pleasing, and were ready to be pleased; and he began with no object but of making them like him. He did not want them to die of love; but with sense and temper which ought to have made him judge and feel better, he allowed himself great latitude on such points. 

 “I like your Miss Bertrams exceedingly, sister,” said he, as he returned from attending them to their carriage after the said dinner visit; “they are very elegant, agreeable girls.” 

 “So they are indeed, and I am delighted to hear you say it. But you like Julia best.” 

 “Oh yes! I like Julia best.” 

 “But do you really? for Miss Bertram is in general thought the handsomest.” 

 “So I should suppose. She has the advantage in every feature, and I prefer her countenance; but I like Julia best; Miss Bertram is certainly the handsomest, and I have found her the most agreeable, but I shall always like Julia best, because you order me.” 

 “I shall not talk to you, Henry, but I know you will like her best at last.” 

 “Do not I tell you that I like her best at first?” 

 “And besides, Miss Bertram is engaged. Remember that, my dear brother. Her choice is made.” 

 “Yes, and I like her the better for it. An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged: no harm can be done.” 

 “Why, as to that, Mr. Rushworth is a very good sort of young man, and it is a great match for her.” 

 “But Miss Bertram does not care three straws for him; that is your opinion of your intimate friend. I do not subscribe to it. I am sure Miss Bertram is very much attached to Mr. Rushworth. I could see it in her eyes, when he was mentioned. I think too well of Miss Bertram to suppose she would ever give her hand without her heart.” 

 “Mary, how shall we manage him?” 

 “We must leave him to himself, I believe. Talking does no good. He will be taken in at last.” 

 “But I would not have him taken in; I would not have him duped; I would have it all fair and honourable.” 

 

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