THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. It is so sad when relations don't get on
together.

FANNY. Sadder still when they think they've got a right to trample
on you, just because you happen to be an orphan and--I don't want to
talk about my relations. I want to forget them. I stood them for
nearly six months. I don't want to be reminded of them. I want to
forget that they ever existed. I want to forget -

Bennet has come down very quietly. Fanny, from where he stands, is
the only one who sees him. He stands looking at her, his features,
as ever, immovable. At sight of him her eyes and mouth open wider
and wider. The words die away from her tongue. Vernon has turned
away to put a log on the fire, and so has not seen her expression--
only hears her sudden silence. He looks up and sees Bennet.

VERNON. Ah, Bennet! [He advances, holding out his hand.] You quite
well?

BENNET [shaking hands with him]. Quite well.

VERNON. Good! And all the family?

BENNET. Nothing to complain of. Charles has had a touch of
influenza.

VERNON. Ah, sorry to hear that.

BENNET. And your lordship?