, perhaps, restore peace for ever on the sore subject of the silver
knife, canvassed as it now was continually, and the riches which she was in
possession of herself, her uncle having given her 10l. at parting, made her as
able as she was willing to be generous. But she was so wholly unused to confer
favours, except on the very poor, so unpractised in removing evils, or bestowing
kindnesses among her equals, and so fearful of appearing to elevate herself as a
great lady at home, that it took some time to determine that it would not be
unbecoming in her to make such a present. It was made, however, at last; a
silver knife was bought for Betsey, and accepted with great delight, its newness
giving it every advantage over the other that could be desired; Susan was
established in the full possession of her own, Betsey handsomely declaring that
now she had got one so much prettier herself, she should never want that again -
and no reproach seemed conveyed to the equally satisfied mother, which Fanny had
almost feared to be impossible. The deed thoroughly answered; a source of
domestic altercation was entirely done away, and it was the means of opening
Susan's heart to her, and giving her something more to love and be interested
in. Susan shewed that she had delicacy; pleased as she was to be mistress of
property which she had been struggling for at least two years, she yet feared
that her sister's judgment had been against her, and that a reproof was designed
her for having so struggled as to make the purchase necessary for the
tranquillity of the house.
    Her temper was open. She acknowledged her fears, blamed herself for having
contended so warmly, and from that hour Fanny understanding the worth of her
disposition, and perceiving how fully she was inclined to seek her good opinion
and refer to her judgment, began to feel again the blessing of affection, and to
entertain the hope of being useful to a mind so much in need of help, and so
much deserving it. She gave advice; advice too sound to be resisted by a good
understanding, and given so mildly and considerately as not to irritate an
imperfect temper; and she had the happiness of observing its good effects not
unfrequently; more was not expected by one, who, while seeing all the obligation
and expediency of submission and forbearance, saw also with sympathetic
acuteness of feeling, all that must be hourly grating to a girl like Susan. Her
greatest wonder on the subject soon became - not that Susan should have been
provoked into disrespect and impatience
