His liberality had a rich repayment, and the general
goodness of his intentions by her deserved it. He might
have made her childhood happier; but it had been an error
of judgment only which had given him the appearance
of harshness, and deprived him of her early love;
and now, on really knowing each other, their mutual
attachment became very strong. After settling her at
Thornton Lacey with every kind attention to her comfort,
the object of almost every day was to see her there,
or to get her away from it.
Selfishly dear as she had long been to Lady Bertram,
she could not be parted with willingly by _her_.
No happiness of son or niece could make her wish
the marriage. But it was possible to part with her,
because Susan remained to supply her place.
Susan became the stationary niece, delighted to be so;
and equally well adapted for it by a readiness of mind,
and an inclination for usefulness, as Fanny had been
by sweetness of temper, and strong feelings of gratitude.
Susan could never be spared. First as a comfort to Fanny,
then as an auxiliary, and last as her substitute,
she was established at Mansfield, with every appearance
of equal permanency.
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