Could he have been satisfied with the conquest of one
amiable woman's affections, could he have found sufficient
exultation in overcoming the reluctance, in working himself
into the esteem and tenderness of Fanny Price, there would
have been every probability of success and felicity for him.
His affection had already done something. Her influence
over him had already given him some influence over her.
Would he have deserved more, there can be no doubt
that more would have been obtained, especially when
that marriage had taken place, which would have given
him the assistance of her conscience in subduing her
first inclination, and brought them very often together.
Would he have persevered, and uprightly, Fanny must have
been his reward, and a reward very voluntarily bestowed,
within a reasonable period from Edmund's marrying Mary.
Had he done as he intended, and as he knew he ought,
by going down to Everingham after his return from Portsmouth,
he might have been deciding his own happy destiny.
But he was pressed to stay for Mrs. Fraser's party;
his staying was made of flattering consequence, and he
was to meet Mrs.
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