Page:Mansfield Park - a novel - in three volumes (IA mansfieldparknov13aust).pdf/20

( 10 ) suppose her even to have the beauty of an angel, and she will never be more to either than a sister.”

“There is a great deal of truth in what you say,” replied Sir Thomas, “and far be it from me to throw any fanciful impediment in the way of a plan which would be so consistent with the relative situation of each. I only meant to observe, that it ought not to be lightly engaged in, and that to make it really serviceable to Mrs. Price, and credible to ourselves, we must secure to the child, or consider ourselves engaged to secure to her thereafter, as circumstances may arise, the provision of a gentlewoman, if no such establishment should offer as you are so sanguine in expecting.”

“I thoroughly understand you,” cried Mrs. Norris; “you are every thing that is generous and considerate, and I am sure that we shall never disagree on this point. Whatever I can do, as you well know, I am always ready enough to