look that frightened me, but not at first; I was as unsuspicious of it at first--indeed, indeed I was. It is as true as that I sit here. And had I had an idea of it, nothing should have induced me to accept the necklace. As to your brother's behaviour, certainly I was sensible of a particularity: I had been sensible of it some little time, perhaps two or three weeks; but then I considered it as meaning nothing: I put it down as simply being his way, and was as far from supposing as from wishing him to have any serious thoughts of me. I had not, Miss Crawford, been an inattentive observer of what was passing between him and some part of this family in the summer and autumn. I was quiet, but I was not blind. I could not but see that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford allowed himself in gallantries which did mean nothing. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ah! I cannot deny it. He has now and then been a sad flirt, and cared very little for the havoc he might be making in young ladies' affections. I have often scolded him for it, but it is his only fault; and there is this to be said, that very few young ladies have any affections worth caring for. And then, Fanny, the glory of fixing one who has been shot at by so many; of having it in one's power to pay off the debts of one's sex! Oh! I am sure it is not in woman's nature to refuse such a triumph. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny shook her head. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot think well of a man who sports with any woman's feelings; and there may often be a great deal more suffered than a stander-by can judge of. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not defend him. I leave him entirely to your mercy, and when he has got you at Everingham, I do not care how much you lecture him. But this I will say, that his fault, the liking to make girls a little in love with him, is not half so dangerous to a wife's happiness as a tendency to fall in love himself, which he has never been addicted to. And I do seriously and truly believe that he is attached to you in a way that he never was to any woman before; that he loves you with all his heart, and will love you as nearly for ever as possible. If any man ever loved a woman for ever, I think Henry will do as much for you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny could not avoid a faint smile, but had nothing to say. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot imagine Henry ever to have been happier, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued Mary presently, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset than when he had succeeded in getting your brother's commission. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She had made a sure push at Fanny's feelings here. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! yes. How very, very kind of him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know he must have exerted himself very much, for I know the parties he had to move. The Admiral hates trouble, and scorns asking favours; and there are so many young men's claims to be attended to in the same way, that a friendship and energy, not very determined, is easily put by. What a happy creature William must be! I wish we could see him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Poor Fanny's mind was thrown into the most distressing of all its varieties. The recollection of what had been done for William was always the most powerful disturber of every decision against Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford; and she sat thinking deeply of it till Mary, who had been first watching her complacently, and then musing on something else, suddenly called her attention by saying: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I should like to sit talking with you here all day, but we must not forget the ladies below, and so good-bye, my dear, my amiable, my excellent Fanny, for though we shall nominally part in the breakfast-parlour, I must take leave of you here. And I do take leave, longing for a happy reunion, and trusting that when we meet again, it will be under circumstances which may open our hearts to each other without any remnant or shadow of reserve. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A very, very kind embrace, and some agitation of manner, accompanied these words. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall see your cousin in town soon: he talks of being there tolerably soon; and Sir Thomas, I dare say, in the course of the spring; and your eldest cousin, and the Rushworths, and Julia, I am sure of meeting again and again, and all but you. I have two favours to ask, Fanny: one is your correspondence. You must write to me. And the other, that you will often call on Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, and make her amends for my being gone. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The first, at least, of these favours Fanny would rather not have been asked; but it was impossible for her to refuse the correspondence; it was impossible for her even not to accede to it more readily than her own judgment authorised. There was no resisting so much apparent affection. Her disposition was peculiarly calculated to value a fond treatment, and from having hitherto known so little of it, she was the more overcome by Miss Crawford's. Besides, there was gratitude towards her, for having made their \shape italic tete-a-tete \shape default so much less painful than her fears had predicted. \layout Standard It was over, and she had escaped without reproaches and without detection. Her secret was still her own; and while that was the case, she thought she could resign herself to almost everything. \layout Standard In the evening there was another parting. Henry Crawford came and sat some time with them; and her spirits not being previously in the strongest state, her heart was softened for a while towards him, because he really seemed to feel. Quite unlike his usual self, he scarcely said anything. He was evidently oppressed, and Fanny must grieve for him, though hoping she might never see him again till he were the husband of some other woman. \layout Standard When it came to the moment of parting, he would take her hand, he would not be denied it; he said nothing, however, or nothing that she heard, and when he had left the room, she was better pleased that such a token of friendship had passed. \layout Standard On the morrow the Crawfords were gone. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford gone, Sir Thomas's next object was that he should be missed; and he entertained great hope that his niece would find a blank in the loss of those attentions which at the time she had felt, or fancied, an evil. She had tasted of consequence in its most flattering form; and he did hope that the loss of it, the sinking again into nothing, would awaken very wholesome regrets in her mind. He watched her with this idea; but he could hardly tell with what success. He hardly knew whether there were any difference in her spirits or not. She was always so gentle and retiring that her emotions were beyond his discrimination. He did not understand her: he felt that he did not; and therefore applied to Edmund to tell him how she stood affected on the present occasion, and whether she were more or less happy than she had been. \layout Standard Edmund did not discern any symptoms of regret, and thought his father a little unreasonable in supposing the first three or four days could produce any. \layout Standard What chiefly surprised Edmund was, that Crawford's sister, the friend and companion who had been so much to her, should not be more visibly regretted. He wondered that Fanny spoke so seldom of \shape italic her \shape default , and had so little voluntarily to say of her concern at this separation. \layout Standard Alas! it was this sister, this friend and companion, who was now the chief bane of Fanny's comfort. If she could have believed Mary's future fate as unconnected with Mansfield as she was determined the brother's should be, if she could have hoped her return thither to be as distant as she was much inclined to think his, she would have been light of heart indeed; but the more she recollected and observed, the more deeply was she convinced that everything was now in a fairer train for Miss Crawford's marrying Edmund than it had ever been before. On his side the inclination was stronger, on hers less equivocal. His objections, the scruples of his integrity, seemed all done away, nobody could tell how; and the doubts and hesitations of her ambition were equally got over--and equally without apparent reason. It could only be imputed to increasing attachment. His good and her bad feelings yielded to love, and such love must unite them. He was to go to town as soon as some business relative to Thornton Lacey were completed--perhaps within a fortnight; he talked of going, he loved to talk of it; and when once with her again, Fanny could not doubt the rest. Her acceptance must be as certain as his offer; and yet there were bad feelings still remaining which made the prospect of it most sorrowful to her, independently, she believed, independently of self. \layout Standard In their very last conversation, Miss Crawford, in spite of some amiable sensations, and much personal kindness, had still been Miss Crawford; still shewn a mind led astray and bewildered, and without any suspicion of being so; darkened, yet fancying itself light. She might love, but she did not deserve Edmund by any other sentiment. Fanny believed there was scarcely a second feeling in common between them; and she may be forgiven by older sages for looking on the chance of Miss Crawford's future improvement as nearly desperate, for thinking that if Edmund's influence in this season of love had already done so little in clearing her judgment, and regulating her notions, his worth would be finally wasted on her even in years of matrimony. \layout Standard Experience might have hoped more for any young people so circumstanced, and impartiality would not have denied to Miss Crawford's nature that participa tion of the general nature of women which would lead her to adopt the opinions of the man she loved and respected as her own. But as such were Fanny's persuasions, she suffered very much from them, and could never speak of Miss Crawford without pain. \layout Standard Sir Thomas, meanwhile, went on with his own hopes and his own observations, still feeling a right, by all his knowledge of human nature, to expect to see the effect of the loss of power and consequence on his niece's spirits, and the past attentions of the lover producing a craving for their return; and he was soon afterwards able to account for his not yet completely and indubitably seeing all this, by the prospect of another visitor, whose approach he could allow to be quite enough to support the spirits he was watching. William had obtained a ten days' leave of absence, to be given to Northamptonsh ire, and was coming, the happiest of lieutenants, because the latest made, to shew his happiness and describe his uniform. \layout Standard He came; and he would have been delighted to shew his uniform there too, had not cruel custom prohibited its appearance except on duty. So the uniform remained at Portsmouth, and Edmund conjectured that before Fanny had any chance of seeing it, all its own freshness and all the freshness of its wearer's feelings must be worn away. It would be sunk into a badge of disgrace; for what can be more unbecoming, or more worthless, than the uniform of a lieutenant, who has been a lieutenant a year or two, and sees others made commanders before him? So reasoned Edmund, till his father made him the confidant of a scheme which placed Fanny's chance of seeing the second lieutenant of H.M.S. Thrush in all his glory in another light. \layout Standard This scheme was that she should accompany her brother back to Portsmouth, and spend a little time with her own family. It had occurred to Sir Thomas, in one of his dignified musings, as a right and desirable measure; but before he absolutely made up his mind, he consulted his son. Edmund considered it every way, and saw nothing but what was right. The thing was good in itself, and could not be done at a better time; and he had no doubt of it being highly agreeable to Fanny. This was enough to determine Sir Thomas; and a decisive \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset then so it shall be \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset closed that stage of the business; Sir Thomas retiring from it with some feelings of satisfaction, and views of good over and above what he had communicated to his son; for his prime motive in sending her away had very little to do with the propriety of her seeing her parents again, and nothing at all with any idea of making her happy. He certainly wished her to go willingly, but he as certainly wished her to be heartily sick of home before her visit ended; and that a little abstinenc e from the elegancies and luxuries of Mansfield Park would bring her mind into a sober state, and incline her to a juster estimate of the value of that home of greater permanence, and equal comfort, of which she had the offer. \layout Standard It was a medicinal project upon his niece's understanding, which he must consider as at present diseased. A residence of eight or nine years in the abode of wealth and plenty had a little disordered her powers of comparing and judging. Her father's house would, in all probability, teach her the value of a good income; and he trusted that she would be the wiser and happier woman, all her life, for the experiment he had devised. \layout Standard Had Fanny been at all addicted to raptures, she must have had a strong attack of them when she first understood what was intended, when her uncle first made her the offer of visiting the parents, and brothers, and sisters, from whom she had been divided almost half her life; of returning for a couple of months to the scenes of her infancy, with William for the protector and companion of her journey, and the certainty of continuing to see William to the last hour of his remaining on land. Had she ever given way to bursts of delight, it must have been then, for she was delighted, but her happiness was of a quiet, deep, heart-swelling sort; and though never a great talker, she was always more inclined to silence when feeling most strongly. At the moment she could only thank and accept. Afterwards, when familiarised with the visions of enjoyment so suddenly opened, she could speak more largely to William and Edmund of what she felt; but still there were emotions of tenderness that could not be clothed in words. The remembrance of all her earliest pleasures, and of what she had suffered in being torn from them, came over her with renewed strength, and it seemed as if to be at home again would heal every pain that had since grown out of the separation. To be in the centre of such a circle, loved by so many, and more loved by all than she had ever been before; to feel affection without fear or restraint; to feel herself the equal of those who surrounded her; to be at peace from all mention of the Crawfords, safe from every look which could be fancied a reproach on their account. This was a prospect to be dwelt on with a fondness that could be but half acknowledged. \layout Standard Edmund, too--to be two months from \shape italic him \shape default (and perhaps she might be allowed to make her absence three) must do her good. At a distance, unassailed by his looks or his kindness, and safe from the perpetual irritation of knowing his heart, and striving to avoid his confidence , she should be able to reason herself into a properer state; she should be able to think of him as in London, and arranging everything there, without wretchedness. What might have been hard to bear at Mansfield was to become a slight evil at Portsmouth. \layout Standard The only drawback was the doubt of her aunt Bertram's being comfortable without her. She was of use to no one else; but \shape italic there \shape default she might be missed to a degree that she did not like to think of; and that part of the arrangement was, indeed, the hardest for Sir Thomas to accomplish, and what only \shape italic he \shape default could have accomplished at all. \layout Standard But he was master at Mansfield Park. When he had really resolved on any measure, he could always carry it through; and now by dint of long talking on the subject, explaining and dwelling on the duty of Fanny's sometimes seeing her family, he did induce his wife to let her go; obtaining it rather from submission, however, than conviction, for Lady Bertram was convinced of very little more than that Sir Thomas thought Fanny ought to go, and therefore that she must. In the calmness of her own dressing-room, in the impartial flow of her own meditations, unbiassed by his bewildering statements, she could not acknowledge any necessity for Fanny's ever going near a father and mother who had done without her so long, while she was so useful to herself And as to the not missing her, which under Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's discussion was the point attempted to be proved, she set herself very steadily against admitting any such thing. \layout Standard Sir Thomas had appealed to her reason, conscience, and dignity. He called it a sacrifice, and demanded it of her goodness and self-command as such. But Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris wanted to persuade her that Fanny could be very well spared-- \shape italic she \shape default being ready to give up all her own time to her as requested--and, in short, could not really be wanted or missed. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset That may be, sister, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was all Lady Bertram's reply. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I dare say you are very right; but I am sure I shall miss her very much. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The next step was to communicate with Portsmouth. Fanny wrote to offer herself; and her mother's answer, though short, was so kind--a few simple lines expressed so natural and motherly a joy in the prospect of seeing her child again, as to confirm all the daughter's views of happiness in being with her--convincing her that she should now find a warm and affectionate friend in the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset mama \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset who had certainly shewn no remarkable fondness for her formerly; but this she could easily suppose to have been her own fault or her own fancy. She had probably alienated love by the helplessness and fretfulness of a fearful temper, or been unreasonable in wanting a larger share than any one among so many could deserve. Now, when she knew better how to be useful, and how to forbear, and when her mother could be no longer occupied by the incessant demands of a house full of little children, there would be leisure and inclination for every comfort, and they should soon be what mother and daughter ought to be to each other. \layout Standard William was almost as happy in the plan as his sister. It would be the greatest pleasure to him to have her there to the last moment before he sailed, and perhaps find her there still when he came in from his first cruise. And besides, he wanted her so very much to see the Thrush before she went out of harbour--the Thrush was certainly the finest sloop in the service--and there were several improvements in the dockyard, too, which he quite longed to shew her. \layout Standard He did not scruple to add that her being at home for a while would be a great advantage to everybody. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not know how it is, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but we seem to want some of your nice ways and orderliness at my father's. The house is always in confusion. You will set things going in a better way, I am sure. You will tell my mother how it all ought to be, and you will be so useful to Susan, and you will teach Betsey, and make the boys love and mind you. How right and comfortable it will all be! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard By the time Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price's answer arrived, there remained but a very few days more to be spent at Mansfield; and for part of one of those days the young travellers were in a good deal of alarm on the subject of their journey, for when the mode of it came to be talked of, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris found that all her anxiety to save her brother-in-law's money was vain, and that in spite of her wishes and hints for a less expensive conveyance of Fanny, they were to travel post; when she saw Sir Thomas actually give William notes for the purpose, she was struck with the idea of there being room for a third in the carriage, and suddenly seized with a strong inclination to go with them, to go and see her poor dear sister Price. She proclaimed her thoughts. She must say that she had more than half a mind to go with the young people; it would be such an indulgence to her; she had not seen her poor dear sister Price for more than twenty years; and it would be a help to the young people in their journey to have her older head to manage for them; and she could not help thinking her poor dear sister Price would feel it very unkind of her not to come by such an opportunity. \layout Standard William and Fanny were horror-struck at the idea. \layout Standard All the comfort of their comfortable journey would be destroyed at once. With woeful countenances they looked at each other. Their suspense lasted an hour or two. No one interfered to encourage or dissuade. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris was left to settle the matter by herself; and it ended, to the infinite joy of her nephew and niece, in the recollection that she could not possibly be spared from Mansfield Park at present; that she was a great deal too necessary to Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram for her to be able to answer it to herself to leave them even for a week, and therefore must certainly sacrifice every other pleasure to that of being useful to them. \layout Standard It had, in fact, occurred to her, that though taken to Portsmouth for nothing, it would be hardly possible for her to avoid paying her own expenses back again. So her poor dear sister Price was left to all the disappointment of her missing such an opportunity, and another twenty years' absence, perhaps, begun. \layout Standard Edmund's plans were affected by this Portsmouth journey, this absence of Fanny's. He too had a sacrifice to make to Mansfield Park as well as his aunt. He had intended, about this time, to be going to London; but he could not leave his father and mother just when everybody else of most importance to their comfort was leaving them; and with an effort, felt but not boasted of, he delayed for a week or two longer a journey which he was looking forward to with the hope of its fixing his happiness for ever. \layout Standard He told Fanny of it. She knew so much already, that she must know everything. It made the substance of one other confidential discourse about Miss Crawford; and Fanny was the more affected from feeling it to be the last time in which Miss Crawford's name would ever be mentioned between them with any remains of liberty. Once afterwards she was alluded to by him. Lady Bertram had been telling her niece in the evening to write to her soon and often, and promising to be a good correspondent herself; and Edmund, at a convenient moment, then added in a whisper, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And \shape italic I \shape default shall write to you, Fanny, when I have anything worth writing about, anything to say that I think you will like to hear, and that you will not hear so soon from any other quarter. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Had she doubted his meaning while she listened, the glow in his face, when she looked up at him, would have been decisive. \layout Standard For this letter she must try to arm herself. That a letter from Edmund should be a subject of terror! She began to feel that she had not yet gone through all the changes of opinion and sentiment which the progress of time and variation of circumstances occasion in this world of changes. The vicissitudes of the human mind had not yet been exhausted by her. \layout Standard Poor Fanny! though going as she did willingly and eagerly, the last evening at Mansfield Park must still be wretchedness. Her heart was completely sad at parting. She had tears for every room in the house, much more for every beloved inhabitant. She clung to her aunt, because she would miss her; she kissed the hand of her uncle with struggling sobs, because she had displeased him; and as for Edmund, she could neither speak, nor look, nor think, when the last moment came with \shape italic him \shape default ; and it was not till it was over that she knew he was giving her the affectiona te farewell of a brother. \layout Standard All this passed overnight, for the journey was to begin very early in the morning; and when the small, diminished party met at breakfast, William and Fanny were talked of as already advanced one stage. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The novelty of travelling, and the happiness of being with William, soon produced their natural effect on Fanny's spirits, when Mansfield Park was fairly left behind; and by the time their first stage was ended, and they were to quit Sir Thomas's carriage, she was able to take leave of the old coachman, and send back proper messages, with cheerful looks. \layout Standard Of pleasant talk between the brother and sister there was no end. Everything supplied an amusement to the high glee of William's mind, and he was full of frolic and joke in the intervals of their higher-toned subjects, all of which ended, if they did not begin, in praise of the Thrush, conjectures how she would be employed, schemes for an action with some superior force, which (supposing the first lieutenant out of the way, and William was not very merciful to the first lieutenant) was to give himself the next step as soon as possible, or speculations upon prize-money, which was to be generously distributed at home, with only the reservation of enough to make the little cottage comfortable, in which he and Fanny were to pass all their middle and later life together. \layout Standard Fanny's immediate concerns, as far as they involved Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, made no part of their conversation. William knew what had passed, and from his heart lamented that his sister's feelings should be so cold towards a man whom he must consider as the first of human characters; but he was of an age to be all for love, and therefore unable to blame; and knowing her wish on the subject, he would not distress her by the slightest allusion. \layout Standard She had reason to suppose herself not yet forgotten by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. She had heard repeatedly from his sister within the three weeks which had passed since their leaving Mansfield, and in each letter there had been a few lines from himself, warm and determined like his speeches. It was a correspondence which Fanny found quite as unpleasant as she had feared. Miss Crawford's style of writing, lively and affectionate, was itself an evil, independent of what she was thus forced into reading from the brother's pen, for Edmund would never rest till she had read the chief of the letter to him; and then she had to listen to his admiration of her language, and the warmth of her attachments. There had, in fact, been so much of message, of allusion, of recollection, so much of Mansfield in every letter, that Fanny could not but suppose it meant for him to hear; and to find herself forced into a purpose of that kind, compelled into a correspondence which was bringing her the addresses of the man she did not love, and obliging her to administer to the adverse passion of the man she did, was cruelly mortifying. Here, too, her present removal promised advantage. When no longer under the same roof with Edmund, she trusted that Miss Crawford would have no motive for writing strong enough to overcome the trouble, and that at Portsmouth their correspondence would dwindle into nothing. \layout Standard With such thoughts as these, among ten hundred others, Fanny proceeded in her journey safely and cheerfully, and as expeditiously as could rationally be hoped in the dirty month of February. They entered Oxford, but she could take only a hasty glimpse of Edmund's college as they passed along, and made no stop anywhere till they reached Newbury, where a comfortable meal, uniting dinner and supper, wound up the enjoyments and fatigues of the day. \layout Standard The next morning saw them off again at an early hour; and with no events, and no delays, they regularly advanced, and were in the environs of Portsmouth while there was yet daylight for Fanny to look around her, and wonder at the new buildings. They passed the drawbridge, and entered the town; and the light was only beginning to fail as, guided by William's powerful voice, they were rattled into a narrow street, leading from the High Street, and drawn up before the door of a small house now inhabited by Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price. \layout Standard Fanny was all agitation and flutter; all hope and apprehension. The moment they stopped, a trollopy-looking maidservant, seemingly in waiting for them at the door, stepped forward, and more intent on telling the news than giving them any help, immediately began with, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset The Thrush is gone out of harbour, please sir, and one of the officers has been here to-- \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She was interrupted by a fine tall boy of eleven years old, who, rushing out of the house, pushed the maid aside, and while William was opening the chaise-door himself, called out, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are just in time. We have been looking for you this half-hour. The Thrush went out of harbour this morning. I saw her. It was a beautiful sight. And they think she will have her orders in a day or two. And Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Campbell was here at four o'clock to ask for you: he has got one of the Thrush's boats, and is going off to her at six, and hoped you would be here in time to go with him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A stare or two at Fanny, as William helped her out of the carriage, was all the voluntary notice which this brother bestowed; but he made no objection to her kissing him, though still entirely engaged in detailing farther particulars of the Thrush's going out of harbour, in which he had a strong right of interest, being to commence his career of seamanship in her at this very time. \layout Standard Another moment and Fanny was in the narrow entrance-passage of the house, and in her mother's arms, who met her there with looks of true kindness, and with features which Fanny loved the more, because they brought her aunt Bertram's before her, and there were her two sisters: Susan, a well-grown fine girl of fourteen, and Betsey, the youngest of the family, about five--both glad to see her in their way, though with no advantage of manner in receiving her. But manner Fanny did not want. Would they but love her, she should be satisfied. \layout Standard She was then taken into a parlour, so small that her first conviction was of its being only a passage-room to something better, and she stood for a moment expecting to be invited on; but when she saw there was no other door, and that there were signs of habitation before her, she called back her thoughts, reproved herself, and grieved lest they should have been suspected. Her mother, however, could not stay long enough to suspect anything. She was gone again to the street-door, to welcome William. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh! my dear William, how glad I am to see you. But have you heard about the Thrush? She is gone out of harbour already; three days before we had any thought of it; and I do not know what I am to do about Sam's things, they will never be ready in time; for she may have her orders to-morrow, perhaps. It takes me quite unawares. And now you must be off for Spithead too. Campbell has been here, quite in a worry about you; and now what shall we do? I thought to have had such a comfortable evening with you, and here everything comes upon me at once. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her son answered cheerfully, telling her that everything was always for the best; and making light of his own inconvenience in being obliged to hurry away so soon. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset To be sure, I had much rather she had stayed in harbour, that I might have sat a few hours with you in comfort; but as there is a boat ashore, I had better go off at once, and there is no help for it. Whereabouts does the Thrush lay at Spithead? Near the Canopus? But no matter; here's Fanny in the parlour, and why should we stay in the passage? Come, mother, you have hardly looked at your own dear Fanny yet. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard In they both came, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price having kindly kissed her daughter again, and commented a little on her growth, began with very natural solicitude to feel for their fatigues and wants as travellers. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Poor dears! how tired you must both be! and now, what will you have? I began to think you would never come. Betsey and I have been watching for you this half-hour. And when did you get anything to eat? And what would you like to have now? I could not tell whether you would be for some meat, or only a dish of tea, after your journey, or else I would have got something ready. And now I am afraid Campbell will be here before there is time to dress a steak, and we have no butcher at hand. It is very inconvenient to have no butcher in the street. We were better off in our last house. Perhaps you would like some tea as soon as it can be got. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard They both declared they should prefer it to anything. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Then, Betsey, my dear, run into the kitchen and see if Rebecca has put the water on; and tell her to bring in the tea-things as soon as she can. I wish we could get the bell mended; but Betsey is a very handy little messenger. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Betsey went with alacrity, proud to shew her abilities before her fine new sister. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dear me! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset continued the anxious mother, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what a sad fire we have got, and I dare say you are both starved with cold. Draw your chair nearer, my dear. I cannot think what Rebecca has been about. I am sure I told her to bring some coals half an hour ago. Susan, you should have taken care of the fire. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I was upstairs, mama, moving my things, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Susan, in a fearless, self-defending tone, which startled Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You know you had but just settled that my sister Fanny and I should have the other room; and I could not get Rebecca to give me any help. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Farther discussion was prevented by various bustles: first, the driver came to be paid; then there was a squabble between Sam and Rebecca about the manner of carrying up his sister's trunk, which he would manage all his own way; and lastly, in walked Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price himself, his own loud voice preceding him, as with something of the oath kind he kicked away his son's port-manteau and his daughter's bandbox in the passage, and called out for a candle; no candle was brought, however, and he walked into the room. \layout Standard Fanny with doubting feelings had risen to meet him, but sank down again on finding herself undistinguished in the dusk, and unthought of. With a friendly shake of his son's hand, and an eager voice, he instantly began-- \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ha! welcome back, my boy. Glad to see you. Have you heard the news? The Thrush went out of harbour this morning. Sharp is the word, you see! By G----, you are just in time! The doctor has been here inquiring for you: he has got one of the boats, and is to be off for Spithead by six, so you had better go with him. I have been to Turner's about your mess; it is all in a way to be done. I should not wonder if you had your orders to-morrow: but you cannot sail with this wind, if you are to cruise to the westward; and Captain Walsh thinks you will certainly have a cruise to the westward, with the Elephant. By G----, I wish you may! But old Scholey was saying, just now, that he thought you would be sent first to the Texel. Well, well, we are ready, whatever happens. But by G----, you lost a fine sight by not being here in the morning to see the Thrush go out of harbour! I would not have been out of the way for a thousand pounds. Old Scholey ran in at breakfast-time, to say she had slipped her moorings and was coming out, I jumped up, and made but two steps to the platform. If ever there was a perfect beauty afloat, she is one; and there she lays at Spithead, and anybody in England would take her for an eight-and-twenty. I was upon the platform two hours this afternoon looking at her. She lays close to the Endymion, between her and the Cleopatra, just to the eastward of the sheer hulk. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ha! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried William, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic that's \shape default just where I should have put her myself. It's the best berth at Spithead. But here is my sister, sir; here is Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset turning and leading her forward; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it is so dark you do not see her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard With an acknowledgment that he had quite forgot her, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price now received his daughter; and having given her a cordial hug, and observed that she was grown into a woman, and he supposed would be wanting a husband soon, seemed very much inclined to forget her again. Fanny shrunk back to her seat, with feelings sadly pained by his language and his smell of spirits; and he talked on only to his son, and only of the Thrush, though William, warmly interested as he was in that subject, more than once tried to make his father think of Fanny, and her long absence and long journey. \layout Standard After sitting some time longer, a candle was obtained; but as there was still no appearance of tea, nor, from Betsey's reports from the kitchen, much hope of any under a considerable period, William determined to go and change his dress, and make the necessary preparations for his removal on board directly, that he might have his tea in comfort afterwards. \layout Standard As he left the room, two rosy-faced boys, ragged and dirty, about eight and nine years old, rushed into it just released from school, and coming eagerly to see their sister, and tell that the Thrush was gone out of harbour; Tom and Charles. Charles had been born since Fanny's going away, but Tom she had often helped to nurse, and now felt a particular pleasure in seeing again. Both were kissed very tenderly, but Tom she wanted to keep by her, to try to trace the features of the baby she had loved, and talked to, of his infant preference of herself. Tom, however, had no mind for such treatment: he came home not to stand and be talked to, but to run about and make a noise; and both boys had soon burst from her, and slammed the parlour-door till her temples ached. \layout Standard She had now seen all that were at home; there remained only two brothers between herself and Susan, one of whom was a clerk in a public office in London, and the other midshipman on board an Indiaman. But though she had \shape italic seen \shape default all the members of the family, she had not yet \shape italic heard \shape default all the noise they could make. Another quarter of an hour brought her a great deal more. William was soon calling out from the landing-place of the second story for his mother and for Rebecca. He was in distress for something that he had left there, and did not find again. A key was mislaid, Betsey accused of having got at his new hat, and some slight, but essential alteration of his uniform waistcoat, which he had been promised to have done for him, entirely neglected. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, Rebecca, and Betsey all went up to defend themselves, all talking together, but Rebecca loudest, and the job was to be done as well as it could in a great hurry; William trying in vain to send Betsey down again, or keep her from being troublesome where she was; the whole of which, as almost every door in the house was open, could be plainly distinguished in the parlour, except when drowned at intervals by the superior noise of Sam, Tom, and Charles chasing each other up and down stairs, and tumbling about and hallooing. \layout Standard Fanny was almost stunned. The smallness of the house and thinness of the walls brought everything so close to her, that, added to the fatigue of her journey, and all her recent agitation, she hardly knew how to bear it. \shape italic Within \shape default the room all was tranquil enough, for Susan having disappeared with the others, there were soon only her father and herself remaining; and he, taking out a newspaper, the accustomary loan of a neighbour, applied himself to studying it, without seeming to recollect her existence. The solitary candle was held between himself and the paper, without any reference to her possible convenience; but she had nothing to do, and was glad to have the light screened from her aching head, as she sat in bewildered, broken, sorrowful contemplation. \layout Standard She was at home. But, alas! it was not such a home, she had not such a welcome, as--she checked herself; she was unreasonable. What right had she to be of importance to her family? She could have none, so long lost sight of! William's concerns must be dearest, they always had been, and he had every right. Yet to have so little said or asked about herself, to have scarcely an inquiry made after Mansfield! It did pain her to have Mansfield forgotten; the friends who had done so much--the dear, dear friends! But here, one subject swallowed up all the rest. Perhaps it must be so. The destination of the Thrush must be now preeminently interesting. A day or two might shew the difference. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic She \shape default only was to blame. Yet she thought it would not have been so at Mansfield. No, in her uncle's house there would have been a consideration of times and seasons, a regulation of subject, a propriety, an attention towards everybody which there was not here. \layout Standard The only interruption which thoughts like these received for nearly half an hour was from a sudden burst of her father's, not at all calculated to compose them. At a more than ordinary pitch of thumping and hallooing in the passage, he exclaimed, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Devil take those young dogs! How they are singing out! Ay, Sam's voice louder than all the rest! That boy is fit for a boatswain. Holla, you there! Sam, stop your confounded pipe, or I shall be after you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This threat was so palpably disregarded, that though within five minutes afterwards the three boys all burst into the room together and sat down, Fanny could not consider it as a proof of anything more than their being for the time thoroughly fagged, which their hot faces and panting breaths seemed to prove, especially as they were still kicking each other's shins, and hallooing out at sudden starts immediately under their father's eye. \layout Standard The next opening of the door brought something more welcome: it was for the tea-things, which she had begun almost to despair of seeing that evening. Susan and an attendant girl, whose inferior appearance informed Fanny, to her great surprise, that she had previously seen the upper servant, brought in everything necessary for the meal; Susan looking, as she put the kettle on the fire and glanced at her sister, as if divided between the agreeable triumph of shewing her activity and usefulness, and the dread of being thought to demean herself by such an office. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset She had been into the kitchen, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset to hurry Sally and help make the toast, and spread the bread and butter, or she did not know when they should have got tea, and she was sure her sister must want something after her journey. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was very thankful. She could not but own that she should be very glad of a little tea, and Susan immediately set about making it, as if pleased to have the employment all to herself; and with only a little unnecessary bustle, and some few injudicious attempts at keeping her brothers in better order than she could, acquitted herself very well. Fanny's spirit was as much refreshed as her body; her head and heart were soon the better for such well-timed kindness. Susan had an open, sensible countenance; she was like William, and Fanny hoped to find her like him in disposition and goodwill towards herself. \layout Standard In this more placid state of things William reentered, followed not far behind by his mother and Betsey. He, complete in his lieutenant's uniform, looking and moving all the taller, firmer, and more graceful for it, and with the happiest smile over his face, walked up directly to Fanny, who, rising from her seat, looked at him for a moment in speechless admiration, and then threw her arms round his neck to sob out her various emotions of pain and pleasure. \layout Standard Anxious not to appear unhappy, she soon recovered herself; and wiping away her tears, was able to notice and admire all the striking parts of his dress; listening with reviving spirits to his cheerful hopes of being on shore some part of every day before they sailed, and even of getting her to Spithead to see the sloop. \layout Standard The next bustle brought in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Campbell, the surgeon of the Thrush, a very well-behaved young man, who came to call for his friend, and for whom there was with some contrivance found a chair, and with some hasty washing of the young tea-maker's, a cup and saucer; and after another quarter of an hour of earnest talk between the gentlemen, noise rising upon noise, and bustle upon bustle, men and boys at last all in motion together, the moment came for setting off; everythin g was ready, William took leave, and all of them were gone; for the three boys, in spite of their mother's entreaty, determined to see their brother and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Campbell to the sally-port; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price walked off at the same time to carry back his neighbour's newspaper. \layout Standard Something like tranquillity might now be hoped for; and accordingly, when Rebecca had been prevailed on to carry away the tea-things, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price had walked about the room some time looking for a shirt-sleeve, which Betsey at last hunted out from a drawer in the kitchen, the small party of females were pretty well composed, and the mother having lamented again over the impossibility of getting Sam ready in time, was at leisure to think of her eldest daughter and the friends she had come from. \layout Standard A few inquiries began: but one of the earliest--"How did sister Bertram manage about her servants? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Was she as much plagued as herself to get tolerable servants?"--soon led her mind away from Northamptonshire, and fixed it on her own domestic grievance s, and the shocking character of all the Portsmouth servants, of whom she believed her own two were the very worst, engrossed her completely. The Bertrams were all forgotten in detailing the faults of Rebecca, against whom Susan had also much to depose, and little Betsey a great deal more, and who did seem so thoroughly without a single recommendation, that Fanny could not help modestly presuming that her mother meant to part with her when her year was up. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Her year! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am sure I hope I shall be rid of her before she has staid a year, for that will not be up till November. Servants are come to such a pass, my dear, in Portsmouth, that it is quite a miracle if one keeps them more than half a year. I have no hope of ever being settled; and if I was to part with Rebecca, I should only get something worse. And yet I do not think I am a very difficult mistress to please; and I am sure the place is easy enough, for there is always a girl under her, and I often do half the work myself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was silent; but not from being convinced that there might not be a remedy found for some of these evils. As she now sat looking at Betsey, she could not but think particularly of another sister, a very pretty little girl, whom she had left there not much younger when she went into Northamptonshire, who had died a few years afterwards. There had been something remarkably amiable about her. Fanny in those early days had preferred her to Susan; and when the news of her death had at last reached Mansfield, had for a short time been quite afflicted. The sight of Betsey brought the image of little Mary back again, but she would not have pained her mother by alluding to her for the world. While considering her with these ideas, Betsey, at a small distance, was holding out something to catch her eyes, meaning to screen it at the same time from Susan's. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What have you got there, my love? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset come and shew it to me. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard It was a silver knife. Up jumped Susan, claiming it as her own, and trying to get it away; but the child ran to her mother's protection, and Susan could only reproach, which she did very warmly, and evidently hoping to interest Fanny on her side. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It was very hard that she was not to have her \shape italic own \shape default knife; it was her own knife; little sister Mary had left it to her upon her deathbed, and she ought to have had it to keep herself long ago. But mama kept it from her, and was always letting Betsey get hold of it; and the end of it would be that Betsey would spoil it, and get it for her own, though mama had \shape italic promised \shape default her that Betsey should not have it in her own hands. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was quite shocked. Every feeling of duty, honour, and tenderness was wounded by her sister's speech and her mother's reply. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now, Susan, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset cried Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, in a complaining voice, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset now, how can you be so cross? You are always quarrelling about that knife. I wish you would not be so quarrelsome. Poor little Betsey; how cross Susan is to you! But you should not have taken it out, my dear, when I sent you to the drawer. You know I told you not to touch it, because Susan is so cross about it. I must hide it another time, Betsey. Poor Mary little thought it would be such a bone of contention when she gave it me to keep, only two hours before she died. Poor little soul! she could but just speak to be heard, and she said so prettily, 'Let sister Susan have my knife, mama, when I am dead and buried.' Poor little dear! she was so fond of it, Fanny, that she would have it lay by her in bed, all through her illness. It was the gift of her good godmother, old Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Admiral Maxwell, only six weeks before she was taken for death. Poor little sweet creature! Well, she was taken away from evil to come. My own Betsey \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (fondling her), \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset \shape italic you \shape default have not the luck of such a good godmother. Aunt Norris lives too far off to think of such little people as you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny had indeed nothing to convey from aunt Norris, but a message to say she hoped that her god-daughter was a good girl, and learnt her book. There had been at one moment a slight murmur in the drawing-room at Mansfield Park about sending her a prayer-book; but no second sound had been heard of such a purpose. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, however, had gone home and taken down two old prayer-books of her husband with that idea; but, upon examination, the ardour of generosity went off. One was found to have too small a print for a child's eyes, and the other to be too cumbersome for her to carry about. \layout Standard Fanny, fatigued and fatigued again, was thankful to accept the first invitation of going to bed; and before Betsey had finished her cry at being allowed to sit up only one hour extraordinary in honour of sister, she was off, leaving all below in confusion and noise again; the boys begging for toasted cheese, her father calling out for his rum and water, and Rebecca never where she ought to be. \layout Standard There was nothing to raise her spirits in the confined and scantily furnished chamber that she was to share with Susan. The smallness of the rooms above and below, indeed, and the narrowness of the passage and staircase, struck her beyond her imagination. She soon learned to think with respect of her own little attic at Mansfield Park, in \shape italic that \shape default house reckoned too small for anybody's comfort. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIX \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XXXIX \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Could Sir Thomas have seen all his niece's feelings, when she wrote her first letter to her aunt, he would not have despaired; for though a good night's rest, a pleasant morning, the hope of soon seeing William again, and the comparatively quiet state of the house, from Tom and Charles being gone to school, Sam on some project of his own, and her father on his usual lounges, enabled her to express herself cheerfully on the subject of home, there were still, to her own perfect consciousness, many drawbacks suppressed. Could he have seen only half that she felt before the end of a week, he would have thought Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford sure of her, and been delighted with his own sagacity. \layout Standard Before the week ended, it was all disappointment. In the first place, William was gone. The Thrush had had her orders, the wind had changed, and he was sailed within four days from their reaching Portsmouth; and during those days she had seen him only twice, in a short and hurried way, when he had come ashore on duty. There had been no free conversation, no walk on the ramparts, no visit to the dockyard, no acquaintance with the Thrush, nothing of all that they had planned and depended on. Everything in that quarter failed her, except William's affection. His last thought on leaving home was for her. He stepped back again to the door to say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Take care of Fanny, mother. She is tender, and not used to rough it like the rest of us. I charge you, take care of Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard William was gone: and the home he had left her in was, Fanny could not conceal it from herself, in almost every respect the very reverse of what she could have wished. It was the abode of noise, disorder, and impropriety. Nobody was in their right place, nothing was done as it ought to be. She could not respect her parents as she had hoped. On her father, her confidence had not been sanguine, but he was more negligent of his family, his habits were worse, and his manners coarser, than she had been prepared for. He did not want abilities but he had no curiosity, and no information beyond his profession; he read only the newspaper and the navy-list; he talked only of the dockyard, the harbour, Spithead, and the Motherbank; he swore and he drank, he was dirty and gross. She had never been able to recall anything approaching to tenderness in his former treatment of herself. There had remained only a general impression of roughness and loudness; and now he scarcely ever noticed her, but to make her the object of a coarse joke. \layout Standard Her disappointment in her mother was greater: \shape italic there \shape default she had hoped much, and found almost nothing. Every flattering scheme of being of consequence to her soon fell to the ground. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price was not unkind; but, instead of gaining on her affection and confidence, and becoming more and more dear, her daughter never met with greater kindness from her than on the first day of her arrival. The instinct of nature was soon satisfied, and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price's attachment had no other source. Her heart and her time were already quite full; she had neither leisure nor affection to bestow on Fanny. Her daughters never had been much to her. She was fond of her sons, especially of William, but Betsey was the first of her girls whom she had ever much regarded. To her she was most injudiciously indulgent. William was her pride; Betsey her darling; and John, Richard, Sam, Tom, and Charles occupied all the rest of her maternal solicitude, alternately her worries and her comforts. These shared her heart: her time was given chiefly to her house and her servants. Her days were spent in a kind of slow bustle; all was busy without getting on, always behindhand and lamenting it, without altering her ways; wishing to be an economist, without contrivance or regularity; dissatisfied with her servants, without skill to make them better, and whether helping, or reprimanding, or indulging them, without any power of engaging their respect. \layout Standard Of her two sisters, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price very much more resembled Lady Bertram than Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris. She was a manager by necessity, without any of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's inclination for it, or any of her activity. Her disposition was naturally easy and indolent, like Lady Bertram's; and a situation of similar affluence and do-nothingness would have been much more suited to her capacity than the exertions and self-denials of the one which her imprudent marriage had placed her in. She might have made just as good a woman of consequence as Lady Bertram, but Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris would have been a more respectable mother of nine children on a small income. \layout Standard Much of all this Fanny could not but be sensible of. She might scruple to make use of the words, but she must and did feel that her mother was a partial, ill-judging parent, a dawdle, a slattern, who neither taught nor restrained her children, whose house was the scene of mismanagement and discomfort from beginning to end, and who had no talent, no conversation, no affection towards herself; no curiosity to know her better, no desire of her friendship, and no inclination for her company that could lessen her sense of such feelings. \layout Standard Fanny was very anxious to be useful, and not to appear above her home, or in any way disqualified or disinclined, by her foreign education, from contributing her help to its comforts, and therefore set about working for Sam immediately; and by working early and late, with perseverance and great despatch, did so much that the boy was shipped off at last, with more than half his linen ready. She had great pleasure in feeling her usefulness, but could not conceive how they would have managed without her. \layout Standard Sam, loud and overbearing as he was, she rather regretted when he went, for he was clever and intelligent, and glad to be employed in any errand in the town; and though spurning the remonstrances of Susan, given as they were, though very reasonable in themselves, with ill-timed and powerless warmth, was beginning to be influenced by Fanny's services and gentle persuasio ns; and she found that the best of the three younger ones was gone in him: Tom and Charles being at least as many years as they were his juniors distant from that age of feeling and reason, which might suggest the expediency of making friends, and of endeavouring to be less disagreeable. Their sister soon despaired of making the smallest impression on \shape italic them \shape default ; they were quite untameable by any means of address which she had spirits or time to attempt. Every afternoon brought a return of their riotous games all over the house; and she very early learned to sigh at the approach of Saturday's constant half-holiday. \layout Standard Betsey, too, a spoiled child, trained up to think the alphabet her greatest enemy, left to be with the servants at her pleasure, and then encouraged to report any evil of them, she was almost as ready to despair of being able to love or assist; and of Susan's temper she had many doubts. Her continual disagreements with her mother, her rash squabbles with Tom and Charles, and petulance with Betsey, were at least so distressing to Fanny that, though admitting they were by no means without provocation, she feared the disposition that could push them to such length must be far from amiable, and from affording any repose to herself. \layout Standard Such was the home which was to put Mansfield out of her head, and teach her to think of her cousin Edmund with moderated feelings. On the contrary, she could think of nothing but Mansfield, its beloved inmates, its happy ways. Everything where she now was in full contrast to it. The elegance, propriety, regularity, harmony, and perhaps, above all, the peace and tranquillity of Mansfield, were brought to her remembrance every hour of the day, by the prevalence of everything opposite to them \shape italic here \shape default . \layout Standard The living in incessant noise was, to a frame and temper delicate and nervous like Fanny's, an evil which no superadded elegance or harmony could have entirely atoned for. It was the greatest misery of all. At Mansfield, no sounds of contention, no raised voice, no abrupt bursts, no tread of violence, was ever heard; all proceeded in a regular course of cheerful orderliness; everybody had their due importance; everybody's feelings were consulted. If tenderness could be ever supposed wanting, good sense and good breeding supplied its place; and as to the little irritations sometimes introduced by aunt Norris, they were short, they were trifling, they were as a drop of water to the ocean, compared with the ceaseless tumult of her present abode. Here everybody was noisy, every voice was loud (excepting, perhaps, her mother's, which resembled the soft monotony of Lady Bertram's, only worn into fretfulness). Whatever was wanted was hallooed for, and the servants hallooed out their excuses from the kitchen. The doors were in constant banging, the stairs were never at rest, nothing was done without a clatter, nobody sat still, and nobody could command attention when they spoke. \layout Standard In a review of the two houses, as they appeared to her before the end of a week, Fanny was tempted to apply to them Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Johnson's celebrated judgment as to matrimony and celibacy, and say, that though Mansfield Park might have some pains, Portsmouth could have no pleasures. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XL \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XL \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XL \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was right enough in not expecting to hear from Miss Crawford now at the rapid rate in which their correspondence had begun; Mary's next letter was after a decidedly longer interval than the last, but she was not right in supposing that such an interval would be felt a great relief to herself. Here was another strange revolution of mind! She was really glad to receive the letter when it did come. In her present exile from good society, and distance from everything that had been wont to interest her, a letter from one belonging to the set where her heart lived, written with affection, and some degree of elegance, was thoroughly acceptable. The usual plea of increasing engagements was made in excuse for not having written to her earlier; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And now that I have begun, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset she continued, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset my letter will not be worth your reading, for there will be no little offering of love at the end, no three or four lines \shape italic passionnees \shape default from the most devoted H. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset C. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset in the world, for Henry is in Norfolk; business called him to Everingham ten days ago, or perhaps he only pretended to call, for the sake of being travelling at the same time that you were. But there he is, and, by the bye, his absence may sufficiently account for any remissness of his sister's in writing, for there has been no 'Well, Mary, when do you write to Fanny? Is not it time for you to write to Fanny?' to spur me on. At last, after various attempts at meeting, I have seen your cousins, `dear Julia and dearest Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth'; they found me at home yesterday, and we were glad to see each other again. We \shape italic seemed \shape default \shape italic very \shape default glad to see each other, and I do really think we were a little. We had a vast deal to say. Shall I tell you how Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth looked when your name was mentioned? I did not use to think her wanting in self-possession, but she had not quite enough for the demands of yesterday. Upon the whole, Julia was in the best looks of the two, at least after you were spoken of. There was no recovering the complexion from the moment that I spoke of `Fanny,' and spoke of her as a sister should. But Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's day of good looks will come; we have cards for her first party on the 28th. Then she will be in beauty, for she will open one of the best houses in Wimpole Street. I was in it two years ago, when it was Lady Lascelle's, and prefer it to almost any I know in London, and certainly she will then feel, to use a vulgar phrase, that she has got her pennyworth for her penny. Henry could not have afforded her such a house. I hope she will recollect it, and be satisfied, as well as she may, with moving the queen of a palace, though the king may appear best in the background ; and as I have no desire to tease her, I shall never \shape italic force \shape default your name upon her again. She will grow sober by degrees. From all that I hear and guess, Baron Wildenheim's attentions to Julia continue, but I do not know that he has any serious encouragement. She ought to do better. A poor honourable is no catch, and I cannot imagine any liking in the case, for take away his rants, and the poor baron has nothing. What a difference a vowel makes! If his rents were but equal to his rants! Your cousin Edmund moves slowly; detained, perchance, by parish duties. There may be some old woman at Thornton Lacey to be converted. I am unwilling to fancy myself neglected for a \shape italic young \shape default one. Adieu! my dear sweet Fanny, this is a long letter from London: write me a pretty one in reply to gladden Henry's eyes, when he comes back, and send me an account of all the dashing young captains whom you disdain for his sake. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard There was great food for meditation in this letter, and chiefly for unpleasant meditation; and yet, with all the uneasiness it supplied, it connected her with the absent, it told her of people and things about whom she had never felt so much curiosity as now, and she would have been glad to have been sure of such a letter every week. Her correspondence with her aunt Bertram was her only concern of higher interest. \layout Standard As for any society in Portsmouth, that could at all make amends for deficiencies at home, there were none within the circle of her father's and mother's acquaintance to afford her the smallest satisfaction: she saw nobody in whose favour she could wish to overcome her own shyness and reserve. The men appeared to her all coarse, the women all pert, everybody underbred; and she gave as little contentment as she received from introductions either to old or new acquaintance. The young ladies who approached her at first with some respect, in consideratio n of her coming from a baronet's family, were soon offended by what they termed \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset airs \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; for, as she neither played on the pianoforte nor wore fine pelisses, they could, on farther observation, admit no right of superiority. \layout Standard The first solid consolation which Fanny received for the evils of home, the first which her judgment could entirely approve, and which gave any promise of durability, was in a better knowledge of Susan, and a hope of being of service to her. Susan had always behaved pleasantly to herself, but the determined character of her general manners had astonished and alarmed her, and it was at least a fortnight before she began to understand a disposition so totally different from her own. Susan saw that much was wrong at home, and wanted to set it right. That a girl of fourteen, acting only on her own unassisted reason, should err in the method of reform, was not wonderful; and Fanny soon became more disposed to admire the natural light of the mind which could so early distingui sh justly, than to censure severely the faults of conduct to which it led. Susan was only acting on the same truths, and pursuing the same system, which her own judgment acknowledged, but which her more supine and yielding temper would have shrunk from asserting. Susan tried to be useful, where \shape italic she \shape default could only have gone away and cried; and that Susan was useful she could perceive; that things, bad as they were, would have been worse but for such interposition, and that both her mother and Betsey were restrained from some excesses of very offensive indulgence and vulgarity. \layout Standard In every argument with her mother, Susan had in point of reason the advantage, and never was there any maternal tenderness to buy her off. The blind fondness which was for ever producing evil around her she had never known. There was no gratitude for affection past or present to make her better bear with its excesses to the others. \layout Standard All this became gradually evident, and gradually placed Susan before her sister as an object of mingled compassion and respect. That her manner was wrong, however, at times very wrong, her measures often ill-chosen and ill-timed, and her looks and language very often indefensible, Fanny could not cease to feel; but she began to hope they might be rectified. Susan, she found, looked up to her and wished for her good opinion; and new as anything like an office of authority was to Fanny, new as it was to imagine herself capable of guiding or informing any one, she did resolve to give occasional hints to Susan, and endeavour to exercise for her advantage the juster notions of what was due to everybody, and what would be wisest for herself, which her own more favoured education had fixed in her. \layout Standard Her influence, or at least the consciousness and use of it, originated in an act of kindness by Susan, which, after many hesitations of delicacy, she at last worked herself up to. It had very early occurred to her that a small sum of money might, perhaps, restore peace for ever on the sore subject of the silver knife, canvassed as it now was continually, and the riches which she was in possession of herself, her uncle having given her 10 at parting, made her as able as she was willing to be generous. But she was so wholly unused to confer favours, except on the very poor, so unpractised in removing evils, or bestowing kindnesses among her equals, and so fearful of appearing to elevate herself as a great lady at home, that it took some time to determine that it would not be unbecoming in her to make such a present. It was made, however, at last: a silver knife was bought for Betsey, and accepted with great delight, its newness giving it every advantage over the other that could be desired; Susan was established in the full possession of her own, Betsey handsomely declaring that now she had got one so much prettier herself, she should never want \shape italic that \shape default again; and no reproach seemed conveyed to the equally satisfied mother, which Fanny had almost feared to be impossible. The deed thoroughly answered: a source of domestic altercation was entirely done away, and it was the means of opening Susan's heart to her, and giving her something more to love and be interested in. Susan shewed that she had delicacy: pleased as she was to be mistress of property which she had been struggling for at least two years, she yet feared that her sister's judgment had been against her, and that a reproof was designed her for having so struggled as to make the purchase necessary for the tranquillity of the house. \layout Standard Her temper was open. She acknowledged her fears, blamed herself for having contended so warmly; and from that hour Fanny, understanding the worth of her disposition and perceiving how fully she was inclined to seek her good opinion and refer to her judgment, began to feel again the blessing of affection, and to entertain the hope of being useful to a mind so much in need of help, and so much deserving it. She gave advice, advice too sound to be resisted by a good understanding, and given so mildly and considerately as not to irritate an imperfect temper, and she had the happiness of observing its good effects not unfrequently. More was not expected by one who, while seeing all the obligation and expedienc y of submission and forbearance, saw also with sympathetic acuteness of feeling all that must be hourly grating to a girl like Susan. Her greatest wonder on the subject soon became--not that Susan should have been provoked into disrespect and impatience against her better knowledge--but that so much better knowledge, so many good notions should have been hers at all; and that, brought up in the midst of negligence and error, she should have formed such proper opinions of what ought to be; she, who had had no cousin Edmund to direct her thoughts or fix her principles. \layout Standard The intimacy thus begun between them was a material advantage to each. By sitting together upstairs, they avoided a great deal of the disturbance of the house; Fanny had peace, and Susan learned to think it no misfortune to be quietly employed. They sat without a fire; but that was a privation familiar even to Fanny, and she suffered the less because reminded by it of the East room. It was the only point of resemblance. In space, light, furniture, and prospect, there was nothing alike in the two apartments; and she often heaved a sigh at the remembrance of all her books and boxes, and various comforts there. By degrees the girls came to spend the chief of the morning upstairs, at first only in working and talking, but after a few days, the remembrance of the said books grew so potent and stimulative that Fanny found it impossible not to try for books again. There were none in her father's house; but wealth is luxurious and daring, and some of hers found its way to a circulating library. She became a subscriber; amazed at being anything \shape italic in \shape default \shape italic propria \shape default \shape italic persona \shape default , amazed at her own doings in every way, to be a renter, a chuser of books! And to be having any one's improvement in view in her choice! But so it was. Susan had read nothing, and Fanny longed to give her a share in her own first pleasures, and inspire a taste for the biography and poetry which she delighted in herself. \layout Standard In this occupation she hoped, moreover, to bury some of the recollections of Mansfield, which were too apt to seize her mind if her fingers only were busy; and, especially at this time, hoped it might be useful in diverting her thoughts from pursuing Edmund to London, whither, on the authority of her aunt's last letter, she knew he was gone. She had no doubt of what would ensue. The promised notification was hanging over her head. The postman's knock within the neighbourhood was beginning to bring its daily terrors, and if reading could banish the idea for even half an hour, it was something gained. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard A week was gone since Edmund might be supposed in town, and Fanny had heard nothing of him. There were three different conclusions to be drawn from his silence, between which her mind was in fluctuation; each of them at times being held the most probable. Either his going had been again delayed, or he had yet procured no opportunity of seeing Miss Crawford alone, or he was too happy for letter-writing! \layout Standard One morning, about this time, Fanny having now been nearly four weeks from Mansfield, a point which she never failed to think over and calculate every day, as she and Susan were preparing to remove, as usual, upstairs, they were stopped by the knock of a visitor, whom they felt they could not avoid, from Rebecca's alertness in going to the door, a duty which always interested her beyond any other. \layout Standard It was a gentleman's voice; it was a voice that Fanny was just turning pale about, when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford walked into the room. \layout Standard Good sense, like hers, will always act when really called upon; and she found that she had been able to name him to her mother, and recall her remembrance of the name, as that of \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset William's friend, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset though she could not previously have believed herself capable of uttering a syllable at such a moment. The consciousness of his being known there only as William's friend was some support. Having introduced him, however, and being all reseated, the terrors that occurred of what this visit might lead to were overpowering, and she fancied herself on the point of fainting away. \layout Standard While trying to keep herself alive, their visitor, who had at first approached her with as animated a countenance as ever, was wisely and kindly keeping his eyes away, and giving her time to recover, while he devoted himself entirely to her mother, addressing her, and attending to her with the utmost politeness and propriety, at the same time with a degree of friendliness, of interest at least, which was making his manner perfect. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price's manners were also at their best. Warmed by the sight of such a friend to her son, and regulated by the wish of appearing to advantage before him, she was overflowing with gratitude--artle ss, maternal gratitude--which could not be unpleasing. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price was out, which she regretted very much. Fanny was just recovered enough to feel that \shape italic she \shape default could not regret it; for to her many other sources of uneasiness was added the severe one of shame for the home in which he found her. She might scold herself for the weakness, but there was no scolding it away. She was ashamed, and she would have been yet more ashamed of her father than of all the rest. \layout Standard They talked of William, a subject on which Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price could never tire; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was as warm in his commendation as even her heart could wish. She felt that she had never seen so agreeable a man in her life; and was only astonished to find that, so great and so agreeable as he was, he should be come down to Portsmouth neither on a visit to the port-admiral, nor the commissioner, nor yet with the intention of going over to the island, nor of seeing the dockyard. Nothing of all that she had been used to think of as the proof of importance, or the employment of wealth, had brought him to Portsmouth. He had reached it late the night before, was come for a day or two, was staying at the Crown, had accidentally met with a navy officer or two of his acquaintance since his arrival, but had no object of that kind in coming. \layout Standard By the time he had given all this information, it was not unreasonable to suppose that Fanny might be looked at and spoken to; and she was tolerably able to bear his eye, and hear that he had spent half an hour with his sister the evening before his leaving London; that she had sent her best and kindest love, but had had no time for writing; that he thought himself lucky in seeing Mary for even half an hour, having spent scarcely twenty-four hours in London, after his return from Norfolk, before he set off again; that her cousin Edmund was in town, had been in town, he understood, a few days; that he had not seen him himself, but that he was well, had left them all well at Mansfield, and was to dine, as yesterday, with the Frasers. \layout Standard Fanny listened collectedly, even to the last-mentioned circumstance; nay, it seemed a relief to her worn mind to be at any certainty; and the words, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset then by this time it is all settled, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset passed internally, without more evidence of emotion than a faint blush. \layout Standard After talking a little more about Mansfield, a subject in which her interest was most apparent, Crawford began to hint at the expediency of an early walk. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It was a lovely morning, and at that season of the year a fine morning so often turned off, that it was wisest for everybody not to delay their exercise \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ; and such hints producing nothing, he soon proceeded to a positive recommendati on to Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price and her daughters to take their walk without loss of time. Now they came to an understanding. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, it appeared, scarcely ever stirred out of doors, except of a Sunday; she owned she could seldom, with her large family, find time for a walk. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Would she not, then, persuade her daughters to take advantage of such weather, and allow him the pleasure of attending them? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price was greatly obliged and very complying. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Her daughters were very much confined; Portsmouth was a sad place; they did not often get out; and she knew they had some errands in the town, which they would be very glad to do. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset And the consequence was, that Fanny, strange as it was--strange, awkward, and distressing--found herself and Susan, within ten minutes, walking towards the High Street with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. \layout Standard It was soon pain upon pain, confusion upon confusion; for they were hardly in the High Street before they met her father, whose appearance was not the better from its being Saturday. He stopt; and, ungentlemanlike as he looked, Fanny was obliged to introduce him to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. She could not have a doubt of the manner in which Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford must be struck. He must be ashamed and disgusted altogether. He must soon give her up, and cease to have the smallest inclination for the match; and yet, though she had been so much wanting his affection to be cured, this was a sort of cure that would be almost as bad as the complaint; and I believe there is scarcely a young lady in the United Kingdoms who would not rather put up with the misfortune of being sought by a clever, agreeable man, than have him driven away by the vulgarity of her nearest relations. \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford probably could not regard his future father-in-law with any idea of taking him for a model in dress; but (as Fanny instantly, and to her great relief, discerned) her father was a very different man, a very different Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price in his behaviour to this most highly respected stranger, from what he was in his own family at home. His manners now, though not polished, were more than passable: they were grateful, animated, manly; his expressions were those of an attached father, and a sensible man; his loud tones did very well in the open air, and there was not a single oath to be heard. Such was his instinctive compliment to the good manners of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford; and, be the consequence what it might, Fanny's immediate feelings were infinitely soothed. \layout Standard The conclusion of the two gentlemen's civilities was an offer of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price's to take Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford into the dockyard, which Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, desirous of accepting as a favour what was intended as such, though he had seen the dockyard again and again, and hoping to be so much the longer with Fanny, was very gratefully disposed to avail himself of, if the Miss Prices were not afraid of the fatigue; and as it was somehow or other ascertained, or inferred, or at least acted upon, that they were not at all afraid, to the dockyard they were all to go; and but for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price would have turned thither directly, without the smallest consideration for his daughters' errands in the High Street. He took care, however, that they should be allowed to go to the shops they came out expressly to visit; and it did not delay them long, for Fanny could so little bear to excite impatience, or be waited for, that before the gentlemen, as they stood at the door, could do more than begin upon the last naval regulations, or settle the number of three-deckers now in commission, their companions were ready to proceed. \layout Standard They were then to set forward for the dockyard at once, and the walk would have been conducted--according to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's opinion--in a singular manner, had Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price been allowed the entire regulation of it, as the two girls, he found, would have been left to follow, and keep up with them or not, as they could, while they walked on together at their own hasty pace. He was able to introduce some improvement occasionally, though by no means to the extent he wished; he absolutely would not walk away from them; and at any crossing or any crowd, when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price was only calling out, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Come, girls; come, Fan; come, Sue, take care of yourselves; keep a sharp lookout! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he would give them his particular attendance. \layout Standard Once fairly in the dockyard, he began to reckon upon some happy intercourse with Fanny, as they were very soon joined by a brother lounger of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price's, who was come to take his daily survey of how things went on, and who must prove a far more worthy companion than himself; and after a time the two officers seemed very well satisfied going about together, and discussin g matters of equal and never-failing interest, while the young people sat down upon some timbers in the yard, or found a seat on board a vessel in the stocks which they all went to look at. Fanny was most conveniently in want of rest. Crawford could not have wished her more fatigued or more ready to sit down; but he could have wished her sister away. A quick-looking girl of Susan's age was the very worst third in the world: totally different from Lady Bertram, all eyes and ears; and there was no introducing the main point before her. He must content himself with being only generally agreeable, and letting Susan have her share of entertainment, with the indulgence, now and then, of a look or hint for the better-informed and conscious Fanny. Norfolk was what he had mostly to talk of: there he had been some time, and everything there was rising in importance from his present schemes. Such a man could come from no place, no society, without importing something to amuse; his journeys and his acquaintance were all of use, and Susan was entertained in a way quite new to her. For Fanny, somewhat more was related than the accidental agreeableness of the parties he had been in. For her approbation, the particular reason of his going into Norfolk at all, at this unusual time of year, was given. It had been real business, relative to the renewal of a lease in which the welfare of a large and--he believed--industrious family was at stake. He had suspected his agent of some underhand dealing; of meaning to bias him against the deserving; and he had determined to go himself, and thoroughly investigate the merits of the case. He had gone, had done even more good than he had foreseen, had been useful to more than his first plan had comprehended, and was now able to congratulate himself upon it, and to feel that in performing a duty, he had secured agreeable recollections for his own mind. He had introduced himself to some tenants whom he had never seen before; he had begun making acquaintance with cottages whose very existence, though on his own estate, had been hitherto unknown to him. This was aimed, and well aimed, at Fanny. It was pleasing to hear him speak so properly; here he had been acting as he ought to do. To be the friend of the poor and the oppressed! Nothing could be more grateful to her; and she was on the point of giving him an approving look, when it was all frightened off by his adding a something too pointed of his hoping soon to have an assistant, a friend, a guide in every plan of utility or charity for Everingham: a somebody that would make Everingham and all about it a dearer object than it had ever been yet. \layout Standard She turned away, and wished he would not say such things. She was willing to allow he might have more good qualities than she had been wont to suppose. She began to feel the possibility of his turning out well at last; but he was and must ever be completely unsuited to her, and ought not to think of her. \layout Standard He perceived that enough had been said of Everingham, and that it would be as well to talk of something else, and turned to Mansfield. He could not have chosen better; that was a topic to bring back her attention and her looks almost instantly. It was a real indulgence to her to hear or to speak of Mansfield. Now so long divided from everybody who knew the place, she felt it quite the voice of a friend when he mentioned it, and led the way to her fond exclamations in praise of its beauties and comforts, and by his honourable tribute to its inhabitants allowed her to gratify her own heart in the warmest eulogium, in speaking of her uncle as all that was clever and good, and her aunt as having the sweetest of all sweet tempers. \layout Standard He had a great attachment to Mansfield himself; he said so; he looked forward with the hope of spending much, very much, of his time there; always there, or in the neighbourhood. He particularly built upon a very happy summer and autumn there this year; he felt that it would be so: he depended upon it; a summer and autumn infinitel y superior to the last. As animated, as diversified, as social, but with circumstances of superiority undescribable. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Mansfield, Sotherton, Thornton Lacey, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he continued; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what a society will be comprised in those houses! And at Michaelmas, perhaps, a fourth may be added: some small hunting-box in the vicinity of everything so dear; for as to any partnership in Thornton Lacey, as Edmund Bertram once good-humouredly proposed, I hope I foresee two objections: two fair, excellent, irresistible objections to that plan. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny was doubly silenced here; though when the moment was passed, could regret that she had not forced herself into the acknowledged comprehension of one half of his meaning, and encouraged him to say something more of his sister and Edmund. It was a subject which she must learn to speak of, and the weakness that shrunk from it would soon be quite unpardonable. \layout Standard When Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price and his friend had seen all that they wished, or had time for, the others were ready to return; and in the course of their walk back, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford contrived a minute's privacy for telling Fanny that his only business in Portsmouth was to see her; that he was come down for a couple of days on her account, and hers only, and because he could not endure a longer total separation. She was sorry, really sorry; and yet in spite of this and the two or three other things which she wished he had not said, she thought him altogether improved since she had seen him; he was much more gentle, obliging, and attentive to other people's feelings than he had ever been at Mansfield; she had never seen him so agreeable--so \shape italic near \shape default being agreeable; his behaviour to her father could not offend, and there was something particularly kind and proper in the notice he took of Susan. He was decidedly improved. She wished the next day over, she wished he had come only for one day; but it was not so very bad as she would have expected: the pleasure of talking of Mansfield was so very great! \layout Standard Before they parted, she had to thank him for another pleasure, and one of no trivial kind. Her father asked him to do them the honour of taking his mutton with them, and Fanny had time for only one thrill of horror, before he declared himself prevented by a prior engagement. He was engaged to dinner already both for that day and the next; he had met with some acquaintance at the Crown who would not be denied; he should have the honour, however, of waiting on them again on the morrow, \shape italic etc \shape default ., and so they parted--Fanny in a state of actual felicity from escaping so horrible an evil! \layout Standard To have had him join their family dinner-party, and see all their deficiencies, would have been dreadful! Rebecca's cookery and Rebecca's waiting, and Betsey's eating at table without restraint, and pulling everything about as she chose, were what Fanny herself was not yet enough inured to for her often to make a tolerable meal. \shape italic She \shape default was nice only from natural delicacy, but \shape italic he \shape default had been brought up in a school of luxury and epicurism. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard The Prices were just setting off for church the next day when Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford appeared again. He came, not to stop, but to join them; he was asked to go with them to the Garrison chapel, which was exactly what he had intended, and they all walked thither together. \layout Standard The family were now seen to advantage. Nature had given them no inconsiderable share of beauty, and every Sunday dressed them in their cleanest skins and best attire. Sunday always brought this comfort to Fanny, and on this Sunday she felt it more than ever. Her poor mother now did not look so very unworthy of being Lady Bertram's sister as she was but too apt to look. It often grieved her to the heart to think of the contrast between them; to think that where nature had made so little difference, circumstances should have made so much, and that her mother, as handsome as Lady Bertram, and some years her junior, should have an appearance so much more worn and faded, so comfortless, so slatternly, so shabby. But Sunday made her a very creditable and tolerably cheerful-looking Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, coming abroad with a fine family of children, feeling a little respite of her weekly cares, and only discomposed if she saw her boys run into danger, or Rebecca pass by with a flower in her hat. \layout Standard In chapel they were obliged to divide, but Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford took care not to be divided from the female branch; and after chapel he still continued with them, and made one in the family party on the ramparts. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price took her weekly walk on the ramparts every fine Sunday throughout the year, always going directly after morning service and staying till dinner-time. It was her public place: there she met her acquaintance, heard a little news, talked over the badness of the Portsmouth servants, and wound up her spirits for the six days ensuing. \layout Standard Thither they now went; Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford most happy to consider the Miss Prices as his peculiar charge; and before they had been there long, somehow or other, there was no saying how, Fanny could not have believed it, but he was walking between them with an arm of each under his, and she did not know how to prevent or put an end to it. It made her uncomfortable for a time, but yet there were enjoyments in the day and in the view which would be felt. \layout Standard The day was uncommonly lovely. It was really March; but it was April in its mild air, brisk soft wind, and bright sun, occasionally clouded for a minute; and everything looked so beautiful under the influence of such a sky, the effects of the shadows pursuing each other on the ships at Spithead and the island beyond, with the ever-varying hues of the sea, now at high water, dancing in its glee and dashing against the ramparts with so fine a sound, produced altogether such a combination of charms for Fanny, as made her gradually almost careless of the circumstances under which she felt them. Nay, had she been without his arm, she would soon have known that she needed it, for she wanted strength for a two hours' saunter of this kind, coming, as it generally did, upon a week's previous inactivity. Fanny was beginning to feel the effect of being debarred from her usual regular exercise; she had lost ground as to health since her being in Portsmout h; and but for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford and the beauty of the weather would soon have been knocked up now. \layout Standard The loveliness of the day, and of the view, he felt like herself. They often stopt with the same sentiment and taste, leaning against the wall, some minutes, to look and admire; and considering he was not Edmund, Fanny could not but allow that he was sufficiently open to the charms of nature, and very well able to express his admiration. She had a few tender reveries now and then, which he could sometimes take advantage of to look in her face without detection; and the result of these looks was, that though as bewitching as ever, her face was less blooming than it ought to be. She \shape italic said \shape default she was very well, and did not like to be supposed otherwise; but take it all in all, he was convinced that her present residence could not be comfortable, and therefore could not be salutary for her, and he was growing anxious for her being again at Mansfield, where her own happiness, and his in seeing her, must be so much greater. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You have been here a month, I think? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No; not quite a month. It is only four weeks to-morrow since I left Mansfield. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset You are a most accurate and honest reckoner. I should call that a month. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I did not arrive here till Tuesday evening. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And it is to be a two months' visit, is not? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes. My uncle talked of two months. I suppose it will not be less. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And how are you to be conveyed back again? Who comes for you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I do not know. I have heard nothing about it yet from my aunt. Perhaps I may be to stay longer. It may not be convenient for me to be fetched exactly at the two months' end. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard After a moment's reflection, Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I know Mansfield, I know its way, I know its faults towards \shape italic you \shape default . I know the danger of your being so far forgotten, as to have your comforts give way to the imaginary convenience of any single being in the family. I am aware that you may be left here week after week, if Sir Thomas cannot settle everything for coming himself, or sending your aunt's maid for you, without involving the slightest alteration of the arrangements which he may have laid down for the next quarter of a year. This will not do. Two months is an ample allowance; I should think six weeks quite enough. I am considering your sister's health, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, addressing himself to Susan, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset which I think the confinement of Portsmouth unfavourable to. She requires constant air and exercise. When you know her as well as I do, I am sure you will agree that she does, and that she ought never to be long banished from the free air and liberty of the country. If, therefore \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (turning again to Fanny), \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset you find yourself growing unwell, and any difficulties arise about your returning to Mansfield, without waiting for the two months to be ended, \shape italic that \shape default must not be regarded as of any consequence, if you feel yourself at all less strong or comfortable than usual, and will only let my sister know it, give her only the slightest hint, she and I will immediately come down, and take you back to Mansfield. You know the ease and the pleasure with which this would be done. You know all that would be felt on the occasion. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny thanked him, but tried to laugh it off. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I am perfectly serious, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he replied, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset as you perfectly know. And I hope you will not be cruelly concealing any tendency to indisposition. Indeed, you shall \shape italic not \shape default ; it shall not be in your power; for so long only as you positively say, in every letter to Mary, `I am well,' and I know you cannot speak or write a falsehood, so long only shall you be considered as well. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny thanked him again, but was affected and distressed to a degree that made it impossible for her to say much, or even to be certain of what she ought to say. This was towards the close of their walk. He attended them to the last, and left them only at the door of their own house, when he knew them to be going to dinner, and therefore pretended to be waited for elsewhere. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I wish you were not so tired, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, still detaining Fanny after all the others were in the house--"I wish I left you in stronger health. Is there anything I can do for you in town? I have half an idea of going into Norfolk again soon. I am not satisfied about Maddison. I am sure he still means to impose on me if possible, and get a cousin of his own into a certain mill, which I design for somebody else. I must come to an understanding with him. I must make him know that I will not be tricked on the south side of Everingham , any more than on the north: that I will be master of my own property. I was not explicit enough with him before. The mischief such a man does on an estate, both as to the credit of his employer and the welfare of the poor, is inconceivable. I have a great mind to go back into Norfolk directly, and put everything at once on such a footing as cannot be afterwards swerved from. Maddison is a clever fellow; I do not wish to displace him, provided he does not try to displace \shape italic me \shape default ; but it would be simple to be duped by a man who has no right of creditor to dupe me, and worse than simple to let him give me a hard-hearted, griping fellow for a tenant, instead of an honest man, to whom I have given half a promise already. Would it not be worse than simple? Shall I go? Do you advise it? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I advise! You know very well what is right. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes. When you give me your opinion, I always know what is right. Your judgment is my rule of right. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Oh, no! do not say so. We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be. Good-bye; I wish you a pleasant journey to-morrow. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Is there nothing I can do for you in town? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nothing; I am much obliged to you. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have you no message for anybody? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My love to your sister, if you please; and when you see my cousin, my cousin Edmund, I wish you would be so good as to say that I suppose I shall soon hear from him. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Certainly; and if he is lazy or negligent, I will write his excuses myself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He could say no more, for Fanny would be no longer detained. He pressed her hand, looked at her, and was gone. \shape italic He \shape default went to while away the next three hours as he could, with his other acquaintanc e, till the best dinner that a capital inn afforded was ready for their enjoyment, and \shape italic she \shape default turned in to her more simple one immediately. \layout Standard Their general fare bore a very different character; and could he have suspected how many privations, besides that of exercise, she endured in her father's house, he would have wondered that her looks were not much more affected than he found them. She was so little equal to Rebecca's puddings and Rebecca's hashes, brought to table, as they all were, with such accompaniments of half-cleaned plates, and not half-cleaned knives and forks, that she was very often constrained to defer her heartiest meal till she could send her brothers in the evening for biscuits and buns. After being nursed up at Mansfield, it was too late in the day to be hardened at Portsmouth; and though Sir Thomas, had he known all, might have thought his niece in the most promising way of being starved, both mind and body, into a much juster value for Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's good company and good fortune, he would probably have feared to push his experiment farther, lest she might die under the cure. \layout Standard Fanny was out of spirits all the rest of the day. Though tolerably secure of not seeing Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford again, she could not help being low. It was parting with somebody of the nature of a friend; and though, in one light, glad to have him gone, it seemed as if she was now deserted by everybody; it was a sort of renewed separation from Mansfield; and she could not think of his returning to town, and being frequently with Mary and Edmund, without feelings so near akin to envy as made her hate herself for having them. \layout Standard Her dejection had no abatement from anything passing around her; a friend or two of her father's, as always happened if he was not with them, spent the long, long evening there; and from six o'clock till half-past nine, there was little intermission of noise or grog. She was very low. The wonderful improvement which she still fancied in Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was the nearest to administering comfort of anything within the current of her thoughts. Not considering in how different a circle she had been just seeing him, nor how much might be owing to contrast, she was quite persuaded of his being astonishingly more gentle and regardful of others than formerly. And, if in little things, must it not be so in great? So anxious for her health and comfort, so very feeling as he now expressed himself, and really seemed, might not it be fairly supposed that he would not much longer persevere in a suit so distressing to her? \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard It was presumed that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford was travelling back, to London, on the morrow, for nothing more was seen of him at Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price's; and two days afterwards, it was a fact ascertained to Fanny by the following letter from his sister, opened and read by her, on another account, with the most anxious curiosity:-- \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I have to inform you, my dearest Fanny, that Henry has been down to Portsmouth to see you; that he had a delightful walk with you to the dockyard last Saturday, and one still more to be dwelt on the next day, on the ramparts; when the balmy air, the sparkling sea, and your sweet looks and conversation were altogether in the most delicious harmony, and afforded sensations which are to raise ecstasy even in retrospect. This, as well as I understand, is to be the substance of my information. He makes me write, but I do not know what else is to be communicated, except this said visit to Portsmouth, and these two said walks, and his introduction to your family, especially to a fair sister of yours, a fine girl of fifteen, who was of the party on the ramparts, taking her first lesson, I presume, in love. I have not time for writing much, but it would be out of place if I had, for this is to be a mere letter of business, penned for the purpose of conveying necessary information, which could not be delayed without risk of evil. My dear, dear Fanny, if I had you here, how I would talk to you! You should listen to me till you were tired, and advise me till you were still tired more; but it is impossible to put a hundredth part of my great mind on paper, so I will abstain altogether, and leave you to guess what you like. I have no news for you. You have politics, of course; and it would be too bad to plague you with the names of people and parties that fill up my time. I ought to have sent you an account of your cousin's first party, but I was lazy, and now it is too long ago; suffice it, that everything was just as it ought to be, in a style that any of her connexions must have been gratified to witness, and that her own dress and manners did her the greatest credit. My friend, Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser, is mad for such a house, and it would not make \shape italic me \shape default miserable. I go to Lady Stornaway after Easter; she seems in high spirits, and very happy. I fancy Lord S. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset is very good-humoured and pleasant in his own family, and I do not think him so very ill-looking as I did--at least, one sees many worse. He will not do by the side of your cousin Edmund. Of the last-mentioned hero, what shall I say? If I avoided his name entirely, it would look suspicious. I will say, then, that we have seen him two or three times, and that my friends here are very much struck with his gentlemanlike appearance. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser (no bad judge) declares she knows but three men in town who have so good a person, height, and air; and I must confess, when he dined here the other day, there were none to compare with him, and we were a party of sixteen. Luckily there is no distinction of dress nowadays to tell tales, but--but--but Yours affectionately. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I had almost forgot (it was Edmund's fault: he gets into my head more than does me good) one very material thing I had to say from Henry and myself--I mean about our taking you back into Northamptonshire. My dear little creature, do not stay at Portsmouth to lose your pretty looks. Those vile sea-breezes are the ruin of beauty and health. My poor aunt always felt affected if within ten miles of the sea, which the Admiral of course never believed, but I know it was so. I am at your service and Henry's, at an hour's notice. I should like the scheme, and we would make a little circuit, and shew you Everingham in our way, and perhaps you would not mind passing through London, and seeing the inside of St. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset George's, Hanover Square. Only keep your cousin Edmund from me at such a time: I should not like to be tempted. What a long letter! one word more. Henry, I find, has some idea of going into Norfolk again upon some business that \shape italic you \shape default approve; but this cannot possibly be permitted before the middle of next week; that is, he cannot anyhow be spared till after the 14th, for \shape italic we \shape default have a party that evening. The value of a man like Henry, on such an occasion, is what you can have no conception of; so you must take it upon my word to be inestimable. He will see the Rushworths, which own I am not sorry for--having a little curiosity, and so I think has he--though he will not acknowledge it. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard This was a letter to be run through eagerly, to be read deliberately, to supply matter for much reflection, and to leave everything in greater suspense than ever. The only certainty to be drawn from it was, that nothing decisive had yet taken place. Edmund had not yet spoken. How Miss Crawford really felt, how she meant to act, or might act without or against her meaning; whether his importance to her were quite what it had been before the last separation; whether, if lessened, it were likely to lessen more, or to recover itself, were subjects for endless conjecture, and to be thought of on that day and many days to come, without producing any conclusion. The idea that returned the oftenest was that Miss Crawford, after proving herself cooled and staggered by a return to London habits, would yet prove herself in the end too much attached to him to give him up. She would try to be more ambitious than her heart would allow. She would hesitate, she would tease, she would condition, she would require a great deal, but she would finally accept. \layout Standard This was Fanny's most frequent expectation. A house in town--that, she thought, must be impossible. Yet there was no saying what Miss Crawford might not ask. The prospect for her cousin grew worse and worse. The woman who could speak of him, and speak only of his appearance! What an unworthy attachment! To be deriving support from the commendations of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser! \shape italic She \shape default who had known him intimately half a year! Fanny was ashamed of her. Those parts of the letter which related only to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford and herself, touched her, in comparison, slightly. Whether Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford went into Norfolk before or after the 14th was certainly no concern of hers, though, everything considered, she thought he \shape italic would \shape default go without delay. That Miss Crawford should endeavour to secure a meeting between him and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, was all in her worst line of conduct, and grossly unkind and ill-judged; but she hoped \shape italic he \shape default would not be actuated by any such degrading curiosity. He acknowledged no such inducement, and his sister ought to have given him credit for better feelings than her own. \layout Standard She was yet more impatient for another letter from town after receiving this than she had been before; and for a few days was so unsettled by it altogether, by what had come, and what might come, that her usual readings and conversation with Susan were much suspended. She could not command her attention as she wished. If Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford remembered her message to her cousin, she thought it very likely, most likely, that he would write to her at all events; it would be most consistent with his usual kindness; and till she got rid of this idea, till it gradually wore off, by no letters appearing in the course of three or four days more, she was in a most restless, anxious state. \layout Standard At length, a something like composure succeeded. Suspense must be submitted to, and must not be allowed to wear her out, and make her useless. Time did something, her own exertions something more, and she resumed her attentions to Susan, and again awakened the same interest in them. \layout Standard Susan was growing very fond of her, and though without any of the early delight in books which had been so strong in Fanny, with a disposition much less inclined to sedentary pursuits, or to information for information's sake, she had so strong a desire of not \shape italic appearing \shape default ignorant, as, with a good clear understanding, made her a most attentive, profitable, thankful pupil. Fanny was her oracle. Fanny's explanations and remarks were a most important addition to every essay, or every chapter of history. What Fanny told her of former times dwelt more on her mind than the pages of Goldsmith; and she paid her sister the compliment of preferring her style to that of any printed author. The early habit of reading was wanting. \layout Standard Their conversations, however, were not always on subjects so high as history or morals. Others had their hour; and of lesser matters, none returned so often, or remained so long between them, as Mansfield Park, a description of the people, the manners, the amusements, the ways of Mansfield Park. Susan, who had an innate taste for the genteel and well-appointed, was eager to hear, and Fanny could not but indulge herself in dwelling on so beloved a theme. She hoped it was not wrong; though, after a time, Susan's very great admiration of everything said or done in her uncle's house, and earnest longing to go into Northamptonshire, seemed almost to blame her for exciting feelings which could not be gratified. \layout Standard Poor Susan was very little better fitted for home than her elder sister; and as Fanny grew thoroughly to understand this, she began to feel that when her own release from Portsmouth came, her happiness would have a material drawback in leaving Susan behind. That a girl so capable of being made everything good should be left in such hands, distressed her more and more. Were \shape italic she \shape default likely to have a home to invite her to, what a blessing it would be! And had it been possible for her to return Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford's regard, the probability of his being very far from objecting to such a measure would have been the greatest increase of all her own comforts. She thought he was really good-tempered, and could fancy his entering into a plan of that sort most pleasantly. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLIV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLIV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Seven weeks of the two months were very nearly gone, when the one letter, the letter from Edmund, so long expected, was put into Fanny's hands. As she opened, and saw its length, she prepared herself for a minute detail of happiness and a profusion of love and praise towards the fortunate creature who was now mistress of his fate. These were the contents-- \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My Dear Fanny,--Excuse me that I have not written before. Crawford told me that you were wishing to hear from me, but I found it impossible to write from London, and persuaded myself that you would understand my silence. Could I have sent a few happy lines, they should not have been wanting, but nothing of that nature was ever in my power. I am returned to Mansfield in a less assured state that when I left it. My hopes are much weaker. You are probably aware of this already. So very fond of you as Miss Crawford is, it is most natural that she should tell you enough of her own feelings to furnish a tolerable guess at mine. I will not be prevented, however, from making my own communication. Our confidences in you need not clash. I ask no questions. There is something soothing in the idea that we have the same friend, and that whatever unhappy differences of opinion may exist between us, we are united in our love of you. It will be a comfort to me to tell you how things now are, and what are my present plans, if plans I can be said to have. I have been returned since Saturday. I was three weeks in London, and saw her (for London) very often. I had every attention from the Frasers that could be reasonably expected. I dare say I was not reasonable in carrying with me hopes of an intercourse at all like that of Mansfield. It was her manner, however, rather than any unfrequency of meeting. Had she been different when I did see her, I should have made no complaint, but from the very first she was altered: my first reception was so unlike what I had hoped, that I had almost resolved on leaving London again directly. I need not particularise. You know the weak side of her character, and may imagine the sentiments and expressions which were torturing me. She was in high spirits, and surrounded by those who were giving all the support of their own bad sense to her too lively mind. I do not like Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser. She is a cold-hearted, vain woman, who has married entirely from convenience, and though evidently unhappy in her marriage, places her disappointment not to faults of judgment, or temper, or disproportion of age, but to her being, after all, less affluent than many of her acquaintance, especially than her sister, Lady Stornaway, and is the determined supporter of everything mercenary and ambitious, provided it be only mercenary and ambitious enough. I look upon her intimacy with those two sisters as the greatest misfortune of her life and mine. They have been leading her astray for years. Could she be detached from them!--and sometimes I do not despair of it, for the affection appears to me principally on their side. They are very fond of her; but I am sure she does not love them as she loves you. When I think of her great attachment to you, indeed, and the whole of her judicious, upright conduct as a sister, she appears a very different creature, capable of everything noble, and I am ready to blame myself for a too harsh construction of a playful manner. I cannot give her up, Fanny. She is the only woman in the world whom I could ever think of as a wife. If I did not believe that she had some regard for me, of course I should not say this, but I do believe it. I am convinced that she is not without a decided preference. I have no jealousy of any individual. It is the influence of the fashionable world altogether that I am jealous of. It is the habits of wealth that I fear. Her ideas are not higher than her own fortune may warrant, but they are beyond what our incomes united could authorise. There is comfort, however, even here. I could better bear to lose her because not rich enough, than because of my profession. That would only prove her affection not equal to sacrifices, which, in fact, I am scarcely justified in asking; and, if I am refused, that, I think, will be the honest motive. Her prejudices, I trust, are not so strong as they were. You have my thoughts exactly as they arise, my dear Fanny; perhaps they are sometimes contradictory, but it will not be a less faithful picture of my mind. Having once begun, it is a pleasure to me to tell you all I feel. I cannot give her up. Connected as we already are, and, I hope, are to be, to give up Mary Crawford would be to give up the society of some of those most dear to me; to banish myself from the very houses and friends whom, under any other distress, I should turn to for consolation. The loss of Mary I must consider as comprehending the loss of Crawford and of Fanny. Were it a decided thing, an actual refusal, I hope I should know how to bear it, and how to endeavour to weaken her hold on my heart, and in the course of a few years--but I am writing nonsense. Were I refused, I must bear it; and till I am, I can never cease to try for her. This is the truth. The only question is \shape italic how \shape default ? What may be the likeliest means? I have sometimes thought of going to London again after Easter, and sometimes resolved on doing nothing till she returns to Mansfield. Even now, she speaks with pleasure of being in Mansfield in June; but June is at a great distance, and I believe I shall write to her. I have nearly determined on explaining myself by letter. To be at an early certainty is a material object. My present state is miserably irksome. Considering everything, I think a letter will be decidedly the best method of explanation. I shall be able to write much that I could not say, and shall be giving her time for reflection before she resolves on her answer, and I am less afraid of the result of reflection than of an immediate hasty impulse; I think I am. My greatest danger would lie in her consulting Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser, and I at a distance unable to help my own cause. A letter exposes to all the evil of consultation, and where the mind is anything short of perfect decision, an adviser may, in an unlucky moment, lead it to do what it may afterwards regret. I must think this matter over a little. This long letter, full of my own concerns alone, will be enough to tire even the friendship of a Fanny. The last time I saw Crawford was at Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser's party. I am more and more satisfied with all that I see and hear of him. There is not a shadow of wavering. He thoroughly knows his own mind, and acts up to his resolutions: an inestimabl e quality. I could not see him and my eldest sister in the same room without recollecting what you once told me, and I acknowledge that they did not meet as friends. There was marked coolness on her side. They scarcely spoke. I saw him draw back surprised, and I was sorry that Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth should resent any former supposed slight to Miss Bertram. You will wish to hear my opinion of Maria's degree of comfort as a wife. There is no appearance of unhappiness. I hope they get on pretty well together. I dined twice in Wimpole Street, and might have been there oftener, but it is mortifying to be with Rushworth as a brother. Julia seems to enjoy London exceedingly. I had little enjoyment there, but have less here. We are not a lively party. You are very much wanted. I miss you more than I can express. My mother desires her best love, and hopes to hear from you soon. She talks of you almost every hour, and I am sorry to find how many weeks more she is likely to be without you. My father means to fetch you himself, but it will not be till after Easter, when he has business in town. You are happy at Portsmouth, I hope, but this must not be a yearly visit. I want you at home, that I may have your opinion about Thornton Lacey. I have little heart for extensive improvements till I know that it will ever have a mistress. I think I shall certainly write. It is quite settled that the Grants go to Bath; they leave Mansfield on Monday. I am glad of it. I am not comfortable enough to be fit for anybody; but your aunt seems to feel out of luck that such an article of Mansfield news should fall to my pen instead of hers.--Yours ever, my dearest Fanny. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I never will, no, I certainly never will wish for a letter again, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was Fanny's secret declaration as she finished this. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What do they bring but disappointment and sorrow? Not till after Easter! How shall I bear it? And my poor aunt talking of me every hour! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny checked the tendency of these thoughts as well as she could, but she was within half a minute of starting the idea that Sir Thomas was quite unkind, both to her aunt and to herself. As for the main subject of the letter, there was nothing in that to soothe irritation. She was almost vexed into displeasure and anger against Edmund. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset There is no good in this delay, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said she. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Why is not it settled? He is blinded, and nothing will open his eyes; nothing can, after having had truths before him so long in vain. He will marry her, and be poor and miserable. God grant that her influence do not make him cease to be respectable! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She looked over the letter again. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset `So very fond of me!' 'tis nonsense all. She loves nobody but herself and her brother. Her friends leading her astray for years! She is quite as likely to have led \shape italic them \shape default astray. They have all, perhaps, been corrupting one another; but if they are so much fonder of her than she is of them, she is the less likely to have been hurt, except by their flattery. 'The only woman in the world whom he could ever think of as a wife.' I firmly believe it. It is an attachment to govern his whole life. Accepted or refused, his heart is wedded to her for ever. 'The loss of Mary I must consider as comprehending the loss of Crawford and Fanny.' Edmund, you do not know me. The families would never be connected if you did not connect them! Oh! write, write. Finish it at once. Let there be an end of this suspense. Fix, commit, condemn yourself. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Such sensations, however, were too near akin to resentment to be long guiding Fanny's soliloquies. She was soon more softened and sorrowful. His warm regard, his kind expressions, his confidential treatment, touched her strongly. He was only too good to everybody. It was a letter, in short, which she would not but have had for the world, and which could never be valued enough. This was the end of it. \layout Standard Everybody at all addicted to letter-writing, without having much to say, which will include a large proportion of the female world at least, must feel with Lady Bertram that she was out of luck in having such a capital piece of Mansfield news as the certainty of the Grants going to Bath, occur at a time when she could make no advantage of it, and will admit that it must have been very mortifying to her to see it fall to the share of her thankless son, and treated as concisely as possible at the end of a long letter, instead of having it to spread over the largest part of a page of her own. For though Lady Bertram rather shone in the epistolary line, having early in her marriage, from the want of other employment, and the circumstance of Sir Thomas's being in Parliament, got into the way of making and keeping correspondents, and formed for herself a very creditable, common-place, amplifying style, so that a very little matter was enough for her: she could not do entirely without any; she must have something to write about, even to her niece; and being so soon to lose all the benefit of Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's gouty symptoms and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant's morning calls, it was very hard upon her to be deprived of one of the last epistolary uses she could put them to. \layout Standard There was a rich amends, however, preparing for her. Lady Bertram's hour of good luck came. Within a few days from the receipt of Edmund's letter, Fanny had one from her aunt, beginning thus-- \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My Dear Fanny,--I take up my pen to communicate some very alarming intelligence, which I make no doubt will give you much concern \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . \layout Standard This was a great deal better than to have to take up the pen to acquaint her with all the particulars of the Grants' intended journey, for the present intelligence was of a nature to promise occupation for the pen for many days to come, being no less than the dangerous illness of her eldest son, of which they had received notice by express a few hours before. \layout Standard Tom had gone from London with a party of young men to Newmarket, where a neglected fall and a good deal of drinking had brought on a fever; and when the party broke up, being unable to move, had been left by himself at the house of one of these young men to the comforts of sickness and solitude, and the attendance only of servants. Instead of being soon well enough to follow his friends, as he had then hoped, his disorder increased considerably, and it was not long before he thought so ill of himself as to be as ready as his physician to have a letter despatched to Mansfield. \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset This distressing intelligence, as you may suppose, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset observed her ladyship, after giving the substance of it, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset has agitated us exceedingly, and we cannot prevent ourselves from being greatly alarmed and apprehensive for the poor invalid, whose state Sir Thomas fears may be very critical; and Edmund kindly proposes attending his brother immediately, but I am happy to add that Sir Thomas will not leave me on this distressing occasion, as it would be too trying for me. We shall greatly miss Edmund in our small circle, but I trust and hope he will find the poor invalid in a less alarming state than might be apprehende d, and that he will be able to bring him to Mansfield shortly, which Sir Thomas proposes should be done, and thinks best on every account, and I flatter myself the poor sufferer will soon be able to bear the removal without material inconvenience or injury. As I have little doubt of your feeling for us, my dear Fanny, under these distressing circumstances, I will write again very soon. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's feelings on the occasion were indeed considerably more warm and genuine than her aunt's style of writing. She felt truly for them all. Tom dangerously ill, Edmund gone to attend him, and the sadly small party remaining at Mansfield, were cares to shut out every other care, or almost every other. She could just find selfishness enough to wonder whether Edmund \shape italic had \shape default written to Miss Crawford before this summons came, but no sentiment dwelt long with her that was not purely affectionate and disinterestedly anxious. Her aunt did not neglect her: she wrote again and again; they were receiving frequent accounts from Edmund, and these accounts were as regularly transmitted to Fanny, in the same diffuse style, and the same medley of trusts, hopes, and fears, all following and producing each other at haphazard. It was a sort of playing at being frightened. The sufferings which Lady Bertram did not see had little power over her fancy; and she wrote very comfortably about agitation, and anxiety, and poor invalids, till Tom was actually conveyed to Mansfield, and her own eyes had beheld his altered appearance. Then a letter which she had been previously preparing for Fanny was finished in a different style, in the language of real feeling and alarm; then she wrote as she might have spoken. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset He is just come, my dear Fanny, and is taken upstairs; and I am so shocked to see him, that I do not know what to do. I am sure he has been very ill. Poor Tom! I am quite grieved for him, and very much frightened, and so is Sir Thomas; and how glad I should be if you were here to comfort me. But Sir Thomas hopes he will be better to-morrow, and says we must consider his journey. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The real solicitude now awakened in the maternal bosom was not soon over. Tom's extreme impatience to be removed to Mansfield, and experience those comforts of home and family which had been little thought of in uninterrupted health, had probably induced his being conveyed thither too early, as a return of fever came on, and for a week he was in a more alarming state than ever. They were all very seriously frightened. Lady Bertram wrote her daily terrors to her niece, who might now be said to live upon letters, and pass all her time between suffering from that of to-day and looking forward to to-morrow's. Without any particular affection for her eldest cousin, her tenderness of heart made her feel that she could not spare him, and the purity of her principles added yet a keener solicitude, when she considered how little useful, how little self-denying his life had (apparently) been. \layout Standard Susan was her only companion and listener on this, as on more common occasions. Susan was always ready to hear and to sympathise. Nobody else could be interested in so remote an evil as illness in a family above an hundred miles off; not even Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, beyond a brief question or two, if she saw her daughter with a letter in her hand, and now and then the quiet observation of, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My poor sister Bertram must be in a great deal of trouble. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard So long divided and so differently situated, the ties of blood were little more than nothing. An attachment, originally as tranquil as their tempers, was now become a mere name. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price did quite as much for Lady Bertram as Lady Bertram would have done for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price. Three or four Prices might have been swept away, any or all except Fanny and William, and Lady Bertram would have thought little about it; or perhaps might have caught from Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's lips the cant of its being a very happy thing and a great blessing to their poor dear sister Price to have them so well provided for. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLV \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLV \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard At about the week's end from his return to Mansfield, Tom's immediate danger was over, and he was so far pronounced safe as to make his mother perfectly easy; for being now used to the sight of him in his suffering, helpless state, and hearing only the best, and never thinking beyond what she heard, with no disposition for alarm and no aptitude at a hint, Lady Bertram was the happiest subject in the world for a little medical imposition. The fever was subdued; the fever had been his complaint; of course he would soon be well again. Lady Bertram could think nothing less, and Fanny shared her aunt's security, till she received a few lines from Edmund, written purposely to give her a clearer idea of his brother's situation, and acquaint her with the apprehensi ons which he and his father had imbibed from the physician with respect to some strong hectic symptoms, which seemed to seize the frame on the departure of the fever. They judged it best that Lady Bertram should not be harassed by alarms which, it was to be hoped, would prove unfounded; but there was no reason why Fanny should not know the truth. They were apprehensive for his lungs. \layout Standard A very few lines from Edmund shewed her the patient and the sickroom in a juster and stronger light than all Lady Bertram's sheets of paper could do. There was hardly any one in the house who might not have described, from personal observation, better than herself; not one who was not more useful at times to her son. She could do nothing but glide in quietly and look at him; but when able to talk or be talked to, or read to, Edmund was the companion he preferred. His aunt worried him by her cares, and Sir Thomas knew not how to bring down his conversation or his voice to the level of irritation and feebleness. Edmund was all in all. Fanny would certainly believe him so at least, and must find that her estimatio n of him was higher than ever when he appeared as the attendant, supporter, cheerer of a suffering brother. There was not only the debility of recent illness to assist: there was also, as she now learnt, nerves much affected, spirits much depressed to calm and raise, and her own imagination added that there must be a mind to be properly guided. \layout Standard The family were not consumptive, and she was more inclined to hope than fear for her cousin, except when she thought of Miss Crawford; but Miss Crawford gave her the idea of being the child of good luck, and to her selfishness and vanity it would be good luck to have Edmund the only son. \layout Standard Even in the sick chamber the fortunate Mary was not forgotten. Edmund's letter had this postscript. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset On the subject of my last, I had actually begun a letter when called away by Tom's illness, but I have now changed my mind, and fear to trust the influence of friends. When Tom is better, I shall go. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Such was the state of Mansfield, and so it continued, with scarcely any change, till Easter. A line occasionally added by Edmund to his mother's letter was enough for Fanny's information. Tom's amendment was alarmingly slow. \layout Standard Easter came particularly late this year, as Fanny had most sorrowfully considere d, on first learning that she had no chance of leaving Portsmouth till after it. It came, and she had yet heard nothing of her return--nothing even of the going to London, which was to precede her return. Her aunt often expressed a wish for her, but there was no notice, no message from the uncle on whom all depended. She supposed he could not yet leave his son, but it was a cruel, a terrible delay to her. The end of April was coming on; it would soon be almost three months, instead of two, that she had been absent from them all, and that her days had been passing in a state of penance, which she loved them too well to hope they would thoroughly understand; and who could yet say when there might be leisure to think of or fetch her? \layout Standard Her eagerness, her impatience, her longings to be with them, were such as to bring a line or two of Cowper's Tirocinium for ever before her. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset With what intense desire she wants her home, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset was continually on her tongue, as the truest description of a yearning which she could not suppose any schoolboy's bosom to feel more keenly. \layout Standard When she had been coming to Portsmouth, she had loved to call it her home, had been fond of saying that she was going home; the word had been very dear to her, and so it still was, but it must be applied to Mansfield. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic That \shape default was now the home. Portsmouth was Portsmouth; Mansfield was home. They had been long so arranged in the indulgence of her secret meditations, and nothing was more consolatory to her than to find her aunt using the same language: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I cannot but say I much regret your being from home at this distressing time, so very trying to my spirits. I trust and hope, and sincerely wish you may never be absent from home so long again, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset were most delightful sentences to her. Still, however, it was her private regale. Delicacy to her parents made her careful not to betray such a preference of her uncle's house. It was always: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset When I go back into Northamptonshire, or when I return to Mansfield, I shall do so and so. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset For a great while it was so, but at last the longing grew stronger, it overthrew caution, and she found herself talking of what she should do when she went home before she was aware. She reproached herself, coloured, and looked fearfully towards her father and mother. She need not have been uneasy. There was no sign of displeasure, or even of hearing her. They were perfectly free from any jealousy of Mansfield. She was as welcome to wish herself there as to be there. \layout Standard It was sad to Fanny to lose all the pleasures of spring. She had not known before what pleasures she \shape italic had \shape default to lose in passing March and April in a town. She had not known before how much the beginnings and progress of vegetation had delighted her. What animation, both of body and mind, she had derived from watching the advance of that season which cannot, in spite of its capriciousness, be unlovely, and seeing its increasing beauties from the earliest flowers in the warmest divisions of her aunt's garden, to the opening of leaves of her uncle's plantations, and the glory of his woods. To be losing such pleasures was no trifle; to be losing them, because she was in the midst of closeness and noise, to have confinement, bad air, bad smells, substituted for liberty, freshness, fragrance, and verdure, was infinitely worse: but even these incitements to regret were feeble, compared with what arose from the conviction of being missed by her best friends, and the longing to be useful to those who were wanting her! \layout Standard Could she have been at home, she might have been of service to every creature in the house. She felt that she must have been of use to all. To all she must have saved some trouble of head or hand; and were it only in supporting the spirits of her aunt Bertram, keeping her from the evil of solitude, or the still greater evil of a restless, officious companion, too apt to be heightening danger in order to enhance her own importance, her being there would have been a general good. She loved to fancy how she could have read to her aunt, how she could have talked to her, and tried at once to make her feel the blessing of what was, and prepare her mind for what might be; and how many walks up and down stairs she might have saved her, and how many messages she might have carried. \layout Standard It astonished her that Tom's sisters could be satisfied with remaining in London at such a time, through an illness which had now, under different degrees of danger, lasted several weeks. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic They \shape default might return to Mansfield when they chose; travelling could be no difficulty to \shape italic them \shape default , and she could not comprehend how both could still keep away. If Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth could imagine any interfering obligations, Julia was certainly able to quit London whenever she chose. It appeared from one of her aunt's letters that Julia had offered to return if wanted, but this was all. It was evident that she would rather remain where she was. \layout Standard Fanny was disposed to think the influence of London very much at war with all respectable attachments. She saw the proof of it in Miss Crawford, as well as in her cousins; \shape italic her \shape default attachment to Edmund had been respectable, the most respectable part of her character; her friendship for herself had at least been blameless. Where was either sentiment now? It was so long since Fanny had had any letter from her, that she had some reason to think lightly of the friendship which had been so dwelt on. It was weeks since she had heard anything of Miss Crawford or of her other connexions in town, except through Mansfield, and she was beginning to suppose that she might never know whether Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford had gone into Norfolk again or not till they met, and might never hear from his sister any more this spring, when the following letter was received to revive old and create some new sensations-- \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Forgive me, my dear Fanny, as soon as you can, for my long silence, and behave as if you could forgive me directly. This is my modest request and expectation, for you are so good, that I depend upon being treated better than I deserve, and I write now to beg an immediate answer. I want to know the state of things at Mansfield Park, and you, no doubt, are perfectly able to give it. One should be a brute not to feel for the distress they are in; and from what I hear, poor Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram has a bad chance of ultimate recovery. I thought little of his illness at first. I looked upon him as the sort of person to be made a fuss with, and to make a fuss himself in any trifling disorder, and was chiefly concerned for those who had to nurse him; but now it is confidently asserted that he is really in a decline, that the symptoms are most alarming, and that part of the family, at least, are aware of it. If it be so, I am sure you must be included in that part, that discerning part, and therefore entreat you to let me know how far I have been rightly informed. I need not say how rejoiced I shall be to hear there has been any mistake, but the report is so prevalent that I confess I cannot help trembling. To have such a fine young man cut off in the flower of his days is most melancholy. Poor Sir Thomas will feel it dreadfully. I really am quite agitated on the subject. Fanny, Fanny, I see you smile and look cunning, but, upon my honour, I never bribed a physician in my life. Poor young man! If he is to die, there will be \shape italic two \shape default poor young men less in the world; and with a fearless face and bold voice would I say to any one, that wealth and consequence could fall into no hands more deserving of them. It was a foolish precipitation last Christmas, but the evil of a few days may be blotted out in part. Varnish and gilding hide many stains. It will be but the loss of the Esquire after his name. With real affection, Fanny, like mine, more might be overlooked. Write to me by return of post, judge of my anxiety, and do not trifle with it. Tell me the real truth, as you have it from the fountainhead. And now, do not trouble yourself to be ashamed of either my feelings or your own. Believe me, they are not only natural, they are philanthropic and virtuous. I put it to your conscience, whether `Sir Edmund' would not do more good with all the Bertram property than any other possible `Sir.' Had the Grants been at home I would not have troubled you, but you are now the only one I can apply to for the truth, his sisters not being within my reach. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset R. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset has been spending the Easter with the Aylmers at Twickenham (as to be sure you know), and is not yet returned; and Julia is with the cousins who live near Bedford Square, but I forget their name and street. Could I immediately apply to either, however, I should still prefer you, because it strikes me that they have all along been so unwilling to have their own amusements cut up, as to shut their eyes to the truth. I suppose Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset R.'s Easter holidays will not last much longer; no doubt they are thorough holidays to her. The Aylmers are pleasant people; and her husband away, she can have nothing but enjoyment. I give her credit for promoting his going dutifully down to Bath, to fetch his mother; but how will she and the dowager agree in one house? Henry is not at hand, so I have nothing to say from him. Do not you think Edmund would have been in town again long ago, but for this illness?--Yours ever, Mary. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I had actually begun folding my letter when Henry walked in, but he brings no intelligence to prevent my sending it. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset R. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset knows a decline is apprehended; he saw her this morning: she returns to Wimpole Street to-day; the old lady is come. Now do not make yourself uneasy with any queer fancies because he has been spending a few days at Richmond. He does it every spring. Be assured he cares for nobody but you. At this very moment he is wild to see you, and occupied only in contriving the means for doing so, and for making his pleasure conduce to yours. In proof, he repeats, and more eagerly, what he said at Portsmouth about our conveying you home, and I join him in it with all my soul. Dear Fanny, write directly, and tell us to come. It will do us all good. He and I can go to the Parsonage, you know, and be no trouble to our friends at Mansfield Park. It would really be gratifying to see them all again, and a little addition of society might be of infinite use to them; and as to yourself, you must feel yourself to be so wanted there, that you cannot in conscience--conscientio us as you are--keep away, when you have the means of returning. I have not time or patience to give half Henry's messages; be satisfied that the spirit of each and every one is unalterable affection. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny's disgust at the greater part of this letter, with her extreme reluctance to bring the writer of it and her cousin Edmund together, would have made her (as she felt) incapable of judging impartially whether the concluding offer might be accepted or not. To herself, individually, it was most tempting. To be finding herself, perhaps within three days, transported to Mansfield, was an image of the greatest felicity, but it would have been a material drawback to be owing such felicity to persons in whose feelings and conduct, at the present moment, she saw so much to condemn: the sister's feelings, the brother's conduct, \shape italic her \shape default cold-hearted ambition, \shape italic his \shape default thoughtless vanity. To have him still the acquaintance, the flirt perhaps, of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth! She was mortified. She had thought better of him. Happily, however, she was not left to weigh and decide between opposite inclinations and doubtful notions of right; there was no occasion to determine whether she ought to keep Edmund and Mary asunder or not. She had a rule to apply to, which settled everything. Her awe of her uncle, and her dread of taking a liberty with him, made it instantly plain to her what she had to do. She must absolutely decline the proposal. If he wanted, he would send for her; and even to offer an early return was a presumption which hardly anything would have seemed to justify. She thanked Miss Crawford, but gave a decided negative. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Her uncle, she understood, meant to fetch her; and as her cousin's illness had continued so many weeks without her being thought at all necessary, she must suppose her return would be unwelcome at present, and that she should be felt an encumbrance. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Her representation of her cousin's state at this time was exactly according to her own belief of it, and such as she supposed would convey to the sanguine mind of her correspondent the hope of everything she was wishing for. Edmund would be forgiven for being a clergyman, it seemed, under certain conditions of wealth; and this, she suspected, was all the conquest of prejudice which he was so ready to congratulate himself upon. She had only learnt to think nothing of consequence but money. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLVI \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLVI \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard As Fanny could not doubt that her answer was conveying a real disappointment, she was rather in expectation, from her knowledge of Miss Crawford's temper, of being urged again; and though no second letter arrived for the space of a week, she had still the same feeling when it did come. \layout Standard On receiving it, she could instantly decide on its containing little writing, and was persuaded of its having the air of a letter of haste and business. Its object was unquestionable; and two moments were enough to start the probability of its being merely to give her notice that they should be in Portsmouth that very day, and to throw her into all the agitation of doubting what she ought to do in such a case. If two moments, however, can surround with difficulties, a third can disperse them; and before she had opened the letter, the possibility of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Miss Crawford's having applied to her uncle and obtained his permission was giving her ease. This was the letter-- \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset A most scandalous, ill-natured rumour has just reached me, and I write, dear Fanny, to warn you against giving the least credit to it, should it spread into the country. Depend upon it, there is some mistake, and that a day or two will clear it up; at any rate, that Henry is blameless, and in spite of a moment's \shape italic etourderie \shape default , thinks of nobody but you. Say not a word of it; hear nothing, surmise nothing, whisper nothing till I write again. I am sure it will be all hushed up, and nothing proved but Rushworth's folly. If they are gone, I would lay my life they are only gone to Mansfield Park, and Julia with them. But why would not you let us come for you? I wish you may not repent it.--Yours, \shape italic etc \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny stood aghast. As no scandalous, ill-natured rumour had reached her, it was impossible for her to understand much of this strange letter. She could only perceive that it must relate to Wimpole Street and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, and only conjecture that something very imprudent had just occurred in that quarter to draw the notice of the world, and to excite her jealousy, in Miss Crawford's apprehension, if she heard it. Miss Crawford need not be alarmed for her. She was only sorry for the parties concerned and for Mansfield, if the report should spread so far; but she hoped it might not. If the Rushworths were gone themselves to Mansfield, as was to be inferred from what Miss Crawford said, it was not likely that anything unpleasant should have preceded them, or at least should make any impression. \layout Standard As to Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, she hoped it might give him a knowledge of his own disposition, convince him that he was not capable of being steadily attached to any one woman in the world, and shame him from persisting any longer in addressing herself. \layout Standard It was very strange! She had begun to think he really loved her, and to fancy his affection for her something more than common; and his sister still said that he cared for nobody else. Yet there must have been some marked display of attentions to her cousin, there must have been some strong indiscretion, since her correspondent was not of a sort to regard a slight one. \layout Standard Very uncomfortable she was, and must continue, till she heard from Miss Crawford again. It was impossible to banish the letter from her thoughts, and she could not relieve herself by speaking of it to any human being. Miss Crawford need not have urged secrecy with so much warmth; she might have trusted to her sense of what was due to her cousin. \layout Standard The next day came and brought no second letter. Fanny was disappointed. She could still think of little else all the morning; but, when her father came back in the afternoon with the daily newspaper as usual, she was so far from expecting any elucidation through such a channel that the subject was for a moment out of her head. \layout Standard She was deep in other musing. The remembrance of her first evening in that room, of her father and his newspaper, came across her. No candle was now wanted. The sun was yet an hour and half above the horizon. She felt that she had, indeed, been three months there; and the sun's rays falling strongly into the parlour, instead of cheering, made her still more melancholy, for sunshine appeared to her a totally different thing in a town and in the country. Here, its power was only a glare: a stifling, sickly glare, serving but to bring forward stains and dirt that might otherwise have slept. There was neither health nor gaiety in sunshine in a town. She sat in a blaze of oppressive heat, in a cloud of moving dust, and her eyes could only wander from the walls, marked by her father's head, to the table cut and notched by her brothers, where stood the tea-board never thoroughly cleaned, the cups and saucers wiped in streaks, the milk a mixture of motes floating in thin blue, and the bread and butter growing every minute more greasy than even Rebecca's hands had first produced it. Her father read his newspaper, and her mother lamented over the ragged carpet as usual, while the tea was in preparation, and wished Rebecca would mend it; and Fanny was first roused by his calling out to her, after humphing and considering over a particular paragraph: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset What's the name of your great cousins in town, Fan? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard A moment's recollection enabled her to say, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Rushworth, sir. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And don't they live in Wimpole Street? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes, sir. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Then, there's the devil to pay among them, that's all! There \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset (holding out the paper to her); \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset much good may such fine relations do you. I don't know what Sir Thomas may think of such matters; he may be too much of the courtier and fine gentleman to like his daughter the less. But, by G--! if she belonged to \shape italic me \shape default , I'd give her the rope's end as long as I could stand over her. A little flogging for man and woman too would be the best way of preventing such things. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Fanny read to herself that \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it was with infinite concern the newspaper had to announce to the world a matrimonial \shape italic fracas \shape default in the family of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset R. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset of Wimpole Street; the beautiful Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset R., whose name had not long been enrolled in the lists of Hymen, and who had promised to become so brilliant a leader in the fashionable world, having quitted her husband's roof in company with the well-known and captivatin g Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset C., the intimate friend and associate of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset R., and it was not known even to the editor of the newspaper whither they were gone. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It is a mistake, sir, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny instantly; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it must be a mistake, it cannot be true; it must mean some other people. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard She spoke from the instinctive wish of delaying shame; she spoke with a resolution which sprung from despair, for she spoke what she did not, could not believe herself. It had been the shock of conviction as she read. The truth rushed on her; and how she could have spoken at all, how she could even have breathed, was afterwards matter of wonder to herself. \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price cared too little about the report to make her much answer. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset It might be all a lie, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset he acknowledged; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset but so many fine ladies were going to the devil nowadays that way, that there was no answering for anybody. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Indeed, I hope it is not true, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price plaintively; \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset it would be so very shocking! If I have spoken once to Rebecca about that carpet, I am sure I have spoke at least a dozen times; have not I, Betsey? And it would not be ten minutes' work. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The horror of a mind like Fanny's, as it received the conviction of such guilt, and began to take in some part of the misery that must ensue, can hardly be described. At first, it was a sort of stupefaction; but every moment was quickening her perception of the horrible evil. She could not doubt, she dared not indulge a hope, of the paragraph being false. Miss Crawford's letter, which she had read so often as to make every line her own, was in frightful conformity with it. Her eager defence of her brother, her hope of its being \shape italic hushed \shape default \shape italic up \shape default , her evident agitation, were all of a piece with something very bad; and if there was a woman of character in existence, who could treat as a trifle this sin of the first magnitude, who would try to gloss it over, and desire to have it unpunished, she could believe Miss Crawford to be the woman! Now she could see her own mistake as to \shape italic who \shape default were gone, or \shape italic said \shape default to be gone. It was not Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth; it was Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. \layout Standard Fanny seemed to herself never to have been shocked before. There was no possibility of rest. The evening passed without a pause of misery, the night was totally sleepless. She passed only from feelings of sickness to shudderings of horror; and from hot fits of fever to cold. The event was so shocking, that there were moments even when her heart revolted from it as impossible: when she thought it could not be. A woman married only six months ago; a man professing himself devoted, even \shape italic engaged \shape default to another; that other her near relation; the whole family, both families connected as they were by tie upon tie; all friends, all intimate together! It was too horrible a confusion of guilt, too gross a complication of evil, for human nature, not in a state of utter barbarism, to be capable of! yet her judgment told her it was so. \shape italic His \shape default unsettled affections, wavering with his vanity, \shape italic Maria's \shape default decided attachment, and no sufficient principle on either side, gave it possibility: Miss Crawford's letter stampt it a fact. \layout Standard What would be the consequence? Whom would it not injure? Whose views might it not affect? Whose peace would it not cut up for ever? Miss Crawford, herself, Edmund; but it was dangerous, perhaps, to tread such ground. She confined herself, or tried to confine herself, to the simple, indubitable family misery which must envelop all, if it were indeed a matter of certified guilt and public exposure. The mother's sufferings, the father's; there she paused. Julia's, Tom's, Edmund's; there a yet longer pause. They were the two on whom it would fall most horribly. Sir Thomas's parental solicitude and high sense of honour and decorum, Edmund's upright principles, unsuspicious temper, and genuine strength of feeling, made her think it scarcely possible for them to support life and reason under such disgrace; and it appeared to her that, as far as this world alone was concerned, the greatest blessing to every one of kindred with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth would be instant annihilation. \layout Standard Nothing happened the next day, or the next, to weaken her terrors. Two posts came in, and brought no refutation, public or private. There was no second letter to explain away the first from Miss Crawford; there was no intelligence from Mansfield, though it was now full time for her to hear again from her aunt. This was an evil omen. She had, indeed, scarcely the shadow of a hope to soothe her mind, and was reduced to so low and wan and trembling a condition, as no mother, not unkind, except Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price could have overlooked, when the third day did bring the sickening knock, and a letter was again put into her hands. It bore the London postmark, and came from Edmund. \layout Quote \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dear Fanny,--You know our present wretchedness. May God support you under your share! We have been here two days, but there is nothing to be done. They cannot be traced. You may not have heard of the last blow--Julia's elopement; she is gone to Scotland with Yates. She left London a few hours before we entered it. At any other time this would have been felt dreadfully. Now it seems nothing; yet it is an heavy aggravation. My father is not overpowered. More cannot be hoped. He is still able to think and act; and I write, by his desire, to propose your returning home. He is anxious to get you there for my mother's sake. I shall be at Portsmouth the morning after you receive this, and hope to find you ready to set off for Mansfield. My father wishes you to invite Susan to go with you for a few months. Settle it as you like; say what is proper; I am sure you will feel such an instance of his kindness at such a moment! Do justice to his meaning, however I may confuse it. You may imagine something of my present state. There is no end of the evil let loose upon us. You will see me early by the mail.--Yours, \shape italic etc \shape default . \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard Never had Fanny more wanted a cordial. Never had she felt such a one as this letter contained. To-morrow! to leave Portsmouth to-morrow! She was, she felt she was, in the greatest danger of being exquisitely happy, while so many were miserable. The evil which brought such good to her! She dreaded lest she should learn to be insensible of it. To be going so soon, sent for so kindly, sent for as a comfort, and with leave to take Susan, was altogether such a combination of blessings as set her heart in a glow, and for a time seemed to distance every pain, and make her incapable of suitably sharing the distress even of those whose distress she thought of most. Julia's elopement could affect her comparatively but little; she was amazed and shocked; but it could not occupy her, could not dwell on her mind. She was obliged to call herself to think of it, and acknowledge it to be terrible and grievous, or it was escaping her, in the midst of all the agitating pressing joyful cares attending this summons to herself. \layout Standard There is nothing like employment, active indispensable employment, for relieving sorrow. Employment, even melancholy, may dispel melancholy, and her occupations were hopeful. She had so much to do, that not even the horrible story of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth--now fixed to the last point of certainty could affect her as it had done before. She had not time to be miserable. Within twenty-four hours she was hoping to be gone; her father and mother must be spoken to, Susan prepared, everything got ready. Business followed business; the day was hardly long enough. The happiness she was imparting, too, happiness very little alloyed by the black communication which must briefly precede it--the joyful consent of her father and mother to Susan's going with her--the general satisfaction with which the going of both seemed regarded, and the ecstasy of Susan herself, was all serving to support her spirits. \layout Standard The affliction of the Bertrams was little felt in the family. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price talked of her poor sister for a few minutes, but how to find anything to hold Susan's clothes, because Rebecca took away all the boxes and spoilt them, was much more in her thoughts: and as for Susan, now unexpectedly gratified in the first wish of her heart, and knowing nothing personally of those who had sinned, or of those who were sorrowing--if she could help rejoicing from beginning to end, it was as much as ought to be expected from human virtue at fourteen. \layout Standard As nothing was really left for the decision of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Price, or the good offices of Rebecca, everything was rationally and duly accomplished, and the girls were ready for the morrow. The advantage of much sleep to prepare them for their journey was impossible. The cousin who was travelling towards them could hardly have less than visited their agitated spirits--one all happiness, the other all varying and indescribable perturbation. \layout Standard By eight in the morning Edmund was in the house. The girls heard his entrance from above, and Fanny went down. The idea of immediately seeing him, with the knowledge of what he must be suffering, brought back all her own first feelings. He so near her, and in misery. She was ready to sink as she entered the parlour. He was alone, and met her instantly; and she found herself pressed to his heart with only these words, just articulate, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset My Fanny, my only sister; my only comfort now! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset She could say nothing; nor for some minutes could he say more. \layout Standard He turned away to recover himself, and when he spoke again, though his voice still faltered, his manner shewed the wish of self-command, and the resolution of avoiding any farther allusion. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Have you breakfasted? When shall you be ready? Does Susan go? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset were questions following each other rapidly. His great object was to be off as soon as possible. When Mansfield was considered, time was precious; and the state of his own mind made him find relief only in motion. It was settled that he should order the carriage to the door in half an hour. Fanny answered for their having breakfasted and being quite ready in half an hour. He had already ate, and declined staying for their meal. He would walk round the ramparts, and join them with the carriage. He was gone again; glad to get away even from Fanny. \layout Standard He looked very ill; evidently suffering under violent emotions, which he was determined to suppress. She knew it must be so, but it was terrible to her. \layout Standard The carriage came; and he entered the house again at the same moment, just in time to spend a few minutes with the family, and be a witness--but that he saw nothing--of the tranquil manner in which the daughters were parted with, and just in time to prevent their sitting down to the breakfast-table, which, by dint of much unusual activity, was quite and completely ready as the carriage drove from the door. Fanny's last meal in her father's house was in character with her first: she was dismissed from it as hospitably as she had been welcomed. \layout Standard How her heart swelled with joy and gratitude as she passed the barriers of Portsmouth, and how Susan's face wore its broadest smiles, may be easily conceived. Sitting forwards, however, and screened by her bonnet, those smiles were unseen. \layout Standard The journey was likely to be a silent one. Edmund's deep sighs often reached Fanny. Had he been alone with her, his heart must have opened in spite of every resolution; but Susan's presence drove him quite into himself, and his attempts to talk on indifferent subjects could never be long supported. \layout Standard Fanny watched him with never-failing solicitude, and sometimes catching his eye, revived an affectionate smile, which comforted her; but the first day's journey passed without her hearing a word from him on the subjects that were weighing him down. The next morning produced a little more. Just before their setting out from Oxford, while Susan was stationed at a window, in eager observation of the departure of a large family from the inn, the other two were standing by the fire; and Edmund, particularly struck by the alteration in Fanny's looks, and from his ignorance of the daily evils of her father's house, attributing an undue share of the change, attributing \shape italic all \shape default to the recent event, took her hand, and said in a low, but very expressive tone, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset No wonder--you must feel it--you must suffer. How a man who had once loved, could desert you! But \shape italic yours \shape default --your regard was new compared with----Fanny, think of \shape italic me \shape default ! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard The first division of their journey occupied a long day, and brought them, almost knocked up, to Oxford; but the second was over at a much earlier hour. They were in the environs of Mansfield long before the usual dinner-time, and as they approached the beloved place, the hearts of both sisters sank a little. Fanny began to dread the meeting with her aunts and Tom, under so dreadful a humiliation; and Susan to feel with some anxiety, that all her best manners, all her lately acquired knowledge of what was practised here, was on the point of being called into action. Visions of good and ill breeding, of old vulgarisms and new gentilities, were before her; and she was meditating much upon silver forks, napkins, and finger-glasses. Fanny had been everywhere awake to the difference of the country since February; but when they entered the Park her perceptions and her pleasures were of the keenest sort. It was three months, full three months, since her quitting it, and the change was from winter to summer. Her eye fell everywhere on lawns and plantations of the freshest green; and the trees, though not fully clothed, were in that delightful state when farther beauty is known to be at hand, and when, while much is actually given to the sight, more yet remains for the imagination. Her enjoyment, however, was for herself alone. Edmund could not share it. She looked at him, but he was leaning back, sunk in a deeper gloom than ever, and with eyes closed, as if the view of cheerfulness oppressed him, and the lovely scenes of home must be shut out. \layout Standard It made her melancholy again; and the knowledge of what must be enduring there, invested even the house, modern, airy, and well situated as it was, with a melancholy aspect. \layout Standard By one of the suffering party within they were expected with such impatience as she had never known before. Fanny had scarcely passed the solemn-looking servants, when Lady Bertram came from the drawing-room to meet her; came with no indolent step; and falling on her neck, said, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dear Fanny! now I shall be comfortable. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLVII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLVII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard It had been a miserable party, each of the three believing themselves most miserable. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, however, as most attached to Maria, was really the greatest sufferer. Maria was her first favourite, the dearest of all; the match had been her own contriving, as she had been wont with such pride of heart to feel and say, and this conclusion of it almost overpowered her. \layout Standard She was an altered creature, quieted, stupefied, indifferent to everything that passed. The being left with her sister and nephew, and all the house under her care, had been an advantage entirely thrown away; she had been unable to direct or dictate, or even fancy herself useful. When really touched by affliction, her active powers had been all benumbed; and neither Lady Bertram nor Tom had received from her the smallest support or attempt at support. She had done no more for them than they had done for each other. They had been all solitary, helpless, and forlorn alike; and now the arrival of the others only established her superiority in wretchedness. Her companions were relieved, but there was no good for \shape italic her \shape default . Edmund was almost as welcome to his brother as Fanny to her aunt; but Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, instead of having comfort from either, was but the more irritated by the sight of the person whom, in the blindness of her anger, she could have charged as the daemon of the piece. Had Fanny accepted Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford this could not have happened. \layout Standard Susan too was a grievance. She had not spirits to notice her in more than a few repulsive looks, but she felt her as a spy, and an intruder, and an indigent niece, and everything most odious. By her other aunt, Susan was received with quiet kindness. Lady Bertram could not give her much time, or many words, but she felt her, as Fanny's sister, to have a claim at Mansfield, and was ready to kiss and like her; and Susan was more than satisfied, for she came perfectly aware that nothing but ill-humour was to be expected from aunt Norris; and was so provided with happiness, so strong in that best of blessings, an escape from many certain evils, that she could have stood against a great deal more indifference than she met with from the others. \layout Standard She was now left a good deal to herself, to get acquainted with the house and grounds as she could, and spent her days very happily in so doing, while those who might otherwise have attended to her were shut up, or wholly occupied each with the person quite dependent on them, at this time, for everything like comfort; Edmund trying to bury his own feelings in exertions for the relief of his brother's, and Fanny devoted to her aunt Bertram, returning to every former office with more than former zeal, and thinking she could never do enough for one who seemed so much to want her. \layout Standard To talk over the dreadful business with Fanny, talk and lament, was all Lady Bertram's consolation. To be listened to and borne with, and hear the voice of kindness and sympathy in return, was everything that could be done for her. To be otherwise comforted was out of the question. The case admitted of no comfort. Lady Bertram did not think deeply, but, guided by Sir Thomas, she thought justly on all important points; and she saw, therefore, in all its enormity, what had happened, and neither endeavoured herself, nor required Fanny to advise her, to think little of guilt and infamy. \layout Standard Her affections were not acute, nor was her mind tenacious. After a time, Fanny found it not impossible to direct her thoughts to other subjects, and revive some interest in the usual occupations; but whenever Lady Bertram \shape italic was \shape default fixed on the event, she could see it only in one light, as comprehending the loss of a daughter, and a disgrace never to be wiped off. \layout Standard Fanny learnt from her all the particulars which had yet transpired. Her aunt was no very methodical narrator, but with the help of some letters to and from Sir Thomas, and what she already knew herself, and could reasonably combine, she was soon able to understand quite as much as she wished of the circumstances attending the story. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had gone, for the Easter holidays, to Twickenham, with a family whom she had just grown intimate with: a family of lively, agreeable manners, and probably of morals and discretion to suit, for to \shape italic their \shape default house Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford had constant access at all times. His having been in the same neighbourhood Fanny already knew. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had been gone at this time to Bath, to pass a few days with his mother, and bring her back to town, and Maria was with these friends without any restraint, without even Julia; for Julia had removed from Wimpole Street two or three weeks before, on a visit to some relations of Sir Thomas; a removal which her father and mother were now disposed to attribute to some view of convenience on Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's account. Very soon after the Rushworths' return to Wimpole Street, Sir Thomas had received a letter from an old and most particular friend in London, who hearing and witnessing a good deal to alarm him in that quarter, wrote to recommend Sir Thomas's coming to London himself, and using his influence with his daughter to put an end to the intimacy which was already exposing her to unpleasant remarks, and evidently making Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth uneasy. \layout Standard Sir Thomas was preparing to act upon this letter, without communicating its contents to any creature at Mansfield, when it was followed by another, sent express from the same friend, to break to him the almost desperate situation in which affairs then stood with the young people. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had left her husband's house: Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had been in great anger and distress to \shape italic him \shape default (Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Harding) for his advice; Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Harding feared there had been \shape italic at \shape default \shape italic least \shape default very flagrant indiscretion. The maidservant of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, senior, threatened alarmingly. He was doing all in his power to quiet everything, with the hope of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's return, but was so much counteracted in Wimpole Street by the influence of Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's mother, that the worst consequences might be apprehended. \layout Standard This dreadful communication could not be kept from the rest of the family. Sir Thomas set off, Edmund would go with him, and the others had been left in a state of wretchedness, inferior only to what followed the receipt of the next letters from London. Everything was by that time public beyond a hope. The servant of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, the mother, had exposure in her power, and supported by her mistress, was not to be silenced. The two ladies, even in the short time they had been together, had disagreed; and the bitterness of the elder against her daughter-in-law might perhaps arise almost as much from the personal disrespect with which she had herself been treated as from sensibility for her son. \layout Standard However that might be, she was unmanageable. But had she been less obstinate, or of less weight with her son, who was always guided by the last speaker, by the person who could get hold of and shut him up, the case would still have been hopeless, for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth did not appear again, and there was every reason to conclude her to be concealed somewhere with Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford, who had quitted his uncle's house, as for a journey, on the very day of her absenting herself. \layout Standard Sir Thomas, however, remained yet a little longer in town, in the hope of discovering and snatching her from farther vice, though all was lost on the side of character. \layout Standard \shape italic His \shape default present state Fanny could hardly bear to think of. There was but one of his children who was not at this time a source of misery to him. Tom's complaints had been greatly heightened by the shock of his sister's conduct, and his recovery so much thrown back by it, that even Lady Bertram had been struck by the difference, and all her alarms were regularly sent off to her husband; and Julia's elopement, the additional blow which had met him on his arrival in London, though its force had been deadened at the moment, must, she knew, be sorely felt. She saw that it was. His letters expressed how much he deplored it. Under any circumstances it would have been an unwelcome alliance; but to have it so clandestinely formed, and such a period chosen for its completion, placed Julia's feelings in a most unfavourable light, and severely aggravated the folly of her choice. He called it a bad thing, done in the worst manner, and at the worst time; and though Julia was yet as more pardonable than Maria as folly than vice, he could not but regard the step she had taken as opening the worst probabiliti es of a conclusion hereafter like her sister's. Such was his opinion of the set into which she had thrown herself. \layout Standard Fanny felt for him most acutely. He could have no comfort but in Edmund. Every other child must be racking his heart. His displeasure against herself she trusted, reasoning differently from Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, would now be done away. \shape italic She \shape default should be justified. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford would have fully acquitted her conduct in refusing him; but this, though most material to herself, would be poor consolation to Sir Thomas. Her uncle's displeasure was terrible to her; but what could her justification or her gratitude and attachment do for him? His stay must be on Edmund alone. \layout Standard She was mistaken, however, in supposing that Edmund gave his father no present pain. It was of a much less poignant nature than what the others excited; but Sir Thomas was considering his happiness as very deeply involved in the offence of his sister and friend; cut off by it, as he must be, from the woman whom he had been pursuing with undoubted attachment and strong probabilit y of success; and who, in everything but this despicable brother, would have been so eligible a connexion. He was aware of what Edmund must be suffering on his own behalf, in addition to all the rest, when they were in town: he had seen or conjectured his feelings; and, having reason to think that one interview with Miss Crawford had taken place, from which Edmund derived only increased distress, had been as anxious on that account as on others to get him out of town, and had engaged him in taking Fanny home to her aunt, with a view to his relief and benefit, no less than theirs. Fanny was not in the secret of her uncle's feelings, Sir Thomas not in the secret of Miss Crawford's character. Had he been privy to her conversation with his son, he would not have wished her to belong to him, though her twenty thousand pounds had been forty. \layout Standard That Edmund must be for ever divided from Miss Crawford did not admit of a doubt with Fanny; and yet, till she knew that he felt the same, her own conviction was insufficient. She thought he did, but she wanted to be assured of it. If he would now speak to her with the unreserve which had sometimes been too much for her before, it would be most consoling; but \shape italic that \shape default she found was not to be. She seldom saw him: never alone. He probably avoided being alone with her. What was to be inferred? That his judgment submitted to all his own peculiar and bitter share of this family affliction, but that it was too keenly felt to be a subject of the slightest communication. This must be his state. He yielded, but it was with agonies which did not admit of speech. Long, long would it be ere Miss Crawford's name passed his lips again, or she could hope for a renewal of such confidential intercourse as had been. \layout Standard It \shape italic was \shape default long. They reached Mansfield on Thursday, and it was not till Sunday evening that Edmund began to talk to her on the subject. Sitting with her on Sunday evening--a wet Sunday evening--the very time of all others when, if a friend is at hand, the heart must be opened, and everything told; no one else in the room, except his mother, who, after hearing an affecting sermon, had cried herself to sleep, it was impossible not to speak; and so, with the usual beginnings, hardly to be traced as to what came first, and the usual declaration that if she would listen to him for a few minutes, he should be very brief, and certainly never tax her kindness in the same way again; she need not fear a repetition; it would be a subject prohibited entirely: he entered upon the luxury of relating circumstances and sensations of the first interest to himself, to one of whose affectionate sympathy he was quite convinced. \layout Standard How Fanny listened, with what curiosity and concern, what pain and what delight, how the agitation of his voice was watched, and how carefully her own eyes were fixed on any object but himself, may be imagined. The opening was alarming. He had seen Miss Crawford. He had been invited to see her. He had received a note from Lady Stornaway to beg him to call; and regarding it as what was meant to be the last, last interview of friendship, and investing her with all the feelings of shame and wretchedness which Crawford's sister ought to have known, he had gone to her in such a state of mind, so softened, so devoted, as made it for a few moments impossible to Fanny's fears that it should be the last. But as he proceeded in his story, these fears were over. She had met him, he said, with a serious--certainly a serious--even an agitated air; but before he had been able to speak one intelligible sentence, she had introduced the subject in a manner which he owned had shocked him. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset `I heard you were in town,' said she; 'I wanted to see you. Let us talk over this sad business. What can equal the folly of our two relations?' I could not answer, but I believe my looks spoke. She felt reproved. Sometimes how quick to feel! With a graver look and voice she then added, `I do not mean to defend Henry at your sister's expense.' So she began, but how she went on, Fanny, is not fit, is hardly fit to be repeated to you. I cannot recall all her words. I would not dwell upon them if I could. Their substance was great anger at the \shape italic folly \shape default of each. She reprobated her brother's folly in being drawn on by a woman whom he had never cared for, to do what must lose him the woman he adored; but still more the folly of poor Maria, in sacrificing such a situation, plunging into such difficulties, under the idea of being really loved by a man who had long ago made his indifference clear. Guess what I must have felt. To hear the woman whom--no harsher name than folly given! So voluntarily, so freely, so coolly to canvass it! No reluctance, no horror, no feminine, shall I say, no modest loathings? This is what the world does. For where, Fanny, shall we find a woman whom nature had so richly endowed? Spoilt, spoilt! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard After a little reflection, he went on with a sort of desperate calmness. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I will tell you everything, and then have done for ever. She saw it only as folly, and that folly stamped only by exposure. The want of common discretion, of caution: his going down to Richmond for the whole time of her being at Twickenham; her putting herself in the power of a servant; it was the detection, in short--oh, Fanny! it was the detection, not the offence, which she reprobated. It was the imprudence which had brought things to extremity, and obliged her brother to give up every dearer plan in order to fly with her. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard He stopt. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset And what, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny (believing herself required to speak), \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset what could you say? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Nothing, nothing to be understood. I was like a man stunned. She went on, began to talk of you; yes, then she began to talk of you, regretting, as well she might, the loss of such a--. There she spoke very rationally. But she has always done justice to you. `He has thrown away,' said she, 'such a woman as he will never see again. She would have fixed him; she would have made him happy for ever.' My dearest Fanny, I am giving you, I hope, more pleasure than pain by this retrospect of what might have been--but what never can be now. You do not wish me to be silent? If you do, give me but a look, a word, and I have done. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard No look or word was given. \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Thank God, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he. \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset We were all disposed to wonder, but it seems to have been the merciful appointme nt of Providence that the heart which knew no guile should not suffer. She spoke of you with high praise and warm affection; yet, even here, there was alloy, a dash of evil; for in the midst of it she could exclaim, 'Why would not she have him? It is all her fault. Simple girl! I shall never forgive her. Had she accepted him as she ought, they might now have been on the point of marriage, and Henry would have been too happy and too busy to want any other object. He would have taken no pains to be on terms with Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth again. It would have all ended in a regular standing flirtation, in yearly meetings at Sotherton and Everingham.' Could you have believed it possible? But the charm is broken. My eyes are opened. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Cruel! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset quite cruel. At such a moment to give way to gaiety, to speak with lightness, and to you! Absolute cruelty. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Cruelty, do you call it? We differ there. No, hers is not a cruel nature. I do not consider her as meaning to wound my feelings. The evil lies yet deeper: in her total ignorance, unsuspiciousness of there being such feelings; in a perversion of mind which made it natural to her to treat the subject as she did. She was speaking only as she had been used to hear others speak, as she imagined everybody else would speak. Hers are not faults of temper. She would not voluntarily give unnecessary pain to any one, and though I may deceive myself, I cannot but think that for me, for my feelings, she would--Hers are faults of principle, Fanny; of blunted delicacy and a corrupted, vitiated mind. Perhaps it is best for me, since it leaves me so little to regret. Not so, however. Gladly would I submit to all the increased pain of losing her, rather than have to think of her as I do. I told her so. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Did you? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Yes; when I left her I told her so. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset How long were you together? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Five-and-twenty minutes. Well, she went on to say that what remained now to be done was to bring about a marriage between them. She spoke of it, Fanny, with a steadier voice than I can. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset He was obliged to pause more than once as he continued. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset `We must persuade Henry to marry her,' said she; 'and what with honour, and the certainty of having shut himself out for ever from Fanny, I do not despair of it. Fanny he must give up. I do not think that even \shape italic he \shape default could now hope to succeed with one of her stamp, and therefore I hope we may find no insuperable difficulty. My influence, which is not small shall all go that way; and when once married, and properly supported by her own family, people of respectability as they are, she may recover her footing in society to a certain degree. In some circles, we know, she would never be admitted, but with good dinners, and large parties, there will always be those who will be glad of her acquainta nce; and there is, undoubtedly, more liberality and candour on those points than formerly. What I advise is, that your father be quiet. Do not let him injure his own cause by interference. Persuade him to let things take their course. If by any officious exertions of his, she is induced to leave Henry's protectio n, there will be much less chance of his marrying her than if she remain with him. I know how he is likely to be influenced. Let Sir Thomas trust to his honour and compassion, and it may all end well; but if he get his daughter away, it will be destroying the chief hold. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ' \layout Standard After repeating this, Edmund was so much affected that Fanny, watching him with silent, but most tender concern, was almost sorry that the subject had been entered on at all. It was long before he could speak again. At last, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Now, Fanny, \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset said he, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I shall soon have done. I have told you the substance of all that she said. As soon as I could speak, I replied that I had not supposed it possible, coming in such a state of mind into that house as I had done, that anything could occur to make me suffer more, but that she had been inflicting deeper wounds in almost every sentence. That though I had, in the course of our acquaintance, been often sensible of some difference in our opinions, on points, too, of some moment, it had not entered my imagination to conceive the difference could be such as she had now proved it. That the manner in which she treated the dreadful crime committed by her brother and my sister (with whom lay the greater seduction I pretended not to say), but the manner in which she spoke of the crime itself, giving it every reproach but the right; considering its ill consequences only as they were to be braved or overborne by a defiance of decency and impudence in wrong; and last of all, and above all, recommending to us a compliance, a compromise, an acquiescence in the continuance of the sin, on the chance of a marriage which, thinking as I now thought of her brother, should rather be prevented than sought; all this together most grievously convinced me that I had never understood her before, and that, as far as related to mind, it had been the creature of my own imagination, not Miss Crawford, that I had been too apt to dwell on for many months past. That, perhaps, it was best for me; I had less to regret in sacrificing a friendship, feelings, hopes which must, at any rate, have been torn from me now. And yet, that I must and would confess that, could I have restored her to what she had appeared to me before, I would infinitely prefer any increase of the pain of parting, for the sake of carrying with me the right of tendernes s and esteem. This is what I said, the purport of it; but, as you may imagine, not spoken so collectedly or methodically as I have repeated it to you. She was astonished, exceedingly astonished--more than astonished. I saw her change countenance. She turned extremely red. I imagined I saw a mixture of many feelings: a great, though short struggle; half a wish of yielding to truths, half a sense of shame, but habit, habit carried it. She would have laughed if she could. It was a sort of laugh, as she answered, 'A pretty good lecture, upon my word. Was it part of your last sermon? At this rate you will soon reform everybody at Mansfield and Thornton Lacey; and when I hear of you next, it may be as a celebrated preacher in some great society of Methodists, or as a missionar y into foreign parts.' She tried to speak carelessly, but she was not so careless as she wanted to appear. I only said in reply, that from my heart I wished her well, and earnestly hoped that she might soon learn to think more justly, and not owe the most valuable knowledge we could any of us acquire, the knowledge of ourselves and of our duty, to the lessons of affliction, and immediately left the room. I had gone a few steps, Fanny, when I heard the door open behind me. `Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram,' said she. I looked back. `Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Bertram,' said she, with a smile; but it was a smile ill-suited to the conversat ion that had passed, a saucy playful smile, seeming to invite in order to subdue me; at least it appeared so to me. I resisted; it was the impulse of the moment to resist, and still walked on. I have since, sometimes, for a moment, regretted that I did not go back, but I know I was right, and such has been the end of our acquaintance. And what an acquaintance has it been! How have I been deceived! Equally in brother and sister deceived! I thank you for your patience, Fanny. This has been the greatest relief, and now we will have done. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \layout Standard And such was Fanny's dependence on his words, that for five minutes she thought they \shape italic had \shape default done. Then, however, it all came on again, or something very like it, and nothing less than Lady Bertram's rousing thoroughly up could really close such a conversation. Till that happened, they continued to talk of Miss Crawford alone, and how she had attached him, and how delightful nature had made her, and how excellent she would have been, had she fallen into good hands earlier. Fanny, now at liberty to speak openly, felt more than justified in adding to his knowledge of her real character, by some hint of what share his brother's state of health might be supposed to have in her wish for a complete reconciliation. This was not an agreeable intimation. Nature resisted it for a while. It would have been a vast deal pleasanter to have had her more disinterested in her attachment; but his vanity was not of a strength to fight long against reason. He submitted to believe that Tom's illness had influenced her, only reserving for himself this consoling thought, that considering the many counteractions of opposing habits, she had certainly been \shape italic more \shape default attached to him than could have been expected, and for his sake been more near doing right. Fanny thought exactly the same; and they were also quite agreed in their opinion of the lasting effect, the indelible impression, which such a disappoin tment must make on his mind. Time would undoubtedly abate somewhat of his sufferings, but still it was a sort of thing which he never could get entirely the better of; and as to his ever meeting with any other woman who could--it was too impossible to be named but with indignation. Fanny's friendship was all that he had to cling to. \layout Chapter* \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash raggedright \end_inset CHAPTER XLVIII \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash markboth{MANSFIELD PARK}{ \end_inset CHAPTER XLVIII \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard } \end_inset \layout Standard Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can, impatient to restore everybody, not greatly in fault themselves, to tolerable comfort, and to have done with all the rest. \layout Standard My Fanny, indeed, at this very time, I have the satisfaction of knowing, must have been happy in spite of everything. She must have been a happy creature in spite of all that she felt, or thought she felt, for the distress of those around her. She had sources of delight that must force their way. She was returned to Mansfield Park, she was useful, she was beloved; she was safe from Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford; and when Sir Thomas came back she had every proof that could be given in his then melancholy state of spirits, of his perfect approbation and increased regard; and happy as all this must make her, she would still have been happy without any of it, for Edmund was no longer the dupe of Miss Crawford. \layout Standard It is true that Edmund was very far from happy himself. He was suffering from disappointment and regret, grieving over what was, and wishing for what could never be. She knew it was so, and was sorry; but it was with a sorrow so founded on satisfaction, so tending to ease, and so much in harmony with every dearest sensation, that there are few who might not have been glad to exchange their greatest gaiety for it. \layout Standard Sir Thomas, poor Sir Thomas, a parent, and conscious of errors in his own conduct as a parent, was the longest to suffer. He felt that he ought not to have allowed the marriage; that his daughter's sentiments had been sufficiently known to him to render him culpable in authorising it; that in so doing he had sacrificed the right to the expedient, and been governed by motives of selfishness and worldly wisdom. These were reflections that required some time to soften; but time will do almost everything; and though little comfort arose on Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's side for the misery she had occasioned, comfort was to be found greater than he had supposed in his other children. Julia's match became a less desperate business than he had considered it at first. She was humble, and wishing to be forgiven; and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates, desirous of being really received into the family, was disposed to look up to him and be guided. He was not very solid; but there was a hope of his becoming less trifling, of his being at least tolerably domestic and quiet; and at any rate, there was comfort in finding his estate rather more, and his debts much less, than he had feared, and in being consulted and treated as the friend best worth attending to. There was comfort also in Tom, who gradually regained his health, without regaining the thoughtlessness and selfishness of his previous habits. He was the better for ever for his illness. He had suffered, and he had learned to think: two advantages that he had never known before; and the self-reproach arising from the deplorable event in Wimpole Street, to which he felt himself accessory by all the dangerous intimacy of his unjustifiable theatre, made an impression on his mind which, at the age of six-and-twenty, with no want of sense or good companions, was durable in its happy effects. He became what he ought to be: useful to his father, steady and quiet, and not living merely for himself. \layout Standard Here was comfort indeed! and quite as soon as Sir Thomas could place dependence on such sources of good, Edmund was contributing to his father's ease by improvement in the only point in which he had given him pain before--improvemen t in his spirits. After wandering about and sitting under trees with Fanny all the summer evenings, he had so well talked his mind into submission as to be very tolerably cheerful again. \layout Standard These were the circumstances and the hopes which gradually brought their alleviation to Sir Thomas, deadening his sense of what was lost, and in part reconciling him to himself; though the anguish arising from the conviction of his own errors in the education of his daughters was never to be entirely done away. \layout Standard Too late he became aware how unfavourable to the character of any young people must be the totally opposite treatment which Maria and Julia had been always experiencing at home, where the excessive indulgence and flattery of their aunt had been continually contrasted with his own severity. He saw how ill he had judged, in expecting to counteract what was wrong in Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris by its reverse in himself; clearly saw that he had but increased the evil by teaching them to repress their spirits in his presence so as to make their real disposition unknown to him, and sending them for all their indulgences to a person who had been able to attach them only by the blindness of her affection, and the excess of her praise. \layout Standard Here had been grievous mismanagement; but, bad as it was, he gradually grew to feel that it had not been the most direful mistake in his plan of education. Something must have been wanting \shape italic within \shape default , or time would have worn away much of its ill effect. He feared that principle, active principle, had been wanting; that they had never been properly taught to govern their inclinations and tempers by that sense of duty which can alone suffice. They had been instructed theoretically in their religion, but never required to bring it into daily practice. To be distinguished for elegance and accomplishments, the authorised object of their youth, could have had no useful influence that way, no moral effect on the mind. He had meant them to be good, but his cares had been directed to the understand ing and manners, not the disposition; and of the necessity of self-denial and humility, he feared they had never heard from any lips that could profit them. \layout Standard Bitterly did he deplore a deficiency which now he could scarcely comprehend to have been possible. Wretchedly did he feel, that with all the cost and care of an anxious and expensive education, he had brought up his daughters without their understandin g their first duties, or his being acquainted with their character and temper. \layout Standard The high spirit and strong passions of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, especially, were made known to him only in their sad result. She was not to be prevailed on to leave Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Crawford. She hoped to marry him, and they continued together till she was obliged to be convinced that such hope was vain, and till the disappointment and wretchedness arising from the conviction rendered her temper so bad, and her feelings for him so like hatred, as to make them for a while each other's punishment, and then induce a voluntary separation. \layout Standard She had lived with him to be reproached as the ruin of all his happiness in Fanny, and carried away no better consolation in leaving him than that she \shape italic had \shape default divided them. What can exceed the misery of such a mind in such a situation? \layout Standard Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth had no difficulty in procuring a divorce; and so ended a marriage contracted under such circumstances as to make any better end the effect of good luck not to be reckoned on. She had despised him, and loved another; and he had been very much aware that it was so. The indignities of stupidity, and the disappointments of selfish passion, can excite little pity. His punishment followed his conduct, as did a deeper punishment the deeper guilt of his wife. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset \shape italic He \shape default was released from the engagement to be mortified and unhappy, till some other pretty girl could attract him into matrimony again, and he might set forward on a second, and, it is to be hoped, more prosperous trial of the state: if duped, to be duped at least with good humour and good luck; while she must withdraw with infinitely stronger feelings to a retirement and reproach which could allow no second spring of hope or character. \layout Standard Where she could be placed became a subject of most melancholy and momentous consultation. Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris, whose attachment seemed to augment with the demerits of her niece, would have had her received at home and countenanced by them all. Sir Thomas would not hear of it; and Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's anger against Fanny was so much the greater, from considering \shape italic her \shape default residence there as the motive. She persisted in placing his scruples to \shape italic her \shape default account, though Sir Thomas very solemnly assured her that, had there been no young woman in question, had there been no young person of either sex belonging to him, to be endangered by the society or hurt by the character of Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, he would never have offered so great an insult to the neighbourhood as to expect it to notice her. As a daughter, he hoped a penitent one, she should be protected by him, and secured in every comfort, and supported by every encouragement to do right, which their relative situations admitted; but farther than \shape italic that \shape default he could not go. Maria had destroyed her own character, and he would not, by a vain attempt to restore what never could be restored, by affording his sanction to vice, or in seeking to lessen its disgrace, be anywise accessory to introducing such misery in another man's family as he had known himself. \layout Standard It ended in Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's resolving to quit Mansfield and devote herself to her unfortunate Maria, and in an establishment being formed for them in another country, remote and private, where, shut up together with little society, on one side no affection, on the other no judgment, it may be reasonably supposed that their tempers became their mutual punishment. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Norris's removal from Mansfield was the great supplementary comfort of Sir Thomas's life. His opinion of her had been sinking from the day of his return from Antigua: in every transaction together from that period, in their daily intercourse, in business, or in chat, she had been regularly losing ground in his esteem, and convincing him that either time had done her much disservice, or that he had considerably over-rated her sense, and wonderfully borne with her manners before. He had felt her as an hourly evil, which was so much the worse, as there seemed no chance of its ceasing but with life; she seemed a part of himself that must be borne for ever. To be relieved from her, therefore, was so great a felicity that, had she not left bitter remembrances behind her, there might have been danger of his learning almost to approve the evil which produced such a good. \layout Standard She was regretted by no one at Mansfield. She had never been able to attach even those she loved best; and since Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's elopement, her temper had been in a state of such irritation as to make her everywhere tormenting. Not even Fanny had tears for aunt Norris, not even when she was gone for ever. \layout Standard That Julia escaped better than Maria was owing, in some measure, to a favourable difference of disposition and circumstance, but in a greater to her having been less the darling of that very aunt, less flattered and less spoilt. Her beauty and acquirements had held but a second place. She had been always used to think herself a little inferior to Maria. Her temper was naturally the easiest of the two; her feelings, though quick, were more controllable, and education had not given her so very hurtful a degree of self-consequence. \layout Standard She had submitted the best to the disappointment in Henry Crawford. After the first bitterness of the conviction of being slighted was over, she had been tolerably soon in a fair way of not thinking of him again; and when the acquaintance was renewed in town, and Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's house became Crawford's object, she had had the merit of withdrawing herself from it, and of chusing that time to pay a visit to her other friends, in order to secure herself from being again too much attracted. This had been her motive in going to her cousin's. Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates's convenience had had nothing to do with it. She had been allowing his attentions some time, but with very little idea of ever accepting him; and had not her sister's conduct burst forth as it did, and her increased dread of her father and of home, on that event, imagining its certain consequence to herself would be greater severity and restraint, made her hastily resolve on avoiding such immediate horrors at all risks, it is probable that Mr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Yates would never have succeeded. She had not eloped with any worse feelings than those of selfish alarm. It had appeared to her the only thing to be done. Maria's guilt had induced Julia's folly. \layout Standard Henry Crawford, ruined by early independence and bad domestic example, indulged in the freaks of a cold-blooded vanity a little too long. Once it had, by an opening undesigned and unmerited, led him into the way of happiness. Could he have been satisfied with the conquest of one amiable woman's affection s, could he have found sufficient exultation in overcoming the reluctance, in working himself into the esteem and tenderness of Fanny Price, there would have been every probability of success and felicity for him. His affection had already done something. Her influence over him had already given him some influence over her. Would he have deserved more, there can be no doubt that more would have been obtained, especially when that marriage had taken place, which would have given him the assistance of her conscience in subduing her first inclinati on, and brought them very often together. Would he have persevered, and uprightly, Fanny must have been his reward, and a reward very voluntarily bestowed, within a reasonable period from Edmund's marrying Mary. \layout Standard Had he done as he intended, and as he knew he ought, by going down to Everingham after his return from Portsmouth, he might have been deciding his own happy destiny. But he was pressed to stay for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Fraser's party; his staying was made of flattering consequence, and he was to meet Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth there. Curiosity and vanity were both engaged, and the temptation of immediate pleasure was too strong for a mind unused to make any sacrifice to right: he resolved to defer his Norfolk journey, resolved that writing should answer the purpose of it, or that its purpose was unimportant, and staid. He saw Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth, was received by her with a coldness which ought to have been repulsive, and have established apparent indifference between them for ever; but he was mortified, he could not bear to be thrown off by the woman whose smiles had been so wholly at his command: he must exert himself to subdue so proud a display of resentment; it was anger on Fanny's account; he must get the better of it, and make Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth Maria Bertram again in her treatment of himself. \layout Standard In this spirit he began the attack, and by animated perseverance had soon re-established the sort of familiar intercourse, of gallantry, of flirtation, which bounded his views; but in triumphing over the discretion which, though beginning in anger, might have saved them both, he had put himself in the power of feelings on her side more strong than he had supposed. She loved him; there was no withdrawing attentions avowedly dear to her. He was entangled by his own vanity, with as little excuse of love as possible, and without the smallest inconstancy of mind towards her cousin. To keep Fanny and the Bertrams from a knowledge of what was passing became his first object. Secrecy could not have been more desirable for Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth's credit than he felt it for his own. When he returned from Richmond, he would have been glad to see Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Rushworth no more. All that followed was the result of her imprudence; and he went off with her at last, because he could not help it, regretting Fanny even at the moment, but regretting her infinitely more when all the bustle of the intrigue was over, and a very few months had taught him, by the force of contrast, to place a yet higher value on the sweetness of her temper, the purity of her mind, and the excellence of her principles. \layout Standard That punishment, the public punishment of disgrace, should in a just measure attend \shape italic his \shape default share of the offence is, we know, not one of the barriers which society gives to virtue. In this world the penalty is less equal than could be wished; but without presuming to look forward to a juster appointment hereafter, we may fairly consider a man of sense, like Henry Crawford, to be providing for himself no small portion of vexation and regret: vexation that must rise sometimes to self-reproach, and regret to wretchedness, in having so requited hospitality , so injured family peace, so forfeited his best, most estimable, and endeared acquaintance, and so lost the woman whom he had rationally as well as passionat ely loved. \layout Standard After what had passed to wound and alienate the two families, the continuance of the Bertrams and Grants in such close neighbourhood would have been most distressing; but the absence of the latter, for some months purposely lengthened, ended very fortunately in the necessity, or at least the practicabi lity, of a permanent removal. Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, through an interest on which he had almost ceased to form hopes, succeeded to a stall in Westminster, which, as affording an occasion for leaving Mansfield, an excuse for residence in London, and an increase of income to answer the expenses of the change, was highly acceptable to those who went and those who staid. \layout Standard Mrs. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, with a temper to love and be loved, must have gone with some regret from the scenes and people she had been used to; but the same happiness of disposition must in any place, and any society, secure her a great deal to enjoy, and she had again a home to offer Mary; and Mary had had enough of her own friends, enough of vanity, ambition, love, and disappointment in the course of the last half-year, to be in need of the true kindness of her sister's heart, and the rational tranquillity of her ways. They lived together; and when Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant had brought on apoplexy and death, by three great institutionary dinners in one week, they still lived together; for Mary, though perfectly resolved against ever attaching herself to a younger brother again, was long in finding among the dashing representatives, or idle heir-apparents, who were at the command of her beauty, and her 20,000, any one who could satisfy the better taste she had acquired at Mansfield, whose character and manners could authorise a hope of the domestic happiness she had there learned to estimate, or put Edmund Bertram sufficiently out of her head. \layout Standard Edmund had greatly the advantage of her in this respect. He had not to wait and wish with vacant affections for an object worthy to succeed her in them. Scarcely had he done regretting Mary Crawford, and observing to Fanny how impossible it was that he should ever meet with such another woman, before it began to strike him whether a very different kind of woman might not do just as well, or a great deal better: whether Fanny herself were not growing as dear, as important to him in all her smiles and all her ways, as Mary Crawford had ever been; and whether it might not be a possible, an hopeful undertaking to persuade her that her warm and sisterly regard for him would be foundation enough for wedded love. \layout Standard I purposely abstain from dates on this occasion, that every one may be at liberty to fix their own, aware that the cure of unconquerable passions, and the transfer of unchanging attachments, must vary much as to time in different people. I only entreat everybody to believe that exactly at the time when it was quite natural that it should be so, and not a week earlier, Edmund did cease to care about Miss Crawford, and became as anxious to marry Fanny as Fanny herself could desire. \layout Standard With such a regard for her, indeed, as his had long been, a regard founded on the most endearing claims of innocence and helplessness, and completed by every recommendation of growing worth, what could be more natural than the change? Loving, guiding, protecting her, as he had been doing ever since her being ten years old, her mind in so great a degree formed by his care, and her comfort depending on his kindness, an object to him of such close and peculiar interest, dearer by all his own importance with her than any one else at Mansfield, what was there now to add, but that he should learn to prefer soft light eyes to sparkling dark ones. And being always with her, and always talking confidentially, and his feelings exactly in that favourable state which a recent disappointment gives, those soft light eyes could not be very long in obtaining the pre-eminence. \layout Standard Having once set out, and felt that he had done so on this road to happiness, there was nothing on the side of prudence to stop him or make his progress slow; no doubts of her deserving, no fears of opposition of taste, no need of drawing new hopes of happiness from dissimilarity of temper. Her mind, disposition, opinions, and habits wanted no half-concealment, no self-deception on the present, no reliance on future improvement. Even in the midst of his late infatuation, he had acknowledged Fanny's mental superiority. What must be his sense of it now, therefore? She was of course only too good for him; but as nobody minds having what is too good for them, he was very steadily earnest in the pursuit of the blessing, and it was not possible that encouragement from her should be long wanting. Timid, anxious, doubting as she was, it was still impossible that such tenderness as hers should not, at times, hold out the strongest hope of success, though it remained for a later period to tell him the whole delightful and astonishing truth. His happiness in knowing himself to have been so long the beloved of such a heart, must have been great enough to warrant any strength of language in which he could clothe it to her or to himself; it must have been a delightfu l happiness. But there was happiness elsewhere which no description can reach. Let no one presume to give the feelings of a young woman on receiving the assurance of that affection of which she has scarcely allowed herself to entertain a hope. \layout Standard Their own inclinations ascertained, there were no difficulties behind, no drawback of poverty or parent. It was a match which Sir Thomas's wishes had even forestalled. Sick of ambitious and mercenary connexions, prizing more and more the sterling good of principle and temper, and chiefly anxious to bind by the strongest securities all that remained to him of domestic felicity, he had pondered with genuine satisfaction on the more than possibility of the two young friends finding their natural consolation in each other for all that had occurred of disappointment to either; and the joyful consent which met Edmund's application, the high sense of having realised a great acquisition in the promise of Fanny for a daughter, formed just such a contrast with his early opinion on the subject when the poor little girl's coming had been first agitated, as time is for ever producing between the plans and decisions of mortals, for their own instruction, and their neighbours' entertainment. \layout Standard Fanny was indeed the daughter that he wanted. His charitable kindness had been rearing a prime comfort for himself. His liberality had a rich repayment, and the general goodness of his intentions by her deserved it. He might have made her childhood happier; but it had been an error of judgment only which had given him the appearance of harshness, and deprived him of her early love; and now, on really knowing each other, their mutual attachment became very strong. After settling her at Thornton Lacey with every kind attention to her comfort, the object of almost every day was to see her there, or to get her away from it. \layout Standard Selfishly dear as she had long been to Lady Bertram, she could not be parted with willingly by \shape italic her \shape default . No happiness of son or niece could make her wish the marriage. But it was possible to part with her, because Susan remained to supply her place. Susan became the stationary niece, delighted to be so; and equally well adapted for it by a readiness of mind, and an inclination for usefulness, as Fanny had been by sweetness of temper, and strong feelings of gratitude. Susan could never be spared. First as a comfort to Fanny, then as an auxiliary, and last as her substitute, she was established at Mansfield, with every appearance of equal permanency. Her more fearless disposition and happier nerves made everything easy to her there. With quickness in understanding the tempers of those she had to deal with, and no natural timidity to restrain any consequent wishes, she was soon welcome and useful to all; and after Fanny's removal succeeded so naturally to her influence over the hourly comfort of her aunt, as gradually to become, perhaps, the most beloved of the two. In \shape italic her \shape default usefulness, in Fanny's excellence, in William's continued good conduct and rising fame, and in the general well-doing and success of the other members of the family, all assisting to advance each other, and doing credit to his countenance and aid, Sir Thomas saw repeated, and for ever repeated, reason to rejoice in what he had done for them all, and acknowledge the advantages of early hardship and discipline, and the consciousness of being born to struggle and endure. \layout Standard With so much true merit and true love, and no want of fortune and friends, the happiness of the married cousins must appear as secure as earthly happiness can be. Equally formed for domestic life, and attached to country pleasures, their home was the home of affection and comfort; and to complete the picture of good, the acquisition of Mansfield living, by the death of Dr. \begin_inset ERT status Collapsed \layout Standard \backslash \end_inset Grant, occurred just after they had been married long enough to begin to want an increase of income, and feel their distance from the paternal abode an inconvenience. \layout Standard On that event they removed to Mansfield; and the Parsonage there, which, under each of its two former owners, Fanny had never been able to approach but with some painful sensation of restraint or alarm, soon grew as dear to her heart, and as thoroughly perfect in her eyes, as everything else within the view and patronage of Mansfield Park had long been. \the_end