to find our sentiments on this subject so much the same. It gives me
sincere satisfaction. That I should be cautious and quick- and feel many
scruples which my children do not feel, is perfectly natural; and equally so
that my value for domestic tranquillity, for a home which shuts out noisy
pleasures, should much exceed theirs. But at your time of life to feel all this,
is a most favourable circumstance for yourself and for every body connected with
you; and I am sensible of the importance of having an ally of such weight.«
    Sir Thomas meant to be giving Mr. Rushworth's opinion in better words than
he could find himself. He was aware that he must not expect a genius in Mr.
Rushworth; but as a well-judging steady young man, with better notions than his
elocution would do justice to, he intended to value him very highly. It was
impossible for many of the others not to smile. Mr. Rushworth hardly knew what
to do with so much meaning; but by looking as he really felt, most exceedingly
pleased with Sir Thomas's good opinion, and saying scarcely any thing, he did
his best towards preserving that good opinion a little longer.
 

                                   Chapter II

Edmund's first object the next morning was to see his father alone, and give him
a fair statement of the whole acting scheme, defending his own share in it as
far only as he could then, in a soberer moment, feel his motives to deserve, and
acknowledging with perfect ingenuousness that his concession had been attended
with such partial good as to make his judgment in it very doubtful. He was
anxious, while vindicating himself, to say nothing unkind of the others; but
there was only one amongst them whose conduct he could mention without some
necessity of defence or palliation. »We have all been more or less to blame,«
said he, »every one of us, excepting Fanny. Fanny is the only one who has judged
rightly throughout, who has been consistent. Her feelings have been steadily
against it from first to last. She never ceased to think of what was due to you.
You will find Fanny every thing you could wish.«
    Sir Thomas saw all the impropriety of such a scheme among such a party, and
at such a time, as strongly as his son had ever supposed he must; he felt it too
much indeed for many words; and having shaken hands with Edmund, meant to try to
lose the disagreeable impression, and forget how much he had been forgotten
himself as soon as he could, after the