might be
the best way of working. Intreaty should be from one quarter only. The
forbearance of her family on a point, respecting which she could be in no doubt
of their wishes, might be their surest means of forwarding it. Accordingly, on
this principle Sir Thomas took the first opportunity of saying to her, with a
mild gravity, intended to be overcoming, »Well, Fanny, I have seen Mr. Crawford
again, and learn from him exactly how matters stand between you. He is a most
extraordinary young man, and whatever be the event, you must feel that you have
created an attachment of no common character; though, young as you are, and
little acquainted with the transient, varying, unsteady nature of love, as it
generally exists, you cannot be struck as I am with all that is wonderful in a
perseverance of this sort, against discouragement. With him, it is entirely a
matter of feeling; he claims no merit in it, perhaps is entitled to none. Yet,
having chosen so well, his constancy has a respectable stamp. Had his choice
been less unexceptionable, I should have condemned his persevering.«
    »Indeed, Sir,« said Fanny, »I am very sorry that Mr. Crawford should
continue to -- I know that it is paying me a very great compliment, and I feel
most undeservedly honoured, but I am so perfectly convinced, and I have told him
so, that it never will be in my power -«
    »My dear,« interrupted Sir Thomas, »there is no occasion for this. Your
feelings are as well known to me, as my wishes and regrets must be to you. There
is nothing more to be said or done. From this hour, the subject is never to be
revived between us. You will have nothing to fear, or to be agitated about. You
cannot suppose me capable of trying to persuade you to marry against your
inclinations. Your happiness and advantage are all that I have in view, and
nothing is required of you but to bear with Mr. Crawford's endeavours to
convince you, that they may not be incompatible with his. He proceeds at his own
risk. You are on safe ground. I have engaged for your seeing him whenever he
calls, as you might have done, had nothing of this sort occurred. You will see
him with the rest of us, in the same manner, and as much as you can, dismissing
the recollection of every thing unpleasant. He leaves Northamptonshire so soon,
that even this slight sacrifice cannot