Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/199

 ; and, foreseeing that she should not have a day's health all the autumn, entreated, or rather required her, for it was hardly entreaty, to come to Uppercross Cottage and bear her company as long as she should want her, instead of going to Bath." Elizabeth is delighted to get rid of Anne, for she has lately struck up a violent friendship with a widowed daughter of Mr. Shepherd, a young Mrs. Clay, who is enchanted to act as hanger-on to Miss Elliot at Bath. Anne is glad to avoid Bath, which she dislikes, and to be of use to anyone. Her father, sister, and Mrs. Clay depart for Bath, and Anne is installed at the Musgroves for the summer.

A capital picture follows, in Jane Austen's most characteristic style, of the relations between Charles Musgrove and his family, who live about a quarter of a mile from them.

I wish you could persuade Mary not to be always fancying herself ill,' was Charles's language; and, in an unhappy mood, thus spoke Mary: 'I do believe if Charles were to see me dying he would not think there was anything the matter with me. I am sure, Anne, if you would, you might persuade him that I really am very ill—a great deal worse than I ever own.' Mary's declaration was, 'I hate sending the children to the Great House, though their grandmamma is always wanting to see them; for she humours and indulges them to such a degree, and gives them so much trash and sweet things that they are sure to come back sick and cross for the rest of the day.' And Mrs. Musgrove took the first opportunity of being alone with Anne to say, 'Oh, Miss Anne, I cannot help wishing Mrs. Charles had a little of your method with those children; they are quite different creatures with you. But, to be sure,