Page:Austen - Mansfield Park, vol. III, 1814.djvu/138

 the impartial flow of her own meditations, unbiassed by his bewildering statements, she could not acknowledge any necessity for Fanny's ever going near a Father and Mother who had done without her so long, while she was so useful to herself.—And as to the not missing her, which under Mrs. Norris's discussion was the point attempted to be proved, she set herself very steadily against admitting any such thing.

Sir Thomas had appealed to her reason, conscience, and dignity. He called it a sacrifice, and demanded it of her goodness and self-command as such. But Mrs. Norris wanted to persuade her that Fanny could be very well spared—(She being ready to give up all her own time to her as requested) and in short could not really be wanted or missed.

"That may be, sister,"—was all Lady Bertram's reply—"I dare say you are very right, but I am sure I shall miss her very much."

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