“As a bystander,” Fanny said, “perhaps I saw more than you did; and I do think that Mr. Rushworth, while sometimes very—wolfish, was at other times very jealous.”

“Very possibly. No wonder. Nothing could be more improper than the whole business. I am shocked whenever I think that Maria could be capable of it.”

“Before the play, I am much mistaken if Julia did not think he was paying her attentions.”

“Julia! I have heard before from some one of his being in love with Julia; but I could never see anything of it. I think both my sisters were more desirous of being admired by Crawford, than was perfectly prudent. He enjoyed their availability. But his ultimate choice of yourself does him the highest honour. It proves him unspoilt by his uncle.”

“I am persuaded that he does not think, as he ought, on serious subjects.”

“Say, rather, that he has not thought at all upon serious subjects. How could it be otherwise, with such an education and adviser? Crawford’s feelings have hitherto been too much his guides. You will supply the rest—a woman firm as a rock in her own principles, with a gentleness of character. He has chosen his partner well. Fanny, I know he will make you happy; but you will make him everything.”

“I would not engage in such a charge,” cried Fanny; “in such an office of high responsibility!”

“As usual, believing yourself unequal to anything! Next to your happiness, Fanny, his has the first claim on me. You are aware of my having an uncommon interest in Crawford.”

Fanny was too well aware of it to have anything to say; and they walked on together some fifty yards in mutual silence and abstraction. Edmund first began again—

“I was very much pleased by her manner of speaking of it yesterday. I had not depended upon her seeing everything in so just a light. I knew she was very fond of you. Yet I was afraid of her not estimating your worth to her brother quite as it deserved, regretting that he had not fixed on some woman of distinction or fortune. But she spoke of you, Fanny, just as she ought. She desires the connexion as warmly as your uncle or myself. I should not have mentioned the subject, but she immediately introduced it with all that openness of heart, and sweet peculiarity of manner. Mrs. Grant even laughed at her rapidity.”

“Was Mrs. Grant in the room, then?”

“Yes, when I reached the house I found the two sisters together by themselves; and when once we had begun, we had not done with you, Fanny, till Crawford and Dr. Grant came in.”

“It is above a week since I saw Miss Crawford.”