The first half hour was lost,for Fanny and Lady Bertram were together,and unless she had Fanny to herself she could hope for nothing.But at last Lady Bertram left the room-and then almost immediately Miss Crawford thus began,with a voice as well regulated as she could-‘And how do you like your cousin Edmund's staying away so long?-Being the only young person at home,I consider you as the greatest sufferer.-You must miss him.Does his staying longer surprise you?’
‘I do not know,’said Fanny hesitatingly.-‘Yes-I had not particularly expected it.’
‘Perhaps he will always stay longer than he talks of.It is the general way；all young men do.’
‘He did not,the only time he went to see Mr Owen before.’
‘He finds the house more agreeable now.-He is a very-a very pleasing young man himself,and I cannot help being rather concerned at not seeing him again before I go to London,as will now undoubtedly be the case.-I am looking for Henry every day,and as soon as he comes there will be nothing to detain me at Mansfield.I should like to have seen him once more,I confess.But you must give my compliments to him.Yes I think it must be compliments.Is not there a something wanted,Miss Price,in our language-a something between compliments and-and love-to suit the sort of friendly acquaintance we have had together?-So many months acquaintance!-But compliments may be sufficient here.-Was his letter a long one?-Does he give you much account of what he is doing?-Is it Christmas gaieties that he is staying for?’
‘I only heard a part of the letter;it was to my uncle-but I believe it was very short;indeed I am sure it was but a few lines.All that I heard was that his friend had pressed him to stay longer,and that he had agreed to do so.A few days longer,or some days longer,I am not quite sure which.’
‘Oh!if he wrote to his father-But I thought it might have been to Lady Bertram or you.But if he wrote to his father,no wonder he was concise.Who could write chat to Sir Thomas?If he had written to you,there would have been more particulars.You would have heard of balls and parties.-He would have sent you a deion of everything and everybody.How many Miss Owens are there?’
‘Three grown up.’
‘Are they musical?’
‘I do not at all know.I never heard.’
‘That is the first question,you know,’said Miss Crawford,trying to appear gay and unconcerned,‘which every woman who plays herself is sure to ask about another.But it is very foolish to ask questions about any young ladies-about any three sisters just grown up;for one knows,without being told,exactly what they are-all very accomplished and pleasing,and one very pretty.There is a beauty in every family.-It is a regular thing.Two play on the pianoforte,and one on the harp-and all sing-or would sing if they were taught-or sing all the better for not being taught-or something like it.’
‘I know nothing of the Miss Owens,’said Fanny calmly.
‘You know nothing and you care less,as people say.Never did tone express indifference plainer.Indeed how can one care for those one has never seen?-Well,when your cousin comes back,he will find Mansfield very quiet;-all the noisy ones gone,your brother and mine and myself.I do not like the idea of leaving Mrs Grant now the time draws near.She does not like my going.’
Fanny felt obliged to speak.‘You cannot doubt your being missed by many,’said she.‘You will be very much missed.’
Miss Crawford turned her eye on her,as if wanting to hear or see more,and then laughingly said,‘Oh yes,missed as every noisy evil is missed when it is taken away;that is,there is a great difference felt.But I am not fishing;don't compliment me.If I am missed,it will appear.I may be discovered by those who want to see me.I shall not be in any doubtful,or distant,or unapproachable region.’
Now Fanny could not bring herself to speak,and Miss Crawford was disappointed;for she had hoped to hear some pleasant assurance of her power,from one who she thought must know;and her spirits were clouded again.
‘The Miss Owens,’said she soon afterwards-‘Suppose you were to have one of the Miss Owens settled at Thornton Lacey;how should you like it?Stranger things have happened.I dare say they are trying for it.And they are quite in the right,for it would be a very pretty establishment for them.I do not at all wonder or blame them.-It is everybody's duty to do as well for themselves as they can.Sir Thomas Bertram's son is somebody;and now,he is in their own line.Their father is a clergyman and their brother is a clergyman,and they are all clergymen together.He is their lawful property,he fairly belongs to them.You don't speak,Fanny-Miss Price-you don't speak.-But honestly now,do not you rather expect it than otherwise?’
‘No,’said Fanny stoutly,‘I do not expect it all.’
‘Not at all!’-cried Miss Crawford with alacrity.‘I wonder at that.But I dare say you know exactly-I always imagine you are-perhaps you do not think him likely to marry at all-or not at present.’
‘No,I do not,’said Fanny softly-hoping she did not err either in the belief or the acknowledgment of it.
Her companion looked at her keenly;and gathering greater spirit from the blush soon produced from such a look,only said,‘He is best off as he is,’and turned the subject.
