charity; though perhaps she might so
little know herself, as to walk home to the Parsonage after this conversation,
in the happy belief of being the most liberal-minded sister and aunt in the
world.
    When the subject was brought forward again, her views were more fully
explained; and, in reply to Lady Bertram's calm inquiry of »Where shall the
child come to first, sister, to you or to us?« Sir Thomas heard, with some
surprise, that it would be totally out of Mrs. Norris's power to take any share
in the personal charge of her. He had been considering her as a particularly
welcome addition at the Parsonage, as a desirable companion to an aunt who had
no children of her own; but he found himself wholly mistaken. Mrs. Norris was
sorry to say, that the little girl's staying with them, at least as things then
were, was quite out of the question. Poor Mr. Norris's indifferent state of
health made it an impossibility: he could no more bear the noise of a child than
he could fly; if indeed he should ever get well of his gouty complaints, it
would be a different matter: she should then be glad to take her turn, and think
nothing of the inconvenience; but just now, poor Mr. Norris took up every moment
of her time, and the very mention of such a thing she was sure would distract
him.
    »Then she had better come to us,« said Lady Bertram with the utmost
composure. After a short pause, Sir Thomas added with dignity, »Yes, let her
home be in this house. We will endeavour to do our duty by her, and she will at
least have the advantage of companions of her own age, and of a regular
instructress.«
    »Very true,« cried Mrs. Norris, »which are both very important
considerations: and it will be just the same to Miss Lee, whether she has three
girls to teach, or only two - there can be no difference. I only wish I could be
more useful; but you see I do all in my power. I am not one of those that spare
their own trouble; and Nanny shall fetch her, however it may put me to
inconvenience to have my chief counsellor away for three days. I suppose,
sister, you will put the child in the little white attic, near the old
nurseries. It will be much the best place for her, so near Miss Lee, and not far
from the girls, and close