but none so wrong as myself.
Compared with me, all the rest were blameless. I was playing the fool with my
eyes open.«
    »As a by-stander,« said Fanny, »perhaps I saw more than you did; and I do
think that Mr. Rushworth was sometimes very jealous.«
    »Very possibly. No wonder. Nothing could be more improper than the whole
business. I am shocked whenever I think that Maria could be capable of it; but
if she could undertake the part, we must not be surprised at the rest.«
    »Before the play, I am much mistaken, if Julia did not think he was paying
her attentions.«
    »Julia! - I have heard before from some one of his being in love with Julia,
but I could never see anything of it. And Fanny, though I hope I do justice to
my sisters' good qualities, I think it very possible that they might, one or
both, be more desirous of being admired by Crawford, and might shew that desire
rather more unguardedly than was perfectly prudent. I can remember that they
were evidently fond of his society; and with such encouragement, a man like
Crawford, lively, and it may be a little unthinking, might be led on to - There
could be nothing very striking, because it is clear that he had no pretensions;
his heart was reserved for you. And I must say, that its being for you, has
raised him inconceivably in my opinion. It does him the highest honour; it shews
his proper estimation of the blessing of domestic happiness, and pure
attachment. It proves him unspoilt by his uncle. It proves him, in short, every
thing that I had been used to wish to believe him, and feared he was not.«
    »I am persuaded that he does not think as he ought, on serious subjects.«
    »Say rather, that he has not thought at all upon serious subjects, which I
believe to be a good deal the case. How could it be otherwise, with such an
education and adviser? Under the disadvantages, indeed, which both have had, is
it not wonderful that they should be what they are? Crawford's feelings, I am
ready to acknowledge, have hitherto been too much his guides. Happily, those
feelings have generally been good. You will supply the rest; and a most
fortunate man he is to attach himself to such a creature - to a woman, who firm
as a rock in her own principles, has a gentleness of character so