For a moment no one spoke. And then many spoke together to tell the same melancholy truth, that they had not yet got any Anhalt. “Mr. Rushworth was to be Count Cassel, but no one had yet undertaken Anhalt.”

“Who will he be?” continued Lord Eastwind, whispering intensely. “Who will take the place of her lover?”

“I do not know,” responded Fanny in kind, and was heard by no one but Eastwind.

“I had my choice of the parts,” said Mr. Rushworth; “but I thought I should like the Count best, though I do not much relish the finery I am to have.”

“You chose very wisely, I am sure,” replied Miss Crawford, with a brightened look; “Anhalt is a heavy part.”

“What does your heart tell you, Miss Price?” persisted Lord Eastwind, “who will it be?”

Fanny felt herself beginning to tremble.

“The Count has two-and-forty speeches,” returned Mr. Rushworth, “which is no trifle. WROWWR! Ahem, pardon me.”

“I am not at all surprised,” said Miss Crawford, after a short pause, “at this lack of an Anhalt. Amelia deserves no better. Such a forward young lady may well frighten the men.”

“I should be but too happy in taking the part, if it were possible,” cried Tom; “but, unluckily, the Butler and Anhalt are in the same scene. I might speak very quickly and run from one side of the stage to the other and attempt both?”

“Your brother should take the part,” said Mr. Yates, in a low voice. “Do not you think he would?”

“I shall not ask him,” replied Tom, in a cold, determined manner.

Miss Crawford talked of something else, and soon afterwards rejoined the party at the fire.

“They do not want me at all,” said she, seating herself. “I only puzzle them, and oblige them to make civil speeches. Mr. Edmund Bertram, as you do not act yourself, you will be a disinterested adviser; and, therefore, I apply to you. What shall we do for an Anhalt? What is your advice?”

“My advice,” said he calmly, “is that you change the play.”

“I should have no objection,” she replied; “for though I do not dislike the part of Amelia, I shall be sorry to be an inconvenience. But as they do not chuse to hear your advice at that table” (looking round), “it certainly will not be taken.”

Edmund said no more.

“What happens next, Miss Price?” said Lord Eastwind.

“I beg you,” whispered Fanny to him, “If you have any kindness, you will not speak of this any longer.”

“I speak only for your sake. Do you not see? Watch now, observe what is said.” And Eastwind turned subtly to indicate Miss Crawford.

“If any part could tempt you to act, I suppose it would be Anhalt,” observed the lady archly, after a short pause; “for he is a clergyman, you know.”