Every body
around her was gay and busy, prosperous and important, each had their object of
interest, their part, their dress, their favourite scene, their friends and
confederates, all were finding employment in consultations and comparisons, or
diversion in the playful conceits they suggested. She alone was sad and
insignificant; she had no share in any thing; she might go or stay, she might be
in the midst of their noise, or retreat from it to the solitude of the East
room, without being seen or missed. She could almost think any thing would have
been preferable to this. Mrs. Grant was of consequence; her good nature had
honourable mention - her taste and her time were considered - her presence was
wanted - she was sought for and attended, and praised; and Fanny was at first in
some danger of envying her the character she had accepted. But reflection
brought better feelings, and shewed her that Mrs. Grant was entitled to respect,
which could never have belonged to her, and that had she received even the
greatest, she could never have been easy in joining a scheme which, considering
only her uncle, she must condemn altogether.
    Fanny's heart was not absolutely the only saddened one amongst them, as she
soon began to acknowledge herself. - Julia was a sufferer too, though not quite
so blamelessly.
    Henry Crawford had trifled with her feelings; but she had very long allowed
and even sought his attentions, with a jealousy of her sister so reasonable as
ought to have been their cure; and now that the conviction of his preference for
Maria had been forced on her, she submitted to it without any alarm for Maria's
situation, or any endeavour at rational tranquillity for herself. - She either
sat in gloomy silence, wrapt in such gravity as nothing could subdue, no
curiosity touch, no wit amuse; or allowing the attentions of Mr. Yates, was
talking with forced gaiety to him alone, and ridiculing the acting of the
others.
    For a day or two after the affront was given, Henry Crawford had endeavoured
to do it away by the usual attack of gallantry and compliment, but he had not
cared enough about it to persevere against a few repulses; and becoming soon too
busy with his play to have time for more than one flirtation, he grew
indifferent to the quarrel, or rather thought it a lucky occurrence, as quietly
putting an end to what might ere long have raised expectations in more than Mrs.
Grant. - She was not pleased to see Julia excluded from the play, and sitting by
disregarded; but