“My dear Fanny,—for so I may now always call you, to the infinite relief of a tongue that has been stumbling at Miss Price for at least the last six weeks—I cannot let my brother go without sending you a few lines of general congratulation, and giving my most joyful consent and approval. Go on, my dear Fanny, and without fear—either of myself and my nature or any other thing. If the assurance of my consent will be something; you may smile upon him with your sweetest smiles this afternoon, and send him back to me even happier than he goes.

—Yours affectionately, M. C.”

These expressions did Fanny little good; for it was evident that Miss Crawford meant to compliment her on her brother’s attachment, even to appear to believe it serious.

She did not know what to do, or what to think. She was distressed whenever Mr. Crawford spoke to her (which was much too often). There was something in his voice and manner in addressing her very different from how he talked to the others. Her comfort in that day’s dinner was quite destroyed. She could hardly eat anything; and when Sir Thomas good-humouredly observed that joy had taken away her appetite, she was ready to sink with shame, from the dread of Mr. Crawford’s interpretation; for though nothing could have tempted her to turn her eyes to the right hand, where he sat, she felt that his were immediately directed towards her.

And suddenly, Fanny felt another familiar pair of burning eyes, trained upon her from the opposite direction.

Unseen by everyone this time but herself, Lord Eastwind stood a few steps away, in the shadows, watching her.

He has returned. . . .

She was more silent than ever. Her heart had skipped a beat but she forced herself to calm. She would hardly speak even when William was the subject, for his commission came all from the right hand too.

She thought Lady Bertram sat longer than ever, not having the usual Egypt artifacts to mesmerize her, and was in despair of ever getting away. At last they were in the drawing-room, and she was able to think, while her aunts discussed William’s promotion.

Mrs. Norris seemed probably most delighted with the monetary savings this meant for Sir Thomas. “Now William would be able to keep himself, which would make a vast difference to his uncle! It was unknown how much he had cost his uncle; indeed, it would make some difference in her presents too. She was very glad that she had given William what she did at parting, something quite considerable, very glad, indeed, with her limited means—”

“I am glad you gave him something considerable,” said Lady Bertram, with most unsuspicious calmness, “for I gave him only £10.”

“Indeed!” cried Mrs. Norris, reddening. “Upon my word, he must have gone off with his pockets well lined, and at no expense for his journey to London either!”