Page:Austen - Mansfield Park, vol. I, 1814.djvu/330

 am well aware that nothing else will quiet Tom."

Fanny could not answer him.

"It is not at all what I like," he continued. "No man can like being driven into the appearance of such inconsistency. After being known to oppose the scheme from the beginning, there is absurdity in the face of my joining them now, when they are exceeding their first plan in every respect; but I can think of no other alternative. Can you, Fanny?"

"No," said Fanny, slowly, "not immediately—but"

"But what? I see your judgment is not with me. Think it a little over. Perhaps you are not so much aware as I am, of the mischief that may, of the unpleasantnesses that must, arise from a young man's being received in this manner—domesticated among us—authorized to come at all hours—and placed suddenly on a footing which must do away all restraints. To think only