And then Edmund and Henry argued back and forth about the suitability of the land, and the need to enhance the placement of the farmyard, the front entrance, the blacksmith’s shop, the garden, and the views of the meadows presented.

Edmund finally said: “I must be satisfied with rather less ornament and beauty. The house and premises may be made a comfortable gentleman’s residence, without any heavy expense, and that must suffice me; and, I hope, may suffice all who care about me.”

Miss Crawford, a little suspicious and resentful of a certain tone of voice, made a hasty finish of her card game Another deal proceeded, and Crawford began again about Thornton Lacey, meanwhile telling Lady Bertram with exceeding patience, “Excuse me, your ladyship must not see your cards. There, let them lie just before you. Image them calm as the waters of the Nile, and quite far away in the distance. . . .”

Crawford went on: “The place deserves it, Bertram. You talk of giving it the air of a gentleman’s residence. That will be done. You may give it a higher character. You may raise it into a place, the residence of a man of education, taste, modern manners, good connexions.” He paused. Then, turning with a softened voice to Fanny, “You think with me, I hope. Have you ever seen the place?”

Fanny gave a quick negative, and tried to hide her interest in the subject by an eager attention to her brother; but Crawford pursued with “No, no, you must not part with the queen. You have bought her too dearly, and your brother does not offer half her value. No, no, sir, hands off, hands off. Your sister does not part with the queen. She is quite determined. The game will be yours,” turning to her again; “it will certainly be yours.”

“And Fanny had much rather it were William’s,” said Edmund, smiling at her. “Poor Fanny! not allowed to cheat herself as she wishes!”

Fanny gave him a quick grateful smile of perfect understanding. And then she glanced momentarily to see Lord Eastwind also smile.

“Mr. Bertram,” said Miss Crawford, a few minutes afterwards, “you know Henry to be such a capital improver, that you cannot possibly engage in anything of the sort at Thornton Lacey without accepting his help. Only think how useful he was at Sotherton!”