The intercourse[21] of the two families was at this period more nearly restored to what it had been in the autumn. The return of Henry Crawford, and the arrival of William Price, had much to do with it, but much was still owing to Sir Thomas’s better inclinations toward the neighbourly attempts at the Parsonage. His mind, now disengaged from the cares which had pressed on him at first, was at leisure to find the Grants and their young inmates really worth visiting.

Also, Sir Thomas could not avoid perceiving that Mr. Crawford was somewhat distinguishing his niece—and thus could not refrain from giving a more willing assent to invitations on that account.

His readiness, however, in finally agreeing to dine at the Parsonage, proceeded from good-breeding and goodwill alone, and had nothing to do with Mr. Crawford, but as being one in an agreeable group. For, it was in the course of that very visit that he first began to think that Mr. Crawford possibly was the admirer of Fanny Price.

The meeting was generally felt to be a pleasant one, and the dinner itself was elegant and plentiful, according to the usual style of the Grants, and too much, according to Mrs. Norris.

She could never behold either the wide table or the number of dishes on it with patience, and always contrived to experience some evil from the passing of the lumbering buffoon servants with bad skin behind her chair (almost touching her; but she, with her acute lycanthrope senses, would never let them take such idiot liberties), and to bring away some fresh conviction that, among so many dishes, some must be cold.

In the evening it was found that after making up the whist-table there would remain sufficient for a round game. Lady Bertram soon found herself in the critical situation of being applied to for her own choice between the games, and being required either to draw a card for whist or not. She hesitated. Luckily Sir Thomas was at hand.

“What shall I do, Sir Thomas? Whist and speculation; which will amuse me most? Which of the two is played in the shadow of the great Temple of Karnak?”

Sir Thomas, after a moment’s painful thought of temples and shadows, recommended speculation. He was a whist player himself, and perhaps might feel that it would not much amuse him to have her for a partner.

“Very well,” was her ladyship’s contented answer; “then speculation, if you please, Mrs. Grant. I know nothing about it, but Fanny must teach me.”