“I shall be able to write much that I could not say, giving her time for reflection. I am less afraid of the result of reflection than of an immediate hasty impulse answer. My greatest danger would lie in her consulting Mrs. Fraser. A letter exposes to all the evil of consultation, and where the mind is undecided, an adviser may lead it unwisely. But—I must think this matter over a little. This long letter, full of my own concerns alone, will be enough to tire even the friendship of a Fanny.

“The last time I saw Crawford was at Mrs. Fraser’s party. I am more and more satisfied with all that I see and hear of him. There is not a shadow of wavering. He thoroughly knows his own mind, and acts up to his resolutions: an inestimable quality. I could not see him and my eldest sister in the same room without recollecting what you once told me, and I acknowledge that they did not meet as friends. There was marked coolness on her side. They scarcely spoke. I saw him draw back surprised, and I was sorry that Mrs. Rushworth should resent any former supposed slight to Miss Bertram.

“You will wish to hear my opinion of Maria’s degree of comfort as a wife. There is no appearance of unhappiness. I hope they get on pretty well together. I dined twice in Wimpole Street, and might have been there oftener, but it is mortifying to be with Rushworth as a brother, even without all the wolfish things that come with him. Julia seems to enjoy London exceedingly. I had little enjoyment there, but have less here. We are not a lively party. You are very much wanted. I miss you more than I can express. My mother desires her best love, and hopes to hear from you soon. She talks of you almost every hour, and I am sorry to find how many weeks more she is likely to be without you. My father means to fetch you himself, but it will not be till after Easter, when he has business in town. You are happy at Portsmouth, I hope, but this must not be a yearly visit. I want you at home, that I may have your opinion about Thornton Lacey. I have little heart for improvements till I know that it will ever have a mistress. I think I shall certainly write. It is quite settled that the Grants go to Bath; I am glad of it.—Yours ever, my dearest Fanny.”

“Never! I will certainly never wish for a letter again!” was Fanny’s secret declaration as she finished this. “What do they bring but disappointment and sorrow? Not till after Easter! How shall I bear it? And my poor aunt talking of me every hour!”