 be prevented. Do not you see it in the same
light?«
    »Yes, but what can be done? Your brother is so determined?«
    »There is but one thing to be done, Fanny. I must take Anhalt myself. I am
well aware that nothing else will quiet Tom.«
    Fanny could not answer him.
    »It is not at all what I like,« he continued. »No man can like being driven
into the appearance of such inconsistency. After being known to oppose the
scheme from the beginning, there is absurdity in the face of my joining them
now, when they are exceeding their first plan in every respect; but I can think
of no other alternative. Can you, Fanny?«
    »No,« said Fanny, slowly, »not immediately - but -«
    »But what? I see your judgment is not with me. Think it a little over.
Perhaps you are not so much aware as I am, of the mischief that may, of the
unpleasantnesses that must, arise from a young man's being received in this
manner - domesticated among us - authorized to come at all hours - and placed
suddenly on a footing which must do away all restraints. To think only of the
licence which every rehearsal must tend to create. It is all very bad! Put
yourself in Miss Crawford's place, Fanny. Consider what it would be to act
Amelia with a stranger. She has a right to be felt for, because she evidently
feels for herself. I heard enough of what she said to you last night, to
understand her unwillingness to be acting with a stranger; and as she probably
engaged in the part with different expectations - perhaps, without considering
the subject enough to know what was likely to be, it would be ungenerous, it
would be really wrong to expose her to it. Her feelings ought to be respected.
Does not it strike you so, Fanny? You hesitate.«
    »I am sorry for Miss Crawford; but I am more sorry to see you drawn in to do
what you had resolved against, and what you are known to think will be
disagreeable to my uncle. It will be such a triumph to the others!«
    »They will not have much cause of triumph, when they see how infamously I
act. But, however, triumph there certainly will be, and I must brave it. But if
I can be the means of restraining the publicity of the business, of limiting the
exhibition, of concentrating our folly, I shall be well repaid. As
