At last-- "I beg your pardon, my dear Miss Elliot," she cried, in her natural tone of cordiality, "I beg your pardon for the short answers I have been giving you, but I have been uncertain what I ought to do.

I have been doubting and considering as to what I ought to tell you.

There were many things to be taken into the account.

One hates to be officious, to be giving bad impressions, making mischief.

Even the smooth surface of family-union seems worth preserving, though there may be nothing durable beneath.