Доводы рассудка

           Youareyourmother’sselfincountenanceanddisposition;andifImightbeallowedtofancyyousuchasshewas,insituationandname,andhome,presidingandblessinginthesamespot,andonlysuperiortoherinbeingmorehighlyvalued!MydearestAnne,itwouldgivememoredelightthanisoftenfeltatmytimeoflife!”

           Annewasobligedtoturnaway,torise,towalktoadistanttable,and,leaningthereinpretendedemployment,trytosubduethefeelingsthispictureexcited.Forafewmomentsherimaginationandherheartwerebewitched.Theideaofbecomingwhathermotherhadbeen;ofhavingthepreciousnameof“LadyElliot”firstrevivedinherself;ofbeingrestoredtoKellynch,callingitherhomeagain,herhomeforever,wasacharmwhichshecouldnotimmediatelyresist.LadyRussellsaidnotanotherword,willingtoleavethemattertoitsownoperation;andbelievingthat,couldMrElliotatthatmomentwithproprietyhavespokenforhimself!—shebelieved,inshort,whatAnnedidnotbelieve.ThesameimageofMrElliotspeakingforhimselfbroughtAnnetocomposureagain.ThecharmofKellynchandof“LadyElliot”allfadedaway.Shenevercouldaccepthim.Anditwasnotonlythatherfeelingswerestilladversetoanymansaveone;herjudgement,onaseriousconsiderationofthepossibilitiesofsuchacasewasagainstMrElliot.

           Thoughtheyhadnowbeenacquaintedamonth,shecouldnotbesatisfiedthatshereallyknewhischaracter.