@@@@@I am sorry for them all, and would give
@@@@@I am sorry for them all, and would give something
that Rushworth and Maria had never met
In this quarter, indeed, disappointment was impending over Sir
ThomasNot all his good-will for MrRushworth, not all Mr
Rushworth’s deference for him, could prevent him from soon discerning
some part of the truth—that MrRushworth was an inferior
young man, as ignorant in business as in books, with opinions
in general unfixed, and without seeming much aware of it himself
He had expected a very different son-in-law; and beginning to
feel grave on Maria’s account, tried to understand her feelings
Little observation there was necessary to tell him that indifference
was the most favourable state they could be inRushworth was careless and coldShe could not, did not like
himSir Thomas resolved to speak seriously to herAdvantageous
as would be the alliance, and long standing and public as was the
engagement, her happiness must not be sacrificed to it
Rushworth had, perhaps, been accepted on too short an acquaintance,
and, on knowing him better, she was repenting
With solemn kindness Sir Thomas addressed her: told her his fears,
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inquired into her wishes, entreated her to be open and sincere, and
assured her that every inconvenience should be braved, and the
connexion entirely given up, if she felt herself unhappy in the prospect
of itHe would act for her and release herMaria had a moment’s
struggle as she listened, and only a moment’s: when her father ceased,
she was able to give her answer immediately, decidedly, and with no
apparent agitationShe thanked him for his great attention, his paternal
kindness, but he was quite mistaken in supposing she had the
smallest desire of breaking through her engagement, or was sensible
of any change of opinion or inclination since her forming itShe
had the highest esteem for MrRushworth’s character and disposition,
and could not have a doubt of her happiness with him
Sir Thomas was satisfied; too glad to be satisfied, perhaps, to urge
the matter quite so far as his judgment might have dictated to others
It was an alliance which he could not have relinquished without
pain; and thus he reasonedRushworth was young enough to
improveRushworth must and would improve in good society;
and if Maria could now speak so securely of her happiness with
him, speaking certainly without the prejudice, the blindness of love,
she ought to be believedHer feelings, probably, were not acute; he
had never supposed them to be so; but her comforts might not be
less on that account; and if she could dispense with seeing her husband
a leading, shining character, there would certainly be everything
else in her favourA well-disposed young woman, who did
not marry for love, was in general but the more attached to her own
family; and the nearness of Sotherton to Mansfield must naturally
hold out the greatest temptation, and would, in all probability, be a
continual supply of the most amiable and innocent enjoyment