It will be readily believed that Mrs. Norris did not write to her sister in vain. Mrs. Price seemed rather surprised that a girl should be fixed on, when she had so many fine boys. But she accepted the offer most thankfully, assuring them of her daughter’s being a very gentle, good-humoured girl, and trusting they would never have cause to throw her off. She spoke of her as somewhat delicate and puny, but was hopeful of her being materially better for change of air. Poor woman! she undoubtedly thought change of air might agree with many of her children—unlike what it might do to the vestments of a newly exhumed and exposed to the elements ancient mummy.

Chapter II

The little girl performed her long journey in safety; and at Northampton was met by Mrs. Norris, who immediately sniffed her behind the ears, in an unexpected bit of behavioral oddity, but gladly took credit of being first to welcome her and recommend her to the rest of the family.

Fanny Price was at this time just ten years old, and though there might not be much in her first appearance to captivate, there was, at least, nothing to disgust her relations. She was small for her age, with no glow of complexion, nor any other striking beauty. She was exceedingly timid and shy, and shrinking from notice. But her air, though awkward, was not vulgar, her voice was sweet, and when she spoke her countenance was pretty.

Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram received her very kindly; and Sir Thomas, seeing how much she needed encouragement, tried to be all that was conciliating: but he had to work against a most untoward gravity of deportment. Lady Bertram, without half so much trouble, by the mere aid of a good-humoured smile, became immediately the less awful character of the two.

The young people were all at home, and handled the introduction very well, with much good humour, and no embarrassment, at least on the part of the sons, who, at seventeen and sixteen, and tall of their age, had all the grandeur of men in the eyes of their little cousin. The two girls were more at a loss from being younger and in greater awe of their father, who addressed them on the occasion with rather an injudicious particularity. But they were too much used to company and praise to have anything like natural shyness. Their confidence increased from their cousin’s total lack of it, and they examined her face and frock in easy indifference.

They were a remarkably fine family, the sons very well-looking, the daughters decidedly handsome, as though heirs to an ancient dynasty, and all of them well-grown and forward of their age, which produced as striking a difference between the cousins in person, as education had given to their address. There were but two years between the youngest and Fanny. Julia Bertram was only twelve, and Maria but a year older.