“If I must say what I think,” continued Mr. Rushworth, “in my opinion it is very disagreeable to be always rehearsing. I am not so fond of acting. We are a great deal better employed, sitting comfortably here among ourselves, and doing nothing.”

Sir Thomas looked again, decided to overlook the growling, and then replied with an approving smile, “Our sentiments on this subject are much the same, which gives me sincere satisfaction. That I should be cautious is perfectly natural. But at your time of life to feel all this, is most favourable for yourself, and for everybody connected with you.”

Sir Thomas meant to give Mr. Rushworth’s opinion a compliment. He was aware that he must not expect a genius in Mr. Rushworth. But as a well-judging, steady young man, he intended to value him very highly.

It was impossible for many of the others not to smile. Mr. Rushworth hardly knew what to do. But by looking most exceedingly pleased with Sir Thomas’s good opinion, and saying scarcely anything, he thus did his best towards preserving that good opinion a little longer.

Chapter XX

Edmund’s first object the next morning was to see his father alone, and give him a fair statement of the whole acting scheme, defending his own share in it as far only as he could. He was anxious, while vindicating himself, to say nothing unkind of the others: but there was only one amongst them whose good conduct he could mention. “We have all been to blame,” said he, “every one of us, excepting Fanny. She is the only one who has judged rightly throughout; who has been consistent. Her feelings have been steadily against it. She never ceased to think of what was due to you. You will find Fanny everything you could wish.”

Sir Thomas was particularly gratified to hear this said of Fanny. As far as all the rest of them, he saw all the impropriety of such a scheme. He felt it too much. And having shaken hands with Edmund, he meant to forget how much he had been forgotten himself. Soon, the house was cleared of every object enforcing the remembrance, and restored to its proper state. He did not enter into any remonstrance with his other children. The conclusion of everything would be sufficient.

There was one person, however, in the house, whom he could not leave to learn his sentiments merely through his conduct. He could not help giving Mrs. Norris a hint of his disapproval. The young people had been very inconsiderate in forming the plan, but they were young; and, excepting Edmund, of unsteady characters. He had higher hopes, however of Mrs. Norris’s judgment.