At Mansfield Park Mr. Crawford would always be welcome. He had only to consult his own judgment and feelings as to the frequency of his visits. The gentlemen parted the best of friends.

Sir Thomas resolved to abstain from all further interference with his niece. He said to her, with a mild gravity, “Well, Fanny, I have seen Mr. Crawford again, and learnt from him exactly how matters stand between you. He is a most extraordinary young man, and whatever happens, you must feel that you have created an attachment of no common character.”

“Indeed, sir,” said Fanny, “I am very sorry that Mr. Crawford should continue—I feel most undeservedly honoured; but I am so perfectly convinced, and I have told him so, that it never will be in my power—”

“My dear,” interrupted Sir Thomas, “there is no occasion for this. Your feelings are as well known to me as my wishes and regrets must be to you. Nothing more to be said or done. From this hour, you will have nothing to fear. You cannot suppose me capable of trying to persuade you to marry against your inclinations. Your happiness and advantage are all that I have in view. Mr. Crawford proceeds at his own risk. You will see him with the rest of us, in the same manner. He leaves Northamptonshire soon. The future must be very uncertain. And now, my dear Fanny, this subject is closed between us.”

The promised departure was all that Fanny could think of with much satisfaction. Her uncle’s kindness, however, was sensibly felt. Considering that he had married a daughter to Mr. Rushworth, romantic delicacy was certainly not to be expected from him. She must do her duty, and trust the passing of time . . .

Surely, Mr. Crawford’s attachment would not hold out for ever, not with her steady discouragement.

In spite of his intended silence, Sir Thomas found himself once more obliged to mention the subject to his niece, to prepare her for her aunts’ discovery. Mr. Crawford’s feelings were all known at the Parsonage, where he loved to talk over the future with both his sisters. When Sir Thomas understood this, he almost dreaded the effect of the communication to Mrs. Norris as much as Fanny herself.

Sir Thomas, indeed, was, by this time, classing Mrs. Norris as one of those well-meaning people who are always doing mistaken and very disagreeable things—regardless of any unique afflictions.

Mrs. Norris, however, relieved him. She observed forbearance and silence towards their niece, only looked increasingly full of ill-will, and made additional frequent snarls and yaps at inopportune moments. She was more bitterly angry with Fanny for having received such an offer than for refusing it. It was an injury and affront to Julia, who ought to have been Mr. Crawford’s choice. Independently of that, Mrs. Norris disliked Fanny, because she had neglected her.