Page:Austen - Mansfield Park, vol. I, 1814.djvu/341

 prosperous and important, each had their object of interest, their part, their dress, their favourite scene, their friends and confederates, all were findngfinding [sic] employment in consultations and comparisons, or diversion in the playful conceits they suggested. She alone was sad and insignificant; she had no share in any thing; she might go or stay, she might be in the midst of their noise, or retreat from it to the solitude of the east room, without being seen or missed. She could almost think any thing would have been preferable to this. Mrs. Grant was of consequence; her good nature had honourable mention—her taste and her time were considered—her presence was wanted—she was sought for and attended, and praised; and Fanny was at first in some danger of envying her the character she had accepted. But reflection brought better feelings, and shewed her that Mrs. Grant was entitled to respect, which could never have belonged to her,