the party.«
    This picture of her consequence had some effect, for no one loved better to
lead than Maria; - and with far more good humour she answered, »I am much
obliged to you, Edmund; - you mean very well, I am sure - but I still think you
see things too strongly; and I really cannot undertake to harangue all the rest
upon a subject of this kind. - There would be the greatest indecorum I think.«
    »Do you imagine that I could have such an idea in my head? No - let your
conduct be the only harangue. - Say that, on examining the part, you feel
yourself unequal to it, that you find it requiring more exertion and confidence
than you can be supposed to have. - Say this with firmness, and it will be quite
enough. - All who can distinguish, will understand your motive. - The play will
be given up, and your delicacy honoured as it ought.«
    »Do not act any thing improper, my dear,« said Lady Bertram. »Sir Thomas
would not like it. - Fanny, ring the bell; I must have my dinner. - To be sure
Julia is dressed by this time.«
    »I am convinced, madam,« said Edmund, preventing Fanny, »that Sir Thomas
would not like it.«
    »There, my dear, do you hear what Edmund says?«
    »If I were to decline the part,« said Maria with renewed zeal, »Julia would
certainly take it.«
    »What!« - cried Edmund, »if she knew your reasons!«
    »Oh! she might think the difference between us - the difference in our
situations - that she need not be so scrupulous as I might feel necessary. I am
sure she would argue so. No, you must excuse me, I cannot retract my consent. It
is too far settled; every body would be so disappointed. Tom would be quite
angry; and if we are so very nice, we shall never act any thing.«
    »I was just going to say the very same thing,« said Mrs. Norris. »If every
play is to be objected to, you will act nothing - and the preparations will be
all so much money thrown away - and I am sure that would be a discredit to us
all. I do not know the play; but, as Maria says, if there is any thing a little
too warm (and it is so with most of them) it can be easily left out.