 Everingham as it used to be was perfect in my estimation; such
a happy fall of ground, and such timber! What would not I give to see it again!«
    »Nothing could be so gratifying to me as to hear your opinion of it,« was
his answer. »But I fear there would be some disappointment. You would not find
it equal to your present ideas. In extent it is a mere nothing - you would be
surprised at its insignificance; and as for improvement, there was very little
for me to do; too little - I should like to have been busy much longer.«
    »You are fond of the sort of thing?« said Julia.
    »Excessively: but what with the natural advantages of the ground, which
pointed out even to a very young eye what little remained to be done, and my own
consequent resolutions, I had not been of age three months before Everingham was
all that it is now. My plan was laid at Westminster - a little altered perhaps
at Cambridge, and at one and twenty executed. I am inclined to envy Mr.
Rushworth for having so much happiness yet before him. I have been a devourer of
my own.«
    »Those who see quickly, will resolve quickly and act quickly,« said Julia. »
You can never want employment. Instead of envying Mr. Rushworth, you should
assist him with your opinion.«
    Mrs. Grant hearing the latter part of this speech, enforced it warmly,
persuaded that no judgment could be equal to her brother's; and as Miss Bertram
caught at the idea likewise, and gave it her full support, declaring that in her
opinion it was infinitely better to consult with friends and disinterested
advisers, than immediately to throw the business into the hands of a
professional man, Mr. Rushworth was very ready to request the favour of Mr.
Crawford's assistance; and Mr. Crawford after properly depreciating his own
abilities, was quite at his service in any way that could be useful. Mr.
Rushworth then began to propose Mr. Crawford's doing him the honour of coming
over to Sotherton, and taking a bed there; when Mrs. Norris, as if reading in
her two nieces' minds their little approbation of a plan which was to take Mr.
Crawford away, interposed with an amendment. »There can be no doubt of Mr.
Crawford's willingness; but why should not more of us go? - Why should not we
make a little party? Here are many that would be interested in your
improvements, my dear
