 give her playfulness and simplicity
without extravagance. I have seen good actresses fail in the part. Simplicity,
indeed, is beyond the reach of almost every actress by profession. It requires a
delicacy of feeling which they have not. It requires a gentlewoman - a Julia
Bertram. You will undertake it I hope?« turning to her with a look of anxious
entreaty, which softened her a little; but while she hesitated what to say, her
brother again interposed with Miss Crawford's better claim.
    »No, no, Julia must not be Amelia. It is not at all the part for her. She
would not like it. She would not do well. She is too tall and robust. Amelia
should be a small, light, girlish, skipping figure. It is fit for Miss Crawford
and Miss Crawford only. She looks the part, and I am persuaded will do it
admirably.«
    Without attending to this, Henry Crawford continued his supplication. »You
must oblige us,« said he, »indeed you must. When you have studied the character,
I am sure you will feel it suit you. Tragedy may be your choice, but it will
certainly appear that comedy chooses you. You will be to visit me in prison with
a basket of provisions; you will not refuse to visit me in prison? I think I see
you coming in with your basket.«
    The influence of his voice was felt. Julia wavered: but was he only trying
to soothe and pacify her, and make her overlook the previous affront? She
distrusted him. The slight had been most determined. He was, perhaps, but at
treacherous play with her. She looked suspiciously at her sister; Maria's
countenance was to decide it; if she were vexed and alarmed - but Maria looked
all serenity and satisfaction, and Julia well knew that on this ground Maria
could not be happy but at her expense. With hasty indignation therefore, and a
tremulous voice, she said to him, »You do not seem afraid of not keeping your
countenance when I come in with a basket of provisions - though one might have
supposed - but it is only as Agatha that I was to be so overpowering!« - She
stopped - Henry Crawford looked rather foolish, and as if he did not know what
to say. Tom Bertram began again,
    »Miss Crawford must be Amelia. - She will be an excellent Amelia.«
    »Do not be afraid of my wanting the character,« cried Julia with angry
quickness; - »I am not to be Agatha, and
