JANE AUSTENS MANSFIELD PARK: ABRIDGED

Edited by Emma Laybourn

Copyright 2013 Emma Laybourn
The free ebook of this edition of Mansfield Park may be downloaded from
Smashwords at:
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Preface
This edition of 'ansfield (ark has been shortened to about two)thirds of its original
length* the aim being to preser#e the "hara"ter of the book as far as possible whilst
making it more easily approa"hable! +t is designed for those who wish to read ,ane
-usten but are daunted by the length and density of the full te.t!
-lthough there is little in ,ane -usten/s writing that is superfluous* this #ersion
omits that material whi"h it is hoped will "ause least damage to the sense and feeling
of the book! 0o s"enes ha#e been remo#ed: howe#er* many senten"es ha#e been
simplified* and some obs"ure or ambiguous words ha#e been "hanged to make the
meaning "learer! - #ery few spellings ha#e been modernised 1notably 2"hoose3 for
2"huse3 and 2show3 for 2shew345 and some new paragraph breaks ha#e been
introdu"ed!
+f you are studying 'ansfield (ark as a set te.t and thinking of using this book as
an easier option than the original* please think again! 6ou will miss many of ,ane
-usten/s subtleties* and be at high risk of mis7uotation! The unabridged book may be
downloaded free from (ro8e"t 9utenberg* whose "opy of the 1%1: edition was the
sour"e te.t for this #ersion!
Emma Laybourn
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-bout thirty years ago 'iss 'aria @ard* of <untingdon* with only se#en thousand
pounds* had the good lu"k to "apti#ate Sir Thomas Aertram* of 'ansfield (ark in the
"ounty of 0orthampton* and to be thereby raised to the rank of a baronetBs lady* with a
handsome house and large in"ome! She had two sisters to benefit from her ele#ation5
but while 'iss @ard and 'iss Cran"es were thought to be 7uite as handsome as 'iss
'aria* there are not so many ri"h men in the world as there are pretty women to
deser#e them! 'iss @ard* after half a doDen years* found herself obliged to be married
to the =e#! 'r! 0orris* a friend of her brother)in)law* with s"ar"ely any pri#ate
fortune* and 'iss Cran"es fared yet worse!
'iss @ardBs mat"h was not "ontemptible: Sir Thomas was happily able to gi#e his
friend an in"ome in the li#ing of 'ansfield! Aut 'iss Cran"es married* as they say* to
disoblige her family* and by fi.ing on a lieutenant of marines* without edu"ation*
fortune* or "onne.ions* did it #ery thoroughly!
Sir Thomas Aertram* ha#ing a general wish of doing right* and a desire of seeing
those "onne"ted with him respe"tably situated* would ha#e gladly used his influen"e
for Lady AertramBs sister5 but her husbandBs profession was su"h as no influen"e "ould
rea"h! Aefore he "ould de#ise any method of assisting them* an absolute brea"h
between the sisters had taken pla"e!
+t was su"h as a #ery imprudent marriage almost always produ"es! To sa#e herself
from remonstran"e* 'rs! (ri"e ne#er wrote to her family about her marriage till
a"tually married! Lady Aertram* a woman of tran7uil feelings and an easy temper*
would ha#e "ontented herself with merely gi#ing up her sister* and thinking no more
of it5 but 'rs! 0orris "ould not be satisfied till she had written a long and angry letter
to Canny* to point out the folly of her "ondu"t!
'rs! (ri"e* in her turn* was in8ured and angry5 and her bitter* disrespe"tful answer*
whi"h 'rs! 0orris "ould not possibly keep to herself* put an end to all inter"ourse
between them for a long period! They hardly heard of ea"h other during the ne.t
ele#en years5 and Sir Thomas was surprised that 'rs! 0orris should e#er ha#e it in her
power to tell them* as she now and then did* in an angry #oi"e* that Canny had got
another "hild!
Ay the end of ele#en years* howe#er* 'rs! (ri"e "ould no longer afford to "herish
resentment* or to lose a "onne.ion that might assist her! - large family* an husband
disabled for a"ti#e ser#i"e but still e7ual to good li7uor* and a #ery small in"ome*
made her eager to regain her friends5 and she sent Lady Aertram a letter whi"h spoke
of so mu"h "ontrition* su"h a superfluity of "hildren* and su"h a want of almost
e#erything else* as "ould only lead to a re"on"iliation! She was preparing for the
arri#al of her ninth "hild5 and "ould not "on"eal how important she felt her relati#es
might be to the maintenan"e of the other eight! <er eldest was a boy of ten years* a
fine spirited fellow* who longed to be out in the world! @as there any "han"e of his
being useful to Sir Thomas in the "on"erns of his @est +ndian propertyE or elsewhereE
The letter re)established pea"e and kindness! Sir Thomas sent friendly ad#i"e*
Lady Aertram dispat"hed money and baby)linen* and 'rs! 0orris wrote the letters!
@ithin a year a more important ad#antage to 'rs! (ri"e resulted from it! 'rs!
0orris was often obser#ing to the others that she "ould not get her poor sister out of
her head5 and at length she owned it to be her wish that poor 'rs! (ri"e should be
relie#ed from the e.pense of one "hild entirely! F@hat if they were to undertake the
"are of her eldest daughter* a girl now nine years oldE The trouble would be nothing*
"ompared with the bene#olen"e of the a"tion!F Lady Aertram agreed with her
instantly! F+ think we "annot do better*F said she5 Flet us send for the "hild!F
Sir Thomas "ould not "onsent so swiftly! <e hesitated5Git was a serious "harge5G
the girl must be ade7uately pro#ided for* or it would be "ruel to take her from her
family! <e thought of his own four "hildren* of his two sons* of "ousins in lo#e* et"!5
Gbut no sooner had he begun to state his ob8e"tions* than 'rs! 0orris interrupted
him!
F'y dear Sir Thomas* + perfe"tly "omprehend you* and + entirely agree with you
in the main! Ho not let us be frightened from a good deed by a trifle! 9i#e a girl an
edu"ation* and introdu"e her properly into the world* and ten to one she has the means
of settling well* without farther e.pense to anybody! - nie"e of yours* Sir Thomas*
would grow up here with many ad#antages! + dare say she would not be so handsome
as her "ousins5 but she would probably make a "reditable marriage! 6ou are thinking
of your sonsGbut that is unlikely to happen* brought up as they would be like
brothers and sisters! +t is* in fa"t* a sure way of pro#iding against the "onne.ion!
Suppose her a pretty girl* and seen by Tom or Edmund for the first time se#en years
hen"e* and + dare say there would be mis"hief! Aut bring her up with them now* and
she will ne#er be more to either than a sister!F
FThere is mu"h truth in what you say*F replied Sir Thomas! F+ only meant to
obser#e that we must pro#ide for the "hild as a gentlewoman* if no su"h marriage
should o""ur!F
F+ thoroughly understand you*F "ried 'rs! 0orris* Fyou are e#erything that is
generous and "onsiderate! + am always ready to do whate#er + "an for those + lo#e5
and* though + "ould ne#er feel for this little girl the hundredth part of the regard + bear
your own dear "hildren* + should hate myself if + negle"ted her! + ha#e a warm heart5
and* poor as + am* would rather deny myself the ne"essaries of life than be
ungenerous! So* if you are not against it* + will write to my poor sister tomorrow* and
make the proposal5 and + will engage to get the "hild to 'ansfield5 you shall ha#e no
trouble! 'y own trouble* you know* + ne#er regard! + will send 0anny to London* and
she may ha#e a bed at her "ousin the saddlerBs* and the "hild may meet her there! They
may easily get the "hild from (ortsmouth to London by the "oa"h* under the "are of
any "reditable person that may "han"e to be going! + dare say there is always some
tradesmanBs wife or other going up!F
- more respe"table* though less e"onomi"al rendeD#ous being substituted*
e#erything was settled! Sir Thomas was resol#ed to be the real patron of the "hild* and
'rs! 0orris had not the least intention of being at any e.pense whate#er in her
maintenan"e! 0obody knew better how to di"tate liberality to others5 but she knew
7uite as well how to sa#e her own money as to spend that of her friends! <a#ing
married on a narrow in"ome* she had* from the first* fan"ied #ery stri"t e"onomy
ne"essary5 and what began as pruden"e* soon grew into a matter of "hoi"e! @ith no
family to pro#ide for* there was nothing to impede her frugality5 yet she walked home
to the (arsonage* after this "on#ersation* in the happy belief of being the most
generous sister and aunt in the world!
@hen the sub8e"t was raised again* her #iews were more fully e.plained! +n reply
to Lady AertramBs "alm in7uiry of F@here shall the "hild "ome to first* sister* to you
or to usEF Sir Thomas heard with some surprise that it would be totally out of 'rs!
0orrisBs power to take any share in the personal "harge of her! <e had been
"onsidering her as a wel"ome "ompanion to 'rs 0orris at the (arsonage5 but he found
himself mistaken! 'rs! 0orris was sorry to say that the little girlBs staying with them
was 7uite out of the 7uestion! (oor 'r! 0orrisBs indifferent state of health made it an
impossibility! (oor 'r! 0orris took up e#ery moment of her time!
FThen she had better "ome to us*F said Lady Aertram* with "omposure! Sir
Thomas added* F6es* let her home be in this house! She will* at least* ha#e
"ompanions of her own age* and a regular instru"tress!F
FIery true*F "ried 'rs! 0orris! F+ only wish + "ould be more useful5 but you see +
do all in my power! 0anny shall fet"h her* howe#er it may in"on#enien"e me to ha#e
my "hief "ounsellor away for three days! + suppose* sister* you will put the "hild in the
little white atti"! +t will be the best pla"e for her* "lose by the housemaids* who "ould
help to dress her* you know* and take "are of her "lothes!F
Lady Aertram made no opposition!
F+ hope she will pro#e a well)disposed girl*F "ontinued 'rs! 0orris!
FShould her disposition be really bad*F said Sir Thomas* Fwe must not* for our
own "hildrenBs sake* "ontinue her in the family5 but there is no reason to e.pe"t so
great an e#il! @e must prepare oursel#es for gross ignoran"e* some meanness of
opinions* and distressing #ulgarity of manner5 but these are not in"urable faults5 nor
"an they be dangerous for her asso"iates! <ad my daughters been younger* + should
ha#e "onsidered the introdu"tion of su"h a "ompanion as a #ery serious matter5 but* as
it is* there "an be nothing to fear for them* and e#erything to hope for her* from the
asso"iation!F
FThat is e.a"tly what + think*F "ried 'rs! 0orris* F+t will be an edu"ation for the
"hild* only being with her "ousins5 if 'iss Lee taught her nothing* she would learn to
be good and "le#er from them!F
F+ hope she will not tease my poor pug*F said Lady Aertram5 F+ ha#e only 8ust got
,ulia to lea#e it alone!F
FThere will be some diffi"ulty* 'rs! 0orris*F obser#ed Sir Thomas* Fas to the
distin"tion to be made between the girls as they grow up: how to preser#e in the
minds of my daughters the "ons"iousness of what they are* without making them
think too lowly of their "ousin5 and how* without depressing her spirits too far* to
make her remember that she is not a 'iss Aertram! + should wish to see them #ery
good friends* and would not authorise in my girls any arrogan"e towards their
relation5 but they "annot be e7uals! +t is a point of great deli"a"y* and you must assist
us in our endea#ours to "hoose e.a"tly the right line of "ondu"t!F
'rs! 0orris was 7uite at his ser#i"e* and en"ouraged him to hope that between
them it would be easily managed!
'rs! 0orris did not write to her sister in #ain! 'rs! (ri"e seemed surprised that a
girl should be fi.ed on* when she had so many fine boys* but a""epted the offer
thankfully* assuring them of her daughterBs being a #ery well)disposed* good)
humoured girl! She spoke of her as somewhat deli"ate* but hoped of her being better
for "hange of air! (oor womanJ she probably thought "hange of air might agree with
many of her "hildren!
C<-(TE= 2
The little girl made her long 8ourney in safety5 and at 0orthampton was met by 'rs!
0orris!
Canny (ri"e was 8ust ten years old* and though there might not be mu"h in her
appearan"e to "apti#ate* there was* at least* nothing to disgust her relations! She was
small for her age* with no glow of "omple.ion* nor any other striking beauty5
e."eedingly timid and shy* and shrinking from noti"e5 but her air* though awkward*
was not #ulgar* her #oi"e was sweet* and when she spoke her "ountenan"e was pretty!
Sir Thomas and Lady Aertram re"ei#ed her #ery kindly5 and Sir Thomas tried to
be "on"iliating: but he had to work against his gra#ity of deportment5 and Lady
Aertram* without taking half so mu"h trouble* by the mere aid of a good)humoured
smile* be"ame immediately the less awful "hara"ter of the two!
The young people were all at home* and re"ei#ed Canny with mu"h good humour*
at least on the part of the sons* who* at se#enteen and si.teen* had all the grandeur of
men in the eyes of their little "ousin! The two girls were more at a loss from being
younger and in greater awe of their father! Aut* their "onfiden"e in"reasing from their
"ousinBs want of it* they were soon able to take a sur#ey of her fa"e and her fro"k in
easy indifferen"e!
They were a remarkably fine family* the sons well)looking* the daughters
handsome* and all of them well)grown for their age* whi"h produ"ed a striking
differen"e between the "ousins5 no one would ha#e supposed the girls so "lose in age
as they really were! There were in fa"t but two years between the youngest and Canny!
,ulia Aertram was twel#e* and 'aria a year older!
The little #isitor meanwhile was as unhappy as possible! -fraid of e#erybody*
ashamed of herself* and longing for the home she had left* she knew not how to look
up* and "ould s"ar"ely speak to be heard* or without "rying! 'rs! 0orris had been
talking to her the whole way from 0orthampton of her wonderful good fortune* and
the e.traordinary degree of gratitude whi"h it ought to produ"e* and her misery was
therefore in"reased by the idea of its being a wi"ked thing for her not to be happy! The
fatigue* too* of so long a 8ourney* was not trifling! She "ould s"ar"ely swallow two
mouthfuls of gooseberry tart before tears interrupted her* and she was taken to finish
her sorrows in bed!
FThis is not a #ery promising beginning*F said 'rs! 0orris* when Canny had left
the room! F-fter all that + said to her as we "ame along* + thought she would ha#e
beha#ed better! + hope there may not be a little sulkiness of temperGher poor mother
had a good deal5 but we must make allowan"es for su"h a "hildGand + do not know
that her being sorry to lea#e her home is really against her* for* with all its faults* it
was her home!F
+t re7uired a long time* howe#er* to re"on"ile Canny to the no#elty of 'ansfield
(ark! <er feelings were #ery a"ute* and not properly attended to! 0obody meant to be
unkind* but nobody put themsel#es out of their way to se"ure her "omfort!
The 'iss Aertrams were allowed a holiday the ne.t day* to gi#e them leisure for
getting a"7uainted with their young "ousin! <owe#er* ha#ing found that she had but
two sashes* and had ne#er learned Cren"h* they made her a generous present of some
of their least #alued toys* and left her to herself!
Canny* whether in the s"hoolroom* the drawing)room* or the shrubbery* was
e7ually forlorn* finding something to fear in e#ery person and pla"e! She was
disheartened by Lady AertramBs silen"e* awed by Sir ThomasBs gra#e looks* and 7uite
o#er"ome by 'rs! 0orrisBs s"oldings! <er elder "ousins abashed her by noti"ing her
shyness: 'iss Lee wondered at her ignoran"e* and the maid)ser#ants sneered at her
"lothes! @hen to these sorrows was added the memory of the brothers and sisters
among whom she had been important as playfellow* instru"tress* and nurse* the
desponden"e that sunk her little heart was se#ere!
The grandeur of the house astonished* but "ould not "onsole her! The rooms were
too large: whate#er she tou"hed she e.pe"ted to in8ure* and she "rept about in "onstant
terror* often retreating to her own "hamber to "ry5 and ended e#ery dayBs sorrows by
sobbing herself to sleep!
- week had passed in this way* with no suspi"ion of it "on#eyed by her 7uiet
passi#e manner* when she was found one morning by her "ousin Edmund* the
youngest of the sons* sitting "rying on the atti" stairs!
F'y dear little "ousin*F said he* with all the gentleness of an e."ellent nature*
Fwhat "an be the matterEF -nd sitting down by her* he was at great pains to persuade
her to speak openly! @as she illE or was anybody angry with herE or had she
7uarrelled with 'aria and ,uliaE or was she puDDled about anything in her lesson that
he "ould e.plainE
Cor a long while no answer "ould be obtained beyond a Fno* noGnot at allF5 but
he perse#ered5 and no sooner had he mentioned her own home* than her sobs
e.plained where the grie#an"e lay! <e tried to "onsole her!
F6ou are sorry to lea#e 'ama* my dear little Canny*F said he* Fwhi"h shows you to
be a #ery good girl5 but you must remember that you are with relations and friends*
who all lo#e you* and wish to make you happy! Let us walk out in the park* and you
shall tell me about your brothers and sisters!F
;n doing this* he found that there was one among them who ran more in her
thoughts than the rest! +t was @illiam whom she talked of most* and wanted most to
see! @illiam* the eldest* a year older than herself* her "onstant friend! F@illiam did
not like she should "ome away5 he had told her he should miss her #ery mu"h!F FAut
@illiam will write to you* + dare say!F F6es* but he had told her to write first!F F-nd
when shall you do itEF She hung her head and answered hesitatingly* Fshe had not any
paper!F
F+f that be all your diffi"ulty* + will furnish you with paper* and you may write
your letter whene#er you "hoose! @ould it make you happy to write to @illiamEF
F6es* #ery!F
FThen let it be done now! Come with me into the breakfast)room* we shall find
e#erything there!F
FAut* "ousin* will it go to the postEF
F6es* it shall go with the other letters5 and* as your un"le will frank it* it will "ost
@illiam nothing!F
F'y un"leJF repeated Canny* with a frightened look!
F6es* + will take it to my father to frank!F
Canny offered no further resistan"e5 and they went together into the breakfast)
room* where Edmund prepared her paper* and ruled her lines with all the goodwill
that her brother "ould ha#e felt* and probably with more e.a"tness! <e stayed to assist
her5 and showed a kindness to her brother whi"h delighted her! <e wrote with his own
hand his lo#e to "ousin @illiam* and sent him half a guinea under the seal! CannyBs
"ountenan"e and artless words fully "on#eyed all her gratitude* and her "ousin began
to find her an interesting ob8e"t! <e talked to her more* and was "on#in"ed of her
ha#ing an affe"tionate heart* and a desire of doing right5 and per"ei#ing her great
timidity* he ga#e her mu"h good ad#i"e as to playing with 'aria and ,ulia* and being
as merry as possible!
Crom this day Canny grew more "omfortable! She felt that she had a friend* and
the kindness of her "ousin Edmund ga#e her better spirits with e#erybody else! The
pla"e be"ame less strange* and the people less formidable! She was no longer afraid to
appear before her un"le* nor did her aunt 0orrisBs #oi"e startle her so mu"h! To her
"ousins she be"ame o""asionally an a""eptable "ompanion! Their pleasures were
sometimes of a nature to make a third #ery useful* espe"ially when that third was of
an obliging temper5 and they owned that FCanny was good)natured enough!F
Edmund was uniformly kind5 and she had nothing worse to endure on the part of
Tom than that sort of merriment whi"h a young man of se#enteen will always think
fair with a "hild of ten! <e was 8ust entering into life* full of spirits* and with all the
liberality of an eldest son* who feels born only for e.pense and en8oyment! <is
kindness to his little "ousin was "onsistent with his situation: he made her some #ery
pretty presents* and laughed at her!
-s her appearan"e and spirits impro#ed* Sir Thomas and 'rs! 0orris thought with
greater satisfa"tion of their bene#olent plan5 and it was soon de"ided that* though far
from "le#er* she was tra"table* and seemed likely to gi#e them little trouble! - poor
opinion of Canny/s abilities was not "onfined to them! -s her "ousins found her
ignorant of many things with whi"h they had been long familiar* they thought her
prodigiously stupid* and for the first two or three weeks were "ontinually bringing
some fresh report of it!
FHear mama* only think* my "ousin "annot put the map of Europe togetherGor
tell the prin"ipal ri#ers in =ussiaGshe does not know the differen"e between water)
"olours and "rayonsJGHid you e#er hear anything so stupidEF
F'y dear*F their "onsiderate aunt 0orris would reply* Fit is #ery bad* but you must
not e.pe"t e#erybody to be as 7ui"k at learning as yourself!F
FAut* aunt* she is really so #ery ignorantJGHo you know* we asked her last night
whi"h way she would go to get to +reland5 and she said* she should "ross to the +sle of
@ight! She "alls it the +sland* as if there were no other island in the world! + "annot
remember the time when + did not know mu"h more than her! <ow long ago it is*
aunt* sin"e we used to repeat the order of the kings of England* with their datesJF
F6es*F added the other5 Fand the =oman emperors* and all the metals* semi)metals*
planets* and distinguished philosophers!F
FIery true indeed* my dears* but you are blessed with wonderful memories* and
your poor "ousin has probably none at all! 6ou must pity her defi"ien"y! -nd
remember that you should always be modest5 for there is a great deal more for you to
learn!F
F6es* + know there is* till + am se#enteen! Aut + must tell you another thing of
Canny* so stupid! Ho you know* she does not want to learn either musi" or drawing!F
FTo be sure* my dear* that is #ery stupid indeed! Aut* all things "onsidered* it is
well that it should be so* for it is not ne"essary that she should be as a""omplished as
you are5 it is mu"h more desirable that there should be a differen"e!F
Su"h were the "ounsels by whi"h 'rs! 0orris formed her nie"esB minds5 and it is
no wonder that* with all their promising talents* they should be entirely defi"ient in
self)knowledge* generosity and humility! +n e#erything but disposition they were
admirably taught! Sir Thomas did not know what was wanting be"ause* though a truly
an.ious father* the reser#e of his manner repressed all the flow of their spirits before
him!
To the edu"ation of her daughters Lady Aertram paid not the smallest attention!
She had not time for su"h "ares! She was a woman who spent her days in sitting*
ni"ely dressed* on a sofa* doing some long pie"e of needlework* of little use and no
beauty* thinking more of her pug dog than her "hildren* but indulgent to them when it
did not "ause her in"on#enien"e* guided in e#erything important by Sir Thomas* and
in smaller "on"erns by her sister! <er girls were under the "are of a go#erness* and
"ould need nothing more! -s for CannyBs being stupid at learning* Fit was #ery
unlu"ky* but some people were stupid* and she saw no harm in the poor little thing*
and found her #ery handy in "arrying messages* and fet"hing things!F
Canny* with all her faults of ignoran"e and timidity* was fi.ed at 'ansfield (ark*
and grew up there not unhappily among her "ousins! There was no positi#e ill)nature
in 'aria or ,ulia5 and though Canny was often mortified by their treatment of her* she
thought too lowly of her own "laims to feel in8ured by it!
Crom about the time of her entering the family* Lady Aertram ga#e up the house in
London* and remained wholly in the "ountry* lea#ing Sir Thomas to attend his duty in
(arliament without her! +n the "ountry* therefore* the 'iss Aertrams "ontinued to
grow tall and womanly5 and their father saw them be"oming in person* manner* and
a""omplishments* e#erything that he "ould wish! <is eldest son was "areless and
e.tra#agant* and had already gi#en him mu"h uneasiness5 but his other "hildren
promised nothing but good! <is daughters* he trusted* would make respe"table
allian"es5 and the "hara"ter of Edmund* his strong good sense and uprightness of
mind* bid most fairly for utility* honour* and happiness! <e was to be a "lergyman!
Sir Thomas did what he "ould for the "hildren of 'rs! (ri"e! <e assisted her
liberally in the edu"ation and "areers of her sons5 and Canny had true satisfa"tion in
hearing of any kindness towards them! ;nly on"e* in those years* had she the
happiness of being with @illiam! ;f the rest she saw nothing: nobody seemed to think
of her #isiting them5 but @illiam* determining to be a sailor* was in#ited to spend a
week with his sister before he went to sea!
Their eager affe"tion in meeting* their delight in being together* their hours of
mirth* and moments of serious "onferen"e* may be imagined5 as well as her misery
when he left her! Lu"kily the #isit happened in the Christmas holidays* when she
"ould look for "omfort to her "ousin Edmund! EdmundBs friendship ne#er failed her:
his lea#ing Eton for ;.ford made no "hange in his kindness! <e was always
"onsiderate of her feelings* trying to make her good 7ualities understood* and gi#ing
her ad#i"e* "onsolation* and en"ouragement!
Kept ba"k as she was by e#erybody else* his support alone "ould not bring her
forward5 but his attentions were otherwise of the highest importan"e in impro#ing her
mind! <e knew her to be "le#er* and to ha#e a fondness for reading! 'iss Lee taught
her Cren"h* and heard her read the daily portion of history5 but he re"ommended the
books whi"h "harmed her leisure hours* he en"ouraged her taste* and "orre"ted her
8udgment! +n return for su"h ser#i"es she lo#ed him better than anybody in the world
e."ept @illiam: her heart was di#ided between the two!
C<-(TE= 3
The death of 'r! 0orris* when Canny was about fifteen* brought "hanges! 'rs! 0orris
remo#ed to a small house in the #illage* and "onsoled herself for the loss of her
husband by "onsidering that she "ould do #ery well without him5 and for her redu"tion
of in"ome by the ne"essity of stri"ter e"onomy!
The parson/s li#ing was for Edmund5 and would ha#e been gi#en to some friend to
hold till he were old enough for orders! Aut TomBs e.tra#agan"e had been so great as
to make a different disposal ne"essary5 the younger brother must help to pay for the
pleasures of the elder! There was another family li#ing a"tually held for Edmund5 but
e#en so* Sir Thomas "ould not but feel it to be an in8usti"e* and he earnestly tried to
impress his eldest son with the same "on#i"tion!
F+ blush for you* Tom*F said he* in his most dignified manner5 F6ou ha#e robbed
Edmund for twenty* thirty years* perhaps for life* of more than half the in"ome whi"h
ought to be his! +t may hereafter be in my power* or in yours* to find him a better
position5 but nothing "an e7ual the ad#antage whi"h he must now forego through the
urgen"y of your debts!F
Tom listened with some shame and sorrow5 but es"aping as 7ui"kly as possible*
"ould soon with "heerful selfishness refle"t* firstly* that he had not been half so mu"h
in debt as some of his friends5 se"ondly* that his father had made a tiresome pie"e of
work of it5 and* thirdly* that the future in"umbent* whoe#er he might be* would
probably die #ery soon!
;n 'r! 0orrisBs death the li#ing went to a Hr! 9rant* who "ame to reside at
'ansfield5 and pro#ing to be a hearty man of forty)fi#e* seemed likely to disappoint
'r! AertramBs "al"ulations! Aut Fno* he was a short)ne"ked* apople"ti" sort of fellow*
and would soon pop off!F
<e had a wife about fifteen years his 8unior* but no "hildren5 and they entered the
neighbourhood with the usual fair report of being #ery respe"table* agreeable people!
The time was now "ome when Sir Thomas e.pe"ted his sister)in)law to "laim her
share in their nie"e! 0ow that 'rs! 0orris was a widow* to ha#e Canny li#ing with her
would be #ery suitable5 and as he had borne some losses on his @est +ndia estate* in
addition to his eldest sonBs e.tra#agan"e* he wished to be relie#ed from the e.pense of
her support! <e mentioned this probability to his wife5 and she later "almly obser#ed
to Canny* FSo* Canny* you are going to lea#e us* and li#e with my sister! <ow shall
you like itEF
F9oing to lea#e youEF
F6es* my dear5 why should you be astonishedE 6ou ha#e been fi#e years with us*
and my sister always meant to take you when 'r! 0orris died!F
The news was as disagreeable to Canny as it was une.pe"ted! She had ne#er
re"ei#ed kindness from her aunt 0orris* and "ould not lo#e her!
F+ shall be #ery sorry to go away*F said she* with a faltering #oi"e!
F6es* + dare say you will! 6ou ha#e had as little to #e. you in this house as any
"reature in the world!F
F+ hope + am not ungrateful* aunt*F said Canny!
F0o* my dear5 + ha#e always found you a #ery good girl!F
F-m + ne#er to li#e here againEF
F0e#er* my dear5 but you are sure of a "omfortable home!F
Canny left the room with a #ery sorrowful heart5 she "ould not think of li#ing with
her aunt with satisfa"tion! -s soon as she met with Edmund she told him her distress!
FCousin*F said she* Fsomething is going to happen whi"h + do not like at all! + am
going to li#e entirely with my aunt 0orris!F
F+ndeedJF
F6es5 my aunt Aertram has 8ust told me so! + am to lea#e 'ansfield (ark* and go
to the @hite <ouse!F
F@ell* Canny* if the plan were not unpleasant to you* + should "all it an e."ellent
one!F
F;h* "ousinJF
F'y aunt is a"ting like a sensible woman in wishing for you! She is "hoosing a
"ompanion e.a"tly where she ought* and + am glad her lo#e of money does not
interfere! + hope it does not distress you #ery mu"h* CannyEF
F+ndeed it does! + lo#e this house and e#erything in it! 6ou know how
un"omfortable + feel with her!F
F+t was the same with us all when we were younger! She ne#er knew how to be
pleasant to "hildren! Aut you are now of an age to be treated better5 and when you are
her only "ompanion* you must be important to her!F
F+ "an ne#er be important to any one!F
F@hat is to pre#ent youEF
FE#erything! 'y situation* my foolishness and awkwardness!F
F-s to your foolishness and awkwardness* my dear Canny* belie#e me* you ne#er
ha#e 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! 6ou ha#e good
sense* and a sweet temper* and + am sure you ha#e a grateful heart! + do not know any
better 7ualifi"ations for a friend and "ompanion!F
F6ou are too kind*F said Canny* "olouring at su"h praise5 Fhow shall + e#er thank
you as + ought* for thinking so well of me! ;hJ "ousin* if + am to go away* + shall
remember your goodness to the last moment of my life!F
F@hy* Canny* + should hope to be remembered at su"h a distan"e as the @hite
<ouse! 6ou speak as if you were going two hundred miles off5 but you will belong to
us as mu"h as e#er! The two families will be meeting e#ery day! The only differen"e
will be that* li#ing with your aunt* you will be brought forward! <ere there are too
many whom you "an hide behind5 but with her you will be for"ed to speak for
yourself!F
F;hJ do not say so!F
F+ must say it* and with pleasure! 'rs! 0orris will do a great deal for anybody she
interests herself about!F
Canny sighed! F+ "annot see things as you do5 but + ought to belie#e you to be
right* and + am obliged to you for trying to re"on"ile me to it! +f + "ould suppose my
aunt really to "are for me* it would be delightful to feel myself of "onse7uen"e to
anybody! <ere* + know* + am of none* and yet + lo#e the pla"e so well!F
FThe pla"e* Canny* is what you will not 7uit* though you 7uit the house! 6ou will
ha#e as free a "ommand of the park and gardens as e#er! 6ou will ha#e the same
walks to fre7uent* the same library to "hoose from* the same horse to ride!F
F6es* dear old grey ponyJ -hJ "ousin* + remember how mu"h + used to dread
riding* what terrors it ga#e me5 and how kindly you persuaded me out of my fears*
and "on#in"ed me that + should like it after a little while! @hen + feel how right you
were* + hope you may always prophesy so well!F
F-nd + am 7uite "on#in"ed that your being with 'rs! 0orris will be as good for
your mind as riding has been for your health* and for your happiness too!F
So ended their dis"ourse* whi"h might as well ha#e been spared* for 'rs! 0orris
had not the smallest intention of taking Canny! +t was a thing to be a#oided! To
pre#ent its being e.pe"ted* she had fi.ed on the smallest habitation whi"h "ould rank
as genteel* the @hite <ouse being only 8ust large enough to re"ei#e herself and her
ser#ants* and allow a spare room for a friend* of whi"h she made a #ery parti"ular
point! The spare rooms at the (arsonage had ne#er been wanted* but the absolute
ne"essity of a spare room for a friend was now ne#er forgotten! (erhaps her #ery
display of the importan"e of a spare room might ha#e misled Sir Thomas to suppose it
really intended for Canny! Lady Aertram soon brought the matter to a head by
"arelessly obser#ing to 'rs! 0orrisG
F+ think* sister* we need not keep 'iss Lee* when Canny goes to li#e with you!F
FLi#e with meJ what do you meanEF
F+s she not to li#e with youE + thought you had settled it with Sir Thomas!F
F'eJ ne#er! + ne#er spoke a syllable about it to Sir Thomas* nor he to me! Canny
li#e with meJ 9ood hea#enJ what "ould + do with CannyE 'eJ a poor* helpless* forlorn
widow* my spirits 7uite broke down5 what "ould + do with a girl of fifteenE the #ery
age of all others to put the "heerfullest spirits to the testJ Sir Thomas "ould not
seriously e.pe"t su"h a thingJ <ow "ame he to speak to you about itEF
F+ do not know! + suppose he thought it best!F
FAut he "ould not say he wished me to take Canny!F
F0o5 he only said he thought it #ery likely! @e both thought it would be a "omfort
to you! Aut if you do not like it* she is no en"umbran"e here!F
FHear sister* how "an she be any "omfort to meE <ere am +* a poor desolate
widow* my health and spirits gone* my pea"e destroyed* with hardly enough to
support meGwhat possible "omfort "ould + ha#e in taking su"h a "harge upon me as
CannyE + would not be so un8ust to the poor girl! She is in good hands! + must struggle
through my sorrows as + "an!F
FThen you will not mind li#ing 7uite aloneEF
FLady Aertram* + do not "omplain! + "annot li#e as + ha#e done! + ha#e been a
liberal housekeeper enough* but + shall pra"tise e"onomy now! -t the @hite <ouse* +
must li#e within my in"ome5 and + own it would gi#e me great satisfa"tion to lay by a
little at the end of the year!F
F+ dare say you will! 6ou always do* donBt youEF
F'y ob8e"t* Lady Aertram* is to be of use to those that "ome after me! +t is for
your "hildrenBs good that + wish to be ri"her! + should be glad to think + "ould lea#e
them a little trifle!F
F6ou are #ery good* but they are sure of being well pro#ided for! Sir Thomas will
take "are of that!F
F@hy* you know* Sir ThomasBs means will be straitened if the -ntigua estate
makes su"h poor returns!F
F;hJ that will soon be settled!F
F@ell* Lady Aertram*F said 'rs! 0orris* F'y sole desire is to be of use to your
family: and so* if Sir Thomas should speak again about my taking Canny* you will be
able to say that my health and spirits put it 7uite out of the 7uestion5 besides* + really
ha#e no bed to gi#e her* for + must keep a spare room for a friend!F
Lady Aertram repeated enough of this "on#ersation to her husband to "on#in"e
him that he had mistaken his sister)in)lawBs #iews5 and she was from that moment safe
from e.pe"tation! <e wondered at her refusing to do anything for a nie"e whom she
had been so an.ious to adopt5 but soon a""epted it!
Canny learnt how unne"essary had been her fears! 'rs! 0orris mo#ed to the @hite
<ouse* the 9rants arri#ed at the (arsonage* and e#erything at 'ansfield went on for
some time as usual!
The 9rants* being friendly and so"iable* ga#e great satisfa"tion among their new
a"7uaintan"e! They had their faults* and 'rs! 0orris soon found them out! The Ho"tor
was #ery fond of eating* and would ha#e a good dinner e#ery day5 and 'rs! 9rant
ga#e her "ook as high wages as they did at 'ansfield (ark! 'rs! 0orris "ould not
speak with any temper of su"h grie#an"es* nor of the 7uantity of butter and eggs that
were "onsumed in the house! F0obody lo#ed plenty and hospitality more than herself5
but this was a way of going on that she "ould not understand! - fine lady in a "ountry
parsonage was 7uite out of pla"e! +n7uire where she would* she "ould not find out that
'rs! 9rant had e#er had more than fi#e thousand pounds!F
Lady Aertram listened without mu"h interest! She "ould not enter into the wrongs
of an e"onomist* but she felt astonishment in 'rs! 9rantBs being so well settled in life
without being handsome!
<ardly a year on* another e#ent arose of importan"e in the family! Sir Thomas
needed to go to -ntigua to sort out his affairs* and he took his eldest son* in the hope
of deta"hing him from some bad "onne.ions at home! They left England e.pe"ting to
be a twel#emonth absent!
The ne"essity of the 8ourney re"on"iled Sir Thomas to 7uitting the rest of his
family* and lea#ing his daughters in the "are of others! <e "ould not think Lady
Aertram 7uite e7ual to supply his pla"e with them5 but* in 'rs! 0orrisBs wat"hful
attention* and in EdmundBs 8udgment* he had "onfiden"e!
Lady Aertram did not like to ha#e her husband lea#e her5 but she was not
disturbed by any alarm for his safety* being one of those persons who think nothing
"an be dangerous or diffi"ult to anybody but themsel#es!
The 'iss Aertrams were mu"h to be pitied on the o""asion: not for their sorrow*
but for their la"k of it! Their father was no ob8e"t of lo#e to them5 his absen"e was
unhappily most wel"ome! They were relie#ed by it from all restraint5 they felt
themsel#es at their own disposal* and to ha#e e#ery indulgen"e within their rea"h!
CannyBs relief was 7uite e7ual to her "ousinsB5 but she really grie#ed be"ause she
"ould not grie#e! FSir Thomas* who had done so mu"h for her* gone perhaps ne#er to
returnJ that she should see him go without a tearJ it was a shameful insensibility!F <e
had said to her* on the last morning* that he hoped she might see @illiam again* and
had told her to in#ite him to 'ansfield when his s7uadron was in England! FThis was
so thoughtful and kindJF and if he had only smiled* and "alled her Fmy dear CannyF*
e#ery former "old address might ha#e been forgotten! Aut he had ended his spee"h by
adding* F+f @illiam does "ome to 'ansfield* + hope you may "on#in"e him that your
years here ha#e not been spent entirely without impro#ement5 though* + fear* he must
find his sister at si.teen too mu"h like his sister at ten!F She "ried bitterly o#er this
refle"tion when her un"le was gone5 and her "ousins* seeing her with red eyes* set her
down as a hypo"rite!
C<-(TE= :
Lady Aertram was soon astonished to find how well they did without Sir Thomas*
how well Edmund "ould supply his pla"e in "ar#ing* settling with the ser#ants* and
sa#ing her from all possible e.ertion!
0ews of the tra#ellersB safe arri#al at -ntigua was re"ei#ed5 though not before
'rs! 0orris had been indulging in #ery dreadful fears5 and as she depended on being
the first person to learn of any "atastrophe* she had already arranged the manner of
breaking it to all the others* when Sir ThomasBs assuran"es of their being ali#e and
well made it ne"essary to lay by preparatory spee"hes for a while!
The winter passed without their being "alled for5 the a""ounts "ontinued perfe"tly
good5 and 'rs! 0orris* in promoting gaieties for her nie"es* displaying their
a""omplishments* and looking about for their future husbands* had #ery little time to
fear for the absent!
The 'iss Aertrams were now fully established among the neighbourhood/s belles5
and as they 8oined to beauty and brilliant a"7uirements a manner naturally easy and
"i#il* they gained fa#our as well as admiration! Their #anity was in su"h good order
that they seemed to be 7uite free from it* and ga#e themsel#es no airs5 while the
praises se"ured and brought round by their aunt strengthened them in belie#ing they
had no faults!
Lady Aertram was too indolent to go into publi" with her daughters! The "harge
was made o#er to her sister* who thoroughly relished the means it afforded her of
mi.ing in so"iety without ha#ing horses to hire!
Canny had no share in the season/s festi#ities5 but she en8oyed being useful as her
auntBs "ompanion5 and* as 'iss Lee had left 'ansfield* she naturally be"ame
e#erything to Lady Aertram during the night of a party! She talked to her* listened to
her* read to her5 and the tran7uillity of su"h e#enings was unspeakably wel"ome to her
mind! -s to her "ousinsB gaieties* she lo#ed to hear an a""ount of them* espe"ially of
the balls* and whom Edmund had dan"ed with5 but ne#er imagined she should e#er be
admitted to the same! +t was a "omfortable winter to her5 for though it brought no
@illiam to England* the ne#er)failing hope of his arri#al was worth mu"h!
The spring depri#ed her of her friend* the old grey pony5 and she was in danger of
feeling the loss in her health as well as in her affe"tions5 for despite the a"knowledged
importan"e of her riding* no measures were taken for mounting her again* Fbe"ause*F
as her aunts obser#ed* Fshe might ride her "ousinsB horses at any time when they did
not want them!F -s the 'iss Aertrams wanted their horses e#ery fine day* and had no
idea of sa"rifi"ing any real pleasure* that time ne#er "ame! They took their "heerful
rides in the fine mornings of -pril and 'ay5 and Canny either sat at home all day with
one aunt* or walked beyond her strength at the instigation of the other: Lady Aertram
holding e.er"ise to be unne"essary5 and 'rs! 0orris thinking e#erybody ought to
walk all day* as she did!
Edmund was absent5 but when he returned and saw how Canny was affe"ted*
FCanny must ha#e a horseF was his resolute de"laration! 'rs! 0orris thought some
steady old thing might be found at the (ark that would do! She "onsidered it as
unne"essary* and e#en improper* that Canny should ha#e a ladyBs horse of her own* in
the style of her "ousins! She was sure Sir Thomas had ne#er intended it: and to be
adding to the great e.penses of his stable* at a time when his in"ome was unsettled*
seemed to her un8ustifiable!
FCanny must ha#e a horse*F was EdmundBs only reply! 'rs! 0orris "ould not see it
in the same light! Lady Aertram agreed with her son5 she only wanted him to wait till
Sir ThomasBs return* and then Sir Thomas might settle it himself! <e would be at
home in September* and where would be the harm of waiting till thenE
Edmund determined on a method of pro"eeding whi"h would not "ost too mu"h!
<e had three horses of his own* but not one that would "arry a woman! Two of them
were hunters5 the third* a useful road)horse: this third he e."hanged for one that his
"ousin might ride! The whole business was soon "ompleted! The new mare pro#ed a
treasure5 and Canny was put in possession of her! She had not supposed that anything
"ould suit her like the old grey pony5 but her delight in EdmundBs mare was far
beyond her former pleasure5 and her appre"iation of his kindness was beyond words!
She regarded her "ousin as an e.ample of e#erything good and great* entitled to more
gratitude than she "ould e#er pay him! <er feelings towards him were all that was
respe"tful* grateful* "onfiding* and tender!
-s the horse "ontinued to be Edmund/s property* 'rs! 0orris "ould tolerate its
being for CannyBs use5 and had Lady Aertram e#er thought about the matter* she might
ha#e e."used Edmund for not waiting till Sir ThomasBs return* for when September
"ame Sir Thomas was still abroad!
Lnfa#ourable "ir"umstan"es had suddenly arisen5 and the great un"ertainty of his
affairs determined him on sending home his son* and staying on by himself! Tom
arri#ed safely* bringing an e."ellent a""ount of his fatherBs health5 but 'rs! 0orris
"ould not help feeling dreadful presentiments5 and as the long autumn e#enings "ame
on* was so terribly haunted by these ideas* in the sad solitariness of her "ottage* as to
be obliged to take daily refuge in the dining)room of the (ark!
The return of winter engagements* howe#er* was not without effe"t5 her mind
be"ame pleasantly o""upied in superintending the fortunes of her eldest nie"e! F+f
poor Sir Thomas were ne#er to return* it would be "onsoling to see dear 'aria well
married*F she often thought5 always when they were in the "ompany of men of
fortune* parti"ularly one young man who had re"ently su""eeded to one of the largest
estates in the "ountry!
'r! =ushworth was stru"k with the beauty of 'iss Aertram* and* being in"lined to
marry* soon fan"ied himself in lo#e! <e was a hea#y young man* with not more than
"ommon sense5 but as there was nothing disagreeable in his address* the young lady
was well pleased with her "on7uest! Aeing now in her twenty)first year* 'aria
Aertram was beginning to think that she ought to marry5 and as marriage with 'r!
=ushworth would gi#e her the en8oyment of a larger in"ome than her fatherBs* as well
as a house in town* it be"ame her e#ident duty to marry 'r! =ushworth if she "ould!
'rs! 0orris was Dealous in promoting the mat"h by e#ery "ontri#an"e* and by
seeking an intima"y with the gentlemanBs mother! +t was not long before a good
understanding took pla"e between this lady and herself! 'rs! =ushworth desired that
her son should marry* and de"lared that of all the young ladies she had seen* 'iss
Aertram seemed the best adapted to make him happy! 'rs! 0orris a""epted the
"ompliment! 'aria was indeed the pride and delight of them allGperfe"tly faultlessG
an angel5 and* of "ourse* surrounded by admirers: yet 'r! =ushworth appeared
pre"isely the young man to atta"h her!
-fter dan"ing with ea"h other at a proper number of balls* the young people
entered into an engagement* mu"h to the satisfa"tion of their families* and of the
general lookers)on of the neighbourhood!
+t was some months before Sir ThomasBs "onsent "ould be re"ei#ed5 but as no one
doubted his pleasure* the two families met without restraint* and with no other attempt
made at se"re"y than 'rs! 0orrisBs talking of it e#erywhere as a matter not to be
talked of at present!
Edmund was the only one who "ould see a fault in the business5 he "ould not find
'r! =ushworth a desirable "ompanion! <e allowed his sister to be the best 8udge of
her own happiness* but he was not pleased that her happiness should "entre in a large
in"ome5 nor "ould he refrain from often saying to himself* when he was in 'r!
=ushworthBs "ompanyGF+f this man had not twel#e thousand a year* he would be a
#ery stupid fellow!F
Sir Thomas* howe#er* was truly happy in the prospe"t of an allian"e so
ad#antageous! <is hearty "on"urren"e was "on#eyed as soon as possible! <e only
asked that the marriage should not take pla"e before his return! <e wrote in -pril* and
had strong hopes of settling e#erything to his satisfa"tion* and lea#ing -ntigua before
the end of the summer!
Su"h was the state of affairs in ,uly5 and Canny had 8ust rea"hed her eighteenth
year* when the #illage re"ei#ed an addition in the brother and sister of 'rs! 9rant* a
'r! and 'iss Crawford* the "hildren of her mother by a se"ond marriage!
They were young people of fortune! The son had a good estate in 0orfolk* the
daughter twenty thousand pounds! -s 'rs 9rant/s own marriage had been soon
followed by the death of their "ommon parent* she had s"ar"ely seen them sin"e! +n
their un"leBs house they had found a kind home! -dmiral and 'rs! Crawford* though
agreeing in nothing else* were united in affe"tion for these "hildren! The -dmiral
delighted in the boy* 'rs! Crawford doted on the girl5 and it was the ladyBs death
whi"h now obliged her protMgMe to find another home! -dmiral Crawford was a man
of #i"ious "ondu"t* who "hose to bring his mistress under his own roof5 and 'rs!
9rant/s sister proposed to "ome to her* a measure wel"ome on both sides5 for 'rs!
9rant was in want of some #ariety at home! The arri#al* therefore* of a belo#ed sister
was highly agreeable5 and her "hief an.iety was lest 'ansfield should not satisfy a
young woman who was used to London!
'iss Crawford was not entirely free from similar apprehensions5 and it was not
till after she had tried in #ain to persuade her brother to settle with her at his own
"ountry house* that she resol#ed to try her other relations! <enry Crawford had a great
dislike of settling in one pla"e5 but he kindly es"orted his sister into
0orthamptonshire* and as readily engaged to fet"h her away again* at half an hourBs
noti"e* whene#er she might be weary of it!
The meeting was #ery satisfa"tory! 'iss Crawford found a sister with refinement*
a sisterBs husband who looked the gentleman* and a house "ommodious and well fitted
up5 and 'rs! 9rant re"ei#ed a young man and woman of #ery prepossessing
appearan"e! 'ary Crawford was remarkably pretty5 <enry* though not handsome* had
air and "ountenan"e5 the manners of both were li#ely and pleasant* and 'rs! 9rant
immediately ga#e them "redit for e#erything else! She was delighted with ea"h* but
'ary was her dearest ob8e"t5 and ha#ing ne#er been able to glory in beauty of her
own* she thoroughly en8oyed being proud of her sisterBs! She had already looked out
for a suitable mat"h for her: she had fi.ed on Tom Aertram5 the eldest son of a baronet
was not too good for a girl of twenty thousand pounds with elegan"e and
a""omplishments5 and sin"e she was a warm)hearted* unreser#ed woman* 'ary had
not been three hours in the house before she told her what she had planned!
'iss Crawford was glad to find a family of "onse7uen"e so near them* and not at
all displeased at her sisterBs "hoi"e! 'atrimony was her ob8e"t* pro#ided she "ould
marry well: and ha#ing seen 'r! Aertram in town* she knew that no ob8e"tion "ould
be made to his person! @hile she treated it as a 8oke* she did not forget to think of it
seriously! The s"heme was repeated to <enry!
F-nd now*F added 'rs! 9rant* F+ ha#e thought of something to make it "omplete!
+ should dearly lo#e to settle you both here5 and therefore* <enry* you shall marry the
youngest 'iss Aertram* a ni"e* handsome* good)humoured girl* who will make you
#ery happy!F
<enry bowed and thanked her!
F'y dear sister*F said 'ary* Fif you "an persuade him into anything of the sort* +
shall be delighted! + ha#e three friends who ha#e been all dying for him in their turn5
and the pains whi"h they* their mothers* my dear aunt and myself* ha#e taken to
reason* "oa.* or tri"k him into marrying* is in"on"ei#ableJ <e is the most horrible flirt
that "an be imagined! +f your 'iss Aertrams do not like to ha#e their hearts broke* let
them a#oid <enry!F
F'y dear brother* + will not belie#e this!F
F0o* + am sure you will be kinder than 'ary! 6ou will allow for the doubts of
youth! + am "autious* and unwilling to risk my happiness in a hurry! 0obody "an think
more highly of matrimony than myself! + "onsider the blessing of a wife as most 8ustly
des"ribed by the poetGB<ea#enBs last best gift!BF
FThere* 'rs! 9rant* you see how he dwells on one word* and only look at his
smile! + assure you he is detestable5 the -dmiralBs lessons ha#e 7uite spoiled him!F
F+ pay #ery little regard*F said 'rs! 9rant* Fto what any young person says about
marriage! +f they profess a disin"lination for it* + know that they ha#e not yet seen the
right person!F
Hr! 9rant laughingly "ongratulated 'iss Crawford on feeling no disin"lination to
the state herself!
F;h yesJ + am not ashamed of it! + would ha#e e#erybody marry if they "an do it
to ad#antage!F
C<-(TE= >
The young people were pleased with ea"h other from the first! The 'iss Aertrams
were too handsome themsel#es to dislike any woman for being so too* and were as
mu"h "harmed as their brothers with 'iss Crawford/s li#ely dark eye* "lear brown
"omple.ion* and general prettiness! <ad she been tall* full formed* and fair* it might
ha#e been more of a trial: but as it was* there "ould be no "omparison5 and she was
allowably a sweet* pretty girl* while they were the finest young women in the "ountry!
<er brother was not handsome: no* he was absolutely plain5 but still a gentleman*
with a pleasing address! The se"ond meeting pro#ed him not so #ery plain: he was so
e.pressi#e* and so well made* that one soon forgot he was plain5 and after a third
inter#iew* he was no longer allowed to be "alled so by anybody! <e was* in fa"t* the
most agreeable young man the sisters had e#er known! 'iss AertramBs engagement
made him the property of ,ulia* of whi"h ,ulia was fully aware5 and before he had
been at 'ansfield a week* she was 7uite ready to be fallen in lo#e with!
'ariaBs notions on the sub8e"t were more "onfused! She did not want to see or
understand! FThere "ould be no harm in her liking an agreeable manGe#erybody
knew her situationG'r! Crawford must take "are of himself!F 'r! Crawford did not
mean to be in any dangerJ the 'iss Aertrams were worth pleasing* and he began with
no ob8e"t but of making them like him! <e did not want them to die of lo#e5 but he
allowed himself great latitude on su"h points!
F+ like your 'iss Aertrams e."eedingly* sister*F said he* as they returned from a
dinner #isit5 F#ery elegant* agreeable girls!F
F+ am delighted to hear you say it! Aut you like ,ulia best!F
F;h yesJ + like ,ulia best!F
FAut do you reallyE for 'iss Aertram is in general thought the handsomest!F
F'iss Aertram is "ertainly the handsomest* and + ha#e found her the most
agreeable* but + shall always like ,ulia best* be"ause you order me!F
F+ shall not talk to you* <enry* but + know you will like her best at last!F
FHo not + tell you that + like her best at firstEF
F-nd besides* 'iss Aertram is engaged! =emember that* my dear brother!F
F6es* and + like her the better for it! -n engaged woman is always more agreeable!
She feels that she may e.ert her powers of pleasing without suspi"ion! -ll is safe with
her: no harm "an be done!F
F'r! =ushworth is a #ery good sort of man* and it is a great mat"h!F
FAut 'iss Aertram does not "are three straws for him5 that is your opinion! + do
not subs"ribe to it! + am sure 'iss Aertram is #ery mu"h atta"hed to 'r! =ushworth! +
"ould see it in her eyes* when he was mentioned! + think too well of 'iss Aertram to
suppose she would e#er gi#e her hand without her heart!F
F'ary* how shall we manage himEF
FTalking does no good! <e will be taken in at last!F
FAut + would not ha#e him taken in5 + would not ha#e him duped!F
F;h dearJ let him stand his "han"e and be taken in! E#erybody is taken in at some
time or other!F
F0ot always in marriage* dear 'ary!F
F+n marriage espe"ially! @ith all due respe"t* my dear 'rs! 9rant* there is not one
in a hundred who is not taken in when they marry! +t is* of all transa"tions* the one in
whi"h people e.pe"t most from others* and are least honest themsel#es!F
F-hJ 6ou ha#e been in a bad s"hool for matrimony* in <ill Street!F
F'y poor aunt had "ertainly little "ause to lo#e the state5 but + know many who
ha#e married in the e.pe"tation of some good 7uality in the person* who ha#e found
themsel#es entirely de"ei#ed* and been obliged to put up with e.a"tly the re#erse!
@hat is this but a take inEF
F'y dear "hild* + "annot 7uite belie#e you! 6ou see but half! 6ou see the e#il* but
you do not see the "onsolation! There will be little disappointments e#erywhere* and
we are all apt to e.pe"t too mu"h5 but those e#il)minded obser#ers* dearest 'ary* who
make mu"h of a little* are more de"ei#ed than the parties themsel#es!F
F@ell done* sisterJ @hen + am a wife* + mean to be 8ust as staun"h myself!F
F6ou are as bad as your brother* 'ary5 but stay with us* and 'ansfield shall "ure
you both* without any taking in!F
The Crawfords were #ery willing to stay! 'ary was satisfied with the (arsonage
as a home* and <enry e7ually ready to lengthen his #isit! <e had "ome* intending to
spend only a few days5 but 'ansfield promised well! +t delighted 'rs! 9rant to keep
them both* and Hr! 9rant was well "ontented to ha#e the so"iety of a pretty young
woman like 'iss Crawford5 while 'r! CrawfordBs being his guest was an e."use for
drinking "laret e#ery day!
'iss Crawford a"knowledged that the 'r! Aertrams were #ery fine young men*
and their manners* parti"ularly those of the eldest* were #ery good! <e had been mu"h
in London* and had more li#eliness and gallantry than Edmund* and must* therefore*
be preferred5 and* indeed* his being the eldest was another strong "laim! She had felt a
presentiment that she should like the eldest best! She knew it was her way!
Tom Aertram was the sort of young man to be generally liked* for he had easy
manners* e."ellent spirits* a large a"7uaintan"e* and a great deal to say5 and the
re#ersion of 'ansfield (ark* and a baronet"y* did no harm to all this! 'iss Crawford
soon felt that he and his situation might do! She looked about her* and found almost
e#erything in his fa#our: a real park* fi#e miles round* a spa"ious modern)built house*
well pla"ed and well)s"reened* and wanting only to be "ompletely new furnishedG
pleasant sisters* a 7uiet mother* and an agreeable man himselfGwith the ad#antages
of being pre#ented from gambling by a promise to his father* and of being Sir Thomas
hereafter! +t might do #ery well5 she belie#ed she should a""ept him5 and she began
a""ordingly to interest herself about the horse whi"h he was going to run at the ra"es!
These ra"es were to "all him away soon5 and as the family did not e.pe"t him
ba"k for many weeks* it would bring his passion to an early proof! 'u"h was said on
his side to indu"e her to attend the ra"es* and eager s"hemes were made for a large
party* but it was no more than talk!
-nd Canny* what was she doing all this whileE and what was her opinion of the
new"omersE Cew young ladies of eighteen "ould be less "alled on to speak their
opinion than Canny! +n a 7uiet way* she paid her tribute to 'iss CrawfordBs beauty5
but she "ontinued to think 'r! Crawford #ery plain* in spite of her two "ousins ha#ing
pro#ed the "ontrary!
F(ray* is 'iss (ri"e out* or notEF said 'iss Crawford* as she was walking with the
'r! Aertrams! F+ am puDDled! She dined at the (arsonage* with the rest of you* whi"h
seemed like being out5 and yet she says so little* that + "an hardly suppose she is!F
Edmund replied* F+ will not undertake to answer! 'y "ousin has the age and sense
of a woman* but the outs and not outs are beyond me!F
F-nd yet* in general* nothing "an be more easily as"ertained! Till now* + "ould not
ha#e supposed it possible to be mistaken as to a girlBs being out or not! - girl not out
has always the same sort of dress: looks #ery demure* and ne#er says a word! 6ou
may smile* but it is so* + assure you5 and it is #ery proper! 9irls should be 7uiet and
modest! Aut the alteration of manners on being introdu"ed into "ompany is fre7uently
too sudden! They sometimes pass in su"h #ery little time from reser#e to "onfiden"eJ
;ne does not like to see a girl of eighteen so immediately up to e#erything when she
was hardly able to speak the year before! 'r! Aertram* + dare say you ha#e met with
su"h "hanges!F
F+ ha#e* but this is hardly fair! 6ou are 7uiDDing me and 'iss -nderson!F
F0o* indeed! + do not know who you mean! Aut + will 7uiD you gladly* if you will
tell me what about!F
F-hJ 6ou must ha#e had 'iss -nderson in your eye* in des"ribing an altered
young lady! 6ou paint too a""urately for mistake! Edmund* you ha#e heard me
mention Charles -nderson! @hen he first introdu"ed me to his family* his sister was
not out* and + "ould not get her to speak to me! + sat an hour one morning waiting for
-nderson* with the mother in and out e#ery moment* and + "ould hardly get a word
from the young ladyGshe s"rewed up her mouth* and turned from me with su"h an
airJ + did not see her again for a twel#emonth! She was then out! She "ame up to me*
"laimed me as an a"7uaintan"e* and talked and laughed till + did not know whi"h way
to look! + felt that + must be the 8est of the room* and 'iss Crawford* it is plain* has
heard the story!F
F- #ery pretty story! +t is too "ommon a fault! 'others "ertainly ha#e not got
7uite the right way of managing their daughters! + do not know where the error lies! +
do not pretend to set people right* but + do see that they are often wrong!F
FThose who show the world what female manners should be*F said 'r! Aertram
gallantly* Fare doing mu"h to set them right!F
FThe error is plain enough*F said the less "ourteous Edmund5 Fsu"h girls are ill
brought up! They are gi#en wrong notions from the beginning! There is no more real
modesty in their beha#iour before they appear in publi" than afterwards!F
F+ do not know*F replied 'iss Crawford hesitatingly! F+ "annot agree! +t is mu"h
worse to ha#e girls not out gi#e themsel#es the same airs as if they were! That is 7uite
disgustingJF
F6es* #ery in"on#enient indeed*F said 'r! Aertram! F+t leads one astray! The
demure air tells one what is e.pe"ted5 but + got into a dreadful s"rape last year! + went
down to =amsgate with a friend last September! 'y friend SneydGyou ha#e heard
me speak of Sneyd* EdmundGhis father* mother* and sisters were there* all new to
me! @e went to meet them* and found them on the pier: + made my bow* and atta"hed
myself to one of 'rs Sneyd/s daughters* walked by her side* and made myself
agreeable5 the young lady perfe"tly easy in her manners* and as ready to talk as to
listen! + had not a suspi"ion that + was doing anything wrong! They looked 8ust the
same: but + afterwards found that + had been gi#ing all my attention to the youngest*
who was not out* and had e."essi#ely offended the eldest! 'iss Sneyd has ne#er
forgi#en me!F
F(oor 'iss Sneyd! + feel for her5 but it was the motherBs fault! Aut now + must be
satisfied about 'iss (ri"e! Hoes she go to ballsE Hoes she dine out e#erywhereEF
F0o*F replied Edmund5 F+ do not think Canny has e#er been to a ball! She stays at
home with my mother!F
F;hJ then the point is "lear! 'iss (ri"e is not out!F
C<-(TE= ?
'r! Aertram set off* and 'iss Crawford was prepared to miss him de"idedly in the
meetings between the families5 and on their dining together at the (ark soon after his
going* she fully e.pe"ted to feel a melan"holy differen"e! +t would be a flat business*
she was sure! Edmund would ha#e nothing to say! The soup would be sent round in a
spiritless manner* wine drank without any agreeable trifling* and the #enison "ut up
without one pleasant ane"dote about Fmy friend su"h a one!F
She must try to find amusement in obser#ing 'r! =ushworth* who was now at
'ansfield! <e had been #isiting a friend in the neighbouring "ounty* and that friend
ha#ing re"ently had his grounds laid out* 'r! =ushworth returned with his head full of
the sub8e"t! Eager to impro#e his own pla"e in the same way* he "ould talk of nothing
else! The sub8e"t had been already handled in the drawing)room5 it was re#i#ed in the
dining)parlour! 'iss AertramBs attention was his "hief aim5 and though she showed
more superiority than soli"itude* the mention of Sotherton Court ga#e her a feeling of
"ompla"en"y* whi"h made her gra"ious!
F+ wish you "ould see Compton*F said he5 F+ ne#er saw a pla"e so altered in my
life! The approa"h now* is one of the finest in the "ountry: you see the house in the
most surprising manner! + de"lare* when + got ba"k to Sotherton yesterday* it looked
like a dismal old prison!F
F;h* for shameJF "ried 'rs! 0orris! FSotherton Court is the noblest old pla"e in
the world!F
F+t wants impro#ement* maBam! +t is so forlorn that + do not know what "an be
done with it! + need some good friend to help me!F
F6our best friend upon su"h an o""asion*F said 'iss Aertram "almly* Fwould be
'r! =epton!F
FThat is what + was thinking! -s he has done so well by Smith* + think + had better
ha#e him! <is terms are fi#e guineas a day!F
F@ell* and if they were ten*F "ried 'rs! 0orris* F+ am sure you need not regard it!
Sotherton Court deser#es e#erything that taste and money "an do! +f + had anything
the fiftieth part of the siDe of Sotherton* + should be always impro#ing! +t would be
ridi"ulous for me to attempt anything where + am now* with my little half a"re! Aut if +
had more* + should take a prodigious delight in impro#ing and planting! @e did a #ast
deal in that way at the (arsonage: and would ha#e done more* but for poor 'r!
0orrisBs sad state of health! @e put in the apri"ot against the stable wall* whi"h is now
su"h a noble tree* sir*F addressing herself to Hr! 9rant!
FThe tree thri#es well* madam*F replied Hr! 9rant! FThe soil is good5 and + ne#er
pass it without regretting that the fruit should be so little worth the trouble of
gathering!F
FSir* it is a 'oor (ark* and it "ost usGthat is* it was a present from Sir Thomas*
but + saw the billGand + know it "ost se#en shillings!F
F6ou were imposed on* maBam*F replied Hr! 9rant: FThe fruit from that tree is
insipid!F
FThe truth is* maBam*F said 'rs! 9rant* pretending to whisper a"ross the table*
Fthat Hr! 9rant hardly knows what the natural taste of our apri"ot is: he is s"ar"ely
e#er indulged with one* for it is so #aluable a fruit* that what with tarts and preser#es*
my "ook "ontri#es to get them all!F
'rs! 0orris* who had begun to redden* was appeased! 'r! =ushworth began again!
FSmithBs pla"e is the admiration of all the "ountry5 and it was nothing before =epton
took it in hand! + think + shall ha#e =epton!F
F'r! =ushworth*F said Lady Aertram* Fif + were you* + would ha#e a pretty
shrubbery!F
'r! =ushworth was eager to assure her ladyship of this* and tried to say something
"omplimentary5 but* between admiring her good taste* and his ha#ing always intended
the same* and professing his attention to the ladies/ "omfort* but meaning one lady
espe"ially* he grew puDDled5 and Edmund was glad to put an end to his spee"h by a
proposal of wine! 'r! =ushworth* howe#er* had still more to say on the sub8e"t ne.t
his heart! FSmith has not mu"h abo#e a hundred a"res! 0ow* at Sotherton we ha#e
se#en hundred5 so that + think we need not despair! There ha#e been two or three fine
old trees "ut down* and it opens the prospe"t amaDingly* whi"h makes me think that
=epton would "ertainly ha#e the a#enue at Sotherton down: the a#enue from the west
front to the hill* you know*F turning to 'iss Aertram!
F;hJ + do not re"olle"t it! + really know #ery little of Sotherton!F
Canny* sitting beside Edmund* said to him in a low #oi"eG
FCut down an a#enueJ @hat a pityJ Hoes it not make you think of CowperE B6e
fallen a#enues* on"e more + mourn your fate unmerited!BF
<e smiled! F+ am afraid the a#enue stands a bad "han"e* Canny!F
F+ should like to see Sotherton before it is "ut down5 but + do not suppose + shall!F
F<a#e you ne#er been thereE Lnlu"kily* it is too far for a ride! + wish we "ould
"ontri#e it!F
F;hJ it does not signify!F
F+ "olle"t*F said 'iss Crawford* Fthat Sotherton is an old pla"e of some grandeur!
+n any parti"ular style of buildingEF
FThe house was built in EliDabethBs time*3 said Edmund* Fand is a large bri"k
building5 hea#y* but respe"table* with many good rooms! +t is ill pla"ed* in one of the
lowest spots of the park! Aut the woods are fine* and there is a stream* whi"h might be
made a good deal of! 'r! =ushworth is 7uite right* + think* in meaning to gi#e it a
modern dress* and + ha#e no doubt that it will be done e.tremely well!F
'iss Crawford listened* and said to herself* F<e is a well)bred man5 he makes the
best of it!F
F+ do not wish to influen"e 'r! =ushworth*F he "ontinued5 Fbut* had + a pla"e to
fashion* + should not put myself into the hands of an impro#er! + would rather ha#e an
inferior degree of beauty* of my own "hoi"e!F
FThat would not suit me! + ha#e no eye for su"h matters5 and had + a pla"e of my
own* + should be most thankful to any 'r! =epton who would undertake it5 and +
should ne#er look at it till it was "omplete!F
F+t would be delightful to me to see its progress*F said Canny!
F+ "onsider impro#ements as the greatest of nuisan"es! Three years ago the
-dmiral* my honoured un"le* bought a "ottage at Twi"kenham for us to spend our
summers in5 and my aunt and + went down to it 7uite in raptures5 but being
e."essi#ely pretty* it had to be impro#ed* and for three months we were all dirt and
"onfusion! + would ha#e e#erything "omplete* shrubberies and flower)gardens* and
rusti" seats: but it must be done without my "are! <enry is different5 he lo#es to be
doing!F
Edmund was sorry to hear 'iss Crawford* whom he was disposed to admire*
speak so freely of her un"le! +t did not suit his sense of propriety* and he was silen"ed*
till indu"ed by further smiles to put the matter by!
F'r! Aertram*F said she* F+ ha#e tidings of my harp at last! + am assured that it is
safe at 0orthampton5 and has probably been there these ten days* in spite of the
solemn assuran"es we re"ei#ed to the "ontrary!F Edmund e.pressed his pleasure and
surprise! FThe truth is* that our in7uiries were too dire"t5 but this morning we heard of
it in the right way! +t was seen by some farmer* and he told the miller* and the miller
told the but"her* and the but"herBs son)in)law left word at the shop!F
F+ am #ery glad that you ha#e heard of it* by whate#er means!F
F+ am to ha#e it to)morrow5 but + "ould hire no wagon in the #illage to "on#ey it!F
F6ou found it diffi"ult* in the middle of hay har#est* to hire a horse and "artEF
F+ was astonished to find what a pie"e of work was made of itJ + thought it would
be only ask and ha#e! 9uess my surprise* when + found that + had been asking the
most unreasonable thing in the world5 had offended all the farmers in the parishJF
F6ou "ould not be e.pe"ted to ha#e thought of it5 but you must see the importan"e
of getting in the grass! +n har#est* it must be 7uite out of our farmers/ power to spare a
horse!F
F+ shall understand all your ways in time5 but* "oming down with the London
ma.im* that e#erything is to be got with money* + was a little embarrassed by the
sturdy independen"e of your "ountry "ustoms! <owe#er* + am to ha#e my harp to)
morrow! <enry* who is good)nature itself* has offered to fet"h it in his barou"he!F
Edmund spoke of the harp as his fa#ourite instrument* and hoped to be allowed to
hear her! Canny had ne#er heard the harp at all* and wished for it #ery mu"h!
F+ shall be most happy to play to you both*F said 'iss Crawford5 Ffor as long as
you like to listen: probably longer! 'r! Aertram* if you write to your brother* tell him
that my harp is "ome: and that + shall prepare my most plainti#e airs for his return* as
+ know his horse will lose!F
F+f + write* + will say whate#er you wish5 but + do not foresee any need to write!F
F@hat strange "reatures brothers areJ 6ou would not write to ea"h other but upon
the most urgent ne"essity* and in the fewest possible words! 6ou ha#e but one style
among you! + know it perfe"tly! <enry* who is in e#ery other respe"t e.a"tly what a
brother should be* who "onfides in me* and will talk to me by the hour together* has
ne#er yet used a se"ond page in a letter5 and often it is nothing more thanGBHear
'ary* + am 8ust arri#ed! Aath seems full* and e#erything as usual! 6ours sin"erely!B
That is a "omplete brotherBs letter!F
F@hen they are far from their family*F said Canny* "olouring* Fthey "an write long
letters!F
F'iss (ri"e has a brother at sea*F said Edmund* Fwhose e."ellen"e as a
"orrespondent makes her think you too se#ere!F
F-t seaE +n the kingBs ser#i"eEF
Canny would rather ha#e had Edmund tell the story* but his determined silen"e
obliged her to relate her brotherBs situation: her #oi"e was animated* but she "ould not
mention the number of years that he had been absent without tears in her eyes! 'iss
Crawford "i#illy wished him an early promotion!
FHo you know anything of my "ousinBs "aptainEF said Edmund5 FCaptain
'arshallE 6ou ha#e a large a"7uaintan"e in the na#y* + "on"ludeEF
F-mong admirals* large enough5 but*F with an air of grandeur* Fwe know #ery
little of the inferior ranks! (ost)"aptains may be #ery good sort of men* but they do
not belong to us! ;f #arious admirals + "ould tell you a great deal: of their flags* and
their pay* and their bi"kerings and 8ealousies! Certainly* my home at my un"leBs
brought me a"7uainted with a "ir"le of admirals! ;f =ears and Ii"es + saw enough!
0ow do not be suspe"ting me of a pun* + entreat!F
Edmund again felt gra#e* and only replied* F+t is a noble profession!F
F6es* it is well enough5 but it is not a fa#ourite profession of mine!F
Edmund re#erted to the harp* and was again #ery happy in the prospe"t of hearing
her play!
The sub8e"t of impro#ing grounds* meanwhile* was still under "onsideration
among the others5 and 'rs! 9rant addressed her brother!
F'y dear <enry* ha#e you nothing to sayE 6ou ha#e been an impro#er yourself*
and E#eringham/s natural beauties are great! Su"h a happy fall of ground* and su"h
timberJ @hat would + not gi#e to see it againEF
F+ fear you would be disappointed5F was his answer5 Fyou would be surprised at its
insignifi"an"e5 and* as for impro#ement* there was too little for me to do: + should like
to ha#e been busy mu"h longer!F
F6ou are fond of that sort of thingEF said ,ulia!
FE."essi#ely5 but + had not been of age three months before E#eringham was
"ompleted! 'y plan was laid at @estminster* a little altered at Cambridge* and at one)
and)twenty e.e"uted! + en#y 'r! =ushworth for ha#ing so mu"h happiness yet before
him! + ha#e been a de#ourer of my own!F
FThose who see 7ui"kly* will resol#e 7ui"kly* and a"t 7ui"kly*F said ,ulia! F6ou
should assist 'r =ushworth with your opinion!F
'rs! 9rant agreed warmly5 and as 'iss Aertram ga#e the idea her full support*
'r! =ushworth re7uested the fa#our of 'r! CrawfordBs assistan"e5 and 'r! Crawford
was 7uite at his ser#i"e! 'r! =ushworth then began to propose 'r! CrawfordBs "oming
o#er to Sotherton* when 'rs! 0orris interposed!
F@hy should not more of us goE @hy should not we make a little partyE <ere are
many that would be interested in your impro#ements* my dear 'r! =ushworth5 and*
for my own part* + ha#e long wished to wait upon your good mother again5 + "ould sit
with 'rs! =ushworth* while the rest of you walked about and settled things* and then
we "ould dine at Sotherton* and ha#e a pleasant dri#e home by moonlight! + dare say
'r! Crawford would take my two nie"es and me in his barou"he* and Edmund "an go
on horseba"k* you know* sister* and Canny will stay at home with you!F
Lady Aertram made no ob8e"tion5 and e#ery one ga#e their "on"urren"e* e."epting
Edmund* who said nothing!
C<-(TE= $
F@ell* Canny* how do you like 'iss CrawfordEF said Edmund the ne.t day!
FIery well! + like to hear her talk5 and she is so e.tremely pretty* that + ha#e great
pleasure in looking at her!F
FShe has a wonderful play of featureJ Aut was there nothing in her "on#ersation
that stru"k you* Canny* as not 7uite rightEF
F;h yesJ she ought not to ha#e spoken of her un"le as she did! -n un"le with
whom she has been li#ing so many years* and who* whate#er his faults* is so fond of
her brother! + "ould not ha#e belie#ed itJF
F+ thought you would be stru"k! +t was #ery wrong!F
F-nd ungrateful* + think!F
FLngrateful is a strong word! + do not know that her un"le has any "laim to her
gratitude5 it is respe"t for her auntBs memory whi"h misleads her! +t must be diffi"ult to
do 8usti"e to her affe"tion for 'rs! Crawford* without a""using the -dmiral! + do not
pretend to know whi"h was most to blame in their disagreements* though the
-dmiralBs present "ondu"t might in"line one to the side of his wife5 but it is natural
that 'iss Crawford should a"7uit her aunt! <owe#er* there is "ertainly impropriety in
making her opinions publi"! +t makes one aware of the disad#antages she has been
under! Aut + think her present home must do her good! She speaks of her brother with
#ery pleasing affe"tion!F
F6es* e."ept as to his writing su"h short letters! She made me almost laugh5 but
what right had she to suppose that you would not write long lettersEF
FThe right of a li#ely mind* Canny* seiDing whate#er may amuse it5 perfe"tly
allowable* when untin"tured by ill)humour or roughness5 and there is not a shadow of
either in 'iss Crawford/s manner! She is perfe"tly feminine* e."ept in the instan"es
we ha#e been speaking of! There she "annot be 8ustified! + am glad you saw it all as +
did!F
<a#ing formed her mind* he had a good "han"e of her thinking like him5 though
on this sub8e"t* there began now to be some danger of dissimilarity* for he was in a
line of admiration of 'iss Crawford* where Canny "ould not follow!
'iss CrawfordBs attra"tions did not lessen! The harp arri#ed* and added to her
beauty* wit* and good)humour5 for she played with e.pression and taste* and there was
something "le#er to be said at the "lose of e#ery air! Edmund was daily at the
(arsonage* to be indulged with his fa#ourite instrument: ea"h morning se"ured an
in#itation for the ne.t!
- young woman* pretty* li#ely* with a harp as elegant as herself* pla"ed near a
window that opened on a little lawn* surrounded by the ri"h foliage of summer* was
enough to "at"h any manBs heart! Edmund was beginning to be a good deal in lo#e5
and to the lady/s "redit it may be added that* without his being an elder brother* and
without any of the arts of flattery* he began to be agreeable to her! She had not
foreseen this* and "ould hardly understand it5 for he was not pleasant by any "ommon
rule: he talked no nonsense5 he paid no "ompliments5 his opinions were unbending*
his attentions tran7uil! There was a "harm* perhaps* in his sin"erity* his steadiness* his
integrity! She did not think #ery mu"h about it* howe#er: he pleased her for the
present5 it was enough!
Canny "ould not wonder that Edmund was at the (arsonage e#ery morning5 she
too would gladly ha#e gone to hear the harp5 neither "ould she wonder that after their
e#ening stroll he should think it right to attend 'rs! 9rant and her sister to their home*
while 'r! Crawford was de#oted to the ladies of the (ark5 but she thought it a #ery
bad e."hange! She was surprised that he "ould spend so many hours with 'iss
Crawford* and not see more of the sort of fault whi"h he had already obser#ed5 but so
it was!
The first a"tual pain whi"h 'iss Crawford "aused her was the "onse7uen"e of a
wish to learn to ride! Edward en"ouraged it* and offered his own 7uiet mare for her
first attempts* as the best fitted for a beginner! <e meant no in8ury to Canny in this
offer: she was not to lose a dayBs e.er"ise! The mare was only to be taken down to the
(arsonage half an hour before her ride were to begin5 and Canny* so far from feeling
slighted* was almost o#er)powered with gratitude that he should be asking her lea#e!
'iss Crawford made her first attempt with great "redit to herself* and no
in"on#enien"e to Canny! Edmund returned with the mare in e."ellent time* before
either Canny or the steady old "oa"hman who attended her were ready to set forward!
The se"ond dayBs trial was not so guiltless! 'iss CrawfordBs en8oyment was su"h
that she did not know how to lea#e off! -"ti#e and fearless* and though small*
strongly made* she seemed formed for a horsewoman5 and to the pleasure of the
e.er"ise* something was probably added in EdmundBs attendan"e* and the "on#i"tion
of surpassing her se. by her early progress* to make her unwilling to dismount! Canny
was waiting* and 'rs! 0orris was beginning to s"old her for not being gone* and still
no horse was announ"ed! To a#oid her aunt* and look for Edward* she went out!
The houses* though s"ar"ely half a mile apart* were not within sight of ea"h other5
but* by walking fifty yards from the hall door* she "ould "ommand a #iew of the
(arsonage and its surroundings5 and she immediately saw the groupGEdmund and
'iss Crawford both on horse)ba"k* riding side by side* Hr! and 'rs! 9rant* and 'r!
Crawford* with the grooms* looking on! - happy party it appeared: for the sound of
merriment as"ended to her! She wondered that Edmund should forget her* and felt a
pang! 'iss Crawford and her "ompanion made the "ir"uit of the field5 then* at her
apparent suggestion* they rose into a "anter5 and to CannyBs timid nature it was
astonishing to see how well she sat!
-fter a few minutes they stopped! Edmund was "lose to her5 he was speaking to
her* e#idently dire"ting her management of the bridle5 he had hold of her hand5 she
saw it* or the imagination supplied what the eye "ould not rea"h! She must not wonder
at all this5 what "ould be more natural than that Edmund should make himself usefulE
+t would ha#e been be"oming in 'iss Crawford/s brother to assist her5 but 'r!
Crawford was not as kind as Edmund!
<er feelings were eased by seeing the party in the meadow disperse! 'iss
Crawford* still on horseba"k* with Edmund on foot* passed into the park* and "ame
towards the spot where she stood! Canny began then to be afraid of appearing rude
and impatient5 and walked to meet them!
F'y dear 'iss (ri"e*F said 'iss Crawford* F+ apologise for keeping you waiting
G+ knew it was late* and that + was beha#ing e.tremely ill5 if you please* you must
forgi#e me!F
CannyBs answer was e.tremely "i#il* and Edmund added his "on#i"tion that she
"ould be in no hurry! FCor there is time enough for my "ousin to ride twi"e as far as
she e#er goes*F said he* Fand you ha#e pre#ented her from setting off when it was too
hot for "omfort: "louds are now "oming up* and she will not suffer from the heat! +
wish you may not be fatigued by so mu"h e.er"ise!F
F0othing e#er fatigues me but doing what + do not like*F said she* as she sprang
down with his help5 F'iss (ri"e* + gi#e way to you with a bad gra"e5 but + hope you
will ha#e a pleasant ride on this beautiful animal!F
The old "oa"hman now 8oining them* Canny was lifted on her horse* and they set
off5 her dis"omfort not lightened by seeing that the others were walking together to
the #illage5 nor did her attendant do her mu"h good by his "omments on 'iss
CrawfordBs great "le#erness as a horse)woman!
F+t is a pleasure to see a lady with su"h a good heart for ridingJF said he! FShe did
not ha#e a thought of fear! Iery different from you* miss* when you first began! Lord
bless youJ how you did trembleJF
+n the drawing)room 'iss Crawford was also praised by the 'iss Aertrams5 her
delight in riding* and her early e."ellen"e* were like their own!
F+ was sure she would ride well*F said ,ulia! F<er figure is as neat as her
brotherBs!F
F6es*F added 'aria* Fand her spirits are as good! + think that good horsemanship
has a great deal to do with the mind!F
@hen they parted at night Edmund asked Canny whether she meant to ride the
ne.t day!
F0o* + do not knowGnot if you want the mare!F
F+ do not want her for myself*F said he5 Fbut whene#er you are ne.t in"lined to
stay at home* + think 'iss Crawford would be glad to ha#e her for a morning! She has
a desire to get as far as 'ansfield Common* and + ha#e no doubt of her being e7ual to
it! Aut any morning will do! She would be e.tremely sorry to interfere with you! +t
would be #ery wrong if she did! She rides only for pleasure5 you for health!F
F+ shall not ride to)morrow* "ertainly*F said Canny5 F+ ha#e been out often lately*
and would rather stay at home! + am strong enough now to walk #ery well!F
Edmund looked pleased* whi"h must be CannyBs "omfort* and the ride to
'ansfield Common took pla"e the ne.t morning: the party in"luded all the young
people but herself* and was mu"h en8oyed! - su""essful s"heme of this sort generally
brings on another5 and they all wished to go somewhere else the day after! Cour fine
mornings su""essi#ely were spent in this manner* in showing the Crawfords the
"ountry/s finest spots! +t was all gaiety and good)humourGtill the fourth day* when
the happiness of one of the party was e."eedingly "louded!
'iss Aertram was the one! Edmund and ,ulia were in#ited to dine at the
(arsonage* and she was e."luded! +t was done by 'rs! 9rant* with perfe"t good)
humour* on a""ount of 'r! =ushworth* who was e.pe"ted at the (ark that day5 but it
was felt as a grie#ous in8ury* and 'aria "ould barely "on"eal her anger till she rea"hed
home! -s 'r! =ushworth did not "ome* the in8ury was in"reased5 she "ould only be
sullen* and throw as great a gloom as possible o#er dinner!
Aetween ten and ele#en Edmund and ,ulia walked into the drawing)room* fresh
with the e#ening air* glowing and "heerful* the #ery re#erse of what they found in the
three ladies sitting there* for 'aria would s"ar"ely raise her eyes from her book* and
Lady Aertram was half)asleep5 and e#en 'rs! 0orris said little! Edmund* looking
around* said* F@here is CannyE +s she gone to bedEF
F0ot that + know of*F replied 'rs! 0orris5 Fshe was here a moment ago!F
<er own gentle #oi"e speaking from the other end of the room told them that she
was on the sofa! 'rs! 0orris began s"olding!
FThat is a #ery foolish tri"k* Canny* to be idling upon a sofa! @hy "annot you
"ome and sit here* and employ yourselfE +f you ha#e no work* + "an supply you from
the poor basket! There is the new "ali"o* that was bought last week* not tou"hed yet! +
am sure + almost broke my ba"k "utting it out! 6ou should learn to think of other
people! +t is a sho"king tri"k for a young person to be always lolling upon a sofa!F
Aefore half of this was said* Canny had returned to the table and taken up her
work5 and ,ulia* who was in high good)humour* did her the 8usti"e of e."laiming* F+
must say* maBam* that Canny is as little upon the sofa as anybody in the house!F
FCanny*F said Edmund* looking at her attenti#ely* F+ am sure you ha#e the
heada"he!F
She "ould not deny it* but said it was not #ery bad!
F+ "an hardly belie#e you*F he replied5 F+ know your looks too well! <ow long
ha#e you had itEF
FSin"e a little before dinner! +t is nothing but the heat!F
FHid you go out in the heatEF
FTo be sure she did*F said 'rs! 0orris: Fwould you ha#e her stay within on su"h a
fine dayE E#en your mother was out to)day!F
F6es* indeed* Edmund*F added her ladyship! F+ sat in the flower)garden* while
Canny "ut the roses5 and #ery pleasant it was* but #ery hot!F
FCanny has been "utting roses* has sheEF
F6es* and + am afraid they will be the last this year! (oor thingJ She found it hot
enough5 but they were so full)blown that one "ould not wait!F
FThere was no help for it*F re8oined 'rs! 0orris* in a rather softened #oi"e5 FThere
is nothing so likely to gi#e one a heada"he as standing in a hot sun5 but + dare say it
will be well to)morrow! Suppose you let her ha#e your aromati" #inegar!F
FShe has had it sin"e she "ame ba"k from your house the se"ond time*F said Lady
Aertram!
F@hatJF "ried Edmund5 Fhas she been walking twi"e a"ross the hot park* maBamE
0o wonder her head a"hes!F
F+ was afraid it would be too mu"h for her*F said Lady Aertram5 Fbut your aunt
wished to ha#e the roses!F
F@ere there roses enough to oblige her to go twi"eEF
F0o5 but they were to be put into the spare room to dry5 and* unlu"kily* Canny
forgot to lo"k the room and bring away the key* so she was obliged to go again!F
Edmund got up and walked about* saying* F-nd "ould nobody be employed on
su"h an errand but CannyE Lpon my word* maBam* it has been #ery ill)managed!F
F+ do not know how it was to ha#e been done better*F "ried 'rs! 0orris* Funless +
had gone myself5 but + "annot be in two pla"es at on"e5 and + was talking to 'r! 9reen
at that #ery time about your motherBs dairymaid! =eally + "annot do e#erything at
on"e! -nd as for CannyBs 8ust stepping down to my houseGit is not mu"h abo#e a
7uarter of a mile! <ow often do + pa"e it three times a day* and in all weathers tooEF
F+ wish Canny had half your strength* maBam!F
F+f Canny would be more regular in her e.er"ise* she would not be kno"ked up so
soon! She has not been out on horseba"k this long while* and + am persuaded that*
when she does not ride* she ought to walk! Aut + thought it would do her good after
stooping among the roses5 between oursel#es* Edmund* it was "utting the roses that
did the mis"hief!F
F+ am afraid it was* indeed*F said the "andid Lady Aertram5 FThe heat was enough
to kill anybody! Sitting and "alling to (ug was almost too mu"h for me!F
Edmund said no more5 but going 7uietly to the supper)tray* brought a glass of
'adeira to Canny* and obliged her to drink! She wished to de"line it5 but her tears
made it easier to swallow than to speak!
Ie.ed as Edmund was with his mother and aunt* he was still more angry with
himself! Canny had been left without any e.er"ise* and without any e."use for
a#oiding whate#er her unreasonable aunts might re7uire! <e was ashamed to think
that for four days she had not been able to ride* and resol#ed that it should ne#er
happen again!
Canny went to bed with her heart full! She had been struggling against dis"ontent
and en#y for some days! -s she leant on the sofa* the pain of her mind had been mu"h
beyond that in her head5 and the sudden "hange whi"h EdmundBs kindness had then
o""asioned* made her hardly know how to support herself!
C<-(TE= %
CannyBs rides re"ommen"ed the #ery ne.t day5 and as it was "ooler* Edmund trusted
that her loss of health would be soon made good! @hile she was gone 'r! =ushworth
arri#ed* es"orting his mother* who "ame to urge them to #isit Sotherton* as planned!
'rs! 0orris and her nie"es were well pleased* and an early day was agreed* pro#ided
'r! Crawford should be free: and on a hint from 'iss Aertram* 'r! =ushworth
de"ided to walk down to the (arsonage dire"tly* and "all on 'r! Crawford* and in7uire
whether @ednesday would suit him!
Aefore his return 'rs! 9rant and 'iss Crawford "ame in! <a#ing taken a different
route to the house* they had not met him5 but they hoped that he would find 'r!
Crawford at home! The Sotherton s"heme was mentioned of "ourse! 'rs! 0orris was
in high spirits about it5 and 'rs! =ushworth* a well)meaning* "i#il* prosing* pompous
woman* was still pressing Lady Aertram to 8oin the group! Lady Aertram "onstantly
de"lined5 but her pla"id manner of refusal made 'rs! =ushworth still think she wished
to "ome* till 'rs! 0orris "on#in"ed her of the truth!
FThe fatigue would be too mu"h for my sister* my dear 'rs! =ushworth! Ten miles
there* and ten ba"k* you know! 6ou must a""ept our two dear girls and myself without
her! She will ha#e a "ompanion in Canny (ri"e5 and as for Edmund* + will answer for
his being most happy to 8oin the party! <e "an go on horseba"k* you know!F
'rs! =ushworth was sorry! FShe should ha#e been e.tremely happy to ha#e seen
her Ladyship* and 'iss (ri"e* who had ne#er been at Sotherton yet!F
F6ou are all kindness* my dear madam*F "ried 'rs! 0orris5 Fbut Canny will ha#e
opportunities in plenty of seeing Sotherton! <er going now is out of the 7uestion!
Lady Aertram "ould not possibly spare her!F
F;h noJ + "annot do without Canny!F
'rs! =ushworth pro"eeded ne.t to in#ite 'iss Crawford5 and 'ary was swift to
a""ept! 'r! =ushworth "ame ba"k from the (arsonage su""essful5 and Edmund made
his appearan"e 8ust in time to learn what had been settled for @ednesday* to attend
'rs! =ushworth to her "arriage* and walk half)way down the park with the two other
ladies!
;n his return to the breakfast)room* he found 'rs! 0orris trying to de"ide whether
'iss CrawfordBs being of the party were desirable* or whether her brotherBs barou"he
would not be full without her! The 'iss Aertrams laughed* assuring her that the
barou"he would hold four perfe"tly well* independent of the bo.* on whi"h one might
go with him!
FAut why should only Crawford/s "arriage be employedEF said Edmund! F@hy is
no use to be made of my motherBs "haiseEF
F@hatJF "ried ,ulia: Fgo bo.ed up in a post"haise in this weather* when we may
ha#e seats in a barou"heJF
FAesides*F said 'aria* F+ know that 'r! Crawford depends upon taking us!F
F-nd* my dear Edmund*F added 'rs! 0orris* Fto take two "arriages when one will
do* would be trouble for nothing5 and "oa"hman always "omplains of the narrow lanes
to Sotherton s"rat"hing his "arriage* and one should not like to ha#e dear Sir Thomas*
when he "omes home* find all the #arnish s"rat"hed off!F
FThat would not be a #ery handsome reason for using 'r! CrawfordBs*F said
'aria5 Fbut the truth is* that @il"o. is a stupid old fellow* and does not know how to
dri#e! + will answer for it that we shall find no in"on#enien"e from narrow roads on
@ednesday!F
FThere will be nothing unpleasant* + suppose*F said Edmund* Fin going on the
barou"he bo.!F
FLnpleasantJF "ried 'aria: F+t would be generally thought the fa#ourite seat* for
oneBs #iew of the "ountry! (robably 'iss Crawford will "hoose the barou"he)bo.
herself!F
FThere "an be no ob8e"tion* then* to CannyBs going with you5 there "an be no doubt
of your ha#ing room!F
FCannyJF repeated 'rs! 0orris5 Fmy dear Edmund* there is no idea of her going
with us! She stays with her aunt! + told 'rs! =ushworth so! She is not e.pe"ted!F
F+f you "ould do without her* madam*F said he* addressing his mother* Fyou would
not wish to keep her at homeEF
FTo be sure not* but + "annot do without her!F
F6ou "an* if + stay at home with you!F
There was a general "ry out at this! F6es*F he "ontinued* Fthere is no ne"essity for
my going! Canny has a great desire to see Sotherton! She has not often a gratifi"ation
of the kind* and + am sure* maBam* you would be glad to gi#e her the pleasure nowEF
F;h yesJ #ery glad* if your aunt sees no ob8e"tion!F
'rs! 0orris was #ery ready with her ob8e"tionGtheir ha#ing positi#ely assured
'rs! =ushworth that Canny "ould not go* and the #ery strange appearan"e there would
be in taking her* whi"h seemed to her a diffi"ulty 7uite impossible to be got o#er! +t
would show su"h disrespe"t for 'rs! =ushworth* that she really did not feel e7ual to
it! <er opposition to Edmund arose more from partiality for her own s"heme* be"ause
it was her own* than from anything else! @hen Edmund* therefore* told her that he
had mentioned 'iss (ri"e to 'rs =ushworth* and had re"ei#ed an in#itation for her*
'rs! 0orris was too mu"h #e.ed to submit with gra"e* and would only say* FIery
well* settle it your own way!F
F+t seems #ery odd*F said 'aria* Fthat you should be staying at home instead of
Canny!F
F+ am sure she ought to be #ery mu"h obliged to you*F added ,ulia* "ons"ious that
she ought to offer to stay at home herself!
FCanny will feel 7uite as grateful as the o""asion re7uires*F was EdmundBs only
reply!
CannyBs gratitude* when she heard the plan* was* in fa"t* mu"h greater than her
pleasure! She felt EdmundBs kindness more than he* unsuspi"ious of her fond
atta"hment* "ould be aware of5 but that he should forego any en8oyment ga#e her pain*
and her own satisfa"tion in seeing Sotherton would be nothing without him!
The ne.t meeting of the 'ansfield families produ"ed another alteration in the
plan! 'rs! 9rant offered herself as "ompanion for the day to Lady Aertram! Lady
Aertram was #ery well pleased* and e#en Edmund was thankful for an arrangement
whi"h restored him to the party5 while 'rs! 0orris thought it an e."ellent plan* and
had been on the point of proposing it herself!
@ednesday was fine* and soon after breakfast the barou"he arri#ed* 'r! Crawford
dri#ing his sisters! @hen 'rs 9rant alighted* e#erybody was ready to take their
pla"es! The pla"e of all pla"es* the en#ied seat* was #a"ant! To whose happy lot was it
to fallE @hile ea"h of the 'iss Aertrams were meditating how to se"ure it* the matter
was settled by 'rs! 9rantBs saying* F;ne of you should sit with <enry5 and as you
were saying lately that you wished you "ould dri#e* ,ulia* this will be a good
opportunity for you to take a lesson!F
<appy ,uliaJ Lnhappy 'ariaJ The former was on the barou"he)bo. in a moment*
the latter took her seat within* in gloom and mortifi"ation5 and the "arriage dro#e off!
Their road was through a pleasant "ountry5 and Canny* whose rides had ne#er been
e.tensi#e* was #ery happy in obser#ing all that was new and pretty! She was not often
in#ited to 8oin in the "on#ersation* nor did she desire it! <er own thoughts were
habitually her best "ompanions5 and* in obser#ing the appearan"e of the "ountry* the
state of the har#est* the "ottages* the "attle and the "hildren* she found entertainment
that "ould only ha#e been heightened by ha#ing Edmund to dis"uss it with!
That was the only point of resemblan"e between her and the lady who sat by her:
in e#erything but a #alue for Edmund* 'iss Crawford was #ery unlike her! She had
none of CannyBs deli"a"y of feeling5 she saw 0ature with little obser#ation5 her
attention was all for men and women* her talents for the light and li#ely! +n looking
ba"k after Edmund* howe#er* when there was any stret"h of road behind them* they
were united* and a Fthere he isF broke at the same moment from them both!
Cor the first se#en miles 'iss Aertram had #ery little "omfort: her prospe"t always
ended in 'r! Crawford and her sister sitting side by side* full of "on#ersation and
merriment5 a perpetual sour"e of irritation* whi"h her sense of propriety "ould only
8ust smooth o#er! ,ulia looked ba"k* smiling* and spoke in the highest spirits: Fher
#iew of the "ountry was "harming* she wished they "ould all see it*F et"!5 but her only
offer of e."hange was addressed to 'iss Crawford: F+ wish you had my seat* but +
dare say you will not take it* let me press you e#er so mu"h!F 'iss Crawford "ould
hardly answer before they were mo#ing again!
@hen they "ame nearer to Sotherton* it was better for 'iss Aertram* who might
be said to ha#e two strings to her bow! She had =ushworth feelings* and Crawford
feelings* and in the #i"inity of Sotherton the former had "onsiderable effe"t! She "ould
not tell 'iss Crawford that Fthose woods belonged to Sotherton*F she "ould not
"arelessly obser#e that Fshe belie#ed that it was now all 'r! =ushworthBs property on
ea"h side of the road*F without elation of heart5 and it was a pleasure to in"rease with
their approa"h to the mansion!
F0ow we shall ha#e no more rough road* 'iss Crawford5 the rest of the way is as
it ought to be! 'r! =ushworth has impro#ed it sin"e he su""eeded to the estate! <ere
begins the #illage! Those "ottages are really a disgra"e! The "hur"h spire is re"koned
remarkably handsome! There is the parsonage: a tidy)looking house* and + understand
the "lergyman and his wife are #ery de"ent people! To the right is the stewardBs house5
he is a #ery respe"table man! 0ow we are "oming to the lodge)gates5 but we ha#e
nearly a mile through the park still! There is some fine timber* but the situation of the
house is dreadful! @e go down hill to it for half a mile5 it would not be an ill)looking
pla"e if it had a better approa"h!F
'iss Crawford was not slow to admire5 she guessed 'iss AertramBs feelings* and
made it a point of honour to promote her en8oyment to the utmost! 'rs! 0orris was all
delight5 and e#en Canny had something to say in admiration! <er eye was eagerly
taking in e#erything5 and she asked* F@here is the a#enueE +t must be at the ba"k of
the house!F
F6es* it is behind the house* and as"ends for half a mile! +t is oak entirely!F
'iss Aertram "ould now speak with de"ided information of what she had known
nothing about when 'r! =ushworth had asked her opinion5 and her spirits were in as
happy a flutter as pride "ould furnish* when they dro#e up to the spa"ious stone steps
before the prin"ipal entran"e!
C<-(TE= &
'r! =ushworth was at the door to wel"ome the party with due attention! +n the
drawing)room they were met with e7ual "ordiality by the mother* and 'iss Aertram
had all the distin"tion that she "ould wish! The doors were thrown open to admit them
into the dining)parlour* where a lun"heon was prepared with abundan"e and elegan"e!
'u"h was said* and ate* and all went well!
'rs =ushworth then proposed showing the party round the house! They rose
a""ordingly* and under 'rs! =ushworthBs guidan"e were shown through a number of
rooms* all lofty* large* and amply furnished in the taste of fifty years ba"k* with
shining floors* solid mahogany* ri"h damask* marble* gilding* and "ar#ing* ea"h
handsome in its way! There were many pi"tures* some good* but most were family
portraits* no longer anything to anybody but 'rs! =ushworth!
She addressed herself "hiefly to 'iss Crawford and Canny! 'iss Crawford* who
had seen s"ores of great houses* and "ared for none of them* had only the appearan"e
of "i#illy listening* while Canny* to whom e#erything was new* attended earnestly to
all that 'rs! =ushworth "ould relate of the family in former times* delighted to
"onne"t anything with the history that she knew* or to warm her imagination with
s"enes of the past!
There was not mu"h prospe"t from any of the rooms5 and <enry Crawford looked
gra#e* shaking his head at the windows! E#ery room on the west front looked a"ross a
lawn to the beginning of the a#enue beyond tall iron palisades!
F0ow*F said 'rs! =ushworth* Fwe are "oming to the "hapel!F
They entered! Canny e.pe"ted something grander than a spa"ious* oblong room*
fitted up for the purpose of de#otion: with nothing more striking or solemn than the
profusion of mahogany* and "rimson #el#et "ushions!
F+ am disappointed*F said she 7uietly to Edmund! FThis is not my idea of a "hapel!
There is nothing melan"holy* nothing grand! <ere are no aisles* no ar"hes* no
ins"riptions! 0o banners to be Bblown by the night wind of hea#en!BF
F6ou forget* Canny* how lately all this has been built* and only for the pri#ate use
of the family! 6ou must look in the parish "hur"h for the banners!F
'rs! =ushworth began* FThis "hapel was fitted up as you see it* in ,ames the
Se"ondBs time! Aefore then* the pews were only wains"ot5 and the "ushions only
purple "loth! +t is a handsome "hapel* and was formerly in "onstant use! (rayers were
read in it by the domesti" "haplain* within the memory of many5 but the late 'r!
=ushworth left it off!F
FE#ery generation has its impro#ements*F said 'iss Crawford* with a smile* to
Edmund!
F+t is a pity*F "ried Canny* Fthat the "ustom should ha#e been dis"ontinued! +t is so
mu"h in "hara"ter with a great houseJ - whole family assembling regularly for the
purpose of prayer is fineJF
FIery fine indeed*F said 'iss Crawford* laughing! F+t must do the heads of the
family good to for"e all the poor housemaids to say their prayers here twi"e a day*
while they are in#enting e."uses themsel#es for staying away!F
FThat is hardly CannyBs idea of a family assembling*F said Edmund!
F+t is safer to lea#e people to their own de#i"es on su"h sub8e"ts! E#erybody likes
to "hoose their own time and manner of de#otion! The obligation of attendan"e is a
formidable thing! Cannot you imagine with what unwilling feelings the former belles
of the house "ame to this "hapelE Star"hed up into seeming piety* but with heads full
of something #ery differentGespe"ially if the poor "haplain were not worth looking at
Gand* in those days* + fan"y parsons were inferior e#en to what they are now!F
Cor a few moments she was unanswered! Canny "oloured and looked at Edmund*
but felt too angry for spee"h5 and he needed a little re"olle"tion before he "ould say*
F6our li#ely mind "an hardly be serious e#en on serious sub8e"ts! 6ou ha#e gi#en us
an amusing sket"h* and human nature "annot say it was not so! @e must all feel at
times the diffi"ulty of fi.ing our thoughts as we "ould wish5 but do you think the
minds whi"h are indulged in wanderings in a "hapel* would be more "olle"ted in a
"losetEF
F6es* for two reasons! There would be less to distra"t the attention* and it would
not be ta.ed so long!F
FThe mind would always find ob8e"ts to distra"t it5 and the influen"e of the pla"e
may often rouse better feelings than are begun with! The length of the ser#i"e + admit
to be sometimes too hard upon the mind! + ha#e not yet left ;.ford long enough to
forget what "hapel prayers are!F
'eanwhile* ,ulia "alled 'r! CrawfordBs attention to her sister* saying* FHo look at
'r! =ushworth and 'aria* standing side by side* e.a"tly as if the wedding "eremony
were going to be performed!F
'r! Crawford smiled* and stepping forward to 'aria* said* in a #oi"e whi"h she
only "ould hear* F+ do not like to see 'iss Aertram so near the altar!F
Starting* the lady instin"ti#ely mo#ed a step or two* but re"o#ering* affe"ted to
laugh* and asked him* in a tone not mu"h louder* F+f he would gi#e her awayEF
F+ am afraid + should do it #ery awkwardly*F was his reply* with a look of
meaning!
,ulia* 8oining them* "arried on the 8oke!
F+t is really a pity that it should not take pla"e dire"tly* if we had a li"en"e* for
nothing in the world "ould be more pleasant!F -nd she talked about it with so little
"aution as to "at"h the "omprehension of 'r! =ushworth* who whispered gallantries
to 'aria!
F+f Edmund were but in ordersJF "ried ,ulia: F'y dear Edmund* if you were in
orders now* you might perform the "eremony dire"tly! <ow unlu"ky that you are not
ordained!F
'iss Crawford looked almost aghast under this new idea! Canny pitied her! F<ow
distressed she will be at what she said 8ust now*F passed a"ross her mind!
F;rdainedJF said 'iss Crawford5 Fare you to be a "lergymanEF
F6es5 + shall take orders after my fatherBs returnGprobably at Christmas!F
'iss Crawford* rallying her spirits* replied only* F+f + had known this before* +
would ha#e spoken of the "loth with more respe"t*F and turned the sub8e"t!
The "hapel was soon afterwards left to the silen"e whi"h reigned in it throughout
the year! -ll seemed to feel that they had been there long enough!
The lower part of the house had now been shown* and 'rs! =ushworth would
ha#e pro"eeded towards the stair"ase if her son had not interposed! F@e shall not ha#e
time to sur#ey the grounds*3 said he! 2+t is past two* and we are to dine at fi#e!F
'rs! =ushworth submitted5 and 'rs! 0orris was beginning to arrange by what
"ombination of "arriages and horses most "ould be done* when the young people*
meeting with an outward door that opened temptingly on a flight of steps* as by one
impulse* all walked out!
FSuppose we turn down here for the present*F said 'rs! =ushworth* "i#illy taking
the hint and following them! F<ere are the greatest number of our plants* and our
pheasants!F
F+ see walls of great promise*3 said 'r Crawford* looking round! <e mo#ed
forward to e.amine the end of the house! The lawn* bounded by a high wall*
"ontained a bowling)green* and beyond the bowling)green a long terra"e walk* ba"ked
by iron palisades* with a #iew o#er them into the tree)tops of a wilderness! +t was a
good spot for fault)finding! 'r! Crawford was followed by 'iss Aertram and 'r!
=ushworth5 and these three were found in busy "onsultation on the terra"e by
Edmund* 'iss Crawford* and Canny* who seemed as naturally to unite* and who* after
a few words* left them and walked on!
The remaining three* 'rs! =ushworth* 'rs! 0orris* and ,ulia* were still far
behind5 for ,ulia* whose happy star no longer pre#ailed* was obliged to stay with 'rs!
=ushworth* and restrain her impatient feet to that ladyBs slow pa"e* while her aunt was
lingering behind in gossip with the housekeeper! (oor ,ulia was now as different from
the ,ulia of the barou"he)bo. as "ould be imagined! (oliteness made it impossible for
her to es"ape5 while the want of that self)"ommand* that "onsideration of others* that
prin"iple of right* whi"h had not formed any essential part of her edu"ation* made her
miserable!
FThis is insufferably hot*F said 'iss Crawford* when her group of three had taken
a turn on the terra"e* and were near the door to the wilderness! FShall any of us ob8e"t
to being "omfortableE <ere is a ni"e little wood* if one "an but get into it! @hat
happiness if the door should not be lo"kedJ in these great pla"es the gardeners are the
only people who "an go where they like!F
The door* howe#er* pro#ed not to be lo"ked* and they turned 8oyfully through it*
lea#ing the glare of day behind! - flight of steps landed them in the wilderness* whi"h
was a planted wood of about two a"res! Though it was "hiefly of lar"h and laurel* laid
out with too mu"h regularity* it was shade and natural beauty "ompared with the
terra"e! They all felt refreshed as they walked! -t length* 'iss Crawford began* FSo
you are to be a "lergyman* 'r! Aertram! This is a surprise to me!F
F@hyE 6ou must suppose me designed for some profession!F
FThere is generally an un"le or a grandfather to lea#e a fortune to the se"ond son!F
F- #ery praiseworthy pra"ti"e*F said Edmund* Fbut not 7uite uni#ersal! Aeing one
of the e."eptions* + must do something for myself!F
FAut why be a "lergymanE + thought that was always the lot of the youngest*
where many "hose before him!F
FHo you think the "hur"h itself ne#er "hosen* thenEF
FNever is a bla"k word! Aut yes* in the never of "on#ersation* whi"h means not
#ery often* + do think it! Cor what is to be done in the "hur"hE 'en lo#e to distinguish
themsel#es* and in other lines distin"tion may be gained* but not in the "hur"h! -
"lergyman is nothing!F
FThe nothing of "on#ersation has its gradations too* + hope! - "lergyman "annot
be high in state or fashion! Aut + "annot "all it nothing to ha#e the "harge of all that is
of the first importan"e to mankind* the guardianship of religion and of morals! 0o one
"an "all the offi"e nothing!F
F6ou gi#e greater "onse7uen"e to the "lergyman than + "an "omprehend! ;ne does
not see mu"h of this importan"e in so"iety! <ow "an two sermons a week* e#en
supposing them worth hearing* go#ern the "ondu"t of a large "ongregation for the rest
of the weekE ;ne s"ar"ely sees a "lergyman out of his pulpit!F
F6ou are speaking of London* + am speaking of the nation at large!F
FThe metropolis* + imagine* is a pretty fair sample of the rest!F
F@e do not look in great "ities for our best morality! +t is not there that the
influen"e of the "lergy "an be most felt! - fine prea"her is admired5 but it is not in fine
prea"hing only that a good "lergyman will be useful* where the parish and
neighbourhood know his "hara"ter* and "an obser#e his "ondu"t* whi"h in London "an
rarely be the "ase! The "lergy are lost there in the "rowds of their parishioners! They
are known only as prea"hers! +t will* + belie#e* be e#erywhere found* that as the "lergy
are* or are not what they ought to be* so are the rest of the nation!F
FCertainly*F said Canny* with gentle earnestness!
FThere*F "ried 'iss Crawford* Fyou ha#e "on#in"ed 'iss (ri"e already!F
F+ wish + "ould "on#in"e 'iss Crawford too!F
F+ do not think you e#er will*F said she* with an ar"h smile5 F+ am still surprised
now that you should intend to take orders! 6ou really are fit for something better!
Come* "hange your mind! +t is not too late! 9o into the law!F
F9o into the lawJ @ith as mu"h ease as + was told to go into this wilderness!F
F0ow you are going to say something about law being the worse wilderness of the
two* but + forestall you!F
F6ou need not* for there is not the least wit in my nature! + am a #ery matter)of)
fa"t* plain)spoken being* and may blunder on the borders of a repartee for half an hour
together without getting it out!F
- silen"e followed! Ea"h was thoughtful! Canny made the first interruption by
saying* F+ wonder that + should be tired with only walking in this sweet wood5 but the
ne.t time we "ome to a seat* + should be glad to sit down for a little while!F
F'y dear Canny*F "ried Edmund* immediately drawing her arm within his* Fhow
thoughtless + ha#e beenJ + hope you are not #ery tired! (erhaps*F turning to 'iss
Crawford* Fmy other "ompanion may do me the honour of taking an arm!F
FThank you* but + am not at all tired!F She took it* howe#er* and the gratifi"ation
of feeling su"h a "onne.ion for the first time made him a little forgetful of Canny!
F6ou s"ar"ely tou"h me*F said he! F@hat a differen"e in the weight of a womanBs arm
from that of a manJ -t ;.ford + ha#e been used to ha#e a man lean on me for the
length of a street* and you are only a fly in "omparison!F
F+ am really not tired* whi"h + almost wonder at5 for we must ha#e walked at least
a mile in this wood! Ho not you think we ha#eEF
F0ot half a mile!F
F;hJ "onsider how mu"h we ha#e wound about! -nd we ha#e not seen the end of
the wood sin"e we left the first path!F
FAut if you remember* before we left that first path* we saw dire"tly to the end of
it! @e looked down the whole #ista* and saw it "losed by iron gates* and it "ould not
ha#e been more than a furlong in length!F
F;hJ + know nothing of your furlongs* but + am sure it is a #ery long wood* and
that we ha#e been winding in and out e#er sin"e we "ame into it5 and therefore + say
that we ha#e walked a mile!F
F@e ha#e been e.a"tly a 7uarter of an hour here*F said Edmund* taking out his
wat"h! FHo you think we are walking four miles an hourEF
F;hJ do not atta"k me with your wat"h! - wat"h is always too fast or too slow!F
- few steps brought them out at the bottom of the #ery walk they had been talking
of5 and well shaded and looking o#er a deep dit"h* a ha)ha* into the park* was a ben"h*
on whi"h they all sat down!
F+ am afraid you are #ery tired* Canny*F said Edmund5 Fwhy would not you speak
soonerE E#ery sort of e.er"ise fatigues her so soon* 'iss Crawford* e."ept riding!F
F<ow abominable in you* then* to let me engross her horse as + did all last weekJ +
am ashamed of you and of myself* but it shall ne#er happen again!F
F6our "onsideration makes me more aware of my own negle"t! CannyBs well)being
seems in safer hands with you than with me!F
F+ am not surprised that she is tired now5 for there is nothing so fatiguing as seeing
a great house* dawdling from one room to another* straining oneBs eyes and oneBs
attention* hearing what one does not understand* admiring what one does not "are for!
+t is the greatest bore in the world* and 'iss (ri"e has found it so* though she did not
know it!F
F+ shall soon be rested*F said Canny5 Fto sit in the shade* and look upon #erdure* is
the most perfe"t refreshment!F
-fter sitting a little while 'iss Crawford was up again! F+ must mo#e*F said she5
Fresting fatigues me! + ha#e looked a"ross the ha)ha till + am weary! + must go and
look through that iron gate at the same #iew* without being able to see it so well!F
Edmund left the seat likewise! F0ow* 'iss Crawford* if you look up the walk* you
will see that it "annot be half a mile long!F
F+t is an immense distan"e5 + see that with a glan"e!F
<e reasoned with her in #ain! She would not "al"ulate5 she would only smile and
assert in a way that was most engaging! -t last they agreed to determine the
dimensions of the wood by walking a little more about it! They would go to one end
of it* and turn a little way in some other dire"tion* and be ba"k in a few minutes!
Canny said she was rested* and would ha#e mo#ed too* but this was not allowed!
Edmund urged her to remain where she was! She was left on the ben"h to think with
pleasure of her "ousinBs "are* but with regret that she was not stronger! She wat"hed
them till they had turned the "orner* and listened till all sound of them had "eased!
C<-(TE= 10
Twenty minutes passed* and Canny began to be surprised at being left so long* and to
listen an.iously for their steps and #oi"es! -t length she heard #oi"es approa"hing5 but
it was not those she wanted! 'iss Aertram* 'r! =ushworth* and 'r! Crawford were
before her!
F'y dear Canny* how "omes thisEF
She told her story! F(oor dear Canny*F "ried 'aria* Fhow ill you ha#e been usedJ
6ou had better ha#e stayed with us!F
Seating herself with a gentleman on ea"h side* 'aria resumed their "on#ersation*
dis"ussing the possible impro#ements with mu"h animation! 0othing was fi.ed on5
but <enry Crawford was full of ideas* and whate#er he proposed was immediately
appro#ed* first by her* and then by 'r! =ushworth* who s"ar"ely risked an original
thought of his own!
-fter some minutes* 'iss Aertram* obser#ing the iron gate* e.pressed a wish of
passing through it into the park* that their #iews and plans might be more
"omprehensi#e! +t was the best way of pro"eeding* in <enry CrawfordBs opinion5 and
he saw a knoll not half a mile off* whi"h would gi#e them a #iew of the house! 9o
therefore they must to that knoll5 but the gate was lo"ked!
'r! =ushworth wished he had brought the key5 he had been #ery near to bringing
the key5 he was determined he would ne#er "ome without the key again5 but this did
not remo#e the present e#il! They "ould not get through5 and it ended in 'r!
=ushworthBs de"laring that he would go and fet"h the key! <e set off a""ordingly!
@hen he was gone* 'aria addressed 'r Crawford! FSin"erely* do not you find the
pla"e worse than you e.pe"tedEF
F0o* indeed! + find it grander* more "omplete in its style* though that style may not
be the best! -nd to tell you the truth*F speaking rather lower* F+ do not think that +
shall e#er see Sotherton again with so mu"h pleasure as + do now! -nother summer
will hardly impro#e it to me!F
-fter a momentBs embarrassment the lady replied* F6ou are too mu"h a man of the
world not to see with the eyes of the world! +f other people think Sotherton impro#ed*
+ ha#e no doubt that you will!F
F+ am afraid + am not so mu"h the man of the world as might be good for me! 'y
feelings are not 7uite so light as is the "ase with men of the world!F
There was a short silen"e! 'iss Aertram began again! F6ou seemed to en8oy your
dri#e here #ery mu"h this morning! + was glad to see you so well entertained! 6ou and
,ulia were laughing the whole way!F
F@ere weE 6es* + belie#e we were5 but + ha#e not the least re"olle"tion at what!
;hJ + belie#e + was relating to her some ridi"ulous stories of an old +rish groom of my
un"leBs! 6our sister lo#es to laugh!F
F6ou think her more light)hearted than + amEF
F'ore easily amused*F he replied* smiling! F+ "ould not ha#e hoped to entertain
you with +rish ane"dotes during a ten milesB dri#e!F
F0aturally* + belie#e* + am as li#ely as ,ulia* but + ha#e more to think of now!F
F6ou ha#e* undoubtedly! 6our prospe"ts* howe#er* are fair! 6ou ha#e a #ery
smiling s"ene before you!F
FHo you mean literally or figurati#elyE Literally* + "on"lude! 6es* "ertainly* the
sun shines* and the park looks #ery "heerful! Aut unlu"kily that iron gate* that ha)ha*
gi#e me a feeling of restraint and hardship! B+ "annot get out*B as the starling said!F -s
she spoke* and it was with e.pression* she walked to the gate: he followed her! F'r!
=ushworth is so long fet"hing this keyJF
F-nd for the world you would not get out without the key and without 'r!
=ushworthBs authority* or + think you might easily pass round the edge of the gate*
here* with my assistan"e5 + think it might be done* if you really wished to be more at
large* and did not think it prohibited!F
F(rohibitedJ nonsenseJ + "ertainly "an get out that way* and + will! 'r! =ushworth
will be here in a moment5 we shall not be out of sight!F
F;r if we are* 'iss (ri"e will tell him that he will find us on that knoll!F
Canny* feeling all this to be wrong* "ould not help making an effort to pre#ent it!
F6ou will hurt yourself* 'iss Aertram*F she "ried5 Fyou will tear your gown5 you will
be in danger of slipping into the ha)ha! 6ou had better not go!F
<er "ousin was safe on the other side while these words were spoken* and* smiling
with the good)humour of su""ess* she said* FThank you* dear Canny* but + and my
gown are ali#e and well* and so good)bye!F
Canny was again left alone* and with no pleasant feelings* for she was astonished
at 'iss Aertram* and angry with 'r! Crawford! Ay taking a "ir"uitous and #ery
unreasonable dire"tion to the knoll* they were soon beyond her eye5 and for some
minutes she had the little wood all to herself!
She was again roused by sudden footsteps: somebody was "oming at a 7ui"k pa"e
down the walk! She e.pe"ted 'r! =ushworth* but it was ,ulia* who* hot and out of
breath* and with a look of disappointment* "ried out* F<eydayJ @here are the othersE
+ thought 'aria and 'r! Crawford were with you!F
Canny e.plained!
F- pretty tri"k* upon my wordJ + "annot see them! Aut they "annot be far off* and +
think + am e7ual to as mu"h as 'aria* e#en without help!F
FAut* ,ulia* 'r! =ushworth will be here in a moment with the key! Ho wait for 'r!
=ushworth!F
F0ot +* indeed! + ha#e had enough of the family for one morning! @hy* + ha#e but
this moment es"aped from his horrible mother! Su"h a penan"e as + ha#e endured*
while you were sitting here "omposed and happyJ 6ou always "ontri#e to keep out of
these s"rapes!F
This was a most un8ust refle"tion* but Canny "ould allow for it* for ,ulia was
#e.ed! She therefore only asked her if she had seen 'r! =ushworth!
F6es* he was hurrying away as if upon life and death* and "ould 8ust spare time to
tell us his errand!F
F+t is a pity he should ha#e so mu"h trouble for nothing!F
FThat is 'iss 'ariaBs "on"ern! + am not obliged to punish myself for her sins! The
mother + "ould not a#oid* but the son + "an get away from!F
-nd she immediately s"rambled a"ross the fen"e* and walked away! Canny now
sat in dread of seeing 'r! =ushworth5 she felt that he had been #ery ill)used!
<e 8oined her fi#e minutes after ,uliaBs e.it5 and though she made the best of the
story* he was e#idently greatly mortified! <is looks e.pressed his e.treme surprise
and #e.ation* and he walked to the gate and stood there* without seeming to know
what to do!
F'y "ousin 'aria "harged me to say that you would find them at that knoll!F
F+ shall not go*F said he sullenly5 F+ see nothing of them! Ay the time + get to the
knoll they may be somewhere else! + ha#e had walking enough!F
-nd he sat down gloomily by Canny!
F+ am #ery sorry*F said she!
F+ think they might ha#e stayed for me*F said he!
F'iss Aertram thought you would follow her!F
F+ should not ha#e had to follow her if she had stayed!F
Canny was silen"ed! -fter a pause* he went onGF(ray* 'iss (ri"e* are you su"h a
great admirer of this 'r! Crawford as some people areE Cor my part* + "an see nothing
in him!F
F+ do not think him at all handsome!F
F<andsomeJ 0obody "an "all su"h an undersiDed man handsome! <e is not more
than fi#e foot eight! +n my opinion* these Crawfords are no addition at all! @e did
#ery well without them!F
- small sigh es"aped Canny here!
F+f + had made any diffi"ulty about fet"hing the key* there might ha#e been some
e."use* but + went the #ery moment she said she wanted it!F
F0othing "ould be more obliging* + am sure* and + dare say you walked as fast as
you "ould5 but still it is some distan"e* you know5 and when people are waiting* e#ery
half minute seems like fi#e!F
<e got up and walked to the gate again! Canny thought he was in"lined to relent*
and she said* therefore* F+t is a pity you should not 8oin them! They e.pe"ted to ha#e a
better #iew of the house from there* and will be thinking how it may be impro#ed5 and
nothing "an be settled without you!F
F@ell*F said he* Fif you really think + had better go: it would be foolish to bring the
key for nothing!F -nd letting himself out* he walked off!
CannyBs thoughts were now engrossed by the two who had left her so long ago*
and getting 7uite impatient* she resol#ed to go in sear"h of them! She followed their
steps along the bottom walk* and had 8ust turned up into another* when the laugh of
'iss Crawford "aught her ear5 a few more windings brought them before her! They
were 8ust returned from the park* and they had been into the #ery a#enue whi"h Canny
had been hoping the whole morning to rea"h* and had been sitting down under one of
the trees! This was their history! +t was e#ident that they had been spending their time
pleasantly* and were not aware of the length of their absen"e!
Canny was assured that Edmund had wished for her #ery mu"h* and that he should
"ertainly ha#e "ome ba"k for her* had she not been tired5 but this was not suffi"ient to
ease the pain of ha#ing been left a whole hour* when he had talked of only a few
minutes* nor to banish the "uriosity she felt to know what they had been talking about
all that time5 and she felt depressed as they returned to the house!
-s they rea"hed the bottom of the terra"e* 'rs! =ushworth and 'rs! 0orris
appeared at the top* 8ust ready for the wilderness! 'rs! 0orris had been too well
employed to mo#e faster5 for the housekeeper had taken her to the dairy* told her all
about their "ows* and gi#en her the re"ipe for a famous "ream "heese5 and they had
met the gardener* with whom she had made a most satisfa"tory a"7uaintan"e* for she
had set him right as to his grandsonBs illness* and he had shown her his "hoi"est
plants* and presented her with a spe"imen of heath!
They all returned to the house together* to lounge away the time till the return of
the others* and the arri#al of dinner! +t was late before the 'iss Aertrams and the two
gentlemen "ame in* and their ramble did not appear to ha#e been produ"ti#e of
anything useful! Ay their own a""ounts they had been all walking after ea"h other* and
the meeting whi"h had taken pla"e at last seemed to ha#e been too late to re)establish
harmony! There was gloom on the fa"es of ,ulia and 'r =ushworth! 'r! Crawford
and 'iss Aertram were mu"h more gay* and Canny thought that he was taking
parti"ular pains to do away any resentment of the other two* and restore good)humour!
They sat down to table* and then it was a 7ui"k su""ession of busy nothings till the
"arriage "ame to the door! 'rs! 0orris* ha#ing obtained a few pheasantsB eggs and a
"ream "heese from the housekeeper* was ready to lead the way!
'r! Crawford* approa"hing ,ulia* said* F+ hope + am not to lose my "ompanion*
unless she is afraid of the e#ening air in so e.posed a seat!F The re7uest had not been
foreseen* but was #ery gra"iously re"ei#ed* and ,uliaBs day was likely to end almost as
well as it began! 'iss Aertram was a little disappointed5 but her "on#i"tion of being
really the one preferred "omforted her* and she re"ei#ed 'r! =ushworthBs parting
attentions as she ought! <e was "ertainly better pleased to hand her into the barou"he
than to assist her in as"ending the bo.!
F@ell* Canny* this has been a fine day for you*F said 'rs! 0orris* as they dro#e
through the park! F0othing but pleasure from beginning to endJ 6ou ought to be #ery
mu"h obliged to your aunt Aertram and me for "ontri#ing to let you go! - pretty good
dayBs amusement you ha#e hadJF
'aria was 8ust dis"ontented enough to say* F+ think you ha#e done pretty well
yourself* maBam! 6our lap seems full of good things* and here is a basket of something
kno"king my elbow unmer"ifully!F
F'y dear* it is only a beautiful little heath* whi"h that ni"e old gardener would
ha#e me take! Canny* you "arry that par"el for me5 take great "are of it: it is a "ream
"heese! 0othing would satisfy that good old 'rs! @hitaker* but my taking one of the
"heeses! + stood out as long as + "ould* till the tears almost "ame into her eyes! That
'rs! @hitaker is a treasureJ + "an manage the basket #ery well!F
F@hat else ha#e you been spongingEF said 'aria!
FSponging* my dearJ +t is nothing but four of those beautiful pheasantsB eggs*
whi"h 'rs! @hitaker would 7uite for"e upon me! She said it must be su"h an
amusement to me* as + li#ed 7uite alone* to ha#e a few li#ing "reatures! +t will be a
great delight in my lonely hours to attend to them!F
+t was a beautiful e#ening* and the dri#e was pleasant5 but when 'rs! 0orris
"eased speaking* those within were altogether silent! Their spirits were e.hausted5 and
to determine whether the day had afforded most pleasure or pain* might o""upy the
thoughts of almost all!
C<-(TE= 11
The day at Sotherton* with all its imperfe"tions* ga#e the 'iss Aertrams mu"h more
agreeable feelings than the letters from -ntigua* whi"h soon afterwards rea"hed
'ansfield! +t was mu"h pleasanter to think of <enry Crawford than of their father!
0o#ember was the bla"k month fi.ed for his return! Sir Thomas/s business being
nearly "on"luded* he proposed to sail in the September pa"ket* and looked forward to
being with his belo#ed family again early in 0o#ember!
'aria was more to be pitied than ,ulia5 for to her the father brought a husband*
and the return of the friend most an.ious for her happiness would unite her to the
lo#er* on whom she had "hosen that happiness should depend! +t was a gloomy
prospe"t* and all she "ould do was to throw a mist o#er it* and hope that when the mist
"leared away she should see something else! +t would hardly be early in 0o#ember*
there were generally delays5 it would probably be the middle of 0o#ember at least5
the middle of 0o#ember was thirteen weeks off! 'u"h might happen in thirteen
weeks!
Sir Thomas would ha#e been deeply mortified by his daughters/ feelings* and
would hardly ha#e found "onsolation in another young lady/s interest! 'iss Crawford
heard the good news with attention! -fter tea* as she was standing at a window with
Edmund and Canny looking out on a twilight s"ene* while the 'iss Aertrams* 'r!
=ushworth* and <enry Crawford were all busy at the pianoforte* she suddenly turned
round towards the group* saying* F<ow happy 'r! =ushworth looksJ <e is thinking of
0o#ember!F
Edmund looked round at 'r! =ushworth too* but had nothing to say!
F6our fatherBs return will be a #ery interesting e#ent!F
F+t will* indeed!F
F+t will be the forerunner of other interesting e#ents: your sisterBs marriage* and
your taking orders!F
F6es!F
FHonBt be affronted*F said she* laughing* Fbut it does put me in mind of some old
heathen heroes* who* after great e.ploits in a foreign land* offered sa"rifi"es to the
gods on their safe return!F
FThere is no sa"rifi"e in the "ase*F replied Edmund* with a serious smile* and
glan"ing at the pianoforte again5 Fit is entirely her own doing!F
F;h yes! + was 8oking! She has done no more than what e#ery young woman
would do5 and + ha#e no doubt of her being e.tremely happy! The other sa"rifi"e* of
"ourse* you do not understand!F
F'y taking orders* + assure you* is 7uite as #oluntary as 'ariaBs marrying!F
F+t is fortunate that your wish and your fatherBs "on#enien"e should a""ord so
well! There is a #ery good li#ing kept for you* + understand!F
F@hi"h you suppose has biased meEF
F+ am sure it has not*F "ried Canny!
FThank you* Canny* but it is more than + would affirm myself! ;n the "ontrary*
knowing that there was su"h a pro#ision probably did bias me! 0or "an + think it
wrong that it should! + see no reason why a man should make a worse "lergyman for
knowing that he will ha#e a "ompeten"e early in life! + ha#e no doubt that + was
biased* but + think it was blamelessly!F
F+t is the same sort of thing*F said Canny* Fas for the son of an admiral to go into
the na#y* or the son of a general to be in the army* and nobody sees anything wrong in
that! 0obody wonders that they should prefer the line where their friends "an ser#e
them best!F
F0o* my dear 'iss (ri"e* and for reasons good! The profession* either na#y or
army* is its own 8ustifi"ation! +t has e#erything in its fa#our: heroism* danger* bustle*
fashion! Soldiers and sailors are always a""eptable in so"iety! 0obody "an wonder
that men are soldiers and sailors!F
FAut the moti#es of a man who takes orders with the "ertainty of preferment may
be suspe"ted* you thinkEF said Edmund! FTo be 8ustified in your eyes* he must do it in
"omplete un"ertainty of any pro#ision!F
F@hatJ take orders without a li#ingJ 0o5 that is madness indeed!F
FShall + ask you how the "hur"h is to be filled* if a man is neither to take orders
with a li#ing nor withoutE 0o5 for you "ertainly would not know what to say! Aut +
must beg some ad#antage to the "lergyman from your own argument! -s heroism* and
noise* and fashion* "annot tempt him* he ought not to be suspe"ted of la"king sin"erity
in his "hoi"e!F
F;hJ no doubt he is #ery sin"ere in preferring an in"ome ready made* to the
trouble of working for one5 and has the best intentions of doing nothing all his days
but eat* drink* and grow fat! +t is indolen"e* 'r! Aertram5 a want of ambition* of taste
for good "ompany* or of in"lination to be agreeable* whi"h make men "lergymen! -
"lergyman has nothing to do but be slo#enly and selfish! <is "urate does all the work*
and the business of his own life is to dine!F
FThere are su"h "lergymen* no doubt* but they are not so "ommon as you suppose!
+ suspe"t that in this "omprehensi#e "ensure* you are 8udging from pre8udi"ed persons*
whose opinions you ha#e been in the habit of hearing! +t is impossible that you "an
ha#e mu"h knowledge of the "lergy! 6ou are speaking what you ha#e been told at
your un"leBs table!F
F+ speak what is the general opinion5 and where an opinion is general* it is usually
"orre"t! The li#es of "lergymen are seen by too many to lea#e any defi"ien"y of
information!F
F@here any body of edu"ated men are "ondemned indis"riminately* there must be
a defi"ien"y of information* or 1smiling4 of something else! 6our un"le* and his
brother admirals* perhaps knew little of "lergymen beyond the "haplains whom they
were always wishing away!F
F(oor @illiamJ <e has met with great kindness from the "haplain of the -ntwerp*F
was a tender remark of CannyBs* #ery mu"h to the purpose of her own feelings if not
of the "on#ersation!
F+ do not take my opinions from my un"le*F said 'iss Crawford* Fand + "an see
what "lergymen are* being the guest of Hr! 9rant! -nd though Hr! 9rant is most kind
and obliging to me* and though he is "le#er* and often prea"hes good sermons* + see
him to be an indolent* selfish bon #i#ant* who must ha#e his palate "onsulted in
e#erything5 who will not stir a finger for the "on#enien"e of any one5 and who*
moreo#er* if the "ook makes a blunder* is out of humour with his e."ellent wife!
<enry and + were dri#en out this #ery e#ening by a disappointment about a green
goose* whi"h he "ould not get the better of! 'y poor sister was for"ed to stay and bear
it!F
F+ do not wonder at your disapprobation! +t is a great defe"t of temper* and to see
your sister suffering from it must be e."eedingly painful! Canny* it goes against us!
@e "annot attempt to defend Hr! 9rant!F
F0o*F replied Canny* Fbut whate#er profession Hr! 9rant had "hosen* he would
ha#e taken aGnot a good temper into it5 and in the na#y or army* + think more would
ha#e been made unhappy by him than as a "lergyman! Aesides* in a more worldly
profession* he might ha#e es"aped that knowledge of himself* whi"h it is impossible
he should es"ape now! - man "annot tea"h others their duty e#ery week and prea"h
su"h #ery good sermons as he does* without being the better for it himself! +t must
make him think!F
F@e "annot pro#e to the "ontrary* to be sure5 but + wish you a better fate* 'iss
(ri"e* than to be the wife of a man whose amiableness depends upon his own
sermons5 for though he may prea"h himself into a good)humour e#ery Sunday* it is
still bad enough to ha#e him 7uarrelling about green geese from 'onday till Saturday
night!F
F+ think the man who "ould 7uarrel with Canny*F said Edmund affe"tionately*
Fmust be beyond the rea"h of any sermons!F
Canny turned away5 and 'iss Crawford had only time to say pleasantly* F+ fan"y
'iss (ri"e has been more used to deser#e praise than to hear itF5 when* being in#ited
by the 'iss Aertrams to 8oin in a glee* she tripped off to the instrument* lea#ing
Edmund looking after her in an e"stasy of admiration of her many #irtues* from her
obliging manners to her gra"eful tread!
FThere goes good)humour* + am sure*F said he! FThere goes a temper whi"h would
ne#er gi#e painJ <ow well she walksJ and how readily she pleases othersJ @hat a pity
that she should ha#e been in su"h handsJF
Canny agreed* and had the pleasure of seeing him "ontinue at the window with
her* in spite of the e.pe"ted glee5 and of ha#ing his eyes turned* like hers* outside*
where a solemn* soothing* and lo#ely s"ene appeared in the brillian"y of an un"louded
night! Canny spoke her feelings!
F<ereBs harmonyJF said she5 FhereBs reposeJ <ereBs what may lea#e all painting and
all musi" behind* and what poetry only "an attempt to des"ribeJ <ereBs what may
tran7uillise e#ery "are* and lift the heart to raptureJ @hen + look out on su"h a night as
this* + feel as if there "ould be neither wi"kedness nor sorrow in the world5 and there
"ertainly would be less of both if the sublimity of 0ature were more attended to* and
people were "arried more out of themsel#es by "ontemplating su"h a s"ene!F
F+ like to hear your enthusiasm* Canny! They are mu"h to be pitied who ha#e not
been taught to feel as you do!F
F6ou taught me to think and feel on the sub8e"t* "ousin!F
F+ had a #ery apt s"holar! ThereBs -r"turus looking #ery bright!F
F6es* and the Aear! + wish + "ould see Cassiopeia!F
F@e must go out on the lawn for that! Should you be afraidEF
F0ot in the least! +t is a great while sin"e we ha#e had any star)gaDing!F
F6es5 + do not know how it has happened!F The glee began! F@e will stay till this
is finished* Canny*F said he* turning his ba"k on the window5 and as it ad#an"ed* she
had the mortifi"ation of seeing him ad#an"e too* mo#ing forward by gentle degrees
towards the instrument! @hen it "eased* he was "lose by the singers* among the most
urgent in re7uesting to hear the glee again!
Canny sighed alone at the window* till s"olded away by 'rs! 0orrisBs threats of
"at"hing "old!
C<-(TE= 12
-t the end of -ugust 'r Tom Aertram arri#ed* to be gay* agreeable* and gallant as
'iss Crawford demanded5 to tell of ra"es and parties and friends* to whi"h she might
ha#e listened si. weeks before with some interest* and altogether to "on#in"e her that
she preferred his younger brother!
+t was #ery #e.atious* and she was heartily sorry for it5 but so it was5 and far from
now meaning to marry the elder* she did not e#en want to attra"t him beyond what the
simplest "laims of "ons"ious beauty re7uired! <is long absen"e from 'ansfield made
it "lear that he did not "are about her5 and were he now the owner of 'ansfield (ark*
she did not belie#e she "ould a""ept him!
The season whi"h brought 'r! Aertram ba"k to 'ansfield took 'r! Crawford into
0orfolk! <e went for a fortnightGa fortnight of su"h dullness to the 'iss Aertrams as
ought to ha#e put them on their guard* and made e#en ,ulia see the need to distrust his
attentions5 and a fortnight of suffi"ient leisure* between shooting and sleeping* to ha#e
"on#in"ed the gentleman that he ought to keep longer away5 but* thoughtless and
selfish from prosperity and bad e.ample* he would not look beyond the present! The
sisters* handsome* "le#er* and en"ouraging* were an amusement to his sated mind5 and
he gladly returned to 'ansfield* to be wel"omed 7uite as gladly by those whom he
"ame to trifle with!
'aria* with only 'r! =ushworth to attend to her* and doomed to hear repeated
details of his dayBs sport* his dogs* his neighbours/ 8ealousy* and his Deal after
poa"hers* had missed 'r! Crawford grie#ously5 and ,ulia felt all the right of missing
him mu"h more! Ea"h sister belie#ed herself the fa#ourite! ,ulia might be 8ustified in
so doing by the hints of 'rs! 9rant* and 'aria by the hints of 'r! Crawford himself!
E#erything returned into the same "hannel as before his absen"e! <is manners to ea"h
were so agreeable as to lose no ground with either* and 8ust stopped short of the
warmth whi"h might e."ite general noti"e!
;nly Canny found anything to dislike5 but sin"e the day at Sotherton* she "ould
ne#er see 'r! Crawford with either sister without wonder or "ensure! <ad her
"onfiden"e in her own 8udgment been greater* she would probably ha#e spoken of it to
Edmund! -s it was* she only haDarded a hint* and the hint was lost! F+ am surprised*F
said she* Fthat 'r! Crawford should "ome ba"k again so soon5 for + had understood he
was so #ery fond of "hange that he would go elsewhere! <e is used to mu"h gayer
pla"es than 'ansfield!F
F+t is to his "redit*F was EdmundBs answer5 F<is sister does not like his unsettled
habits!F
F@hat a fa#ourite he is with my "ousinsJF
F6es* his manners to women are su"h as must please! 'rs! 9rant* + belie#e*
suspe"ts him of a preferen"e for ,ulia5 + wish it may be so!F
F+f 'iss Aertram were not engaged*F said Canny "autiously* F+ "ould sometimes
almost think that he admired her more than ,ulia!F
F@hi"h is* perhaps* in fa#our of his liking ,ulia best5 for + belie#e it often happens
that a man* before he has 7uite made up his own mind* will distinguish the sister or
friend of the woman he is thinking of more than the woman herself! Crawford has too
mu"h sense to stay here if he found himself in any danger from 'aria5 and she has
gi#en proof by her engagement that her feelings are not strong!F
Canny supposed she must ha#e been mistaken5 but she knew not always what to
think! <earing the hopes of her aunt 0orris on the sub8e"t* she "ould not help
wondering! +t was while all the other young people were dan"ing* and she was sitting
unwillingly among the "haperons* longing for the re)entran"e of her elder "ousin* on
whom all her own hopes of a partner depended!
+t was CannyBs first ball* though without the preparation or splendour of many a
young ladyBs first ball! +t had been thought of only that afternoon* on the strength of a
#iolin player in the ser#antsB hall5 and fi#e "ouples were found with the help of a new
intimate friend of 'r! AertramBs 8ust arri#ed on a #isit! Canny* howe#er* had been #ery
happy through four dan"es* and was grie#ed to be losing e#en a 7uarter of an hour!
@hile waiting and wishing* she heard this dialogue between 'rs 0orris and 'rs
=ushworthG
F+ think* maBam*F said 'rs! 0orris* wat"hing 'r! =ushworth and 'aria* Fwe shall
see some happy fa"es again now!F
F6es* indeed*F replied the other* with a stately simper* F+ think it was a pity they
should ha#e had to part! 6oung folks in their situation should be e."used "omplying
with "ustom!F
FHear 'aria has su"h a stri"t sense of propriety* so mu"h of that true deli"a"y
whi"h one seldom meets with nowadays* 'rs! =ushworth! ;nly look at her fa"e5 how
different from what it was the two last dan"esJF
'iss Aertram did indeed look happy5 her eyes were sparkling with pleasure* for
,ulia and her partner* 'r! Crawford* were "lose to her! <ow she had looked before*
Canny "ould not re"olle"t* for she had been dan"ing with Edmund!
'rs! 0orris "ontinued* F+t is 7uite delightful* maBam* to see young people so well
suitedJ -nd what do you say* maBam* to the "han"e of another mat"hE Su"h things are
#ery "at"hing!F
'rs! =ushworth* who saw nothing but her son* was at a loss!
FThe "ouple abo#e* maBam!F
F;hJ 'iss ,ulia and 'r! Crawford! 6es* a #ery pretty mat"h! @hat is his
propertyEF
FCour thousand a year!F
FIery well! <e seems a genteel* steady young man* so + hope 'iss ,ulia will be
#ery happy!F
F+t is not a settled thing* maBam* yet! Aut + ha#e #ery little doubt it will be! <e is
growing e.tremely parti"ular in his attentions!F
Canny "ould listen no farther! 'r! Aertram was in the room5 and though feeling it
would be a great honour to be asked to dan"e by him* she thought it must happen! <e
"ame towards their little "ir"le5 but instead of asking her to dan"e* drew up a "hair*
and ga#e her an a""ount of the present state of a si"k horse! Canny found that it was
not to be* and immediately felt that she had been unreasonable in e.pe"ting it! 0e.t*
he took a newspaper from the table* and said in a languid way* F+f you want to dan"e*
Canny* + will stand up with you!F @ith e7ual "i#ility the offer was de"lined5 she did
not wish to dan"e!
F+ am glad*F said he* more briskly* Ffor + am tired to death! + only wonder how
people "an keep it up so long! They must be all in lo#e* to find any amusement in su"h
folly!F
F'y dear Tom*F "ried his aunt* Fas you are not dan"ing* you will ha#e no
ob8e"tion to 8oin us at "ards5 shall youEF She added in a whisper* F@e want to make a
table for 'rs! =ushworth* you know! 6ou and + and Hr! 9rant5 and you know* you
may bet half)guineas with him!F
F+ should be most happy*F replied he* 8umping up with ala"rity* Fbut + am this
moment going to dan"e! Come* Canny*F taking her hand* Fdo not be dawdling any
longer* or the dan"e will be o#er!F
Canny was led off #ery willingly* though it was impossible for her to feel mu"h
gratitude towards her "ousin!
FLpon my word*F he e."laimed as they walked away! FTo want to nail me to a
"ard)table for the ne.t two hours with that poking old woman! -nd to ask me in su"h
a way tooJ so as to lea#e me no possibility of refusingJ + hate the preten"e of being
gi#en a "hoi"e* and at the same time obliged to do the #ery thingJ +f + had not lu"kily
thought of standing up with you + "ould not ha#e got out of it! Aut when my aunt has
got a fan"y in her head* nothing "an stop her!F
C<-(TE= 13
The <onourable ,ohn 6ates* this new friend of Tom/s* had not mu"h to re"ommend
him beyond being the younger son of a lord5 and Sir Thomas would probably ha#e
thought his introdu"tion at 'ansfield undesirable! 'r! AertramBs a"7uaintan"e with
him had begun at @eymouth* where they had spent ten days in the same so"iety! 'r!
6ates was in#ited to #isit 'ansfield* and "ame rather earlier than e.pe"ted* in
"onse7uen"e of the sudden breaking)up of a large party at the house of another friend!
<e "ame on the wings of disappointment* and with his head full of a"ting* for it
had been a theatri"al party5 the sudden death of a "onne.ion of the family had
dispersed the performers two days before the performan"e! To be so near happiness*
so near fame* so near the long paragraph in praise of the pri#ate theatri"als at
E""lesford* the seat of Lord =a#enshaw* whi"h would ha#e immortalised the whole
party for a twel#emonthJ to lose it all* was an in8ury keenly felt* and 'r! 6ates "ould
talk of nothing else! E""lesford and its theatre* its dresses* rehearsals and 8okes* was
his ne#er)failing sub8e"t!
<appily for him* a lo#e of the theatre is so general* an it"h for a"ting so strong
among young people* that he "ould hardly out)talk the interest of his hearers! +t was
all bewit"hing! The play had been Lo#ersB Iows* and 'r! 6ates was to ha#e been
Count Cassel!
F- trifling part*F said he* Fand not to my taste5 but + was determined to make no
diffi"ulties! Lord =a#enshaw and the duke had taken the only two "hara"ters worth
playing! + was sorry that Lord =a#enshaw should ha#e so mistaken his powers* for he
was not e7ual to the AaronGa little man with a weak #oi"e* always hoarse after ten
minutes! Sir <enry thought the duke not e7ual to Crederi"k* but that was be"ause Sir
<enry wanted the part himself! ;ur -gatha was inimitable* and the duke was thought
#ery great by many! +t would "ertainly ha#e gone off wonderfully!F
F+ do think you were #ery mu"h to be pitied*F was the kind response!
FTo be sure* the poor old dowager "ould not ha#e died at a worse time5 and + wish
the news "ould ha#e been suppressed for 8ust three days! + think there would ha#e
been no great harm* and it was suggested* + know5 but Lord =a#enshaw would not
hear of it!F
FTo make you amends* 6ates*F said 'r Aertram* F+ think we must raise a little
theatre at 'ansfield* and ask you to be our manager!F
The desire to a"t was awakened in Tom* who was now master of the house5 and
who had su"h li#ely talents and "omi" taste as were e.a"tly adapted to the no#elty of
a"ting! Ea"h sister e"hoed the wish5 and <enry Crawford* to whom* in all the riot of
his gratifi"ations it was an untasted pleasure* was 7uite ali#e at the idea!
F+ really belie#e*F said he* F+ "ould at this moment undertake any "hara"ter that
e#er was written! + feel as if + "ould rant and storm* or sigh or "ut "apers* in any play
in the English language! Let us be doing something! -s for a theatre* any room in this
house might suffi"e!F
F@e must ha#e a "urtain*F said Tom Aertram5 Fa few yards of green baiDe for a
"urtain may be enough!F
F;h* 7uite enough*F "ried 'r! 6ates* Fwith only 8ust a side wing or two run up*
doors in flat* and three or four s"enes to be let down! @e should want nothing more!F
F+ belie#e we must be satisfied with less*F said 'aria! F@e must make the
performan"e* not the theatre* our ob8e"t!F
F0ay*F said Edmund* listening with alarm! FLet us do nothing by hal#es! +f we are
to a"t* let it be in a theatre "ompletely fitted up with pit* bo.es* and gallery* and let us
ha#e a play entire* with a good tri"king* and a figure)dan"e* and a hornpipe* and a
song between the a"ts! +f we do not outdo E""lesford* we do nothing!F
F0ow* Edmund* do not be disagreeable*F said ,ulia! F0obody lo#es a play better
than you do* or "an ha#e gone farther to see one!F
FTrue* to see real a"ting5 but + would hardly walk from this room to the ne.t to
look at the raw efforts of those who ha#e not been bred to the trade!F
<owe#er* the sub8e"t "ontinued to be dis"ussed with eagerness5 and though
nothing was settled but that Tom Aertram would prefer a "omedy* and his sisters and
<enry Crawford a tragedy* and that nothing "ould be easier than to find a pie"e whi"h
would please them all* their resolution to a"t seemed so de"ided as to make Edmund
7uite un"omfortable! <e was determined to pre#ent it* if possible* though his mother
did not show the least disapprobation!
The same e#ening ga#e him an opportunity of trying his strength! 'aria* ,ulia*
<enry Crawford* and 'r! 6ates were in the billiard)room! Tom* returning from them
into the drawing)room* found Edmund standing thoughtfully by the fire* while Lady
Aertram and Canny were on the sofa! Tom began as he enteredGFSu"h a horribly #ile
billiard)table as ours is not to be met with! + "an stand it no longer* but + ha#e 8ust
as"ertained one good thing: the room is pre"isely the shape for a theatre5 and with the
doors at the end "ommuni"ating with ea"h other* as they may be made to do by
merely mo#ing the book"ase in my fatherBs room* is the #ery thing we "ould ha#e
desired!F
F6ou are not serious* Tom* in meaning to a"tEF said Edmund!
F0e#er more so* + assure you!F
F+ think it would be #ery wrong! +t would be highly in8udi"ious! +t would show
great la"k of feeling on my fatherBs a""ount* absent as he is* and in "onstant danger5
and it would be imprudent with regard to 'aria* whose situation is a #ery deli"ate
one!F
F6ou take it so seriouslyJ as if we were going to a"t three times a week* and in#ite
all the "ountry! Aut we mean nothing but a little amusement among oursel#es! @e
want no audien"e* no publi"ity! -s to my fatherBs absen"e* + "onsider it a moti#e5 for
this must be a #ery an.ious period to my mother5 and if we "an keep up her spirits for
the ne.t few weeks* + shall think our time well spent!F
Ea"h looked towards their mother! Lady Aertram* sunk in one "orner of the sofa*
the pi"ture of ease and tran7uillity* was 8ust falling into a gentle doDe!
Edmund smiled and shook his head!
FAy ,o#eJ this wonBt do*F "ried Tom* with a laugh! FTo be sure* my dear motherG+
was unlu"ky there!F
F@hat is the matterEF asked her ladyship* half)roused5 F+ was not asleep!F
F0o* maBam* nobody suspe"ted youJ @ell* Edmund*F he "ontinued* as Lady
Aertram began to nod again* F+ maintain that we shall be doing no harm!F
F+ "annot agree5 + am "on#in"ed that my father would totally disappro#e it!F
F-nd + am "on#in"ed to the "ontrary! 0obody is fonder of the e.er"ise of talent in
young people than my father* and + think he has a de"ided taste for a"ting! <e
en"ouraged it in us as boys! <ow many a time ha#e we mourned o#er the dead body
of Caesar* and to beBd and not to beBd* for his amusementEF
F+t was a #ery different thing! 'y father wished us* as s"hoolboys* to speak well*
but he would ne#er wish his grown)up daughters to be a"ting plays! <is sense of
de"orum is stri"t!F
F+ know that*F said Tom* displeased! F+ know my father as well as you do5 and +Bll
take "are that his daughters do nothing to distress him! 'anage your own "on"erns*
Edmund* and +Bll take "are of the rest of the family!F
F+f you are resol#ed on a"ting*F replied the perse#ering Edmund* F+ hope it will be
in a #ery 7uiet way5 and + think a theatre ought not to be attempted! +t would be taking
liberties with my fatherBs house!F
F+ will be answerable*F said Tom! F<is house shall not be hurt! + ha#e 7uite as
great an interest in his house as you5 and as to su"h alterations as mo#ing a book"ase*
or unlo"king a door* or using the billiard)room for the spa"e of a week* you might as
well suppose he would ob8e"t to my sisterBs pianoforte being mo#ed from one side of
the room to the other! -bsolute nonsenseJF
FThe inno#ation will be wrong as an e.pense!F
F6es* the e.pense would be prodigiousJ (erhaps it might "ost a whole twenty
pounds! +t will be a green "urtain and a little "arpenterBs work* thatBs all5 and as the
"arpenterBs work may be done by Christopher ,a"kson* it will be absurd to talk of
e.pense! -s long as ,a"kson is employed* e#erything will be right with Sir Thomas!
HonBt imagine that nobody in this house "an see or 8udge but yourself! HonBt a"t
yourself* if you do not like it* but donBt e.pe"t to go#ern e#erybody else!F
F0o* as to a"ting myself*F said Edmund* Fthat + absolutely protest against!F
Tom walked out of the room* and Edmund was left to stir the fire in thoughtful
#e.ation!
Canny said* an.ious to suggest some "omfort* F(erhaps they may not find any play
to suit them! 6our brotherBs taste and your sistersB seem #ery different!F
F+ ha#e no hope there* Canny! They will find something! + shall try to dissuade my
sisters* and that is all + "an do!F
F+ should think my aunt 0orris would be on your side!F
F+ dare say she would* but she has no influen"e with either Tom or my sisters5 and
if + "annot "on#in"e them myself* + shall let things take their "ourse! Camily
s7uabbling is the greatest e#il of all!F
<is sisters* to whom he spoke the ne.t morning* were 7uite as impatient of his
ad#i"e as Tom! Their mother had no ob8e"tion to the plan* and they were not afraid of
their fatherBs disapprobation! There "ould be no harm in what had been done in so
many respe"table families! ,ulia did admit that 'ariaBs situation might re7uire
parti"ular "autionGbut that "ould not e.tend to herGshe was at liberty5 and 'aria
e#idently "onsidered her engagement as only raising her so mu"h more abo#e
restraint!
Edmund was still urging them when <enry Crawford entered the room* "alling
out* F0o la"k of hands in our theatre* 'iss Aertram! 'y sister hopes to be admitted
into the "ompany* and will be happy to take the part of any old duenna that you may
not like yoursel#es!F
'aria ga#e Edmund a glan"e* whi"h meant* F@hat say you nowE Can we be
wrong if 'ary Crawford feels the sameEF -nd Edmund* silen"ed* a"knowledged that
the "harm of a"ting might well "arry fas"ination to the mind of genius!
-s to 'rs! 0orris* he was mistaken in supposing she would wish to oppose the
s"heme! She was talked down in fi#e minutes by her eldest nephew and nie"e* who
were all)powerful with her! The arrangement was to bring #ery little e.pense to
anybody* and none at all to herself! She foresaw in it all the "omforts of bustle and
importan"e* and fan"ied herself obliged to lea#e her own house* where she had been
li#ing at her own "ost* and stay in theirs* so that e#ery hour might be spent in their
ser#i"e! She was* in fa"t* delighted with the pro8e"t!
C<-(TE= 1:
Canny seemed nearer being right than Edmund had supposed! Cinding a play that
would suit e#erybody pro#ed to be no trifle5 and the "arpenter had taken his
measurements* and* with an enlargement of plan* was already at work* while a play
was still to seek!
;ther preparations were in hand! -n enormous roll of green baiDe had arri#ed
from 0orthampton* and had been "ut out by 'rs! 0orris 1with a sa#ing by her good
management of full three)7uarters of a yard4* and was being made into a "urtain* and
still the play was wanting! Edmund began almost to hope that none might e#er be
found!
There were* in fa"t* so many people to be pleased* so many best "hara"ters
re7uired* and* abo#e all* su"h a need that the play should be at on"e both tragedy and
"omedy* that there did seem little "han"e of a de"ision!
;n the tragi" side were the 'iss Aertrams* <enry Crawford* and 'r! 6ates5 on the
"omi"* Tom Aertram* not 7uite alone* be"ause 'ary CrawfordBs wishes* though
politely kept ba"k* in"lined the same way! They wanted a pie"e "ontaining #ery few
"hara"ters* but e#ery "hara"ter first)rate* and three prin"ipal women!
-ll the best plays were run o#er in #ain! 0either <amlet* nor 'a"beth* nor
;thello presented anything that "ould satisfy e#en the tragedians5 and The =i#als* The
S"hool for S"andal* and a long et "etera* were dismissed! 0o pie"e "ould be proposed
that did not supply a diffi"ulty! F;h no* that will ne#er doJ Let us ha#e no ranting
tragedies! Too many "hara"ters! 0ot a tolerable womanBs part in the play! -nything but
that* my dear Tom!F
Canny looked on* amused* and wondering how it would end! She "ould ha#e
wished that something might be a"ted* for she had ne#er seen a play* but e#erything of
higher "onse7uen"e was against it!
FThis will ne#er do*F said Tom Aertram at last! F@e are wasting time abominably!
Something must be fi.ed on! 0o matter what* so that something is "hosen! - few
"hara"ters too many must not frighten us! @e must double them! Crom this moment +
make no diffi"ulties! + take any part you "hoose to gi#e me* so as it be "omi"! +
"ondition for nothing more!F
Cor about the fifth time he then proposed the <eir at Law* trying unsu""essfully to
persuade the others that there were some fine tragi" parts in it!
The pause whi"h followed this fruitless effort was ended when Tom* taking up a
#olume from the table* suddenly e."laimedGFLo#ersB IowsJ @hy should not Lo#ersB
Iows do for us as well as for the =a#enshawsE @hat say youE <ere are two "apital
tragi" parts for 6ates and Crawford* and here is the rhyming Autler for me* if nobody
else wants it! -nd as for the rest* they may be filled up by anybody! +t is only Count
Cassel and -nhalt!F
The suggestion was wel"ome! E#erybody was growing weary of inde"ision! 'r!
6ates was parti"ularly pleased: he had been longing to do the Aaron at E""lesford* had
grudged e#ery rant of Lord =a#enshawBs* and been for"ed to re)rant it all in his own
room! @ith the ad#antage of knowing half the s"enes by heart already* he now offered
his ser#i"es for the part! Then* remembering that there was some #ery good ranting)
ground in Crederi"k* he professed an e7ual willingness for that!
<enry Crawford was ready to take either! 'iss Aertram* feeling the interest of an
-gatha in the 7uestion* de"ided it by obser#ing to 'r! 6ates that his height seemed to
fit him pe"uliarly for the Aaron! She was a"knowledged to be 7uite right* and was
"ertain of the proper Crederi"k! Three of the "hara"ters were now "ast* besides 'r!
=ushworth* who was answered for by 'aria as willing to do anything5 when ,ulia*
meaning* like her sister* to be -gatha* began to be s"rupulous on 'iss CrawfordBs
a""ount!
F<ere are not women enough*F said she! F-melia and -gatha may do for 'aria
and me* but here is nothing for your sister* 'r! Crawford!F
'r! Crawford desired that might not be thought of: his sister wished only to be
useful! Aut Tom Aertram asserted the part of -melia to be the property of 'iss
Crawford! F+t falls as naturally to her*F said he* Fas -gatha does to one or other of my
sisters! +t "an be no sa"rifi"e on their side* for it is highly "omi"!F
- short silen"e followed! Ea"h sister looked an.ious5 for ea"h felt the best "laim
to -gatha* and was hoping to ha#e it pressed on her by the rest! <enry Crawford* who
meanwhile had taken up the play* and with seeming "arelessness was turning o#er the
first a"t* settled the business!
F+ must entreat 'iss ,ulia Aertram*F said he* Fnot to engage in the part of -gatha*
or it will be the ruin of all my solemnity! +ndeed you must notF 1turning to her4! F+
"ould not stand your "ountenan"e dressed up in woe! The many laughs we ha#e had
together would infallibly "ome a"ross me* and Crederi"k would be obliged to run
away!F
(leasantly* "ourteously* it was spoken5 but the manner was lost to ,uliaBs feelings!
She saw a glan"e at 'aria whi"h "onfirmed the in8ury to herself: it was a tri"k5 she
was slighted* 'aria was preferred5 the smile of triumph whi"h 'aria was trying to
suppress showed how well it was understood5 and before ,ulia "ould "ommand herself
enough to speak* her brother said* F;h yesJ 'aria must be -gatha! Though ,ulia
fan"ies she prefers tragedy* + would not trust her in it! There is nothing of tragedy
about her! She had better do the old "ountrywoman: the CottagerBs wife5 you had*
indeed* ,ulia!F
FCottagerBs wifeJF "ried 'r! 6ates! F@hat are you talking ofE The most tri#ial*
paltry part! 6our sister do thatJ +t is an insult to propose it! -t E""lesford the
go#erness was to ha#e done it! - little more 8usti"e* 'r! 'anager* if you please!F
F@hy* + mean no disparagement to ,ulia! @e "annot ha#e two -gathas* and we
must ha#e one CottagerBs wife! +f the part is trifling she will ha#e "redit in making
something of it!F
F@e must not let her good)nature be imposed on*3 said <enry Crawford! 2@e
must not allow her to a""ept the part! <er talents will be wanted in -melia! -melia is
a "hara"ter more diffi"ult to a"t well than e#en -gatha! + "onsider -melia is the most
diffi"ult "hara"ter in the whole pie"e! +t re7uires great powers to gi#e her playfulness
and simpli"ity without e.tra#agan"e! + ha#e seen good a"tresses fail in the part! +t
re7uires a gentlewomanGa ,ulia Aertram! 6ou will undertake it* + hopeEF turning to
her with a look of an.ious entreaty* whi"h softened her a little5 but while she
hesitated* her brother again interposed!
F0o* no* ,ulia must not be -melia! She is too tall and robust! -melia should be a
small* light* girlish* skipping figure! +t is fit for 'iss Crawford* and 'iss Crawford
only!F
@ithout attending to this* <enry Crawford "ontinued his suppli"ation! F6ou must
oblige us*F said he! F@hen you ha#e studied the "hara"ter* + am sure you will feel it
will suit you! Tragedy may be your "hoi"e* but it will "ertainly appear that "omedy
"hooses you! 6ou will be to #isit me in prison with a basket of pro#isions5 you will
not refuse to #isit me in prisonE + think + see you "oming in with your basket!F
,ulia wa#ered5 but was he only trying to pa"ify her* and make her o#erlook the
pre#ious affrontE She distrusted him! <e was* perhaps* at trea"herous play with her!
She looked suspi"iously at her sister5 'ariaBs fa"e was to de"ide it: if she were #e.ed
and alarmedGbut 'aria looked all serenity and satisfa"tion! @ith hasty indignation*
therefore* she said to him* F6ou do not seem afraid of not keeping your "ountenan"e
when + "ome in with a basket of pro#isionsGthough one might ha#e supposedGbut it
is only as -gatha that + was to be so o#erpoweringJF She stoppedG<enry Crawford
looked rather foolish! Tom Aertram began againG
F'iss Crawford must be -melia! She will be an e."ellent -melia!F
FHo not be afraid of my wanting the "hara"ter*F "ried ,ulia* with angry 7ui"kness:
F+ am not to be -gatha* and + will do nothing else5 and as to -melia* + 7uite detest her!
-n odious* little* pert* unnatural girl! + ha#e always protested against "omedy* and this
is "omedy in its worst form!F So saying* she walked hastily out of the room* e."iting
small "ompassion in any e."ept Canny* who pitied her 8ealousy!
- short silen"e followed5 but her brother soon returned to business* and was
eagerly looking o#er the play to as"ertain what s"enery would be ne"essaryGwhile
'aria and <enry Crawford "on#ersed together in an under)#oi"e! F+ would gi#e up
the part to ,ulia most willingly*F said 'aria* Fbut though + shall probably do it #ery ill*
+ feel persuaded she would do it worse!F
Tom Aertram and 'r! 6ates walked off to "onsult in the room now beginning to be
"alled the Theatre5 'iss Aertram resol#ed to go down to the (arsonage with the offer
of -melia to 'iss Crawford5 and Canny remained alone!
She took up the #olume whi"h had been left on the table* and begin to read the
play! <er "uriosity was awake* and she ran through it with an eagerness whi"h was
suspended only by astonishment that it "ould be proposed and a""epted in a pri#ate
theatreJ -gatha and -melia appeared to be so totally improperGthe situation of one*
and the language of the other* so unfit for any modest woman* that she "ould hardly
suppose her "ousins "ould be aware of what they were engaging in! She longed to
ha#e them roused as soon as possible by the remonstran"e whi"h Edmund would
"ertainly make!
C<-(TE= 1>
'iss Crawford a""epted the part readily5 and when 'r! =ushworth arri#ed* another
"hara"ter was "ast! <e had the offer of Count Cassel and -nhalt* and at first did not
know whi"h to "hoose* but re"olle"ting that he had on"e seen the play* and had
thought -nhalt a #ery stupid fellow* he de"ided on the Count!
'iss Aertram appro#ed* for the less he had to learn the better! Though she "ould
not sympathise in his wish that the Count and -gatha a"t together* nor wait #ery
patiently while he was slowly turning o#er the lea#es with the hope of dis"o#ering
su"h a s"ene* she #ery kindly took his part in hand* and "urtailed e#ery spee"h that
admitted being shortened5 besides pointing out the ne"essity of his being finely
dressed! 'r! =ushworth liked the idea of his finery #ery well* though pretending to
despise it5 and was too engaged with his own appearan"e to feel any of the displeasure
whi"h 'aria had been prepared for!
Thus mu"h was settled before Edmund* who was out all morning* knew anything
of it5 but when he entered the drawing)room* the buDD of dis"ussion was high* and 'r!
=ushworth stepped forward with ala"rity to tell him the agreeable news!
F@e ha#e got a play*F said he! F+t is to be Lo#ersB Iows5 and + am to be Count
Cassel* and am to "ome in first with a pink satin "loak* and afterwards am to ha#e
another fan"y suit* by way of a shooting)dress! + do not know how + shall like it!F
CannyBs eyes followed Edmund* and her heart beat for him as she felt what his
sensations must be!
FLo#ersB IowsJF in a tone of the greatest amaDement* was his reply* and he turned
towards his brother and sisters!
F6es*F "ried 'r! 6ates! F@e find there is nothing that will suit us so well! @e ha#e
"ast almost e#ery part!F
FAut what do you do for womenEF said Edmund gra#ely* looking at 'aria!
'aria blushed in spite of herself as she answered* F+ take the part whi"h Lady
=a#enshaw was to ha#e done* andF 1with a bolder eye4 F'iss Crawford is to be
-melia!F
F+ should not ha#e thought it the sort of play to be so easily filled up* with us*F
replied Edmund* turning away with a look of great #e.ation!
'r! =ushworth followed him! F+ "ome in three times* and ha#e two)and)forty
spee"hes! ThatBs something* is not itE Aut + do not like the idea of being so fine! + shall
hardly know myself in a pink satin "loak!F
Edmund "ould not answer! 'r! Aertram was "alled out of the room by the
"arpenter* and was a""ompanied by 'r! 6ates and 'r! =ushworth! Edmund then said*
F'y dear 'aria* + must tell you that + think this play e."eedingly unfit for pri#ate
performan"e! + hope you will gi#e it up! =ead the first a"t aloud to your mother* and
see how you "an appro#e it!F
F+ am perfe"tly a"7uainted with the play5F "ried 'aria* Fand with a #ery few
omissions* + see nothing ob8e"tionable in it5 and + am not the only young woman who
thinks it fit for pri#ate performan"e!F
F+ am sorry for it*F was his answer5 Fbut in this matter you must set the e.ample! +f
others ha#e blundered* it is your pla"e to put them right* and show them what true
deli"a"y is!F
This pi"ture of her "onse7uen"e had some effe"t5 and with far more good)humour
she answered* F+ am obliged to you* Edmund5 you mean well* + am sure: but + still
think you see things too strongly5 and + "annot undertake to harangue all the rest upon
the sub8e"t!F
FHo you imagine that + meant thatE 0o5 let your "ondu"t be the only harangue!
Say that* on e.amining the part* you feel yourself une7ual to it! -ll will understand
your moti#e! The play will be gi#en up* and your deli"a"y honoured as it ought!F
FHo not a"t anything improper* my dear*F said Lady Aertram! FSir Thomas would
not like it!GCanny* ring the bell5 + must ha#e my dinner!F
F+ am "on#in"ed* madam*F said Edmund* pre#enting Canny* Fthat Sir Thomas
would not like it!F
FThere* my dear* do you hear what Edmund saysEF
F+f + were to de"line the part*F said 'aria* with renewed Deal* F,ulia would
"ertainly take it! She might think that she need not be so s"rupulous as me! + "annot
retra"t my "onsent5 it is too settled* e#erybody would be so disappointed5 and if we
are so fastidious* we shall ne#er a"t anything!F
F+ was 8ust going to say the same thing*F said 'rs! 0orris! FThe preparations will
be so mu"h money thrown away! + do not know the play5 but if there is anything a
little too warm it "an be easily left out! -s 'r! =ushworth is to a"t too* there "an be no
harm! + only wish Tom had known his own mind when the "arpenters began* for there
was the loss of half a dayBs work about those side)doors! The "urtain will be a good
8ob* howe#er! + think we shall be able to send ba"k some doDens of the rings! + am of
some use* + hope* in pre#enting waste! There should always be one steady head to
superintend so many young ones! + forgot to tell Tom of something that happened to
me today! @ho should + see but Hi"k ,a"kson making off with two bits of deal board
in his hand* pilfered you may be sure5 + hate su"h en"roa"hing people as the ,a"ksons*
who get all they "an! + said to the boy dire"tly* B+Bll take the boards* Hi"k* so get you
home again!B The boy looked #ery silly* and turned away without a word5 and + dare
say it will "ure him of marauding about the house for a while! + hate su"h greedinessJF
0obody troubled to answer!
Hinner passed hea#ily! 'rs! 0orris related again her triumph o#er Hi"k ,a"kson*
but neither play nor preparation were mu"h talked of* for EdmundBs disapprobation
was felt e#en by his brother! 'aria thought the sub8e"t better a#oided! 'r! 6ates* who
was trying to make himself agreeable to ,ulia* found her gloom was less on other
topi"s5 and 'r! =ushworth* ha#ing only his own part and his own dress in his head*
had soon talked away all that "ould be said of either!
Aut after an hour or two* the spirits of the e#ening ga#e fresh "ourage! Tom*
'aria* and 'r! 6ates were seated at the table with the play open before them* when
'r! and 'iss Crawford entered and were re"ei#ed with grateful 8oy!
<enry Crawford was soon seated with the other three at the table* while his sister
made her way to Lady Aertram* by the fire!
F+ "ongratulate your ladyship*F said she* Fon the play being "hosen5 for + am sure
you must be si"k of all our diffi"ulties! The bystanders must be infinitely thankful for
a de"ision5 and + gi#e you 8oy* madam* as well as e#erybody else who is in the same
predi"ament*F glan"ing at Edmund!
Edmund said nothing! -fter "hatting a few minutes* 'iss Crawford returned to the
party round the table5 and seemed to interest herself in their arrangements till* as if
stru"k by a sudden re"olle"tion* she e."laimed* F'y good friends* pray let me know
my fate! @ho is to be -nhaltE @hat gentleman among you am + to ha#e the pleasure
of making lo#e toEF
Cor a moment no one spoke5 and then many spoke together to tell the melan"holy
truth* that they had not yet got any -nhalt!
F+ thought + should like the Count best*F said 'r =ushworth* Fthough + do not
mu"h relish the finery + am to ha#e!F
F6ou "hose wisely* + am sure*F replied 'iss Crawford* with a brightened look5
F-nhalt is a hea#y part!F
FThe Count has two)and)forty spee"hes*F returned 'r! =ushworth* Fwhi"h is no
trifle!F
F+ am not surprised*F said 'iss Crawford* Fat this want of an -nhalt! -melia
deser#es no better! Su"h a forward young lady may well frighten the men!F
F+ should take the part* if it were possible*F "ried Tom5 Fbut* unlu"kily* the Autler
and -nhalt are in together! <owe#er5 + will try what "an be done!F
F6our brother should take the part*F said 'r! 6ates!
F+ shall not ask him*F replied Tom "oldly!
'iss Crawford talked of something else* and soon afterwards re8oined the party at
the fire!
FThey do not want me*F said she! F'r! Edmund Aertram* as you do not a"t
yourself* you will be a disinterested ad#iser5 and* therefore* + apply to you! @hat shall
we do for an -nhaltE @hat is your ad#i"eEF
F'y ad#i"e*F said he "almly* Fis that you "hange the play!F
F+ should ha#e no ob8e"tion*F she replied5 Fthough + should not parti"ularly dislike
the part of -melia5 but as they do not "hoose to hear your ad#i"e* it "ertainly will not
be taken!F
Edmund said no more!
F+f any part "ould tempt you to a"t* + suppose it would be -nhalt*F obser#ed the
lady ar"hly* after a short pause5 Ffor he is a "lergyman* you know!F
FThat would not tempt me*F he replied* Ffor + should be sorry to make the
"hara"ter ridi"ulous by bad a"ting!F
'iss Crawford was silen"ed! 'o#ing her "hair nearer the tea)table* she ga#e her
attention to 'rs! 0orris!
FCanny*F "ried Tom Aertram* Fwe want your ser#i"es!F
Canny was up in a moment* e.pe"ting some errand!
F;hJ we do not want to disturb you from your seat! @e only want you in our play!
6ou must be CottagerBs wife!F
F'eJF "ried Canny* sitting down again with a frightened look! F+ndeed you must
e."use me! + "annot a"t!F
FAut you must! +t need not frighten you: it is a nothing of a part* not half a doDen
spee"hes* and it will not signify if nobody hears a word you say5 so you may be as
"reep)mouse as you like!F
F@hy* + ha#e forty)two spee"hes*F "ried 'r! =ushworth!
F+t is not that + am afraid of learning by heart*F said Canny* sho"ked to find that
e#ery eye was upon her5 Fbut + really "annot a"t!F
F6ou "an a"t well enough for us! 6ou ha#e only two s"enes!F
F0o* indeed* 'r! Aertram* you must e."use me! +t would be absolutely impossible
for me! + should only disappoint you!F
F(hooJ @e do not e.pe"t perfe"tion! 6ou must get a brown gown* and a white
apron* and a mob "ap* and we must make you a few wrinkles* and you will be a #ery
proper little old woman!F
F+ndeed you must e."use me*F "ried Canny* in agitation* and looking distressfully
at Edmund* who was kindly obser#ing her5 but unwilling to e.asperate his brother*
ga#e her only an en"ouraging smile! <er entreaty had no effe"t on Tom: and it was not
merely Tom! <is re7uest was now ba"ked by 'aria* and 'r! Crawford* and 'r! 6ates*
and 'rs! 0orris addressed her in an angry whisperGF@hat a pie"e of work about
nothing: + am 7uite ashamed of you* Canny* to make su"h a diffi"ulty of obliging your
"ousins in su"h a trifleGso kind as they are to youJF
FHo not urge her* madam*F said Edmund! F6ou see she does not like to a"t!F
F+ am not going to urge her*F replied 'rs! 0orris sharply5 Fbut + shall think her a
#ery obstinate* ungrateful girl* if she does not do what her aunt and "ousins wishG
#ery ungrateful* indeed* "onsidering who and what she is!F
Edmund was too angry to speak5 but 'iss Crawford* looking with astonished eyes
at 'rs! 0orris* and then at Canny* whose tears were beginning to show* immediately
said* F+ do not like my situation: this pla"e is too hot for me!F She mo#ed her "hair
"lose to Canny* saying to her* in a kind* low whisper* F0e#er mind* my dear 'iss
(ri"e* this is a "ross e#ening: e#erybody is "ross and teasing* but do not let us mind
themF5 and "ontinued to talk to her and endea#our to raise her spirits* in spite of being
out of spirits herself! The really good feelings by whi"h she was almost purely
go#erned were rapidly restoring her in EdmundBs fa#our!
Canny did not lo#e 'iss Crawford5 but she felt #ery grateful for her kindness5 and
when* after talking about her needlework* 'iss Crawford pro"eeded to in7uire if she
had heard lately from her brother at sea* and said that she was "urious to see him* and
imagined him a #ery fine young manGshe "ould not help admitting it to be #ery
agreeable flattery* and answering with more animation than she had intended!
'iss CrawfordBs attention was "alled from Canny by Tom AertramBs telling her*
with regret* that he found it impossible to take the part of -nhalt in addition to the
Autler! FAut there will no diffi"ulty in filling it*F he added! F@e may pi"k and "hoose!
+ "ould name si. young men who are wild to be admitted into our "ompany* and there
are one or two that would not disgra"e us: Tom ;li#er is a "le#er fellow* and Charles
'addo. is a gentlemanlike man* so + will ride o#er tomorrow* and settle with one of
them!F
'aria looked apprehensi#ely at Edmund* e.pe"ting that he must oppose this
enlargement of the plan: but Edmund said nothing! -fter a momentBs thought* 'iss
Crawford "almly replied* F+ "an ha#e no ob8e"tion to anything that you all think
eligible! <a#e + e#er seen either of the gentlemenE 6es* 'r! Charles 'addo. dined at
my sisterBs* did not he* <enryE - 7uiet)looking young man! Let him be applied to* if
you please* for it will be less unpleasant to me than a perfe"t stranger!F
Tom repeated his resolution of going to Charles 'addo. on the morrow5 and
though ,ulia obser#ed sar"asti"ally that Fthe 'ansfield theatri"als would enli#en the
whole neighbourhood e."eedingly*F Edmund still held his pea"e* and showed his
feelings only by a determined gra#ity!
'iss Crawford said 7uietly to Canny* F+ "an tell 'r! 'addo. that + shall shorten
some of his spee"hes* and a great many of my own* before we rehearse together! +t
will be #ery disagreeable* and by no means what + e.pe"ted!F
C<-(TE= 1?
'iss Crawford "ould not make Canny forget what had passed! She went to bed full of
it* her ner#es still agitated and her spirits sinking under her auntBs unkind reproa"h! To
be told that she must do what was so impossible as to a"t5 and then to ha#e the "harge
of obstina"y and ingratitude follow* had been distressing* espe"ially with the added
dread of what the morrow might produ"e! 'iss Crawford had prote"ted her only for
the time5 and if she were applied to again* what should she doE
She fell asleep before she "ould answer the 7uestion* and found it 7uite as
puDDling when she awoke the ne.t morning! The little white atti"* where she had
always slept* suggesting no reply* she went as soon as she was dressed to the old
s"hool)room! @hen 'iss Lee had 7uitted them* the room had be"ome 7uite deserted*
e."ept by Canny* who still kept her books there: gradually* she had added to her
possessions* and spent more of her time there* and the East room was now "onsidered
hers! The 'iss Aertrams* with e#ery superiority in their own apartments* were
entirely appro#ing it5 and 'rs! 0orris* ha#ing stipulated that there should ne#er be a
fire in it on CannyBs a""ount* was resigned to her ha#ing what nobody else wanted*
though she sometimes spoke as if it was the best room in the house!
E#en without a fire* Canny found great "omfort there in her hours of leisure! -fter
anything unpleasant below* she "ould find immediate "onsolation in her plants* her
books* her writing)desk* and her works of "harity* all within her rea"h5 or if nothing
but musing would do* she "ould s"ar"ely see an ob8e"t in that room whi"h had not an
interesting remembran"e "onne"ted with it! E#erything was a friend5 and held a
memory of how her aunt Aertram had spoken for her* or 'iss Lee had been
en"ouraging* or how Edmund had been her "hampion5 he had supported her "ause* he
had told her not to "ry* or had gi#en her some proof of affe"tion whi"h made her tears
delightful!
The room was most dear to her* and she would not ha#e "hanged its furniture for
the handsomest in the house* though its greatest elegan"ies were a faded footstool of
,uliaBs work* too ill done for the drawing)room* a "olle"tion of family profiles*
thought unworthy of being anywhere else* and a small sket"h of a ship sent four years
ago from the 'editerranean by @illiam* with <!'!S! -ntwerp at the bottom* in letters
as tall as the mainmast!
Aut as Canny walked round the room on this morning* her doubts were in"reasing!
@as she right in refusing what was so strongly wished forE @as it not selfishness* and
a fear of e.posing herselfE +t would be so horrible to her to a"t that she was in"lined to
suspe"t the purity of her own s"ruples5 and as she looked around* the "laims of her
"ousins were strengthened by the sight of present upon present that she had re"ei#ed
from them! The table was "o#ered with work)bo.es whi"h had been gi#en her at
different times* prin"ipally by Tom5 and she grew bewildered! - tap at the door roused
her* and her gentle FCome inF was answered by the appearan"e of one* before whom
all her doubts were wont to be laid! <er eyes brightened at the sight of Edmund!
FCan + speak with you* CannyEF said he!
F6es* "ertainly!F
F+ want your opinion!F
F'y opinionJF she "ried* shrinking from su"h a "ompliment* highly as it gratified
her!
F6es! + do not know what to do! This a"ting s"heme gets worse and worse* you
see! They ha#e "hosen almost as bad a play as they "ould* and now are going to ask
the help of a young man #ery slightly known to us! This is the end of pri#a"y and
propriety! + know no harm of Charles 'addo.5 but the e."essi#e intima"y whi"h must
spring from his 8oining us is highly ob8e"tionable! +t appears to me an e#il that must* if
possible* be pre#ented!F
F6es5 but what "an be doneE 6our brother is so determined!F
F+ must take -nhalt myself* Canny! 0othing else will 7uiet Tom!F
Canny "ould not answer him!
F+t is not what + like*F he "ontinued* Fbut + "an think of no other alternati#e! Can
you* CannyEF
F0o*F said Canny slowly* Fnot immediately* butGF
F+ see your 8udgment is not with me! Think it o#er! (erhaps you are not aware of
the unpleasantness that must arise from a young manBs being re"ei#ed in this manner!
Think of the li"en"e whi"h e#ery rehearsal must "reate! +t is #ery badJ (ut yourself in
'iss CrawfordBs pla"e* Canny! + heard enough of what she said to you last night to
understand her unwillingness to a"t with a stranger5 and as she probably took the part
with different e.pe"tationsGit would be really wrong to e.pose her to it! Hoes it not
strike you so* CannyE 6ou hesitate!F
F+ am sorry for 'iss Crawford5 but + am more sorry to see you drawn in to do
what you had resol#ed against* and what you think will be disagreeable to my un"le!
+t will be su"h a triumph to the othersJF
FThey will not ha#e mu"h "ause of triumph when they see how infamously + a"t!
Aut if + "an restrain the publi"ity of the business* and limit the e.hibition* + shall be
repaid! -s + am now* + ha#e no influen"e: but when + ha#e put them in good)humour
by this "on"ession* + hope to persuade them to "onfine the play within a mu"h smaller
"ir"le* to 'rs! =ushworth and the 9rants! @ill not this be worth gainingEF
F6es* it will be a great point!F
FAut still it has not your appro#al! 9i#e me your approbation* Canny! + am not
"omfortable without it!F
F;h* "ousinJF
F+f you are against me* + ought to distrust myself* and yet + "annot let Tom go
riding about the "ountry in 7uest of anybody who "an be persuaded to a"t! + thought
you would ha#e entered more into 'iss CrawfordBs feelings!F
F+t must be a great relief to her*F said Canny* trying for greater warmth of manner!
FShe ne#er appeared more amiable than in her beha#iour to you last night!F
FShe was #ery kind* indeed* and + am glad to ha#e her spared!!!F
She "ould not finish* but Edmund was satisfied!
F0ow* dear Canny* + will not interrupt you any longer*F said he! FAut + "ould not be
easy till + had spoken to you! 'y head has been full of this matter all night! + shall go
to Tom dire"tly and get it o#er* and when we meet at breakfast we shall be all in high
good)humour at the prospe"t of a"ting the fool together! 6ou* in the meanwhile* will
be taking a trip into China* + suppose!FGopening a #olume on the table! F-nd here are
CrabbeBs Tales* and the +dler* to relie#e you* if you tire of your great book! + admire
your little establishment e."eedingly5 and as soon as + am gone* you will empty your
head of all this nonsense* and sit "omfortably down to your table!F
<e went5 but there was no reading* no China* no "omposure for Canny! <e had
told her the most e.traordinary* the most unwel"ome news5 and she "ould think of
nothing else! To be a"tingJ -fter all his ob8e"tionsJ Could it be possibleE Edmund so
in"onsistentJ @as he not de"ei#ing himselfE @as he not wrongE
-lasJ it was all 'iss CrawfordBs doing! She had seen her influen"e in e#ery
spee"h* and was miserable! The doubts as to her own "ondu"t* whi"h had pre#iously
distressed her* were be"ome of little "onse7uen"e now! This deeper an.iety swallowed
them up! She "ared not how it ended! <er "ousins might atta"k* but she was beyond
their rea"h5 and if at last obliged to yieldGno matterGit was all misery now!
C<-(TE= 1$
+t was* indeed* a triumphant day to 'r! Aertram and 'aria! Su"h a #i"tory o#er
Edmund had been beyond their hopes* and was most delightful! Edmund might still
look gra#e* and say he did not like the s"heme5 but their point was gained: he was to
a"t* and he was dri#en to it by selfish in"linations only! Edmund had des"ended from
his moral ele#ation* and they were both the happier for the des"ent!
They beha#ed #ery well to him* howe#er* betraying no e.ultation beyond the lines
about the "orners of the mouth! @hen Edmund ga#e a hint of his hope that the
audien"e would be limited* they were ready to promise anything! +t was all good)
humour and en"ouragement! 'rs! 0orris offered to "ontri#e his dress* and 'r!
=ushworth undertook to "ount his spee"hes!
F(erhaps*F said Tom* FCanny may be more disposed to oblige us now! (erhaps you
may persuade her!F
F0o* she is 7uite determined! She will not a"t!F
F;hJ #ery well!F 0ot another word was said5 but Canny felt herself again in
danger* and her indifferen"e to the danger was beginning to fail her already!
'iss Crawford entered into the affair with su"h renewed "heerfulness as "ould
ha#e but one effe"t on Edmund! F<e was "ertainly right in respe"ting her feelings5 he
was glad he had determined on it!F -nd the morning wore away in satisfa"tions #ery
sweet* if not #ery sound!
;ne ad#antage resulted to Canny: at 'iss Crawford/s re7uest* 'rs! 9rant agreed
to take the part for whi"h Canny had been wanted! E#en this brought a pang* for it was
'iss Crawford to whom she was obliged! She was safe5 but pea"e and safety were
un"onne"ted here! <er mind had been ne#er farther from pea"e! She "ould not feel
that she had done wrong* but she was dis7uieted in e#ery other way! <er heart and her
8udgment were e7ually against EdmundBs de"ision: she "ould not a"7uit his
unsteadiness* and his happiness made her wret"hed! She was full of 8ealousy and
agitation! 'iss Crawford/s looks of gaiety seemed an insult* and she "ould hardly
answer her friendly e.pressions "almly!
E#erybody around her was busy and important5 ea"h had their part* their dress*
their fa#ourite s"ene* their friends: all were finding employment! She alone was sad
and insignifi"ant: she had no share in anything5 she might go or stay without being
seen or missed! She "ould almost think anything would ha#e been preferable to this!
'rs! 9rant was of "onse7uen"e: she was sought for* and attended* and praised5 and
Canny was in some danger of en#ying her the "hara"ter she had a""epted! Aut
refle"tion brought better feelings* and showed her that 'rs! 9rant was entitled to
respe"t whi"h "ould ne#er ha#e belonged to her5 and that she "ould ne#er ha#e
supported a s"heme whi"h* "onsidering her un"le* she must "ondemn!
CannyBs heart was not the only saddened one! ,ulia was a sufferer too* though not
7uite so blamelessly!
<enry Crawford had trifled with her feelings5 but she had allowed his attentions*
and now that his preferen"e for 'aria had been for"ed on her* she submitted to it
without any alarm for 'ariaBs situation* or any endea#our at tran7uillity for herself!
She either sat in gloomy silen"e5 or* allowing the attentions of 'r! 6ates* was talking
with for"ed gaiety to him alone* and ridi"uling the a"ting of the others!
Cor a day or two* <enry Crawford had endea#oured to do away the affront by the
usual atta"k of gallantry and "ompliment* but he had not "ared enough to perse#ere5
and be"oming too busy to ha#e time for more than one flirtation* he grew indifferent
to the 7uarrel* or rather thought it lu"ky in 7uietly putting an end to her e.pe"tations!
<e assured 'rs 9rant* with a smile* that neither he nor ,ulia had e#er had a serious
thought of ea"h other! She "autioned him as to the elder sister* entreating him not to
risk too mu"h admiration there!
F+ rather wonder ,ulia is not in lo#e with <enry*F was her obser#ation to 'ary!
F+ dare say she is*F replied 'ary "oldly! F+ imagine both sisters are!F
FAothJ no* that must not be! Think of 'r! =ushworthJF
F6ou had better tell 'iss Aertram to think of 'r! =ushworth! +t may do her some
good!F
F+ dare say he will be in parliament soon* when Sir Thomas "omes!F
FSir Thomas is to a"hie#e many mighty things when he "omes home*F said 'ary!
FE#erything seems to depend upon Sir ThomasBs return!F
F6ou will find his "onse7uen"e #ery reasonable when you see him* + assure you!
<e has a fine dignified manner* whi"h suits the head of su"h a house! Lady Aertram
seems more of a "ipher now than when he is at home5 and nobody else "an keep 'rs!
0orris in order! Aut* 'ary* do not fan"y that 'aria Aertram "ares for <enry! + am sure
,ulia does not* or she would not ha#e flirted as she did last night with 'r! 6ates5 and
though he and 'aria are #ery good friends* + think she likes Sotherton too well to be
in"onstant!F
F+ would not gi#e mu"h for 'r! =ushworthBs "han"e if <enry stepped in!F
F+f you ha#e su"h a suspi"ion* something must be done5 and as soon as the play is
all o#er* we will talk to him seriously5 and if he means nothing* we will send him off*
though he is <enry* for a time!F
,ulia did suffer* howe#er! She had lo#ed* she did lo#e still5 and she was suffering
under the disappointment of a dear* though irrational hope* and a strong sense of ill)
usage! <er heart was sore and angry* and she was "apable only of angry "onsolations!
<er sister was now be"ome her greatest enemy: and ,ulia was not abo#e hoping for
some distressing end to the attentions whi"h were still "arrying on! The sisters had not
affe"tion or prin"iple enough to gi#e them honour or "ompassion! 'aria felt her
triumph* and pursued her purpose* "areless of ,ulia5 and ,ulia trusted that there would
be punishment for 'aria at last!
Canny saw and pitied mu"h of this in ,ulia5 but they did not speak of it to ea"h
other! They were two solitary sufferers!
The blindness of the two brothers and their aunt to this must be imputed to the
fullness of their own minds! Tom was engrossed by the "on"erns of his theatre!
Edmund* with 'iss CrawfordBs "laims* was e7ually unobser#ant5 and 'rs! 0orris was
too busy in dire"ting little matters* and sa#ing half a "rown here and there for the
absent Sir Thomas* to ha#e leisure for wat"hing the beha#iour* or guarding the
happiness of his daughters!
C<-(TE= 1%
E#erything was now in train: theatre* a"tors* a"tresses* and dresses* were all getting
forward5 but Canny found that it was not all uninterrupted en8oyment to the party!
E#erybody began to ha#e their #e.ation! Edmund had many! -gainst his 8udgment* a
s"ene)painter arri#ed from town* and was at work* in"reasing the e.penses5 and his
brother was gi#ing an in#itation to e#ery family who "ame in his way! Tom himself
began to fret* and to feel the miseries of waiting! <e had learned his partGall his
parts* for he took e#ery trifling one that "ould be united with the Autler* and was
impatient to be a"ting!
Canny* being a #ery "ourteous listener* "ame in for the "omplaints of most of
them! She knew that 'r! 6ates was in general thought to rant dreadfully5 that 'r!
6ates was disappointed in <enry Crawford5 that Tom Aertram spoke too 7ui"k5 that
'rs! 9rant spoiled e#erything by laughing5 that Edmund was behindhand with his
part* and that it was misery to ha#e anything to do with 'r! =ushworth* who needed a
prompter through e#ery spee"h! She knew* also* that poor 'r! =ushworth "ould
seldom get anybody to rehearse with him: and so de"idedly did her "ousin 'aria
a#oid him* and so needlessly often did she rehearse the first s"ene with 'r! Crawford*
that Canny was soon terrified of other "omplaints from him!
So far from being all satisfied* e#erybody re7uired something they had not!
E#erybody had a part either too long or too short5 nobody would attend as they ought5
nobody would remember on whi"h side they were to "ome in5 nobody but the
"omplainer would obser#e any dire"tions!
Canny deri#ed mu"h inno"ent en8oyment from the play! <enry Crawford a"ted
well* and it was a pleasure to her to "reep into the theatre* and attend the rehearsal of
the first a"t* in spite of the feelings it e."ited in some spee"hes for 'aria! 'aria also
a"ted well* too well! Canny began to be their only audien"e* sometimes as prompter*
sometimes as spe"tator!
-s far as she "ould 8udge* 'r! Crawford was the best a"tor of all: he had more
"onfiden"e than Edmund* more 8udgment than Tom* more talent and taste than 'r!
6ates! She did not like him* but she must admit him to be the best a"tor! The day "ame
at last* when 'r! =ushworth turned to her with a bla"k look* and said* FHo you think
there is anything so #ery fine in all thisE Cor the life and soul of me* + "annot admire
him! To see su"h an undersiDed man set up for a fine a"tor* is ridi"ulous in my
opinion!F
Crom this moment there was a return of his 8ealousy* whi"h 'aria* from
in"reasing hopes of Crawford* was at little pains to remo#e5 and the "han"es of 'r!
=ushworthBs e#er learning his two)and)forty spee"hes be"ame mu"h less! -s to his
e#er making anything tolerable of them* nobody had the smallest idea of that5 they
aspired at nothing beyond his remembering the first line of his spee"h* and being able
to follow the prompter through the rest! Canny* in her pity and kindheartedness* was at
great pains to tea"h him how to learn* trying to make an artifi"ial memory for him*
and learning e#ery word of his part herself* but without his being mu"h the forwarder!
'any apprehensi#e feelings she "ertainly had5 but with these "laims on her
attention* she was far from finding herself without employment! She was o""asionally
useful to all5 she was perhaps as mu"h at pea"e as any!
There was a great deal of needlework to be done* moreo#er* in whi"h her help was
wanted5 and 'rs! 0orris thought her 7uite as well off as the restGFCome* Canny*F she
"ried* Fthese are fine times for you* but you must not be always looking on at your
ease5 + want you here! + ha#e been sla#ing till + "an hardly stand* to "ontri#e 'r!
=ushworthBs "loak without sending for more satin5 now you may help me in putting it
together! There are but three seams5 you may do them in a tri"e! +f nobody did more
than you* we should not get on #ery fast!F
Canny took the work #ery 7uietly* but her kinder aunt Aertram obser#edG
F;ne "annot wonder* sister* that Canny should be delighted: it is all new to her*
you know5 + used to be #ery fond of a play* and when + am a little more at leisure* +
mean to look in at their rehearsals! @hat is the play about* CannyE you ha#e ne#er
told me!F
F;hJ sister* pray do not ask her now5 for Canny "annot talk and work at the same
time! +t is about Lo#ersB Iows!F
F+ belie#e*F said Canny to her aunt Aertram* Fthere will be three a"ts rehearsed to)
morrow e#ening* when you may see all the a"tors!F
F6ou had better stay till the "urtain is hung*F interposed 'rs! 0orris5 Fthe "urtain
will be hung in a day or two* and you will find it draws up into #ery handsome
festoons!F
Lady Aertram seemed 7uite resigned to waiting! Canny did not share her auntBs
"omposure: she thought of the morrow a great deal* for if the three a"ts were
rehearsed* Edmund and 'iss Crawford would then be a"ting together for the first
time! The third a"t would bring a s"ene between them whi"h interested her
parti"ularly* and whi"h she was longing and dreading to see how they would perform!
The whole sub8e"t of it was lo#eGa marriage of lo#e was to be des"ribed by the
gentleman* and little short of a de"laration of lo#e made by the lady!
She had read and read the s"ene again with many painful* wondering emotions!
She did not belie#e they had yet rehearsed it* e#en in pri#ate!
The morrow "ame* and Canny worked diligently under her auntBs dire"tions* but
her diligen"e "on"ealed a #ery absent* an.ious mind! -bout noon she made her es"ape
with her work to the East room* to a#oid another unne"essary rehearsal of the first a"t*
whi"h <enry Crawford was proposing! She worked and meditated in the East room*
undisturbed* for a 7uarter of an hour* when a gentle tap at the door was followed by
the entran"e of 'iss Crawford!
F-m + rightE 6es5 this is the East room! 'y dear 'iss (ri"e* + beg your pardon*
but + ha#e "ome to entreat your help!F
Canny* surprised* answered "i#illy* and looked at the bars of her empty grate with
"on"ern!
FThank you5 + am 7uite warm! -llow me to stay a little while* and ha#e the
goodness to hear me my third a"t! + ha#e brought my book* and if you would but
rehearse it with me* + should be so obligedJ + "ame to)day intending to rehearse it with
Edmund* but he is not here5 and if he were* + do not think + "ould go through it with
him* till + ha#e hardened myself a little5 for really there is a spee"h or two! 6ou will be
so good* wonBt youEF
Canny was most "i#il in her assuran"es* though she "ould not gi#e them in a #ery
steady #oi"e!
F<a#e you e#er happened to look at the part + meanEF "ontinued 'iss Crawford*
opening her book! F+ did not think mu"h of it at firstGbut* upon my word! There* look
at that spee"h* and that! <ow am + to look him in the fa"e and say su"h thingsE Could
you do itE Aut he is your "ousin* whi"h makes all the differen"e! 6ou must rehearse it
with me* that + may fan"y you him* and get on by degrees! 6ou ha#e a look of his
sometimes!F
F<a#e +E + will do my best5 but + must read the part* for + "an say #ery little of it!F
F0one of it* + suppose! @e must ha#e two "hairs for the front of the stage! ThereG
#ery good s"hool)room "hairs* fitted for little girls to sit and ki"k their feet against!
@hat would your go#erness and your un"le say to see them used for su"h a purposeE
+f Sir Thomas "ould see us now* he would bless himself* for we are rehearsing all o#er
the house! 6ates is storming away in the dining)room* and the theatre is engaged of
"ourse by -gatha and Crederi"k! Ay the bye* + looked in upon them fi#e minutes ago*
at e.a"tly one of the times when they were trying not to embra"e* and 'r! =ushworth
was with me! + thought he began to look a little 7ueer* so + whispered to him* B@e shall
ha#e an e."ellent -gatha5 there is something so "ompletely maternal in her manner!B
@as not that well done of meE <e brightened up dire"tly! 0ow for my solilo7uy!F
She began* and Canny 8oined in* but with looks and #oi"e so feminine as to be no
#ery good pi"ture of a man! @ith su"h an -nhalt* howe#er* 'iss Crawford had
"ourage enough5 and they had got through half the s"ene* when a tap at the door* and
the entran"e of Edmund* suspended it!
Surprise* "ons"iousness* and pleasure appeared in ea"h on this une.pe"ted
meeting! Edmund was "ome on the #ery same business that had brought 'iss
Crawford! <e too had his book* and was seeking Canny to ask her to rehearse with
him* without knowing 'iss Crawford was in the house! 9reat was the 8oy of being
thus thrown together* and sympathising in praise of CannyBs kind offi"es!
She "ould not e7ual them in their warmth! <er spirits sank under the glow of
theirs* and she felt herself be"oming too nearly nothing to both to ha#e any "omfort in
ha#ing been sought by either!
They must now rehearse together! Edmund entreated it* till the lady* not #ery
unwilling* "ould refuse no longer* and Canny was wanted only to prompt and obser#e
them! She was earnestly desired to tell them all their faults5 but shrank from the task!
To prompt them must be enough5 and it was sometimes more than enough5 for in
wat"hing them she forgot herself5 and* agitated by the in"reasing spirit of EdmundBs
manner* "losed the page and turned away e.a"tly as he wanted help! +t was imputed to
#ery reasonable weariness* and she was thanked and pitied5 but she deser#ed their pity
more than she hoped they would e#er guess!
-t last the s"ene was o#er* and Canny for"ed herself to add her praise to the
"ompliments ea"h was gi#ing the other! @hen again alone* she was in"lined to belie#e
their performan"e would* indeed* ha#e su"h feeling in it as must ensure their "redit*
and make it #ery painful to herself! <owe#er* she must bear the brunt of it again that
#ery day!
The rehearsal of the three first a"ts was to take pla"e in the e#ening5 and e#eryone
"on"erned was looking forward with eagerness! @ith the e."eption of Lady Aertram*
'rs! 0orris* and ,ulia* e#erybody was in the theatre early* waiting only the arri#al of
'rs! 9rant and the Crawfords to begin!
They did not wait long for the Crawfords* but there was no 'rs! 9rant! She "ould
not "ome! Hr! 9rant* who was ill* "ould not spare his wife!
<ere was disappointmentJ They "ould not rehearse without her! @hat was to be
doneE -fter a pause* some eyes were turned towards Canny* and a #oi"e said* F+f 'iss
(ri"e would be so good as to read the part!F She was immediately surrounded by
suppli"ations5 e#en Edmund said* FHo* Canny* if it is not #ery disagreeable to you!F
Canny "ould not endure the idea of it! @hy had not she gone safely to her room*
instead of attending the rehearsalE She had known it her duty to keep away! She was
properly punished!
F6ou ha#e only to read the part*F said <enry Crawford!
F+ do belie#e she "an say e#ery word of it*F added 'aria! FCanny* + am sure you
know the part!F
-s they all perse#ered* as Edmund repeated his wish* she must yield! She would
do her best! E#erybody was satisfied5 and she was left to the tremors of a palpitating
heart* while the others prepared to begin!
They did begin5 and being too mu"h engaged in their own noise to noti"e an
unusual noise in the other part of the house* had pro"eeded some way when the door
of the room was thrown open! ,ulia* appearing at it* her fa"e aghast* e."laimed* F'y
father is "omeJ <e is in the hall at this moment!F
C<-(TE= 1&
<ow is the "onsternation of the party to be des"ribedE To most it was a moment of
absolute horror! Sir Thomas in the houseJ -fter the first e."lamations* not a word was
spoken for half a minute: ea"h with an altered "ountenan"e was looking at some other*
and feeling it a stroke the most unwel"ome* most ill)timedJ 'r! 6ates might "onsider
it only as an interruption* and 'r! =ushworth might imagine it a blessing5 but e#ery
other heart was sinking under self)"ondemnation or undefined alarm! +t was a terrible
pause5 and terrible to e#ery ear were the sounds of opening doors and footsteps!
,ulia was the first to mo#e and speak again! -t the moment of her appearan"e*
Crederi"k was listening with de#oted looks to -gatha* and pressing her hand to his
heart5 and as soon as ,ulia noti"ed this* and saw that he still retained her sisterBs hand*
her wounded heart swelled again with in8ury! She left the room* saying* FI need not be
afraid of appearing before him!F
<er going roused the rest! The two brothers stepped forward* and agreed they
must go to the drawing)room dire"tly! 'aria 8oined them* 8ust then the stoutest of the
three5 for the #ery "ir"umstan"e whi"h had dri#en ,ulia away was to her the sweetest
support! <enry CrawfordBs retaining her hand at su"h a moment was worth ages of
doubt and an.iety! She hailed it as a sign of the most serious intent* and was e7ual
e#en to en"ounter her father!
They walked off* heedless of 'r! =ushworthBs repeated 7uestion of* FShall + go
tooE <ad not + better go tooEF <enry Crawford answered the an.ious in7uiry* and*
en"ouraging him to pay his respe"ts to Sir Thomas* sent him after the others with
delighted haste!
Canny was left with the Crawfords and 'r! 6ates! She had been 7uite o#erlooked5
and as her own opinion of her "laim on Sir ThomasBs affe"tion was mu"h too humble
to gi#e her any idea of "lassing herself with his "hildren* she was glad to remain
behind! <er agitation was e."essi#e! She was nearly fainting: all her habitual dread of
her un"le was returning* and with it* "ompassion for him and for the others* with
soli"itude on EdmundBs a""ount indes"ribable! She sat* trembling* while the other
three were gi#ing #ent to their feelings* lamenting o#er su"h an unlooked)for arri#al*
and wishing Sir Thomas were still in -ntigua!
The Crawfords were more warm on the sub8e"t than 'r! 6ates* from better
understanding the family! The ruin of the play was to them a "ertainty: while 'r!
6ates "onsidered it only as an interruption for the e#ening* and suggested the
possibility of the rehearsal being renewed after tea! The Crawfords laughed at the
idea5 and in#ited 'r! 6ates to spend the e#ening with them at the (arsonage! Aut 'r!
6ates* thanking them* said* Fhe preferred remaining* that he might pay his respe"ts to
the old gentleman5 and besides* he did not think it would be fair by the others to ha#e
e#erybody run away!F
Canny was "ommissioned with the CrawfordsB apology* and went to perform the
dreadful duty of appearing before her un"le!
Too soon did she find herself at the drawing)room door! -fter pausing a moment
for a "ourage whi"h the outside of no door had e#er supplied to her* she turned the
lo"k in desperation* and the "olle"ted family were before her! <er own name "aught
her ear! Sir Thomas was looking round* and saying* F@hy do not + see my little
CannyEFGand on per"ei#ing her* "ame forward with a kindness whi"h astonished her*
"alling her his dear Canny* kissing her affe"tionately* and obser#ing with pleasure how
mu"h she was grownJ
Canny knew not how to feel* nor where to look! She was 7uite oppressed! <e had
ne#er been so kind to her in his life! <is manner seemed "hanged* his #oi"e was
8oyful5 and his awful dignity seemed lost in tenderness! <e led her nearer the light and
looked at her againGin7uired after her health* and then* "orre"ting himself* obser#ed
that he need not in7uire* for her appearan"e spoke suffi"iently on that point!
<e in7uired ne.t after her family* espe"ially @illiam: and his kindness made her
reproa"h herself for lo#ing him so little! @hen* on ha#ing "ourage to lift her eyes to
his fa"e* she saw that he was grown thinner* and looked worn and fatigued* e#ery
tender feeling was in"reased* and she was miserable in "onsidering how mu"h
unsuspe"ted #e.ation was ready to burst on him!
Sir Thomas was indeed the life of the party! <is delight in being in the "entre of
his family* after su"h a separation* made him unusually "ommuni"ati#e and "hatty5
and he was ready to answer e#ery 7uestion of his two sons almost before it was put!
<is business in -ntigua had prospered* and he "ame dire"tly from Li#erpool* ha#ing
had an opportunity of making his passage in a pri#ate #essel* instead of waiting for
the pa"ket!
-s he sat by Lady Aertram* he looked with heartfelt satisfa"tion on the fa"es
around himGinterrupting himself more than on"e* to remark on his good fortune in
finding them all at homeGall "olle"ted together e.a"tly as he "ould ha#e wished! 'r!
=ushworth was not forgotten: a most friendly warmth of hand)shaking had already
met him! There was nothing disagreeable in 'r! =ushworthBs appearan"e* and Sir
Thomas was liking him already!
Ay not one of the "ir"le was he listened to with su"h unalloyed en8oyment as by
his wife* who was really e.tremely happy to see him* and whose feelings were so
warmed by his sudden arri#al as to make her almost fluttered for a few minutes! She
put away her work* mo#ed (ug from her side* and ga#e all her attention to her
husband! +t was so agreeable to see him again* that she began to feel how dreadfully
she must ha#e missed him* and how impossible it would ha#e been for her to bear a
lengthened absen"e!
'rs! 0orris was not as happy as her sister! 0ot that she feared Sir ThomasBs
disapprobation when the present state of his house should be known* for her 8udgment
had been so blinded that she had no alarm5 but she was #e.ed by the manner of his
return! +t had left her nothing to do! +nstead of her seeing him first* and spreading the
happy news through the house* Sir Thomas had sought no "onfidant but the butler!
'rs! 0orris felt herself defrauded of an offi"e on whi"h she had depended* whether
his arri#al or his death were to be the thing unfolded5 and was now trying to be in a
bustle without ha#ing anything to bustle about* and when nothing was wanted but
tran7uillity and silen"e! @ould Sir Thomas ha#e "onsented to eat* she might ha#e
gone to the housekeeper with troublesome dire"tions5 but Sir Thomas resolutely
de"lined all dinner: he would rather wait for tea! Still 'rs! 0orris was at inter#als
urging something5 and in the most interesting moment of his passage to England*
when the alarm of a Cren"h pri#ateer was at its height* she burst through his re"ital
with the proposal of soup!
Sir Thomas "ould not be pro#oked! FStill the same an.iety for e#erybodyBs
"omfort* my dear 'rs! 0orris*F was his answer! FAut indeed + would rather ha#e
nothing but tea!F
F@ell* then* Lady Aertram* suppose you order tea dire"tly!F This done* Sir
ThomasBs narrati#e pro"eeded!
-t length there was a pause! +n her elation Lady Aertram be"ame talkati#e* and
what were the sensations of her "hildren upon hearing her say* F<ow do you think the
young people ha#e been amusing themsel#es* Sir ThomasE They ha#e been a"ting!F
F+ndeedJ and what ha#e you been a"tingEF
F;hJ theyBll tell you all about it!F
FThe all will soon be told*F "ried Tom hastily5 Fbut we will not bore my father
with it now! 6ou will hear enough of it to)morrow* sir! @e ha#e 8ust been trying* by
way of amusing my mother* to get up a few s"enes* a mere trifle! @e ha#e had su"h
in"essant rains sin"e ;"tober began* that we ha#e been "onfined to the house for days
together! + ha#e hardly taken out a gun sin"e the 3rd! Tolerable sport the first three
days* but there has been no attempting anything sin"e! The first day + went o#er
'ansfield @ood* and Edmund took the "opses beyond Easton* and we brought home
si. bra"e between us* and might ha#e killed si. times as many* but we respe"t your
pheasants* sir* as mu"h as you "ould desire! + ne#er saw 'ansfield @ood so full of
pheasants as this year! + hope you will take a dayBs sport there yourself* sir* soon!F
Cor the present the danger was o#er* and CannyBs si"k feelings subsided5 but when
tea was brought in* and Sir Thomas* getting up* said that he would 8ust look into his
own dear room* e#ery agitation returned! <e was gone before anything had been said
to prepare him for the "hange he must find5 and a pause of alarm followed his
disappearan"e!
FSomething must be done*F said Edmund!
F@e must think of our #isitors*F said 'aria* still feeling her hand pressed to <enry
CrawfordBs heart! F@here did you lea#e 'iss Crawford* CannyEF
Canny told of their departure* and deli#ered their message!
FThen poor 6ates is all alone*F "ried Tom! F+ will go and fet"h him!F
To the theatre he went* and rea"hed it 8ust in time to witness the first meeting of
his father and his friend! Sir Thomas had been a good deal surprised to find "andles
burning in his room5 and on "asting his eye round it* to see a general air of "onfusion
in the furniture! The remo#al of the book"ase from before the billiard)room door
stru"k him espe"ially* but he had s"ar"ely time to feel astonished* before there were
sounds from the billiard)room to astonish him still farther! Some one was talking there
loudly5 he did not know the #oi"e!
<e stepped to the door* and* opening it* found himself on the stage of a theatre*
opposite a ranting young man* who appeared likely to kno"k him down ba"kwards! -t
the #ery moment of 6ates per"ei#ing Sir Thomas* and gi#ing perhaps the #ery best
start he had e#er gi#en in the whole "ourse of his rehearsals* Tom Aertram entered5
and ne#er had he found greater diffi"ulty in keeping his "ountenan"e! The gradual
metamorphosis of the impassioned Aaron @ildenheim into the well)bred and easy 'r!
6ates* making his bow and apology to Sir Thomas Aertram* was su"h a pie"e of true
a"ting as he would not ha#e lost upon any a""ount! +t would probably be the last s"ene
on that stage5 but he was sure there "ould not be a finer!
+t was ne"essary for him to step forward and assist the introdu"tion* and with
awkward sensations he did his best! Sir Thomas re"ei#ed 'r! 6ates with the
appearan"e of "ordiality* but was really far from pleased with the a"7uaintan"e! 'r!
6atesBs family were suffi"iently known to him to render his introdu"tion as the
Fparti"ular friendF e."eedingly unwel"ome5 and it needed all the 8oy of being at home
to sa#e Sir Thomas from anger!
Tom understood his fatherBs thoughts* and began to see* more "learly than he had
done before* that there might be some ground of offen"e* that there might be some
reason for the glan"e his father ga#e towards the "eiling5 and that when he in7uired
with mild gra#ity after the fate of the billiard)table* he was not pro"eeding beyond a
#ery allowable "uriosity! The three gentlemen returned to the drawing)room together*
Sir Thomas with an in"rease of gra#ity whi"h was not lost on all!
F+ "ome from your theatre*F said he "omposedly* as he sat down5 F+t took me by
surprise* as + had not the smallest suspi"ion of your a"ting ha#ing assumed so serious
a "hara"ter! +t appears a neat 8ob* howe#er* and does my friend Christopher ,a"kson
"redit!F -nd then he would ha#e "hanged the sub8e"t5 but 'r! 6ates* without
dis"ernment or dis"retion* would keep him on the topi" of the theatre* would torment
him with remarks about it* and finally would make him hear the whole history of his
disappointment at E""lesford! Sir Thomas listened most politely* but found mu"h to
"onfirm his ill)opinion of 'r! 6ates!
FThis was* in fa"t* the origin of our a"ting*F said Tom! F'y friend 6ates brought
the infe"tion from E""lesford* and it spreadGas those things always spread* you
know* sirGthe faster* probably* from your ha#ing en"ouraged the sort of thing in us
formerly! +t was like treading old ground!F
'r! 6ates immediately ga#e Sir Thomas an a""ount of what they were doing: told
him of the happy "on"lusion of their first diffi"ulties* and present state of affairs5 blind
to the uneasy mo#ements of his friends* the fidget* the hemJ of un7uietness* and e#en
to the e.pression of the fa"e on whi"h his own eyes were fi.ed! Sir ThomasBs dark
brow "ontra"ted as he looked with in7uiring earnestness at his daughters and Edmund*
dwelling parti"ularly on the latter with reproof!
Canny* s"reened from noti"e herself* saw all that was passing! Su"h a look of
reproa"h at Edmund from his father she "ould ne#er ha#e e.pe"ted to witness5 and to
feel that it was in any way deser#ed was terrible indeed!
'r! 6ates was still talking! FTo own the truth* Sir Thomas* we were in the middle
of a rehearsal when you arri#ed! 0othing more "an be done to)night5 but if you will
gi#e us the honour of your "ompany to)morrow* + should not be afraid of the result!
@e ask your indulgen"e as young performers!F
F'y indulgen"e shall be gi#en* sir*F replied Sir Thomas gra#ely* Fbut without any
other rehearsal!F -nd with a relenting smile* he added* F+ "ome home to be happy and
indulgent! 'r! and 'iss Crawford were mentioned in my last letters from 'ansfield!
Ho you find them agreeable a"7uaintan"eEF
Tom was the only one ready with an answer! F'r! Crawford was a most pleasant*
gentleman)like man5 his sister a sweet* pretty* elegant* li#ely girl!F
'r! =ushworth "ould be silent no longer! F6ou should tell your father he is not
abo#e fi#e feet eight* or he will be e.pe"ting a well)looking man!F
Sir Thomas did not 7uite understand this* and looked with some surprise at the
speaker!
'r! =ushworth "ontinued! F+n my opinion it is #ery disagreeable to be always
rehearsing! + think we are a great deal better employed* sitting "omfortably here
among oursel#es* and doing nothing!F
Sir Thomas replied with an appro#ing smile* F+ am happy to find our sentiments
so mu"h the same! +t gi#es me sin"ere satisfa"tion! That + should feel s"ruples whi"h
my "hildren do not feel* is perfe"tly natural5 and e7ually my lo#e of domesti"
tran7uillity should e."eed theirs! Aut at your time of life to feel all this* is a most
fa#ourable "ir"umstan"e for yourself5 and + am glad to ha#e an ally of su"h weight!F
Sir Thomas was aware that he must not e.pe"t a genius in 'r! =ushworth5 but as a
well)8udging* steady young man* with better notions than his elo"ution would do
8usti"e to* he intended to #alue him #ery highly! 'r! =ushworth hardly knew what to
do with so mu"h meaning5 but by looking e."eedingly pleased with Sir ThomasBs
good opinion* and saying s"ar"ely anything* he did his best towards preser#ing that
good opinion a little longer!
C<-(TE= 20
EdmundBs first ob8e"t the ne.t morning was to see his father alone* and gi#e him a fair
statement of the whole a"ting s"heme* defending his own share in it as far only as he
"ould feel his moti#es to deser#e! <e was an.ious to say nothing unkind of the others:
but there was only one whose "ondu"t he "ould mention without ne"essity of defen"e!
F@e ha#e all been to blame*F said he* Fe."epting Canny! Canny has 8udged rightly
throughout! <er feelings ha#e been steadily against it from first to last! She ne#er
"eased to think of what was due to you! 6ou will find Canny e#erything you "ould
wish!F
Sir Thomas saw all the impropriety of the s"heme as strongly as his son had
supposed! <a#ing shaken hands with Edmund* he meant to try to lose the disagreeable
impression as soon as the house had been restored to its proper state! <e did not
remonstrate with his other "hildren: he was willing to belie#e they felt their error!
There was one person* howe#er* to whom he must speak! <e hinted to 'rs! 0orris
that he hoped she might ha#e ad#ised the young people against the play! They ought
to ha#e been "apable of a better de"ision themsel#es5 but they were young5 and*
e."epting Edmund* of unsteady "hara"ters! <e was greatly surprised at her allowing
their unsafe amusements!
'rs! 0orris was a little "onfounded and as "lose to being silen"ed as e#er she had
been in her life5 for she was ashamed to "onfess to ha#ing ne#er seen any of the
impropriety whi"h was so glaring to Sir Thomas! <er only resour"e was to get out of
the sub8e"t as fast as possible! She had a great deal to say in her own praise as to her
e.ertion and many sa"rifi"es and e"onomies* whereby a "onsiderable sa#ing had
arisen!
Aut her "hief strength lay in Sotherton! <er greatest glory was in ha#ing formed
the "onne.ion with the =ushworths! There she was impregnable! She took all the
"redit! F+f + had not been a"ti#e*F said she* Fand pre#ailed on my sister to pay the first
#isit* nothing would ha#e "ome of it5 for 'r! =ushworth is a modest young man who
wants en"ouragement! Aut + left no stone unturned! + was ready to mo#e hea#en and
earth to persuade my sister! 6ou know the distan"e to Sotherton5 it was in the middle
of winter* and the roads almost impassable* but + did persuade her!F
F+ know how great your influen"e is with Lady Aertram and her "hildren* and am
the more "on"erned that it should not ha#e been on the o""asion of the play!F
F'y dear Sir Thomas* if you had seen the state of the roads that dayJ + thought we
should ne#er ha#e got through* though we had the four horses5 and poor old
"oa"hman would attend us* though he was hardly able to sit on a""ount of the
rheumatism whi"h + had been do"toring him for e#er sin"e 'i"haelmas! + "ured him
at last5 but he was #ery bad all the winter* and + said to him* BCoa"hman* you had
mu"h better not go!B Aut he was bent upon going* and as + hate to be offi"ious* + said
no more5 but my heart 7uite a"hed for him at e#ery 8olt* and when we got into the
rough lanes about Stoke* + was 7uite in an agony about him! -nd then the poor horses
tooJ 6ou know how + always feel for the horses! @hen we got to the bottom of
Sand"roft <ill* what do you think + didE 6ou will laugh at me5 but + got out and
walked up! + did indeed! +t might not be sa#ing them mu"h* but it was something* and
+ "ould not bear to sit at my ease and be dragged up at the e.pense of those noble
animals! + "aught a dreadful "old* but that + did not regard! 'y ob8e"t was
a""omplished in the #isit!F
F+ hope we shall always think the a"7uaintan"e worth any trouble that might be
taken to establish it! There is nothing #ery striking in 'r! =ushworthBs manners* but +
was pleased last night with his opinion on one sub8e"t: his de"ided preferen"e of a
7uiet family party to the bustle of a"ting!F
F6es* indeed! <e is not a shining "hara"ter* but he has a thousand good 7ualities5
and is so disposed to look up to you* that + am 7uite laughed at about it* for e#erybody
"onsiders it as my doing! BLpon my word* 'rs! 0orris*B said 'rs! 9rant the other day*
Bif 'r! =ushworth were a son of your own* he "ould not hold Sir Thomas in greater
respe"t!BF
Sir Thomas ga#e up* foiled by her e#asions and disarmed by her flattery5 and was
obliged to be satisfied with the "on#i"tion that her kindness sometimes o#erpowered
her 8udgment!
+t was a busy morning for him! <e had to reinstate himself in all the "on"erns of
his 'ansfield life: to see his steward and his bailiff5 to #isit his stables* gardens and
plantations5 but* a"ti#e and methodi"al* he had not only done all this before dinner* he
had also set the "arpenter to work in pulling down the theatre! The s"ene)painter was
gone* ha#ing only spoilt the floor of one room* ruined all the "oa"hmanBs sponges* and
made fi#e of the under)ser#ants idle and dissatisfied5 and Sir Thomas hoped that
another day or two would suffi"e to wipe away e#ery outward memento of what had
been* e#en to the destru"tion of e#ery "opy of Lo#ersB Iows in the house* for he was
burning all that met his eye!
'r! 6ates was beginning now to understand Sir ThomasBs intentions! <e and his
friend had been out with their guns* and Tom had e.plained what was to be e.pe"ted!
'r! 6ates felt it a"utely! To be a se"ond time disappointed in the same way was se#ere
ill)lu"k5 and had it not been for deli"a"y towards his friend* and his friendBs youngest
sister* he belie#ed he should "ertainly atta"k the baronet on the absurdity of his
pro"eedings!
<e belie#ed this #ery stoutly all the way home5 but there was a something in Sir
Thomas* when they sat round the table* whi"h made 'r! 6ates think it wiser to let him
pursue his own way! <e had known many disagreeable fathers before* but ne#er had
he seen one so tyranni"al as Sir Thomas! <e might be thankful to his fair daughter
,ulia that 'r! 6ates meant to stay a few days longer under his roof!
The e#ening passed with e.ternal smoothness* though e#ery mind was ruffled5 and
the musi" whi"h Sir Thomas "alled for from his daughters helped to "on"eal the want
of real harmony! 'aria was in a good deal of agitation! +t was of the utmost
"onse7uen"e to her that Crawford should now lose no time in de"laring himself* and
she was disturbed that e#en a day should go by without seeming to ad#an"e that point!
She had been e.pe"ting to see him the whole day* and was still e.pe"ting him! 'r!
=ushworth had set off for Sotherton5 and she had fondly hoped for su"h an immediate
de"laration as might sa#e him the trouble of e#er "oming ba"k again! Aut they had
seen no one from the (arsonage* and had heard no tidings beyond a friendly note from
'rs! 9rant to Lady Aertram!
+t was a sad* an.ious day5 and the morrow brought more e#il for 'aria! - few
moments of fe#erish en8oyment were followed by hours of a"ute suffering! <enry
Crawford was again in the house: he walked up with Hr! 9rant* and they were ushered
into the breakfast)room!
Sir Thomas appeared* and 'aria saw with delight and agitation the introdu"tion of
the man she lo#ed to her father! <er sensations were indefinable* and so were they a
few minutes afterwards upon hearing <enry Crawford ask Tom in an under#oi"e
whether there were any plans for resuming the play* be"ause* in that "ase* he should
make a point of returning to 'ansfield at any time re7uired by the party! <e was
going away immediately to meet his un"le at Aath5 but if there were any prospe"t of a
renewal of Lo#ersB Iows* he should hold himself engaged* and break through e#ery
other "laim!
FCrom Aath* 0orfolk* London* where#er + may be*F said he5 F+ will attend you at
an hourBs noti"e!F
Tom said* F+ am sorry you are going5 but our play is entirely at an end! The painter
was sent off yesterday* and little will remain of the theatre tomorrow! +t is early for
Aath! 6ou will find nobody there!F
F+t is my un"leBs usual time!F
F@hen do you think of goingEF
F+ may* perhaps* get as far as Aanbury to)day!F
F@hose stables do you use at AathEF was the ne.t 7uestion5 and while this was
under dis"ussion* 'aria* who wanted neither pride nor resolution* prepared herself
with tolerable "almness!
To her he soon turned* repeating what he had already said* with only a softened air
and stronger e.pressions of regret! Aut what a#ailed his e.pressions or his airE <e
was going* and intending to stay away5 for* e."epting what might be due to his un"le*
his engagements were all self)imposed! <e might talk of ne"essity* but she knew his
independen"e! The hand whi"h had so pressed hers to his heartJ hand and heart were
alike motionless and passi#e nowJ <er spirit supported her* but the agony of her mind
was se#ere! She had not long to bury the tumult of her feelings5 for the farewell #isit
was a #ery short one! <e was goneGhe had tou"hed her hand for the last time! <enry
Crawford was gone* gone from the house* and two hours afterwards from the parish5
and so ended all the hopes his selfish #anity had raised in 'aria and ,ulia Aertram!
,ulia "ould re8oi"e that he was gone! <is presen"e was beginning to be odious to
her! <enry Crawford gone* she "ould e#en pity her sister!
@ith a purer spirit did Canny re8oi"e in the news! She heard it at dinner* and felt it
a blessing! Ay all the others it was mentioned with regret5 'rs! 0orris began to
wonder that his falling in lo#e with ,ulia had "ome to nothing!
-nother day or two* and 'r! 6ates was gone likewise! Sir Thomas had been 7uite
indifferent to 'r! CrawfordBs going or staying: but his goodbyes to 'r! 6ates were
gi#en with genuine satisfa"tion! Sir Thomas hoped* in seeing him out of the house* to
be rid of the worst ob8e"t "onne"ted with the theatri"al s"heme* and now the theatre
was dismantled* the last that must be reminding him of its e.isten"e!
'rs! 0orris "ontri#ed to remo#e one arti"le from his sight that might ha#e
distressed him! The "urtain* o#er whi"h she had presided with su"h talent and su""ess*
went off with her to her "ottage* where she happened to be parti"ularly in want of
green baiDe!
C<-(TE= 21
Sir ThomasBs return made a striking "hange in the ways of the family! 'ansfield was
an altered pla"e5 the spirits of many were saddened! There was little inter"ourse with
the (arsonage* for Sir Thomas was disin"lined for any engagements but in one
7uarter: the =ushworths!
Edmund did not wonder at his fatherBs feelings* nor "ould he regret anything but
the e."lusion of the 9rants!
FAut they*F he obser#ed to Canny* Fha#e a "laim! They seem to belong to us! + am
afraid they may feel themsel#es negle"ted! +f my father knew them better* he would
#alue their so"iety! 'y sisters seem out of spirits* and Tom is not at his ease! Hr! and
'rs! 9rant would enli#en us* and make our e#enings pass with more en8oyment to my
father!F
FHo you think soEF said Canny: Fin my opinion* my un"le would not like any
addition! + think he #alues the 7uietness you speak of! -nd we are no more serious
than we used to be before my un"le went abroad5 + "annot re"olle"t that our e#enings
formerly were e#er merry* e."ept when my un"le was away!F
F+ belie#e you are right* Canny*F was his reply! F+ belie#e our e#enings are rather
returned to what they were! The no#elty was in their being li#ely! 6et* how strong the
impression that a few weeks will gi#eJ + feel as if we had ne#er li#ed so before!F
F+ suppose + am gra#er than other people*F said Canny! FThe e#enings do not
appear long to me! + lo#e to hear my un"le talk of the @est +ndies! + "ould listen to
him for an hour together! + am unlike other people* + dare say!F
F@hy should you dare say thatEF 1smiling4! FHo you want to be told that you are
only unlike other people in being more wiseE Aut when did you e#er get a
"ompliment from me* CannyE 9o to my father if you want to be "omplimented! Crom
him you will hear "ompliments enough: and though they may be "hiefly on your
person* you must put up with it* and trust to his seeing as mu"h beauty of mind in
time!F
Su"h language was so new to Canny that it 7uite embarrassed her!
F6our un"le thinks you #ery pretty* dear Canny! 6our "omple.ion is so impro#edJ
Gand you ha#e gained so mu"h "ountenan"eJGand your figureGnay* Canny* do not
turn away! +f you "annot bear an un"leBs admiration* what is to be"ome of youE 6ou
must really begin to harden yourself to the idea of being worth looking at! 6ou must
try not to mind growing up into a pretty woman!F
F;hJ donBt talk so*F "ried Canny* distressed by more feelings than he was aware of5
but seeing her distress* he stopped* and only addedG
F+ wish you would talk to your un"le more! 6ou are too silent in the e#ening
"ir"le!F
FAut + do talk to him more than + used! Hid not you hear me ask him about the
sla#e)trade last nightEF
F+ didGand was in hopes the 7uestion would be followed up by others! +t would
ha#e pleased your un"le!F
F+ longed to do itGbut there was su"h a dead silen"eJ -nd while my "ousins were
sitting by without speaking a word* + did not likeG+ thought it would appear as if +
wanted to set myself off at their e.pense* by showing a pleasure in his information
whi"h he must wish his daughters to feel!F
F'iss Crawford was #ery right in what she said the other day: that you seemed
almost as fearful of noti"e as other women were of negle"t! @e were talking of you at
the (arsonage! She has great dis"ernment! Cor so young a woman it is remarkableJ
She "ertainly understands you better than you are understood by many here! + wonder
what she thinks of my fatherJ She must admire him as a fine)looking man* with
gentlemanlike manners5 but perhaps his reser#e may be a little repulsi#e! Could they
be mu"h together* + feel sure of their liking ea"h other! <e would en8oy her li#eliness!
+ wish they met more fre7uentlyJ + hope she does not suppose there is any dislike on
his side!F
FShe must know herself se"ure in the regard of the rest of you*F said Canny* with
half a sigh! F-nd Sir ThomasBs wishing at first to be only with his family will seem
natural to her! -fter a little while* + dare say* we shall be meeting again!F
FThis is the first ;"tober that she has e#er passed in the "ountry! 'rs! 9rant is
#ery an.ious for her not finding 'ansfield dull as winter "omes on!F
Canny "ould ha#e said a great deal to that* but it was safer to say nothing about
'iss CrawfordBs resour"esGher a""omplishments* her importan"e* her friends* lest it
should betray her into any obser#ations that seemed unhandsome! 'iss CrawfordBs
kind opinion of herself deser#ed gratitude* and she began to talk of something else!
FTo)morrow* my un"le dines at Sotherton! + hope he may "ontinue to like 'r!
=ushworth!F
FThat is impossible* Canny! <e must like him less after to)morrowBs #isit* for we
shall be fi#e hours in his "ompany! <e "annot mu"h longer de"ei#e himself! + wish
that =ushworth and 'aria had ne#er met!F
+n this 7uarter* indeed* disappointment was impending for Sir Thomas! 0ot all his
good)will for 'r! =ushworth "ould pre#ent him from soon dis"erning that he was an
inferior young man* as ignorant in business as in books* without seeming aware of it!
<e had e.pe"ted a #ery different son)in)law5 and beginning to feel gra#e on
'ariaBs a""ount* tried to understand her feelings! <e obser#ed that she was indifferent
at best: her beha#iour to 'r! =ushworth was "areless and "old! She "ould not* did not
like him! Sir Thomas resol#ed to speak seriously to her! -d#antageous as would be
the allian"e* her happiness must not be sa"rifi"ed to it! 'r! =ushworth had* perhaps*
been a""epted on too short an a"7uaintan"e* and* on knowing him better* she was
repenting!
@ith solemn kindness Sir Thomas addressed her: in7uired into her wishes*
entreated her to be open and sin"ere* and assured her that the "onne.ion "ould be
entirely gi#en up* if she felt unhappy! <e would a"t for her and release her!
'aria had a momentBs struggle as she listened* and only a momentBs: when her
father "eased* she was able to gi#e her answer de"idedly! She thanked him for his
kindness* but he was 7uite mistaken in supposing she had the smallest desire of
breaking her engagement! She had the highest esteem for 'r! =ushworthBs "hara"ter*
and "ould not doubt her happiness with him!
Sir Thomas was satisfied5 too glad to be satisfied* perhaps* to urge the matter
further! +t was an allian"e whi"h he "ould not ha#e relin7uished without pain5 and 'r!
=ushworth was young enough to impro#e! +f 'aria "ould speak so se"urely of her
happiness with him* without the blindness of lo#e* she ought to be belie#ed! <e did
not suppose her feelings to be a"ute5 but if she "ould dispense with seeing her
husband as a shining "hara"ter* there would "ertainly be e#erything else in her fa#our!
- young woman who did not marry for lo#e* was in general but the more atta"hed to
her own family!
Su"h were the reasonings of Sir Thomas* happy to es"ape the embarrassment that
must attend a rupture5 happy to se"ure a respe"table "onne.ion* and #ery happy to
think anything of his daughter that was most fa#ourable for the purpose!
-s for 'aria* she was glad that she had se"ured her fate beyond re"all: that she
had pledged herself anew to Sotherton! She retired in proud resol#e* determined only
to beha#e more "autiously to 'r! =ushworth in future* that her father might not be
again suspe"ting her!
<ad Sir Thomas applied to his daughter within three or four days after <enry
CrawfordBs lea#ing 'ansfield* before she had gi#en up e#ery hope* her answer might
ha#e been different5 but when there was no letter* no message* her mind be"ame "ool
enough to seek all the "omfort that pride and self re#enge "ould gi#e!
<enry Crawford had destroyed her happiness* but he should not know it5 he
should not destroy her "redit and prosperity too! <e should not think of her as pining
for him! +ndependen"e was more needful than e#er5 she was less and less able to
endure the restraint whi"h her father imposed! Liberty was now be"ome absolutely
ne"essary! She must es"ape from 'ansfield as soon as possible* and find "onsolation
in fortune and "onse7uen"e for a wounded spirit! She was 7uite determined!
To su"h feelings delay was an e#il* and 'r! =ushworth "ould hardly be more
impatient for the marriage than herself! <er mind was fully prepared for matrimony
by a hatred of home* the misery of disappointed affe"tion* and "ontempt of the man
she was to marry!
+t appeared that a #ery few weeks would be suffi"ient for the wedding
arrangements! 'rs! =ushworth was ready to make way for the fortunate young
woman whom her dear son had sele"ted* and remo#ed herself with true dowager
propriety to Aath5 and before the middle of 0o#ember the "eremony had taken pla"e
whi"h ga#e Sotherton another mistress!
+t was a #ery proper wedding! The bride was elegantly dressed5 the two
bridesmaids were duly inferior5 her father ga#e her away5 her mother stood with salts
in her hand* e.pe"ting to be agitated5 her aunt tried to "ry5 and the ser#i"e was
impressi#ely read by Hr! 9rant!
+t was done* and they were gone! Sir Thomas felt as an an.ious father must feel*
and was indeed e.perien"ing mu"h of the agitation whi"h his wife had fortunately
es"aped! 'rs! 0orris* most happy to assist by spending the day at the (ark to support
her sisterBs spirits* and drinking the health of 'r! and 'rs! =ushworth* was all 8oyous
delight5 for she had made the mat"h5 and no one would ha#e supposed that she had
e#er heard of "on8ugal unhappiness in her life* or "ould ha#e the smallest insight into
the disposition of the nie"e who had been brought up under her eye!
The "ouple planned to pro"eed to Arighton* and take a house there for some
weeks! @hen the no#elty of amusement there was o#er* it would be time for the wider
range of London!
,ulia was to go with them to Arighton! Sin"e ri#alry between the sisters had
"eased* they had been gradually re"o#ering mu"h of their former good understanding5
and were e."eedingly glad to be with ea"h other at su"h a time! Some other
"ompanion than 'r! =ushworth was of great importan"e to his lady5 and ,ulia was
7uite as eager for no#elty and pleasure as 'aria!
Their departure made another "hange at 'ansfield* a "hasm whi"h re7uired some
time to fill up! E#en their mother missed them5 and how mu"h more their
tenderhearted "ousin* who wandered about the house* and thought of them with an
affe"tionate regret whi"h they had ne#er done mu"h to deser#eJ
C<-(TE= 22
CannyBs "onse7uen"e in"reased on her "ousins/ departure! -s the only young woman
in the drawing)room* she was more attended to than she had e#er been before5 and
F@here is CannyEF be"ame a "ommon 7uestion!
0ot only at home did her #alue in"rease* but at the (arsonage too! There she
be"ame a wel"ome guest* and in the gloom and dirt of 0o#ember* most a""eptable to
'ary Crawford! 'rs! 9rant* eager to get any "hange for her sister* persuaded herself
that she was doing the kindest thing for Canny* and gi#ing her opportunities of
impro#ement in fre7uently in#iting her!
Canny* ha#ing been sent into the #illage on some errand by her aunt 0orris* was
o#ertaken by a hea#y shower "lose to the (arsonage5 and being seen from one of the
windows endea#ouring to find shelter under an oak* was for"ed* with modest
relu"tan"e on her part* to "ome in! Hr! 9rant himself went out with an umbrella5 and
to poor 'iss Crawford* who had 8ust been "ontemplating the dismal rain #ery
despondently* the sound of a little bustle at the front door* and the sight of 'iss (ri"e
dripping in the #estibule* was delightful! The #alue of an e#ent on a wet day in the
"ountry was for"ibly brought before her! She was ali#e again dire"tly* and most a"ti#e
in being useful to Canny and pro#iding her with dry "lothes! Sin"e Canny was obliged
to stay for an hour while the rain "ontinued* the blessing of something fresh to think
of was e.tended!
The two sisters were so kind to her* that Canny might ha#e en8oyed her #isit "ould
she ha#e belie#ed herself not in the way* and "ould she ha#e foreseen that the weather
would "ertainly "lear at the end of the hour* and sa#e her from the shame of ha#ing
Hr! 9rantBs "arriage out to take her home! -s her being out was known only to her two
aunts* she was perfe"tly aware that no alarm would be felt by anyone!
+t was beginning to look brighter* when Canny* obser#ing a harp* asked some
7uestions about it* and a"knowledged that she wished #ery mu"h to hear it* for she
had ne#er yet heard it sin"e its being in 'ansfield! To Canny this appeared #ery
natural! She had s"ar"ely been at the (arsonage sin"e the instrumentBs arri#al5 but
'iss Crawford was "on"erned at her own negle"t5 and FShall + play to you nowEF and
F@hat will you ha#eEF were 7uestions immediately following with the readiest good)
humour!
She played a""ordingly5 happy to ha#e a new listener who seemed so full of
wonder at the performan"e* and who showed herself not wanting in taste! She played
till CannyBs eyes strayed to the window!
F-nother 7uarter of an hour*F said 'iss Crawford! FThose "louds look alarming!F
FAut they are passed o#er*F said Canny! FThis weather is all from the south!F
F+ know a bla"k "loud when + see it5 and you must not set forward while it is so
threatening! -nd besides* + want to play you a #ery pretty pie"eGyour "ousin
EdmundBs fa#ourite!F
Canny felt that she must hear it5 she fan"ied him sitting in that room* perhaps in
the #ery spot where she sat now* listening with delight to the fa#ourite air* played with
superior tone and e.pression! Though glad to like whate#er was liked by him* at the
end she was more sin"erely impatient to go away! She was so kindly asked to "all
again* and hear more of the harp* that she felt it must be done!
Su"h was the origin of the intima"y between themGan intima"y resulting "hiefly
from 'iss CrawfordBs desire of something new* and whi"h had little reality in CannyBs
feelings! Canny went to her e#ery two or three days: she "ould not be easy without
going* and yet it was without lo#ing her* or thinking like her5 and deri#ing no higher
pleasure from her "on#ersation than o""asional amusement* and that often at the
e.pense of her 8udgment!
She went* howe#er* and they sauntered about together in 'rs! 9rantBs shrubbery*
#enturing sometimes to sit down on one of the ben"hes* and remaining there* perhaps*
till in the midst of some tender remark of CannyBs on the sweets of autumn* they were
for"ed to 8ump up and walk for warmth!
FThis is #ery pretty*F said Canny* looking around her as they were sitting together
one day5 Fe#ery time + "ome into this shrubbery + am more stru"k with its beauty!
Three years ago* this was nothing but a rough hedgerow* ne#er thought of as "apable
of be"oming anything5 and now it is "on#erted into a walk5 and perhaps* in another
three years* we may be forgetting what it was before! <ow #ery wonderful the
operations of time* and the "hanges of the human mindJ +f any fa"ulty of our nature
may be "alled more wonderful than the rest* + do think it is memory! +t is sometimes
so retenti#e* so obedient5 at others* so weak5 and at others again* so tyranni"* so
beyond "ontrolJF
'iss Crawford* untou"hed* had nothing to say5 and Canny returned to what she
thought must interest!
F+ must admire the taste 'rs! 9rant has shown in all this! There is su"h a 7uiet
simpli"ity in the plan of the walkJF
F6es*F replied 'iss Crawford "arelessly* Fit does #ery well for a pla"e of this sort!
Till + "ame to 'ansfield* + had not imagined a "ountry parson e#er aspired to a
shrubbery!F
F+ am so glad to see the e#ergreens thri#eJF said Canny! F'y un"leBs gardener says
the soil here is better than his own* and so it appears from the growth of the
e#ergreens! <ow beautiful* how wel"ome* how wonderful the e#ergreenJ <ow
astonishing a #ariety of natureJ +n some "ountries we know the tree that sheds its leaf
is the #ariety* but that does not make it less amaDing that the same soil and sun should
nurture plants so widely differing! 6ou will think me rhapsodising5 but when + am out
of doors* + am #ery apt to get into this sort of wondering strain! ;ne "annot fi. oneBs
eyes on the "ommonest natural ob8e"t without finding food for a rambling fan"y!F
FTo say the truth*F replied 'iss Crawford* FLike the famous Hoge at the "ourt of
Lewis N+I* + see no wonder in this shrubbery e7ual to seeing myself in it! +f anybody
had told me a year ago that this pla"e would be my home* + should not ha#e belie#ed
them! + ha#e now been here nearly fi#e months5 the 7uietest fi#e months + e#er
passed!F
FToo 7uiet for you* + belie#e!F
F+ should ha#e thought so* but*F and her eyes brightened* Fall and all* + ne#er spent
so happy a summer! Aut then*F more thoughtfully* Fthere is no saying what it may lead
to!F
CannyBs heart beat 7ui"k* and she "ould not speak! 'iss Crawford* howe#er* soon
went onG
F+ am better re"on"iled to a "ountry residen"e than + had e#er e.pe"ted to be! + "an
e#en suppose it pleasant to spend half the year in the "ountry* under "ertain
"ir"umstan"es! -n elegant house in the "entre of family "onne.ions5 "ontinual
engagements5 "ommanding the first so"iety in the neighbourhood5 and turning from
the "heerful round of su"h amusements to a tOte)P)tOte with the person one feels most
agreeable in the world! There is nothing frightful in su"h a pi"ture* is there* 'iss
(ri"eE ;ne need not en#y the new 'rs! =ushworth with su"h a home as that!F
FEn#y 'rs! =ushworthJF
F+ look forward to our owing her a great many brilliant* happy hours at Sotherton!
The first pleasures of 'r! =ushworthBs wife must be to fill her house* and gi#e the best
balls in the "ountry!F
Canny was silent* and 'iss Crawford relapsed into thoughtfulness* till suddenly
looking up* she e."laimed* F-hJ here he is!F +t was not 'r! =ushworth* howe#er* but
Edmund* who appeared with 'rs! 9rant! F+ am so glad your eldest "ousin is gone* that
he may be 'r! Aertram again! There is something in the sound of 'r! Edmund
Aertram so pitiful* so younger)brother)like* that + detest it!F
F<ow differently we feelJF "ried Canny! FTo me* the sound of 'r! Aertram is so
"old and nothing)meaningJ +t 8ust stands for a gentleman* and thatBs all! Aut there is
nobleness in the name of Edmund! +t is a name of heroism and renown5 and seems to
breathe the spirit of "hi#alry and warm affe"tions!F
F+ grant you the name is good in itself* and Lord Edmund or Sir Edmund sound
delightfully5 but sink it under the annihilation of a 'r!* and 'r! Edmund is no more
than 'r! ,ohn or 'r! Thomas! @ell* shall we 8oin themEF
Edmund met them with pleasure! - friendship between two so #ery dear to him
was e.a"tly what he "ould ha#e wished: and to his "redit* he did not "onsider Canny
as the only* or e#en as the greater gainer by su"h a friendship!
F@ell*F said 'iss Crawford* Fdo you not s"old us for our impruden"e in sitting
outsideEF
F(erhaps + might ha#e s"olded*F said Edmund* Fif either of you had been alone5
but while you do wrong together* + "an o#erlook a great deal!F
FThey "annot ha#e been sitting long*F "ried 'rs! 9rant* Ffor when + saw them
from the stair"ase window* they were walking!F
F-nd really*F added Edmund* Fthe day is so mild* that your sitting down "an be
hardly thought imprudent!F
FLpon my word*F "ried 'iss Crawford* Fyou are two of the most unfeeling kind
friends + e#er met withJ There is no gi#ing you a momentBs uneasiness! 6ou do not
know what "hills we ha#e feltJ + had #ery little hope of 'r Aertram from the first5 but
you* 'rs! 9rant* my own sister* + think + had a right to alarm you a little!F
F'y dearest 'ary* you ha#e not the smallest "han"e of mo#ing me! +f + "ould
ha#e altered the weather* you would ha#e had a good sharp east wind blowing on you
Gfor here are some of my plants whi"h =obert will lea#e out* and + know that we
shall ha#e a sudden hard frost setting in* and + shall lose e#ery one5 and what is worse*
"ook has 8ust been telling me that the turkey* whi"h + parti"ularly wished not to be
dressed till Sunday* will not keep beyond to)morrow! These are grie#an"es* and make
me think the weather most unseasonably warm!F
FThe sweets of housekeeping in a "ountry #illageJF said 'iss Crawford ar"hly!
F'y dear "hild* what would you ha#e me doEF
F;hJ nothing but what you do already: be plagued #ery often* and ne#er lose your
temper!F
FThank you5 but there is no es"aping these little #e.ations* 'ary* where#er we
li#e5 and when you are settled in town* + dare say + shall find you with yours!F
F+ mean to be too ri"h to feel anything of the sort! - large in"ome is the best re"ipe
for happiness + e#er heard of!F
F6ou intend to be #ery ri"hEF said Edmund seriously!
FTo be sure! Ho not youE Ho not we allEF
F+ "annot intend anything whi"h it is so "ompletely beyond my power to
"ommand! 'iss Crawford may "hoose her degree of wealth! She has only to fi. on
her number of thousands a year* and there "an be no doubt of their "oming! 'y
intentions are only not to be poor!F
FAy moderation and e"onomy* and all that! -nd a #ery proper plan it is for a
person at your time of life* with su"h limited means and poor "onne.ions* with
relations in no situation to do anything for you! Ae honest and poor* by all meansG
but + shall not en#y you! + ha#e a mu"h greater respe"t for those that are honest and
ri"h!F
F+ do not mean to be poor! <onesty in the middle state* is all that + am an.ious for
your not looking down on!F
FAut + do look down upon it* if it might ha#e been higher! + must look down upon
anything "ontented with obs"urity when it might rise to distin"tion!F
FAut how may it riseE <ow may my honesty rise to any distin"tionEF
This was not so #ery easy a 7uestion to answer* and o""asioned an F;hJF from the
lady before she "ould add* F6ou ought to be in parliament* or you should ha#e gone
into the army ten years ago!F
FThat is not mu"h to the purpose now5 and as to parliament* + must wait till there
is an espe"ial assembly for younger sons with little to li#e on! 0o* 'iss Crawford*F he
added more seriously* Fthere are distin"tions whi"h + should be miserable if + thought +
"ould ne#er obtainGbut they are of a different "hara"ter!F
- look of "ons"iousness as he spoke* and a "ons"iousness of manner on 'iss
CrawfordBs side as she made some laughing answer* was sorrowful for Canny to
obser#e! She resol#ed on going home immediately* and began her adieus5 on whi"h
Edmund re"olle"ted that his mother had been in7uiring for her* and that he had
walked down to the (arsonage to bring her ba"k!
Canny would ha#e hastened away alone5 but she found that Edmund meant to go
with her! <e took his lea#e of Hr 9rant* and was in#ited to eat with him the ne.t day!
Then 'rs! 9rant turned to her and asked for the pleasure of her "ompany too!
This was so perfe"tly new a "ir"umstan"e in CannyBs life* that she was all
embarrassment5 and while stammering out Fbut she did not suppose it would be in her
power*F was looking at Edmund for his help! Aut Edmund* delighted at the offer*
"ould not imagine that his mother would make any diffi"ulty* and therefore ad#ised
that the in#itation should be a""epted5 and it was soon settled that 'rs! 9rant might
e.pe"t her!
F-nd you know what your dinner will be*F said 'rs! 9rant* smilingGFthe turkey*
whi"h "ook insists upon being dressed to)morrow!F
F+ am glad to hear it*F "ried Hr! 9rant! FAut a friendly meeting* and not a fine
dinner* is all we ha#e in #iew!F
The two "ousins walked home together5 and* e."ept in the dis"ussion of this
engagement* whi"h Edmund spoke of with satisfa"tion* it was a silent walk5 for
ha#ing finished that sub8e"t* he grew thoughtful and indisposed for any other!
C<-(TE= 23
FAut why should 'rs! 9rant ask CannyEF said Lady Aertram! FCanny ne#er dines
there! + "annot spare her* and + am sure she does not want to go! Canny* you do not
want to go* do youEF
F+f you ask her*F "ried Edmund* FCanny will immediately say 0o5 but + am sure*
my dear mother* she would like to go!F
F@hy should 'rs! 9rant think of asking herE She ne#er did before!F
F+f you "annot do without me* maBamGF said Canny* in a self)denying tone!
FSuppose you take my fatherBs opinion* maBam!F
FSo + will* Edmund! + will ask Sir Thomas* as soon as he "omes in* whether + "an
do without her!F
F-s you please* maBam5 but + meant my fatherBs opinion as to the propriety of the
in#itationBs being a""epted5 and + think he will "onsider that it should be!F
F+ do not know! Aut he will be #ery mu"h surprised that 'rs! 9rant should ask
Canny at all!F
<alf an hour afterwards* on Sir Thomas/s looking in for a minute* Lady Aertram
"alled him ba"k! FSir Thomas* stop a momentG+ ha#e something to say!F
<er tone of "alm languor was always attended to5 and Sir Thomas "ame ba"k! <er
story began5 and Canny immediately slipped out of the room5 for to hear herself the
sub8e"t of any dis"ussion with her un"le was more than her ner#es "ould bear! She
was more an.ious perhaps than she ought to beGfor what was it after all whether she
went or stayedE but if her un"le were to be a great while "onsidering with gra#e looks*
and at last de"ide against her* she might not be able to appear properly submissi#e!
<er "ause* meanwhile* went on well! Lady Aertram began* F+ ha#e something to
tell you that will surprise you! 'rs! 9rant has asked Canny to dinner!F
F@ell*F said Sir Thomas* as if waiting more to a""omplish the surprise!
FEdmund wants her to go! Aut how "an + spare herEF
F@hat is your diffi"ultyEF
Edmund found himself obliged to speak! <e told the whole5 and she added* FSo
strangeJ for 'rs! 9rant ne#er used to ask her!F
FAut is it not #ery natural*F obser#ed Edmund* Fthat 'rs! 9rant should wish to
pro"ure so agreeable a #isitor for her sisterEF
F0othing "an be more natural*F said Sir Thomas! F'rs! 9rantBs showing "i#ility to
Lady AertramBs nie"e "ould ne#er want e.planation! The only surprise is* that this
should be the first time of its being paid! Canny was perfe"tly right in gi#ing a
"onditional answer! Aut as + "on"lude that she must wish to go* sin"e all young people
like to be together* + "an see no reason why she should be denied!F
FAut "an + do without her* Sir ThomasE She always makes tea* you know* when
my sister is not here!F
F6our sister* perhaps* may be pre#ailed on to stay with us* and + shall be at home!F
FIery well* then* Canny may go!F
The good news soon followed her! Edmund kno"ked at her door!
F@ell* Canny* it is all happily settled! 6ou are to go!F
FThank you* + am so glad*F was CannyBs instin"ti#e reply5 though when she had
shut the door* she "ould not help feeling* F6et why should + be gladE for am + not
"ertain of hearing something there to pain meEF
+n spite of this* howe#er* she was glad! Simple as the engagement might appear in
other eyes* it had no#elty and importan"e in hers* for she had s"ar"ely e#er dined out
before5 and though going only half a mile* and only to three people* still it was dining
out* and all the little preparations were en8oyments in themsel#es! She had no
assistan"e from those who ought to ha#e dire"ted her taste5 for Lady Aertram ne#er
thought of being useful to anybody* and 'rs! 0orris* when she "ame on the morrow*
was in a #ery ill humour* intent only on lessening her nie"eBs pleasure!
FLpon my word* Canny* you are in high lu"kJ 6ou ought to be #ery mu"h obliged
to 'rs! 9rant for thinking of you* and to your aunt for letting you go5 for there is no
o""asion for your going into "ompany in this way* or e#er dining out at all! Ho not
fan"y that the in#itation is meant as any "ompliment to you5 the "ompliment is
intended to your un"le and aunt and me! 'rs! 9rant thinks it a "i#ility due to us* and
you may be #ery "ertain that* if your "ousin ,ulia had been at home* you would not
ha#e been asked at all!F
'rs! 0orris had now so ingeniously done away all 'rs! 9rantBs part of the fa#our*
that Canny "ould only say that she was #ery mu"h obliged to her aunt Aertram for
sparing her!
F;hJ your aunt "an do #ery well without you* or you would not be allowed to go! +
shall be here* so you may be 7uite easy! -nd + hope you will find it all mighty
delightful! Aut + must obser#e that fi#e is the #ery awkwardest of all possible numbers
to sit down to table5 and + am surprised at 'rs! 9rantJ -nd round their enormous great
wide table* too* whi"h fills up the room so dreadfullyJ <ad the do"tor been "ontent to
take my dining)table when + "ame away* instead of ha#ing that absurd new one of his
own* how infinitely better it would ha#e beenJ ;nly fi#e to be sitting round that table!
<owe#er* you will ha#e dinner enough on it for ten* + dare say!F
'rs! 0orris fet"hed breath* and went on again!
F+ must gi#e you a hint* Canny* now that you are going into "ompany5 do not be
putting yourself forward* and talking as if you were one of your "ousinsGas if you
were dear 'rs! =ushworth or ,ulia! That will ne#er do! =emember* where#er you are*
you must be the lowest and last! -nd you are to stay 8ust as long as Edmund "hooses!
Lea#e him to settle that!F
F6es* maBam!F
F-nd if it should rain* whi"h + think e."eedingly likely* you must manage as well
as you "an* and not be e.pe"ting the "arriage to be sent for you!F
<er nie"e thought it perfe"tly reasonable! She rated her own "laims to "omfort as
low as 'rs! 0orris "ould5 and when Sir Thomas* 8ust opening the door* said* FCanny*
at what time would you ha#e the "arriage "ome roundEF she felt astonished!
F'y dear Sir ThomasJF "ried 'rs! 0orris* red with anger* FCanny "an walk!F
F@alkJF repeated Sir Thomas* in a tone of most unanswerable dignity! F'y nie"e
walk to a dinner engagement at this time of the yearJ @ill twenty minutes after four
suit youEF
F6es* sir*F was CannyBs humble answer* gi#en with the feelings of a "riminal
towards 'rs! 0orris5 and as she followed her un"le out of the room* she heard these
words spoken in angry agitationG
FQuite unne"essaryJ a great deal too kindJ Aut Edmund goes5 it is upon EdmundBs
a""ount!F
Canny* howe#er* felt that the "arriage was for herself: and her un"leBs
"onsideration "ost her some tears of gratitude when she was alone!
The "oa"hman dro#e round promptly5 and Sir Thomas saw Canny and Edmund off
in good time!
F0ow + must look at you* Canny*F said Edmund* with the kind smile of a brother*
Fand tell you how + like you5 and as well as + "an 8udge by this light* you look #ery
ni"ely indeed! @hat ha#e you got onEF
FThe new dress that my un"le kindly ga#e me on my "ousinBs marriage! + thought +
ought to wear it* as + might not ha#e another opportunity all winter! + hope you do not
think me too fine!F
F- woman "an ne#er be too fine while she is all in white! 6our gown seems #ery
pretty! + like these glossy spots! <as not 'iss Crawford a gown something the sameEF
+n approa"hing the (arsonage they passed "lose by the stable)yard!
F<eydayJF said Edmund* FhereBs a "arriageJ who ha#e they got to meet usE BTis
CrawfordBs barou"heJ There are his men! This is 7uite a surprise* Canny! + shall be
#ery glad to see him!F
There was no o""asion for Canny to say how differently she felt5 but the idea of
ha#ing su"h another to obser#e her "aused a great in"rease of the trepidation with
whi"h she performed the awful "eremony of walking into the drawing)room!
+n the drawing)room 'r! Crawford "ertainly was5 and the smiles of the three
others standing round him* showed how wel"ome was his sudden resolution of
"oming to them for a few days on lea#ing Aath! - #ery "ordial meeting passed
between him and Edmund5 and with the e."eption of Canny* the pleasure was general!
<is presen"e at least meant that she "ould sit silent and unattended to! Though she
must submit to being the prin"ipal lady in "ompany* she found* while they were at
table* a happy flow of "on#ersation in whi"h she was not re7uired to take any part!
There was so mu"h to be said about Aath* and hunting* and politi"s* and e#erything
else* as to lea#e her the fairest prospe"t of ha#ing only to listen in 7uiet* and of
passing a #ery agreeable day!
She "ould not* howe#er* show any eager interest in the gentleman/s s"heme for
e.tending his stay at 'ansfield* and sending for his hunters from 0orfolk* whi"h*
urged by all the others* was in possession of his mind* and in whi"h he seemed to
want en"ouragement e#en from Canny! <er answers to him were as short and
indifferent as "i#ility allowed! She would mu"h rather not ha#e him speak to her!
<er two absent "ousins* espe"ially 'aria* were mu"h in her thoughts5 but no
embarrassing remembran"e affe"ted his spirits! <e was apparently as willing to stay
and be happy without the 'iss Aertrams* as if he had ne#er known 'ansfield in any
other state! <e spoke of them only in a general way* till they were all re)assembled in
the drawing)room* when he began talking of them to 'iss Crawford! @ith a
signifi"ant smile* whi"h made Canny 7uite hate him* he said* FSoJ =ushworth and his
fair bride are at Arighton* + understand5 happy manJF
F6es* they ha#e been there a fortnight! ,ulia is with them!F
F-nd 'r! 6ates* + presume* is not far off!F
F;hJ we hear nothing of 'r! 6ates! + do not imagine he figures mu"h in the letters
to 'ansfield (ark5 do you* 'iss (ri"eE + think ,ulia knows better than to entertain her
father with 'r! 6ates!F
F(oor =ushworth and his two)and)forty spee"hesJF "ontinued Crawford! F0obody
"an e#er forget them! @ell* + am mu"h mistaken if his lo#ely 'aria will e#er want
him to make two)and)forty spee"hes to herF5 adding* with a momentary seriousness*
FShe is too good for himGmu"h too good!F Then "hanging again to gentle gallantry*
and addressing Canny* he said* F6ou were 'r! =ushworthBs best friend! 6our kindness
and patien"e to him "an ne#er be forgotten! <e might not ha#e sense enough himself
to #alue your kindness* but it had honour from all the rest of the party!F
Canny "oloured* and said nothing!
F+t is as a dream* a pleasant dreamJF he e."laimed* after a few minutesB musing! F+
shall always look ba"k on our theatri"als with e.7uisite pleasure! There was su"h an
interest* su"h an animation! @e were all ali#e! There was employment* hope* bustle*
for e#ery hour of the day! + ne#er was happier!F
@ith silent indignation Canny repeated to herself* F0e#er happier than when
beha#ing so dishonourably and unfeelinglyJ ;hJ what a "orrupted mindJF
F@e were unlu"ky* 'iss (ri"e*F he "ontinued* in a lower tone* not at all aware of
her feelings! F-nother week would ha#e been enough for us! +f 'ansfield (ark had
had the go#ernment of the winds 8ust for a week or two* there would ha#e been a
differen"e! 0ot that we would ha#e endangered his safety by any tremendous weather
Gbut + think* 'iss (ri"e* we would ha#e indulged oursel#es with a weekBs "alm in the
-tlanti"!F
Canny* a#erting her fa"e* said* with a firmer tone than usual* F+ would not ha#e
delayed his return for a day* sir! 'y un"le disappro#ed it all so entirely when he did
arri#e* that in my opinion e#erything had gone 7uite far enough!F
She had ne#er spoken so mu"h at on"e to him before* and ne#er so angrily to any
one5 and she trembled at her own daring! <e was surprised5 but after a few momentsB
silent "onsideration of her* replied in a "almer* gra#er tone* F+ belie#e you are right! +t
was more pleasant than prudent! @e were getting too noisy!F <e would ha#e engaged
her on some other sub8e"t* but her answers were so shy and relu"tant that he "ould not
ad#an"e in any!
'iss Crawford* who had been repeatedly eyeing Hr! 9rant and Edmund* now
obser#ed* FThose gentlemen must ha#e some #ery interesting point to dis"uss!F
FThe most interesting in the world*F replied her brotherGFhow to make money!
Hr! 9rant is gi#ing Aertram instru"tions about the li#ing he is to step into soon! <e
takes orders in a few weeks! <e will ha#e a #ery pretty in"ome* earned without mu"h
trouble: se#en hundred a year! That is a fine thing for a younger brother5 and as of
"ourse he will still li#e at home* it will be all for small lu.uries5 and a sermon at
Christmas and Easter* + suppose* will be the sum total of sa"rifi"e!F
<is sister tried to laugh off her feelings by saying* F0othing amuses me more than
the easy manner with whi"h e#erybody settles the abundan"e of those who ha#e a
great deal less than themsel#es! 6ou would look rather blank* <enry* if your small
lu.uries were to be limited to se#en hundred a year!F
F(erhaps5 but Aertram is "ertainly well off for a "adet of a baronetBs family! Ay the
time he is fi#e and twenty he will ha#e se#en hundred a year* and nothing to do for it!F
'iss Crawford "ould ha#e said that there would be a something to do for it* whi"h
she "ould not think lightly of5 but she let it pass5 and tried to look un"on"erned when
the two gentlemen 8oined them!
FAertram*F said <enry Crawford* F+ shall make a point of "oming to 'ansfield to
hear you prea"h your first sermon! @hen is it to beE 'iss (ri"e* will not you 8oin meE
@ill not you fi. your eyes steadily on him the whole timeGas + shall doGonly
looking down to note any senten"e pre)eminently beautifulE @e will pro#ide
oursel#es with tablets and a pen"il! @hen will it beEF
F+ shall keep "lear of you* Crawford* as long as + "an*F said Edmund5 Ffor you
would dis"on"ert me* and + should be more sorry to see you trying at it than almost
any other man!F
F@ill he not feel thisEF thought Canny! F0o* he "an feel nothing as he ought!F
The party being now united* and the "hief talkers attra"ting ea"h other* she
remained in tran7uillity5 and as a whist)table was formed after tea for the amusement
of Hr! 9rant* and 'iss Crawford took her harp* she had nothing to do but to listen!
<er tran7uillity remained undisturbed the rest of the e#ening* e."ept when 'r!
Crawford now and then addressed to her a 7uestion* whi"h she "ould not a#oid
answering!
'iss Crawford was too mu"h #e.ed to be in a humour for anything but musi"!
EdmundBs being so soon to take orders had "ome upon her like a blow5 she had hoped
it still un"ertain* and felt resentment and mortifi"ation! She was #ery angry with him!
She had thought her influen"e more! She had begun to think of him with great regard*
with almost de"ided intentions5 but she would now meet him with his own "ool
feelings! +t was plain that he "ould ha#e no true atta"hment* by fi.ing himself in a
situation whi"h he must know she would ne#er stoop to! She would learn to mat"h
him in his indifferen"e* and would hen"eforth admit his attentions without any idea
beyond her immediate amusement!
C<-(TE= 2:
<enry Crawford had made up his mind by the ne.t morning to gi#e another fortnight
to 'ansfield! <a#ing sent for his hunters* he looked round at his sister* and said* with
a smile* F<ow do you think + mean to amuse myself* 'ary* on the days that + do not
huntEF
FTo walk and ride with me* to be sure!F
F0ot e.a"tly* though + shall be happy to do both* but that would be all re"reation*
without the wholesome alloy of labour* and + do not like to eat the bread of idleness!
0o* my plan is to make Canny (ri"e in lo#e with me!F
FCanny (ri"eJ 0onsenseJ 0o* no! 6ou ought to be satisfied with her two "ousins!F
FAut + "annot be satisfied without making a small hole in Canny (ri"eBs heart! 6ou
do not seem properly aware of the wonderful impro#ement that has taken pla"e in her
looks! 6ou see her e#ery day* and therefore do not noti"e it5 but + assure you she is
7uite a different "reature from what she was in the autumn! She was then merely a
7uiet* modest girl* but she is now absolutely pretty! + used to think she had neither
"omple.ion nor "ountenan"e5 but in that soft skin of hers* there is de"ided beauty5 and
+ do not despair of her eyes being "apable of e.pression when she has anything to
e.press! -nd then* her air is so indes"ribably impro#edJ She must be grown two
in"hes sin"e ;"tober!F
F(hooJ phooJ This is only be"ause there were no tall women to "ompare her with*
and be"ause she has got a new gown* and you ne#er saw her so well dressed before!
She is 8ust what she was in ;"tober* belie#e me! The truth is* that she was the only
girl in "ompany for you to noti"e* and you must ha#e a somebody! + ha#e always
thought her pretty enough5 but as for this wonderful impro#ement* it may all be
resol#ed into a better style of dress* and your ha#ing nobody else to look at! +f you do
set about a flirtation with her* it will pro"eed from nothing but your own idleness and
folly!F
<er brother only smiled* and said* F+ do not 7uite know what to make of 'iss
Canny! +s she solemnE +s she prudishE @hy did she look so gra#e at meE + "ould
hardly get her to speak! + ne#er met with a girl who looked so gra#e on meJ + must try
to get the better of this! <er looks say* B+ will not like you* + am determined not to like
youB5 and + say she shall!F
FCoolish fellowJ So this is her attra"tionJ +t is her not "aring about you* whi"h
produ"es all these "harmsJ 6ou must not make her really unhappy5 a little lo#e*
perhaps* may animate her* but + will not ha#e you plunge her deep* for she is a good
little "reature* and has a great deal of feeling!F
F+t "an be but for a fortnight*F said <enry5 Fand if a fortnight "an kill her* she must
ha#e a "onstitution whi"h nothing "ould sa#e! 0o* + will not do her any harm* dear
little soulJ + only want her to look kindly on me* to gi#e me smiles* to keep a "hair for
me where#er we are* and be all animation when + take it5 to think as + think* be
interested in all my pleasures* and feel when + go away that she shall be ne#er happy
again! + want nothing more!F
F'oderation itselfJF said 'ary! F+ "an ha#e no s"ruples now!F
-nd without any farther remonstran"e* she left Canny to her fate* a fate whi"h* had
not CannyBs heart been guarded in a way unsuspe"ted by 'iss Crawford* might ha#e
been a little harder than she deser#ed5 for although there doubtless are su"h
un"on7uerable young ladies of eighteen as "an ne#er be persuaded into lo#e by talent*
attention* and flattery* + ha#e no in"lination to belie#e Canny one of them* or to think
that she "ould ha#e es"aped heart)whole from the "ourtship of su"h a man as
Crawford* if her affe"tion had not been engaged elsewhere! <is "ontinued attentions*
adapted to the gentleness of her "hara"ter* obliged her soon to dislike him less than
formerly! She had not forgotten the past* and she thought as ill of him as e#er5 but she
felt his powers: he was entertaining5 and his manners were so impro#ed that it was
impossible not to be "i#il to him in return!
- few days were enough to effe"t this5 and then happy "ir"umstan"es arose whi"h
disposed her to be pleased with e#erybody! @illiam* the long absent and dearly lo#ed
brother* was in England! She had a letter from him* written as the ship "ame up the
Channel5 and when Crawford walked up with the newspaper in his hand* whi"h he
had hoped would bring the first tidings* he found her trembling with 8oy o#er this
letter* and listening with a glowing "ountenan"e to the kind in#itation to her brother
whi"h her un"le was di"tating!
+t was but the day before that Crawford had be"ome aware of her ha#ing su"h a
brother* or his being in su"h a ship5 but he had hunted for information as to the
probable date of the ship/s return5 and had found it in the newspaper the ne.t morning!
<e pro#ed* howe#er* to be too late! -ll those fine first feelings* of whi"h he hoped to
be the e."iter* were already gi#en! Aut the kindness of his intention was thankfully
a"knowledged: for she was ele#ated beyond her usual timidity by her lo#e for
@illiam!
This dear @illiam would soon be amongst them! <is reply "ame* fi.ing an early
day for his arri#al5 and s"ar"ely ten days later* Canny found herself wat"hing in the
hall* in the lobby* on the stairs* for the first sound of the "arriage whi"h was to bring
her a brother!
+t "ame5 and their meeting* and first minutes of e.7uisite feeling* had no
interruption and no witnesses! This was e.a"tly what Sir Thomas and Edmund had
been "onni#ing at* and why they both ad#ised 'rs! 0orrisBs staying where she was*
instead of rushing out into the hall as soon as the noises of arri#al rea"hed them!
@illiam and Canny soon showed themsel#es5 and Sir Thomas had the pleasure of
re"ei#ing* in his protMgM* a young man of an open* pleasant "ountenan"e* and frank*
unstudied* but respe"tful manners!
+t was long before Canny "ould re"o#er from the agitating happiness of su"h an
hour5 it was some time e#en before her happiness "ould be said to make her happy*
and she "ould talk to him as her heart had been yearning to do through many a past
year! That time* howe#er* did "ome* aided by an affe"tion on his side as warm as her
own* and mu"h less en"umbered by self)distrust! She was the first ob8e"t of his lo#e* a
lo#e whi"h his bolder temper made it natural for him to e.press! ;n the morrow they
were walking about together with true en8oyment* and e#ery su""eeding morrow
renewed a tOte)P)tOte whi"h Sir Thomas obser#ed with "ompla"en"y!
E."ept for the moments of delight "aused by any instan"e of EdmundBs
"onsideration of her* Canny had ne#er known so mu"h 8oy* as in this un"he"ked*
e7ual* fearless inter"ourse with the brother and friend who was opening all his heart to
her* telling her all his hopes* fears and plans respe"ting his promotion5 who "ould gi#e
her information of the family of whom she #ery seldom heard5 who was interested in
all the "omforts and little hardships of her home at 'ansfield5 ready to think of e#ery
member of that home as she dire"ted* or differing only by more noisy abuse of their
aunt 0orris* and with whom 1perhaps the dearest indulgen"e of all4 all their earliest
years "ould be gone o#er again* and e#ery former pain and pleasure fondly
re"olle"ted! +t must be by a long and unnatural estrangement* if su"h pre"ious
memories shared by members of a family are outli#ed! Too often* alasJ it is so!
Craternal lo#e is at times worse than nothing! Aut with @illiam and Canny (ri"e it was
still in its prime and freshness!
<enry Crawford was mu"h stru"k with their mutual affe"tion! <e honoured the
warm)hearted* blunt fondness of the young sailor* whi"h led him to say* with his
hands stret"hed towards CannyBs head* FHo you know* + begin to like that 7ueer
fashion* though when the women at the CommissionerBs at 9ibraltar appeared in the
same trim* + thought they were mad5 but Canny "an re"on"ile me to anythingF! <e
saw* with admiration* the glow of CannyBs "heek* the brightness of her eye* the
absorbed attention* while her brother was des"ribing the haDards of his life at sea!
+t was a pi"ture whi"h <enry Crawford had moral taste enough to #alue! CannyBs
attra"tions in"reased twofold5 for he no longer doubted the "apabilities of her heart!
She had feeling* genuine feeling! +t would be something to be lo#ed by su"h a girl* to
e."ite the first ardours of her unsophisti"ated mindJ She interested him more than he
had foreseen! - fortnight was not enough! <is stay be"ame indefinite!
@illiam was often "alled on by his un"le to be the talker! <is re"itals were
amusing to Sir Thomas* but the "hief ob8e"t in seeking them was to understand the
re"iter* to know the young man5 and he listened to his "lear* simple* spirited details
with satisfa"tion* seeing in them the proof of good prin"iples* professional knowledge*
energy* "ourage* and "heerfulness! 6oung as he was* @illiam had already seen a great
deal! <e had been in the 'editerranean and the @est +ndies5 had been often taken on
shore by the fa#our of his "aptain* and in se#en years had known e#ery danger whi"h
sea and war "ould offer!
Though 'rs! 0orris "ould fidget about the room* and disturb e#erybody in 7uest
of thread or a shirt button in the midst of her nephewBs a""ount of a shipwre"k*
e#erybody else was attenti#e5 and e#en Lady Aertram "ould not hear of su"h horrors
without sometimes lifting her eyes from her work to say* F<ow disagreeableJ +
wonder anybody "an e#er go to sea!F
To <enry Crawford they ga#e a different feeling! <e longed to ha#e seen and done
as mu"h! <is heart was warmed* his fan"y fired* and he felt the highest respe"t for a
lad who* before he was twenty* had gone through su"h hardships! The glory of
heroism* of usefulness* of e.ertion* of enduran"e* made his own habits appear in
shameful "ontrast5 and he wished he had been a @illiam (ri"e* instead of what he
wasJ
The wish was not lasting! <e was roused from his regret by some in7uiry from
Edmund as to the ne.t dayBs hunting5 and he found it was as well to be a man of
fortune with horses and grooms at his "ommand! +n one respe"t it was better* as it
ga#e him the means of "onferring a kindness to @illiam* who e.pressed a wish to
hunt! Crawford "ould mount him without in"on#enien"e to himself* and with only
some alarms to reason away in Canny! She feared for @illiam5 by no means "on#in"ed
by all that he "ould relate of his own horsemanship in #arious rough "ountries* that he
was at all e7ual to the management of a high)fed hunter in an English fo.)"hase! Till
he returned safe and well* she "ould not feel any gratitude to 'r! Crawford for lending
the horse!
@hen it was pro#ed* howe#er* to ha#e done @illiam no harm* she "ould reward
the owner with a smile! @ith the greatest "ordiality* 'r Crawford ga#e @illiam the
horse for his use so long as he remained in 0orthamptonshire!
C<-(TE= 2>
The intima"y between the two families was now nearly restored to its former state!
Sir Thomas found the 9rants and their young inmates really worth #isiting5 and
though abo#e s"heming for any marriage* he "ould not a#oid per"ei#ing* in a grand
and "areless way* that 'r! Crawford was distinguishing his nie"e* and he assented
more willingly to in#itations on that a""ount!
<is readiness* howe#er* in agreeing to dine at the (arsonage* when the general
in#itation was at last sent out* pro"eeded from goodwill alone* and had nothing to do
with 'r! Crawford: for it was during that #isit that he first began to think 'r
Crawford was the admirer of Canny (ri"e!
The meeting was a pleasant one* and the dinner was elegant and plentiful*
a""ording to the usual style of the 9rants* and en8oyed by e#eryone e."ept 'rs!
0orris* who "ould ne#er behold either the wide table or the number of dishes on it
with patien"e!
+n the e#ening it was found that after making up the whist)table there would
remain suffi"ient people for a round game! Spe"ulation was de"ided on5 and Lady
Aertram soon found herself being asked to "hoose between the games! She hesitated!
F@hat shall + do* Sir ThomasE @hist and spe"ulation5 whi"h will amuse me
mostEF
Sir Thomas* after a momentBs thought* re"ommended spe"ulation! <e was a whist
player himself* and perhaps might feel that it would not mu"h amuse him to ha#e her
for a partner!
FIery well*F was her ladyshipBs "ontented answer5 Fthen spe"ulation* if you please*
'rs! 9rant! + know nothing about it* but Canny must tea"h me!F
<ere Canny interposed an.iously5 she had ne#er played the game5 but upon
e#erybodyBs assuring her that it was the easiest game on the "ards* and <enry
CrawfordBs stepping forward with an earnest re7uest to sit between her ladyship and
'iss (ri"e* and tea"h them both* it was settled! Sir Thomas* 'rs! 0orris* and Hr! and
'rs! 9rant being seated at the table of prime intelle"tual state* the remaining si.*
under 'iss CrawfordBs dire"tion* were arranged round the other!
+t was a fine arrangement for <enry Crawford* who was "lose to Canny* and with
two personsB "ards to manage as well as his own5 for though it was impossible for
Canny not to master the rules in three minutes* he had yet to sharpen her a#ari"e and
harden her heart* whi"h* espe"ially in any "ompetition with @illiam* was a work of
some diffi"ulty! -s for Lady Aertram* he was in "harge of her fortune through the
whole e#ening!
<e was in high spirits* doing e#erything with happy ease and playful impuden"e5
and the round table was altogether a #ery "omfortable "ontrast to the sobriety and
orderly silen"e of the other!
Sir Thomas in7uired into the en8oyment of his lady! F+ hope your ladyship is
pleased with the game!F
F;h dear* yesJ #ery entertaining indeed! - #ery odd game! + do not know what it is
all about! + am ne#er to see my "ards5 and 'r! Crawford does all the rest!F
FAertram*F said Crawford* some time afterwards* F+ ha#e ne#er told you what
happened to me yesterday in my ride home!F They had been hunting together* and
were at some distan"e from 'ansfield* when his horse flung a shoe* and <enry
Crawford had been obliged to gi#e up and make his way ba"k! F+ lost my way after
passing that old farmhouse with the yew)trees* be"ause + "an ne#er bear to ask5 and +
found myself in the #ery pla"e whi"h + was "urious to see! + was suddenly in a retired
little #illage between gently rising hills5 a small stream before me* a "hur"h standing
to my rightGwhi"h "hur"h was strikingly large and handsome for the pla"e* where
there was no gentlemanBs house to be seen e."epting oneGto be presumed the
(arsonageGwithin a stoneBs throw of the "hur"h! + found myself* in short* in Thornton
La"ey!F
F+t sounds like it*F said Edmund! F6ou in7uired* thenEF
F0o* + ne#er in7uire! Aut + told a man mending a hedge that it was Thornton
La"ey* and he agreed!F
F6ou ha#e a good memory! + had forgotten ha#ing e#er told you half so mu"h of
the pla"e!F
Thornton La"ey was the name of his impending li#ing* as 'iss Crawford well
knew5 and her interest in a negotiation for @illiam (ri"eBs kna#e in"reased!
F@ell*F "ontinued Edmund* Fand how did you like what you sawEF
FIery mu"h indeed! 6ou are a lu"ky fellow! There will be work for fi#e summers
at least before the pla"e is li#eable!F
F0o* no* not so bad as that! The farmyard must be mo#ed* + grant you5 but + am
not aware of anything else! The house is by no means bad* and when the yard is
remo#ed* there may be a #ery tolerable approa"h to it!F
FThe farmyard must be "leared away entirely* and planted up! The house must be
turned to fa"e the east* where the #iew is really #ery pretty5 + am sure it may be done!
-nd your approa"h must be through what is at present the garden! 6ou must make a
new garden at the ba"k of the house5 whi"h will gi#e it the best aspe"t* sloping to the
south)east! + rode fifty yards up the lane* between the "hur"h and the house* in order
to look about me5 and saw how it might all be! 0othing "an be easier! The meadows
must be all laid together* of "ourse5 #ery pretty meadows they are* finely sprinkled
with timber! They belong to the li#ing* + suppose5 if not* you must pur"hase them!
Then the streamGsomething must be done with the stream5 but + "ould not 7uite
determine what! + had two or three ideas!F
F-nd + ha#e two or three ideas also*F said Edmund* Fand one of them is* that #ery
little of your plan for Thornton La"ey will e#er be put in pra"ti"e! + must be satisfied
with rather less! + think the house may be made "omfortable* and gi#en the air of a
gentlemanBs residen"e* without any #ery hea#y e.pense* and that must suffi"e me5
and* + hope* may suffi"e all who "are about me!F
'iss Crawford* a little suspi"ious and resentful of a "ertain half)look attending
this last e.pression* made a hasty finish of her dealings with @illiam (ri"e* and
e."laimed* FThere* + will stake my last like a woman of spirit! 0o "old pruden"e for
me! +f + lose the game* it shall not be from not stri#ing for it!F
The game was hers* and only did not repay her what she had paid for it! -nother
deal pro"eeded* and Crawford began again about Thornton La"ey!
F'y plan may not be the best possible: but you must do a good deal! The pla"e
deser#es it! 1E."use me* your ladyship must not see your "ards! There* let them lie
before you!4 6ou talk of gi#ing it the air of a gentlemanBs residen"e! That will be done
by the remo#al of the farmyard5 for the house has the look of a something abo#e a
mere parsonage! +t is a solid* roomy* mansion)like house* su"h as one might suppose a
respe"table old "ountry family had li#ed in through two "enturies at least!F 'iss
Crawford listened* and Edmund agreed! FThe air of a gentlemanBs residen"e* therefore*
you "annot help gi#ing it! Aut it is "apable of mu"h more! 1Lady Aertram bids a doDen
for that 7ueen5 no* no* a doDen is more than it is worth! Lady Aertram does not bid! 9o
on* go on!4 Ay some impro#ements you may gi#e it a higher "hara"ter! +t may be"ome
the residen"e of a man of edu"ation* taste* and good "onne.ions! -ll this may be
stamped on it5 and that house re"ei#e su"h an air as to make its owner be set down as
the great landholder of the parish5 espe"ially as there is no real s7uireBs house to
dispute the point! 6ou think with me* + hope*F 1turning with a softened #oi"e to
Canny4! F<a#e you e#er seen the pla"eEF
Canny ga#e a 7ui"k negati#e* and tried to hide her interest by attending to her
brother* who was dri#ing a hard bargain5 but Crawford pursued with F0o* no* you
must not part with the 7ueen! 6our brother does not offer half her #alue! <ands off*
sir! 6our sister does not part with the 7ueen! The game will be yours*F turning to her
again5 Fit will "ertainly be yours!F
F-nd Canny had mu"h rather it were @illiamBs*F said Edmund* smiling! F(oor
CannyJ not allowed to "heat herself as she wishesJF
F'r! Aertram*F said 'iss Crawford* Fyou know <enry to be su"h a "apital
impro#er* that you "annot do anything at Thornton La"ey without his help! ;nly think
how useful he was at SothertonJ ;nly think what grand things were produ"ed there
that one hot day in -ugust! @hat was done there is not to be toldJF
CannyBs eyes were turned on Crawford for a moment with an e.pression more than
gra#eGe#en reproa"hful5 but on "at"hing his* were instantly withdrawn! @ith some
"ons"iousness he shook his head at his sister* and laughingly replied* F+ "annot say
there was mu"h done at Sotherton5 we were all walking after ea"h other* and
bewildered!F <e added* in a low #oi"e* dire"ted solely at Canny* F+ should be sorry to
ha#e my powers of planning 8udged of by the day at Sotherton! + see things #ery
differently now! Ho not think of me as + appeared then!F
Sotherton was a word to "at"h 'rs! 0orris* and she "alled out* in high good)
humour* FSothertonJ 6es* that is a pla"e* indeed* and we had a "harming day there!
@illiam* the ne.t time you "ome* + hope dear 'r! and 'rs! =ushworth will be at
home* and + "an answer for your being kindly re"ei#ed by both! They are at Arighton
now* you know5 in one of the best houses there! + do not e.a"tly know the distan"e*
but when you get ba"k to (ortsmouth* you ought to go o#er and pay your respe"ts to
them5 and + "ould send a little par"el by you that + want to get to your "ousins!F
F+ should be #ery happy* aunt5 but Arighton is almost by Aea"hey <ead5 and if +
"ould get so far* + "ould not e.pe"t to be wel"ome in su"h a smart pla"e as thatGpoor
s"rubby midshipman as + am!F
'rs! 0orris/s eager assuran"e to the "ontrary was stopped by Sir ThomasBs saying
with authority* F+ do not ad#ise your going to Arighton* @illiam* as + trust you may
ha#e more "on#enient opportunities of meeting! 'y daughters would be happy to see
their "ousins anywhere5 and you will find 'r! =ushworth well disposed towards you!F
F+ would rather find him pri#ate se"retary to the Cirst Lord than anything else*F
was @illiamBs only answer* in an under#oi"e* and the sub8e"t dropped!
-s yet Sir Thomas had seen nothing to remark in 'r! CrawfordBs beha#iour5 but
when the whist)table broke up* he be"ame a looker)on at the other* and found his
nie"e the ob8e"t of pointed attentions!
<enry Crawford was in the glow of another s"heme about Thornton La"ey5 and
was detailing it to Canny with a look of earnestness! <is s"heme was to rent the house
himself the following winter* that he might ha#e a home of his own in that
neighbourhood5 not merely for the use of it in the hunting)season* 1as he said4* for his
atta"hment to that neighbourhood did not depend upon one amusement or one season
of the year: he had set his heart upon ha#ing a pla"e that he "ould "ome to at any time*
a home where his holidays might be spent* so that he might "ontinue that friendship
with the 'ansfield (ark family whi"h was in"reasing in #alue to him e#ery day!
Sir Thomas heard and was not offended! There was no want of respe"t in the
young manBs address5 and CannyBs re"eption of it was so "alm and unin#iting* that he
had nothing to "ensure in her! Cinding by whom he was obser#ed* <enry Crawford
addressed himself on the sub8e"t to Sir Thomas!
F+ want to be your neighbour* Sir Thomas* as you ha#e* perhaps* heard me telling
'iss (ri"e! 'ay + hope for your a"7uies"en"eEF
Sir Thomas* politely bowing* replied* F+t is the only way* sir* in whi"h + "ould not
wish you established as a permanent neighbour5 but + hope and belie#e that Edmund
will o""upy his own house at Thornton La"ey! Edmund* am + saying too mu"hEF
FCertainly* sir* + ha#e no idea but of residen"e*F answered Edmund! FAut*
Crawford* though + refuse you as a tenant* "ome to me as a friend! Consider the house
as half yours e#ery winter* and we will add to the stables on your own impro#ed
plan!F
F@e shall be the losers*F "ontinued Sir Thomas! FEdmund/s going* though only
eight miles* will be an unwel"ome "ontra"tion of our family "ir"le5 but + should ha#e
been deeply mortified if my son "ould re"on"ile himself to doing less! - parish has
"laims whi"h "an be known only by a "lergyman "onstantly resident! Edmund might
read prayers and prea"h* without gi#ing up 'ansfield (ark: he might ride o#er e#ery
Sunday and go through di#ine ser#i"e5 he might be the "lergyman of Thornton La"ey
e#ery se#enth day* for three or four hours* if that would "ontent him! Aut it will not!
<e knows that if he does not li#e among his parishioners* and pro#e himself their
well)wisher and friend* he does #ery little either for their good or his own! Thornton
La"ey* therefore* is the only house in the neighbourhood whi"h + should not be happy
for 'r! Crawford to o""upy!F
'r! Crawford bowed!
@hate#er effe"t Sir ThomasBs little harangue might really produ"e on 'r!
Crawford* it raised some awkward sensations in two of his most attenti#e listeners!
Canny* ha#ing not understood that Thornton was so soon to be his home* was
pondering with down"ast eyes on what it would be not to see Edmund e#ery day5 and
'iss Crawford* startled from the agreeable fan"ies she had been indulging on the
strength of her brotherBs des"ription* was no longer able* in her pi"ture of a future
Thornton* to shut out the "hur"h* sink the "lergyman* and see only the elegant*
modernised residen"e of a man of independent fortune! She "onsidered Sir Thomas as
the destroyer of all this!
<er agreeable spe"ulation was o#er! +t was time to ha#e done with "ards* if
sermons pre#ailed5 and she was glad to refresh her spirits by a "hange of pla"e and
neighbour!
'ost of the party were now "olle"ted round the fire! @illiam and Canny remained
together at the deserted "ard)table* talking "omfortably! <enry Crawford sat silently
obser#ing them for a few minutes5 himself* in the meanwhile* obser#ed by Sir
Thomas!
FThis is the assembly night*F said @illiam! F+f + were at (ortsmouth + should be at
it* perhaps!F
FAut you do not wish yourself at (ortsmouth* @illiamEF
F0o* Canny* + do not! + shall ha#e enough of (ortsmouth later! -nd + do not know
that there would be any good in going to the assembly* for the (ortsmouth girls turn
up their noses at anybody who has not a "ommission! - midshipman is nothing! 6ou
remember the 9regorys5 they are grown up amaDing fine girls* but they will hardly
speak to me* be"ause Lu"y is "ourted by a lieutenant!F
F;hJ shameJ Aut ne#er mind* @illiamF 1her own "heeks in a glow of indignation4!
F+t is not worth minding! +t is no more than the greatest admirals ha#e e.perien"ed* in
their time! 6ou must think of it as one of the hardships whi"h fall to e#ery sailor* but it
will end when you are a lieutenantJF
F+ begin to think + shall ne#er be a lieutenant* Canny! E#erybody gets made but
me!F
F;hJ my dear @illiam* do not talk so5 do not be so desponding! 'y un"le says
nothing* but + am sure he will do e#erything in his power to get you made!3
She was "he"ked by the sight of her un"le mu"h nearer to them than she had
supposed* and ea"h began to talk of something else!
F-re you fond of dan"ing* CannyEF
F6es* #ery5 only + am soon tired!F
F+ should like to go to a ball with you and see you dan"e! <a#e you ne#er any
balls at 0orthamptonE +Bd dan"e with you* for nobody would know who + was* and +
should like to be your partner on"e more! @e used to 8ump about together many a
time* did not weE when the hand)organ was in the streetE + am a pretty good dan"er in
my way* but + dare say you are a better!F -nd turning to his un"le* F+s not Canny a
#ery good dan"er* sirEF
Canny did not know whi"h way to look! Some #ery gra#e reproof must be "oming
to distress her brother* and sink her to the ground!
Aut* on the "ontrary* Sir Thomas answered* F+ am sorry to say that + ha#e ne#er
seen Canny dan"e5 but + trust she will a"7uit herself like a gentlewoman when we do
see her* whi"h* perhaps* we may ha#e an opportunity of doing before long!F
F+ ha#e had the pleasure of seeing your sister dan"e* 'r! (ri"e*F said <enry
Crawford* leaning forward* Fand will engage to answer your e#ery in7uiry on the
sub8e"t! Aut + belie#eF 1seeing Canny looked distressed4 Fit must be at some other
time! There is one person in "ompany who does not like to ha#e 'iss (ri"e spoken
of!F
True enough* he had on"e seen Canny dan"e5 and it was e7ually true that he would
now ha#e answered for her gliding about with 7uiet* light elegan"e5 but* in fa"t* he
"ould not for the life of him re"all what her dan"ing had been!
<e passed* howe#er* for an admirer of her dan"ing5 and Sir Thomas* pleased*
prolonged the "on#ersation* and was so well engaged in des"ribing the balls of
-ntigua* that he did not hear his "arriage announ"ed* until 'rs! 0orris began to
bustle!
FCome* Canny* what are you aboutE @e are going! Qui"k* 7ui"kJ + "annot bear to
keep good old @il"o. waiting! 'y dear Sir Thomas* we ha#e settled it that the
"arriage should "ome ba"k for you* and Edmund and @illiam!F
Sir Thomas "ould not dissent* as it had been his own arrangement5 but that seemed
forgotten by 'rs! 0orris* who must fan"y that she had settled it all herself!
CannyBs last feeling was disappointment: for the shawl whi"h Edmund was 7uietly
taking from the ser#ant to put round her shoulders was seiDed by 'r! Crawford* and
she was obliged to be indebted to his more prominent attention!
C<-(TE= 2?
@illiamBs desire of seeing Canny dan"e made an impression on his un"le! Sir Thomas
wished to gratify him* and to gi#e pleasure to the young people5 and ha#ing thought
the matter o#er* the ne.t morning at breakfast he said* F@illiam* + do not wish you to
lea#e 0orthamptonshire without this indulgen"e! +t would gi#e me pleasure to see you
both dan"e! + belie#e we must not think of a 0orthampton ball! - dan"e at home
would be more eligible5 and ifGF
F-h* my dear Sir ThomasJF interrupted 'rs! 0orris* F+ knew what you were going
to say! +f dear ,ulia were at home* or dearest 'rs! =ushworth* you would be tempted
to gi#e the young people a dan"e at 'ansfield! +f they were at home* a ball you would
ha#e this #ery Christmas! Thank your un"le* @illiam* thank your un"leJF
F'y daughters*F replied Sir Thomas* Fha#e their pleasures at Arighton* and + hope
are #ery happy5 but the dan"e whi"h + think of gi#ing at 'ansfield will be for their
"ousins!F
'rs! 0orris had not another word to say! <er surprise and #e.ation re7uired some
minutesB silen"e to be settled into "omposure! <is daughters absent and herself not
"onsultedJ There was "omfort* howe#er* soon at hand! She must be the doer of
e#erything: Lady Aertram must be spared e.ertion* and it would all fall upon her! This
refle"tion restored mu"h of her good)humour!
Edmund* @illiam* and Canny* in their different ways* e.pressed as mu"h grateful
pleasure in the promised ball as Sir Thomas "ould desire! EdmundBs feelings were for
the other two! <is father had ne#er shown a kindness more to his satisfa"tion!
Lady Aertram was perfe"tly "ontented* and had no ob8e"tions! 'rs! 0orris was
ready with suggestions as to the rooms fittest to be used* but found it all arranged5 and
it appeared that the day was settled too! Sir Thomas had been amusing himself with
shaping a #ery "omplete outline of the business5 had planned for twel#e or fourteen
"ouples: and had fi.ed on the 22nd as the most eligible day! The 22nd would be the
last day of @illiam/s #isit5 but where the days were so few it would be unwise to fi.
on any earlier! 'rs! 0orris was obliged to be satisfied with thinking 8ust the same* and
with ha#ing been on the point of proposing the 22nd herself* as the best day for the
purpose!
+n#itations were sent* and many a young lady went to bed with her head full of
happy "ares* as well as Canny! To her* the "ares were almost beyond the happiness5 for
young and ine.perien"ed* with small "hoi"e and no "onfiden"e in her own taste* the
Fhow she should be dressedF was a point of painful worry5 and the almost solitary
ornament in her possession* a #ery pretty amber "ross whi"h @illiam had brought her*
was the greatest distress of all* for she had nothing but a bit of ribbon to fasten it to5
and would that be allowable amidst of the ri"h ornaments whi"h she supposed all the
other young ladies would wearE -nd yet not to wear itJ @illiam had wanted to buy
her a gold "hain too* but the pur"hase had been beyond his means* and therefore not to
wear the "ross might mortify him! These were an.ious "onsiderations!
Edmund was at this time parti"ularly full of "ares: his mind being deeply o""upied
by two important e#ents whi"h were to fi. his fate in lifeGordination and matrimony!
;n the 23rd he was going to a friend near (eterborough* in the same situation as
himself* and they were to re"ei#e ordination during Christmas week! <alf his destiny
would then be determined* but the other half might not go so smoothly! <is duties
would be established* but the wife who was to share and reward those duties might yet
be unattainable!
<e knew his own mind* but he was not perfe"tly assured of knowing 'iss
CrawfordBs! There were points on whi"h they did not 7uite agree5 and though trusting
to her affe"tion* and resol#ing to ask her within a #ery short time* he had many
an.ious feelings as to the result! Sometimes doubt and alarm intermingled with his
hopes5 and when he thought of her de"ided preferen"e of a London life* what "ould he
e.pe"t but a determined re8e"tionE
The issue depended on one 7uestion! Hid she lo#e him well enough to gi#e up
what used to be essential pointsE Hid she lo#e him well enough to make them no
longer essentialE -nd this 7uestion* whi"h he was "ontinually repeating to himself*
though oftenest answered with a F6es*F had sometimes its F0o!F
'iss Crawford was soon to lea#e 'ansfield* and on this "ir"umstan"e the FnoF
and the FyesF had been in alternation! <e had seen her eyes sparkle as she spoke of the
dear friendBs letter* whi"h in#ited her to London5 she spoke with pleasure of the
8ourney with a FnoF in e#ery tone!
Aut this had been on the day of the in#itation! <e had sin"e heard her e.press
herself differently: he had heard her tell 'rs! 9rant that she should lea#e with regret5
that she belie#ed neither the friends nor the pleasures she was going to were worth
those she left behind5 and that though she felt she must go* and knew she should en8oy
herself when on"e away* she was already looking forward to being at 'ansfield again!
@as there not a FyesF in all thisE
@ith su"h matters to ponder o#er* Edmund "ould not think #ery mu"h of the
e#ening whi"h the rest of the family were looking forward to! The whirl of a ballroom
was not parti"ularly fa#ourable to the e.pression of serious feelings! To engage her
early for the two first dan"es was all the "ommand of happiness whi"h he felt in his
power!
Thursday was the day of the ball5 and on @ednesday morning Canny* still unsure
as to what she ought to wear* determined to apply to 'rs! 9rant and her sister! -s
Edmund and @illiam were gone to 0orthampton* and she had reason to think 'r!
Crawford likewise out* she walked down to the (arsonage! The pri#a"y of su"h a
dis"ussion was most important to Canny!
She met 'iss Crawford 8ust setting out to "all on her! She e.plained her business
at on"e! 'iss Crawford* gratified* "ordially urged Canny to return with her to the
(arsonage* and proposed their going up into her room* where they might ha#e a
"omfortable "oDe without disturbing Hr! and 'rs! 9rant! +t was 8ust the plan to suit
Canny5 and they pro"eeded upstairs* and were soon deep in the interesting sub8e"t!
'iss Crawford ga#e her all her best 8udgment and taste* made e#erything easy by
her suggestions* and ga#e her en"ouragement! The dress being settledGFAut what
shall you ha#e for a ne"kla"eEF said 'iss Crawford! FShall not you wear your
brotherBs "rossEF -s she spoke she was undoing a small par"el* whi"h Canny had
obser#ed in her hand when they met! Canny e.plained that she did not know how
either to wear the "ross* or to refrain from wearing it!
She was answered by ha#ing a small trinket)bo. pla"ed before her* and being
re7uested to "hoose from se#eral gold "hains and ne"kla"es! This par"el had been the
ob8e"t of 'iss Crawford/s intended #isit: and in the kindest manner she now urged
CannyBs taking a "hain for the "ross!
F6ou see what a "olle"tion + ha#e*F said she5 Fmore than + e#er use! + offer nothing
but an old ne"kla"e! 6ou must oblige me!F
Canny resisted! The gift was too #aluable! Aut 'iss Crawford perse#ered* and
argued the "ase with so mu"h affe"tionate earnestness as to be finally su""essful!
Canny was obliged to yield5 and pro"eeded to "hoose!
She looked and looked* longing to know whi"h might be least #aluable5 and
de"ided on her "hoi"e at last* by fan"ying there was one ne"kla"e more fre7uently
pla"ed before her eyes than the rest! +t was of gold* prettily worked5 and though Canny
would ha#e preferred a longer and a plainer "hain* she hoped* in fi.ing on this* to be
"hoosing what 'iss Crawford least wished to keep! 'iss Crawford smiled* and put
the ne"kla"e round her* making her see how well it looked!
Canny was e."eedingly pleased with it! She would rather* perhaps* ha#e been
obliged to some other person! Aut this was an unworthy feeling! 'iss Crawford/s
kindness pro#ed her a real friend!
F@hen + wear this ne"kla"e + shall always think of you*F said she* Fand feel how
#ery kind you were!F
F6ou must think of somebody else too* when you wear that ne"kla"e*F replied
'iss Crawford! F6ou must think of <enry* for it was his "hoi"e first! <e ga#e it to me!
The sister is not to be in your mind without the brother too!F
Canny* in great "onfusion* would ha#e returned the present instantly! To take what
had been the gift of a brother* impossibleJ and with an embarrassment 7uite di#erting
to her "ompanion* she laid down the ne"kla"e again* and seemed resol#ed either to
take another or none at all!
'iss Crawford thought she had ne#er seen a prettier "ons"iousness! F'y dear
"hild*F said she* laughing* Fwhat are you afraid ofE Ho you think <enry will "laim you
stole itE or perhapsFGlooking ar"hlyGFyou suspe"t a "onfedera"y between us* and
that what + am now doing is with his knowledge and at his desireEF
@ith the deepest blushes Canny protested against su"h a thought!
F@ell* then*F replied 'iss Crawford more seriously* but without belie#ing her* Fto
"on#in"e me that you suspe"t no tri"k* take the ne"kla"e and say no more about it! +ts
being a gift of my brotherBs need not make the smallest differen"e! <e is always
gi#ing me something or other! -s for this ne"kla"e* + do not suppose + ha#e worn it si.
times: it is #ery pretty* but + ne#er think of it5 and you ha#e happened to fi. on the
#ery one whi"h + would rather part with than any other! Say no more against it* +
entreat you!F
Canny dared not make any farther opposition5 and with less happy thanks a""epted
the ne"kla"e again* for there was an e.pression in 'iss CrawfordBs eyes whi"h she
"ould not be satisfied with!
+t was impossible for her to be unaware of 'r! CrawfordBs "hange of manners! She
had long seen it! <e tried to please her: he was gallant and attenti#e* as he had been to
her "ousins: he wanted* she supposed* to "heat her of her tran7uillity as he had
"heated them! She was "on#in"ed that he had some "on"ern in this ne"kla"e* for 'iss
Crawford* an indulgent sister* was "areless as a woman and a friend!
Ceeling that the possession of it did not bring mu"h satisfa"tion* she walked home
again* with a "hange rather than a lessening of "ares!
C<-(TE= 2$
;n rea"hing home Canny went upstairs to deposit this doubtful good of a ne"kla"e in
a bo. in the East room* whi"h held all her smaller treasures5 but what was her surprise
to find her "ousin Edmund there* writing at the tableJ Su"h a sight was almost as
astonishing as it was wel"ome!
FCanny*F said he* lea#ing his seat* and meeting her with something in his hand* F+
beg your pardon! + "ame to look for you* and was writing to e.plain my errand! 6ou
will find the beginning of a note to yourself5 but + "an now speak my business* whi"h
is merely to beg your a""eptan"e of this trifleGa "hain for @illiamBs "ross! + hope you
will like it* Canny! + tried to "onsult the simpli"ity of your taste5 but + know you will
be kind* and "onsider it* as it really is* a token of the lo#e of one of your oldest
friends!F
-nd so saying* he was hurrying away* before Canny* o#erpowered by a thousand
feelings of pain and pleasure* "ould speak5 but* she then "alled out* F;hJ "ousin* stop
a moment* pray stopJF
<e turned ba"k!
F+ "annot attempt to thank you*F she "ontinued* #ery agitated5 F+ feel mu"h more
than + "an possibly e.press! 6our goodness in thinking of meGF
F+f that is all you ha#e to say* Canny*F smiling and turning away again!
F0o* no! + want to "onsult you!F
She had now undone the par"el he had gi#en her* and seeing a plain gold "hain*
perfe"tly simple and neat* she burst forth* F;h* this is beautiful indeedJ This is
pre"isely what + wished forJ +t will e.a"tly suit my "ross! +t "omes* too* at su"h an
a""eptable moment! ;h* "ousin* you do not know how a""eptable it is!F
F'y dear Canny* you feel these things a great deal too mu"h! + am most happy that
you like the "hain5 but your thanks are far beyond the o""asion! Aelie#e me* + ha#e no
pleasure in the world greater than that of "ontributing to yours! + "an safely say* + ha#e
no pleasure so "omplete* so unalloyed! +t is without a drawba"k!F
Lpon su"h e.pressions of affe"tion Canny "ould ha#e li#ed an hour without
saying another word5 but Edmund obliged her to bring down her mind from its
hea#enly flight by saying* FAut what is it that you want to "onsult me aboutEF
+t was about the ne"kla"e* whi"h she was now longing to return! She ga#e the
history of her re"ent #isit* and now her raptures might well be o#er5 for Edmund was
so delighted with what 'iss Crawford had done* that it was some time before Canny
"ould get him to attend to her plan: he was in a re#erie of fond refle"tion* but when he
did understand* he was #ery de"ided in opposing what she wished!
F=eturn the ne"kla"eJ 0o* my dear Canny* upon no a""ount! +t would mortify her!F
FAut being her brotherBs present* is not it fair to suppose that she would rather not
part with itEF
F+t makes no differen"e5 for as she was not pre#ented from offering it on that
a""ount* it ought not to pre#ent you from keeping it! 0o doubt it is handsomer than
my "hain* and fitter for a ballroom!F
F0o* it is not handsomer at all* and not half so fit! The "hain will agree with
@illiamBs "ross beyond all "omparison better than the ne"kla"e!F
FCor one night only* Canny* + am sure you will make the sa"rifi"e rather than gi#e
pain to one who has been kind! @ear the ne"kla"e to)morrow e#ening* and let the
"hain be kept for "ommoner o""asions! This is my ad#i"e! + would not ha#e the
shadow of a "oolness between the two whose intima"y + ha#e been obser#ing with the
greatest pleasure* and in whose "hara"ters there is so mu"h resemblan"e in true
generosity and natural deli"a"y! + would not ha#e the shadow of a "oolness arise*F he
repeated* his #oi"e sinking a little* Fbetween the two dearest ob8e"ts + ha#e on earth!F
<e was gone as he spoke5 and Canny "almed herself as well as she "ould! She was
one of his two dearestGthat must support her! Aut the firstJ She had ne#er heard him
speak so openly before* and though it told her no more than what she had long
per"ei#ed* it was a stab* for it told of his own #iews! They were de"ided!
<e would marry 'iss Crawford! Could she belie#e 'iss Crawford to deser#e
him* how different would it beGhow far more tolerableJ Aut he was de"ei#ed in her:
he ga#e her merits whi"h she had not5 her faults were what they had always been* but
he saw them no longer! Canny/s de8e"tion "ould only be relie#ed by fer#ent prayers
for his happiness!
+t was her duty* and her intention* to try to o#er"ome all that was e."essi#e in her
affe"tion for Edmund! To fan"y it a loss* a disappointment* was a presumption for
whi"h she had not words strong enough! To think of him as 'iss Crawford might be
8ustified in thinking* would in her be insanity! To her he "ould be nothing dearer than
a friend! @hy did su"h an idea e#en o""ur to herE +t ought ne#er to ha#e entered her
imagination! She would endea#our to be rational!
She was determined to do her duty5 but ha#ing also the feelings of youth and
nature* let her not be wondered at* if* after making all these good resolutions* she
seiDed the s"rap of paper on whi"h Edmund had begun writing* as a treasure! =eading
with the tenderest emotion these words* F'y #ery dear Canny* you must do me the
fa#our to a""eptF* she lo"ked it up with the "hain* as the dearest part of the gift! +t was
the only thing approa"hing to a letter whi"h she had e#er re"ei#ed from him5 she
might ne#er re"ei#e another! Two lines more priDed had ne#er fallen from the pen of
the most distinguished author! There was a feli"ity in the flow of the first four words*
in the arrangement of F'y #ery dear Canny*F whi"h she "ould ha#e looked at for e#er!
<a#ing regulated her thoughts and "omforted her feelings by this happy mi.ture
of reason and weakness* she was able to go down to her aunt Aertram without any
apparent want of spirits!
Thursday* the day of en8oyment* "ame5 and opened with more kindness to Canny
than su"h self)willed* unmanageable days often #olunteer* for after breakfast a #ery
friendly note was brought from 'r! Crawford to @illiam* stating that as he found
himself obliged to go to London for a few days* he hoped that @illiam would a""ept a
pla"e in his "arriage* and dine with him at the -dmiralBs! The proposal was a #ery
pleasant one to @illiam* who en8oyed the idea of tra#elling post with four horses* and
with su"h an agreeable friend!
Canny* from a different moti#e* was pleased5 for the original plan was that @illiam
should go up by the mail* whi"h would not ha#e allowed him an hourBs rest5 and
though 'r! CrawfordBs offer would rob her of hours of his "ompany* she was happy to
ha#e @illiam spared the fatigue of su"h a 8ourney!
Sir Thomas appro#ed for another reason! <is nephewBs introdu"tion to -dmiral
Crawford might be of ser#i"e! Lpon the whole* it was a #ery 8oyous note!
-s for the ball* Canny had too many fears to ha#e half the en8oyment in
anti"ipation whi"h she ought to ha#e had* or must ha#e been supposed to ha#e by the
many young ladies looking forward to the same e#ent! 'iss (ri"e was now to make
her first appearan"e* and must be regarded as the 7ueen of the e#ening! @ho "ould be
happier than 'iss (ri"eE
Aut 'iss (ri"e had not been brought up to the trade of "oming out into so"iety5
and had she known in what light this ball was "onsidered respe"ting her* it would #ery
mu"h ha#e lessened her "omfort by in"reasing her fears of doing wrong and being
looked at! To dan"e without being obser#ed* to ha#e strength and partners for about
half the e#ening* to dan"e a little with Edmund* and not a great deal with 'r!
Crawford* to see @illiam en8oy himself* and keep away from her aunt 0orris* was the
height of her ambition!
@illiam* determined to make this a day of thorough en8oyment* went out snipe)
shooting5 Edmund was at the (arsonage5 and Canny* left alone to bear the worrying of
'rs! 0orris* was worn down at last to think e#erything an e#il belonging to the ball!
@hen sent off to dress* she mo#ed languidly and felt in"apable of happiness!
-s she walked slowly upstairs she thought of yesterday5 at about the same hour
she had returned from the (arsonage* and found Edmund in the East room! FSuppose +
were to find him there again to)dayJF said she to herself* in a fond indulgen"e of
fan"y!
FCanny*F said a #oi"e at that moment! Starting and looking up* she saw* a"ross the
lobby* Edmund himself! <e "ame towards her! F6ou look tired and fagged* Canny! 6ou
ha#e been walking too far!F
F0o* + ha#e not been out!F
FThen you ha#e had fatigues within doors* whi"h are worse!F
Canny* not liking to "omplain* made no answer5 and though he looked at her with
his usual kindness* she belie#ed he had soon "eased to think of her! <e did not appear
in spirits! They pro"eeded upstairs together!
F+ "ome from Hr! 9rantBs*F said Edmund presently! F6ou may guess my errand
there* Canny!F -nd he looked so "ons"ious* that Canny "ould think but of one errand*
whi"h turned her too si"k for spee"h! F+ wished to engage 'iss Crawford for the two
first dan"es*F was the e.planation that followed* and brought Canny to life again*
enabling her to utter something like an in7uiry as to the result!
F6es*F he answered* Fshe is engaged to dan"e with me5 butF 1with a smile that did
not sit easy4 Fshe says it is the last time that she e#er will! + think* + hope* she is not
serious! She ne#er has dan"ed with a "lergyman* she says* and she ne#er will! Cor my
own sake* + "ould wish there had been no ball 8ust atG+ mean not this #ery day5 to)
morrow + lea#e home!F
Canny struggled for spee"h* and said* F+ am #ery sorry that anything has o""urred
to distress you! This ought to be a day of pleasure! 'y un"le meant it so!F
F;h yes* yesJ and it will be a day of pleasure! + am only #e.ed for a moment! Aut*
Canny*F stopping her* taking her hand* and speaking low and seriously* Fyou know
what all this means! 6ou "ould tell me* perhaps better than + "ould tell you* how and
why + am #e.ed! Let me talk to you a little! 6ou are a kind* kind listener! + ha#e been
pained by her manner this morning! + know her disposition to be as sweet and faultless
as your own* but the influen"e of her former "ompanions makes her seemGgi#es to
her "on#ersation sometimes a tinge of wrong! She does not think e#il* but she speaks
it in playfulness5 and though + know it to be playfulness* it grie#es me to the soul!F
FThe effe"t of edu"ation*F said Canny gently!
F6es* that un"le and auntJ They ha#e in8ured the finest mind5 for sometimes*
Canny* + own to you* it appears as if the mind itself was tainted!F
Canny* after a moment* said* F+f you only want me as a listener* "ousin* + will be as
useful as + "an5 but + am not 7ualified for an ad#iser!F
F6ou need not be afraid! Canny! +t is a sub8e"t on whi"h + should ne#er ask ad#i"e!
+ only want to talk to you!F
F;ne thing more! E."use the liberty5 but take "are how you talk to me! Ho not tell
me anything now* whi"h afterwards you may be sorry for! The time may "omeGF
The "olour rushed into her "heeks as she spoke!
FHearest CannyJF "ried Edmund* pressing her hand to his lips with almost as mu"h
warmth as if it had been 'iss CrawfordBs* Fyou are all "onsiderate thoughtJ Aut it is
unne"essary! The time will ne#er "ome! + begin to think it most improbable: the
"han"es grow less and less5 and e#en if it should* there will be nothing to be
remembered that we need be afraid of* for + "an ne#er be ashamed of my own
s"ruples! 6ou are the only being upon earth to whom + should say what + ha#e said5
but you ha#e always known my opinion of her5 you "an bear me witness* Canny* that +
ha#e ne#er been blinded! <ow many a time ha#e we talked o#er her little errorsJ 6ou
need not fear me5 + ha#e almost gi#en up e#ery serious idea of her5 but + must be a
blo"khead indeed* if + "ould think of your kindness and sympathy without the
sin"erest gratitude!F
<e had said enough to shake the e.perien"e of eighteen! <e had said enough to
gi#e Canny some happier feelings than she had lately known* and with a brighter look*
she answered* F+ "annot be afraid of hearing anything you wish to say! Tell me
whate#er you like!F
The appearan"e of a housemaid pre#ented any farther "on#ersation! Cor Canny/s
"omfort it was "on"luded* perhaps* at the happiest moment: had he been able to talk
another fi#e minutes* he might ha#e talked away all 'iss CrawfordBs faults!
Aut as it was* they parted on his side with grateful affe"tion* and with some #ery
pre"ious sensations on hers! 0ow e#erything was smiling! @illiamBs good fortune
returned again to her mind! The ball* tooGsu"h an e#ening of pleasure before herJ +t
was now a real animation5 and she began to dress for it with the happy flutter whi"h
belongs to a ball!
-ll went well: she did not dislike her own looks5 and when she "ame to the
ne"kla"es again* her good fortune seemed "omplete* for the one gi#en her by 'iss
Crawford would not go through the ring of the "ross! Edmund/s therefore* must be
worn5 and ha#ing* with delightful feelings* 8oined the "hain and the "rossGthose
memorials of the two most belo#ed of her heartGand put them round her ne"k* she
was able to resol#e on wearing 'iss CrawfordBs ne"kla"e too! She a"knowledged it to
be right! The ne"kla"e really looked #ery well5 and Canny left her room at last*
"omfortably satisfied!
<er aunt Aertram had re"olle"ted her on this o""asion with an unusual degree of
wakefulness! +t had o""urred to her* unprompted* that Canny might be glad of better
help than the upper housemaidBs* and she a"tually sent her own maid to assist her5 too
late* of "ourse* to be of any use! 'rs! Chapman had 8ust rea"hed the atti" floor* when
'iss (ri"e "ame out of her room "ompletely dressed5 but Canny felt her auntBs
attention almost as mu"h as Lady Aertram or 'rs! Chapman "ould do themsel#es!
C<-(TE= 2%
<er un"le and her aunts were in the drawing)room when Canny went down! The
former saw with pleasure the elegan"e of her appearan"e! The neatness and propriety
of her dress was all that he would "ommend in her presen"e* but upon her lea#ing the
room* he spoke of her beauty with de"ided praise!
F6es*F said Lady Aertram* Fshe looks #ery well! + sent Chapman to her!F
FLook wellJ ;h* yesJF "ried 'rs! 0orris* Fshe has good reason to look well with
all her ad#antages: brought up in this family as she has been* with all the benefit of
her "ousinsB manners before her! @hat would she ha#e been if we had not taken her in
handEF
@hen they sat down to table the eyes of the two young men told Canny that she
was appro#ed5 and the "ons"iousness of looking well made her look still better!
Edmund said* F6ou must dan"e with me* Canny5 keep two dan"es for me5 any two that
you like* e."ept the first!F She had nothing more to wish for! She had hardly e#er been
in a state so "lose to high spirits in her life! She felt that a ball was indeed #ery
"harming* and was a"tually pra"tising her steps about the drawing)room!
Soon afterwards began the sweet e.pe"tation of a "arriage* while they all stood
about and talked and laughed* and e#ery moment had its pleasure and its hope! Canny
felt that there must be a struggle in EdmundBs "heerfulness* but it was delightful to see
the effort so su""essfully made!
@hen the guests began to assemble* her own gaiety was mu"h subdued: the sight
of so many strangers threw her ba"k into herself5 and as she was introdu"ed here and
there by her un"le* she found herself for"ed to be spoken to* and to "urtsey* and speak
again! This was a hard duty* and she was ne#er summoned to it without looking
longingly at @illiam* who walked about at his ease!
@ith the entran"e of the 9rants and Crawfords* stiffness ga#e way before their
popular manners: e#erybody grew "omfortable! Canny would ha#e been again most
happy* "ould she ha#e kept her eyes from wandering between Edmund and 'ary
Crawford! She looked all lo#elinessGand what might not be the end of itE
<er musings were ended on seeing 'r! Crawford before her5 he engaged her for
the first two dan"es! <er happiness on this o""asion was finely "he7uered! To be
se"ure of a partner at first was a most essential goodGfor she so little understood her
own "laims as to think that if 'r! Crawford had not asked her* she must ha#e been the
last to be sought after5 but at the same time there was a pointedness in his manner of
asking her whi"h she did not like* and she saw his eye glan"ing for a moment at her
ne"kla"e* with a smile whi"h made her blush and feel wret"hed! Embarrassed* she had
no "omposure till he turned away to some one else! Then she "ould gradually rise up
to the genuine satisfa"tion of ha#ing a partner se"ured before the dan"ing began!
@hen the "ompany were mo#ing into the ballroom* she found herself near 'iss
Crawford* and hastened to e.plain the se"ond ne"kla"e! 'iss Crawford listened5 and
all her intended insinuations to Canny were forgotten: she felt only one thing5 and she
e."laimed with eager pleasure* FHid EdmundE That was like himself! 0o other man
would ha#e thought of it! + honour him beyond e.pression!F -nd she looked around as
if longing to tell him so!
CannyBs heart sunk* but there was no leisure for thinking long! They were in the
ballroom* the #iolins were playing* and her mind was in a flutter!
Sir Thomas "ame to her* and asked if she were engaged to dan"e5 and the F6es*
sir5 to 'r! Crawford*F was e.a"tly what he had intended to hear! <e then told Canny
that she was to lead the way and open the ball5 an idea that had ne#er o""urred to her
before! She had assumed that Edmund would begin with 'iss Crawford5 and she
"ould not help an e."lamation of surprise* an entreaty e#en to be e."used! Su"h was
her horror* that she "ould a"tually look Sir Thomas in the fa"e and say that she hoped
it might be settled otherwise!
+n #ain* howe#er: Sir Thomas smiled* and said de"idedly* F+t must be so* my
dearF5 and she found herself the ne.t moment "ondu"ted by 'r! Crawford to the top
of the room* and standing there to be 8oined by the rest of the dan"ers* "ouple after
"ouple* as they were formed!
She "ould hardly belie#e it! To be pla"ed abo#e so many elegant young womenJ +t
was treating her like her "ousinsJ -nd her thoughts flew to those absent "ousins with
truly tender regret* that they were not at home to share in a pleasure whi"h would
ha#e been so delightful to them! So often she had heard them wish for a ball at homeJ
-nd for her to be opening the ballGand with 'r! Crawford tooJ She hoped they
would not en#y her that distin"tion now5 but when she looked ba"k to the autumn* the
present arrangement was almost more than she "ould understand!
The ball began! +t was rather honour than happiness to Canny* for the first dan"e at
least: her partner was in e."ellent spirits* but she was too frightened to ha#e any
en8oyment till she "ould suppose herself no longer looked at! 6oung* pretty* and
gentle* howe#er* there were few persons present that did not praise her! She was
attra"ti#e* she was modest* she was Sir ThomasBs nie"e* and she was soon said to be
admired by 'r! Crawford! +t was enough to gi#e her general fa#our!
Sir Thomas himself was proud of her5 and without attributing her beauty* as 'rs!
0orris did* to her transplantation to 'ansfield* he was pleased with himself for ha#ing
supplied e#erything else: edu"ation and manners she owed to him!
'iss Crawford saw mu"h of Sir ThomasBs thoughts* and wishing to re"ommend
herself to him* stepped aside to say something agreeable of Canny! <er praise was
warm* and he "ertainly re"ei#ed it better than his lady did* when 'ary turned to
"ompliment her on 'iss (ri"eBs looks!
F6es* she looks #ery well*F was Lady AertramBs pla"id reply! FChapman helped her
to dress! + sent Chapman to her!F She was really pleased to ha#e Canny admired5 but
she was so stru"k with her own kindness in sending Chapman to her* that she "ould
not get it out of her head!
'iss Crawford knew 'rs! 0orris too well to think of gratifying her by
"ommendation of Canny5 insteadGF-hJ maBam* how mu"h we want dear 'rs!
=ushworth and ,ulia to)nightJF 'rs! 0orris paid her with as many "ourteous words as
she had time for amid her o""upation in making up "ard)tables* gi#ing hints to Sir
Thomas* and trying to mo#e all the "haperons a"ross the room!
'iss Crawford blundered most towards Canny herself in her intentions to please!
She meant to be gi#ing her little heart a happy flutter5 and* misinterpreting CannyBs
blushes* thought she must be doing so when she said* with a signifi"ant look* F(erhaps
you "an tell me why my brother goes to town to)morrowE <e says he has business
there* but will not tell me what! 0ow* + must ask you! (ray* what is <enry going forEF
Canny protested her ignoran"e!
F@ell* then*F replied 'iss Crawford* laughing* F+ must suppose it to be purely for
the pleasure of taking your brother* and talking about you on the way!F
Canny was "onfused5 while 'iss Crawford wondered that she did not smile* and
thought her o#er)an.ious* or thought her odd* or thought her anything rather than
insensible of pleasure in <enryBs attentions! Canny had a good deal of en8oyment in
the "ourse of the e#ening5 but <enryBs attentions had #ery little to do with it! She
would rather not ha#e been asked to dan"e by him again so soon! She "ould not say
that it was unpleasantly done* and sometimes* when he talked of @illiam* he was not
unagreeable* and showed a warmth of heart whi"h did him "redit! Aut still his
attentions made no part of her satisfa"tion! She was happy whene#er she looked at
@illiam* and saw how he was en8oying himself5 she was happy in knowing herself
admired5 and she was happy in ha#ing the two dan"es with Edmund to look forward
to!
She was happy e#en when they did take pla"e5 but not from any e.pressions of
tender gallantry on his side! Edmund/s mind was weary* and her happiness sprung
from being the friend with whom it "ould find repose!
F+ am worn out with "i#ility*F said he! F+ ha#e been talking in"essantly all night*
and with nothing to say! Aut with you* Canny* there may be pea"e! 6ou will not want
to be talked to! Let us ha#e the lu.ury of silen"e!F
Canny would hardly e#en speak her agreement! <is weariness was to be respe"ted*
and they went down their two dan"es together with su"h sober tran7uillity as might
satisfy any looker)on that Sir Thomas had been bringing up no wife for his younger
son!
The e#ening had afforded Edmund little pleasure! 'iss Crawford had been in gay
spirits when they first dan"ed together* but her gaiety rather sank than raised his
"omfort5 and afterwards* she had absolutely pained him by her manner of speaking of
the profession to whi"h he was now on the point of belonging! <e had reasoned* she
had ridi"uled5 and they had parted at last with mutual #e.ation! Canny had seen
enough to be tolerably satisfied! +t was barbarous to be happy when Edmund was
suffering! 6et some happiness must arise from the #ery "on#i"tion that he did suffer!
@hen her two dan"es with him were o#er* her strength for more was pretty well at
an end5 and Sir Thomas* seeing her breathless* and with her hand at her side* ga#e his
orders for her sitting down! 'r! Crawford sat down likewise!
F(oor CannyJF "ried @illiam* "oming to #isit her* Fhow soon she is kno"ked upJ
@hy* the sport is but 8ust begun! <ow "an you be tired so soonEF
FSo soonJ my good friend*F said Sir Thomas* Fit is three oB"lo"k* and your sister is
not used to these sort of hours!F
F@ell* then* Canny* you shall not get up to)morrow before + go! Sleep as long as
you "an* and ne#er mind me!F
F@hatJ Hid she think of being up before you set offEF
F;hJ yes* sir*F "ried Canny eagerly5 F+ must get up and breakfast with him! +t will
be the last time* you know!F
F6ou had better not! <e is to ha#e gone by half)past nine! 'r! Crawford* + think
you "all for him at half)past nineEF
Canny* howe#er* had too many tears in her eyes for denial5 and it ended in a
gra"ious F@ell* wellJF whi"h was permission! Sir Thomas then asked Crawford to 8oin
the early breakfast party: and the readiness with whi"h his in#itation was a""epted
"on#in"ed him that he was right: 'r! Crawford was in lo#e with Canny!
<is nie"e* meanwhile* did not thank him for what he had 8ust done! She had hoped
to ha#e @illiam all to herself the last morning! Aut she was so totally unused to ha#e
her pleasure "onsulted* that she was more disposed to re8oi"e in ha#ing "arried her
point so far* than to repine!
Shortly afterward* Sir Thomas ad#ised her to go to bed! +t was the ad#i"e of
absolute power* and she had only to rise* and pass 7uietly away5 stopping at the
entran"e)door to take a last look at the fi#e or si. determined "ouples who were still
hard at work5 and then* "reeping slowly up the stair"ase* fe#erish with hopes and
fears* sore)footed and fatigued* restless and agitated* yet feeling* in spite of
e#erything* that a ball was indeed delightful!
+n thus sending her away* Sir Thomas perhaps might not be thinking merely of her
health! +t might o""ur to him that 'r! Crawford had been sitting by her long enough*
or he might mean to re"ommend her as a wife by showing her persuadableness!
C<-(TE= 2&
The breakfast was soon o#er5 the last kiss was gi#en* and @illiam was gone! 'r!
Crawford had been #ery pun"tual* and short and pleasant had been the meal!
Canny walked ba"k to the breakfast)room with a #ery saddened heart5 and there
her un"le kindly left her to "ry in pea"e* "on"ei#ing* perhaps* that the "old pork bones
in @illiamBs plate might but di#ide her feelings with the broken egg)shells in 'r!
CrawfordBs! She sat and "ried as her un"le intended* but for her brother only! @illiam
was gone* and she felt as if she had wasted half his #isit in idle "ares!
+t was a hea#y* melan"holy day! Edmund bade them good)bye for a week* and
mounted his horse for (eterborough* and then all were gone! 0othing remained of last
night but remembran"es* whi"h she had nobody to share in! She talked to her aunt
Aertram* but it was hea#y work! Lady Aertram was not "ertain of anybodyBs dress or
anybodyBs pla"e at supper but her own! 'u"h of her "on#ersation was a languid* F6es*
#ery well5 did youE did heE + did not see that5 + should not know one from the other!F
This was #ery bad! +t was only better than 'rs! 0orrisBs sharp answers would ha#e
been5 but she was gone home with the lefto#er 8ellies to nurse a si"k maid!
The e#ening was hea#y like the day! F+ "annot think what is the matter with me*F
said Lady Aertram! F+ feel 7uite stupid! +t must be sitting up so late last night! Canny*
you must do something to keep me awake! Cet"h the "ards5 + feel so #ery stupid!F
The "ards were brought* and Canny played at "ribbage with her aunt till bedtime5
and as Sir Thomas was reading to himself* no sounds were heard in the room for the
ne.t two hours beyond the re"konings of the gameGF-nd that makes thirty)one5 four
in hand and eight in "rib! 6ou are to deal* maBam5 shall + deal for youEF Canny thought
of the differen"e whi"h twenty)four hours had made! Last night it had been bustle and
motion* noise and brillian"y* e#erywhere! 0ow it was languor* and all but solitude!
- good nightBs rest impro#ed her spirits! She "ould think of @illiam more
"heerfully5 and as she was able to talk o#er Thursday night with 'rs! 9rant and 'iss
Crawford* with all the playfulness so essential to the shade of a departed ball* she
"ould afterwards bring her mind ba"k to its e#eryday tran7uillity!
They were a small party now* with Edmund gone! Aut she must learn to endure
this! <e would soon be always gone5 and she was thankful that she "ould now sit in
the same room with her un"le and answer his 7uestions without su"h wret"hed
feelings as formerly!
F@e miss our two young men*F obser#ed Sir Thomas on the first day5 and seeing
CannyBs swimming eyes* said nothing more than to drink their good health5 but on the
se"ond day* @illiam was kindly "ommended and his promotion hoped for!
F<is #isits to us may now be more fre7uent*3 said Sir Thomas! 2-s to Edmund*
we must learn to do without him! This will be the last winter of his belonging to us!F
F6es*F said Lady Aertram* Fbut + wish he was not going away! They are all going
away* + think! + wish they would stay at home!F
This wish was le#elled prin"ipally at ,ulia* who had 8ust asked to go to town with
'aria5 and as Sir Thomas had granted permission* Lady Aertram was lamenting the
"hange it made in the prospe"t of ,uliaBs return! Sir Thomas used mu"h good sense to
re"on"ile his wife to the arrangement! E#erything that an affe"tionate mother must
feel in promoting her "hildrenBs en8oyment was attributed to her nature! Lady Aertram
agreed to it all* and then obser#ed* FSir Thomas* + am #ery glad we took Canny as we
did* for now the others are away we feel the good of it!F
Sir Thomas immediately added* FIery true! @e show Canny what a good girl we
think her by praising her to her fa"e5 she is now a #ery #aluable "ompanion!F
F6es*F said Lady Aertram5 Fand it is a "omfort to think that we shall always ha#e
her!F
Sir Thomas half smiled* glan"ed at his nie"e* and gra#ely replied* FShe will ne#er
lea#e us* + hope* till in#ited to some other home that may promise her greater
happiness!F
FThat is not #ery likely* Sir Thomas! @ho should in#ite herE 'aria would not
think of asking her to li#e at Sotherton5 and besides* + "annot do without her!F
The week whi"h passed so 7uietly at the great house in 'ansfield had a #ery
different "hara"ter at the (arsonage! @hat was tran7uillity and "omfort to Canny was
tediousness and #e.ation to 'ary! To CannyBs mind* EdmundBs absen"e was really* in
its "ause and its tenden"y* a relief! To 'ary it was e#ery way painful! She felt the
want of his so"iety almost e#ery hour* and was irritated when she "onsidered why he
went! They were now a miserable trio at the (arsonage* "onfined within doors by rain
and snow* with nothing to do! -ngry as she was with Edmund for adhering to his own
notions* and a"ting on them in defian"e of her 1and she had been so angry that they
had hardly parted friends at the ball4* she "ould not help thinking of him "ontinually
when absent* dwelling on his merit and affe"tion* and longing again for their almost
daily meetings! <e should not ha#e planned su"h an absen"e* when her own departure
from 'ansfield was so near!
Then she began to blame herself! She wished she had not spoken so warmly in
their last "on#ersation! She was afraid she had used some strong* "ontemptuous
e.pressions in speaking of the "lergy* and that was ill)bred5 it was wrong! She wished
su"h words unsaid with all her heart!
-ll this was bad* but she had still more to feel when Criday "ame round again and
brought no Edmund5 Saturday* and still no Edmund5 and when she learned that he had
written home to defer his return* ha#ing promised to remain some days longer with
his friend!
+f she had felt impatien"e and regret before* she now felt it tenfold more! She had*
moreo#er* to "ontend with an entirely new emotionG8ealousy! <is friend 'r! ;wen
had sisters5 he might find them attra"ti#e! +t be"ame absolutely ne"essary for her to try
to learn something more5 and she made her way to the (ark and Canny* for the "han"e
of hearing a little news* or at least hearing his name!
'iss Crawford thus began* with a #oi"e as well regulated as she "ouldGF-nd
how do you like your "ousin EdmundBs staying away so longE 6ou must miss him!
Hoes his staying longer surprise youEF
F+ do not know*F said Canny hesitatingly! F6es5 + had not parti"ularly e.pe"ted it!F
F(erhaps he will stay longer than he talks of* as young men do!F
F<e did not* the only time he went to see 'r! ;wen before!F
F<e finds the house more agreeable now! <e is a #eryGa #ery pleasing young
man himself* and + "annot help being rather "on"erned at not seeing him again before
+ go to London! -s soon as <enry "omes there will be nothing to detain me at
'ansfield! + should like to ha#e seen him on"e more* + "onfess! Aut you must gi#e my
"ompliments to him! 6es5 + think it must be "ompliments! +s not there a something
needed* 'iss (ri"e* in our languageGa something between "ompliments andGand
lo#eGto suit the sort of friendly a"7uaintan"e we ha#e had togetherE Aut
"ompliments may be suffi"ient here! @as his letter a long oneE +s it Christmas gaieties
that he is staying forEF
F+ only heard a part of the letter5 it was to my un"le5 but + belie#e it was #ery
short! -ll that + heard was that his friend had pressed him to stay a few days longer*
and that he had agreed to do so!F
F;hJ if he wrote to his father* no wonder he was "on"ise! @ho "ould write "hat to
Sir ThomasE +f he had written to you* there would ha#e been parti"ulars of balls and
parties! <e would ha#e sent you a des"ription of e#erybody! <ow many 'iss ;wens
are thereEF
FThree grown up!F
F-re they musi"alEF
F+ do not at all know!F
FThat is the first 7uestion* you know*F said 'iss Crawford* trying to appear gay
and un"on"erned* Fwhi"h e#ery woman who plays herself is sure to ask about another!
Aut one knows* without being told* e.a"tly what any three sisters must be: all #ery
a""omplished and pleasing* and one #ery pretty! Two play on the pianoforte* and one
on the harp5 and all sing* or would sing if they were taught* or sing all the better for
not being taught5 or something like it!F
F+ know nothing of the 'iss ;wens*F said Canny "almly!
F6ou know nothing and you "are less* as people say! +ndeed* how "an one "are for
those one has ne#er seenE @ell* when your "ousin "omes ba"k* he will find 'ansfield
#ery 7uiet5 all the noisy ones gone* myself in"luded! 'rs! 9rant does not like my
going!F
Canny felt obliged to speak! F6ou "annot doubt your being missed by many*F said
she! F6ou will be #ery mu"h missed!F
'iss Crawford turned her eye on her* as if wanting to hear or see more* and then
laughingly said* F;h yesJ missed as e#ery noisy e#il is missed when it is taken away!
Aut + may be found by those who want to see me! + shall not be in any distant* or
unapproa"hable region!F
0ow Canny "ould not bring herself to speak* and 'iss Crawford was
disappointed5 for she had hoped to hear some pleasant assuran"e of her power from
one who she thought must know!
FThe 'iss ;wens*F said she* Fsuppose you were to ha#e one of the 'iss ;wens
settled at Thornton La"ey5 how should you like itE + dare say they are trying for it! +t
would be a #ery pretty establishment for them! Their father is a "lergyman* and their
brother is a "lergyman* and they are all "lergymen together! 6ou donBt speak* Canny5
but honestly now* do not you rather e.pe"t itEF
F0o*F said Canny stoutly* F+ do not e.pe"t it at all!F
F0ot at allJF "ried 'iss Crawford with ala"rity! FAut + dare say you knowG
perhaps you do not think him likely to marry at allGor not at present!F
F0o* + do not*F said Canny softly* hoping she did not err!
<er "ompanion looked at her keenly5 and gathering greater spirit from Canny/s
blush* only said* F<e is best off as he is*F and turned the sub8e"t!
C<-(TE= 30
'iss CrawfordBs uneasiness was mu"h lightened by this "on#ersation* and she
walked home in better spirits! -s that #ery e#ening brought her brother down from
London again in his usual "heerfulness* she had nothing farther to dismay her! <e still
refused to tell her what he had gone for5 the day before it might ha#e irritated* but
now it was a pleasant 8okeGshe suspe"ted him of "on"ealing some surprise to herself!
The ne.t day did bring a surprise to her! <enry had said he would 8ust go and ask
the Aertrams how they did* and be ba"k in ten minutes* but he was gone abo#e an
hour! @hen his sister* who had been waiting for him impatiently* "ried out* F'y dear
<enry* where "an you ha#e been all this timeEF he said that he had been sitting with
Lady Aertram and Canny!
FCor an hour and a halfJF e."laimed 'ary!
F6es* 'ary*F said he* drawing her arm within his: F+ "ould not get away sooner5
Canny looked so lo#elyJ + am 7uite determined* 'ary! 'y mind is entirely made up!
6ou must be aware that + am 7uite determined to marry Canny (ri"e!F
The surprise was now "omplete5 for his sister had ne#er suspe"ted his ha#ing any
su"h #iews5 and she looked so astonished that he was obliged to repeat what he had
said! The surprise was not unwel"ome! There was e#en pleasure with it! 'ary was in
a state of mind to re8oi"e in a "onne.ion with the Aertram family* and to be not
displeased with her brotherBs marrying a little beneath him!
F6es* 'ary*F was <enryBs assuran"e! F+ am fairly "aught! 6ou know with what idle
designs + began5 but this is the end of them! + ha#e* + flatter myself* made progress in
her affe"tions5 but my own are entirely fi.ed!F
FLu"ky* lu"ky girlJF "ried 'ary5 Fwhat a mat"h for herJ + appro#e your "hoi"e
from my soul! 6ou will ha#e a sweet little wife5 all gratitude and de#otion! E.a"tly
what you deser#e! @hat an amaDing mat"h for herJ <ow her family will re8oi"eJ Aut
tell me all about itJ @hen did you begin to think seriously about herEF
0othing "ould be more impossible* yet more agreeable* than to answer su"h a
7uestion! F<ow the pleasing plague had stolen on himF he "ould not say!
F-h* my dear <enry* this is what took you to LondonJ 6ou "hose to "onsult the
-dmiral before you made up your mind!F
Aut this he stoutly denied5 the -dmiral hated marriage!
F@hen Canny is known to him*F "ontinued <enry* Fhe will dote on her! She is
e.a"tly the woman to do away e#ery pre8udi"e of su"h a man as the -dmiral! Aut till
it is absolutely settled* he shall know nothing of the matter! 0o* 'ary* you ha#e not
dis"o#ered my business yet!F
F@ell* + am satisfied! + know now to whom it must relate* and am in no hurry for
the rest! Canny (ri"eJ 7uite wonderfulJ 6ou "ould not ha#e "hosen better! There is not
a better girl in the world5 and as to her "onne.ions* she is nie"e to Sir Thomas
Aertram: that is enough! Aut go on! Tell me more! Hoes she know her own
happinessEF
F0o!F
F@hat are you waiting forEF
FCor #ery little more than opportunity! 'ary* she is not like her "ousins5 but +
think + shall not ask in #ain!F
F;h noJ you "annot! E#en supposing her not to lo#e you already 1of whi"h*
howe#er* + ha#e little doubt4Gyou would be safe! <er gentleness and gratitude would
se"ure her immediately! + do not think she would marry you without lo#e5 but ask her
to lo#e you* and she will ne#er ha#e the heart to refuse!F
- "on#ersation followed almost as deeply interesting to her as to himself* though
he had in fa"t nothing to relate but his own sensations* nothing to dwell on but
CannyBs "harms! CannyBs beauty* CannyBs gra"es of manner and goodness of heart*
were the e.haustless theme! <er temper he had good reason to depend on! <e had
often seen it tried! @as there one of the family* e."epting Edmund* who had not in
some way e.er"ised her patien"eE <er affe"tions were e#idently strong! To see her
with her brotherJ Then* her understanding was 7ui"k and "lear5 and her manners were
the mirror of her modest and elegant mind!
0or was this all! <enry Crawford had too mu"h sense not to feel the worth of
good prin"iples in a wife* though he might not know them by their proper name5 but
when he talked of her ha#ing a steadiness of "ondu"t* and a high notion of honour and
de"orum* he e.pressed what was inspired by the knowledge of her being well
prin"ipled and religious!
F+ "ould so wholly and absolutely "onfide in her*F said he5 Fand that is what +
want!F
@ell might his sister re8oi"e in Canny/s prospe"ts!
F+ am "on#in"ed that you are doing right5 and though + should ne#er ha#e sele"ted
Canny (ri"e as the girl to atta"h you* + am now persuaded she is the #ery one to make
you happy! 6our wi"ked pro8e"t upon her pea"e turns out a "le#er thought indeed! 6ou
will both find your good in it!F
F+t was bad* #ery bad in me against su"h a "reature5 but + did not know her then5
and + will make her #ery happy* 'ary5 happier than she has e#er yet been! + will not
take her from 0orthamptonshire! + shall let E#eringham* and rent a pla"e in this
neighbourhood!F
F<aJF "ried 'ary5 Fsettle in 0orthamptonshireJ That is pleasantJ Then we shall be
all together!F
@hen she had spoken it* she re"olle"ted herself* and wished it unsaid5 but her
brother saw her only as the inmate of 'ansfield parsonage* and in#ited her in the
kindest manner to his own house!
F6ou must gi#e us more than half your time*F said he! F+ "annot admit 'rs! 9rant
to ha#e an e7ual "laim with Canny and myself! Canny will be so truly your sisterJF
'ary ga#e grateful assuran"es5 but she was now #ery fully purposed to be the
guest of neither brother nor sister many months longer!
2+n London* of "ourse* you will ha#e a house of your own: no longer with the
-dmiral! 'y dearest <enry* the ad#antage to you of getting away from the -dmiral
before your manners are hurt by "ontagion of his5 before you ha#e "ontra"ted any of
his foolish opinions* or learned to sit o#er your dinner as if it were the best blessing of
lifeJ 6our marrying early may be the sa#ing of you! To ha#e seen you grow like the
-dmiral would ha#e broken my heart!F
F@ell* well* we do not think alike here! The -dmiral has his faults* but he is a #ery
good man* and has been more than a father to me! Cew fathers would ha#e let me
ha#e my own way half so mu"h! 6ou must not pre8udi"e Canny against him! + must
ha#e them lo#e one another!F
'ary refrained from saying that two people "ould not be less alike5 but she "ould
not help remarking* F<enry* if + supposed the ne.t 'rs! Crawford were to be treated
like my poor aunt* the -dmiral/s wife* + would pre#ent the marriage5 but + know you! +
know that a wife you lo#ed would be the happiest of women* and that e#en when you
"eased to lo#e* she would still find in you the good)breeding of a gentleman!F
The impossibility of "easing to lo#e Canny (ri"e was of "ourse his elo7uent
answer!
F<ad you seen her this morning* 'ary* attending with su"h sweetness and
patien"e to all the demands of her auntBs stupidity* her "olour beautifully heightened as
she leant o#er her work* with su"h unpretending gentleness* one little "url of hair
falling forward as she wrote* whi"h she now and then shook ba"k5 and in the midst of
all this* still listening to what + said! <ad you seen her so* 'ary* you would not ha#e
thought her power o#er my heart "ould e#er "ease!F
F'y dearest <enry*F "ried 'ary* Fhow glad + am to see you so mu"h in lo#eJ Aut
what will 'rs! =ushworth and ,ulia sayEF
F+ "are not! They will now see what sort of woman it is that "an atta"h me* that "an
atta"h a man of sense! + wish the dis"o#ery may do them good! They will now see
their "ousin treated as she ought to be* and + wish they may be heartily ashamed of
their own abominable negle"t and unkindness! They will be angry*F he added* after a
momentBs silen"e* and in a "ooler tone5 F'rs! =ushworth will be #ery angry! +t will be
a bitter pill to her5 that is* it will ha#e two momentsB ill fla#our* and then be swallowed
and forgotten5 for + do not suppose her feelings more lasting than other womenBs! 'y
Canny will feel a differen"e in the beha#iour of e#eryone who approa"hes her5 and +
will be happy to know that + am the doer of it! 0ow she is dependent* friendless*
negle"ted* forgotten!F
F0ay* <enry* not by all! <er "ousin Edmund ne#er forgets her!F
FEdmundJ True* + belie#e he is generally kind to her* and so is Sir Thomas in his
way5 but it is the way of a ri"h* superior* long)worded un"le! @hat "an Sir Thomas
and Edmund do for her happiness* "omfort* honour* and dignity* "ompared to what +
shall doEF
C<-(TE= 31
<enry Crawford was at 'ansfield (ark again early the ne.t morning! Lady Aertram
was 7uitting the breakfast)room as he entered!
<enry* o#er8oyed to ha#e her go* bowed and wat"hed her off* and then turned
instantly to Canny* and* taking out some letters* said* F+ ha#e been wishing to see you
alone! Knowing what your feelings as a sister are* + "ould hardly ha#e borne that any
one should share with you in the first knowledge of the news + bring! 6our brother is a
lieutenant! + ha#e the infinite satisfa"tion of "ongratulating you on your brotherBs
promotion! <ere are the letters whi"h announ"e it! 6ou will* perhaps* like to see
them!F
Canny "ould not speak5 but for him to see the e.pression of her eyes* the "hange
of her "omple.ion* was enough! She took the letters! The first was from the -dmiral
to inform his nephew of his ha#ing su""eeded in the promotion of young (ri"e* and
en"losing two more* one from the Se"retary of the Cirst Lord to a friend* whom the
-dmiral had set to work in the business* the other from that friend to himself5 in
whi"h it appeared that Sir Charles was delighted to pro#e his regard for -dmiral
Crawford* by the "ommission of 'r! @illiam (ri"e as Se"ond Lieutenant!
@hile her hand was trembling under these letters* her heart swelling with emotion*
Crawford thus "ontinued eagerlyG
F+ will not talk of my own happiness*F said he* Ffor + think only of yours! + ha#e
not lost a moment in bringing the news! <ow impatient* how an.ious* how wild +
ha#e been5 how "ruelly disappointed* in not ha#ing the business finished while + was
in LondonJ + stayed there from day to day in the hope of it* for nothing less would
ha#e kept me from 'ansfield! Aut there were diffi"ulties and delays* and + "ame away
on 'onday* trusting that + should #ery soon be followed by su"h letters as these! 'y
un"le* who is the #ery best man in the world* has e.erted himself* as + knew he would*
after seeing your brother! <e was delighted with him! <e ga#e @illiam the highest
"ommendation after the e#ening they passed together!F
F<as this been all your doing* thenEF "ried Canny! F<ow #ery* #ery kindJ + beg
your pardon* but + am bewildered! Hid -dmiral Crawford applyE <ow was itE + am
stupefied!F
<enry was happy to e.plain what he had done! <is 8ourney to London had been
undertaken with no other #iew than that of introdu"ing her brother to the -dmiral and
pre#ailing on him to e.ert his interest! This had been his business!
<e spoke with su"h a glow* used su"h strong e.pressions* and was so abounding
in twofold moti#es* that Canny "ould not ha#e remained unaware of his drift* had she
been able to attend5 but her heart was so full that she "ould only listen imperfe"tly*
saying when he paused* F<ow #ery kindJ ;h* 'r! Crawford* we are infinitely obliged
to youJ Hearest @illiamJF She 8umped up* "rying out* F'y un"le ought to know it as
soon as possible!F
Aut this "ould not be allowed! The opportunity was too fair* and his feelings too
impatient! <e was after her immediately! FShe must not go* she must allow him fi#e
minutes longer!F <e led her ba"k to her seat* and was in the middle of his farther
e.planation* before she had suspe"ted for what she was detained!
@hen she did understand it* howe#er* and found herself e.pe"ted to belie#e that
she had "reated sensations whi"h his heart had ne#er known before* and that
e#erything he had done for @illiam was be"ause of his atta"hment to her* she was
e."eedingly distressed* and for some moments unable to speak! She "onsidered it all
as nonsense* as mere trifling and gallantry5 he was treating her improperly* and in a
way that she had not deser#ed5 but it was like himself* and entirely of a pie"e with
what she had seen before5 and she would not allow herself to show displeasure* after
he had "onferred su"h an obligation! @hile her heart was still bounding with 8oy and
gratitude on @illiamBs behalf* she "ould not be se#ere5 and after ha#ing twi"e drawn
ba"k her hand* and attempted in #ain to turn away* she got up* and said only* with
mu"h agitation* FHonBt* 'r! Crawford* pray donBtJ + beg you would not! This sort of
talking is #ery unpleasant to me! + must go away! + "annot bear it!F
Aut he was still talking on* des"ribing his affe"tion* and finally offering himself*
hand* fortune* e#erything* to her a""eptan"e! +t was so5 he had said it! <er
astonishment and "onfusion in"reased5 and though still not supposing him serious* she
"ould hardly stand! <e pressed for an answer!
F0o* no* noJF she "ried* hiding her fa"e! FThis is all nonsense! + "an hear no more
of this! 6our kindness to @illiam makes me more obliged to you than words "an
e.press5 but + do not want* + "annot bear* + must not listen to su"hG0o* no* donBt think
of me! Aut you are not thinking of me! + know it is all nothing!F
She burst away from him* and at that moment Sir Thomas was heard speaking to a
ser#ant 8ust outside the room! She rushed out at an opposite door from the one her
un"le was approa"hing* and was walking up and down the East room in the utmost
"onfusion of feeling* before Sir Thomas had rea"hed the beginning of the 8oyful news
whi"h his #isitor "ame to "ommuni"ate!
She was feeling* thinking* trembling about e#erything5 agitated* happy* miserable*
infinitely obliged* absolutely angry! +t was all beyond beliefJ <e was ine."usable*
in"omprehensibleJ Aut su"h were his habits that he "ould do nothing without a
mi.ture of e#il! <e had pre#iously made her the happiest of human beings* and now
he had insultedGshe knew not how to regard it! She did not want him to be serious*
and yet what "ould e."use his words* if they meant but to trifleE
Aut @illiam was a lieutenant! That was a fa"t beyond a doubt! She would think of
it and forget all the rest! 'r! Crawford would "ertainly ne#er address her so again: he
must ha#e seen how unwel"ome it was to her5 and in that "ase* how gratefully she
"ould esteem him for his friendship to @illiamJ
She would not stir from the East room till she had satisfied herself of 'r!
CrawfordBs ha#ing left the house5 but when "on#in"ed of his being gone* she was
eager to go down and share her 8oy with her un"le! Sir Thomas was as 8oyful as she
"ould desire* and she had so "omfortable a talk with him about @illiam as to make her
feel as if nothing had o""urred to #e. her* till she found that 'r! Crawford was
engaged to return and dine there that #ery day! This was most unwel"ome!
She tried to get the better of it5 tried #ery hard* as the dinner hour approa"hed* to
feel and appear as usual5 but it was 7uite impossible for her not to look most shy and
un"omfortable when their #isitor entered the room!
'r! Crawford was soon "lose to her5 he had a note to deli#er from his sister! Canny
"ould not look at him! She opened her note immediately* glad to ha#e anything to do*
and happy* as she read it* to feel that the fidgetings of her aunt 0orris s"reened her
from #iew!
F'y dear Canny*Gfor so + may now always "all youG+ "annot let my brother go
without sending you a few lines of "ongratulation* and gi#ing my most 8oyful "onsent
and appro#al! 9o on* my dear Canny* and without fear5 there "an be no diffi"ulties
worth naming! + "hoose to suppose that my "onsent will be something5 so you may
smile upon him with your sweetest smiles this afternoon* and send him ba"k to me
e#en happier than he goes!G6ours affe"tionately* '! C!F
These were not e.pressions to do Canny any good5 for though she read in too
mu"h haste and "onfusion to form the "learest 8udgment of 'iss CrawfordBs meaning*
it was e#ident that she meant to "ompliment her on her brotherBs atta"hment* and
belie#ed it serious! Canny did not know what to do! There was wret"hedness in the
idea of its being serious5 there was perple.ity e#ery way! She was distressed whene#er
'r! Crawford spoke to her* and he spoke to her mu"h too often! She "ould hardly eat5
and when Sir Thomas good)humouredly obser#ed that 8oy had taken away her
appetite* she was ready to sink with shame5 for though nothing "ould ha#e tempted
her to turn her eyes to 'r! Crawford* she felt that his were immediately dire"ted
towards her!
She was more silent than e#er* hardly 8oining e#en when @illiam was the sub8e"t!
She began to despair of e#er getting away5 but at last they were in the drawing)room*
where her aunts finished the sub8e"t of @illiamBs appointment in their own style!
'rs! 0orris seemed delighted with the sa#ing it would be to Sir Thomas! F0ow
@illiam would be able to keep himself* whi"h would make a #ast differen"e to his
un"le5 and* indeed* it would make some differen"e in her presents too! She was #ery
glad that she had gi#en @illiam something "onsiderable at parting* for now it would
be useful in helping to fit up his "abin!F
F+ am glad you ga#e him something "onsiderable*F said Lady Aertram* with most
unsuspi"ious "almness* Ffor + ga#e him only R10!F
F+ndeedJF "ried 'rs! 0orris* reddening! FLpon my word* he must ha#e gone off
with his po"kets well linedJF
FSir Thomas told me R10 would be enough!F
'rs! 0orris* being not at all in"lined to 7uestion its suffi"ien"y* began on another
point!
F+t is amaDing*F said she* Fhow mu"h young people "ost their friends* what with
bringing them up and putting them out in the worldJ 0ow* take my sister (ri"eBs
"hildren5 nobody would belie#e what they "ost Sir Thomas e#ery year* to say nothing
of what + do for them!F
FIery true* sister* as you say! Aut* poor thingsJ they "annot help it5 and you know
it makes #ery little differen"e to Sir Thomas! Canny* @illiam must not forget my
shawl if he goes to the East +ndies! + wish he may go there* so that + may ha#e my
shawl! + think + will ha#e two shawls* Canny!F
Canny* meanwhile* was #ery earnestly trying to understand what 'r! and 'iss
Crawford were at! E#erything reasonable was against their being serious! <ow "ould
she ha#e atta"hed a man who had been admired by so many* and flirted with so many*
infinitely her superiors5 who seemed so little open to serious impressions5 who
thought so "arelessly* so unfeelingly on all su"h points* who was e#erything to
e#erybody* and seemed to find no one essential to himE -nd "ould his sister* with all
her worldly notions of matrimony* be forwarding anything serious in su"h a 7uarterE
+t was not possible! She had 7uite "on#in"ed herself of this before Sir Thomas and 'r!
Crawford 8oined them! The diffi"ulty was in maintaining the "on#i"tion after 'r!
Crawford was in the room!
She thought he was wishing to speak to her unheard by the rest! She fan"ied he
was trying for it the whole e#ening* whene#er Sir Thomas was engaged with 'rs!
0orris* and she "arefully refused him e#ery opportunity!
-t last he began to talk of going away5 but turning to her the ne.t moment* he
said* F<a#e you nothing to send to 'aryE 0o answer to her noteE She will be
disappointed if she re"ei#es nothing from you! (ray write to her* if it be only a line!F
F;h yesJ "ertainly*F "ried Canny* rising in embarrassed haste and wanting to get
awayGF+ will write dire"tly!F
She went to the table* and prepared her writing materials without knowing what in
the world to say! She had read 'iss CrawfordBs note only on"e* and how to reply to
anything so imperfe"tly understood was most distressing! 6et something must be
written5 and wishing not to appear to think anything really intended* she wrote thus* in
great trembling both of spirits and handG
F+ am #ery mu"h obliged to you* my dear 'iss Crawford* for your kind
"ongratulations* as far as they relate to my dearest @illiam! The rest of your note +
know means nothing5 but + am so une7ual to anything of the sort* that + hope you will
e."use my begging you to take no farther noti"e! + ha#e seen too mu"h of 'r!
Crawford not to understand his manners5 if he understood me as well* he would* +
dare say* beha#e differently! + do not know what + write* but it would be a great fa#our
of you ne#er to mention the sub8e"t again! @ith thanks for the honour of your note* +
remain* dear 'iss Crawford* et"!* et"!F
The "on"lusion was s"ar"ely intelligible from in"reasing fright* for she found that
'r! Crawford was "oming towards her!
F+ do not mean to hurry you*F said he* in an under#oi"e!
F;hJ + thank you5 it will be ready in a moment5 + am #ery mu"h obliged5 if you
will be so good as to gi#e that to 'iss Crawford!F
The note was held out* and must be taken5 and as she instantly and with a#erted
eyes walked towards the firepla"e* he had nothing to do but to go!
Canny thought she had ne#er known a day of greater agitation* both of pain and
pleasure5 but happily the pleasure was not of a sort to die with the day5 whereas the
pain* she hoped* would return no more! She had no doubt that her note must appear
e."essi#ely ill)written* that the language would disgra"e a "hild5 but at least it would
assure them both of her being neither imposed on nor gratified by 'r! CrawfordBs
attentions!
C<-(TE= 32
Canny had not forgotten 'r! Crawford when she awoke the ne.t morning5 but she was
still sanguine as to its effe"t of her note! +f 'r! Crawford would but go awayJ That
was what she most earnestly desired: go and take his sister with him* as he had
intended! -nd why it was not done already she "ould not think!
She was astonished to see 'r! Crawford "oming up to the house again* at an hour
as early as the day before! <is "oming might ha#e nothing to do with her* but she
must a#oid seeing him if possible5 and she resol#ed to remain upstairs during his #isit*
unless a"tually sent for!
She sat some time in a good deal of agitation* listening* trembling* and fearing to
be sent for e#ery moment5 but as no footsteps approa"hed the East room* she grew
gradually "omposed* and was able to employ herself* and to hope that 'r! Crawford
would go without her being obliged to know anything of the matter!
0early half an hour had passed* and she was growing #ery "omfortable* when
suddenly the sound of a hea#y step was heard* an unusual step in that part of the
house! +t was her un"leBs5 and she began to tremble at the idea of his "oming up to
speak to her!
+t was indeed Sir Thomas who opened the door and asked if he might "ome in!
The terror of his former o""asional #isits to that room seemed all renewed* and she
felt as if he were going to e.amine her again in Cren"h and English!
She was all attention* howe#er* in pla"ing a "hair for him* and trying to appear
honoured! Stopping short as he entered* he said* with mu"h surprise* F@hy ha#e you
no fire to)dayEF
There was snow on the ground* and she was sitting in a shawl! She hesitated!
F+ am not "old* sir: + ne#er sit here long at this time of year!F
FAut you ha#e a fire in generalEF
F0o* sir!F
F<ow "omes this aboutE <ere must be some mistake! + understood that you had
the use of this room by way of making you "omfortable! +t is highly unfit for you to
sit* be it only half an hour a day* without a fire! 6ou are not strong! 6ou are "hilly!
6our aunt "annot be aware of this!F
Canny would rather ha#e been silent5 but being obliged to speak* she "ould not
refrain* in 8usti"e to the aunt she lo#ed best* from saying something about Fmy aunt
0orrisF!
F+ understand*F "ried her un"le* re"olle"ting himself* and not wanting to hear
more: F+ understand! 6our aunt 0orris has always ad#ised young peopleBs being
brought up without unne"essary indulgen"es5 but there should be moderation in
e#erything! She is also #ery hardy herself* and so "ourse e.pe"ts others to be likewise!
-nd on another a""ount* too* + "an perfe"tly "omprehend her sentiments! + am aware
that there has been sometimes a mispla"ed distin"tion between you and your "ousins5
but + think too well of you* Canny* to suppose you will e#er harbour resentment on
that a""ount! 6ou know that your friends were preparing you for that medio"rity of
"ondition whi"h seemed to be your lot! Though their "aution may pro#e e#entually
unne"essary* it was kindly meant! Aut enough of this! Sit down* my dear! + must speak
to you* but + will not detain you long!F
Canny obeyed* with eyes "ast down and "olour rising! Sir Thomas* trying to
suppress a smile* went on!
F+ ha#e had a #isitor this morning! 0ot long after breakfast* 'r! Crawford was
shown in! <is errand you may probably "on8e"ture!F
CannyBs "olour grew deeper5 and her un"le* per"ei#ing her great embarrassment*
turned away his own eyes* and pro"eeded in his a""ount of 'r! CrawfordBs #isit!
'r! CrawfordBs business had been to de"lare himself the lo#er of Canny* make
de"ided proposals for her* and ask the blessing of the un"le* who seemed to stand in
the pla"e of her parents5 and he had done it all so well* so properly* that Sir Thomas
was happy to gi#e the details of their "on#ersation! Lnaware of what was passing in
his nie"eBs mind* he thought that he must be gratifying her! <e talked* therefore* for
se#eral minutes without CannyBs daring to interrupt him! @ith her eyes fi.ed intently
on one of the windows* she listened to her un"le in the utmost perturbation and
dismay!
=ising from his "hair* he said* F-nd now* Canny* ha#ing performed one part of my
"ommission* + may e.e"ute the remainder by asking you to a""ompany me
downstairs* where you may find a "ompanion still better worth listening to! 'r!
Crawford is in my room* and hoping to see you there!F
There was a look* a start on hearing this* whi"h astonished Sir Thomas5 but his
astonishment in"reased on hearing her e."laimGF;hJ no* sir* indeed + "annot go
down to him! 'r! Crawford must know that: he spoke to me on this sub8e"t yesterday*
and + told him that it was #ery disagreeable to me* and 7uite out of my power to return
his good opinion!F
F+ do not "at"h your meaning*F said Sir Thomas* sitting down again! F@hat is all
thisE + know he spoke to you yesterday* and 1as + understand4 re"ei#ed as mu"h
en"ouragement as a well)8udging young woman "ould permit herself to gi#e! + was
#ery mu"h pleased with your beha#iour on the o""asion5 it showed a "ommendable
dis"retion! Aut now* when he has made his o#ertures so properlyGwhat are your
s"ruples nowEF
F6ou are mistaken* sir*F "ried Canny* for"ed by her an.iety e#en to tell her un"le
that he was wrong5 Fyou are 7uite mistaken! <ow "ould 'r! Crawford say su"h a
thingE + ga#e him no en"ouragement yesterday! ;n the "ontrary* + told him* + "annot
re"olle"t my e.a"t words* but + am sure + told him that + would not listen to him* that
it was #ery unpleasant to me in e#ery respe"t* and that + begged him ne#er to talk to
me in that manner again! + should ha#e said more* if + had been 7uite "ertain of his
meaning anything seriously5 but + did not like to be imputing more than might be
intended! + thought it might all pass for nothing with him!F
She "ould say no more!
F-m + to understand*F said Sir Thomas* after a few momentsB silen"e* Fthat you
mean to refuse 'r! CrawfordEF
F6es* sir!F
F=efuse himEF
F6es* sir!F
F=efuse 'r! CrawfordJ Lpon what pleaE Cor what reasonEF
F+G+ "annot like him* sir* well enough to marry him!F
FThis is #ery strangeJF said Sir Thomas* in a #oi"e of "alm displeasure! F<ere is a
young man wishing to pay his addresses to you* with e#erything to re"ommend him:
situation* fortune* and "hara"ter* with more than "ommon agreeableness* with address
and "on#ersation pleasing to e#erybody! <is sister* moreo#er* is your intimate friend*
and he has done that for your brother* whi"h might ha#e been almost suffi"ient
re"ommendation to you* had there been no other!F
F6es*F said Canny* in a faint #oi"e* and looking down with fresh shame!
F6ou must ha#e been aware*F "ontinued Sir Thomas* Fof a parti"ularity in 'r!
CrawfordBs manners to you! This "annot ha#e taken you by surprise! 6ou must ha#e
obser#ed his attentions5 and though you always re"ei#ed them #ery properly* + ne#er
per"ei#ed them to be unpleasant to you! + am half in"lined to think* Canny* that you do
not know your own feelings!F
F;h yes* sirJ indeed + do! <is attentions were alwaysGwhat + did not like!F
Sir Thomas looked at her with deeper surprise! FThis is beyond me*F said he!
FThis re7uires e.planation! 6oung as you are* and ha#ing seen s"ar"ely any one* it is
hardly possible that your affe"tionsGF
<e paused and eyed her fi.edly! <e saw her lips formed into a no* though the
sound was inarti"ulate* but her fa"e was like s"arlet! That* howe#er* in so modest a
girl* might be #ery "ompatible with inno"en"e5 and "hoosing at least to appear
satisfied* he 7ui"kly added* F0o* no* + know that is 7uite out of the 7uestion! @ell*
there is nothing more to be said!F
-nd for a few minutes he did say nothing! <e was deep in thought! <is nie"e was
deep in thought likewise* trying to harden and prepare herself against farther
7uestioning! She would rather die than own the truth5 and she hoped to fortify herself
beyond betraying it!
FQuite apart from 'r! CrawfordBs "hoi"e*F said Sir Thomas* beginning again* #ery
"omposedly* Fhis wishing to marry so early is "ommendable! + am an ad#o"ate for
early marriages* and would ha#e e#ery young man* with a suffi"ient in"ome* settle as
soon after four)and)twenty as he "an! + am sorry to think how unlikely my own eldest
son* 'r! Aertram* is to marry early5 but at present* as far as + "an 8udge* matrimony
makes no part of his plans! + wish he were more likely to fi.!F <ere was a glan"e at
Canny! FEdmund* + "onsider as mu"h more likely to marry early than his brother! <e*
indeed* + ha#e lately thought* has seen the woman he "ould lo#e* whi"h* + am
"on#in"ed* my eldest son has not! -m + rightE Ho you agree with me* my dearEF
F6es* sir!F
+t was gently* but it was "almly said* and Sir Thomas was easy on the s"ore of the
"ousins! Aut with the remo#al of his alarm* his displeasure in"reased5 and getting up
and walking about with a frown* he said in a #oi"e of authority* F<a#e you any
reason* "hild* to think ill of 'r! CrawfordBs temperEF
F0o* sir!F
She longed to add* FAut of his prin"iples + ha#eF5 but her heart sunk under the
appalling prospe"t of dis"ussion* e.planation* and probably non)"on#i"tion! <er ill
opinion of him was founded "hiefly on obser#ations* whi"h* for her "ousinsB sake* she
"ould s"ar"ely mention to their father! 'aria and ,ulia* espe"ially 'aria* were so
"losely impli"ated in 'r! CrawfordBs mis"ondu"t* that she "ould not speak of it
without betraying them! She had hoped that* to a man like her un"le* so dis"erning* so
honourable* so good* the simple a"knowledgment of settled dislike on her side would
ha#e been suffi"ient! To her infinite grief she found it was not!
Sir Thomas "ame towards the table where she sat trembling* and with "old
sternness* said* F+t is of no use* + per"ei#e* to talk to you! @e had better put an end to
this mortifying "onferen"e! 'r! Crawford must not be kept longer waiting! + will*
therefore* only add that you ha#e disappointed e#ery e.pe"tation + had formed* and
pro#ed your "hara"ter the #ery re#erse of what + had supposed! Cor + had* Canny*
formed a #ery fa#ourable opinion of you sin"e my return to England! + had thought
you free from wilfulness of temper* self)"on"eit* and that modern independen"e of
spirit whi"h is so disgusting in young women! Aut you ha#e now shown me that you
"an be wilful and per#erse5 that you "an and will de"ide for yourself* without any
deferen"e to those who ha#e surely some right to guide you* without e#en asking their
ad#i"e! 6ou ha#e shown yourself #ery* #ery different from anything that + had
imagined! 6our brothers and sisters seem ne#er to ha#e had a momentBs share in your
thoughts! <ow they might be benefited is nothing to you! 6ou think only of yourself*
and be"ause you do not feel for 'r! Crawford e.a"tly what a young heated fan"y
imagines to be ne"essary for happiness* you resol#e to refuse him at on"e* without
wishing e#en for a little time to "onsider! 6ou are* in a wild fit of folly* throwing away
su"h an opportunity as will probably ne#er o""ur to you again! <ere is a young man
of sense* of "hara"ter* of manners* and of fortune* e."eedingly atta"hed to you* and
seeking your hand in the most handsome way5 and let me tell you* Canny* that you
may li#e eighteen years longer without being addressed by a man of half 'r!
CrawfordBs estate* or a tenth part of his merits! 9ladly would + ha#e bestowed either of
my own daughters on him! 'aria is nobly married5 but had 'r! Crawford sought
,uliaBs hand* + should ha#e gi#en it to him with more heartfelt satisfa"tion than + ga#e
'ariaBs to 'r! =ushworth!F -fter half a momentBs pause: F-nd + should ha#e been
#ery mu"h surprised had either of my daughters* on re"ei#ing a proposal of marriage
half as eligible as this* peremptorily de"ided against it without any "onsultation! +
should ha#e been mu"h hurt by su"h a pro"eeding! + should ha#e thought it a gross
#iolation of duty and respe"t! 6ou are not to be 8udged by the same rule! 6ou do not
owe me the duty of a "hild! Aut* Canny* if your heart "an a"7uit you of ingratitudeGF
<e "eased! Canny was by this time "rying so bitterly that* angry as he was* he
would not press farther! <er heart was almost broke by su"h a""usations* so hea#y* so
multiplied* so dreadfulJ Self)willed* obstinate* selfish* and ungrateful! <e thought her
all this! She had lost his good opinion! @hat was to be"ome of herE
F+ am #ery sorry*F said she inarti"ulately* through her tears* F+ am #ery sorry
indeed!F
FSorryJ yes* + hope you are sorry5 and you will probably ha#e reason to be long
sorry for this dayBs transa"tions!F
F+f it were possible for me to do otherwiseF said she* with another strong effort5
Fbut + am so perfe"tly "on#in"ed that + "ould ne#er make him happy* and that + should
be miserable myself!F
-nother burst of tears5 but in spite of that burst* Sir Thomas began to think a little
relenting might ha#e something to do with it! <e knew her to be #ery timid* and
e."eedingly ner#ous5 and thought a little pressing and patien"e on the lo#erBs side
might work their effe"t on her* if the gentleman would but perse#ere!
These refle"tions ha#ing "heered Sir Thomas* F@ell*F said he* with gra#ity* but
less anger* Fwell* "hild* dry up your tears! They "an do no good! 6ou must now "ome
downstairs with me! 'r! Crawford has been kept waiting too long already! 6ou must
gi#e him your own answer! + am totally une7ual to it!F
Aut Canny showed su"h relu"tan"e* su"h misery* at the idea of going down to him*
that Sir Thomas 8udged it better to indulge her! @hen he looked at his nie"e* and saw
the state whi"h her "rying had brought her into* he thought there might be as mu"h
lost as gained by an immediate inter#iew! <e walked off by himself* therefore* lea#ing
his poor nie"e to sit and "ry o#er what had passed* with #ery wret"hed feelings!
<er mind was all disorder! E#erything was terrible! Aut her un"leBs anger ga#e her
the se#erest pain of all! Selfish and ungratefulJ to ha#e appeared so to himJ She had
no one to speak for her! <er only friend was absent! Edmund might ha#e softened his
father5 but perhaps all would think her selfish and ungrateful! She might ha#e to
endure the reproa"h again and again! She "ould not help feeling some resentment
against 'r! Crawford5 yet* if he really lo#ed her* and were unhappy tooJ +t was all
wret"hedness together!
+n about a 7uarter of an hour her un"le returned5 she was almost ready to faint at
the sight of him! <e spoke "almly* howe#er* without reproa"h* and she re#i#ed a little!
There was "omfort* too* in his words* for he began with* F'r! Crawford has 8ust left
me! + need not repeat what has passed! Suffi"e it* that he has beha#ed in the most
gentlemanlike manner* and has "onfirmed me in a most fa#ourable opinion of his
heart and temper! Lpon hearing what you were suffering* he immediately "eased to
urge to see you for the present!F
<ere Canny looked down again! F;f "ourse*F "ontinued her un"le* Fhe re7uested
to speak with you alone* if only for fi#e minutes5 a re7uest too natural to be denied!
Aut there is no time fi.ed5 perhaps to)morrow* or whene#er your spirits are "omposed
enough! Cor the present you ha#e only to tran7uillise yourself! +f you wish to please
me* you will not gi#e way to these emotions* but try to reason yourself into a stronger
frame of mind! + ad#ise you to go out for an hour: the air will do you good5 you will
ha#e the shrubbery to yourself* and will be the better for e.er"ise! -nd* Canny* + shall
make no mention below of what has passed5 + shall not e#en tell your aunt Aertram!
Say nothing about it yourself!F
This was a kindness whi"h Canny felt at her heart! To be spared from her aunt
0orrisBs interminable reproa"hesJ he left her in a glow of gratitude!
She walked out as her un"le re"ommended* and followed his ad#i"e5 did "he"k her
tears5 did earnestly try to "ompose her spirits and strengthen her mind! She wished to
pro#e to him that she sought to regain his fa#our5 and he had gi#en her another strong
moti#e for e.ertion* in keeping the whole affair from the knowledge of her aunts! 0ot
to e."ite suspi"ion by her manner was an ob8e"t worth attaining5 and she felt e7ual to
almost anything that might sa#e her from her aunt 0orris!
She was stru"k* when* on returning from her walk and going into the East room*
the first thing whi"h "aught her eye was a fire burning! - fireJ to be gi#ing her su"h an
indulgen"e at that time was too mu"h! She wondered that Sir Thomas "ould ha#e
leisure to think of su"h a trifle5 but she soon found* from the housemaid* that so it was
to be e#ery day! Sir Thomas had gi#en orders for it!
F+ must be a brute* indeed* if + "an be really ungratefulJF said she! F<ea#en defend
me from being ungratefulJF
She saw nothing more of her un"le* nor her aunt 0orris* till dinner! <er un"leBs
beha#iour to her was then as nearly as possible what it had been before5 but her aunt
was soon 7uarrelling with her5 and when Canny found how mu"h and how
unpleasantly her ha#ing only walked out without her auntBs knowledge "ould be dwelt
on* she blessed the kindness whi"h sa#ed her from the same reproa"hes on a more
momentous sub8e"t!
F+f + had known you were going out* + should ha#e got you to go to my house with
some orders*F said her aunt* Fwhi"h + ha#e sin"e* to my #ery great in"on#enien"e*
been obliged to go and "arry myself! + "ould #ery ill spare the time* and you might
ha#e sa#ed me the trouble* if you would only ha#e been so good as to let us know you
were going out! +t would ha#e made no differen"e to you* + suppose* whether you had
walked in the shrubbery or gone to my house!F
F+ re"ommended the shrubbery to Canny as the driest pla"e*F said Sir Thomas!
F;hJF said 'rs! 0orris* with a momentBs "he"k* Fthat was #ery kind of you* Sir
Thomas5 but you do not know how dry the path is to my house! Canny would ha#e
had 7uite as good a walk there* + assure you* with the ad#antage of being of some use*
and obliging her aunt: it is all her fault! +f she would only ha#e let us know she was
going outGbut there is a something about Canny* + ha#e often obser#ed it beforeGshe
likes to go her own way5 she does not like to be di"tated to5 she takes her own
independent walk whene#er she "an5 she "ertainly has a little spirit of se"re"y* and
nonsense* about her* whi"h + would ad#ise her to get the better of!F
Sir Thomas thought nothing "ould be more un8ust to Canny* though he had been so
lately e.pressing the same sentiments himself* and he tried repeatedly to turn the
"on#ersation: but 'rs! 0orris had not dis"ernment enough to per"ei#e how well he
thought of his nie"e! She was talking at Canny* and resenting this pri#ate walk through
half the dinner!
+t was o#er* howe#er* at last5 and the e#ening brought more "omposure to Canny
than she "ould ha#e hoped for! She trusted that she had done right: that her 8udgment
had not misled her! She was sure of the purity of her intentions5 and she hoped that her
un"leBs displeasure was abating* and would abate farther as he "onsidered the matter*
and felt* as a good man must feel* how wret"hed* how unpardonable* how hopeless*
and how wi"ked it was to marry without affe"tion!
@hen the threatened meeting with 'r Crawford was past* the sub8e"t would be
finally "on"luded* and on"e 'r! Crawford was gone from 'ansfield* e#erything
would soon be as if no su"h sub8e"t had e.isted! She "ould not belie#e that 'r!
CrawfordBs affe"tion for her "ould distress him long! London would soon bring its
"ure! +n London he would learn to wonder at his infatuation!
@hile CannyBs mind was engaged in these hopes* her un"le was "alled out of the
room5 she thought nothing of it till the butler reappeared* and ad#an"ing towards her*
said* FSir Thomas wishes to speak with you* maBam* in his own room!F Then a
suspi"ion rushed o#er her mind whi"h dro#e the "olour from her "heeks!
+nstantly rising* she was preparing to obey* when 'rs! 0orris "alled out* FStay*
CannyJ where are you goingE donBt be in su"h a hurry! Hepend upon it* it is not you
who are wanted* but me! 6ou are #ery eager to put yourself forward! @hat should Sir
Thomas want you forE 6ou mean me* Aaddeley* + am sure5 not 'iss (ri"e!F
Aut Aaddeley was stout! F0o* maBam* + am "ertain of its being 'iss (ri"e!F -nd
there was a half)smile with the words* whi"h meant* F+ do not think you would answer
the purpose at all!F
'rs! 0orris was mu"h dis"ontented5 and Canny* walking off in agitation* found
herself in another minute alone with 'r! Crawford!
C<-(TE= 33
The "onferen"e was neither so short nor so "on"lusi#e as the lady had designed! The
gentleman was not so easily satisfied! <e had #anity* whi"h strongly in"lined him to
think she did lo#e him* though she might not know it herself5 and whi"h* se"ondly*
when for"ed at last to admit that she did know her own present feelings* "on#in"ed
him that he should be able in time to make those feelings what he wished!
<e was #ery mu"h in lo#e5 and it was a lo#e whi"h made her affe"tion appear of
greater "onse7uen"e be"ause it was withheld* and determined him to ha#e the glory*
as well as the feli"ity* of for"ing her to lo#e him!
<e would not despair: he would not desist! <e knew her to ha#e all the worth that
"ould 8ustify the warmest hopes of lasting happiness5 her "ondu"t at this time* by
showing the deli"a"y of her "hara"ter* heightened all his wishes* and "onfirmed his
resolutions! <e knew not that he had a pre)engaged heart to atta"k! ;f that he had no
suspi"ion! <e "onsidered her rather as one who had ne#er thought on the sub8e"t5 who
had been guarded by youth5 whose modesty had pre#ented her from understanding his
attentions* and who was o#erpowered by the suddenness of a situation whi"h she had
ne#er imagined!
'ust it not follow that* of "ourse* he should su""eedE <e belie#ed it fully! Lo#e
su"h as his* in a man like himself* must be returned5 and he had so mu"h delight in the
idea of obliging her to lo#e him in a #ery short time* that her not lo#ing him now was
s"ar"ely regretted! - little diffi"ulty to be o#er"ome was no e#il to <enry Crawford!
<e had been apt to gain hearts too easily! <is situation was new and animating!
To Canny* howe#er* who had known too mu"h opposition all her life to find any
"harm in it* all this was unintelligible! She found that he did mean to perse#ere5 but
how he "ould was beyond her understanding! She told him that she did not lo#e him*
"ould not lo#e him* was sure she ne#er should lo#e him5 that a "hange was 7uite
impossible5 that the sub8e"t was most painful to her5 that she must entreat him ne#er
to mention it again! She added that in her opinion they were totally unfitted for ea"h
other by nature* edu"ation* and habit! -ll this she had said5 yet this was not enough*
for he immediately denied there being anything un"ongenial in their "hara"ters* and
positi#ely de"lared* that he would still lo#e* and hopeJ
Canny knew her own meaning* but was no 8udge of her own manner! <er manner
was in"urably gentle5 and she was not aware how mu"h it "on"ealed the sternness of
her purpose! <er diffiden"e and softness made e#ery e.pression of indifferen"e seem
to be gi#ing nearly as mu"h pain to herself as to him! 'r! Crawford was no longer the
'r! Crawford who* as the "landestine* insidious* trea"herous admirer of 'aria
Aertram* had been her abhorren"e! <e was now the 'r! Crawford who was addressing
herself with ardent* disinterested lo#e5 whose feelings were apparently honourable
and upright5 who was des"ribing and des"ribing again his affe"tion* pro#ing that he
sought her for her gentleness and her goodness5 and to "omplete the whole* he was
now the 'r! Crawford who had pro"ured @illiamBs promotionJ
<ere were "laims whi"h must affe"t herJ She might ha#e disdained him in the
grounds of Sotherton* or the theatre at 'ansfield (ark5 but now she must be "ourteous
and "ompassionate! She must feel gratitude! <er refusal was so e.pressi#e of
obligation and "on"ern* that Crawford might well 7uestion its truth5 and he was not so
irrational as Canny "onsidered him* in his professions of perse#ering atta"hment
whi"h "losed the inter#iew!
0ow she was angry! Some resentment did arise at a perse#eran"e so selfish and
ungenerous! <ere was again the want of deli"a"y and regard for others whi"h had
formerly so stru"k her5 a gross want of feeling and humanity where his own pleasure
was "on"erned! <ad her own affe"tions been free* he ne#er "ould ha#e engaged them!
So thought Canny* in sober sadness* as she sat musing o#er her lu.ury of a fire
upstairs: wondering at what was yet to "ome* and with nothing "lear but the "ertainty
of her being ne#er able to lo#e 'r! Crawford!
;n the morrow* Sir Thomas re"ei#ed 'r! Crawford/s a""ount of what had passed!
<is first feeling was disappointment: he had thought that an hourBs entreaty from
Crawford "ould not ha#e worked so little "hange on a gentle girl like Canny5 but there
was "omfort in the sanguine perse#eran"e of the lo#er!
Sir Thomas omitted no "i#ility or kindness that might assist the plan! 'r!
CrawfordBs steadiness was honoured* and Canny was praised* and the "onne.ion was
still the most desirable in the world! -t 'ansfield (ark 'r! Crawford would always
be wel"ome! E#erything was said that "ould en"ourage* and the gentlemen parted the
best of friends!
Satisfied that the "ause was now on a hopeful footing* Sir Thomas resol#ed not to
press his nie"e farther! <e belie#ed kindness might be the best way of working! The
forbearan"e of her family on the point might be their surest means of forwarding it!
-""ordingly* he took the first opportunity of saying to her* with gra#ity* F@ell*
Canny* + ha#e seen 'r! Crawford again* and learnt from him e.a"tly how matters
stand! <e is a most e.traordinary young man* and whate#er happens* you must feel
that you ha#e "reated an atta"hment of no "ommon "hara"ter5 though* young as you
are* and little a"7uainted with the unsteady nature of lo#e* as it generally e.ists* you
"annot be stru"k as + am by a perse#eran"e of this sort!F
F+ndeed* sir*F said Canny* F+ feel most undeser#edly honoured5 but + am so
perfe"tly "on#in"ed* and + ha#e told him so* that it ne#er will be in my powerGF
F'y dear*F interrupted Sir Thomas* Fthere is no need for this! 6our feelings are as
well known to me as my wishes must be to you! There is nothing more to be said!
Crom this hour the sub8e"t is ne#er to be re#i#ed between us! 6ou will ha#e nothing to
fear: you "annot suppose me "apable of trying to persuade you to marry against your
will! 6our happiness and ad#antage are all that + ha#e in #iew* and nothing is re7uired
of you but to bear with 'r! CrawfordBs endea#ours to "on#in"e you! <e pro"eeds at
his own risk! 6ou are on safe ground! + ha#e engaged for your seeing him whene#er
he "alls* as you might ha#e done had nothing o""urred! 6ou will see him with the rest
of us* in the same manner! <e lea#es 0orthamptonshire so soon* that e#en this slight
sa"rifi"e "annot be often demanded! -nd now* my dear Canny* this sub8e"t is "losed
between us!F
The promised departure was all that Canny "ould think of with mu"h satisfa"tion!
<er un"le* though kind* had married a daughter to 'r! =ushworth: romanti" deli"a"y
was "ertainly not to be e.pe"ted from him! She must do her duty* and trust that time
might make her duty easier!
She "ould not* though only eighteen* suppose 'r! CrawfordBs atta"hment would
hold out for e#er! <ow mu"h time she might* in her own fan"y* allot for its dominion*
is another "on"ern! +t would not be fair to in7uire into a young ladyBs e.a"t estimate of
her own perfe"tions!
+n spite of his intended silen"e* Sir Thomas found himself on"e more obliged to
mention the sub8e"t to his nie"e* to prepare her for its being imparted to her aunts5 a
measure whi"h he would ha#e a#oided* if possible* but whi"h be"ame ne"essary from
'r! Crawford/s opposition to any se"re"y! <e had no idea of "on"ealment! +t was all
known at the (arsonage* where he lo#ed to talk o#er the future with his sisters: it
would gratify him to ha#e enlightened witnesses of the progress of his su""ess! @hen
Sir Thomas understood this* he felt he must tell his own wife and sister)in)law about
the business without delay5 though* on CannyBs a""ount* he dreaded the effe"t of the
"ommuni"ation to 'rs! 0orris almost as mu"h as Canny herself!
'rs! 0orris* howe#er* relie#ed him! <e pressed for the stri"test forbearan"e and
silen"e towards their nie"e5 she did obser#e it! She only looked her in"reased ill)will!
-ngry she was: bitterly angry5 but she was more angry with Canny for ha#ing
re"ei#ed su"h an offer than for refusing it! +t was an affront to ,ulia* who ought to
ha#e been 'r! CrawfordBs "hoi"e5 and* independently of that* she disliked Canny*
be"ause she had negle"ted her5 and she would ha#e grudged su"h an ele#ation to one
whom she had been always trying to depress!
Lady Aertram took it differently! She had been a prosperous beauty all her life5
and beauty and wealth were all that e."ited her respe"t! To know Canny was sought in
marriage by a man of fortune* raised her* therefore* #ery mu"h in her opinion! Ay
"on#in"ing her that Canny was #ery pretty* whi"h she had doubted before* and that she
would be ad#antageously married* it made her feel a sort of "redit in ha#ing her for a
nie"e!
F@ell* Canny*F said she* with e.traordinary animation* when they were alone
together5 F@ell* Canny* + ha#e had a #ery agreeable surprise this morning! + must 8ust
speak of it on"e* and then + shall ha#e done! + gi#e you 8oy* my dear nie"e! <umph* we
"ertainly are a handsome familyJF
Canny "oloured! F'y dear aunt* you "annot wish me to marry* + am sure5 for you
would miss me* should not youEF
F0o* my dear* + should not think of missing you* when su"h an offer as this "omes
in your way! 6ou must be aware* Canny* that it is e#ery young womanBs duty to a""ept
su"h a #ery une."eptionable offer as this!F
This was almost the only pie"e of ad#i"e whi"h Canny had e#er re"ei#ed from her
aunt! +t silen"ed her! <owe#er* Lady Aertram was 7uite talkati#e!
F+ will tell you what* Canny*F said she* F+ am sure he fell in lo#e with you at the
ball! 6ou did look remarkably well! E#erybody said so! -nd you know you had
Chapman to help you to dress! + am #ery glad + sent Chapman to you! + shall tell Sir
Thomas that + am sure it was done that e#ening!F -nd still pursuing her "heerful
thoughts* she added* F-nd + will tell you what* Canny: the ne.t time (ug has a litter*
you shall ha#e a puppy!F
C<-(TE= 3:
Edmund had great things to hear on his return! 'any surprises were awaiting him!
The first that o""urred was not least in interest: the appearan"e of <enry Crawford
and his sister walking together through the #illage as he rode into it! <e had thought
them to be far distant! <is absen"e had been e.tended beyond a fortnight purposely to
a#oid 'iss Crawford! <e was returning to 'ansfield ready to feed on melan"holy
remembran"es* when her own fair self was before him* leaning on her brotherBs arm*
and he found himself re"ei#ing a friendly wel"ome from the woman whom* two
moments before* he had been thinking of as se#enty miles off!
<er re"eption of him was of a sort whi"h he "ould not ha#e hoped for! Coming as
he did from his ordainment* he would ha#e e.pe"ted anything rather than a look of
satisfa"tion* and words of simple* pleasant meaning! +t was enough to set his heart in a
glow* and to bring him home in the right state for feeling the full #alue of the other
8oyful surprises at hand!
+n @illiamBs promotion he found a sour"e of "heerfulness all dinner)time! -fter
dinner* when he and his father were alone* he had CannyBs history5 and then all the
great e#ents of the last fortnight were known to him!
Canny suspe"ted what was going on! They sat so mu"h longer than usual in the
dining)parlour* that she was sure they must be talking of her5 and when she saw
Edmund again* she felt dreadfully guilty! <e sat down by her* took her hand* and
pressed it kindly5 and she thought that* but for the o""upation whi"h the tea)things
afforded* she must ha#e betrayed her emotion!
<e was not intending* howe#er* to "on#ey to her his un7ualified en"ouragement!
<e wished only to e.press his interest and affe"tion! <e was* in fa"t* entirely on his
fatherBs side of the 7uestion! <e was not so surprised as his father at her refusing
Crawford* be"ause he had ne#er belie#ed her to ha#e a preferen"e for himGrather the
re#erse5 and he belie#ed she had been "ompletely unprepared5 but the "onne.ion had
e#ery re"ommendation to him! <e earnestly hoped and belie#ed that it would be a
mat"h at last* and that their dispositions were e.a"tly fitted to make them blessed in
ea"h other! Crawford had been too hasty! <e had not gi#en her time to atta"h herself!
<e had begun at the wrong end! @ith su"h powers as his* howe#er* and su"h a
disposition as hers* Edmund trusted that e#erything would work out a happy
"on"lusion! 'eanwhile* he s"rupulously guarded against saying anything to gi#e
Canny further embarrassment!
Crawford "alled the ne.t day* and Sir Thomas asked him to stay to dinner!
Edmund had then ample opportunity for obser#ing how mu"h en"ouragement he
re"ei#ed from Canny/s manner5 and it was so little* so #ery* #ery little* that he was
almost ready to wonder at his friendBs perse#eran"e! Canny was worth it all5 he held
her to be worth e#ery effort of patien"e* but he did not think he "ould ha#e gone on
himself with any woman breathing* without something more to warm his "ourage!
+n the e#ening* "ir"umstan"es o""urred whi"h he thought more promising! @hen
he and Crawford walked into the drawing)room* his mother and Canny were sitting
silently at work* in apparently deep tran7uillity!
FCanny has been reading to me*F said his mother! There was a #olume of
Shakespeare on the table! FShe often reads to me5 and she was in the middle of a #ery
fine spee"h when we heard your footsteps!F
Crawford took up the #olume! FLet me ha#e the pleasure of finishing that spee"h
to your ladyship*F said he! F+ shall find it immediately!F -nd he did find it* 7uite near
enough to satisfy Lady Aertram* who assured him* as soon as he mentioned the name
of Cardinal @olsey* that he had got the #ery spee"h! 0ot a look or an offer of help had
Canny gi#en! -ll her attention was for her work! She seemed determined to be
interested by nothing else!
Aut taste was too strong in her! She was for"ed to listen5 his reading was "apital*
and her pleasure in good reading e.treme! <er un"le read well* Edmund #ery well* but
in 'r! CrawfordBs reading there was e."ellen"e beyond what she had e#er met with!
The King* the Queen* Au"kingham* @olsey* Cromwell* all were gi#en in turn5 for
with the happiest kna"k* he "ould alight at will on the best s"ene* or the best spee"hes5
and whether it were dignity* or tenderness* or remorse to be e.pressed* he "ould do it
with e7ual beauty! <is a"ting had first taught Canny what pleasure a play might gi#e*
and his reading brought all his a"ting before her again5 nay* perhaps with greater
en8oyment* for it "ame with no su"h drawba"k as she had suffered in seeing him on
the stage with 'iss Aertram!
Edmund wat"hed* and was amused by seeing how she gradually sla"kened in the
needlework: how it fell from her hand while she sat motionless* and at last* how her
eyes were turned and fi.ed on CrawfordGfi.ed on him* in short* till the attra"tion
drew CrawfordBs eyes upon her* and the book was "losed* and the "harm was broken!
Then she was shrinking again into herself* blushing and working as hard as e#er5 but
it had been enough to gi#e Edmund en"ouragement for his friend!
FThat play must be a fa#ourite with you*F said he!
F+t will be a fa#ourite* + belie#e* from this hour*F replied Crawford5 Fbut + do not
think + ha#e had a #olume of Shakespeare in my hand sin"e + was fifteen! + on"e saw
<enry the Eighth a"ted* or + heard of it from somebody who did* + am not "ertain
whi"h! Aut Shakespeare one gets a"7uainted with without knowing how! +t is a part of
an EnglishmanBs "onstitution5 one is intimate with him by instin"t!F
F0o doubt one is familiar with Shakespeare in a degree*F said Edmund* Ffrom
oneBs earliest years! <is "elebrated passages are 7uoted by e#erybody5 and we all talk
Shakespeare* use his similes* and des"ribe with his des"riptions! To know him in bits
and s"raps is "ommon enough5 but to read him well aloud is no e#eryday talent!F
FSir* you do me honour*F was CrawfordBs answer* with a bow of mo"k gra#ity!
Aoth gentlemen glan"ed at Canny* to see if a word of praise "ould be e.torted
from her5 yet both feeling that it "ould not be! <er praise had been gi#en in her
attention5 that must "ontent them!
F+t was really like being at a play*F said Lady Aertram! F+ wish Sir Thomas had
been here!F
Crawford was e."essi#ely pleased! +f Lady Aertram* with all her languor* "ould
feel this* her nie"e must feel mu"h more!
F+ will tell you what* 'r Crawford*3 said her ladyship* 2+ think you will ha#e a
theatre at your house in 0orfolk* when you are settled there! + do indeed!F
FHo you* maBamEF "ried he 7ui"kly! F0o* that will ne#er be! 0o theatre at
E#eringhamJ ;h noJF -nd he looked at Canny with an e.pressi#e smile* whi"h
e#idently meant* FThat lady will ne#er allow a theatre at E#eringham!F
Edmund saw it* and saw Canny determined not to see it! Su"h a ready
"omprehension of a hint* he thought* was rather fa#ourable than not!
The two young men* standing by the fire* talked o#er the too "ommon negle"t of
reading aloud in the s"hool)system* and the "onse7uent ignoran"e of men when
suddenly "alled to the ne"essity of reading aloud5 gi#ing instan"es of blunders and
failures* the la"k of management of the #oi"e* of proper emphasis* all pro"eeding from
the want of early attention and habit! Canny was listening again with great
entertainment!
FE#en in my profession*F said Edmund* with a smile* Fhow little the art of reading
has been studiedJ how little a "lear manner* and good deli#ery* ha#e been attended toJ
+ speak rather of the past* howe#er! There is now a spirit of impro#ement abroad! +t is
felt that distin"tness and energy may help to "on#ey the most solid truths5 and besides*
knowledge of good reading is more widespread than formerly5 in e#ery "ongregation
there are more who know a little of the matter* and who "an 8udge and "riti"ise!F
Edmund had already gone through the ser#i"e on"e sin"e his ordination5 and upon
this being understood* Crawford asked him many 7uestions with the #i#a"ity of
friendly interest* and none of that le#ity whi"h Edmund knew to be most offensi#e to
Canny! @hen Crawford asked his opinion as to the befitting manner in whi"h
parti"ular passages in the ser#i"e should be deli#ered* showing it to be a sub8e"t on
whi"h he had thought* Edmund was still more pleased! This would be the way to
CannyBs heart! She was not to be won by gallantry and wit5 or* at least* she would not
be won by them so soon* without the assistan"e of seriousness on serious sub8e"ts!
F;ur liturgy*F obser#ed Crawford* Fhas beauties whi"h not e#en a "areless style of
reading "an destroy5 but it has also redundan"ies whi"h re7uire good reading not to be
felt! + must "onfess to being not always so attenti#e as + ought to beF 1here was a
glan"e at Canny45 Fnineteen times out of twenty + am thinking how su"h a prayer
ought to be read* and longing to read it myself! Hid you speakEF stepping eagerly to
Canny* and addressing her in a softened #oi"e5 and upon her saying F0o*F he added*
F-re you sure you did not speakE + saw your lips mo#e! + fan"ied you might be going
to tell me + ought to be more attenti#e* and not allow my thoughts to wander! -re not
you going to tell me soEF
F0o* indeed* you know your duty too well for me toGe#en supposingGF
She stopped* felt herself getting into a puDDle* and "ould not be pre#ailed on to
add another word! <e returned to his former pla"e* and went on!
F- sermon* well deli#ered* is more un"ommon e#en than prayers well read! -
thoroughly good sermon* thoroughly well deli#ered* is a "apital pleasure! + "an ne#er
hear su"h a one without the greatest admiration* and more than half a mind to take
orders and prea"h myself! There is something in the elo7uen"e of the pulpit whi"h is
entitled to the highest praise and honour! The prea"her who "an tou"h su"h a mass of
hearers* on sub8e"ts limited* and long worn threadbare in all "ommon hands5 who "an
say anything new or striking* anything that rouses the attention without wearing out
the feelings of his hearers* is a man whom one "ould not honour enough! + should like
to be su"h a man!F
Edmund laughed!
F+ should indeed*3 said Crawford! 2+ ne#er listened to a distinguished prea"her in
my life without en#y! Aut + must ha#e a London audien"e! + "ould only prea"h to the
edu"ated! -nd + should not be fond of prea"hing often5 now and then* perhaps on"e or
twi"e in the spring5 but not for a "onstan"y5 it would not do for a "onstan"y!F
<ere Canny in#oluntarily shook her head* and Crawford was instantly by her side
again* entreating to know her meaning5 and as Edmund per"ei#ed that it was to be a
#ery thorough atta"k* he sank as 7uietly as possible into a "orner and took up a
newspaper* sin"erely wishing that dear little Canny might be persuaded into
e.plaining away that shake of the head to the satisfa"tion of her ardent lo#er5 and he
tried to bury e#ery sound of the business in murmurs of his own* o#er the
ad#ertisements of F- most desirable Estate in South @alesF and a FCapital seasonBd
<unter!F
Canny* meanwhile* #e.ed with herself* and grie#ed to see EdmundBs arrangements*
was trying by e#erything in the power of her modest* gentle nature* to repulse 'r!
Crawford* and a#oid both his looks and in7uiries5 and he* unrepulsable* was persisting
in both!
F@hat did that shake of the head meanEF said he! F@hat was it meant to e.pressE
Hisapprobation* + fear! @hat had + been saying to displease youE Hid you think me
speaking improperly* lightly on the sub8e"tE ;nly tell me if + was wrong! + want to be
set right! 0ay* nay* + entreat you5 for one moment put down your work! @hat did that
shake of the head meanEF
+n #ain was her F(ray* sir* donBt5 pray* 'r! Crawford*F repeated5 and in #ain did she
try to mo#e away! +n the same low* eager #oi"e* he went on* reurging the same
7uestions! She grew more agitated and displeased!
F<ow "an you* sirE 6ou 7uite astonish me5 + wonder how you "anGF
FHo + astonish youEF said he! FHo you wonderE + will e.plain to you instantly all
that makes me urge you in this manner* all that gi#es me an interest in what you look
and do! + will not lea#e you to wonder long!F
+n spite of herself* she "ould not help half a smile* but she said nothing!
F6ou shook your head at my saying that + should not like the duties of a
"lergyman for a "onstan"y! 6es* that was the word! Constan"y: + am not afraid of the
word! + see nothing alarming in the word! Hid you think + oughtEF
F(erhaps* sir*F said Canny* wearied at last into speakingGFperhaps* sir* + thought it
was a pity you did not always know yourself as well as you seemed to do at that
moment!F
Crawford* delighted to get her to speak at any rate* was determined to keep it up5
and poor Canny* who had hoped to silen"e him by su"h e.treme reproof* found herself
sadly mistaken* and that it was only a "hange from one set of words to another! <e
had always something to entreat the e.planation of! The opportunity was too fair!
0one su"h might o""ur again before his lea#ing 'ansfield! Lady AertramBs being 8ust
on the other side of the table was a trifle* for she was only half)awake* and EdmundBs
ad#ertisements were still pro#ing most useful!
F@ell*F said Crawford* after a "ourse of rapid 7uestions and relu"tant answers5 F+
am happier than + was* be"ause + now understand more "learly your opinion of me!
6ou think me unsteady: easily swayed by the whim of the moment! Aut we shall see!
'y "ondu"t shall speak for me5 absen"e* distan"e* time shall speak for me! They shall
pro#e that + do deser#e you! 6ou are infinitely my superior in merit* + know! 6ou ha#e
7ualities whi"h + had not before supposed to e.ist in su"h a degree in any human
"reature! 6ou ha#e some tou"hes of the angel in you! Aut still + am not frightened! +t is
not by e7uality of merit that you "an be won! +t is he who worships your merit the
strongest* who lo#es you most de#otedly* that has the best right to a return! There +
build my "onfiden"e! Ay that right + do and will deser#e you! 6es* dearest* sweetest
Canny! 0ayF 1seeing her draw ba"k displeased4* Fforgi#e me5 but by what other name
"an + "all youE +t is BCannyB that + think of all day* and dream of all night! 6ou ha#e
gi#en the name su"h sweetness* that nothing else "an be des"ripti#e of you!F
Canny "ould hardly ha#e kept her seat any longer* had it not been for the sound of
approa"hing relief* the sound whi"h she had been long waiting for* and thinking
strangely delayed!
The solemn pro"ession* headed by Aaddeley* of tea)board* urn* and "ake)bearers*
made its appearan"e* and deli#ered her! 'r! Crawford was obliged to mo#e! She was
at liberty* she was busy* she was prote"ted!
Edmund was not sorry to be again able to speak and hear! ;n looking at Canny he
saw a flush of #e.ation5 yet he hoped that so mu"h "ould not ha#e been said without
some profit to the speaker!
C<-(TE= 3>
Edmund had determined that if Canny did not "hoose to speak of it* her situation
should ne#er be tou"hed on by him5 but after a day or two his father indu"ed him to
"hange his mind* and try what his influen"e might do for his friend!
-n early day was fi.ed for the CrawfordsB departure5 and Sir Thomas thought it
might be as well to make one more effort for the young man before he left 'ansfield*
so that his #ows of unshaken atta"hment might ha#e as mu"h hope to sustain them as
possible!
Sir Thomas was most an.ious for the perfe"tion of 'r! CrawfordBs "hara"ter in
that point! <e wished him to be a model of "onstan"y5 and fan"ied the best means of
ensuring it would be by not testing him too long!
Edmund was willingly persuaded to talk to Canny5 he wanted to know her
feelings! She used to "onsult him in e#ery diffi"ulty* and he lo#ed her too well to bear
to be denied her "onfiden"e now! @hom else had she to open her heart toE Canny
estranged from him* silent and reser#ed* was an unnatural state of things5 a state
whi"h he must break through! @hen she was walking alone in the shrubbery*
therefore* he 8oined her!
F+ am "ome to walk with you* Canny*F said he* drawing her arm within his! F+t is a
long while sin"e we ha#e had a "omfortable walk together!F
She assented rather by look than word! <er spirits were low!
FAut* Canny*F he added* Fin order to ha#e a "omfortable walk* you must talk to
me! + know you ha#e something on your mind! -m + to hear of it from e#erybody but
Canny herselfEF
Canny* at on"e agitated and de8e"ted* replied* F+f you hear of it from e#erybody*
"ousin* there "an be nothing for me to tell!F
F0ot of fa"ts* perhaps5 but of feelings* Canny! 0o one but you "an tell me them! +
do not mean to press you! + had thought it might be a relief!F
F+ am afraid we think too differently for me to find any relief in talking of what +
feel!F
FHo you suppose that we think differentlyE + ha#e no idea of it! + dare say that our
opinions are as mu"h alike as e#er: to the pointG+ "onsider CrawfordBs proposals as
most desirable* if you "ould return his affe"tion! +t is natural that all your family
should wish you "ould return it5 but as you "annot* you ha#e done e.a"tly as you
ought in refusing him! Can there be any disagreement between us hereEF
F;h noJ Aut + thought you blamed me! + thought you were against me! This is su"h
a "omfortJF
F<ow "ould you possibly suppose me against youE <ow "ould you imagine me an
ad#o"ate for marriage without lo#eE @ere + "areless in general on su"h matters* how
"ould you imagine me so where your happiness was at stakeEF
F'y un"le thought me wrong* and + knew he had been talking to you!F
F-s far as you ha#e gone* Canny* + think you perfe"tly right! + may be sorry* + may
be surprisedGbut + think you perfe"tly right! 6ou did not lo#e him5 nothing "ould
ha#e 8ustified your a""epting him!F
Canny had not felt so "omfortable for days and days!
FSo far your "ondu"t has been faultless! Aut the matter does not end here!
CrawfordBs is no "ommon atta"hment5 he perse#eres* with the hope of winning your
regard! This* we know* must be a work of time! AutF 1with an affe"tionate smile4 Flet
him su""eed at last* Canny! 6ou ha#e pro#ed yourself upright* pro#e yourself grateful
and tender)hearted5 and then you will be the perfe"t model of a woman!F
F;hJ ne#er* ne#er* ne#erJ he ne#er will su""eed with me!F She spoke with a
warmth whi"h 7uite astonished Edmund* and she blushed when she saw his look* and
heard him reply* F0e#erJ CannyJGso #ery determinedJ This is not like your rational
self!F
F+ mean*F she "ried* sorrowfully "orre"ting herself* Fthat + think + ne#er shall* as
far as the future "an be answered for5 + think + ne#er shall return his regard!F
F+ must hope better things! + am aware that the man who means to make you lo#e
him must ha#e #ery uphill work* for there are all your early atta"hments in battle
array5 and before he "an get your heart he has to unfasten it from all the holds whi"h
are tightened by the #ery idea of separation! + know that the apprehension of being
for"ed to 7uit 'ansfield will be arming you against him! + wish Crawford had known
you as well as + do* Canny! Aetween us* + think we should ha#e won you! 'y
theoreti"al and his pra"ti"al knowledge together "ould not ha#e failed! + must hope*
howe#er* that time will gi#e him his reward! + "annot suppose that you ha#e no wish
to lo#e himGthe natural wish of gratitude! 6ou must ha#e some feeling of that sort!
6ou must be sorry for your own indifferen"e!F
F@e are so totally unlike*F said Canny* a#oiding a dire"t answer* Fwe are so #ery*
#ery different in all our in"linations* that + "onsider it as 7uite impossible we should
e#er be happy together* e#en if + "ould like him! There ne#er were two people more
dissimilar! @e ha#e not one taste in "ommon! @e should be miserable!F
F6ou are mistaken* Canny! The dissimilarity is not so strong! 6ou ha#e moral and
literary tastes in "ommon! 6ou ha#e both warm hearts and bene#olent feelings5 and*
Canny* who that heard him read* and saw you listen to Shakespeare the other night*
will think you unfitted as "ompanionsE There is a differen"e in your temperaments* +
allow! <e is li#ely* you are serious5 but so mu"h the better: his spirits will support
yours! +t is your nature to be easily de8e"ted! <is "heerfulness will "ountera"t this5 and
his pleasantness and gaiety will be a "onstant support to you! 6our being so far unlike*
Canny* is rather a fa#ourable "ir"umstan"e! + am "on#in"ed that in marriage* the
temperaments had better be unlike* for opposites bring happiness! + e."lude e.tremes*
of "ourse5 but a #ery "lose resemblan"e in all points is the likeliest way to produ"e an
e.treme! - gentle "ountera"tion is the best safeguard of manners and "ondu"t!F
Cull well "ould Canny guess where his thoughts were now: 'iss CrawfordBs
power was all returning! <e had been speaking of her "heerfully e#er sin"e "oming
home! <is a#oiding her was 7uite at an end! <e had dined at the (arsonage only the
pre"eding day!
-fter lea#ing him to his happier thoughts for some minutes* she said* F+t is not
merely in temperament that + "onsider him as totally unsuited to myself5 but there is
something whi"h + ob8e"t to still more! + "annot appro#e his "hara"ter! + ha#e not
thought well of him from the time of the play! + then saw him beha#ing so #ery
improperly and unfeelingly by poor 'r! =ushworth* not seeming to "are how he hurt
him* and paying attentions to my "ousin 'aria* whi"hGin short* + re"ei#ed an
impression whi"h will ne#er be got o#er!F
F'y dear Canny*F replied Edmund* s"ar"ely hearing her to the end* Flet us not* any
of us* be 8udged by that period of general folly! That is a time whi"h + hate to
re"olle"t! 'aria was wrong* Crawford was wrong* we were all wrong together5 but
none so wrong as myself! Compared with me* all the rest were blameless! + was
playing the fool with my eyes open!F
F+ do think that 'r! =ushworth was sometimes #ery 8ealous!F
FIery possibly! 0o wonder! 0othing "ould be more improper than the whole
business! + am sho"ked whene#er + think that 'aria "ould be "apable of it!F
FAefore the play* + am mu"h mistaken if ,ulia did not think he was paying her
attentions!F
F,uliaJ + ha#e heard before from some one of his being in lo#e with ,ulia5 but +
"ould ne#er see anything of it! -nd* Canny* though + hope + do 8usti"e to my sistersB
good 7ualities* + think it #ery possible that they might desire to be admired by
Crawford* and might show that desire more unguardedly than was perfe"tly prudent!
They were fond of his so"iety5 and with su"h en"ouragement* a man like Crawford*
li#ely* and it may be* a little unthinking* might be led on toGthere "ould be nothing
#ery striking* be"ause it is "lear that his heart was reser#ed for you! -nd + must say*
that its being for you has raised him in my opinion! +t shows he understands the
blessing of domesti" happiness! +t pro#es him unspoilt by his un"le! +t pro#es him
e#erything that + used to wish to belie#e him* and feared he was not!F
F+ am persuaded that he does not think as he ought* on serious sub8e"ts!F
FSay* rather* that he has not thought at all upon serious sub8e"ts! <ow "ould it be
otherwise* with su"h an ad#iserE CrawfordBs feelings* + a"knowledge* ha#e been too
mu"h his guides! <appily* those feelings ha#e generally been good! 6ou will supply
the rest5 and a most fortunate man he is to atta"h himself to su"h a woman* firm in her
prin"iples yet with gentleness of "hara"ter! <e will make you happy* Canny5 but you
will make him e#erything!F
F+ would not engage in su"h a "harge*F "ried Canny* shrinking5 Fin su"h high
responsibilityJF
F-s usual* belie#ing yourself une7ual to anythingJ @ell* though + may not be able
to persuade you to feel differently* + "onfess myself sin"erely an.ious that you may be
persuaded! 0e.t to your happiness* Canny* his has the first "laim on me! 6ou are
aware of my ha#ing no "ommon interest in Crawford!F
Canny was too well aware of it to say anything5 and they walked on together in
silen"e! Edmund first began againG
F+ was #ery mu"h pleased by her manner of speaking of it yesterday* be"ause + had
not been "ertain of her seeing e#erything in so 8ust a light! + knew she was #ery fond
of you5 but + was afraid of her not seeing your worth to her brother* and of her
regretting that he had not fi.ed on some woman of fortune! Aut she spoke of you*
Canny* 8ust as she ought! She desires the "onne.ion as warmly as your un"le or
myself! @e had a long talk about it! + had not been in the room fi#e minutes before
she introdu"ed the sub8e"t with all that openness of heart and spirit whi"h are so mu"h
a part of herself! 'rs! 9rant laughed at her for her rapidity!F
F@as 'rs! 9rant in the room* thenEF
F6es* + found the two sisters together!F
F+t is abo#e a week sin"e + saw 'iss Crawford!F
F6es* she laments it5 yet owns it may ha#e been best! 6ou will see her* howe#er*
before she goes! She is #ery angry with you* Canny5 you must be prepared for that!
She "alls herself #ery angry* but you "an imagine her anger! +t is the disappointment
of a sister* who thinks her brother has a right to e#erything he may wish for! She is
hurt* as you would be for @illiam5 but she lo#es and esteems you with all her heart!F
F+ knew she would be #ery angry with me!F
F'y dearest Canny*F "ried Edmund* pressing her arm "loser* Fdo not let the idea of
her anger distress you! +t is anger to be talked of rather than felt! <er heart is made for
lo#e and kindness* not for resentment! + wish you "ould ha#e heard her praise you5 +
wish you "ould ha#e seen her fa"e* when she said that you should be <enryBs wife!F
F-nd 'rs! 9rant* did she speak5 was she there all the timeEF
F6es* she agreed with her sister! That you "ould refuse su"h a man as <enry
Crawford seems more than they "an understand! + said what + "ould for you5 but in
good truth* you must pro#e yourself to be in your senses as soon as you "an by a
different "ondu"t5 nothing else will satisfy them! Aut this is teasing you! + ha#e done!
Ho not turn away!F
F+ should ha#e thought*F said Canny* after a pause of re"olle"tion and e.ertion*
Fthat e#ery woman must ha#e felt the possibility of a manBs not being lo#ed by some
one of her se. at least* let him be e#er so generally agreeable! Let him ha#e all the
perfe"tions in the world* + think it ought not to be set down as "ertain that a man must
be a""eptable to e#ery woman he may happen to like himself! Aut* e#en supposing it
is so* how was + to be prepared to meet 'r Crawford with any feeling like his ownE
<e took me wholly by surprise! + had no idea that his beha#iour to me before had any
meaning! +n my situation* it would ha#e been #anity to be forming e.pe"tations of 'r!
Crawford! <ow* then* was + to beGto be in lo#e with him* the moment he said he was
with meE <ow was + to ha#e an atta"hment at his ser#i"e* as soon as it was asked
forEF
F'y dear Canny* now + ha#e the truth5 and most worthy of you are su"h feelings!
6ou ha#e gi#en e.a"tly the e.planation whi"h + #entured to make for you to your
friend and 'rs! 9rant! + told them that you were* of all people* the one o#er whom
habit had most power and no#elty least5 and that the #ery no#elty of CrawfordBs
addresses was against him: that you "ould tolerate nothing that you were not used to!
'iss Crawford made us laugh by her plans of en"ouragement for her brother! She
meant to urge him to perse#ere in the hope of being lo#ed in time* and of ha#ing his
addresses most kindly re"ei#ed at the end of about ten yearsB happy marriage!F
Canny "ould with diffi"ulty gi#e the smile that was here asked for! <er feelings
were all in re#olt! She feared she had been saying too mu"h* and o#era"ting the
"aution whi"h she had been fan"ying ne"essary5 and in guarding against one e#il* was
laying herself open to another! To ha#e 'iss CrawfordBs li#eliness repeated to her at
su"h a moment* and on su"h a sub8e"t* was a bitter aggra#ation!
Edmund saw weariness and distress in her fa"e* and immediately resol#ed to not
mention the name of Crawford again* unless in "onne.ion with what must be
agreeable to her! So he obser#edGFThey go on 'onday! 6ou are sure* therefore* of
seeing your friend either to)morrow or Sunday! They really go on 'onday5 and + was
almost persuaded to stay at Lessingby till that #ery dayJ @hat a differen"e it might
ha#e madeJ Those fi#e or si. days more at Lessingby might ha#e been felt all my
life!F
F6ou spent your time pleasantly thereEF
F6es5 they were all #ery pleasant! + doubt their finding me so! + took uneasiness
with me* and there was no getting rid of it till + was in 'ansfield again!F
FThe 'iss ;wensGyou liked them* did not youEF
F6es* #ery well! (leasant* good)humoured* unaffe"ted girls! Aut + am spoilt*
Canny* for "ommon female so"iety! 9ood)humoured* unaffe"ted girls will not do for a
man who has been used to intelligent women! They are two distin"t orders of being!
6ou and 'iss Crawford ha#e made me too e.a"ting!F
Still* howe#er* Canny was oppressed and wearied5 he saw it in her looks* it "ould
not be talked away5 and attempting it no more* he led her* with the kind authority of a
guardian* into the house!
C<-(TE= 3?
Edmund now belie#ed himself perfe"tly a"7uainted with all that Canny "ould tell* and
he was satisfied! Crawford had been too hasty! ;n"e she was used to the idea of his
being in lo#e with her* a return of affe"tion might not be #ery distant!
<e ga#e this opinion to his father5 and re"ommended that nothing more be said to
her: but that e#erything should be left to CrawfordBs diligen"e* and the natural
workings of her own mind!
Sir Thomas promised that it should be so! <e belie#ed EdmundBs a""ount of
CannyBs nature to be 8ust* but he "onsidered it as unfortunate5 for he "ould not help
fearing that if su"h #ery long allowan"es of time were ne"essary for her* she might not
ha#e persuaded herself into re"ei#ing his addresses before the young manBs in"lination
for paying them were o#er! There was nothing to be done* howe#er* but to submit and
hope for the best!
The promised #isit from Fher friend*F as Edmund "alled 'iss Crawford* was a
formidable threat to Canny! -s a sister* so partial and so angry* and so little s"rupulous
of what she said* she was an ob8e"t of painful alarm! The dependen"e of ha#ing others
present when they met was CannyBs only support in looking forward to it! She
absented herself as little as possible from Lady Aertram* kept away from the East
room* and took no solitary walk in the shrubbery* in her "aution to a#oid any sudden
atta"k!
She su""eeded! She was safe in the breakfast)room* with her aunt* when 'iss
Crawford did "ome5 and Canny hoped there would be nothing worse to be endured
than a half)hour of moderate agitation! Aut here she hoped too mu"h5 'iss Crawford
was determined to see Canny alone* and said to her* in a low #oi"e* F+ must speak to
you for a few minutes somewhereF5 words that Canny felt all o#er her! Henial was
impossible! <er habits of ready submission* on the "ontrary* made her instantly rise
and lead the way out of the room!
They were no sooner in the hall than 'iss Crawford shook her head at Canny with
ar"h* yet affe"tionate reproa"h* and took her hand: she said nothing* howe#er* but*
FSad* sad girlJ + do not know when + shall ha#e done s"olding you!F
Canny turned upstairs* and took her guest to the East =oom* opening the door*
howe#er* with a most a"hing heart* and feeling that she had a distressing s"ene before
her! Aut the e#il was delayed by the sudden "hange in 'iss CrawfordBs ideas5 by the
strong effe"t on her mind whi"h the finding herself in the East room again produ"ed!
F<aJF she "ried* Fam + here againE ;n"e only was + in this room beforeF5 and after
stopping to look about her* FHo you remember itE + "ame to rehearse! 6our "ousin
"ame too5 and you were our audien"e and prompter! - delightful rehearsal! + shall
ne#er forget it! ;hJ why will su"h things e#er pass awayEF
<appily for her "ompanion* she wanted no answer! <er mind was entirely self)
engrossed* in a re#erie of sweet remembran"es!
FThe s"ene we were rehearsing was so #ery remarkableJ The sub8e"t of it so #ery
G#eryGwhat shall + sayE <e was re"ommending matrimony to me* trying to be as
demure and "omposed as -nhalt ought* through the two long spee"hes! B@hen two
sympatheti" hearts meet in the marriage state* matrimony may be "alled a happy life!B
+ "an ne#er forget his looks and #oi"e as he said those words! +f + "ould reli#e any one
week of my e.isten"e* it should be that week5 for + ne#er knew su"h e.7uisite
happiness in any other! <is sturdy spirit to bend as it didJ ;hJ it was sweet beyond
e.pression! Aut alas* that #ery e#ening destroyed it all* and brought your most
unwel"ome un"le! 6et* Canny* do not imagine + would now speak disrespe"tfully of
Sir Thomas* though + "ertainly did hate him for many a week! 0o* + do him 8usti"e
now! <e is 8ust what the head of su"h a family should be! 0ay* in sober sadness* +
belie#e + now lo#e you all!F -nd with a degree of tenderness and "ons"iousness whi"h
Canny had ne#er seen in her before* and now thought only too be"oming* she turned
away for a moment to re"o#er herself!
F+ ha#e had a little fit sin"e + "ame into this room* as you may per"ei#e*F said she
presently* with a playful smile* Fbut it is o#er5 so let us sit down and be "omfortable5
for as to s"olding you* Canny* + ha#e not the heart for it when it "omes to the point!F
-nd embra"ing her affe"tionately* F9ood* gentle CannyJ when + think of this being the
last time of seeing you for + do not know how long* + feel it 7uite impossible to do
anything but lo#e you!F
Canny had not foreseen this* and her feelings "ould seldom withstand the
melan"holy influen"e of the word Flast!F She "ried as if she had lo#ed 'iss Crawford
more than she possibly "ould5 and 'iss Crawford* farther softened by the sight of
su"h emotion* said* F+ hate to lea#e you! + shall see no one half so amiable where + am
going! @ho says we shall not be sistersE + know we shall! + feel that we are born to be
"onne"ted5 and those tears "on#in"e me that you feel it too* dear Canny!F
Canny roused herself* and said* FAut you are going to a #ery parti"ular friend!F
FIery true! 'rs! Craser has been my intimate friend for years! Aut + ha#e not the
least in"lination to go near her! + "an think only of the friends + am lea#ing! 6ou ha#e
all so mu"h more heart among you than one finds in the world at large! 6ou all gi#e
me a feeling of being able to trust and "onfide in you! + wish + had settled with 'rs!
Craser not to go till after Easter* but now + "annot put her off! -nd then + must go to
her sister* Lady Stornaway* be"ause she was my most parti"ular friend of the two* but
+ ha#e not "ared mu"h for her these three years!F
-fter this spee"h the two girls sat silent* before 'ary spoke again!
F<ow perfe"tly + remember resol#ing to look for you upstairs* and setting off to
find my way to the East room* without ha#ing an idea whereabouts it wasJ <ow well +
remember looking in and seeing you sitting at work5 and then your "ousinBs
astonishment* when he opened the door* at seeing me hereJ There ne#er was anything
7uite like it!F
-nother short fit of abstra"tion followed5 then she thus atta"ked her "ompanion!
F@hy* Canny* you are absolutely in a re#erie! Thinking* + hope* of one who is
always thinking of you! ;hJ if only + "ould transport you into our "ir"le in town* that
you might understand how your power o#er <enry is thought of thereJ ;hJ the
en#yings and heartburnings of doDens and doDens5 the in"redulity that will be felt at
hearing what you ha#e doneJ Cor as to se"re"y* <enry glories in his "hains! +f you
were to see how he is "ourted in LondonJ + shall not be half so wel"ome to 'rs!
Craser when she knows the truth5 for she has a step)daughter whom she is wild to get
married* and wants <enry to take! ;hJ she has been trying for him to su"h a degree!
+nno"ent and 7uiet as you sit here* you "annot ha#e an idea of the "uriosity there will
be about you* of the endless 7uestions + shall ha#e to answerJ (oor 'argaret Craser
will be at me for e#er about how you do your hair* and who makes your shoes! + wish
'argaret were married* for my poor friendBs sake* for + think the Crasers are about as
unhappy as most married people! -nd yet it was a most desirable mat"h for ,anet at
the time! She had to a""ept him* for he was ri"h* and she had nothing5 but he turns out
ill)tempered and demanding* and wants a young woman of fi#e)and)twenty to be as
steady as himself! -nd my friend does not seem to know how to make the best of it!
<is irritation is "ertainly #ery ill)bred! E#en Hr! 9rant shows a "onfiden"e in my
sister* and a "onsideration for her 8udgment* whi"h makes one feel there is atta"hment5
but of that + shall see nothing with the Crasers! (oor ,anet has been sadly taken in* and
yet she took three days to "onsider his proposals* and asked e#eryone/s ad#i"e! + ha#e
not so mu"h to say for my friend Clora* who 8ilted a #ery ni"e young man in the Alues
for the sake of that horrid Lord Stornaway* who has about as mu"h sense as 'r!
=ushworth* but is mu"h worse)looking* and with a bla"kguard "hara"ter! Clora =oss
was dying for <enry the first winter she "ame out! Aut were + to tell you of all the
women who ha#e been in lo#e with him* + should ne#er finish! +t is only you*
unfeeling Canny* who "an think of him with indifferen"e! Aut are you so insensible as
you profess yourselfE 0o* + see you are not!F
There was* indeed* a deep blush o#er CannyBs fa"e at that moment!
FE."ellent "reatureJ + will not tease you! Aut* dear Canny* you "annot ha#e been so
unprepared as your "ousin fan"ies! 6ou must ha#e had some thoughts on the sub8e"t*
some surmises! 6ou must ha#e seen that <enry was trying to please you by e#ery
attention in his power! @as not he de#oted to you at the ballE -nd the ne"kla"eJ ;hJ
you re"ei#ed it 8ust as it was meant! 6ou were as "ons"ious as heart "ould desire! +
remember it perfe"tly!F
FHo you mean* then* that your brother knew of the ne"kla"e beforehandE ;hJ
'iss Crawford* that was not fair!F
FKnew of itJ +t was his own doing entirely! + am ashamed to say that it had ne#er
entered my head* but + was delighted to a"t on his proposal!F
F+ was half afraid at the time of its being so*F said Canny5 Fbut not at first5 + was
unsuspi"ious of it at first* indeed! +f + had suspe"ted it* nothing should ha#e indu"ed
me to a""ept the ne"kla"e! -s to your brotherBs beha#iour* + had been aware of a
parti"ularity some two or three weeks* but + "onsidered it as meaning nothing: + put it
down as simply being his way! + obser#ed what was passing between him and some of
this family in the summer and autumn! + was not blind! + "ould not help seeing that
'r! Crawford allowed himself gallantries whi"h did mean nothing!F
F-hJ + "annot deny it! <e has now and then been a sad flirt* and "ared #ery little
for the ha#o" he might be making in young ladiesB affe"tions! + ha#e often s"olded him
for it* but it is his only fault5 and there is this to be said* that #ery few young ladies
ha#e any affe"tions worth "aring for! -nd then* Canny* the glory of fi.ing one who has
been shot at by so manyJ ;hJ it is not in womanBs nature to refuse su"h a triumph!F
Canny shook her head! F+ "annot think well of a man who sports with any womanBs
feelings5 and there may often be a great deal more suffered than a stander)by "an
8udge of!F
F+ do not defend him! + lea#e him entirely to your mer"y* and when he has got you
at E#eringham* + do not "are how mu"h you le"ture him! + do seriously and truly
belie#e that he is atta"hed to you in a way that he ne#er was to any woman before5
that he lo#es you with all his heart* and will lo#e you as nearly for e#er as possible! +f
any man e#er lo#ed a woman for e#er* + think <enry will do as mu"h for you!F
Canny "ould not a#oid a faint smile* but had nothing to say!
F<e was ne#er happier*F "ontinued 'ary* Fthan when he su""eeded in getting your
brotherBs "ommission!F
She had made a sure push at CannyBs feelings here!
F;hJ yes! <ow #ery kind of him!F
F+ know he must ha#e e.erted himself #ery mu"h* for the -dmiral hates trouble*
and s"orns asking fa#ours! @hat a happy "reature @illiam must beJF
(oor CannyBs mind was distressed! The re"olle"tion of what had been done for
@illiam was always the most powerful disturber of e#ery de"ision against 'r!
Crawford5 and she sat thinking deeply till 'ary said: F+ should like to sit here talking
to you all day* but we must not forget the ladies below: so good)bye* my dear* my
amiable* my e."ellent Canny* for + must take lea#e of you here! -nd + do take lea#e*
trusting that when we meet again* it will be under "ir"umstan"es whi"h may open our
hearts to ea"h other without any shadow of reser#e!F
- #ery kind embra"e a""ompanied these words!
F+ shall see your "ousin in town soon: he talks of being there5 and Sir Thomas* +
dare say* in the spring5 and your eldest "ousin* and the =ushworths* and ,ulia! + ha#e
two fa#ours to ask* Canny: one is* that you must write to me! -nd the other* that you
will often "all on 'rs! 9rant* and make her amends for my being gone!F
The first of these fa#ours Canny would rather not ha#e been asked5 but it was
impossible for her to refuse! There was no resisting so mu"h apparent affe"tion!
<a#ing hitherto known so little of it* she was the more o#er"ome by 'iss CrawfordBs!
Aesides* she was grateful to her for ha#ing made their tOte)P)tOte so mu"h less painful
than she had feared!
+t was o#er* and she had es"aped without reproa"hes and without dete"tion! <er
se"ret was still her own!
+n the e#ening there was another parting! <enry Crawford "ame and sat some time
with them5 and her heart was softened towards him* be"ause he really seemed to feel!
Quite unlike his usual self* he s"ar"ely said anything! <e was e#idently oppressed*
and Canny must grie#e for him* though hoping she might ne#er see him again till he
were the husband of some other woman!
@hen it "ame to the moment of parting* he took her hand5 he said nothing*
howe#er* and left the room!
;n the morrow the Crawfords were gone!
C<-(TE= 3$
'r! Crawford gone* Sir ThomasBs ne.t ob8e"t was that he should be missed5 and he
hoped that his nie"e would find a blank in the loss of his attentions* and that her
sinking again into nothing would awaken wholesome regrets in her mind! <e wat"hed
her with this idea5 but he "ould hardly tell with what su""ess! She was always so
gentle and retiring that her emotions were beyond him! <e did not understand her: and
therefore applied to Edmund to tell him whether she were more or less happy than she
had been!
Edmund did not see any symptoms of regret! @hat "hiefly surprised him was that
CrawfordBs sister* the friend who had been so mu"h to her* should not be missed more!
<e wondered that Canny spoke so seldom of her!
-lasJ it was this sister* this friend* who was now the "hief bane of CannyBs
"omfort! +f she "ould ha#e belie#ed 'aryBs future fate un"onne"ted with 'ansfield*
she would ha#e been light of heart indeed5 but the more she obser#ed* the more
deeply was she "on#in"ed that e#erything was now in a fair train for 'iss CrawfordBs
marrying Edmund! <is ob8e"tions* his s"ruples* seemed all done away* nobody "ould
tell how5 and his doubts about her ambition were e7ually got o#erGand e7ually
without apparent reason! +t "ould only be through in"reasing atta"hment! <is good and
her bad feelings yielded to lo#e* and su"h lo#e must unite them!
<e was to go to town within a fortnight5 he lo#ed to talk of going5 and when on"e
with her again* Canny "ould not doubt the rest! <er a""eptan"e must be as "ertain as
his offer5 and yet the prospe"t of it was most sorrowful to her* independently of self!
+n their last "on#ersation* 'iss Crawford* in spite of mu"h personal kindness* had
still been 'iss Crawford5 still shown a mind led astray and bewildered* and without
any suspi"ion of being so5 darkened* yet fan"ying itself light! She might lo#e* but she
did not deser#e Edmund by any other sentiment! Canny belie#ed there was s"ar"ely a
se"ond feeling in "ommon between them5 and felt that if EdmundBs influen"e had
already done so little in regulating her notions* his worth would be finally wasted on
her e#en in years of matrimony! -s Canny was "on#in"ed of this* she suffered #ery
mu"h* and "ould ne#er speak of 'iss Crawford without pain!
Sir Thomas* meanwhile* still e.pe"ted to see the effe"t of the loss of "onse7uen"e
on his nie"eBs spirits! <e was soon able to a""ount for his not yet obser#ing this* by
the approa"h of another #isitor to lift Canny/s spirits! @illiam had obtained a ten daysB
lea#e of absen"e* and was "oming* the happiest of lieutenants* to show his happiness
and des"ribe his uniform!
<e "ame5 and he would ha#e been delighted to show his uniform too* had not
"ruel "ustom prohibited its appearan"e e."ept on duty! So the uniform remained at
(ortsmouth* and Edmund thought that Canny would not ha#e any "han"e of #iewing
it* before its freshness was worn away5 until Sir Thomas formed a s"heme whi"h
meant Canny "ould see the se"ond lieutenant of <'S Thrush in all his glory!
This s"heme was that she should a""ompany her brother ba"k to (ortsmouth* and
spend some time with her own family! Sir Thomas "onsulted his son* who thought it
would be highly agreeable to Canny5 but Sir Thomas had another moti#e in sending
her away* whi"h had nothing at all to do with any idea of making her happy! <e
"ertainly wished her to go willingly* but he as "ertainly wished her to be heartily si"k
of home before her #isit ended5 and hoped a little abstinen"e from the lu.uries of
'ansfield (ark would sober her mind* and help her to better appre"iate <enry
Crawford/s offer!
+t was a medi"inal pro8e"t* for he "onsidered that his nie"e/s understanding must at
present be diseased! - residen"e of eight or nine years amidst wealth and plenty had
disordered her powers of 8udging! <er fatherBs house would tea"h her the #alue of a
good in"ome5 and he trusted that she would be the wiser and happier woman all her
life* for the e.periment he had de#ised!
<ad Canny been at all addi"ted to raptures* she must ha#e had a strong atta"k of
them when her un"le first made her the offer of #isiting the parents* brothers* and
sisters* from whom she had been di#ided almost half her life5 of returning to them
with @illiam as "ompanion* and "ontinuing to see @illiam while he remained on
land! She was indeed delighted* but her happiness was of a 7uiet* deep* heart)swelling
sort! -t the moment she "ould only thank and a""ept!
-fterwards* she "ould speak to @illiam and Edmund of what she felt5 but still
there were tender emotions that "ould not be "lothed in words! The remembran"e of
all her earliest pleasures* and of what she had suffered in being torn from them* "ame
o#er her with renewed strength* and it seemed as if to be at home again would heal
e#ery pain that had grown out of the separation! To be in the "entre of su"h a "ir"le*
lo#ed by so many5 to feel affe"tion without restraint5 to feel herself the e7ual of those
who surrounded her5 to be at pea"e from all mention of the Crawfords! This was a
prospe"t to be dwelt on with fondness!
Edmund* tooGto be two months from him must do her good! -t a distan"e*
unassailed by his looks or his kindness* she should be able to reason herself into a
more proper state5 she should be able to think of him as in London* and arranging
e#erything there* without wret"hedness! @hat might ha#e been hard to bear at
'ansfield was to be"ome a slight e#il at (ortsmouth!
The only drawba"k was the doubt of her aunt AertramBs being "omfortable without
her! That part of the arrangement was* indeed* the hardest for Sir Thomas to
a""omplish!
Aut he was master at 'ansfield (ark! @hen he had really resol#ed on any
measure* he "ould always "arry it through5 and now by dwelling on the duty of
CannyBs sometimes seeing her family* he did indu"e his wife to let her go!
The ne.t step was to "ommuni"ate with (ortsmouth! Canny wrote to offer herself5
and her motherBs answer* though short* was so kind as to "onfirm all the daughterBs
#iews of happiness in being with herG"on#in"ing her that she should now find a
warm friend in the FmamaF who had "ertainly shown no remarkable fondness for her
formerly5 but this she "ould easily suppose to ha#e been her own fault! She had
probably alienated lo#e by fretfulness* or been unreasonable in wanting a larger share
than one among so many "ould deser#e! 0ow* when she knew better how to be useful*
and when her mother "ould be no longer o""upied by the in"essant demands of a
house full of little "hildren* there would be leisure for e#ery "omfort* and they should
soon be what mother and daughter ought to be to ea"h other!
@illiam was almost as happy in the plan as his sister! +t would be the greatest
pleasure to ha#e her there to the last moment before he sailed* and perhaps find her
there still when he "ame in from his first "ruise! -nd besides* he wanted her so #ery
mu"h to see the Thrush before she went out of harbourGthe Thrush was "ertainly the
finest sloop in the ser#i"eGand the do"kyard* too* whi"h he 7uite longed to show her!
+n addition* her being at home for a while would be a great ad#antage to e#erybody!
F+ do not know how it is*F said he5 Fbut we seem to want some of your orderliness
at my fatherBs! The house is always in "onfusion! 6ou will set things going in a better
way* + am sure! <ow right and "omfortable it will all beJF
Cor a few hours the young tra#ellers were in a good deal of alarm about their
8ourney: 'rs! 0orris found that in spite of her hints for a less e.pensi#e "on#eyan"e
of Canny* they were to tra#el post5 and when she saw Sir Thomas gi#e @illiam money
for the purpose* she was stru"k with the idea of there being room for a third in the
"arriage* and suddenly seiDed with a strong in"lination to go with them to see her poor
dear sister (ri"e! She pro"laimed her thoughts!
@illiam and Canny were horror)stru"k at the idea! -ll their "omfort would be
destroyed! @ith woeful "ountenan"es they looked at ea"h other! 'rs! 0orris was left
to settle the matter by herself5 and it ended* to the infinite 8oy of her nephew and
nie"e* in the re"olle"tion that she "ould not possibly be spared from 'ansfield (ark at
present!
+t had* in fa"t* o""urred to her* that though taken to (ortsmouth for nothing* it
would be hardly possible for her to a#oid paying her own e.penses ba"k again! So her
poor dear sister (ri"e was left to all the disappointment of* perhaps* another twenty
yearsB absen"e!
EdmundBs plans were affe"ted by this (ortsmouth 8ourney! <e had intended* about
this time* to be going to London5 but he "ould not lea#e his father and mother 8ust
when e#erybody else of most importan"e to their "omfort was lea#ing them! @ith an
effort* felt but not boasted of* he delayed for a week or two longer a 8ourney whi"h he
was looking forward to with the hope of its fi.ing his happiness for e#er!
<e told Canny of it! She knew so mu"h already* that she must know e#erything!
Canny was affe"ted* feeling it to be the last time in whi"h 'iss CrawfordBs name
would e#er be mentioned between them with any liberty! ;n"e afterwards he alluded
to her! Lady Aertram had been telling her nie"e to write to her soon and often* and
Edmund added in a whisper* F-nd + shall write to you* Canny* when + ha#e anything
to say that + think you will like to hear!F <ad she doubted his meaning* the glow in his
fa"e* when she looked up at him* would ha#e been de"isi#e!
Cor this letter she must try to arm herself! That a letter from Edmund should be a
sub8e"t of terrorJ She began to feel that the #aried trials of the human mind had not
yet been e.hausted by her!
(oor CannyJ though going eagerly* the last e#ening at 'ansfield (ark must still be
wret"hed! She had tears for e#ery room in the house* and e#ery belo#ed inhabitant!
She "lung to her aunt* be"ause she would miss her5 she kissed the hand of her un"le
with struggling sobs* be"ause she had displeased him5 and as for Edmund* she "ould
neither speak* nor look* nor think5 and it was not till it was o#er that she knew he was
gi#ing her the affe"tionate farewell of a brother!
The 8ourney began #ery early in the morning5 and when the diminished party met
at breakfast* @illiam and Canny were talked of as already ad#an"ed one stage!
C<-(TE= 3%
The no#elty of tra#elling* and the happiness of being with @illiam* soon raised
CannyBs spirits5 and by the time their first stage was ended* and they 7uit Sir ThomasBs
"arriage* she was able to take lea#e of the old "oa"hman* and send ba"k proper
messages* with "heerful looks!
;f pleasant talk between the brother and sister there was no end! E#erything
supplied amusement to the high glee of @illiamBs mind* and he was full of froli" and
8oke! -ll his talk ended in praise of the Thrush* s"hemes for battle* or spe"ulations
upon priDe)money* whi"h was to be generously distributed at home* keeping ba"k
only enough to make the little "ottage "omfortable* in whi"h he and Canny were to
pass their later life together!
CannyBs immediate "on"erns in#ol#ing 'r! Crawford made no part of their
"on#ersation! @illiam knew what had passed* and lamented that his sisterBs feelings
should be so "old towards a man whom he must "onsider as the first of human
"hara"ters5 but knowing her wish on the sub8e"t* he would not distress her by the
slightest allusion to it!
She knew herself to be not yet forgotten by 'r! Crawford! She had heard
repeatedly from his sister sin"e their lea#ing 'ansfield* and in ea"h letter there had
been a few lines from himself* warm and determined like his spee"hes!
+t was a "orresponden"e whi"h Canny found 7uite as unpleasant as she had feared!
'iss CrawfordBs li#ely style of writing was itself an e#il* for Edmund would ne#er
rest till she had read the letter to him5 and then she had to listen to his admiration of
her language and her warm atta"hments! There was* in fa"t* so mu"h of message and
allusion in e#ery letter* that Canny "ould only suppose it was meant for him to hear5
and to find herself "ompelled into a "orresponden"e whi"h was bringing her the
addresses of the man she did not lo#e* and obliging her to administer to the passion of
the man she did* was "ruelly mortifying! ;n"e she was no longer under the same roof
as Edmund* she trusted that 'iss Crawford would ha#e less moti#e for writing* and
that at (ortsmouth their "orresponden"e would dwindle into nothing!
@ith su"h thoughts as these* Canny pro"eeded in her 8ourney "heerfully! They
made no stop till they rea"hed 0ewbury* where a "omfortable meal wound up the
en8oyments and fatigues of the day!
The ne.t morning saw them off again at an early hour5 and they neared
(ortsmouth while there was yet daylight for Canny to look around her* and wonder at
the new buildings! They passed the drawbridge* and entered the town5 and as the light
was beginning to fail* they were rattled into a narrow street* and drawn up before the
door of a small house now inhabited by 'r! (ri"e!
Canny was all fluttering hope and apprehension! - trollopy)looking maidser#ant
stepped forward* and more intent on telling the news than gi#ing them any help*
immediately began with* FThe Thrush is gone out of harbour* please sir* and one of
the offi"ers has been here toGF
She was interrupted by a fine tall boy of ele#en years old* who* rushing out of the
house* pushed the maid aside* and "alled out* F6ou are 8ust in time* @illiam! @e ha#e
been looking for you this half)hour! The Thrush went out of harbour this morning!
They think she will ha#e her orders in a day or two! -nd 'r! Campbell was here at
four oB"lo"k to ask for you: he is going to her at si.* and hoped you would be here in
time to go with him!F
- stare at Canny* as @illiam helped her out of the "arriage* was all the noti"e
whi"h this brother ga#e her5 but he made no ob8e"tion to her kissing him* though still
entirely engaged in detailing farther parti"ulars of the ThrushBs going out of harbour*
in whi"h he had a strong interest* being about to "ommen"e his "areer of seamanship
in her at this #ery time!
-nother moment and Canny was in the narrow entran"e)passage of the house* and
in the arms of her mother* who met her with looks of true kindness* and with features
whi"h Canny lo#ed the more* be"ause they were like her aunt AertramBs! There also
were her two sisters: Susan* a well)grown fine girl of fourteen* and Aetsey* the
youngest of the family* about fi#eGboth glad to see her in their way* though without
any polish to their manners in re"ei#ing her! Aut manner Canny did not want! @ould
they but lo#e her* she should be satisfied!
She was taken into a parlour* so small that she thought at first it was only a
passage* and stood for a moment e.pe"ting to be in#ited on5 but when she saw there
was no other door* and that there were signs of habitation before her* she repro#ed
herself* and grie#ed lest her thoughts should ha#e been suspe"ted! <er mother*
howe#er* "ould not stay long enough to suspe"t anything! She was gone again to
wel"ome @illiam!
F;hJ my dear @illiam* how glad + am to see you! Aut ha#e you heard about the
ThrushE She is gone out of harbour already5 and + do not know what + am to do about
SamBs things* they will ne#er be ready in time! -nd now you must be off for Spithead
too! Campbell has been here* and now what shall we doE + thought to ha#e had su"h a
"omfortable e#ening with you* and here e#erything "omes upon me at on"e!F
<er son answered "heerfully* making light of his own in"on#enien"e in being
obliged to hurry away so soon!
FTo be sure* + had mu"h rather she had stayed in harbour* that + might ha#e sat a
few hours with you in "omfort5 but as there is a boat ashore* + had better go off!
@hereabouts does the Thrush lay at SpitheadE Aut no matter5 hereBs Canny! Come*
mother* you ha#e hardly looked at your own dear Canny yet!F
'rs! (ri"e* ha#ing kindly kissed her daughter again* and "ommented on her
growth* said with soli"itude* F(oor dearsJ how tired you must both beJ and now* what
will you ha#eE + began to think you would ne#er "ome! Aetsey and + ha#e been
wat"hing for you this half)hour! -nd when did you get anything to eatE -nd what
would you like to ha#e nowE + did not know what you would like* or else + would
ha#e got something ready! + am afraid Campbell will be here before there is time to
dress a steak* and we ha#e no but"her at hand! +t is #ery in"on#enient to ha#e no
but"her in the street! (erhaps you would like some tea!F
They both de"lared they should prefer it to anything! FThen* Aetsey* my dear* run
into the kit"hen and see if =ebe""a has put the water on5 and tell her to bring in the
tea)things! + wish we "ould get the bell mended5 but Aetsey is a #ery handy little
messenger!F
Aetsey went with ala"rity* proud to show her abilities before her fine new sister!
FHear meJF "ontinued the an.ious mother* Fwhat a sad fire we ha#e got* and + dare
say you are both "old! Hraw your "hair nearer* my dear! + "annot think what =ebe""a
has been about! + am sure + told her to bring some "oals half an hour ago! Susan* you
should ha#e taken "are of the fire!F
F+ was upstairs* mama* mo#ing my things*F said Susan* in a fearless* self)
defending tone* whi"h startled Canny! F6ou know you had settled that Canny and +
should ha#e the other room5 and + "ould not get =ebe""a to gi#e me any help!F
Carther dis"ussion was pre#ented by #arious bustles: first* the dri#er "ame to be
paid5 then there was a s7uabble between Sam and =ebe""a about the manner of
"arrying up his sisterBs trunk* whi"h he would manage all his own way5 and lastly* in
walked 'r! (ri"e himself* his own loud #oi"e pre"eding him* as with something of the
oath kind he ki"ked away his sonBs bag and his daughterBs hatbo. in the passage*
"alled out for a "andle* and walked into the room!
Canny had risen to meet him* but sank down again on finding herself
undistinguished in the dusk* and unthought of! @ith a friendly shake of his sonBs hand*
he instantly beganG
F<aJ wel"ome ba"k* my boy! 9lad to see you! <a#e you heard the newsE The
Thrush went out of harbour this morning! Ay 9G* you are 8ust in timeJ The do"tor
has been here in7uiring for you: he has got one of the boats* and is to be off for
Spithead by si.* so you had better go with him! + should not wonder if you had your
orders to)morrow: but you "annot sail with this wind* if you are to "ruise to the
westward5 and Captain @alsh thinks you will "ertainly ha#e a "ruise to the westward*
with the Elephant! Ay 9G* + wish you mayJ @ell* we are ready* whate#er happens!
Aut by 9G* you lost a fine sight by not being here in the morning to see the Thrush
go out of harbourJ +f e#er there was a perfe"t beauty afloat* she is one5 and there she
lays at Spithead* and anybody in England would take her for an eight)and)twenty! She
lays "lose to the Endymion* between her and the Cleopatra!F
F<aJF "ried @illiam* FthatBs 8ust where + should ha#e put her myself! +tBs the best
berth at Spithead! Aut here is Canny* sir5 it is so dark you do not see her!F
@ith an a"knowledgment that he had 7uite forgot her* 'r! (ri"e now re"ei#ed his
daughter5 and ha#ing gi#en her a "ordial hug* and obser#ed that she was grown into a
woman* seemed in"lined to forget her again! Canny shrunk ba"k to her seat* sadly
pained by his language and his smell of spirits5 and he talked on only to his son* and
only of the Thrush* though @illiam* warmly interested as he was in that sub8e"t* more
than on"e tried to make his father think of Canny* and her long absen"e and long
8ourney!
-fter some time* a "andle was obtained5 but as there was still no appearan"e of
tea* @illiam de"ided to go and "hange his dress* and prepare for his remo#al on board*
so that he might ha#e his tea in "omfort afterwards!
-s he left the room* two rosy)fa"ed boys* ragged and dirty* about eight and nine
years old* rushed into it* 8ust released from s"hool* and "oming eagerly to see their
sister and tell that the Thrush was gone out of harbour5 Tom and Charles! Charles had
been born sin"e CannyBs going away* but Tom she had often helped to nurse* and now
felt a parti"ular pleasure in seeing again! Aoth were kissed #ery tenderly* but Tom she
wanted to keep by her* to try to tra"e the features of the baby she had lo#ed! Tom*
howe#er* had no mind for su"h treatment: he "ame home not to stand and be talked to*
but to run about and make a noise5 and both boys had soon burst from her* and
slammed the parlour)door till her temples a"hed!
She had now seen all that were at home5 there remained only two brothers
between herself and Susan* one of whom was a "lerk in London* and the other a
midshipman on board an +ndiaman!
Aut though she had seen all the members of the family* she had not yet heard all
the noise they "ould make! -nother 7uarter of an hour brought her a great deal more!
@illiam was soon "alling out from the landing for his mother and =ebe""a! - key was
mislaid* Aetsey was a""used of ha#ing got at his new hat* and some slight* but
essential alteration of his uniform waist"oat* whi"h he had been promised to ha#e
done for him* had been entirely negle"ted!
'rs! (ri"e* =ebe""a* and Aetsey all went up to defend themsel#es* all talking
together* but =ebe""a loudest5 @illiam trying in #ain to send Aetsey down again5 the
whole of whi"h* as almost e#ery door in the house was open* "ould be plainly
distinguished in the parlour* e."ept when drowned by the superior noise of Sam* Tom*
and Charles "hasing ea"h other up and down stairs* and tumbling about and hallooing!
Canny was almost stunned! The smallness of the house and thinness of the walls
brought e#erything so "lose to her* that* added to the fatigue of her 8ourney* she hardly
knew how to bear it! @ithin the room all was tran7uil enough* for there were only her
father and herself remaining5 and he* taking out a newspaper* applied himself to
studying it* without seeming to re"olle"t her e.isten"e! The solitary "andle was held
between himself and the paper5 but she was glad to ha#e the light s"reened from her
a"hing head* as she sat in bewildered* broken "ontemplation!
She was at home! Aut* alasJ it was not su"h a home* she had not su"h a wel"ome*
asGshe "he"ked herself5 she was unreasonable! @hat right had she to be of
importan"e to her familyE @illiamBs "on"erns must be dearest* and he had e#ery right!
6et to ha#e so little asked about herself* to ha#e s"ar"ely an in7uiry made after
'ansfieldJ +t did pain her to ha#e 'ansfield forgotten5 the friends who had done so
mu"hGthe dear* dear friendsJ
(erhaps it must be so! The destination of the Thrush must be now pre)eminently
interesting! - day or two might show the differen"e! She only was to blame! 6et she
thought it would not ha#e been so at 'ansfield! 0o* in her un"leBs house there would
ha#e been a propriety* an attention towards e#erybody whi"h there was not here!
The only interruption whi"h her thoughts re"ei#ed for half an hour was from a
sudden burst of her fatherBs! -t a more than ordinary pit"h of thumping and hallooing
in the passage* he e."laimed* FHe#il take those young dogsJ <ow they are singing
outJ <olla* you thereJ Sam* stop your "onfounded pipe* or + shall be after you!F
This threat was so palpably disregarded* that though fi#e minutes afterwards the
three boys all burst into the room together and sat down* Canny "ould not "onsider it
as a proof of anything more than their being for the time thoroughly fagged* whi"h
their panting breaths seemed to pro#e* espe"ially as they were still ki"king ea"h
otherBs shins* and hallooing out at sudden starts immediately under their fatherBs eye!
The ne.t opening of the door brought something more wel"ome: the tea)things*
whi"h she had begun almost to despair of seeing that e#ening! Susan and an attendant
girl* whose inferior appearan"e informed Canny* to her great surprise* that she had
pre#iously seen the upper ser#ant* brought in e#erything ne"essary for the meal!
Susan* putting the kettle on the fire and glan"ing at her sister* looked as if di#ided
between the triumph of showing her usefulness* and the dread of being thought to
demean herself by su"h a task! FShe had been into the kit"hen*F she said* Fto hurry
Sally and help make the toast* and spread the bread and butter* or she did not know
when they should ha#e got tea* and she was sure her sister must want something after
her 8ourney!F
Canny was #ery thankful! Susan immediately set about making the tea5 and with
only a little unne"essary bustle* and some in8udi"ious attempts at keeping her brothers
in order* a"7uitted herself #ery well! CannyBs spirit was as mu"h refreshed as her body5
her head and heart were soon the better for su"h well)timed kindness! Susan had an
open* sensible "ountenan"e5 she was like @illiam* and Canny hoped to find her like
him in disposition and goodwill!
@illiam re)entered* followed by his mother and Aetsey! <e* "omplete in his
lieutenantBs uniform* looking all the taller* firmer* and more gra"eful for it* and with
the happiest smile o#er his fa"e* walked up dire"tly to Canny* who* rising from her
seat in spee"hless admiration* threw her arms round his ne"k to sob out her pleasure!
-n.ious not to appear unhappy* she soon re"o#ered* and was able to admire his
dress5 listening with re#i#ing spirits to his "heerful hopes of being on shore some part
of e#ery day before they sailed* and e#en of getting her to Spithead to see the ship!
The ne.t bustle brought in 'r! Campbell* the surgeon of the Thrush* a #ery well)
beha#ed young man* who "ame to "all for his friend* and for whom there was with
some "ontri#an"e found a "hair* and with some hasty washing of the young tea)
makerBs* a "up and sau"er5 and after earnest talk between the gentlemen* noise rising
upon noise* and bustle upon bustle* the moment "ame for setting off5 e#erything was
ready* @illiam took lea#e* and all of them were gone5 for the three boys were
determined to see their brother and 'r! Campbell to the sally)port5 and 'r! (ri"e
walked off at the same time!
Something like tran7uillity might now be hoped for! -""ordingly* when =ebe""a
had been pre#ailed on to "arry away the tea)things* the small party of females was
pretty well "omposed* and the mother was at leisure to think of her eldest daughter
and the friends she had "ome from!
- few in7uiries began: but one of the earliestGF<ow did sister Aertram manage
about her ser#antsEFGsoon led her mind away from 0orthamptonshire* and fi.ed it
on her own domesti" grie#an"es5 and the sho"king "hara"ter of all the (ortsmouth
ser#ants* of whom she belie#ed her own two were the #ery worst* engrossed her
"ompletely!
Canny was silent! -s she sat looking at Aetsey* she "ould not help thinking of
another sister* a #ery pretty little girl* whom she had left when she went into
0orthamptonshire* and who had died a few years afterwards! Canny in those days had
preferred her to Susan5 and when the news of her death had rea"hed 'ansfield* had
been 7uite affli"ted! The sight of Aetsey brought the image of little 'ary ba"k again*
but she would not ha#e pained her mother by alluding to her for the world! 'eanwhile
Aetsey was holding out something to "at"h her eyes* meaning to s"reen it at the same
time from SusanBs!
F@hat ha#e you got there* my lo#eEF said Canny5 F"ome and show it to me!F
+t was a sil#er knife! Lp 8umped Susan* "laiming it as her own* and trying to get it
away5 but the "hild ran to her motherBs prote"tion* and Susan "ould only reproa"h! F+t
was #ery hard that she was not to ha#e her own knife5 little sister 'ary had left it to
her upon her deathbed* and she ought to ha#e had it to keep! Aut mama kept it from
her* and was always letting Aetsey get hold of it5 and the end of it would be that
Aetsey would spoil it* and get it for her own!F
Canny was 7uite sho"ked! E#ery feeling of duty* honour* and tenderness was
wounded by her sisterBs spee"h and her motherBs reply!
F0ow* Susan*F "ried 'rs! (ri"e* in a "omplaining #oi"e* Fhow "an you be so
"rossE 6ou are always 7uarrelling about that knife! (oor little Aetsey5 how "ross
Susan is to youJ Aut you should not ha#e taken it out of the drawer* my dear! 6ou
know + told you not to tou"h it* be"ause Susan is so "ross about it! + must hide it
another time* Aetsey! (oor 'ary little thought it would be su"h a bone of "ontention
when she ga#e it me to keep! (oor little soulJ She said* BLet sister Susan ha#e my
knife* mama* when + am dead!B She was so fond of it* Canny* that she would ha#e it
lay by her in bed* all through her illness! +t was the gift of her godmother! (oor little
sweet "reatureJ @ell* she was taken away from e#il to "ome! 'y own Aetsey* you
ha#e not the lu"k of su"h a good godmother! -unt 0orris li#es too far off to think of
su"h little people as you!F
+ndeed* Canny had nothing to "on#ey from aunt 0orris* but a message to say she
hoped that her god)daughter was a good girl* and learnt her book! 'rs! 0orris had
thought of sending her a prayer)book5 had taken down two old prayer)books of her
husband with that idea5 but* upon e.amination* the ardour of generosity went off! ;ne
was found to ha#e too small a print for a "hild/s eyes* and the other to be too
"umbersome!
Canny* fatigued* was thankful to a""ept the first in#itation of going to bed* lea#ing
all below in "onfusion and noise again5 the boys begging for toasted "heese* her father
"alling out for his rum and water* and =ebe""a ne#er where she ought to be!
There was nothing to raise her spirits in the "onfined and s"antily furnished
"hamber that she was to share with Susan! The smallness of the rooms* and the
narrowness of the passage and stair"ase* stru"k her! She thought with respe"t of her
own little atti" at 'ansfield (ark* whi"h in that house was re"koned too small for
anybodyBs "omfort!
C<-(TE= 3&
Could Sir Thomas ha#e seen his nie"eBs feelings* he would not ha#e despaired5 for
despite a good nightBs rest* the hope of soon seeing @illiam again* and the
"omparati#ely 7uiet state of the house* from Tom and Charles being gone to s"hool*
home still held many drawba"ks! Could he ha#e seen only half that she felt before the
end of a week* he would ha#e been delighted with his own saga"ity!
Aefore the week ended* it was all disappointment! @illiam was gone! The Thrush
had had her orders* and sailed within four days5 and during those days she had seen
him only twi"e* in a hurried way! There had been no free "on#ersation* no walk on the
ramparts* no #isit to the do"kyard* nothing of all that they had planned! E#erything
failed* e."ept @illiamBs affe"tion! <is last words on lea#ing home were: FTake "are of
Canny* mother! She is tender* and not used to rough it like the rest of us!F
@illiam was gone: and her home was the #ery re#erse of what she "ould ha#e
wished! +t was the abode of noise* disorder* and impropriety! 0obody was in their
right pla"e* nothing was done as it ought to be! She "ould not respe"t her parents as
she had hoped! <er father was more negligent of his family* his habits were worse*
and his manners "oarser* than she had been prepared for! <e did not la"k abilities* but
he had no "uriosity5 he read only the newspaper and the na#y)list5 he swore and he
drank* he was dirty and gross! She had ne#er been able to re"all anything approa"hing
to tenderness in his former treatment of herself5 and now he s"ar"ely e#er noti"ed her*
but to make her the ob8e"t of a "oarse 8oke!
<er disappointment in her mother was greater: there she had hoped mu"h* and
found almost nothing! 'rs! (ri"e was not unkind5 but her daughter ne#er met with
greater kindness from her than on the day of her arri#al! <er heart and her time were
already full5 she had neither leisure nor affe"tion to bestow on Canny! <er daughters
ne#er had been mu"h to her! She was fond of her sons* espe"ially @illiam* but Aetsey
was the first of her girls whom she had e#er mu"h regarded! To her she was most
in8udi"iously indulgent! @illiam was her pride5 Aetsey her darling5 and ,ohn* =i"hard*
Sam* Tom* and Charles o""upied all the rest of her maternal soli"itude! <er days were
spent in a kind of slow bustle5 she was busy without getting on5 and dissatisfied with
her ser#ants* without skill to make them better* or any power of engaging their
respe"t!
'rs! (ri"e resembled Lady Aertram more than 'rs! 0orris! She was a manager by
ne"essity* without any of 'rs! 0orrisBs in"lination for it! She was naturally indolent*
like Lady Aertram5 and 'rs! 0orris would ha#e been a more respe"table mother of
nine "hildren on a small in"ome!
Canny "ould not but feel this! She might s"ruple to use the words* but she must
feel that her mother was an ill)8udging parent* a slattern* who neither taught nor
restrained her "hildren* whose house was the s"ene of mismanagement from
beginning to end* and who had no talent* no "on#ersation* no affe"tion towards
herself5 and no "uriosity to know her better!
Canny was #ery an.ious to be useful* and not to appear abo#e her home* and
therefore set about working for Sam immediately5 and by sewing early and late* did so
mu"h that the boy was shipped off at last with more than half his linen ready!
Sam* loud and o#erbearing as he was* she rather regretted when he went* for he
was "le#er and intelligent* and glad to be employed in errands5 and though spurning
the ill)timed though reasonable remonstran"es of Susan* he was beginning to be
influen"ed by CannyBs gentle persuasions! She despaired of making the smallest
impression on Tom or Charles5 they were 7uite untameable! E#ery afternoon brought
a return of their riotous games all o#er the house5 and she learned to sigh at the
approa"h of SaturdayBs "onstant half)holiday!
Aetsey* too* a spoiled "hild* trained up to think the alphabet her greatest enemy*
left with the ser#ants* and then en"ouraged to report any e#il of them* she was almost
as ready to despair of5 and of SusanBs temper she had many doubts! Susan/s "ontinual
disagreements with her mother* her s7uabbles with Tom and Charles* and petulan"e
with Aetsey* were so distressing to Canny that she feared Susan/s disposition must be
far from amiable!
Su"h was the home whi"h was to put 'ansfield out of her head! ;n the "ontrary*
she "ould think of nothing but 'ansfield* its belo#ed inmates* its happy ways! The
elegan"e* propriety* harmony* and abo#e all* the pea"e and tran7uillity of 'ansfield*
were brought to her remembran"e e#ery hour* by the pre#alen"e of e#erything
opposite to them here!
The in"essant noise was* to a deli"ate temper like CannyBs* the greatest misery of
all! -t 'ansfield* no raised #oi"e* no tread of #iolen"e* was e#er heard5 e#erybodyBs
feelings were "onsulted! +f tenderness "ould be e#er supposed wanting* good breeding
supplied its pla"e5 and as to the little irritations of aunt 0orris* they were trifling*
"ompared with the "easeless tumult of her present home! <ere e#erybody was noisy*
e#ery #oi"e was loud 1e."epting* perhaps* her motherBs4! @hate#er was wanted was
hallooed for* and the ser#ants hallooed out their e."uses from the kit"hen! The doors
were in "onstant banging* the stairs were ne#er at rest* nothing was done without a
"latter* nobody sat still* and nobody "ould "ommand attention when they spoke!
-t the end of a week* Canny was tempted to say* that though 'ansfield (ark
might ha#e some pains* (ortsmouth "ould ha#e no pleasures!
C<-(TE= :0
Canny was right in not e.pe"ting to hear from 'iss Crawford so regularly5 'aryBs
ne.t letter was after a de"idedly longer inter#al than the last* but she was not right in
supposing that su"h an inter#al would be a great relief! <ere was another strange
re#olution of mindJ She was really glad to re"ei#e the letter when it did "ome! +n her
present e.ile from good so"iety* a letter from one belonging to the set where her heart
li#ed* written with affe"tion and elegan"e* was thoroughly a""eptable!
F'y letter will not be worth your reading*F 'ary wrote* Ffor there will be no little
offering of lo#e at the end from the most de#oted <! C! in the world* as <enry is in
0orfolk! Ausiness "alled him to E#eringham* and his absen"e may a""ount for his
sisterBs remissness in writing* for there has been no B@ell* 'ary* when do you write to
CannyE +s not it time for you to writeEB to spur me on! -t last* + ha#e seen your
"ousins* Bdear ,ulia and dearest 'rs! =ushworthB! @e seemed #ery glad to see ea"h
other* and + do really think we were a little! @e had a #ast deal to say! Shall + tell you
how 'rs! =ushworth looked when your name was mentionedE She had not 7uite self)
possession enough for the demands of yesterday! ,ulia was in the best looks of the
two* at least after you were spoken of! Aut 'rs! =ushworthBs day of good looks will
"ome5 we ha#e in#itations for her first party on the 2%th! Then she will be in beauty*
for she will open one of the best houses in @impole Street! <enry "ould not ha#e
afforded her su"h a house! + hope she will be satisfied with being the 7ueen of a
pala"e* though the king may be best in the ba"kground! -s + ha#e no desire to tease
her* + shall ne#er for"e your name upon her again! Crom all that + hear* Aaron
@ildenheimBs attentions to ,ulia "ontinue* but without serious en"ouragement! She
ought to do better! - poor honourable is no "at"h* and + "annot imagine that she likes
him* for take away his rants* and the baron has nothing! +f his rents were only e7ual to
his rantsJ 6our "ousin Edmund mo#es slowly5 detained* per"han"e* by parish duties!
There may be some old woman at Thornton La"ey to be "on#erted! + am unwilling to
fan"y myself negle"ted for a young one! -dieuJ my dear sweet Canny: write me a
pretty reply to gladden <enryBs eyes* and send me an a""ount of all the dashing young
"aptains whom you disdain for his sake!F
There was great food for meditation in this letter5 and yet* with all the uneasiness
it supplied* it "onne"ted her with the absent* and she would ha#e been glad to ha#e
su"h a letter e#ery week! <er "orresponden"e with her aunt Aertram was her only
"on"ern of higher interest!
-s for any so"iety in (ortsmouth* there were none amongst her parentsB
a"7uaintan"e to afford her the smallest satisfa"tion! The men appeared to her all
"oarse* the women all pert5 and she ga#e as little "ontentment as she re"ei#ed! The
young ladies who approa"hed her at first with some respe"t* were soon offended by
what they termed FairsF5 for* as she neither played on the pianoforte nor wore fine
furs* they "ould admit no superiority!
The first "onsolation whi"h Canny re"ei#ed for the e#ils of home* was in a better
knowledge of Susan* and a hope of being of ser#i"e to her! Susan had always beha#ed
pleasantly to Canny* but the determined "hara"ter of her general manners had
astonished her* and it was a fortnight before she began to understand a disposition so
totally different from her own!
Susan saw that mu"h was wrong at home* and wanted to set it right! That a girl of
fourteen* without guidan"e* should err in the method of reform* was not e.traordinary5
and Canny soon "ame to admire the mind whi"h "ould so early distinguish 8ustly!
Susan was only a"ting on the same truths whi"h Canny herself a"knowledged* but
whi"h her more yielding temper would ha#e shrunk from asserting! Susan tried to be
useful* where she "ould only ha#e gone away and "ried5 and that Susan was useful she
"ould per"ei#e! Aad as they were* things would ha#e been worse without her
inter#ention* and both her mother and Aetsey were restrained from some e."esses of
#ery offensi#e #ulgarity!
-ll this be"ame e#ident* and gradually pla"ed Susan before her sister as an ob8e"t
of "ompassion and respe"t! That her manner was wrong* her measures often ill)"hosen
and ill)timed* and her looks and language often indefensible* Canny "ould not "ease to
feel5 but she began to hope they might be re"tified! Susan looked up to her and wished
for her good opinion5 and new as it was to Canny to imagine herself "apable of
guiding anyone* she did resol#e to gi#e o""asional hints to her!
<er influen"e began in an a"t of kindness to Susan* whi"h* after many hesitations*
she at last worked herself up to! +t had o""urred to her that a small sum of money
might* perhaps* restore pea"e for e#er on the sore sub8e"t of the sil#er knife5 and the
ri"hes whi"h her un"le had gi#en her made her able to be generous! Aut she was so
wholly unused to "onfer fa#ours* and so fearful of appearing to ele#ate herself as a
great lady* that it took some time to de"ide to make su"h a present!
+t was made* howe#er* at last! - sil#er knife was bought for Aetsey* and a""epted
with great delight* its newness gi#ing it e#ery ad#antage o#er the other! Susan was
established in the full possession of her own* Aetsey handsomely de"laring that now
she had got one so mu"h prettier herself* she should ne#er want that again5 and the
mother was e7ually satisfied!
+t was the means of opening SusanBs heart* and gi#ing Canny something more to
lo#e and be interested in! Susan showed that she had deli"a"y: although she was
pleased to be mistress of her property* she feared that her sisterBs 8udgment had been
against her* and that a reproof was designed her in the pur"hase* made ne"essary for
the tran7uillity of the house!
<er temper was open! She a"knowledged her fears and blamed herself for ha#ing
argued so heatedly! Canny* understanding her worth and per"ei#ing how mu"h she
wished for her good opinion* began to hope of being useful to a mind so mu"h
needing and deser#ing help! She ga#e sound ad#i"e* yet so mildly and "onsiderately
as not to irritate an imperfe"t temper* and she had the happiness of obser#ing its good
effe"ts! She saw with a"ute sympathy all that must be hourly grating to a girl like
Susan! <er greatest wonder soon be"ameGnot that Susan should ha#e been pro#oked
into disrespe"t and impatien"eGbut that so many good notions should ha#e been hers
at all5 and that* brought up in the midst of negligen"e and error* she should ha#e
formed su"h proper opinions of what ought to be5 e#en with no "ousin Edmund to fi.
her prin"iples!
The intima"y thus begun between them benefited ea"h! Ay sitting together
upstairs* they a#oided mu"h of the disturban"e of the house5 Canny had pea"e* and
Susan learned to en8oy being 7uietly employed! They sat without a fire5 but that was a
hardship familiar to Canny* and she suffered less be"ause reminded by it of the East
room!
+t was the only point of resemblan"e! +n spa"e* light* furniture* and prospe"t* there
was nothing alike in the two apartments5 and she often hea#ed a sigh as she
remembered all her books and "omforts! Ay degrees the girls "ame to spend most of
the morning upstairs* working and talking* but after a few days* Canny found it
impossible not to try for books again! There were none in her fatherBs house5 but she
be"ame a subs"riber to a "ir"ulating library* amaDed at be"oming a renter* a "hooser of
booksJ Aut so it was! Susan had read nothing* and Canny longed to gi#e her a share in
her own first pleasures in biography and poetry!
She hoped* moreo#er* that it might be useful in di#erting her own thoughts from
pursuing Edmund to London* where she knew he was now gone! She had no doubt of
what would follow! The postmanBs kno"k was beginning to bring daily terrors* and if
reading "ould banish the idea for half an hour* it was something gained!
C<-(TE= :1
- week was gone sin"e Edmund might be supposed to be in London* and Canny had
heard nothing of him! Either his going had been again delayed* or he had as yet found
no opportunity of seeing 'iss Crawford alone* or he was too happy for letter)writingJ
;ne morning* Canny ha#ing now been nearly four weeks from 'ansfield* a point
whi"h she ne#er failed to "al"ulate e#ery day* there was the kno"k of a #isitor!
+t was a gentlemanBs #oi"e5 it was a #oi"e that Canny was 8ust turning pale about*
when 'r! Crawford walked into the room!
9ood sense will always a"t when really "alled upon5 and she found that she had
been able to name him to her mother* as F@illiamBs friend*F though she "ould not ha#e
belie#ed herself "apable of uttering a syllable! <a#ing introdu"ed him* howe#er* her
terror of what this #isit might lead to be"ame o#erpowering* and she fan"ied herself
on the point of fainting!
Their #isitor was wisely and kindly keeping his eyes away* gi#ing her time to
re"o#er* while he de#oted himself entirely to her mother* addressing her with the
utmost politeness and propriety!
'rs! (ri"eBs manners were also at their best! @armed by the sight of su"h a friend
to her son* and wishing to appear to ad#antage* she was o#erflowing with gratitude!
'r! (ri"e was out* whi"h she regretted #ery mu"h! Canny did not5 for she felt ashamed
of her home* and she would ha#e been yet more ashamed of her father than of all the
rest!
They talked of @illiam5 and 'r! Crawford was as warm in his "ommendation as
e#en 'rs (ri"e "ould wish! She felt that she had ne#er seen so agreeable a man5 and
was only astonished to find that it was no port)admiral* or any ob8e"t of importan"e
and wealth* that had brought him to (ortsmouth! <e had "ome for a day or two* was
staying at the Crown* had a""identally met with a na#y offi"er or two of his
a"7uaintan"e* but had no ob8e"t of that kind in "oming!
Ay the time he had gi#en all this information* Canny was able to bear his gaDe* and
hear that he had spent half an hour with his sister the e#ening before his lea#ing
London5 that she had sent her best lo#e* but had had no time for writing5 that he
thought himself lu"ky in seeing 'ary for e#en half an hour* ha#ing spent s"ar"ely
twenty)four hours in London5 that her "ousin Edmund had been in town* he
understood* a few days5 that he had not seen him* but that Edmund was well* had left
them all well at 'ansfield* and was to dine* as yesterday* with 'ary and the Crasers!
Canny listened "olle"tedly* e#en to the last)mentioned "ir"umstan"e5 nay* it
seemed a relief5 and Fthen by this time it is all settled*F passed internally* without
more e#iden"e of emotion than a faint blush!
-fter talking a little more about 'ansfield* Crawford began to hint at the
"on#enien"e of an early walk! F+t was a lo#ely morning* and at that season a fine
morning so often "hanged* that it was wisest for e#erybody not to delay their
e.er"iseF! Su"h hints produ"ing nothing* he pro"eeded to a positi#e re"ommendation
to 'rs! (ri"e and her daughters to take their walk! Aut 'rs! (ri"e* it appeared*
s"ar"ely e#er stirred out of doors* e."ept of a Sunday! F@ould she not* then* persuade
her daughters to take ad#antage of su"h weather* and allow him the pleasure of
attending themEF
'rs! (ri"e agreed! FShe knew they had some errands in the town* whi"h they
would be #ery glad to do!F -nd the "onse7uen"e was* that Canny* strange and
distressing as it was* found herself and Susan* within ten minutes* walking towards
the <igh Street with 'r! Crawford!
They were hardly there before they met her father* whose appearan"e was not the
better from its being Saturday! <e stopped5 and Canny was obliged to introdu"e him to
'r! Crawford!
She "ould not ha#e a doubt of how 'r! Crawford must be stru"k! <e must be
ashamed and disgusted altogether! <e must soon "ease to ha#e the smallest in"lination
for the mat"h5 and yet this "ure would be almost as bad as the "omplaint! + belie#e
there is s"ar"ely a young lady li#ing who would not rather put up with the misfortune
of being sought by a "le#er* agreeable man* than ha#e him dri#en away by the
#ulgarity of her relations!
<owe#er* 1as Canny instantly* and to her great relief* dis"erned4 her father was a
#ery different man in his beha#iour to this highly respe"ted stranger* from what he
was at home! <is manners were more than passable: they were grateful* animated*
manly5 his loud tones did #ery well in the open air* and there was not a single oath to
be heard! Su"h was his instin"ti#e "ompliment to the good manners of 'r! Crawford5
and CannyBs feelings were infinitely soothed!
'r! (ri"e offered to take 'r! Crawford into the do"kyard: 'r! Crawford* though
he had seen the do"kyard before* was still grateful to a""ept* hoping to be so mu"h the
longer with Canny! 'r! (ri"e would ha#e turned thither dire"tly* without the smallest
"onsideration for his daughtersB errands in the <igh Street! 'r Crawford took "are*
howe#er* that they should be allowed to go to the shops they "ame to #isit!
They then set forward for the do"kyard* and the walk would ha#e been "ondu"ted
in a singular manner* had 'r! (ri"e been allowed the regulation of it* as the two girls
would ha#e been left to follow* and keep up with the gentlemen or not* as they "ould!
'r Crawford was able to introdu"e some impro#ement5 he would not walk away from
them* and at any "rossing* when 'r! (ri"e was "alling out* FCome* girls5 "ome* Can5
"ome* Sue5 keep a sharp lookoutJF he would gi#e them his parti"ular attendan"e!
;n"e in the do"kyard* he hoped for some happy "on#ersation with Canny* as they
were 8oined by a brother lounger of 'r! (ri"eBs* who must pro#e a more worthy
"ompanion than himself5 and the two offi"ers seemed #ery well satisfied going about
together* while the young people sat down upon some timbers in the yard!
Canny was most "on#eniently in want of rest! Crawford "ould not ha#e wished
her more ready to sit down5 but he "ould ha#e wished her sister away! - 7ui"k)looking
girl of SusanBs age was the #ery worst third in the world: totally different from Lady
Aertram* all eyes and ears5 and there was no introdu"ing the main point before her! <e
must "ontent himself with being generally agreeable* and letting Susan ha#e her share
of entertainment* with a hint* now and then* for Canny!
0orfolk was what he mostly talked of! Su"h a man "ould "ome from no pla"e*
without importing something to amuse5 his 8ourneys and his a"7uaintan"es entertained
Susan in a way 7uite new to her!
Cor Canny/s appro#al* he ga#e the reason of his going into 0orfolk at this unusual
time of year! +t related to the renewal of a lease in whi"h the welfare of a large family
was at stake! <e had suspe"ted his agent of some underhand dealing5 and he had
determined to go himself* and thoroughly in#estigate the "ase! <e had gone* had done
e#en more good than he had foreseen* and was now able to "ongratulate himself! <e
had introdu"ed himself to some tenants whom he had ne#er seen before5 and he had
made a"7uaintan"e with "ottages whose #ery e.isten"e* though on his own estate* had
been unknown to him!
This was aimed at Canny! +t was pleasing to hear him speak so properly5 here he
had been a"ting as he ought! To be the friend of the poor and the oppressedJ She was
on the point of gi#ing him an appro#ing look* when it was frightened off by his
adding pointedly that he hoped soon to ha#e a friend and guide in e#ery plan of
"harity for E#eringham!
She turned away* and wished he would not say su"h things! She began to feel the
possibility of his turning out well at last5 but he was and must e#er be "ompletely
unsuited to her!
<e per"ei#ed that enough had been said of E#eringham* and turned to 'ansfield!
<e "ould not ha#e "hosen better5 that was a topi" to bring ba"k her attention instantly!
She felt it the #oi"e of a friend when he mentioned it* and by his honourable tribute to
its inhabitants allowed her to gratify her own heart* in speaking of her un"le as all that
was "le#er and good* and her aunt as ha#ing the sweetest of tempers!
<e had a great atta"hment to 'ansfield himself* he said5 he hoped to spend mu"h
of his time there* or in the neighbourhood! <e predi"ted a #ery happy summer and
autumn there this year5 he felt that it would be infinitely superior to the last!
F'ansfield* Sotherton* Thornton La"ey*F he "ontinued5 Fwhat a so"iety will be
"omprised in those housesJ -nd at 'i"haelmas* perhaps* a fourth may be added: some
small hunting)bo.5 for as to any partnership in Thornton La"ey* as Edmund Aertram
on"e good)humouredly proposed* + hope + foresee two ob8e"tions: two fair* e."ellent*
irresistible ob8e"tions to that plan!F
Canny was doubly silen"ed here5 though she regretted that she had not en"ouraged
him to say more of his sister and Edmund! +t was a sub8e"t whi"h she must learn to
speak of!
Ay now* all were ready to return5 and during their walk ba"k* 'r! Crawford
"ontri#ed a minuteBs pri#a"y for telling Canny that his only business in (ortsmouth
was to see her5 it was on her a""ount* be"ause he "ould not endure a longer separation!
She was really sorry5 and yet in spite of this* she thought him impro#ed sin"e she had
seen him5 he was mu"h more gentle* obliging* and attenti#e to other peopleBs feelings
than he had e#er been at 'ansfield5 she had ne#er seen him so near being agreeable!
<e was de"idedly impro#ed! She wished he had "ome only for one day5 but it was not
so #ery bad: the pleasure of talking of 'ansfield was so greatJ
<er father asked him to do them the honour of taking his mutton with them* and
Canny had time for only one thrill of horror* before he de"lared himself pre#ented by
a prior engagement! <e should* howe#er* wait on them again on the morrow* and so
they partedGCanny thankful to es"ape so horrible an e#ilJ
To ha#e had him 8oin their family dinner)party* and see all their defi"ien"ies*
would ha#e been dreadfulJ Canny was not yet inured to =ebe""aBs "ookery and
=ebe""aBs waiting* and AetseyBs eating at table without restraint* and pulling
e#erything about as she "hose!
C<-(TE= :2
The (ri"es were 8ust setting off for "hur"h the ne.t day when 'r! Crawford appeared!
<e was asked to go with them to the 9arrison "hapel* whi"h was e.a"tly what he had
intended* and they all walked there together!
The family were now seen to ad#antage! 0ature had gi#en them no in"onsiderable
share of beauty* and e#ery Sunday dressed them in their "leanest skins and best attire!
Sunday always brought this "omfort to Canny* and on this Sunday she felt it more than
e#er! <er poor mother now did not look so #ery unworthy of being Lady AertramBs
sister! +t often grie#ed her that where nature had made so little differen"e*
"ir"umstan"es should ha#e made so mu"h* and that her mother* as handsome as Lady
Aertram* should ha#e an appearan"e so mu"h more worn and shabby! Aut Sunday
made her a #ery "reditable 'rs! (ri"e* with a fine family of "hildren!
+n "hapel they were obliged to di#ide* but 'r! Crawford took "are not to be
di#ided from the female bran"h5 and after "hapel he "ontinued with them* and 8oined
the family party on the ramparts!
'rs! (ri"e took her weekly walk on the ramparts e#ery fine Sunday throughout
the year! There she met her a"7uaintan"e* heard a little news* talked o#er the badness
of the (ortsmouth ser#ants* and wound up her spirits for the si. days!
Thither they now went5 'r! Crawford most happy to "onsider the 'iss (ri"es as
his "harge5 and before they had been there long* somehow or other* there was no
saying how* he was walking between them with an arm of ea"h under his! Canny did
not know how to put an end to it! +t made her un"omfortable* but yet there were
en8oyments in the day!
E#erything looked so beautiful under the influen"e of su"h a fine 'ar"h sky* with
the e#er)#arying hues of the sea* now at high water* dan"ing in its glee and dashing
against the ramparts5 and produ"ed altogether su"h a "ombination of "harms for
Canny* as made her almost "areless of the "ir"umstan"es under whi"h she felt them!
<ad she been without his arm* she would soon ha#e known that she needed it* for she
la"ked strength for a two hoursB saunter! Canny was beginning to feel the effe"t of
being debarred from her usual regular e.er"ise5 she had lost ground as to health sin"e
her being in (ortsmouth!
They often stopped some minutes to look and admire5 and "onsidering he was not
Edmund* Canny had to allow that he was open to the "harms of nature* and #ery well
able to e.press his admiration! She had a few tender re#eries now and then* during
whi"h he "ould sometimes look in her fa"e without dete"tion5 and he "on"luded that*
though as bewit"hing as e#er* her fa"e was less blooming than it ought to be! She said
she was #ery well5 but he was "on#in"ed that her residen"e "ould not be "omfortable*
and he was growing an.ious for her being again at 'ansfield!
F6ou ha#e been here a month* + thinkEF said he!
F0o5 not 7uite! +t is four weeks to)morrow!F
F6ou are a most a""urate re"koner! + should "all that a month! +t is to be a two
monthsB #isit* is notEF
F6es! 'y un"le talked of two months!F
F-nd how are you to be "on#eyed ba"k againEF
F+ do not know! + ha#e heard nothing about it yet! (erhaps it may not be
"on#enient for me to be fet"hed e.a"tly at the two monthsB end!F
-fter refle"tion* 'r! Crawford replied* F+ know 'ansfield* + know its faults
towards you! + am aware that you may be left here week after week* if Sir Thomas
"annot organiDe it without in#ol#ing the slightest alteration of the arrangements whi"h
he has laid down for the ne.t 7uarter of a year! This will not do! Two months is plenty5
+ should think si. weeks 7uite enough! + am "onsidering your sisterBs health*F said he*
addressing Susan! FShe re7uires "onstant air and e.er"ise* and ought ne#er to be long
banished from the free air of the "ountry! +f* thereforeF 1turning again to Canny4* Fyou
find yourself growing unwell* and any diffi"ulties arise about your returning* if you
feel yourself at all less strong or "omfortable than usual* and will only let my sister
know it* gi#e her only the slightest hint* she and + will immediately "ome down* and
take you ba"k to 'ansfield! 6ou know the pleasure with whi"h this would be done!F
Canny thanked him* but tried to laugh it off!
F+ am perfe"tly serious*F he replied* Fas you know! -nd + hope you will not
"on"eal any indisposition! +ndeed* so long as you positi#ely say* in e#ery letter to
'ary* B+ am well*B sin"e + know you "annot speak a falsehood* so long only shall you
be "onsidered well!F
Canny thanked him again* but was affe"ted and distressed to a great degree! This
was towards the "lose of their walk! <e left them at the door of their own house!
F+ wish you were not so tired*F said he* detaining Canny after the others were gone
inGF+ wish + left you in stronger health! +s there anything + "an do for you in townE +
ha#e half an idea of going into 0orfolk again soon! + am not satisfied about 'addison!
+ am sure he still means to impose on me if possible! The mis"hief su"h a man does on
an estate* both to the "redit of his employer and the welfare of the poor* is
in"on"ei#able! + ha#e a great mind to go ba"k into 0orfolk dire"tly! Shall + goE Ho
you ad#ise itEF
F+ ad#iseJ 6ou know #ery well what is right!F
F6es! @hen you gi#e me your opinion* + always know what is right!F
F;h* noJ do not say so! @e ha#e all a better guide in oursel#es* if we would attend
to it* than any other person "an be! 9ood)bye5 + wish you a pleasant 8ourney!F
F+s there nothing + "an do for you in LondonEF
F0othing5 + am mu"h obliged to you!F
F<a#e you no message for anybodyEF
F'y lo#e to your sister* if you please5 and when you see my "ousin* my "ousin
Edmund* + wish you would be so good as to say that + suppose + shall soon hear from
him!F
FCertainly5 and if he is laDy or negligent* + will write his e."uses myself!F
<e "ould say no more! <e pressed her hand* looked at her* and was gone!
Could he ha#e suspe"ted how many pri#ations* besides that of e.er"ise* she
endured in her fatherBs house* he would ha#e wondered that her looks were not more
affe"ted! She was so little e7ual to =ebe""aBs puddings and =ebe""aBs hashes* brought
to table* as they all were* with half)"leaned plates* and not e#en half)"leaned kni#es
and forks* that she #ery often deferred her heartiest meal till she "ould send her
brothers in the e#ening for bis"uits and buns! Though Sir Thomas might ha#e thought
his nie"e in the most promising way of being star#ed into #aluing 'r! CrawfordBs
"ompany* he would probably ha#e feared to push his e.periment farther* lest she
might die under the "ure!
Canny was out of spirits all the rest of the day! +t was parting with somebody of
the nature of a friend5 and though* in one light* glad to ha#e him gone* it seemed as if
she was now deserted by e#erybody! +t was a sort of renewed separation from
'ansfield5 and she "ould not think of his being in town with 'ary and Edmund
without feelings so "lose to en#y as made her hate herself for ha#ing them!
<er de8e"tion had no relief from anything around her5 a friend or two of her
fatherBs spent the long* long e#ening there5 and from si. oB"lo"k till half)past nine*
there was little intermission of noise or grog! She was #ery low! The wonderful
impro#ement whi"h she fan"ied in 'r! Crawford was the nearest to "omfort of
anything in her thoughts! 0ot "onsidering how mu"h might be owing to "ontrast* she
was 7uite persuaded of his being astonishingly more gentle and regardful of others
than formerly! -nd* if in little things* must it not be so in greatE So an.ious for her
health and "omfort as he seemed* might she not suppose that he would not mu"h
longer perse#ere in a suit so distressing to herE
C<-(TE= :3
'r! Crawford was tra#elling ba"k to London on the morrow5 and two days afterwards*
Canny read a letter from his sister with an.ious "uriosity:G
F+ ha#e to inform you* my dearest Canny* that <enry has been down to (ortsmouth
to see you5 that he had a delightful walk with you to the do"kyard last Saturday* and
one still more delightful the ne.t day* on the ramparts5 when the balmy air* the
sparkling sea* and your sweet looks and "on#ersation were altogether in the most
deli"ious harmony! This* as + understand* is to be the substan"e of my information! <e
makes me write* but + do not know what else is to be said* e."ept his introdu"tion to
your family* espe"ially to a fair sister of yours* a fine girl of fifteen* who was of the
party on the ramparts* taking her first lesson* + presume* in lo#e! + ha#e not time for
writing mu"h* for this is to be a mere letter of business* penned for the purpose of
"on#eying ne"essary information! 'y dear* dear Canny* if + had you here* how +
would talk to youJ 6ou should listen to me till you were tired* and ad#ise me till you
were still tired more! + ought to ha#e sent you an a""ount of your "ousin 'ariaBs first
party* but + was laDy* and now it is too long ago5 suffi"e it* that e#erything was 8ust as
it ought to be* and that her own dress and manners did her the greatest "redit! 'y
friend* 'rs! Craser* is mad for su"h a house* and it would not make me miserable! + go
to Lady Stornaway after Easter5 she seems in high spirits* and #ery happy! + fan"y
Lord S! is #ery good)humoured in his own family* and + do not think him so #ery ill)
looking as + did! <owe#er* he will not do by the side of your "ousin Edmund! ;f
whom* what shall + sayE +f + a#oided his name* it would look suspi"ious! + will say*
then* that we ha#e seen him two or three times* and that my friends are #ery stru"k
with his gentlemanlike appearan"e! 'rs! Craser 1no bad 8udge4 de"lares she knows but
three men in town who ha#e so good an appearan"e* height* and air5 and + must
"onfess* when he dined here the other day* there were none to "ompare with him!
Lu"kily there is no distin"tion of dress nowadays to tell tales* butGbutGbut 6ours
affe"tionately!F
F+ had almost forgot 1it was EdmundBs fault: he gets into my head more than does
me good4 one thing + had to say from <enry and myselfG+ mean about our taking you
ba"k into 0orthamptonshire! 'y dear little "reature* do not stay at (ortsmouth to lose
your pretty looks! Those #ile sea)breeDes are the ruin of beauty and health! + am at
your ser#i"e and <enryBs* at an hourBs noti"e! @e would show you E#eringham on our
way* and perhaps you would not mind passing through London* and seeing the inside
of St! 9eorgeBs "hur"h on <ano#er S7uare! ;nly keep your "ousin Edmund from me
at su"h a time: + should not like to be tempted! @hat a long letterJ one word more!
<enry* + find* has some idea of going into 0orfolk again upon some business that you
appro#e5 but he "annot be spared till after the 1:th* for we ha#e a party that e#ening!
The #alue of a man like <enry* on su"h an o""asion* is immense! <e will see the
=ushworths* whi"h + own + am not sorry forGha#ing a little "uriosity* and so + think
has heGthough he will not a"knowledge it!F
This was a letter to be run through eagerly* to supply matter for mu"h refle"tion*
and to lea#e e#erything in greater suspense than e#er! The only "ertainty to be drawn
from it was that nothing de"isi#e had yet taken pla"e! Edmund had not yet spoken!
<ow 'iss Crawford really felt* how she meant to a"t5 whether his importan"e to
her were 7uite what it had been before* and whether* if lessened* it were likely to
re"o#er* were sub8e"ts for endless "on8e"ture* and to be thought of for many days to
"ome* without produ"ing any "on"lusion! The idea that returned the oftenest was that
'iss Crawford* though "ooled by a return to London habits* would yet pro#e in the
end too mu"h atta"hed to him to gi#e him up! She would hesitate* she would tease*
she would "ondition* she would re7uire a great deal* but she would finally a""ept!
This was CannyBs most fre7uent e.pe"tation! - house in townGthat must be
impossible! 6et there was no saying what 'iss Crawford might not ask! The prospe"t
for her "ousin grew worse and worse! To speak only of his appearan"eJ To be deri#ing
support from the "ommendations of 'rs! CraserJ She who had known him intimately
half a yearJ Canny was ashamed of her!
Those parts of the letter whi"h related to 'r! Crawford and herself tou"hed her* in
"omparison* only slightly! @hether 'r! Crawford went into 0orfolk before or after
the 1:th was no "on"ern of hers! That 'iss Crawford should try to arrange a meeting
between him and 'rs! =ushworth was grossly unkind and ill)8udged5 but she hoped
he would not feel su"h degrading "uriosity! <is sister ought to ha#e gi#en him "redit
for better feelings than her own!
She was yet more impatient for another letter from town after re"ei#ing this5 and
for a few days was so unsettled altogether that her usual readings with Susan were
mu"h suspended! She "ould not "ommand her attention as she wished! +f 'r!
Crawford remembered her message to her "ousin Edmund* she thought it #ery likely
that he would write to her5 and till this idea gradually wore off* by no letters appearing
in the "ourse of se#eral days* she was in a most restless* an.ious state!
-t length* a something like "omposure su""eeded! Suspense must be submitted to*
and must not make her useless! Time did something* her own e.ertions something
more* and she resumed her attentions to Susan!
Susan was growing #ery fond of her* and though without any of Canny/s delight in
books and information for information/s sake* she had so strong a desire of not
appearing ignorant* as* with a good "lear understanding* made her an attenti#e pupil!
Canny was her ora"le! CannyBs e.planations were a most important addition to e#ery
"hapter of history!
Their "on#ersations* howe#er* were not always on sub8e"ts so high! ;f lesser
matters* none returned so often as 'ansfield (ark* a des"ription of its people* its
manners* and its ways! Susan was eager to hear* and Canny "ould not help indulging
herself in dwelling on so belo#ed a theme! She hoped it was not wrong5 though
SusanBs great admiration of e#erything said or done in her un"leBs house* and earnest
longing to go into 0orthamptonshire* made her fear she was "reating feelings whi"h
"ould not be gratified!
(oor Susan was #ery little better fitted for home than her elder sister5 and as
Canny grew to understand this* she began to feel that when her own release from
(ortsmouth "ame* her happiness would ha#e a drawba"k in lea#ing Susan behind!
That Susan should be left in su"h hands* distressed her more and more! +f she had a
home to in#ite her to* what a blessing it would beJ -nd had it been possible for her to
return 'r! CrawfordBs regard* his probable assent to su"h a measure would ha#e been
the greatest in"rease of all her own "omforts! She thought he was really good)
tempered* and "ould fan"y his entering into a plan of that sort most pleasantly!
C<-(TE= ::
Se#en weeks of the two months were gone* when the letter* the letter from Edmund*
so long e.pe"ted* was put into CannyBs hands! -s she saw its length* she prepared
herself for a minute detail of happiness and a profusion of praise towards his future
wife! These were the "ontentsG
F'y Hear Canny*GE."use my not writing before! Crawford told me that you
wished to hear from me* but + found it impossible to write from London* and
persuaded myself that you would understand my silen"e! Could + ha#e sent a few
happy lines* + should ha#e done so* but nothing of that nature was e#er in my power! +
am returned to 'ansfield in a less assured state than when + left it! 'y hopes are
mu"h weaker! 6ou are probably aware of this already from your friend! + may tell you
myself* howe#er! ;ur "onfiden"es in you need not "lash! There is something soothing
in the idea that we ha#e the same friend* and that whate#er unhappy differen"es of
opinion may e.ist between us* we are united in our lo#e of you! +t will be a "omfort to
me to tell you how things now are!
F+ was three weeks in London* and saw her #ery often! + dare say + was not
reasonable in bringing hopes of an intima"y like that of 'ansfield! Crom the #ery first
she was altered: my re"eption was so unlike what + had hoped* that + almost resol#ed
on lea#ing London again dire"tly! She was in high spirits* and surrounded by those
who were gi#ing the support of their own bad sense to her too li#ely mind! + do not
like 'rs! Craser! She is a "old)hearted* #ain woman* who has married entirely from
"on#enien"e* and though e#idently unhappy in her marriage* blames her
disappointment not on faults of 8udgment or temper* but to her being less affluent than
her sister* Lady Stornaway5 she is mer"enary and ambitious! + look upon 'iss
Crawford/s intima"y with those two sisters as the greatest misfortune of her life and
mine! They ha#e been leading her astray for years! +f only she "ould be deta"hed from
themJGand sometimes + do not despair of it* for the affe"tion appears to me
prin"ipally on their side! + am sure she does not lo#e them as she lo#es you! @hen +
think of her great atta"hment to you* indeed* and her "ondu"t as a sister* she appears a
#ery different "reature* "apable of e#erything noble* and + am ready to blame myself
for a too harsh "onstru"tion of her playful manner! + "annot gi#e her up* Canny! She is
the only woman in the world whom + "ould e#er think of as a wife! +f + did not belie#e
that she had regard for me* of "ourse + should not say this* but + do belie#e it! + am
"on#in"ed that she is not without a de"ided preferen"e! + ha#e no 8ealousy of any
indi#idual! +t is the influen"e of the fashionable world that + am 8ealous of! +t is the
habits of wealth that + fear! <er ideas are not higher than her own fortune may
warrant* but they are beyond what our in"omes united "ould authorise! There is
"omfort* howe#er* e#en here! + "ould better bear to lose her be"ause not ri"h enough*
than be"ause of my profession! <er pre8udi"es* + trust* are not so strong as they were!
6ou ha#e my thoughts e.a"tly as they arise* my dear Canny5 perhaps they are
sometimes "ontradi"tory* but it will not be a less faithful pi"ture of my mind! <a#ing
on"e begun* it is a pleasure to me to tell you all + feel! + "annot gi#e her up! Conne"ted
as we already are* and* + hope* are to be* to gi#e up 'ary Crawford would be to gi#e
up the so"iety of some of those most dear to me5 to banish myself from the #ery
houses and friends whom* under any other distress* + should turn to for "onsolation!
The loss of 'ary must in"lude the loss of Crawford and of Canny! @ere it an a"tual
refusal* + hope + should know how to bear it* and how to endea#our to weaken her
hold on my heart* and in the "ourse of a few yearsGbut + am writing nonsense! @ere +
refused* + must bear it5 and till + am* + "an ne#er "ease to try for her! This is the truth!
The only 7uestion is howE + ha#e sometimes thought of going to London again after
Easter* and sometimes resol#ed on doing nothing till she returns to 'ansfield! E#en
now* she speaks with pleasure of being in 'ansfield in ,une5 but ,une is at a great
distan"e* and + belie#e + shall write to her! 'y present state is miserably irksome!
Considering e#erything* + think a letter will be best! + shall be able to write mu"h that
+ "ould not say* and shall be gi#ing her time to refle"t before she answers* and + am
less afraid of the result of refle"tion than of an immediate hasty impulse5 + think + am!
'y greatest danger would lie in her "onsulting 'rs! Craser! @here the mind is short
of perfe"t de"ision* an ad#iser may* in an unlu"ky moment* lead it to do what it may
afterwards regret! + must think this matter o#er!
FThis long letter* full of my own "on"erns* will be enough to tire e#en the
friendship of a Canny! The last time + saw Crawford was at 'rs! CraserBs party! + am
more and more satisfied with all that + see and hear of him! There is not a shadow of
wa#ering! <e thoroughly knows his own mind* and a"ts up to his resolutions! + "ould
not see him and my eldest sister in the same room without re"olle"ting what you on"e
told me* and + a"knowledge that they did not meet as friends! There was marked
"oolness on her side! They s"ar"ely spoke! + saw him draw ba"k surprised* and + was
sorry that 'rs! =ushworth should resent any former supposed slight to 'iss Aertram!
6ou will wish to hear my opinion of 'ariaBs degree of "omfort as a wife! There is no
appearan"e of unhappiness! + hope they get on pretty well together! + dined twi"e in
@impole Street* and might ha#e been there oftener* but it is mortifying to be with
=ushworth as a brother! ,ulia seems to en8oy London e."eedingly! + had little
en8oyment there* but ha#e less here! @e are not a li#ely party! 6ou are #ery mu"h
wanted! + miss you more than + "an e.press! 'y mother desires her best lo#e* and
hopes to hear from you soon! She talks of you e#ery hour* and + am sorry to find how
many weeks more she is likely to be without you! 'y father means to fet"h you
himself* but it will not be till after Easter! 6ou are happy at (ortsmouth* + hope* but +
want you at home* that + may ha#e your opinion about Thornton La"ey! + ha#e little
heart for e.tensi#e impro#ements till + know that it will e#er ha#e a mistress! + think +
shall "ertainly write!G6ours e#er* my dearest Canny!F
F+ ne#er will* no* + "ertainly ne#er will wish for a letter again*F was CannyBs
de"laration as she finished this! F@hat do they bring but disappointment and sorrowE
0ot till after EasterJ <ow shall + bear itE -nd my poor aunt talking of me e#ery hourJF
Canny "he"ked these thoughts as well as she "ould* but she almost "onsidered that
Sir Thomas was 7uite unkind* both to her aunt and to herself! -s for the main sub8e"t
of the letter* she was almost #e.ed into anger against Edmund! FThere is no good in
this delay*F said she! F@hy is not it settledE <e is blinded* and nothing will open his
eyes! <e will marry her* and be poor and miserable!F She looked o#er the letter again!
FBSo #ery fond of meJB Btis nonsense all! She lo#es nobody but herself and her brother!
<er friends leading her astray for yearsJ She is 7uite as likely to ha#e led them astray!
They ha#e all* perhaps* been "orrupting one another! BThe only woman in the world
whom he "ould e#er think of as a wife!B + firmly belie#e it! +t is an atta"hment to
go#ern his whole life! -""epted or refused* his heart is wedded to her for e#er! BThe
loss of 'ary must in"lude the loss of Crawford and of Canny!B Edmund* you do not
know me! The families would ne#er be "onne"ted if you did not "onne"t themJ ;hJ
write* write! Cinish it at on"e! Let there be an end of this suspense! Ci.* "ommit*
"ondemn yourself!F
Su"h sensations* howe#er* were too "lose to resentment to last long! She was soon
more softened and sorrowful! <is warm regard* his "onfidential treatment* tou"hed
her strongly! <e was only too good to e#erybody! +t was a letter* in short* whi"h she
would not but ha#e had for the world* and whi"h "ould ne#er be #alued enough! This
was the end of it!
- few days after re"ei#ing EdmundBs letter* Canny had one from her aunt*
beginning thusG
F'y Hear Canny*G+ take up my pen to "ommuni"ate some #ery alarming
intelligen"e* whi"h + make no doubt will gi#e you mu"h "on"ernF!
The intelligen"e was no less than the dangerous illness of her eldest son* of whi"h
they had re"ei#ed news a few hours before!
Tom had gone from London with a party of young men to 0ewmarket* where a
negle"ted fall and a good deal of drinking had brought on a fe#er5 and when the party
broke up* he had been left by himself at the house of one of these young men* with the
attendan"e only of ser#ants! +nstead of being soon well enough to follow his friends*
as he had hoped* his disorder in"reased* and a letter was despat"hed to 'ansfield!
FThis distressing intelligen"e* as you may suppose*F obser#ed her ladyship* Fhas
agitated us e."eedingly* and we "annot pre#ent oursel#es from being greatly alarmed
for the poor in#alid* whose state Sir Thomas fears may be #ery "riti"al5 and Edmund
kindly proposes attending his brother immediately* but + am happy to add that Sir
Thomas will not lea#e me on this distressing o""asion* as it would be too trying for
me! + trust and hope Edmund will find the poor in#alid in a less alarming state than
might be apprehended* and that he will be able to bring him to 'ansfield shortly*
whi"h Sir Thomas thinks best on e#ery a""ount* and + flatter myself the poor sufferer
will soon be able to bear the remo#al without material in8ury! -s + ha#e little doubt of
your feeling for us* my dear Canny* + will write again #ery soon!F
CannyBs feelings on the o""asion were indeed "onsiderably more warm and
genuine than her auntBs style of writing! She felt truly for them all! Tom dangerously
ill* Edmund gone to attend him* and the sad party remaining at 'ansfield* were "ares
to shut out almost e#ery other "are! She "ould 8ust find selfishness enough to wonder
whether Edmund had written to 'iss Crawford before this summons "ame* but that
sentiment did not dwell long!
<er aunt wrote again and again5 they were re"ei#ing fre7uent a""ounts from
Edmund* and these a""ounts were as regularly transmitted to Canny* in the same
diffuse style* and the same medley of trusts and hopes and fears! +t was a sort of
playing at being frightened! The sufferings whi"h Lady Aertram did not see had little
power o#er her fan"y5 and she wrote #ery "omfortably about poor in#alids* till Tom
was a"tually "on#eyed to 'ansfield* and her own eyes beheld his altered appearan"e!
Then a letter whi"h she had started to Canny was finished in a different style* in the
language of real feeling and alarm5 then she wrote as she might ha#e spoken!
F<e is 8ust "ome* my dear Canny* and is taken upstairs5 and + am so sho"ked to see
him* that + do not know what to do! + am sure he has been #ery ill! (oor TomJ + am
7uite grie#ed for him* and #ery mu"h frightened* and so is Sir Thomas5 and how glad
+ should be if you were here to "omfort me! Aut Sir Thomas hopes he will be better
to)morrow* and says we must "onsider his 8ourney!F
This real soli"itude was not soon o#er! TomBs impatien"e to be remo#ed to
'ansfield had probably led to his being brought there too early5 a return of fe#er
"ame on* and for a week he was in a more alarming state than e#er! They were all #ery
seriously frightened! Lady Aertram wrote her daily terrors to her nie"e* who might
now be said to li#e upon letters! @ithout any parti"ular affe"tion for her eldest "ousin*
her tenderness of heart made her feel that she "ould not spare him* and the purity of
her prin"iples added yet a keener soli"itude* when she "onsidered how little useful his
life had 1apparently4 been!
Susan was her only listener on this* as on other o""asions! Susan was always ready
to hear and to sympathise! 0obody else "ould be interested in so remote an e#il as
illness an hundred miles off5 not e#en 'rs! (ri"e* beyond a brief 7uestion or two* and
now and then the 7uiet obser#ation of* F'y poor sister Aertram must be in a great
deal of trouble!F So long di#ided and so differently situated* the ties of blood were
little more than nothing!
C<-(TE= :>
-bout a week after his return to 'ansfield* TomBs immediate danger was o#er* and he
was so far pronoun"ed safe as to make his mother perfe"tly easy5 for Lady Aertram
was the happiest sub8e"t in the world for a little medi"al de"eit! The fe#er was
subdued5 of "ourse he would soon be well again! Lady Aertram "ould think nothing
less* and Canny shared her auntBs se"urity* till she re"ei#ed a few lines from Edmund*
written to gi#e her a "learer idea of his brotherBs situation* and a"7uaint her with the
worries whi"h he and his father had imbibed from the physi"ian! They 8udged it best
that Lady Aertram should not be harassed by alarms whi"h* it was to be hoped* would
pro#e unfounded5 but there was no reason why Canny should not know the truth! They
were apprehensi#e for his lungs!
- #ery few lines from Edmund showed her the patient in a "learer light than all
Lady AertramBs sheets of paper "ould do! Edmund was the "ompanion he preferred!
<is aunt worried him by her "ares* and Sir Thomas knew not how to bring down his
"on#ersation to the le#el of irritation and feebleness! Edmund was all in all! Canny
"ertainly belie#ed him so* and must find that she esteemed him more highly than e#er
when he appeared as the "heerer of a suffering brother! -s she now learnt* Tom/s
ner#es were also mu"h affe"ted5 there were spirits mu"h depressed to "alm and raise*
and her own imagination added that there must be a mind to be properly guided!
The family were not "onsumpti#e* and she was in"lined to hope* e."ept when she
thought of 'iss Crawford5 but 'iss Crawford seemed to be the "hild of good lu"k*
and to her selfishness and #anity it would be good lu"k to ha#e Edmund the only son!
E#en in the si"k "hamber 'ary was not forgotten! EdmundBs letter had this
posts"ript! F+ had a"tually begun a letter to 'iss Crawford when "alled away by TomBs
illness* but + ha#e now "hanged my mind* and fear the influen"e of her friends! @hen
Tom is better* + shall go!F
Su"h was the state of 'ansfield* with s"ar"ely any "hange* till Easter! TomBs
amendment was alarmingly slow!
Easter "ame late this year* as Canny had most sorrowfully "onsidered* on learning
that she had no "han"e of lea#ing (ortsmouth till after it! +t "ame* and she had still
heard nothing of her return! <er aunt often e.pressed a wish for her* but there was no
message from the un"le on whom all depended! She supposed he "ould not yet lea#e
his son* but it was a "ruel delay! The end of -pril was "oming5 it would soon be
almost three months that she had been absent from them all5 and who "ould say when
there might be leisure to think of or to fet"h herE
Aefore she "ame to (ortsmouth* she had lo#ed to "all it her home5 the word was
still dear to her* but it must be applied to 'ansfield! (ortsmouth was (ortsmouth5
'ansfield was home! 0othing was more "onsoling than to find her aunt using the
same language: F+ #ery mu"h regret your being from home at this distressing time! +
sin"erely wish you may ne#er be absent from home so long again*F were most
delightful senten"es to her!
<owe#er* deli"a"y to her parents made Canny "areful not to betray su"h a
preferen"e of her un"leBs house! +t was always: F@hen + return to 'ansfield!F Aut at
last the longing grew stronger* it o#erthrew "aution* and she found herself talking of
what she should do when she went home! She "oloured* and looked fearfully towards
her father and mother! She need not ha#e been uneasy! There was no sign of
displeasure* or e#en of hearing her! They were perfe"tly free from any 8ealousy of
'ansfield!
Canny was sad to lose the pleasures of spring from being in town! She had not
known before how mu"h the beginnings and progress of #egetation had delighted her:
what en8oyment she had deri#ed from wat"hing the in"reasing beauties of that season*
from the earliest flowers in her auntBs garden* to the opening of lea#es in her un"leBs
plantations* and the glory of his woods! To lose su"h pleasures was no trifle5 to ha#e
"onfinement* bad air* bad smells* substituted for liberty* freshness* and #erdure* was
infinitely worse: but worst of all was the "on#i"tion of being missed by her best
friends* and the longing to be useful to those who needed herJ
-t home* she might ha#e been of use to e#ery "reature in the house! To all she
must ha#e sa#ed some trouble5 and were it only in supporting the spirits of her aunt
Aertram* keeping her from the e#il of solitude* or the greater e#il of a restless*
offi"ious sister* too apt to heighten danger in order to enhan"e her own importan"e*
Canny/s being there would ha#e been a general good! She lo#ed to fan"y how she
"ould ha#e read to her aunt* and talked to her* and tried to make her feel the blessing
of what was* and prepare her mind for what might be5 and how many walks up and
down stairs she might ha#e sa#ed her* and how many messages she might ha#e
"arried!
+t astonished her that TomBs sisters "ould be satisfied with remaining in London*
through an illness whi"h had now lasted se#eral weeks! They might return to
'ansfield when they "hose5 tra#elling "ould be no diffi"ulty to them! E#en if 'rs!
=ushworth "ould imagine any interfering obligations* ,ulia was "ertainly able to 7uit
London whene#er she "hose! +t appeared from one of her auntBs letters that ,ulia had
offered to return if wanted* but this was all! She would rather remain where she was!
Canny thought the influen"e of London was at war with all respe"table
atta"hments! -s well as her "ousins* she saw proof of it in 'iss Crawford! +t was so
long sin"e Canny had had any letter from her* that she had reason to think lightly of
the friendship whi"h had been so dwelt on! +t was weeks sin"e she had heard anything
of 'iss Crawford or of her other "onne.ions in town* e."ept through 'ansfield* and
she was beginning to suppose that she might ne#er hear from her any more this
spring* when the following letter was re"ei#ed to re#i#e old and "reate some new
sensationsG
FCorgi#e me* my dear Canny* as soon as you "an* for my long silen"e! 6ou are so
good* that + depend upon being treated better than + deser#e* and + write now to beg an
immediate answer! + want to know the state of things at 'ansfield (ark! ;ne should
be a brute not to feel for their distress5 and from what + hear* poor 'r! Aertram has a
bad "han"e of re"o#ery! + thought little of his illness at first! + looked upon him as the
sort of person to make a fuss in any trifling disorder* and was "hiefly "on"erned for
those who had to nurse him5 but now it seems that he is really in a de"line* that the
symptoms are most alarming* and that part of the family* at least* are aware of it! + am
sure you must be in"luded in that part* and therefore entreat you to let me know how
far + ha#e been rightly informed! + shall be re8oi"ed to hear there has been any
mistake* but the report is so pre#alent that + "onfess + "annot help trembling! To ha#e
su"h a fine young man "ut off in the flower of his days is most melan"holy! (oor Sir
Thomas will feel it dreadfully! + really am 7uite agitated on the sub8e"t! Canny* Canny*
+ see you smile and look "unning* but* upon my honour* + ne#er bribed a physi"ian in
my life! (oor young manJ +f he is to die* there will be two poor young men less in the
world5 and with a bold #oi"e + would say that wealth and "onse7uen"e "ould fall into
no hands more deser#ing of them! +t was a foolish haste last Christmas* but the e#il of
a few days may be blotted out in part! Iarnish and gilding hide many stains! +t will be
but the loss of the Es7uire after his name! @ith real affe"tion* Canny* more might be
o#erlooked! @rite to me by return of post* 8udge of my an.iety* and do not trifle with
it! Tell me the real truth! -nd do not be ashamed of either my feelings or your own!
Aelie#e me* they are not only natural* they are philanthropi" and #irtuous! + put it to
your "ons"ien"e* whether BSir EdmundB would not do more good with all the Aertram
property than any other possible BSir!B 6ou are now the only one + "an apply to for the
truth* his sisters not being within my rea"h! 'rs! =! has been spending the Easter with
the -ylmers at Twi"kenham* and is not yet returned5 and ,ulia is with the "ousins who
li#e near Aedford S7uare! Could + apply to either* howe#er* + should still prefer you*
be"ause they ha#e been so unwilling to ha#e their amusements "ut up* as to shut their
eyes to the truth! + suppose 'rs! =!Bs Easter holidays will not last mu"h longer5 with
her husband away* she "an ha#e nothing but en8oyment! + gi#e her "redit for
en"ouraging him to go dutifully down to Aath* to fet"h his mother5 but how will she
and the dowager agree in one houseE <enry is not at hand* so + ha#e nothing to say
from him! Ho not you think Edmund would ha#e been in town again long ago* but for
this illnessEG6ours e#er* 'ary!F
F+ had a"tually begun folding my letter when <enry walked in* but he brings no
news to pre#ent my sending it! 'rs! =! knows a de"line is feared5 he saw her this
morning: she returns to @impole Street to)day5 the old lady* 'r! =ushworth/s mother*
is "ome! 0ow do not make yourself uneasy with any 7ueer fan"ies be"ause <enry has
been spending a few days near Twi"kenham! <e does it e#ery spring! Ae assured he
"ares for nobody but you! -t this #ery moment he is wild to see you* and o""upied
only in "ontri#ing the means for doing so! <e repeats* more eagerly* what he said at
(ortsmouth about our "on#eying you home* and + 8oin him in it with all my soul! Hear
Canny* write dire"tly* and tell us to "ome! +t will do us all good! <e and + "an go to the
(arsonage* you know* and be no trouble to our friends at 'ansfield (ark! +t would
really be gratifying to see them all again* and a little addition of so"iety might benefit
them5 and as to yourself* you must feel yourself so wanted there* that you "annot in
"ons"ien"e keep away* when you ha#e the means of returning! + ha#e not time to gi#e
half <enryBs messages5 be satisfied that the spirit of ea"h one is unalterable affe"tion!F
CannyBs disgust at the greater part of this letter* with her e.treme relu"tan"e to
bring the writer of it and her "ousin Edmund together* would ha#e made her in"apable
of 8udging impartially whether the "on"luding offer should be a""epted or not! +t was
most tempting! To find herself transported to 'ansfield was an image of the greatest
happiness* but it would be a drawba"k to owe su"h feli"ity to persons in whose
feelings and "ondu"t she saw so mu"h to "ondemn: the sisterBs feelings* the brotherBs
"ondu"t* her "old)hearted ambition* his thoughtless #anity! To ha#e him still the
a"7uaintan"e* the flirt perhaps* of 'rs! =ushworthJ She was mortified! She had
thought better of him!
<appily* howe#er* she was not left to weigh between doubtful notions of right!
She had a rule to apply to* whi"h settled e#erything! <er awe of her un"le* and her
dread of taking a liberty with him* made it plain to her what she had to do! She must
absolutely de"line the proposal! +f he wanted* he would send for her5 and to offer an
early return was a presumption! She thanked 'iss Crawford* but ga#e a de"ided no!
F<er un"le* she understood* meant to fet"h her5 and as her "ousinBs illness had
"ontinued so many weeks without her being thought ne"essary* she must suppose her
return would be unwel"ome at present* and that she should be felt an en"umbran"e!F
<er representation of her "ousinBs state was a""ording to her own belief of it* and
su"h as she supposed would gi#e 'iss Crawford the hope of e#erything she was
wishing for! Edmund would be forgi#en for being a "lergyman* it seemed* under
"ertain "onditions of wealth5 and this* she suspe"ted* was all the "on7uest of pre8udi"e
whi"h he was so ready to "ongratulate himself upon! She had only learnt to think
nothing of "onse7uen"e but money!
C<-(TE= :?
-s Canny "ould not doubt that her answer would gi#e 'iss Crawford real
disappointment* she rather e.pe"ted to be urged again5 and though no se"ond letter
arri#ed for a week* she had still the same feeling when it did "ome!
;n re"ei#ing it* she was instantly persuaded of its ha#ing the air of a brief letter of
haste and business! +n all probability it would be merely to gi#e her noti"e that they
should be in (ortsmouth that #ery day* and to throw her into all the agitation of
doubting what she ought to do! This was the letterG
F- most s"andalous* ill)natured rumour has 8ust rea"hed me* and + write* dear
Canny* to warn you against gi#ing the least "redit to it! Hepend upon it* there is some
mistake* and a day or two will "lear it up5 <enry is blameless* and in spite of a
momentBs rashness* thinks of nobody but you! Say not a word of it5 hear nothing*
surmise nothing* whisper nothing till + write again! + am sure it will be all hushed up*
and nothing pro#ed but =ushworthBs folly! +f they are gone* + would lay my life they
are only gone to 'ansfield (ark* and ,ulia with them! Aut why would not you let us
"ome for youE + wish you may not repent it!G6ours* et"!F
Canny stood aghast! -s no s"andalous* ill)natured rumour had rea"hed her* it was
impossible for her to understand mu"h of this strange letter! She "ould only per"ei#e
that it must relate to @impole Street and 'r! Crawford* and only "on8e"ture that
something #ery imprudent had 8ust o""urred in that 7uarter to draw the noti"e of the
world* and to e."ite her 8ealousy* in 'iss CrawfordBs apprehension!
'iss Crawford need not be alarmed for her! She was only sorry for the parties
"on"erned and for 'ansfield* if the report should spread that far5 but she hoped it
might not! +f the =ushworths were gone to 'ansfield* as she gathered from 'iss
Crawford/s words* it was not likely that anything unpleasant should ha#e pre"eded
them!
-s to 'r! Crawford* she hoped it might gi#e him a knowledge of his own
disposition* "on#in"e him that he was not "apable of being steadily atta"hed to any
one woman in the world* and shame him from persisting any longer in addressing
herself!
+t was #ery strangeJ She had begun to think he really lo#ed her* and to fan"y his
affe"tion for her something more than "ommon5 and his sister still said that he "ared
for nobody else! 6et there must ha#e been some marked display of attentions to her
"ousin* some strong indis"retion* sin"e her "orrespondent was not of a sort to regard a
slight one!
Iery un"omfortable she was* and must "ontinue* till she heard from 'iss
Crawford again! +t was impossible to banish the letter from her thoughts* and she
"ould not speak of it to anyone!
The ne.t day "ame and brought no se"ond letter! Canny was disappointed! She
"ould still think of little else all morning5 but* when her father "ame ba"k in the
afternoon with the newspaper as usual* she was deep in musing! The remembran"e of
her first e#ening in that room* of her father and his newspaper* "ame a"ross her! She
felt that she had* indeed* been three months there5 and the sunBs rays falling strongly
into the parlour made her still more melan"holy* for sunshine appeared to her a totally
different thing in a town from in the "ountry! <ere* its power was only a glare: a
stifling* si"kly glare* bringing neither health nor gaiety! She sat in a blaDe of
oppressi#e heat* in a "loud of mo#ing dust* and her eyes "ould only wander from the
table "ut and not"hed by her brothers* to the "ups and sau"ers wiped in streaks* the
milk a mi.ture of motes floating in thin blue* and the bread and butter growing e#ery
minute more greasy than e#en =ebe""aBs hands had first produ"ed it! <er father read
his newspaper* and Canny was first roused by his "alling out to her: F@hatBs the name
of your great "ousins in town* CanEF
F=ushworth* sir!F
F-nd donBt they li#e in @impole StreetEF
F6es* sir!F
FThen* thereBs the de#il to pay among them* thatBs allJ ThereF 1holding out the
paper to her45 Fmu"h good may su"h fine relations do you! + donBt know what Sir
Thomas may think of su"h matters5 but* by 9GJ if she belonged to me* +Bd gi#e her
the ropeBs end! - little flogging for man and woman too would be the best way of
pre#enting su"h things!F
Canny read to herself that Fit was with infinite "on"ern the newspaper had to
announ"e a matrimonial fra"as in the family of 'r! =! of @impole Street5 the
beautiful 'rs! =!* not long married* who had promised to be"ome so brilliant a leader
in the fashionable world* ha#ing 7uitted her husbandBs roof in "ompany with the well)
known and "apti#ating 'r! C!* the intimate friend of 'r! =!* and it was not known
e#en to the editor of the newspaper whither they were gone!F
F+t is a mistake* sir*F said Canny instantly5 Fit "annot be true5 it must mean some
other people!F
She spoke from the instin"ti#e wish of delaying shame5 she spoke with a
resolution whi"h sprung from despair* for she spoke what she "ould not belie#e
herself! +t had been the sho"k of "on#i"tion as she read! The truth rushed on her5 and
how she "ould ha#e spoken at all was afterwards a matter of wonder!
'r! (ri"e "ared too little to make mu"h answer! F+t might be all a lie* but so many
fine ladies were going to the de#il nowadays* that there was no answering for
anybody!F
F+ndeed* + hope it is not true*F said 'rs! (ri"e plainti#ely5 Fit would be so #ery
sho"kingJ +f + ha#e spoken on"e to =ebe""a about that "arpet* + am sure + ha#e spoke
at least a doDen times5 ha#e not +* AetseyE +t would not be ten minutesB work!F
The horror of CannyBs mind* as it re"ei#ed the "on#i"tion of su"h guilt* and began
to take in the misery that must follow* "an hardly be des"ribed! -t first* it was a sort of
stupefa"tion5 but e#ery moment was 7ui"kening her per"eption of the horrible e#il!
She dared not hope of the paragraph being false! 'iss CrawfordBs letter was in
frightful agreement with it! <er eager defen"e of her brother* her hope of its being
hushed up* her e#ident agitation* were all of a pie"e with something #ery bad5 and if
there was a woman of "hara"ter in e.isten"e* who "ould treat as a trifle this sin of the
first magnitude* who would try to gloss it o#er* she "ould belie#e 'iss Crawford to be
the womanJ 0ow she "ould see her own mistake as to who were gone! +t was not 'r!
and 'rs! =ushworth5 it was 'rs! =ushworth and 'r! Crawford!
Canny felt herself ne#er to ha#e been sho"ked before! The e#ening passed without
a pause of misery* the night was totally sleepless! She passed only from feelings of
si"kness to shudderings of horror! The e#ent was so sho"king* that there were
moments e#en when her heart re#olted from it as impossible: it "ould not be! -
woman married only si. months ago5 a man professing himself de#oted to another5
both families "onne"ted as they were by tie upon tie5 all friends* all intimate togetherJ
+t was too horrible a "onfusion of guilt* too gross a "ompli"ation of e#il* for "i#iliDed
human nature to be "apable ofJ yet her 8udgment told her it was so! <is unsettled
affe"tions* 'ariaBs de"ided atta"hment* and no suffi"ient prin"iple on either side* ga#e
it possibility: 'iss CrawfordBs letter stamped it a fa"t!
@hat would be the "onse7uen"eE @hom would it not in8ureE @hose pea"e would
it not "ut up for e#erE 'iss Crawford* herself* Edmund5 but it was dangerous*
perhaps* to tread su"h ground! She tried to "onfine herself to the indubitable family
misery whi"h must en#elop all! The motherBs sufferings* the fatherBs5 there she paused!
,uliaBs* TomBs* EdmundBs5 there a yet longer pause! They were the two on whom it
would fall most horribly! Sir ThomasBs high sense of honour and de"orum* EdmundBs
upright prin"iples* unsuspi"ious temper* and genuine strength of feeling* made her
think it s"ar"ely possible for them to support life and reason under su"h disgra"e! She
felt as if the greatest blessing for e#eryone related to 'rs! =ushworth would be instant
annihilation!
0othing happened the ne.t day* or the ne.t* to weaken her terrors! Two posts "ame
in* and brought no denial* no se"ond letter from 'iss Crawford to e.plain away the
first5 there was no news from 'ansfield* though it was now full time for her to hear
again from her aunt! This was an e#il omen! She had* indeed* s"ar"ely the shadow of a
hope to soothe her mind* and was redu"ed to so low and trembling a "ondition* as no
mother e."ept 'rs! (ri"e "ould ha#e o#erlooked* when the third day did bring the
si"kening kno"k* and a letter was put into her hands! +t bore the London postmark* and
"ame from Edmund!
FHear Canny*G6ou know our present wret"hedness! 'ay 9od support you under
your shareJ @e ha#e been in London two days* but there is nothing to be done! They
"annot be tra"ed! 6ou may not ha#e heard of the last blowG,uliaBs elopement5 she is
gone to S"otland with 6ates! She left London a few hours before we entered it! -t any
other time this would ha#e been felt dreadfully! 0ow it seems nothing5 yet it is an
hea#y aggra#ation! 'y father is not o#erpowered! 'ore "annot be hoped! <e is still
able to think and a"t5 and + write* by his desire* to propose your returning home! <e is
an.ious to get you there for my motherBs sake! + shall be at (ortsmouth the morning
after you re"ei#e this* and hope to find you ready to set off for 'ansfield! 'y father
wishes you to in#ite Susan to go with you for a few months! Settle it as you like5 + am
sure you will feel his kindness at su"h a momentJ Ho 8usti"e to his meaning* howe#er
+ may "onfuse it! 6ou may imagine something of my present state! There is no end of
the e#il let loose upon us! 6ou will see me early by the mail!G6ours* et"!F
TomorrowJ to lea#e (ortsmouth tomorrowJ She felt she was in the greatest danger
of being e.7uisitely happy* while so many were miserable! The e#il whi"h brought
su"h good to herJ She dreaded lest she should learn to be "areless of it! To be going so
soon* sent for so kindly* and with permission to take Susan* was altogether su"h a
"ombination of blessings as set her heart in a glow* and for a time seemed to distan"e
e#ery pain* and make her in"apable of sharing the distress e#en of those she thought
of most! ,uliaBs elopement "ould affe"t her but little5 she was amaDed and sho"ked5 but
it "ould not dwell on her mind! She a"knowledged it to be grie#ous* but it almost
es"aped her* in the midst of all the 8oyful "ares attending this summons!
There is nothing like employment for relie#ing sorrow! Employment* e#en
melan"holy* may dispel melan"holy* and her o""upations were hopeful! She had so
mu"h to do that she had not time to be miserable! <er father and mother must be
spoken to* Susan prepared* e#erything got ready! Ausiness followed business5 the day
was hardly long enough! The happiness she was imparting* too*Gthe 8oyful "onsent
of her father and mother to SusanBs going with her* and the e"stasy of Susan herself*
were all ser#ing to support her spirits!
The affli"tion of the Aertrams was little felt in the family! 'rs! (ri"e talked of her
poor sister for a few minutes* but how to find anything to hold SusanBs "lothes was
mu"h more in her thoughts: and as for Susan* now une.pe"tedly gratified in the first
wish of her heart* and knowing nothing personally of those who had sinned* or who
were sorrowingGif she "ould help re8oi"ing from beginning to end* it was as mu"h as
ought to be e.pe"ted from human #irtue at fourteen!
E#erything was duly a""omplished* and the girls were ready for the morrow! They
slept little: one was all happiness* the other all indes"ribable perturbation!
Ay eight in the morning Edmund was in the house* and Canny went down to him!
The idea of seeing him* with the knowledge of what he must be suffering* brought
ba"k all her own first feelings! <e so near her* and in misery! She was ready to sink as
she entered the parlour! <e was alone5 and she found herself pressed to his heart with
these words* 8ust arti"ulate* F'y Canny* my only sister5 my only "omfort nowJF She
"ould say nothing5 nor for some minutes "ould he say more!
<e turned away to re"o#er himself* and when he spoke again* though his #oi"e
still faltered* his manner showed the wish of self)"ommand! F<a#e you breakfastedE
@hen shall you be readyE Hoes Susan goEF were 7uestions following ea"h other
rapidly! <is great ob8e"t was to be off as soon as possible! Time was pre"ious5 and the
state of his mind made him find relief only in motion! +t was settled that he should
order the "arriage to the door in half an hour! Canny answered for their ha#ing
breakfasted and being 7uite ready! <e de"lined staying for their meal! <e would walk
round the ramparts* and 8oin them with the "arriage! <e was gone again5 glad to get
away e#en from Canny!
<e looked #ery ill5 e#idently suffering under #iolent emotions* whi"h he was
determined to suppress! She knew it must be so* but it was terrible to her!
The "arriage "ame5 and he entered the house again* 8ust in time to spend a few
minutes with the family* and be a witnessGe."ept that he saw nothingGof the
tran7uil manner in whi"h the daughters were parted with* and 8ust in time to pre#ent
their sitting down to the breakfast)table* whi"h by dint of unusual a"ti#ity was
"ompletely ready as the "arriage dro#e from the door! CannyBs last meal in her fatherBs
house was in "hara"ter with her first: she was dismissed from it as hospitably as she
had been wel"omed!
<ow her heart swelled with 8oy and gratitude as she left (ortsmouth* and how
SusanBs fa"e wore its broadest smiles* may be easily "on"ei#ed! Sitting forwards*
howe#er* and s"reened by her bonnet* those smiles were unseen!
The 8ourney was a silent one! EdmundBs deep sighs often rea"hed Canny! <ad he
been alone with her* his heart must ha#e opened5 but SusanBs presen"e dro#e him 7uite
into himself* and his attempts to talk on indifferent sub8e"ts "ould ne#er be long
supported!
Canny wat"hed him with ne#er)failing soli"itude* and sometimes "at"hing his eye*
re#i#ed an affe"tionate smile* whi"h "omforted her5 but the first dayBs 8ourney passed
without her hearing a word from him on the sub8e"ts that were weighing him down!
The ne.t morning produ"ed a little more! ,ust before their setting out from
;.ford* while Susan was eagerly looking from a window* the other two were standing
by the fire5 and Edmund* stru"k by the alteration in CannyBs looks* and ignorant of the
daily e#ils of her fatherBs house* attributed the "hange in her to the re"ent e#ent! <e
took her hand* and said in a low e.pressi#e tone* F0o wonderGyou must suffer! <ow
a man who had on"e lo#ed* "ould desert youJ Aut your regard was new "ompared
withGGCanny* think of meJF
The se"ond part of their 8ourney was soon o#er! They were "lose to 'ansfield
long before the usual dinner)time* and as they approa"hed* the hearts of both sisters
sank a little! Canny began to dread the meeting with her aunts and Tom5 and Susan to
feel with some an.iety* that all her best manners were on the point of being "alled into
a"tion! Iisions of good and ill breeding were before her5 and she was meditating
mu"h upon sil#er forks* napkins* and finger)glasses!
+t was full three months sin"e Canny/s 7uitting 'ansfield* and winter had "hanged
to summer! <er eye fell e#erywhere on lawns and plantations of the freshest green5
and the trees were in that delightful state when farther beauty is known to be at hand!
<er en8oyment* howe#er* was for herself alone! Edmund "ould not share it! She
looked at him* but he was leaning ba"k* sunk in a deeper gloom than e#er* and with
eyes "losed* as if the lo#ely s"enes of home must be shut out!
+t made her melan"holy again5 and the knowledge of what the family must be
enduring there* in#ested e#en the house with a melan"holy aspe"t!
Ay one of the suffering party within* they were e.pe"ted with su"h impatien"e as
she had ne#er known before! Canny had s"ar"ely passed the solemn)looking ser#ants*
when Lady Aertram "ame from the drawing)room to meet her5 "ame almost hastily5
and falling on her ne"k* said* FHear CannyJ now + shall be "omfortable!F
C<-(TE= :$
+t had been a miserable group at 'ansfield! 'rs! 0orris* as most atta"hed to 'aria*
was really the greatest sufferer! 'aria was her first fa#ourite5 the mat"h had been her
own "ontri#ing* and this "on"lusion of it almost o#erpowered her!
She was an altered "reature* 7uiet* stupefied* indifferent to e#erything that passed!
She had been unable to dire"t or di"tate* or e#en fan"y herself useful! @hen really
affli"ted* her a"ti#e powers had been all benumbed5 and neither Lady Aertram nor
Tom had re"ei#ed from her the smallest support! She had done no more for them than
they had done for ea"h other! They had been all solitary* helpless* and forlorn alike!
<er "ompanions were now relie#ed* but there was no good for her! Edmund was
almost as wel"ome to his brother as Canny was to her aunt5 but 'rs! 0orris was
irritated by the sight of the person whom* in blind anger* she "ould ha#e blamed as the
daemon of the pie"e! <ad Canny a""epted 'r! Crawford this "ould not ha#e
happened!
Susan too was a grie#an"e! 'rs! 0orris had not spirits to noti"e her mu"h* but she
felt her as a spy* an intruder* and e#erything most odious! Ay her other aunt* Susan
was re"ei#ed with 7uiet kindness! Lady Aertram "ould not gi#e her many words* but
she was ready to kiss and like her5 and Susan was satisfied5 for she was so happy in
her es"ape from many "ertain e#ils* that she "ould ha#e stood against a great deal
more indifferen"e than she met with!
She was now left a good deal to herself* to get a"7uainted with the house and
grounds as she "ould* and spent her days #ery happily in so doing* while those who
might otherwise ha#e attended to her were shut up* or wholly o""upied with ea"h
other5 Edmund trying to bury his own feelings in e.ertions for the relief of his
brotherBs* and Canny de#oted to her aunt Aertram* and thinking she "ould ne#er do
enough for one who seemed so mu"h to want her!
To talk o#er the dreadful business with Canny* talk and lament* was all Lady
AertramBs "onsolation! To listen and gi#e her kindness and sympathy in return* was all
that "ould be done for her! The "ase admitted of no other "omfort! Lady Aertram did
not think deeply* but* guided by Sir Thomas* she thought 8ustly on all important
points5 and she saw* therefore* in all its enormity* what had happened* and neither
endea#oured herself* nor re7uired Canny to ad#ise her* to think little of guilt and
infamy!
-fter a time* Canny found it possible to dire"t her thoughts to other sub8e"ts* and
re#i#e some interest in her usual o""upations5 but whene#er Lady Aertram thought of
the e#ent* she "ould see it only in one light* as "omprehending the loss of a daughter*
and a disgra"e ne#er to be wiped off!
Canny learnt from her all the parti"ulars5 and with the help of some letters to and
from Sir Thomas* she was soon able to understand 7uite as mu"h as she wished of the
"ir"umstan"es attending the story!
'rs! =ushworth had gone* for the Easter holidays* to Twi"kenham* with a family
whom she had grown intimate with: a family of li#ely* agreeable manners* and
probably of morals and dis"retion to suit* for to their house 'r! Crawford had "onstant
a""ess at all times! 'r! =ushworth had been gone at this time to Aath* to pass a few
days with his mother* and bring her ba"k to town* and 'aria was with these friends
without any restraint* without e#en ,ulia5 for ,ulia had remo#ed from @impole Street
two or three weeks before* on a #isit to some relations of Sir Thomas5 a remo#al
whi"h her father and mother were now disposed to attribute to 'r! 6atesBs a""ount!
Iery soon after the =ushworthsB return to @impole Street* Sir Thomas had
re"ei#ed a letter from an old friend in London* who hearing and witnessing a good
deal to alarm him in that 7uarter* wrote to ad#ise Sir Thomas to "ome to London
himself* and use his influen"e with his daughter to put an end to the intima"y whi"h
was already e.posing her to unpleasant remarks* and e#idently making 'r!
=ushworth uneasy!
Sir Thomas was preparing to a"t upon this letter* when it was followed by another*
sent e.press from the same friend* to break to him the almost desperate situation in
whi"h affairs then stood! 'rs! =ushworth had left her husbandBs house: 'r!
=ushworth had been in great anger and distress to him 1'r! <arding4 for his ad#i"e5
'r! <arding feared there had been at least #ery flagrant indis"retion! The maidser#ant
of 'rs! =ushworth* senior* threatened alarmingly! <e was doing all in his power to
7uiet e#erything* with the hope of 'rs! =ushworthBs return* but was so mu"h
"ountera"ted in @impole Street by the influen"e of 'r! =ushworthBs mother* that the
worst "onse7uen"es might be feared!
This dreadful "ommuni"ation "ould not be kept from the rest of the family! Sir
Thomas set off with Edmund* and the others had been left in a state of wret"hedness*
made worse by the re"eipt of the ne.t letters from London!
E#erything was by that time publi" beyond a hope! The ser#ant of 'rs!
=ushworth* the mother* had e.posure in her power* and supported by her mistress*
was not to be silen"ed! The two 'rs! =ushworths* e#en in the short time they had
been together* had disagreed5 the bitterness of the elder against her daughter)in)law
arising as mu"h from the personal disrespe"t with whi"h she had been treated as from
her feelings for her son!
She was unmanageable! Aut had she been less obstinate* the "ase would still ha#e
been hopeless* for 'aria did not appear again* and there was e#ery reason to "on"lude
her to be "on"ealed somewhere with 'r! Crawford* who had 7uitted his un"leBs house
on the #ery day of her absenting herself!
Sir Thomas* howe#er* remained a little longer in town* in the hope of dis"o#ering
and snat"hing her from further #i"e* though all was lost on the side of "hara"ter!
<is present state Canny "ould hardly bear to think of! There was only one of his
"hildren who was not at this time a sour"e of misery to him! TomBs illness had been so
heightened by the sho"k of his sisterBs "ondu"t* that e#en Lady Aertram had been
stru"k by the differen"e* and all her alarms were regularly sent off to her husband5 and
,uliaBs elopement* the additional blow* though its for"e had been deadened at the
moment* must* she knew* be sorely felt! <is letters e.pressed how mu"h he deplored
it! Lnder any "ir"umstan"es it would ha#e been an unwel"ome allian"e5 but to ha#e it
so "landestinely formed* and at su"h a time* pla"ed ,ulia in a most unfa#ourable light!
<e "alled it a bad thing* done in the worst manner* and at the worst time5 and though
,ulia/s a"t was more pardonable than 'aria/s* as folly rather than #i"e* he regarded it
as probable that her state would end up like her sister/s! Su"h was his opinion of the
set into whi"h she had thrown herself!
Canny felt for him most a"utely! <e "ould ha#e no "omfort but in Edmund! E#ery
other "hild must be ra"king his heart! <is displeasure against herself* she trusted*
would now be done away! She should be 8ustified in refusing 'r! Crawford5 but this*
though important to herself* would be poor "onsolation to Sir Thomas! @hat "ould her
8ustifi"ation or her atta"hment do for himE <is support must be Edmund alone!
She was mistaken* howe#er* in supposing that Edmund ga#e his father no present
pain! +t was of a less poignant nature than that "aused by the others5 but Sir Thomas
"onsidered Edmund/s happiness as #ery deeply in#ol#ed* "ut off* as he must be* from
the woman whom he had been pursuing with undoubted atta"hment and strong
probability of su""ess5 and who* in e#erything but her despi"able brother* would ha#e
been so eligible a "onne.ion! <e was aware of what Edmund must be suffering* when
they were in town! <e had guessed his feelings5 and* ha#ing reason to think that one
inter#iew with 'iss Crawford had taken pla"e* from whi"h Edmund deri#ed only
in"reased distress* had been an.ious on that a""ount to get him out of town* and had
engaged him in taking Canny home to her aunt* with a #iew to his relief no less than
theirs!
Sir Thomas was not in the se"ret of 'iss CrawfordBs "hara"ter! <ad he been pri#y
to her "on#ersation with his son* he would not ha#e wished her to belong to him*
though her twenty thousand pounds had been forty!
Canny had no doubt that Edmund must be for e#er di#ided from 'iss Crawford5
and yet* till she knew that he felt the same* her own "on#i"tion was not enough! She
thought he did* but she wanted to be assured of it! +f he would now speak to her* it
would be most "onsoling5 but that was not to be! She seldom saw him: ne#er alone!
<e probably a#oided being alone with her* his own affli"tion being too keenly felt to
be "ommuni"ated! This must be his state! <e yielded* but with agonies whi"h did not
admit of spee"h! Long would it be before 'iss CrawfordBs name passed his lips again!
+t was long! They rea"hed 'ansfield on Thursday* and it was not till Sunday that
Edmund began to talk to her on the sub8e"t! Sitting with her on a wet Sunday e#ening
Gthe #ery time when the heart must be opened* and e#erything told5 no one else in
the room* e."ept his mother* who was asleep* it was impossible not to speak! -nd so*
with the de"laration that if she would listen to him for a few minutes* he should be
#ery brief* and ne#er ta. her kindness in the same way again5 he entered upon the
lu.ury of relating "ir"umstan"es and sensations of the first interest to himself* to one
of whose affe"tionate sympathy he was 7uite "on#in"ed!
<ow Canny listened* with what "uriosity and "on"ern* what pain and what delight*
how "arefully her own eyes were fi.ed on any ob8e"t but himself* may be imagined!
The opening was alarming! <e had seen 'iss Crawford! <e had re"ei#ed a note from
Lady Stornaway begging him to "all5 and regarding it as what must be the last* last
inter#iew of friendship* and imagining the shame and wret"hedness whi"h CrawfordBs
sister ought to ha#e felt* he had gone to her in su"h a softened and de#oted state of
mind* as made it impossible to CannyBs fears that it should be the last!
Aut as he pro"eeded in his story* these fears were o#er! She had met him* he said*
with a serious* e#en an agitated air5 but before he had been able to speak one senten"e*
she had introdu"ed the sub8e"t in a manner whi"h had sho"ked him!
FB+ heard you were in town*B said she5 B+ wanted to see you! Let us talk o#er this sad
business! @hat "an e7ual the folly of our two relationsEB + "ould not answer* but +
belie#e my looks spoke! She felt repro#ed! Sometimes how 7ui"k to feelJ @ith a
gra#er look she then added* B+ do not mean to defend <enry at your sisterBs e.pense!B
So she began* but how she went on* Canny* is hardly fit to be repeated to you! + "annot
re"all all her words! + would not dwell upon them if + "ould! Their substan"e was great
anger at the folly of ea"h! <er brotherBs folly in being drawn on by a woman whom he
had ne#er "ared for* to do what must lose him the woman he adored5 but still more the
folly of poor 'aria* in sa"rifi"ing su"h a situation* under the idea of being really
lo#ed by a man who had long ago made his indifferen"e "lear! 9uess what + must ha#e
felt! To hear the woman whomGno harsher name than folly gi#en* and so "oollyJ 0o
relu"tan"e* no horror* no modest loathingsE This is what the world does! Cor where*
Canny* shall we find a woman whom nature had so ri"hly endowedE Spoilt* spoiltJF
-fter a little refle"tion* he went on with a sort of desperate "almness! F+ will tell
you e#erything* and then ha#e done for e#er! She saw it only as folly* and that folly
stamped only by e.posure! The want of "aution: 'aria/s putting herself in the power
of a ser#ant5 it was the dete"tion* in shortGoh* CannyJ it was the dete"tion* not the
offen"e* whi"h she deplored! +t was the impruden"e whi"h had brought things to
e.tremity* and obliged her brother to gi#e up e#ery dearer plan in order to fly with
her!F
<e stopped! F-nd what*F said Canny 1belie#ing herself re7uired to speak4* Fwhat
"ould you sayEF
F0othing! + was like a man stunned! She began to talk of you5 regretting* as well
she might* the loss of su"h aG! There she spoke #ery rationally! Aut she has always
done 8usti"e to you! B<e has thrown away*B said she* Bsu"h a woman as he will ne#er
see again! She would ha#e fi.ed him5 she would ha#e made him happy for e#er!B 'y
dearest Canny* + am gi#ing you* + hope* more pleasure than pain by this retrospe"t of
what might ha#e beenGbut ne#er "an be now! 6ou do not wish me to be silentE +f you
do* gi#e me but a look* a word* and + ha#e done!F
0o look or word was gi#en!
FThank 9od*F said he! F+t seems to ha#e been the mer"iful gift of (ro#iden"e that
the heart whi"h knew no guile should not suffer! She spoke of you with high praise
and warm affe"tion5 yet* e#en here* there was a dash of e#il5 for in the midst of it she
e."laimed* B@hy would not she ha#e himE +t is all her fault! Simple girlJ + shall ne#er
forgi#e her! <ad she a""epted him as she ought* they might now ha#e been on the
point of marriage* and <enry would ha#e been too happy and busy to want any other
ob8e"t! <e would ha#e taken no pains to be on terms with 'rs! =ushworth again! +t
would ha#e all ended in a regular standing flirtation* in yearly meetings at Sotherton
and E#eringham!B Could you ha#e belie#ed it possibleE Aut the "harm is broken! 'y
eyes are opened!F
FCruelJF said Canny* F7uite "ruel! -t su"h a moment to speak with lightness* and
to youJ -bsolute "ruelty!F
FCruelty* do you "all itE @e differ there! 0o* hers is not a "ruel nature! + do not
"onsider her as meaning to wound my feelings! The e#il lies yet deeper: in her total
ignoran"e* unsuspi"iousness of there being su"h feelings5 in a per#ersion of mind
whi"h made it natural to her to treat the sub8e"t as she did! She was speaking only as
she had been used to hear others speak* as she imagined e#erybody else would speak!
<ers are not faults of temper! <ers are faults of prin"iple* Canny5 of blunted deli"a"y
and a "orrupted* damaged mind! (erhaps it is best for me* sin"e it lea#es me so little to
regret! 0ot so* howe#er! 9ladly would + submit to all the in"reased pain of losing her*
rather than ha#e to think of her as + do! @hen + left her* + told her so!F
F<ow long were you togetherEF
FCi#e)and)twenty minutes! She went on to say that what remained now to be done
was to bring about a marriage between them! She spoke of it* Canny* with a steadier
#oi"e than + "an!F <e was obliged to pause more than on"e as he "ontinued!
FB@e must persuade <enry to marry her*B said she5 Band what with honour* and the
"ertainty of ha#ing shut himself out for e#er from Canny* + do not despair of it! Canny
he must gi#e up! + do not think that e#en he "ould now hope to su""eed with one of
her stamp! 'y influen"e shall all go that way5 and when on"e married* and properly
supported by her own family* respe"table as they are* she may re"o#er her footing in
so"iety to a "ertain degree! +n some "ir"les* we know* she would ne#er be admitted*
but there will always be those who will be glad of her a"7uaintan"e5 and there is more
liberality on those points than formerly! @hat + ad#ise is* that your father be 7uiet!
(ersuade him to let things take their "ourse! +f by any interferen"e of his* she is
indu"ed to lea#e <enryBs prote"tion* there will be mu"h less "han"e of his marrying
her than if she remain with him! + know how he is likely to be influen"ed! Let Sir
Thomas trust to <enry/s honour and "ompassion* and it may all end well5 but if he get
his daughter away* it will be destroying the "hief hold!BF
-fter repeating this* Edmund was so mu"h affe"ted that Canny* wat"hing him with
silent* but most tender "on"ern* was almost sorry that the sub8e"t had been entered on
at all!
+t was long before he "ould speak again! -t last* F0ow* Canny*F said he* F+ shall
soon ha#e done! + ha#e told you the substan"e of all that she said! -s soon as + "ould
speak* + replied that + had not supposed it possible* "oming in su"h a state of mind into
that house as + had done* that anything "ould o""ur to make me suffer more* but that
she had been infli"ting deeper wounds in almost e#ery senten"e! That though + had
been aware of some differen"e in our opinions* + had not imagined that the differen"e
"ould be su"h as she had now pro#ed it! That the manner in whi"h she treated the
dreadful "rime "ommitted* gi#ing it e#ery reproa"h but the right5 "onsidering its ill
"onse7uen"es only as they were to be bra#ed by a defian"e of de"en"y5 and last of all*
re"ommending to us a "omplian"e* an a"7uies"en"e in the "ontinuan"e of the sin* on
the "han"e of a marriage whi"h* thinking as + now thought of her brother* should
rather be pre#ented than sought5 all this together most grie#ously "on#in"ed me that +
had ne#er understood her before* and that it had been the "reature of my own
imagination* not 'iss Crawford* that + had been dwelling on for many months past!
That* perhaps* it was best for me5 + had less to regret in sa"rifi"ing feelings and hopes
whi"h must be torn from me now! -nd yet* + "onfessed that* "ould + ha#e restored her
to what she had appeared to me before* + would infinitely prefer any in"rease of the
pain of parting* for the sake of "arrying with me the right of tenderness and esteem!
FThis is the purport of what + said5 but* as you may imagine* not spoken so
"olle"tedly as + ha#e repeated it to you! She was astonishedGmore than astonished!
She turned e.tremely red! + imagined + saw a mi.ture of many feelings: a great*
though short struggle5 half a wish of yielding to truths* half a sense of shame5 but
habit* habit "arried it! She would ha#e laughed if she "ould! She answered* B- pretty
good le"ture* upon my word! @as it part of your last sermonE -t this rate you will
soon reform e#erybody at 'ansfield5 and when + hear of you ne.t* it may be as a
"elebrated prea"her* or as a missionary into foreign parts!B She tried to speak
"arelessly* but she was not so "areless as she wanted to appear! + said that from my
heart + wished her well* and earnestly hoped that she might learn to think more 8ustly*
and not owe the most #aluable knowledge any of us "ould a"7uire* the knowledge of
oursel#es and of our duty* to the lessons of affli"tion! + immediately left the room! +
had gone a few steps* Canny* when + heard the door open behind me! + looked ba"k!
B'r! Aertram*B said she* with a smile5 but it was a smile ill)suited to the
"on#ersation that had passed* a sau"y playful smile* seeming to in#ite in order to
subdue me5 at least it appeared so to me! + resisted5 and still walked on! + ha#e sin"e*
sometimes* for a moment* regretted that + did not go ba"k* but + know + was right* and
su"h has been the end of our a"7uaintan"e! -nd what an a"7uaintan"e has it beenJ
<ow ha#e + been de"ei#edJ + thank you for your patien"e* Canny! This has been the
greatest relief* and now we will ha#e done!F
-nd for fi#e minutes she thought they had done! Then* howe#er* it all "ame on
again* or something #ery like it* and nothing less than Lady AertramBs rousing up
"ould really "lose su"h a "on#ersation! Till then* they "ontinued to talk of 'iss
Crawford* and how she had atta"hed him* and how delightful nature had made her*
and how e."ellent she would ha#e been* had she fallen into good hands earlier!
Canny* now at liberty to speak openly* felt 8ustified in adding to his knowledge of
her real "hara"ter* by some hint of what share his brotherBs state of health might ha#e
in her wish for a re"on"iliation! This was not an agreeable idea! 0ature resisted it for a
while! +t would ha#e been a #ast deal pleasanter to ha#e had her more disinterested in
her atta"hment5 but his #anity was not strong enough to fight long against reason! <e
submitted to belie#e that TomBs illness had influen"ed her* only "onsoling himself
with the thought that "onsidering the "ountera"tions of opposing habits* she had
"ertainly been more atta"hed to him than "ould ha#e been e.pe"ted* and for his sake
been more near doing right!
Canny thought e.a"tly the same5 and they were also 7uite agreed in their opinion
of the lasting and indelible impression whi"h su"h a disappointment must make on his
mind! Time would undoubtedly lessen his sufferings* but still it was something whi"h
he ne#er "ould get entirely the better of5 and as to his e#er meeting with any other
woman who "ouldGbut that was impossible! CannyBs friendship was all he had to
"ling to!
C<-(TE= :%
Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery! + 7uit su"h odious sub8e"ts as soon as + "an*
impatient to restore e#erybody not greatly in fault themsel#es* to tolerable "omfort*
and to ha#e done with all the rest!
'y Canny* indeed* at this #ery time* must ha#e been happy in spite of e#erything!
She had many sour"es of delight! She was returned to 'ansfield (ark* she was useful*
she was belo#ed5 she was safe from 'r! Crawford5 and when Sir Thomas "ame ba"k
she had e#ery proof that "ould be gi#en in his melan"holy state of spirits* of his
perfe"t approbation and in"reased regard! <appy as all this must make her* she would
still ha#e been happy without any of it* for Edmund was no longer the dupe of 'iss
Crawford!
+t is true that Edmund was #ery far from happy himself! <e was grie#ing o#er
what was* and wishing for what "ould ne#er be! She knew it was so* and was sorry5
but it was with a sorrow so founded on satisfa"tion* so tending to ease* that there are
few who would not ha#e been glad to e."hange their greatest gaiety for it!
(oor Sir Thomas* a parent "ons"ious of errors in his "ondu"t as a parent* was the
longest to suffer! <e felt that he ought not to ha#e allowed 'aria/s marriage5 that his
daughterBs sentiments had been suffi"iently known to him to render him "ulpable5 that
he had been go#erned by moti#es of selfishness and worldly wisdom! These were
refle"tions that re7uired some time to soften5 but time will do almost e#erything5 and
though little "omfort arose on 'rs! =ushworthBs side for the misery she had "aused*
some "omfort was to be found in his other "hildren!
,uliaBs mat"h be"ame a less desperate business than he had "onsidered it at first!
She was humble* and wishing to be forgi#en5 and 'r! 6ates* desirous of being
re"ei#ed into the family* was disposed to look up to him and be guided! <e was not
#ery solid5 but there was a hope of his be"oming less trifling* of his being at least
tolerably domesti" and 7uiet5 and there was "omfort in finding his estate rather more*
and his debts mu"h less* than he had feared* and in being "onsulted as a respe"ted
friend!
There was "omfort also in Tom* who gradually regained his health* without
regaining the thoughtlessness of his pre#ious habits! <e was the better for e#er for his
illness! <e had suffered* and he had learned to think: two ad#antages that he had ne#er
known before! <e be"ame what he ought to be: useful to his father* steady and 7uiet*
and not li#ing merely for himself!
<ere was "omfort indeedJ and soon Edmund was "ontributing to his fatherBs ease
by impro#ement in his spirits! -fter wandering about and sitting under trees with
Canny all the summer e#enings* he had so well talked his mind into submission as to
be #ery tolerably "heerful again!
These were the "ir"umstan"es whi"h gradually re"on"iled Sir Thomas to himself5
though the anguish arising from the "on#i"tion of his own errors in the edu"ation of
his daughters was ne#er to be entirely done away!
Too late he be"ame aware how unfa#ourable must be the treatment of 'aria and
,ulia at home* where the e."essi#e indulgen"e and flattery of their aunt 0orris had
been "ontinually "ontrasted with his own se#erity! <e saw how ill he had 8udged* in
e.pe"ting to "ountera"t what was wrong in 'rs! 0orris by its re#erse in himself5
"learly saw that he had merely in"reased the e#il by tea"hing them to repress their
spirits in his presen"e* so as to make their real disposition unknown to him5 and
sending them to be indulged by a person who "ould atta"h them only by the blindness
of her affe"tion* and the e."ess of her praise!
<ere had been grie#ous mismanagement5 but he grew to feel that it had not been
the worst mistake in his plan of edu"ation! Something must ha#e been la"king within!
<e feared that prin"iple had been wanting5 that they had ne#er been properly taught to
go#ern their in"linations and tempers by a sense of duty! They had been instru"ted
theoreti"ally in their religion* but ne#er re7uired to bring it into daily pra"ti"e! To be
distinguished for elegan"e and a""omplishments "ould ha#e had no moral effe"t on
the mind! <e had meant them to be good* but his "ares had been dire"ted to the
understanding and manners* not the disposition5 and they had ne#er been instru"ted in
self)denial and humility!
Aitterly did he deplore this! @ret"hedly did he feel* that with all the "are of an
an.ious and e.pensi#e edu"ation* he had brought up his daughters without their
understanding their first duties* or his being a"7uainted with their "hara"ter and
temper!
The high spirit and strong passions of 'rs! =ushworth* espe"ially* were made
known to him only in their sad result! She "ould not to be pre#ailed on to lea#e 'r!
Crawford! She hoped to marry him* and they stayed together till she was obliged to be
"on#in"ed that su"h hope was #ain* and till the disappointment arising from the
"on#i"tion rendered her temper so bad* and her feelings for him so like hatred* as to
make them for a while ea"h otherBs punishment* and then indu"e a #oluntary
separation!
She had li#ed with him to be reproa"hed as the ruin of all his happiness in Canny*
and "arried away no better "onsolation than that she had di#ided them! @hat "an
e."eed the misery of su"h a mind in su"h a situationE
'r! =ushworth had no diffi"ulty in pro"uring a di#or"e! She had despised him*
and lo#ed another5 and he had been #ery mu"h aware that it was so! The indignities of
stupidity "an e."ite little pity! <is punishment followed his "ondu"t* as did a deeper
punishment the deeper guilt of his wife! <e was released to be mortified and unhappy*
till some other pretty girl "ould attra"t him into matrimony again* and he might set
forward on a se"ond* and* it is to be hoped* more prosperous trial of the state5 while
'aria must withdraw to a retirement whi"h "ould allow no se"ond spring of hope or
"hara"ter!
@here she "ould be pla"ed be"ame a sub8e"t of melan"holy "onsultation! 'rs!
0orris would ha#e had her re"ei#ed at home and "ountenan"ed by them all! Sir
Thomas would not hear of it5 and 'rs! 0orrisBs anger against Canny was great* from
"onsidering her residen"e there as the reason* e#en though Sir Thomas solemnly
assured her that* had there been no young woman in 7uestion* he would ne#er ha#e
offered so great an insult to the neighbourhood as to e.pe"t it to re"ei#e his daughter
into its so"iety! She should be prote"ted by him* and se"ured in e#ery "omfort5 but
farther than that he "ould not go! 'aria had destroyed her own "hara"ter* and he
would not* by a #ain attempt to restore what ne#er "ould be restored* be an a""essory
to introdu"ing su"h misery in another manBs family!
+t ended in 'rs! 0orrisBs resol#ing to 7uit 'ansfield and de#ote herself to her
unfortunate 'aria* in an establishment formed for them in another "ountry* remote
and pri#ate* where* shut up together with little so"iety* on one side no affe"tion* and
on the other no 8udgment* it may be reasonably supposed that their tempers be"ame
their mutual punishment!
'rs! 0orrisBs remo#al from 'ansfield was the great supplementary "omfort of Sir
ThomasBs life! <is opinion of her had been sinking from the day of his return from
-ntigua: e#er sin"e that period* she had been regularly losing ground in his esteem!
<e had felt her as an hourly e#il* all the worse as there seemed no "han"e of its
"easing5 it seemed she must be borne for e#er! To be relie#ed from her* therefore* was
a great feli"ity!
She was regretted by no one at 'ansfield! She had ne#er been able to atta"h e#en
those she lo#ed best5 and sin"e 'rs! =ushworthBs elopement* her temper had been in a
state of su"h irritation as to make her e#erywhere tormenting! 0ot e#en Canny had
tears for aunt 0orris when she was gone for e#er!
That ,ulia es"aped better than 'aria was owing* in some measure* to a fa#ourable
differen"e of disposition* but in a greater part to her ha#ing been less the darling of
that #ery aunt* less flattered and less spoilt! She had held but a se"ond pla"e! She had
been always used to think herself a little inferior to 'aria! <er temper was naturally
the easiest of the two5 her feelings* though 7ui"k* were more "ontrollable* and
edu"ation had not gi#en her so #ery hurtful a degree of self)"onse7uen"e!
She had submitted the best to the disappointment in <enry Crawford! -fter the
first bitterness of being slighted was o#er* she had been soon in a fair way of not
thinking of him again5 and when the a"7uaintan"e was renewed in town* and 'r!
=ushworthBs house be"ame CrawfordBs ob8e"t* she had had the merit of withdrawing
herself from it* and of "hoosing that time to pay a #isit to her other friends* in order to
se"ure herself from being again too mu"h attra"ted!
This had been her moti#e in going to her "ousinBs! 'r! 6atesBs "on#enien"e had
had nothing to do with it! She had been allowing his attentions some time* but with
#ery little idea of e#er a""epting him! <ad not her sisterBs "ondu"t burst forth as it did*
and her made her fear the "ertain "onse7uen"e of her father/s greater se#erity and
restraint* hastily resol#ing her to a#oid su"h horrors* it is probable that 'r! 6ates
would ne#er ha#e su""eeded! She had not eloped with any worse feelings than those
of selfish alarm! 'ariaBs guilt had indu"ed ,uliaBs folly!
<enry Crawford* ruined by early independen"e and bad domesti" e.ample*
indulged in the freaks of a "old)blooded #anity a little too long! Could he ha#e been
satisfied with the "on7uest of one amiable womanBs affe"tions* "ould he ha#e found
suffi"ient e.ultation in gaining the esteem and tenderness of Canny (ri"e* there would
ha#e been e#ery probability of su""ess for him! <is affe"tion had already done
something! There "an be no doubt that he would ha#e gained more su""ess* espe"ially
when that marriage had taken pla"e* whi"h would ha#e assisted him by subduing her
first in"lination* and brought them #ery often together! +f he had perse#ered uprightly*
Canny must ha#e been his reward* and a reward #ery #oluntarily bestowed* within a
reasonable period from EdmundBs marrying 'ary!
<ad he done as he intended* and as he knew he ought* by going down to
E#eringham after his return from (ortsmouth* he might ha#e de"ided his own happy
destiny! Aut he was pressed to stay for 'rs! CraserBs party5 his staying was made of
flattering "onse7uen"e* and he was to meet 'rs! =ushworth there! Curiosity and
#anity were both engaged* and the temptation of immediate pleasure was too strong
for a mind unused to make any sa"rifi"e to right: he resol#ed to defer his 0orfolk
8ourney* and stayed! <e saw 'rs! =ushworth* was re"ei#ed by her with a "oldness
whi"h ought to ha#e been repulsi#e5 but he was mortified* he "ould not bear to be
thrown off by the woman whose smiles had been so wholly at his "ommand: he must
e.ert himself to subdue so proud a display of resentment5 it was anger on CannyBs
a""ount5 he must get the better of it* and make 'rs! =ushworth 'aria Aertram again
in her treatment of himself!
+n this spirit he began the atta"k* and by animated perse#eran"e had soon re)
established the sort of familiar inter"ourse* of gallantry* of flirtation* whi"h bounded
his #iews5 but in triumphing o#er 'aria/s dis"retion* whi"h* though originating in
anger* might ha#e sa#ed them both* he had put himself in the power of feelings on her
side more strong than he had supposed! She lo#ed him5 there was no withdrawing
attentions dear to her! <e was entangled by his own #anity* with as little e."use of
lo#e as possible* and without the smallest in"onstan"y of mind towards her "ousin! To
keep Canny and the Aertrams from a knowledge of what was passing be"ame his first
ob8e"t! @hen he returned from =i"hmond* he would ha#e been glad to see 'rs!
=ushworth no more!
-ll that followed was the result of her impruden"e5 and he went off with her at
last* be"ause he "ould not help it* regretting Canny e#en at the moment* but regretting
her infinitely more when all the bustle of the intrigue was o#er* and a #ery few months
had taught him* by the for"e of "ontrast* to pla"e a yet higher #alue on the sweetness
of her temper* the purity of her mind* and the e."ellen"e of her prin"iples!
That the publi" punishment of disgra"e should in a 8ust measure attend his share of
the offen"e is* we know* not "ustomary in so"iety! +n this world the penalty is less
e7ual than "ould be wished5 but without presuming to look forward to a 8uster
appointment hereafter* we may fairly "onsider <enry Crawford to be pro#iding for
himself no small portion of #e.ation and regret* in ha#ing so in8ured family pea"e* so
forfeited his best* most esteemed and dearest friends* and so lost the woman whom he
had rationally as well as passionately lo#ed!
-fter what had passed to wound and alienate the two families* the "ontinuan"e of
the Aertrams and 9rants in su"h "lose neighbourhood would ha#e been most
distressing5 but there was soon a permanent remo#al of the latter! Hr! 9rant su""eeded
to a post in @estminster -bbey* whi"h as an e."use for residen"e in London* was
highly a""eptable to all "on"erned!
'rs! 9rant* with a temper to lo#e and be lo#ed* must ha#e gone with some regret5
but her disposition must in any pla"e se"ure her a great deal to en8oy* and she had
again a home to offer 'ary5 and 'ary had had enough of her own friends* enough of
#anity* ambition* lo#e* and disappointment to be in need of the true kindness of her
sisterBs heart* and the rational tran7uillity of her ways! They li#ed together5 for 'ary*
though resol#ed against e#er atta"hing herself to a younger brother again* failed to
find among the idle heir)apparents who were at the "ommand of her beauty* and her
twenty thousand pounds* any one who "ould satisfy the better taste she had a"7uired
at 'ansfield* or whose "hara"ter and manners "ould put Edmund Aertram suffi"iently
out of her head!
Edmund had greatly the ad#antage of her in this respe"t! <e had not to wait with
#a"ant affe"tions for an ob8e"t worthy to su""eed her in them! S"ar"ely had he done
regretting 'ary Crawford* and obser#ing to Canny how impossible it was that he
should e#er meet with su"h another woman* before it began to strike him whether a
#ery different kind of woman might not do 8ust as well* or a great deal better: whether
Canny herself were not growing as dear to him as 'ary Crawford had e#er been5 and
whether it might not be possible to persuade her that her warm and sisterly regard for
him would be foundation enough for wedded lo#e!
+ purposely abstain from dates on this o""asion* so that e#ery one may be at liberty
to fi. their own* aware that the "ure of un"on7uerable passions* and the transfer of
un"hanging atta"hments* must #ary as to time in different people! + only entreat
e#erybody to belie#e that e.a"tly at the time when it was 7uite natural that it should
be so* and not a week earlier* Edmund did "ease to "are about 'iss Crawford* and
be"ame as an.ious to marry Canny as Canny herself "ould desire!
@ith su"h a regard for her* indeed* what "ould be more natural than the "hangeE
Lo#ing* guiding* prote"ting her* as he had done e#er sin"e her being ten years old* an
ob8e"t to him of su"h "lose interest* dearer by all his own importan"e with her than
any one else at 'ansfield* what was there now to add* but that he should learn to
prefer soft light eyes to sparkling dark ones! Aeing always with her* with his feelings
e.a"tly in that fa#ourable state whi"h a re"ent disappointment gi#es* those soft light
eyes "ould not be #ery long in obtaining the pre)eminen"e!
There were no doubts of her deser#ing* no fears of opposition of taste! <er mind*
opinions* and habits needed no half)"on"ealment* no relian"e on future impro#ement!
E#en in the midst of his infatuation* he had a"knowledged CannyBs mental superiority!
@hat must be his sense of it now* thereforeE She was of "ourse only too good for him5
but as nobody minds ha#ing what is too good for them* he was #ery steadily earnest in
the pursuit of the blessing* and it was not possible that en"ouragement from her
should be long wanting! Timid* an.ious* doubting as she was* he still held out strong
hopes of su""ess* though it remained for a later period to tell him the whole
astonishing truth! <is happiness in knowing himself to ha#e been so long belo#ed*
must ha#e been delightful!
Aut there was happiness elsewhere whi"h no des"ription "an rea"h! Let no one
presume to gi#e the feelings of a young woman on re"ei#ing the assuran"e of that
affe"tion of whi"h she has s"ar"ely allowed herself to entertain a hope!
There was no drawba"k of po#erty or parent! +t was a mat"h whi"h Sir Thomas
now wished for! Si"k of mer"enary "onne.ions* priDing more and more the sterling
good of prin"iple and temper* and an.ious to bind all that remained to him of
domesti" feli"ity* he had pondered on the possibility of the two young friends finding
"onsolation in ea"h other5 and the 8oyful "onsent whi"h met EdmundBs re7uest* the
high sense of ha#ing realised a great a"7uisition in Canny for a daughter* formed a
striking "ontrast with his early opinion on the sub8e"t when the poor little girlBs
"oming had been first dis"ussed!
Canny was indeed the daughter that he wanted! <is "haritable kindness had been
rearing a prime "omfort for himself! <e might ha#e made her "hildhood happier5 but
it had been an error of 8udgment only whi"h had gi#en him the appearan"e of
harshness* and depri#ed him of her early lo#e5 and now* on really knowing ea"h other*
their mutual atta"hment be"ame #ery strong! -fter settling her at Thornton La"ey with
e#ery attention to her "omfort* his ob8e"t almost e#ery day was to see her there* or to
get her away from it!
0o happiness of son or nie"e "ould make Lady Aertram wish the marriage! Aut it
was possible to part with her* be"ause Susan remained to supply her pla"e! Susan
be"ame the stationary nie"e* delighted to be so5 and well adapted for it by a readiness
of mind* and an in"lination for usefulness! Susan "ould ne#er be spared! Cirst as a
"omfort to Canny* then as an au.iliary* and last as her substitute* she was established
at 'ansfield* with e#ery appearan"e of e7ual permanen"y! <er more fearless
disposition and happier ner#es made e#erything easy to her! She was soon wel"ome
and useful to all5 and after CannyBs remo#al* su""eeded so naturally to her* as
gradually to be"ome* perhaps* the most belo#ed of the two!
+n her usefulness* in CannyBs e."ellen"e* in @illiamBs "ontinued good "ondu"t and
rising fame* Sir Thomas saw repeated reason to re8oi"e in what he had done for them
all* and a"knowledge the ad#antages of early hardship and dis"ipline* and the
"ons"iousness of being born to struggle and endure!
@ith so mu"h true merit and true lo#e* the happiness of the married "ousins must
appear as se"ure as earthly happiness "an be! E7ually formed for domesti" life* and
atta"hed to "ountry pleasures* their home was the home of affe"tion and "omfort5 and
to "omplete the pi"ture of good* the a"7uisition of the 'ansfield li#ing* by the death
of Hr! 9rant* o""urred 8ust after they had been married long enough to begin to want
an in"rease of in"ome* and to feel their distan"e from their paternal home an
in"on#enien"e!
;n that e#ent they remo#ed to 'ansfield5 and the (arsonage there* whi"h* under
ea"h of its two former owners* Canny had ne#er been able to approa"h without some
painful sensation or alarm* soon grew as dear to her heart* and as thoroughly perfe"t
in her eyes* as e#erything else within the #iew and patronage of 'ansfield (ark!
T<E E0H