This thought of yours: “Mrs. Smith is a true test of her charitable nature” humbled me into even greater appreciation of Anne’s character. I have always resented Mrs. Smith’s recommendation of Mr. Elliot to Anne. Considering Mrs. Smith’s circumstances it would have been inappropriate to condemn Mrs. Smith and not help her if possible, but to trust her in the future? But Anne is taking Mrs. Smith’s duplicity in stride and remains Mrs. Smith’s “admirer”!
This brings me to a second point. Anne seems to be admiring both Mrs. Smith and Lady Russell despite realizing their weaknesses. Who among us readers feels the same? We all admire Anne and either apologize for or resent Mrs. Smith and/or Lady Russell. (In the interest of full disclosure I am LR-apologist and Mrs. Smith-begrudger.) Any admirers of LR and Mrs. Smith?
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