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@@@@@Yates?s accompanying them and spending the evening at the ParsonageYates, having never been with those who thought much of parental claims, or family confidence, could not perceive that anything of the kind was necessary; and therefore, thanking them, said, ?he preferred remaining where he was, that he might pay his respects to the old gentleman handsomely since he was come; and besides, he did not think it would be fair by the others to have everybody run away Fanny was just beginning to collect herself, and to feel that if she staid longer behind it might seem disrespectful, when this point was settled, and being commissioned with the brother and sister?s apology, saw them preparing to go as she quitted the room herself to perform the dreadful duty of appearing before her uncle Too soon did she find herself at the drawing-room door; and after pausing a moment for what she knew would not come, for a courage which the outside of no door had ever supplied to her, she turned the lock in desperation, and the lights of the drawing-room, and all the collected family, were before herAs she entered, her own name caught her earSir Thomas was at that moment looking round him, and saying, ?But where is Fanny? Why do not I see my little Fanny??? and on perceiving her, came forward with a kindness which astonished and penetrated her, calling her his dear Fanny, kissing her affectionately, and observing with decided pleasure how much she was grown! Fanny knew not how to feel, nor where to lookShe was quite oppressedHe had never been so kind, so very kind to her in his life His manner seemed changed, his voice was quick from the agitation of joy; and all that had been awful in his dignity seemed lost in tenderness He led her nearer the light and looked at her again?inquired particularly after her health, and then, correcting himself, observed that he need not inquire, for her appearance spoke sufficiently on that pointA fine blush having succeeded the previous paleness of her face, he was justified in his belief of her equal improvement in health and beautyHe inquired next after her family, especially William: and his kindness altogether was such as made her reproach herself for loving him so little, and thinking his return a misfortune; and 155 Jane Austen when, on having courage to lift her eyes to his face, she saw that he was grown thinner, and had the burnt, fagged, worn look of fatigue and a hot climate, every tender feeling was increased, and she was miserable in considering how much unsuspected vexation was probably ready to burst on him Sir Thomas was indeed the life of the party, who at his suggestion now seated themselves round the fireHe had the best right to be the talker; and the delight of his sensations in being again in his own house, in the centre of his family, after such a separation, made him communicative and chatty in a very unusual degree; and he was ready to give every information as to his voyage, and answer every question of his two sons almost before it was putHis business in Antigua had latterly been prosperously rapid, and he came directly from Liverpool, having had an opportunity of making his passage thither in a private vessel, instead of waiting for the packet; and all the little particulars of his proceedings and events, his arrivals and departures, were most promptly delivered, as he sat by Lady Bertram and looked with heartfelt satisfaction on the faces around him?interrupting himself more than once, however, to remark on his good fortune in finding them all at home?coming unexpectedly as he did?all collected together exactly as he could have wished, but dared not depend onRushworth was not forgotten: a most friendly reception and warmth of hand-shaking had already met him, and with pointed attention he was now included in the objects most intimately connected with MansfieldThere was nothing disagreeable in MrRushworth?s appearance, and Sir Thomas was liking him already By not one of the circle was he listened to with such unbroken, unalloyed enjoyment as by his wife, who was really extremely happy to see him, and whose feelings were so warmed by his sudden arrival as to place her nearer agitation than she had been for the last twenty yearsShe had been almost fluttered for a few minutes, and still remained so sensibly animated as to put away her work, move Pug from her side, and give all her attention and all the rest of her sofa to her husbandShe had no anxieties for anybody to cloud her pleasure: her own time had been irreproachably spent during his absence: she had done a great deal of carpet-work, and made many 156 Mansfield Park yards of fringe; and she would have answered as freely for the good conduct and useful pursuits of all the young people as for her own It was so agreeable to her to see him again, and hear him talk, to have her ear amused and her whole comprehension filled by his narratives, that she began particularly to feel how dreadfully she must have missed him, and how impossible it would have been for her to bear a lengthened absenceNorris was by no means to be compared in happiness to her sisterNot that she was incommoded by many fears of Sir Thomas?s disapprobation when the present state of his house should be known, for her judgment had been so blinded that, except by the instinctive caution with which she had whisked away MrRushworth?s pink satin cloak as her brother-in-law entered, she could hardly be said to shew any sign of alarm; but she was vexed by the manner of his retur