@@@@@He is growing extremely particular in his
@@@@@He is growing extremely
particular in his attentions
105
Jane Austen
Fanny could listen no fartherListening and wondering were all
suspended for a time, for MrBertram was in the room again; and
though feeling it would be a great honour to be asked by him, she
thought it must happenHe came towards their little circle; but
instead of asking her to dance, drew a chair near her, and gave her
an account of the present state of a sick horse, and the opinion of
the groom, from whom he had just partedFanny found that it was
not to be, and in the modesty of her nature immediately felt that
she had been unreasonable in expecting itWhen he had told of his
horse, he took a newspaper from the table, and looking over it, said
in a languid way, “If you want to dance, Fanny, I will stand up with
you With more than equal civility the offer was declined; she did
not wish to dance“I am glad of it,” said he, in a much brisker tone,
and throwing down the newspaper again, “for I am tired to deathI
only wonder how the good people can keep it up so longThey had
need be all in love, to find any amusement in such folly; and so they
are, I fancyIf you look at them you may see they are so many
couple of lovers—all but Yates and MrsGrant—and, between ourselves,
she, poor woman, must want a lover as much as any one of
themA desperate dull life hers must be with the doctor,” making a
sly face as he spoke towards the chair of the latter, who proving,
however, to be close at his elbow, made so instantaneous a change of
expression and subject necessary, as Fanny, in spite of everything,
could hardly help laughing at“A strange business this in America,
DrGrant! What is your opinion? I always come to you to know
what I am to think of public matters
“My dear Tom,” cried his aunt soon afterwards, “as you are not
dancing, I dare say you will have no objection to join us in a rubber;
shall you?” Then leaving her seat, and coming to him to enforce the
proposal, added in a whisper, “We want to make a table for MrsYour mother is quite anxious about it, but
cannot very well spare time to sit down herself, because of her fringe
Now, you and I and DrGrant will just do; and though we play but
half-crowns, you know, you may bet half-guineas with him
“I should be most happy,” replied he aloud, and jumping up with
alacrity, “it would give me the greatest pleasure; but that I am this
moment going to dance Come, Fanny, taking her hand, “do not
106
Mansfield Park
be dawdling any longer, or the dance will be over
Fanny was led off very willingly, though it was impossible for her
to feel much gratitude towards her cousin, or distinguish, as he certainly
did, between the selfishness of another person and his own
“A pretty modest request upon my word,” he indignantly exclaimed
as they walked away“To want to nail me to a card-table for the next
two hours with herself an