She then took a longer time for consideration.  Should she proceed no farther?—­should she let it pass, and seem to suspect nothing?—­ Perhaps Harriet might think her cold or angry if she did; or perhaps if she were totally silent, it might only drive Harriet into asking her to hear too much; and against any thing like such an unreserve as had been, such an open and frequent discussion of hopes and chances, she was perfectly resolved.—­ She believed it would be wiser for her to say and know at once, all that she meant to say and know.  Plain dealing was always best.  She had previously determined how far she would proceed, on any application of the sort; and it would be safer for both, to have the judicious law of her own brain laid down with speed.—­ She was decided, and thus spoke—­

“Harriet, I will not affect to be in doubt of your meaning.  Your resolution, or rather your expectation of never marrying, results from an idea that the person whom you might prefer, would be too greatly your superior in situation to think of you.  Is not it so?”

“Oh!  Miss Woodhouse, believe me I have not the presumption to suppose—­ Indeed I am not so mad.—­But it is a pleasure to me to admire him at a distance—­and to think of his infinite superiority to all the rest of the world, with the gratitude, wonder, and veneration, which are so proper, in me especially.”

“I am not at all surprized at you, Harriet.  The service he rendered you was enough to warm your heart.”

“Service! oh! it was such an inexpressible obligation!—­ The very recollection of it, and all that I felt at the time—­ when I saw him coming—­his noble look—­and my wretchedness before.  Such a change!  In one moment such a change!  From perfect misery to perfect happiness!”

“It is very natural.  It is natural, and it is honourable.—­ Yes, honourable, I think, to chuse so well and so gratefully.—­ But that it will be a fortunate preference is more that I can promise.  I do not advise you to give way to it, Harriet.  I do not by any means engage for its being returned.  Consider what you are about.  Perhaps it will be wisest in you to check your feelings while you can:  at any rate do not let them carry you far, unless you are persuaded of his liking you.  Be observant of him.  Let his behaviour be the guide of your sensations.  I give you this caution now, because I shall never speak to you again on the subject.  I am determined against all interference.  Henceforward I know nothing of the matter.  Let no name ever pass our lips.  We were very wrong before; we will be cautious now.—­He is your superior, no doubt, and there do seem objections and obstacles of a very serious nature; but yet, Harriet, more wonderful things have taken place, there have been matches of greater disparity.  But take care of yourself.  I would not have you too sanguine; though, however it may end, be assured your raising your thoughts to him, is a mark of good taste which I shall always know how to value.”