In the meantime, amid the cares and complacency of his own children, Sir Thomas did not forget to do what he could for the children of Mrs. Price. He assisted her liberally in the education and disposal of her sons as they became old enough for a determinate pursuit. And Fanny, though separated from her family, had the truest satisfaction in hearing of any kindness towards them, or of any improvement in their situation or conduct.

Once only, in the course of many years, had she the happiness of being with William. Of the rest she saw nothing—nobody seemed to think of her ever going amongst them again, even for a visit, nobody at home seemed to want her. But William, determining, soon after her removal, to be a sailor, was invited to spend a week with his sister in Northamptonshire before he went to sea. Their eager affection in meeting, their exquisite delight in being together, their hours of happy mirth, and moments of serious conference, may be imagined; as well as the sanguine views and spirits of the boy even to the last, and the misery of the girl when he left her, loaded with well wishes and gifts of small concealed Egyptian trinkets—as Sir Thomas would have it, “for good luck.” Luckily the visit happened in the Christmas holidays, when the household was a bit agitated in particular, and she could directly look for comfort to her cousin Edmund. He told her such charming things of what William was to do, and be hereafter, in consequence of his profession, as made her admit that the separation might have some use.

Edmund’s friendship never failed her: his leaving Eton for Oxford did not change in his kind dispositions, and only afforded more frequent opportunities of proving them. Without any display of doing more than the rest, or any fear of doing too much, he was always true to Fanny’s interests, and considerate of her feelings, making her good qualities understood and more apparent; giving her advice, consolation, and encouragement, as well as discussing—in somewhat delightful clandestine moments that Fanny came to treasure—various aspects of the family Curse.

Kept back as she was by everybody else, his single support could not bring her forward. But his attentions were of the highest importance in improving her mind. He knew her to be clever, to have a quick apprehension as well as good sense, and a fondness for reading, which, properly directed, must be an education in itself. Miss Lee taught her French and introductory hieroglyphics, and heard her read the daily portion of history. But Edmund recommended the books which charmed her leisure hours and incidentally referenced Exorcisms. He encouraged her taste, and corrected her judgment. He made reading useful by talking to her of what she read, and heightened its attraction by judicious praise.