Page:Austen - Mansfield Park, vol. I, 1814.djvu/252

 It had, however, been a very happy one to Fanny through four dances, and she was quite grieved to be losing even a quarter of an hour.—While waiting and wishing, looking now at the dancers and now at the door, this dialogue between the two above-mentioned Ladies was forced on her.

"I think, Ma'am," said Mrs. Norris—her eyes directed towards Mr. Rushworth and Maria, who were partners for the second time—"we shall see some happy faces again now."

"Yes, Ma'am, indeed"—replied the other, with a stately simper—"there will be some satisfaction in looking on now, and I think it was rather a pity they should have been obliged to part. Young folks in their situation should be excused complying with the common forms.—I wonder my son did not propose it."

"I dare say he did, Ma'am.—Mr. Rushworth is never remiss. But dear Maria has such a strict sense of priety,