complete brother's letter.«
    »When they are at a distance from all their family,« said Fanny, colouring
for William's sake, »they can write long letters.«
    »Miss Price has a brother at sea,« said Edmund, »whose excellence as a
correspondent, makes her think you too severe upon us.«
    »At sea, has she? - In the King's service of course.«
    Fanny would rather have had Edmund tell the story, but his determined
silence obliged her to relate her brother's situation; her voice was animated in
speaking of his profession, and the foreign stations he had been on, but she
could not mention the number of years that he had been absent without tears in
her eyes. Miss Crawford civilly wished him an early promotion.
    »Do you know any thing of my cousin's captain?« said Edmund; »Captain
Marshall? You have a large acquaintance in the navy, I conclude?«
    »Among Admirals, large enough; but,« with an air of grandeur; »we know very
little of the inferior ranks. Post captains may be very good sort of men, but
they do not belong to us. Of various admirals, I could tell you a great deal; of
them and their flags, and the gradation of their pay, and their bickerings and
jealousies. But in general, I can assure you that they are all passed over, and
all very ill used. Certainly, my home at my uncle's brought me acquainted with a
circle of admirals. Of Rears, and Vices, I saw enough. Now, do not be suspecting
me of a pun, I entreat.«
    Edmund again felt grave, and only replied, »It is a noble profession.«
    »Yes, the profession is well enough under two circumstances; if it make the
fortune, and there be discretion in spending it. But, in short, it is not a
favourite profession of mine. It has never worn an amiable form to me.«
    Edmund reverted to the harp, and was again very happy in the prospect of
hearing her play.
    The subject of improving grounds meanwhile was still under consideration
among the others; and Mrs. Grant could not help addressing her brother, though
it was calling his attention from Miss Julia Bertram. »My dear Henry, have you
nothing to say? You have been an improver yourself, and from what I hear of
Everingham, it may vie with any place in England. Its natural beauties, I am
sure, are great.