 I would
not trust her in it. There is nothing of tragedy about her. She has not the look
of it. Her features are not tragic features, and she walks too quick, and speaks
too quick, and would not keep her countenance. She had better do the old
countrywoman; the Cottager's wife; you had, indeed, Julia. Cottager's wife is a
very pretty part I assure you. The old lady relieves the high-flown benevolence
of her husband with a good deal of spirit. You shall be Cottager's wife.«
    »Cottager's wife!« cried Mr. Yates. »What are you talking of? The most
trivial, paltry, insignificant part; the merest common-place - not a tolerable
speech in the whole. Your sister do that! It is an insult to propose it. At
Ecclesford the governess was to have done it. We all agreed that it could not be
offered to any body else. A little more justice, Mr. Manager, if you please. You
do not deserve the office, if you cannot appreciate the talents of your company
a little better.«
    »Why as to that, my good friend, till I and my company have really acted
there must be some guess-work; but I mean no disparagement to Julia. We cannot
have two Agathas, and we must have one Cottager's wife; and I am sure I set her
the example of moderation myself in being satisfied with the old Butler. If the
part is trifling she will have more credit in making something of it; and if she
is so desperately bent against every thing humorous, let her take Cottager's
speeches instead of Cottager's wife's, and so change the parts all through; he
is solemn and pathetic enough I am sure. It could make no difference in the
play; and as for Cottager himself, when he has got his wife's speeches, I would
undertake him with all my heart.«
    »With all your partiality for Cottager's wife,« said Henry Crawford, »it
will be impossible to make any thing of it fit for your sister, and we must not
suffer her good nature to be imposed on. We must not allow her to accept the
part. She must not be left to her own complaisance. Her talents will be wanted
in Amelia. Amelia is a character more difficult to be well represented than even
Agatha. I consider Amelia as the most difficult character in the whole piece. It
requires great powers, great nicety, to
