Доводы рассудка

           Inthecourseofthesamemorning,Anneandherfatherchancingtobealonetogether,hebegantocomplimentheronherimprovedlooks;hethoughther“lessthininherperson,inhercheeks;herskin,hercomplexion,greatlyimproved;clearer,fresher.Hadshebeenusinganythinginparticular?”“No,nothing.”“MerelyGowland,”hesupposed.“No,nothingatall.”“Ha!hewassurprisedatthat;”andadded,“certainlyyoucannotdobetterthantocontinueasyouare;youcannotbebetterthanwell;orIshouldrecommendGowland,theconstantuseofGowland,duringthespringmonths.MrsClayhasbeenusingitatmyrecommendation,andyouseewhatithasdoneforher.Youseehowithascarriedawayherfreckles.”

           IfElizabethcouldbuthaveheardthis!Suchpersonalpraisemighthavestruckher,especiallyasitdidnotappeartoAnnethatthefreckleswereatalllessened.Buteverythingmusttakeitschance.Theevilofamarriagewouldbemuchdiminished,ifElizabethwerealsotomarry.Asforherself,shemightalwayscommandahomewithLadyRussell.

           LadyRussell’scomposedmindandpolitemannerswereputtosometrialonthispoint,inherintercourseinCamdenPlace.ThesightofMrsClayinsuchfavour,andofAnnesooverlooked,wasaperpetualprovocationtoherthere;andvexedherasmuchwhenshewasaway,asapersoninBathwhodrinksthewater,getsallthenewpublications,andhasaverylargeacquaintance,hastimetobevexed.

           AsMrElliotbecameknowntoher,shegrewmorecharitable,ormoreindifferent,towardstheothers.