 She believed it
would be wiser for her to say and know at once, all that she meant to say and
know. Plain dealing was always best. She had previously determined how far she
would proceed, on any application of the sort; and it would be safer for both,
to have the judicious law of her own brain laid down with speed. - She was
decided, and thus spoke -
    »Harriet, I will not affect to be in doubt of your meaning. Your resolution,
or rather your expectation of never marrying, results from an idea that the
person whom you might prefer, would be too greatly your superior in situation to
think of you. Is not it so?«
    »Oh! Miss Woodhouse, believe me I have not the presumption to suppose -
Indeed I am not so mad. - But it is a pleasure to me to admire him at a distance
- and to think of his infinite superiority to all the rest of the world, with
the gratitude, wonder, and veneration, which are so proper, in me especially.«
    »I am not at all surprised at you, Harriet. The service he rendered you was
enough to warm your heart.«
    »Service! oh! it was such an inexpressible obligation! - The very
recollection of it, and all that I felt at the time - when I saw him coming -
his noble look - and my wretchedness before. Such a change! In one moment such a
change! From perfect misery to perfect happiness.«
    »It is very natural. It is natural, and it is honourable. - Yes, honourable,
I think, to choose so well and so gratefully. - But that it will be a fortunate
preference is more than I can promise. I do not advise you to give way to it,
Harriet. I do not by any means engage for its being returned. Consider what you
are about. Perhaps it will be wisest in you to check your feelings while you
can: at any rate do not let them carry you far, unless you are persuaded of his
liking you. Be observant of him. Let his behaviour be the guide of your
sensations. I give you this caution now, because I shall never speak to you
again on the subject. I am determined against all interference. Henceforward I
know nothing of the matter. Let no name ever pass our lips. We were very wrong
before; we will be cautious now. - He is your superior, no doubt, and there do
seem objections and obstacles of a very serious nature; but yet
