“I cannot attempt to thank you,” she continued, in a very agitated manner; “I feel much more than I can possibly express. Your goodness in thinking of me in such a way is beyond—”

“If that is all you have to say, Fanny . . .” He smiled, turning away again.

“No, no, it is not. I want to consult you.”

Almost unconsciously she had now undone the parcel he had just put into her hand, and seeing before her, in all the niceness of jewellers’ packing, a plain gold chain, perfectly simple and neat, she could not help bursting forth again, “Oh, this is beautiful indeed! This is the very thing, precisely what I wished for! This is the only ornament I have ever had a desire to possess. It will exactly suit my cross. They must and shall be worn together.”

“My dear Fanny, you feel these things a great deal too much. I am most happy that you like the chain, and that it should be here in time for to-morrow; but your thanks are far beyond the occasion. It is my pleasure!”

Upon such expressions of affection Fanny could have lived an hour without saying another word. But Edmund brought her back to the moment by saying, “But what is it that you want to consult me about?”

It was about Miss Crawford’s necklace, which she now most earnestly longed to return. She told him of her recent visit. And now her raptures might well be over; for Edmund was so struck with the circumstance, so delighted with what Miss Crawford had done, so gratified by such a coincidence of conduct between them, that Fanny could not but admit the superior power of Miss Crawford over his own mind. It was some time before she could get his attention or any answer: he was in a reverie of fond reflection. But when he did return to himself, he was very decided in opposing what she wished.

“Return the necklace! No, my dear Fanny, upon no account. It would be mortifying her severely.”

“I should not have thought of returning it,” said Fanny, “but being her brother’s present, is it not fair to suppose she would rather not part with it?”

“It ought not to prevent you from keeping it. No doubt it is handsomer than mine, and fitter for a ballroom.”

“No, it is not handsomer, not at all, and, for my purpose, not half so fit. The chain will agree with William’s cross beyond all comparison better than the necklace.”