Charles Musgrove was civil and agreeable; in sense and temper he was

undoubtedly superior to his wife, but not of powers, or conversation,

or grace, to make the past, as they were connected together, at all a

dangerous contemplation; though, at the same time, Anne could believe,

with Lady Russell, that a more equal match might have greatly improved

him; and that a woman of real understanding might have given more

consequence to his character, and more usefulness, rationality, and

elegance to his habits and pursuits. As it was, he did nothing with

much zeal, but sport; and his time was otherwise trifled away, without

benefit from books or anything else. He had very good spirits, which

never seemed much affected by his wife's occasional lowness, bore with

her unreasonableness sometimes to Anne's admiration, and upon the

whole, though there was very often a little disagreement (in which she

had sometimes more share than she wished, being appealed to by both

parties), they might pass for a happy couple. They were always

perfectly agreed in the want of more money, and a strong inclination

for a handsome present from his father; but here, as on most topics, he

had the superiority, for while Mary thought it a great shame that such

a present was not made, he always contended for his father's having

many other uses for his money, and a right to spend it as he liked.

As to the management of their children, his theory was much better than

his wife's, and his practice not so bad. "I could manage them very

well, if it were not for Mary's interference," was what Anne often

heard him say, and had a good deal of faith in; but when listening in

turn to Mary's reproach of "Charles spoils the children so that I

cannot get them into any order," she never had the smallest temptation

to say, "Very true."

One of the least agreeable circumstances of her residence there was her

being treated with too much confidence by all parties, and being too

much in the secret of the complaints of each house. Known to have some

influence with her sister, she was continually requested, or at least

receiving hints to exert it, beyond what was practicable. "I wish you

could persuade Mary not to be always fancying herself ill," was

Charles's language; and, in an unhappy mood, thus spoke Mary: "I do

believe if Charles were to see me dying, he would not think there was

anything the matter with me. I am sure, Anne, if you would, you might

persuade him that I really am very ill--a great deal worse than I ever

own."




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