Ch.19 is incredibly densely written, isn't it? Every action and every word reveals more about the characters and brings them vividly to life.

There's plenty of comedy in the scene too. The appalled silence for a full half minute, Lady Bertram almost fluttered, Tom's affected unconcern as he diverts his father's attention with chat about shooting; even Mrs Norris' officious bustling about the soup raises an exasperated smile.

But for me the finest comedy moment in the entire novel is Sir Thomas' first encounter with the ranting, hallooing Mr Yates. The "gradual metamorphosis of the impassioned Baron Wildenheim into the well–bred and easy Mr. Yates" never fails to make me laugh.