Page:Austen - Mansfield Park, vol. I, 1814.djvu/297

 scene, she very kindly took his part in hand, and curtailed every speech that admitted being shortened;—besides pointing out the necessity of his being very much dress'd, and chusing his colours. Mr. Rushworth liked the idea of his finery, very well, though affecting to despise it, and was too much engaged with what his own appearance would be, to think of the others, or draw any of those conclusions, or feel any of that displeasure, which Maria had been half prepared for.

Thus much was settled before Edmund, who had been out all the morning, knew any thing of the matter; but when he entered the drawing room before dinner, the buz of discussion was high between Tom, Maria, and Mr. Yates; and Mr. Rushworth stepped forward with great alacrity to tell him the agreeable news.

"We have got a play," said he.—"It is to be called Lovers Vows; and I am to be Count Cassel, and am to come VOL. I.