 he returned
safe and well, without accident or discredit, could she be reconciled to the
risk, or feel any of that obligation to Mr. Crawford for lending the horse which
he had fully intended it should produce. When it was proved however to have done
William no harm, she could allow it to be a kindness, and even reward the owner
with a smile when the animal was one minute tendered to his use again; and the
next, with the greatest cordiality, and in a manner not to be resisted, made
over to his use entirely so long as he remained in Northamptonshire.
 

                                  Chapter VII

The intercourse of the two families was at this period more nearly restored to
what it had been in the autumn, than any member of the old intimacy had thought
ever likely to be again. The return of Henry Crawford, and the arrival of
William Price, had much to do with it, but much was still owing to Sir Thomas's
more than toleration of the neighbourly attempts at the Parsonage. His mind, now
disengaged from the cares which had pressed on him at first, was at leisure to
find the Grants and their young inmates really worth visiting; and though
infinitely above scheming or contriving for any the most advantageous
matrimonial establishment that could be among the apparent possibilities of any
one most dear to him, and disdaining even as a littleness the being
quick-sighted on such points, he could not avoid perceiving in a grand and
careless way that Mr. Crawford was somewhat distinguishing his niece - nor
perhaps refrain (though unconsciously) from giving a more willing assent to
invitations on that account.
    His readiness, however, in agreeing to dine at the Parsonage, when the
general invitation was at last hazarded, after many debates and many doubts as
to whether it were worth while, »because Sir Thomas seemed so ill inclined! and
Lady Bertram was so indolent!« - proceeded from good breeding and good-will
alone, and had nothing to do with Mr. Crawford, but as being one in an agreeable
group; for it was in the course of that very visit, that he first began to
think, that any one in the habit of such idle observations would have thought
that Mr. Crawford was the admirer of Fanny Price.
    The meeting was generally felt to be a pleasant one, being composed in a
good proportion of those who would talk and those who would listen; and the
dinner itself was elegant and plentiful, according to the usual style of the
Grants, and too much according to the usual habits of all to raise any emotion
except in Mrs. Norris
