Page:Austen - Mansfield Park, vol. I, 1814.djvu/133

 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. Everingham as it used to be was perfect in my estimation; such a happy fall of ground, and such timber! What would I not give to see it again!"

"Nothing could be so gratifying to me as to hear your opinion of it, was his answer. But I fear there would be some disappointment. You would not find it equal to your present ideas. In extent it is a mere nothing—you would be surprised at its insignificance; and as for improvement, there was very little for me to do; too little—I should like to have been busy much longer."

"You are fond of the sort of thing?" said Julia. "Excessively;