But I am afraid Flora has not the power to bring her out of herself.

She is so sedate." "She does not lack cheerfulness of spirit, Edward." "Perpetual cheerfulness is too passive." "Her laugh, at times, is delicious," said Mrs.Markland, "going to your heart like a strain of music, warming it like a golden sunbeam.
Flora's character is by no means a passive one, but rather the reverse." "She is usually very quiet when I see her," replied Markland.
"This arises from an instinctive deference to those who are older." "Fanny is strongly attached to her, I think." "Yes; and the attachment I believe to be mutual." "Would not Flora, at your suggestion, seek to draw her gradually forth from her seclusion ?" "We have talked together on that subject several times," replied Mrs.Markland, "and are now trying to do the very thing you suggest." "With any prospect of accomplishing the thing desired ?" "I believe so.

There is to be company at Mr.Willet's next week, and we have nearly gained Fanny's consent to be present." "Have you?
I am indeed gratified to learn this." "Flora has set her heart on gaining Fanny's consent, and will leave no influence untried." "Still, Fanny's promise to go is withheld ?" "Yes; but I have observed her looking over her drawers, and showing more interest in certain articles therein than she has evinced for a long, long time." "If she goes, she will require a new dress," said Mr.Markland.
"I think not.

Such preparation would be too formal at present.

But, we can make that all right." "Oh! it will give me so much pleasure! Do not leave any influence untried." "You may be sure that we will not," answered Mrs.Markland; "and, what is more, you have little to fear touching our success.".