that CW NEEDED to find her pretty again? Up until now, CW's behavior has gradually been going from quite cold and indifferent to comfortable politeness, but unless I'm mistaken, he hasn't shown any renewal of interest in her until Mr. Elliot admired her on the cobb. Maybe he realized that he'd lose her to another man unless he softened up a bit. It would have been so much more satisfying if he had shown interest in her again before she got any bloom back. I beg your pardons if I seem ornery, defending Mary and criticizing Wentworth :), I just like to look things from all possible angles, and be as thoughtful as possible when I enjoy a fine novel.