did
not like him. Sir Thomas resolved to speak seriously to her. Advantageous as
would be the alliance, and long standing and public as was the engagement, her
happiness must not be sacrificed to it. Mr. Rushworth had perhaps been accepted
on too short an acquaintance, and on knowing him better she was repenting.
    With solemn kindness Sir Thomas addressed her; told her his fears, inquired
into her wishes, entreated her to be open and sincere, and assured her that
every inconvenience should be braved, and the connection entirely given up, if
she felt herself unhappy in the prospect of it. He would act for her and release
her. Maria had a moment's struggle as she listened, and only a moment's: when
her father ceased, she was able to give her answer immediately, decidedly, and
with no apparent agitation. She thanked him for his great attention, his
paternal kindness, but he was quite mistaken in supposing she had the smallest
desire of breaking through her engagement, or was sensible of any change of
opinion or inclination since her forming it. She had the highest esteem for Mr.
Rushworth's character and disposition, and could not have a doubt of her
happiness with him.
    Sir Thomas was satisfied; too glad to be satisfied perhaps to urge the
matter quite so far as his judgment might have dictated to others. It was an
alliance which he could not have relinquished without pain; and thus he
reasoned. Mr. Rushworth was young enough to improve; - Mr. Rushworth must and
would improve in good society; and if Maria could now speak so securely of her
happiness with him, speaking certainly without the prejudice, the blindness of
love, she ought to be believed. Her feelings probably were not acute; he had
never supposed them to be so; but her comforts might not be less on that
account, and if she could dispense with seeing her husband a leading, shining
character, there would certainly be every thing else in her favour. A
well-disposed young woman, who did not marry for love, was in general but the
more attached to her own family, and the nearness of Sotherton to Mansfield must
naturally hold out the greatest temptation, and would, in all probability, be a
continual supply of the most amiable and innocent enjoyments. Such and such-like
were the reasonings of Sir Thomas - happy to escape the embarrassing evils of a
rupture, the wonder, the reflections, the reproach that must attend it, happy to
secure a marriage which would bring him such an addition of respectability and
influence, and