“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.”