Fanny was her oracle. Fanny’s explanations and remarks were a most important addition to every essay, or every chapter of history. From social mores to mummies—what Fanny told her of former times dwelt more on her mind than the pages of Goldsmith; and she paid her sister the compliment of preferring her style to that of any printed author. The early habit of reading was wanting.

Their conversations, however, were not always on subjects so high as history or morals. Mansfield Park as a topic was prominent. A description of people, manners, amusements—all the ways of Mansfield Park—was a favorite.

Susan, who had an innate taste for the genteel and well-appointed, was eager to hear, and Fanny could not but indulge herself in dwelling on so beloved a theme. She hoped it was not wrong. Though, after a time, Susan’s very great admiration of everything said or done in her uncle’s house, and earnest longing to go into Northamptonshire, seemed almost to blame her for exciting feelings which could not be gratified.

Poor Susan was very little better fitted for her father’s home than her elder sister. Fanny grew thoroughly to understand this, and began to feel that when her own release from Portsmouth came, her happiness would be reduced in leaving Susan behind.

That a girl so capable of being made everything good should be left in such hands, distressed Fanny more and more. Were she to have her own home to invite Susan to, what a blessing it would be! And had it been possible for her to return Mr. Crawford’s regard, the likelihood of his being very open to such a measure would have increased all her own comforts. She thought he was really good-tempered, and could fancy his most amiable approval of such a plan.

Chapter XLIV

Seven weeks of the two months were very nearly gone, when the one letter so long expected—the letter from Edmund—was put into Fanny’s hands.

As she opened, and saw its length, she prepared herself for a minute detail of happiness and a profusion of love and praise towards the fortunate creature who was now mistress of his fate. These were the contents—

“My Dear Fanny,—