Mrs. Grant, in lieu of her expectations, was not pleased to see Julia excluded from the play and from his advances. But as Henry must be the best judge of his own behavior, and as he did assure her, with a most persuasive smile, that neither he nor Julia had ever had a serious thought of each other, she could only renew her former cautionary entreaties.

“I rather wonder Julia is not in love with Henry,” was her observation to Mary.

“I dare say she is,” replied Mary coldly. “I imagine both sisters are.”

“Both! no, no, that must not be. Do not give him a hint of it. Think of Mr. Rushworth!”

“You had better tell Miss Bertram to think of Mr. Rushworth. It may do her some good. I often think of Mr. Rushworth’s property and independence, and wish them in other hands; but I never think of him unless I am observing wolfhounds.”

“I dare say he will be in parliament soon.”

“Parliament will benefit from a decrease in at least one kind of vermin.”

“When Sir Thomas comes, I dare say he will be in for some borough, but there has been nobody to put him in the way of doing anything yet,” observed Mrs. Grant.

“Sir Thomas is to achieve many mighty things when he comes home” said Mary, after a pause. “Perchance he will even have a native Antigua cure for lunacy. Though, likely not the kind that will also grant Mr. Rushworth an additional smidgen of sense.”

“Upon Sir Thomas’s return you will find he has a fine dignified manner, which suits the head of such a house, and keeps everybody in their place. Lady Bertram seems more of a cipher now than when he is at home—though, no, allow me to retract, she is quite consumed by Nile folly even with Sir Thomas at her side—and nobody else can keep Mrs. Norris in order, especially when she has her regular moonlight affliction. But, Mary, do not fancy that Maria Bertram cares for Henry. I am sure Julia does not, or she would not have flirted as she did last night with Mr. Yates. And though Henry and Maria are very good friends, I think she likes Sotherton too well to be inconstant.”

“I would not give much for Mr. Rushworth’s chance if Henry stept in before the articles were signed. Of course, matters would stand quite different, if Maria were a rare shank of beef in the moonlight.”

“If you have such a suspicion, something must be done.”

“One cannot control moonlight—or steaks.”

“Now, don’t be silly! You know what I mean. As soon as the play is over, we will talk to him seriously, make him know his own mind; and if needed, we will send him away for a time.”