@@@@@A stranger among them would have been the
@@@@@A stranger among them would
have been the destruction of all their comfort”; and when Edmund,
pursuing that idea, gave a hint of his hope as to the limitation of the
audience, they were ready, in the complaisance of the moment, to
promise anythingIt was all good-humour and encouragement
Norris offered to contrive his dress, MrYates assured him that
Anhalt’s last scene with the Baron admitted a good deal of action
and emphasis, and MrRushworth undertook to count his speeches
“Perhaps,” said Tom, “Fanny may be more disposed to oblige us
nowPerhaps you may persuade her
“No, she is quite determinedShe certainly will not act And not another word was said; but Fanny felt
139
Jane Austen
herself again in danger, and her indifference to the danger was beginning
to fail her already
There were not fewer smiles at the Parsonage than at the Park on
this change in Edmund; Miss Crawford looked very lovely in hers,
and entered with such an instantaneous renewal of cheerfulness into
the whole affair as could have but one effect on him“He was certainly
right in respecting such feelings; he was glad he had determined
on it And the morning wore away in satisfactions very sweet,
if not very soundOne advantage resulted from it to Fanny: at the
earnest request of Miss Crawford, MrsGrant had, with her usual
good-humour, agreed to undertake the part for which Fanny had
been wanted; and this was all that occurred to gladden her heart
during the day; and even this, when imparted by Edmund, brought
a pang with it, for it was Miss Crawford to whom she was obliged—
it was Miss Crawford whose kind exertions were to excite her gratitude,
and whose merit in making them was spoken of with a glow
of admirationShe was safe; but peace and safety were unconnected
hereHer mind had been never farther from peaceShe could not
feel that she had done wrong herself, but she was disquieted in every
other wayHer heart and her judgment were equally against
Edmund’s decision: she could not acquit his unsteadiness, and his
happiness under it made her wretchedShe was full of jealousy and
agitationMiss Crawford came with looks of gaiety which seemed
an insult, with friendly expressions towards herself which she could
hardly answer calmlyEverybody around her was gay and busy, prosperous
and important; each had their object of interest, their part,
their dress, their favourite scene, their friends and confederates: all
were finding employment in consultations and comparisons, or diversion
in the playful conceits they suggestedShe alone was sad
and insignificant: she had no share in anything; she might go or
stay; she might be in the midst of their noise, or retreat from it to
the solitude of the East room, without being seen or missedShe
could almost think anything would have been preferable to thisGrant was of consequence: her good-nature had honourable
mention; her taste and her time were considered; her presence was
wanted; she was sought for, and attended, and praised; and Fanny
was at first in some danger of envying her the character she had
140
Mansfield Park
accepted