Mr Crawford Will Not Take No — Mansfield Park

The conference is neither so short nor so conclusive as Fanny meant. Mr Crawford has every disposition to persevere. He has vanity, which tells him she must love him though she does not know it. He will not despair or desist. Fanny, who has known too much opposition to find any charm in persistence, cannot understand why he will not take no.

Sir Thomas, who has meant to say nothing, finds himself obliged to raise the subject again. Fanny says she is sorry Mr Crawford should continue to pay her this compliment. Lady Bertram, who has been a prosperous beauty all her life, thinks Fanny should be glad of such an offer. She says she will not think of missing her. Her last words are about Pug: the next time he has a litter, Fanny shall have a puppy.