I thoroughly understand you," cried Mrs. Norris, "you are everything

that is generous and considerate, and I am sure we shall never disagree

on this point. Whatever I can do, as you well know, I am always ready

enough to do for the good of those I love; and, though I could never

feel for this little girl the hundredth part of the regard I bear your

own dear children, nor consider her, in any respect, so much my own,

I should hate myself if I were capable of neglecting her. Is not she a

sister's child? and could I bear to see her want while I had a bit of

bread to give her? My dear Sir Thomas, with all my faults I have a warm

heart; and, poor as I am, would rather deny myself the necessaries of

life than do an ungenerous thing. So, if you are not against it, I will

write to my poor sister tomorrow, and make the proposal; and, as soon

as matters are settled, _I_ will engage to get the child to Mansfield;

_you_ shall have no trouble about it. My own trouble, you know, I never

regard. I will send Nanny to London on purpose, and she may have a bed

at her cousin the saddler's, and the child be appointed to meet her

there. They may easily get her from Portsmouth to town by the coach,

under the care of any creditable person that may chance to be going. I

dare say there is always some reputable tradesman's wife or other going

up."