She could not have a doubt of the manner in which Mr. Crawford must be struck. He must be ashamed and disgusted altogether. He must soon give her up, and cease to have the smallest inclination for the match. And yet—though she had been so much wanting his affection to be cured, this was a sort of cure that would be almost as bad as the complaint. . . .

For, surely, there is scarcely a young lady in the United Kingdoms who would not rather put up with the misfortune of being sought by a clever, agreeable man, than have him driven away by the vulgarity of her nearest relations. Indeed, Fanny could recall talk of exactly such a situation—a proverbially vulgar family, spoken of everywhereabouts—with a quite desperate mama, a dreadful overabundance of unattached daughters, and the surname of Bennet. . . .

Mr. Crawford probably could not regard his future father-in-law with any idea of taking him for a model in dress; but (as Fanny instantly, and to her great relief, discerned) her father was a very different man, a very different Mr. Price, in his behaviour to this most highly respected stranger, from what he was in his own family at home. His manners now, though not polished, were more than passable—they were grateful, animated, manly. His expressions were those of an attached father, and a sensible man. His loud tones did very well in the open air (though still not dulcet, and somewhat tending to scatter pigeons, seagulls, and all other flying fowl from the vicinity), and there was not a single oath to be heard.

Such was his instinctive compliment to the good manners of Mr. Crawford. And, be the consequence what it might, Fanny’s immediate feelings were infinitely soothed.

The conclusion of the two gentlemen’s civilities was an offer of Mr. Price’s to take Mr. Crawford into the dockyard. Mr. Crawford, desirous of accepting as a favour what was intended as such, though he had seen the dockyard again and again, and hoping to be so much the longer with Fanny, was very gratefully disposed to avail himself of the invitation—if the Miss Prices were not afraid of the fatigue. And as it was ascertained that they were not, to the dockyard they were all to go.

Mr. Price would have turned thither directly, without the smallest consideration for his daughters’ errands in the High Street. Mr. Crawford took care, however, that they should be allowed to go to the shops they came out expressly to visit. It did not delay them long, for Fanny would not inconvenience anyone. Before the gentlemen, as they stood at the door, could do more than begin upon the last naval regulations, or settle the number of three-deckers now in commission, their companions were ready to proceed.