Once fairly in the dockyard, he began to reckon upon some happy intercourse with Fanny (no, not of that kind, you—bad, naughty-minded Reader!), as they were very soon joined by a brother lounger of Mr. Price’s, who was come to take his daily survey of how things went on, and who must prove a far more worthy companion than Mr. Crawford. Indeed, after a time the two officers seemed very well satisfied going about together, and discussing matters of equal and never-failing interest.

Meanwhile, the young people sat down upon some timbers in the yard, or found a seat on board a vessel in the stocks which they all went to look at. Despite throwing occasional wary glances in all directions, Fanny was most conveniently in want of rest. Crawford could not have wished her more fatigued or more ready to sit down; but he could have wished her sister away.

A quick-looking girl of Susan’s age was the very worst third in the world: totally different from Lady Bertram, all eyes and ears; and there was no introducing the main point before her. He must content himself with being only generally agreeable, and letting Susan have her share of entertainment, with the indulgence, now and then, of a look or hint for the better-informed and conscious Fanny. Especially now that they knew there was a certain familiar unnatural danger to be dealt with.

He mostly talked of Norfolk: he had been there some time, and there reposed his present important schemes. Such a man could come from no place, no society, without importing something to amuse. His journeys and his acquaintance were all of use, and Susan was entertained in a way quite new to her.

For Fanny, somewhat more was related than the accidental agreeableness of the parties he had been in. For her approbation, the particular reason of his going into Norfolk was given. It had been real business, relative to the renewal of a lease in which the welfare of a large and industrious family was at stake. Suspecting his agent of some underhand dealing, Mr. Crawford had determined to go himself, and thoroughly investigate the merits of the case. He had gone, had done even more good than he had foreseen. In performing a duty, he had been gratified.