Having controlled her thoughts and comforted her feelings, Fanny was able in due time to go down and resume her usual employments near her aunt Bertram.

Upon seeing Lord Easwind there—nothing out of the usual—she was momentarily subject to an unexpected blush.

“Miss Price,” spoke he, addressing her with a soft gaze of his impossible deep eyes. “You are likely already engaged for the first several dances. Might I ask for but a single dance, somewhere in the middle of the joyful evening?”

“You may, sir.” relied Fanny.

Lord Eastwind’s face seemed, in that moment, to be transcendent. “Then you make me the happiest of the living.”

Thursday, predestined to hope and enjoyment, came; and opened with more kindness to Fanny than expected. Soon after breakfast a very friendly note was brought from Mr. Crawford to William, stating that as he found himself obliged to go to London on the morrow for a few days, he hoped that William could decide to leave Mansfield half a day earlier and accept a companionable place in his carriage.

Mr. Crawford meant to be in town by dinner-hour, and William was invited to dine with him at the Admiral’s. The proposal was a very pleasant one to William himself, who enjoyed the idea of travelling post with four horses, and such a good-humoured, agreeable friend.

Fanny, from a different motive, was exceedingly pleased. Though this offer of Mr. Crawford’s would rob her of many hours of his company, she was too happy in having William spared from the fatigue of an otherwise long journey. Sir Thomas approved of it for another reason. His nephew’s introduction to Admiral Crawford might be of service. Upon the whole, it was a very joyous note. Fanny’s spirits lived on it half the morning, deriving some pleasure from its writer being himself to go away.

As for the ball, so near at hand, she had too many agitations and fears to have half the enjoyment in anticipation which she ought to have had. Many young ladies looking forward to the same event in easier situations might be experiencing less novelty, less interest, less gratification. Miss Price, known only by name to half the people invited, was now to make her first appearance, and must be regarded as the queen of the evening.

Who could be happier than Miss Price?