Chapter 22

           Annewenthometothinkoverallthatshehadheard.Inonepoint,herfeelingswererelievedbythisknowledgeofMrElliot.Therewasnolongeranythingoftendernessduetohim.HestoodasopposedtoCaptainWentworth,inallhisownunwelcomeobtrusiveness;andtheevilofhisattentionslastnight,theirremediablemischiefhemighthavedone,wasconsideredwithsensationsunqualified,unperplexed.Pityforhimwasallover.Butthiswastheonlypointofrelief.Ineveryotherrespect,inlookingaroundher,orpenetratingforward,shesawmoretodistrustandtoapprehend.ShewasconcernedforthedisappointmentandpainLadyRussellwouldbefeeling;forthemortificationswhichmustbehangingoverherfatherandsister,andhadallthedistressofforeseeingmanyevils,withoutknowinghowtoavertanyoneofthem.Shewasmostthankfulforherownknowledgeofhim.ShehadneverconsideredherselfasentitledtorewardfornotslightinganoldfriendlikeMrsSmith,butherewasarewardindeedspringingfromit!MrsSmithhadbeenabletotellherwhatnooneelsecouldhavedone.Couldtheknowledgehavebeenextendedthroughherfamily?Butthiswasavainidea.ShemusttalktoLadyRussell,tellher,consultwithher,andhavingdoneherbest,waittheeventwithasmuchcomposureaspossible;andafterall,hergreatestwantofcomposurewouldbeinthatquarterofthemindwhichcouldnotbeopenedtoLadyRussell;inthatflowofanxietiesandfearswhichmustbealltoherself.