much about me. You're too conscientious, all of you. You, in
particular, Jane, because you know you're not strong. YOU'LL end up
with a nervous breakdown. [Mrs. Bennet has entered. Honoria slips
out. Fanny turns to her aunt.] I was just saying how anxious I'm
getting about Jane. I don't like the look of her at all. What she
wants is a holiday. Don't you agree with me?

MRS. BENNET. There will be no holiday, I fear, for any of us, for
many a long day.

FANNY. But you must. You must think more of yourselves, you know.
YOU'RE not looking well, aunt, at all. What you both want is a
month--at the seaside.

MRS. BENNET. Your object is too painfully apparent for the subject
to need discussion. True solicitude for us would express itself
better in greater watchfulness upon your own behaviour.

FANNY. Why, what have I done?

Bennet enters, followed, unwillingly, by Ernest.

MRS. BENNET. Your uncle will explain.

BENNET. Shut that door. [Ernest does so. They group round Bennet--
Ernest a little behind. Fanny remains near the desk.] Sit down.
[Fanny, bewildered, speechless, sits.] Carry your mind back, please,
to the moment when, with the Bradshaw in front of you, you were
considering, with the help of your cousin Ernest, the possibility of
your slipping out unobserved, to meet and commune with a person you