your's, would not grow up in this neighbourhood without,
many, advantages. I don't say she would be so handsome as her cousins. I dare
say she would not; but she would be introduced into the society of this country
under such very favourable circumstances as, in all human probability, would get
her a creditable establishment. You are thinking of your sons - but do not you
know that of all things upon earth that is the least likely to happen; brought
up, as they would be, always together like brothers and sisters? It is morally
impossible. I never knew an instance of it. It is, in fact, the only sure way of
providing against the connection. Suppose her a pretty girl, and seen by Tom or
Edmund for the first time seven years hence, and I dare say there would be
mischief. The very idea of her having been suffered to grow up at a distance
from us all in poverty and neglect, would be enough to make either of the dear
sweet-tempered boys in love with her. But breed her up with them from this time,
and suppose her even to have the beauty of an angel, and she will never be more
to either than a sister.«
    »There is a great deal of truth in what you say,« replied Sir Thomas, »and
far be it from me to throw any fanciful impediment in the way of a plan which
would be so consistent with the relative situations of each. I only meant to
observe, that it ought not to be lightly engaged in, and that to make it really
serviceable to Mrs. Price, and creditable to ourselves, we must secure to the
child, or consider ourselves engaged to secure to her hereafter, as
circumstances may arise, the provision of a gentlewoman, if no such
establishment should offer as you are so sanguine in expecting.«
    »I thoroughly understand you,« cried Mrs. Norris; »you are every thing that
is generous and considerate, and I am sure we shall never disagree on this
point. Whatever I can do, as you well know, I am always ready enough to do for
the good of those I love; and, though I could never feel for this little girl
the hundredth part of the regard I bear your own dear children, nor consider
her, in any respect, so much my own, I should hate myself if I were capable of
neglecting her. Is not she a sister's child? and could I bear to see her want,
while I had a bit of bread