returning it; but being her brother's present, is not it
fair to suppose that she would rather not part with it, when it is not wanted?«
    »She must not suppose it not wanted, not acceptable at least; and its having
been originally her brother's gift makes no difference, for as she was not
prevented from offering, nor you from taking it on that account, it ought not to
affect your keeping it. No doubt it is handsomer than mine, and fitter for a
ball-room.«
    »No, it is not handsomer, not at all handsomer in its way, and for my
purpose not half so fit. The chain will agree with William's cross beyond all
comparison better than the necklace.«
    »For one night, Fanny, for only one night, if it be a sacrifice - I am sure
you will, upon consideration, make that sacrifice rather than give pain to one
who has been so studious of your comfort. Miss Crawford's attentions to you have
been - not more than you were justly entitled to - I am the last person to think
that could be - but they have been invariable; and to be returning them with
what must have something the air of ingratitude, though I know it could never
have the meaning, is not in your nature I am sure. Wear the necklace, as you are
engaged to do to-morrow evening, and let the chain, which was not ordered with
any reference to the ball, be kept for commoner occasions. This is my advice. I
would not have the shadow of a coolness between the two whose intimacy I have
been observing with the greatest pleasure, and in whose characters there is so
much general resemblance in true generosity and natural delicacy as to make the
few slight differences, resulting principally from situation, no reasonable
hindrance to a perfect friendship. I would not have the shadow of a coolness
arise,« he repeated, his voice sinking a little, »between the two dearest
objects I have on earth.«
    He was gone as he spoke; and Fanny remained to tranquillise herself as she
could. She was one of his two dearest - that must support her. But the other! -
the first! She had never heard him speak so openly before, and though it told
her no more than what she had long perceived, it was a stab; - for it told of
his own convictions and views. They were decided. He would marry Miss Crawford.
It was a stab, in spite of every longstanding expectation; and she