Was she _right_ in refusing what was so warmly asked, so strongly wished for--what might be so essential to a scheme on which some of those to whom she owed the greatest complaisance had set their hearts?
Was it not ill-nature, selfishness, and a fear of exposing herself?
And would Edmund's judgment, would his persuasion of Sir Thomas's disapprobation of the whole, be enough to justify her in a determined denial in spite of all the rest?
It would be so horrible to her to act that she was inclined to suspect the truth and purity of her own scruples; and as she looked around her, the claims of her cousins to being obliged were strengthened by the sight of present upon present that she had received from them.

The table between the windows was covered with work-boxes and netting-boxes which had been given her at different times, principally by Tom; and she grew bewildered as to the amount of the debt which all these kind remembrances produced.

A tap at the door roused her in the midst of this attempt to find her way to her duty, and her gentle "Come in" was answered by the appearance of one, before whom all her doubts were wont to be laid.

Her eyes brightened at the sight of Edmund.
"Can I speak with you, Fanny, for a few minutes ?" said he.
"Yes, certainly." "I want to consult.

I want your opinion." "My opinion!" she cried, shrinking from such a compliment, highly as it gratified her.
"Yes, your advice and opinion.