 the Baron. She was acknowledged to be quite right, and the
two parts being accepted accordingly, she was certain of the proper Frederick.
Three of the characters were now cast, besides Mr. Rushworth, who was always
answered for by Maria as willing to do any thing; when Julia, meaning like her
sister to be Agatha, began to be scrupulous on Miss Crawford's account.
    »This is not behaving well by the absent,« said she. »Here are not women
enough. Amelia and Agatha may do for Maria and me, but here is nothing for your
sister, Mr. Crawford.«
    Mr. Crawford desired that might not be thought of; he was very sure his
sister had no wish of acting, but as she might be useful, and that she would not
allow herself to be considered in the present case. But this was immediately
opposed by Tom Bertram, who asserted the part of Amelia to be in every respect
the property of Miss Crawford if she would accept it. »It falls as naturally, as
necessarily to her,« said he, »as Agatha does to one or other of my sisters. It
can be no sacrifice on their side, for it is highly comic.«
    A short silence followed. Each sister looked anxious; for each felt the best
claim to Agatha, and was hoping to have it pressed on her by the rest. Henry
Crawford, who meanwhile had taken up the play, and with seeming carelessness was
turning over the first act, soon settled the business. »I must entreat Miss
Julia, Bertram,« said he, »not to engage in the part of Agatha, or it will be
the ruin of all my solemnity. You must not, indeed you must not - (turning to
her.) I could not stand your countenance dressed up in woe and paleness. The
many laughs we have had together would infallibly come across me, and Frederick
and his knapsack would be obliged to run away.«
    Pleasantly, courteously it was spoken; but the manner was lost in the matter
to Julia's feelings. She saw a glance at Maria, which confirmed the injury to
herself; it was a scheme - a trick; she was slighted, Maria was preferred; the
smile of triumph which Maria was trying to suppress shewed how well it was
understood, and before Julia could command herself enough to speak, her brother
gave his weight against her too, by saying, »Oh! yes, Maria must be Agatha.
Maria will be the best Agatha. Though Julia fancies she prefers tragedy,
