"My daughters," replied Sir Thomas, gravely interposing, "have their
pleasures at Brighton, and I hope are very happy; but the dance which I
think of giving at Mansfield will be for their cousins. Could we be
all assembled, our satisfaction would undoubtedly be more complete, but
the absence of some is not to debar the others of amusement."

Mrs. Norris had not another word to say. She saw decision in his
looks, and her surprise and vexation required some minutes' silence to
be settled into composure. A ball at such a time! His daughters
absent and herself not consulted! There was comfort, however, soon at
hand. She must be the doer of everything: Lady Bertram would of
course be spared all thought and exertion, and it would all fall upon
her. She should have to do the honours of the evening; and this
reflection quickly restored so much of her good-humour as enabled her
to join in with the others, before their happiness and thanks were all
expressed.

Edmund, William, and Fanny did, in their different ways, look and speak
as much grateful pleasure in the promised ball as Sir Thomas could
desire. Edmund's feelings were for the other two. His father had
never conferred a favour or shewn a kindness more to his satisfaction.

Lady Bertram was perfectly quiescent and contented, and had no
objections to make. Sir Thomas engaged for its giving her very little
trouble; and she assured him "that she was not at all afraid of the
trouble; indeed, she could not imagine there would be any."