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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77271 ***
+
+
+
+
+MARGARET DASHWOOD
+
+or
+
+INTERFERENCE
+
+by
+
+Mrs. FRANCIS BROWN
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+London
+John Lane The Bodley Head Limited
+
+
+
+
+_First published in 1929_
+
+
+
+_Made and Printed in Great Britain by
+Tonbridge Printers, Peach Hall Works, Tonbridge_
+
+  “Fortunately for Sir John and Mrs. Jennings, when Marianne was taken
+  from them, Margaret had reached an age highly suitable for dancing,
+  and not very ineligible for being supposed to have a lover.”
+
+                                           “_Sense and Sensibility._”
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+MY DAUGHTER HELEN
+
+
+
+
+MARGARET DASHWOOD
+
+_or_
+
+INTERFERENCE
+
+
+
+
+MARGARET DASHWOOD
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+Margaret Dashwood was an observer of life. Her temper was calm, her
+manner gentle, and she was able to listen to the accounts other
+people gave of their activities without the appearance of fatigue.
+The circumstances of her life up to the age of seventeen had combined
+to increase in her these qualities, so valuable to her acquaintance,
+so agreeable to herself, and so baffling to those desiring a nearer
+intimacy. She was the youngest of three daughters, not so accomplished
+and self-reliant as Elinor, not so handsome and impulsive as Marianne,
+and less attractive than either, if to be immediately noticed is to be
+attractive.
+
+Their mother was a widow, whose income, though possibly equal to her
+expenditure, was consistently below her wishes, and the three Miss
+Dashwoods were obliged to suit their requirements to their mother’s
+purse rather than to her heart.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Dashwood had lived for ten years with his uncle, the
+owner of a large estate in Sussex to which Mr. Dashwood was the heir.
+The property was inherited, but enjoyed for only a twelvemonth, and
+Mrs. Dashwood became a widow with a small income.
+
+The idea of wealth takes root quickly in the mind, and Mrs. Dashwood
+was not easily convinced that she was now unable to afford indulgences
+for her daughters. Her own tastes were simple, or became so after her
+change of situation; and, in order that Elinor and Marianne might be
+suitably attired and escorted, her own pin-money was severely taxed.
+Margaret, as the youngest daughter and not yet grown up, had a more
+personal experience of the family economies than her sisters, and she
+learned more of the meaning of the word “poor” than either of them was
+ever to know.
+
+Six months after her husband’s death Mrs. Dashwood removed, with her
+daughters, from Norland Park, in the county of Sussex, to Barton
+Cottage, near Exeter. Margaret was only thirteen at the time of this
+removal and, though deeply mourning the loss of her father, with whom
+she had been a special favourite, her feelings on leaving her home
+were tinged quite as much with excitement as with regret. She had
+found, however, that, if she wished to be left in peace to her own
+reflections, it was wise to agree with outward fervour with Marianne,
+whose sensibilities were of such a nature as to brook no opposition,
+least of all from a younger sister.
+
+In Marianne’s company Margaret expressed undying sorrow at parting from
+the woods of Norland--but she ran away if her father’s name occurred.
+With her mother she said little of regrets, but something of the joy
+of living in a cottage, and possibly keeping pigs and poultry; and
+with Elinor her subjects of conversation were still more limited for,
+as a rule, to her eldest sister she said nothing at all. She was quite
+willing to admire Elinor for her wisdom and elegance, but was not very
+fond of her society, and did not covet her notice, which usually took
+the form of gentle reproof or a slightly satirical approval. Margaret
+did not feel that she merited either. Most of her time was spent with
+Marianne, who would read aloud to her and rhapsodize with great spirit,
+if no older listener was to be secured. With her mother she was always
+happy, for Mrs. Dashwood restrained her grief when with her child,
+though she was in the habit of indulging it more freely with her elder
+daughters.
+
+The new owner of Norland, John Dashwood, the son of Mr. Dashwood by a
+former wife, early took up his residence accompanied by his wife and
+little son, now the heir to the property. Margaret soon contrived
+to dismiss her brother and his wife from her thoughts as “very
+disagreeable.” When obliged to be in company with them she merely
+thought of something else, and in this way escaped much that tried her
+mother and sisters almost beyond bearing. Her little nephew, Harry,
+she loved dearly, and amused him untiringly, and in this way gained
+approval and some degree of liking from Mrs. John Dashwood. Margaret
+was as unaware of this honour as she would have been indifferent had
+she known of it.
+
+In one respect Elinor became the subject of special interest and
+reflection to Margaret during the months that followed their father’s
+death and before their removal was decided. Mrs. John Dashwood’s
+brother, Edward Ferrars, had come to pay a short visit to his sister,
+and remained to pay a long one. Wherever Margaret went in the garden
+or shrubbery she found Edward and Elinor there before her, pacing the
+walks in earnest talk or sitting on a garden-seat while Elinor drew and
+Edward read aloud to her. It was Margaret’s first experience of the
+kind, and she found it exceedingly interesting, so much so that on more
+than one occasion she felt inclined to call her mother’s attention to
+it, but the habit of silence prevailed and, later, her thoughts were
+distracted by her mother’s announcement of the pending removal.
+
+The day came for their departure, and Marianne’s tears flowed freely
+in the carriage as they drove away from Norland. Mrs. Dashwood did
+not restrain her grief, and even the self-contained Elinor was moved.
+Margaret, however, held her perfectly dry handkerchief up to her face
+and peeped over it at the countryside and villages. By and by she
+was able to put away the appearance of sorrow, and on the second day
+could enjoy the journey without pretence. Elinor was determinedly
+full of interest and admiration, Mrs. Dashwood responded quickly
+to this happier mood, and even Marianne brightened as the beauties
+of Devonshire came in sight. Barton Cottage itself was pronounced
+bearable, and its situation was found to be perfection.
+
+Here Margaret was to live and grow up from thirteen to seventeen--when
+our story opens--and much was she to observe in those four years.
+
+She was to see how lovers advance and retire, set to corners, and set
+to partners not only in the ballroom. She was to find from Sir John
+Middleton and his wife, their near neighbours, that kindness could
+be inconvenient and that children could be troublesome; from Colonel
+Brandon that a brother-in-law could be old enough to be her father;
+from Edward Ferrars that a brother-in-law could be sober enough to
+be her grandfather; from Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton’s mother, that
+sweethearts were a good joke; from Miss Steele that beaux were vastly
+entertaining; and from her own sisters that lovers caused more grief
+and pain than she would have supposed possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+On an April day in 1813 Margaret Dashwood and her mother were driven up
+to the door of Barton Cottage. They left many interests behind them at
+Delaford. Elinor Ferrars at the parsonage, and Marianne Brandon at the
+mansion-house, the husband of each, who seemed to Mrs. Dashwood as dear
+as her own sons would have been if she had had any, and two attractive
+grandchildren, one in each household, made up the number to six dear
+ones left behind. It would not have been unlike Mrs. Dashwood’s
+warm-hearted nature to have entered her own home in dejection of
+spirits; but this was not the case. She hurried in, full of interest
+and happiness, and Margaret followed with the book and purse left in
+the carriage.
+
+“Has Mr. Atherton arrived?” Mrs. Dashwood asked the waiting maid. “Not
+yet; that is well. Have you his room prepared? Miss Margaret and I have
+had some refreshment on the road. Tell Mrs. Thomas to keep back dinner
+till Mr. Atherton arrives. He will be here before three o’clock I am
+convinced.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood greeted the other servants, who were assembled to meet
+her, with the sweetness of address to which they were accustomed, and
+joyfully turned to the parlour, whither Margaret had preceded her.
+
+“What a lovely fire!” she said. “And a wonderful basket of flowers from
+Sir John. What a kind neighbour he is! To-morrow, my love, you and I
+must walk up to the Park.”
+
+“And the next day Sir John and Mrs. Jennings will come to us,” went on
+Margaret.
+
+“And the day after Lady Middleton and little William,” continued Mrs.
+Dashwood.
+
+“And after that we go there again,” finished Margaret.
+
+“You do not intend any objection, my Margaret, surely? They are kind
+neighbours, and must be treated with attention.”
+
+Margaret replied that she felt no objection that she could urge.
+
+“On the whole I prefer visiting them to receiving their calls. We have
+the pleasure of the walk, and can end the visit when we choose, and
+though doubtless we interrupt their occupations sadly, it is better
+than being interrupted ourselves.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood had done less than justice to Sir John Middleton’s
+neighbourliness of spirit. The flowers were no more than the herald of
+his goodwill. She was still re-arranging her dress in her bed-chamber
+when she saw from her window Sir John and Mrs. Jennings crossing the
+lawn, and heard them tapping on the window to announce their arrival to
+Margaret. Mrs. Dashwood entered the sitting-room in time to catch Sir
+John’s inquiry as to how many beaux Miss Margaret had left disconsolate
+behind her at Delaford, and to hear Mrs. Jennings’s hearty rejoinder on
+Margaret’s behalf, “Miss Margaret has only to waggle her little finger
+to have them all after her, but she will not take the trouble.”
+
+Margaret’s composure remained undisturbed, and she turned a smiling
+face to each in turn without exerting herself to make any other reply.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood’s entrance stopped the flow of gallantry by diverting the
+attention of the two visitors to herself.
+
+“And how is dear Mrs. Ferrars? And Mrs. Brandon too? As beautiful as
+ever, I will be bound, and the children will be old enough to fight
+each other now. My daughter Middleton is desirous of hearing all
+about them. She has an idea that Miss Marianne’s boy--I should say
+Mrs. Brandon’s--is taller than William was at his age and cannot rest
+till the matter is decided, and, for my part, I hope, ma’am, that my
+grandson has the advantage of yours, or we shall never hear the last
+of it from the child’s mother. Is it not so, Sir John? Lady Middleton
+is determined to have her boy the taller.”
+
+“For my part, I do not care which has it, ma’am,” replied Sir John,
+“but I hope William will be the better sportsman when they are both
+full grown, and that is all there is to say about it.”
+
+“You will find us all poor company after the party at Delaford, Miss
+Margaret,” went on Mrs. Jennings. “There is not a young man within ten
+miles, but we have one treat in store for you. Who do you think is
+coming to the Park this afternoon?”
+
+Margaret was unable to make any conjecture.
+
+“Well, then, what do you think of Miss Nancy Steele?”
+
+Margaret’s smile gave very little indication of her thoughts, which
+were briefly that the addition of Miss Steele to the party at Barton
+would neither lessen its dullness nor add to its happiness. One merit
+in the arrival she could perceive: Miss Steele’s beaux would prove
+a subject of conversation more accessible than her own, as Miss
+Steele would herself gladly supply all the material required for Mrs.
+Jennings’s and Sir John’s wit, and would join with enthusiasm in the
+laughter raised.
+
+Sir John’s next care was to secure the promise of a speedy visit
+from the ladies, and was for urging them to return with Mrs. Jennings
+and himself at once to dine at the Park, and thus secure the earliest
+possible meeting with Miss Steele. To this Mrs. Dashwood would not
+consent, and pleaded fatigue and the necessity of seeing her household,
+in vain. Sir John would not give way unless confronted with some better
+excuse than what he surmised was mere disinclination. He pressed his
+point so urgently that Mrs. Dashwood thought it best to admit that it
+was not in their power to accept his invitation. They were expecting
+the arrival of Mr. Atherton that afternoon.
+
+“Ha ha! Miss Margaret,” ejaculated Mrs. Jennings. “I was sure there was
+some beau in the question. Don’t tell me but that Mr. Atherton is young
+and handsome.”
+
+Sir John unwillingly admitted the prior claim of a visitor in the
+house, and bowed himself out, but with the assurance that he would wait
+on Mr. Atherton at the earliest possible opportunity on the morrow.
+
+Mr. Atherton was a stranger to both households, if the term may rightly
+be used when letters have been exchanged. Both Mrs. Dashwood and Sir
+John had reached this stage of intimacy with the expected guest, as
+Mr. Atherton was the new vicar of Barton and had been presented to the
+living by Sir John, but owed his introduction to the neighbourhood to
+a member of the Dashwood family.
+
+Mrs. John Dashwood of Norland Park and Lady Middleton were in the habit
+of meeting yearly in London. There was a certain lack of heart, and
+excess of formality on both sides, which endeared them to each other,
+and so far as either was capable of friendship they were friends.
+Therefore when the living of Barton fell vacant it was not long before
+Lady Middleton had confided to Fanny Dashwood her hopes and fears
+in the matter. Sir John’s judgment was not to be trusted, and the
+new incumbent might be far from presentable if the choice were left
+entirely to her husband’s discretion.
+
+“My dear Lady Middleton, there can be no occasion for you to see
+anything of the man,” Mrs. Dashwood declared. “My own brother, it is
+true, is in orders, but it is by no means the rule for the profession
+to be adopted by people of birth or consequence. Take my advice, and
+have very little to do with the parsonage. You would not like to
+see your darling William and Annamaria intimate with the parsonage
+children?”
+
+“It is different in your case, Mrs. Dashwood,” replied her ladyship.
+“Sir John is so fond of society and entertainment that I am convinced
+he will have the new vicar constantly to the Park. Poor old Mr. Tillis
+was bed-ridden, so could not visit, but I am sure things will be
+different now, and consequently it is of the greatest importance that
+he should be of good appearance and gentlemanly bearing.”
+
+Mrs. John Dashwood sympathized with her friend on her husband’s
+regrettable lavishness of hospitality, a fault of which her own spouse
+was altogether free, though she sometimes suspected him of over
+generosity in other directions. Nothing was too much for him to do, no
+trouble too much for him to undertake on behalf of his father’s widow
+and her daughters.
+
+“I am telling Lady Middleton, my love,” she went on as her husband
+entered the room, “how your father’s death left the care of his second
+family on your shoulders. Two of them have, as you know, ma’am, made
+most creditable marriages, entirely due to their brother’s untiring
+efforts on their behalf, and now there is poor little Margaret, by far
+the most affectionate of the three, but we can hear of nothing for her.”
+
+As Lady Middleton was tolerably well acquainted with the facts she
+might have been surprised by this account of the courtship and marriage
+of the two elder Miss Dashwoods, but the truth is that she heard none
+of it. Her attention had been caught by an annoying tear in her best
+India muslin; and, when she had disengaged her thoughts from this
+disaster, they had flown back to the possible inconvenience of an
+unsuitable appointment to the living of Barton.
+
+“Perhaps Mr. Dashwood could help us,” she said, and related to him
+her perplexities and fears. He was all attention and sympathy. Such a
+danger must at all costs be averted, and he begged for a few moments’
+quiet while he considered the matter from every point of view.
+
+This was readily agreed to, and ten minutes complete silence granted
+him. The time was pleasantly spent by the two ladies in discussing the
+merits of a fine darn as compared with a new breadth, Mrs. Dashwood
+arguing economy and Lady Middleton fearful that no darn could be finely
+enough executed to please her. Meanwhile Mr. Dashwood paced the room
+with his hands behind him in anxious thought. When he reseated himself
+in his chair, and brought the points of his fingers together, his
+attitude and expression were those of quiet satisfaction.
+
+“Your ladyship,” he began, “I think I may congratulate myself on
+having solved your problem and our own at one and the same time.
+Two birds with one stone in fact, though I flatter myself that this
+idea of mine is more--or rather I should say less--in fact there is
+no killing in the question; quite the contrary. I happen to number
+among my acquaintance a certain Mr. Atherton, a very fine young man
+indeed--quite a presentable figure. He has moderate means, but wishes
+to improve his position, and considers taking Orders. The offer of
+the living of Barton should settle the matter. I am inclined to think
+that your ladyship and Sir John would find him acceptable. Other
+developments, my dear Fanny, we may hope will follow.”
+
+Lady Middleton neither knew nor cared what the other developments might
+be. Her carriage was announced at that moment, and she departed to
+acquaint Sir John with Mr. Dashwood’s suggestion.
+
+Once more John Dashwood’s generous plans seemed successful. To confer
+benefits at the expense of his acquaintance was ever before him, as his
+duty to society. Sir John seemed only too glad to be spared trouble
+and responsibility. Mr. Atherton was in due course made known to Lady
+Middleton; and, though Sir John could not spare time while in town
+to meet the young man himself, he was satisfied if Lady Middleton
+was pleased. He wrote a friendly letter offering the living. Mr.
+Atherton wrote a politely grateful one accepting it, and plans for the
+improvement of the vicarage were immediately put in hand. Improvements
+are seldom rapidly accomplished, and these took so long that Mr.
+Atherton had taken Orders, and was prepared to enter on his new duties
+before the house was ready for him.
+
+Mr. John Dashwood, however, would not submit to a postponement of
+the happiness he proposed for his sister and her mother, and for Sir
+John and Lady Middleton, and for Mr. Atherton himself. He generously
+provided for the comfort of the latter by writing to implore his
+mother-in-law to despatch an invitation to the new vicar to enable him
+to begin his duties from Barton Cottage.
+
+With unfailing courtesy and hospitality she readily agreed. The
+invitation was sent, and accepted, and Mr. Atherton was momentarily
+expected.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Mrs. Dashwood’s attempt to exclude Mr. Atherton’s name from her
+conversation with Sir John was not caused by any wish on her part to
+keep the intended visit a secret. She was well aware that nothing
+of the sort was possible, but she would have been better pleased if
+Sir John and Mrs. Jennings had accepted her first excuses. Though
+accustomed to their raillery on the subject of courtship she never
+became reconciled to it, and had a habit of avoiding all mention of
+young men when in their society. She had therefore desired to postpone
+for herself and Margaret the witticisms which she knew to be inevitable
+as soon as Mr. Atherton’s arrival should be known.
+
+Marianne had once remarked that, though the rent of Barton Cottage was
+said to be low, they had it on very hard terms, as they were under the
+necessity of dining at the Park whenever anyone stayed with either
+family. Mrs. Dashwood had long ago decided that she did not choose to
+accept such frequent invitations; but in her own case she felt that
+she paid over and over again for the advantages of her pretty house
+in the annoyance she experienced in having her daughter’s affections
+and prospects made the subject of continual joking and surmise on the
+part of Sir John and Mrs. Jennings. The real regard which the family at
+Barton Cottage entertained for Mrs. Jennings’s kindness of heart did
+not lessen their disapproval for the freedom of her manners; and Sir
+John, in the course of the four or five years of their acquaintance,
+had developed no such admirable qualities as to make his tedious
+vulgarity endurable. Mrs. Dashwood was too truly amiable to speak
+either of or to her neighbours in any censorious fashion, but she often
+marvelled at the calmness with which Margaret received their sallies,
+and wondered if her youngest daughter could be lacking in some of the
+fine sensibility which so distinguished Marianne, and the delicacy of
+feeling which was Elinor’s greatest charm.
+
+Margaret had long ago made up her mind to present a calm front to Sir
+John’s attacks and his mother-in-law’s jocularity. She had a painful
+remembrance of the day when she had hinted before Sir John at the
+secret of Edward Ferrar’s attachment to Elinor. She had suffered in
+consequence. Elinor had felt the indignity of this public discussion
+of her private affairs, and Margaret had incurred her resentment. This
+had been no light matter in Barton Cottage. Miss Dashwood had a manner
+of expressing herself which, though perfectly gentle, was none the
+less reproving, and neither her mother nor her sisters could face the
+possibility of Elinor’s displeasure with equanimity. Margaret came to
+dread Sir John’s jokes, his drinking to her sister’s best affections,
+his allusions to the letter F, his sly inquiries, fully as much as
+Elinor could herself; and, while Miss Dashwood could feel that these
+annoyances were entirely undeserved, to Margaret’s distress was added
+a sense of guilt, which only increased as time went on and she became
+more fully aware of her mistake.
+
+When her sisters married, and she herself became the object of the
+raillery at Barton Park, she made up her mind that smiling calm would
+prove the best defence; that she would show nothing, and if possible
+feel nothing, of vexation, and that no one, not even her mother, should
+have reason to suppose her affected by any remark on the subject of
+love and marriage.
+
+Margaret and her mother occupied themselves in silence for some time
+after their visitors had taken their leave. Mrs. Dashwood had spent
+some months with her married daughters in the quiet elegance of their
+homes, where beaux and courtship were not the subject of attention. She
+felt her serenity threatened by the recent incursion, but Margaret,
+as she sat engaged with some needlework, looked so unconscious of any
+disturbance that Mrs. Dashwood’s spirits returned to their usual level.
+
+“I look forward eagerly to the arrival of our guest,” she said. “He
+will bring us some news of your brother and his wife.”
+
+“We may hear how little Henry says his piece, and what schemes for
+economy my brother has in his mind,” replied Margaret, “but I do not
+expect news.”
+
+Though Mrs. Dashwood’s contempt for John and Fanny could hardly be a
+secret to anyone but herself, she was always ready to champion the
+absent; and she now remarked with approval that Fanny was indeed a
+devoted mother, and that John’s caution in expenditure might be of
+great service to little Henry.
+
+Margaret’s reply was that she considered Mrs. John Dashwood an admiring
+rather than a devoted mother, and that she did not think her brother
+was really consistent in his economies, which were prompted more by
+meanness than by caution.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood admitted that she preferred wise expenditure, and the
+conversation was not continued.
+
+A slight shower was followed by sunshine so brilliant as to draw Mrs.
+Dashwood to the window in admiration. She was just in time to see a
+curricle draw up and a very fine-looking young man descend.
+
+“This must be our guest,” she cried, and noted with approval his air of
+fashion and the becoming cut of his many-caped driving coat.
+
+A moment later and he was bowing to the ladies in the parlour,
+and expressing his felicitation in being admitted to their quiet
+home circle. He had, he said, spent the night at Exeter, and been
+so overcome by the beauty of the Cathedral and the charm of the
+surroundings that he had been in no great hurry to continue his
+journey. However, here he was at last and, had he known that so much
+beauty and so much charm awaited him, he would have been up betimes in
+order to make his stay the longer.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood replied that they were themselves but just returned home,
+and rang the bell for Thomas to show her guest to his apartment.
+
+Mr. Atherton’s conversation could be checked, but could not be
+diverted. He had come prepared to admire Margaret, and admire her he
+would. He was in the habit of recounting his experiences, and recount
+them he would. The dinner-table served as an appropriate opportunity
+for both. Mrs. Dashwood and her daughter must perforce listen, and no
+interruption beyond the offering of a dish by Thomas, or some gentle
+direction to the servant on the part of Mrs. Dashwood, was possible. He
+was sure of his audience and of their attention, and took all else for
+granted.
+
+After a careful description of his journey he allowed himself to return
+to more personal topics.
+
+“I have had the pleasure of meeting your son and his charming wife,
+madam. They were so good as to ask me to dine with them and, after
+dinner, I had the felicity of beholding a portrait of yourself and your
+two lovely daughters, the work, so I understand, of your eldest and
+most highly gifted daughter. I was therefore in some degree prepared--I
+may say I expected almost a disappointment, but such is far from being
+the case.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood thought it best to misunderstand, and said with a
+pleasant smile that Barton was a pretty, agreeable place and the
+neighbourhood a good one. She could answer for it that Mr. Atherton
+would find it no disappointment, but possibly beyond his expectations.
+Mr. Atherton would not allow his compliments to be so misinterpreted.
+His gallantry must not be wasted on the village of Barton when it was
+intended to bring the smile of pleasure to Miss Margaret’s bright eyes.
+He said as much, and received no reply from either lady. However, he
+was satisfied that his meaning had been made clear to them, and was
+for the present content to leave the subject of Margaret’s beauty and
+to display the perfection of his taste in some other particulars.
+
+“You have a very pretty dining-parlour, madam, and a charming prospect,
+but that mulberry tree is too near. Take my advice, madam, and have
+it cut down. You would then secure a beautiful open view across the
+valley.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was so good as to give her reasons for sparing the tree.
+They were that the tree was an old one and supplied some shelter from
+prevailing winds, and that she and her daughter were partial to the
+fruit. Mr. Atherton considered these excuses should weigh but lightly
+against the improved health which might be expected from the removal of
+the tree. Trees too near a house were unhealthy. Small rooms were also
+to be deplored. Did Mrs. Dashwood not consider this dining-parlour too
+small for comfort?
+
+“Our party is a small one,” replied Mrs. Dashwood. “It is large enough
+for my daughter and myself, and it is seldom that we have any company.”
+
+“Still, a spacious room is much to be desired. I would never willingly
+dine in a room less than twenty feet long. Twenty feet or perhaps
+twenty-two. The feeling of being cramped for space is, I think,
+intolerable. I should recommend your throwing this room and the
+adjoining one together. You would then have a very handsome room, one
+of which you could be justly proud.”
+
+“But I should have only one parlour,” Mrs. Dashwood protested, “and
+there is a passage between this and the sitting-room.”
+
+“All the better! You could include the passage, and have a noble room
+indeed. A sitting-room could very easily be built on the lawn there.
+True, you must then cut down the mulberry tree, but that would be all
+to the good. They are untidy trees, and the wood is, I believe, capital
+fuel.”
+
+Margaret suggested that these improvements would be expensive.
+
+“No, I assure you, the cost would be trifling,” was his reply. “My
+father’s own brother enlarged his house in some such way, and the
+cost was really nothing, a mere song, and the improvement beyond all
+words. His room was majestic. No other description would suffice. Truly
+majestic!”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood declared that she and Margaret lived so quiet a life that
+a cosy room was all they desired.
+
+Mr. Atherton considered this point, but would not concede it. It gave
+him, however, a fresh impetus. He now perceived another subject on
+which his advice might be of value.
+
+“But, madam,” he protested, “is it well, do you think, to lead so
+quiet a life? You should travel. Nothing so enlarges the mind and
+refreshes the intellect as travel. Let me urge you to take Miss
+Margaret travelling.”
+
+“We are but just returned from a visit,” said Mrs. Dashwood, still
+smiling, “and I think we are ready for a little quiet. The garden is a
+pleasure, and my daughter has her instrument.”
+
+“Nothing to the purpose,” asserted Mr. Atherton solemnly. “The
+enjoyment of music, the pleasures of scenery, the delights of
+conversation are all enhanced by travel, and nothing can take the place
+of travel as a means of improving the mind.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood, having intercepted a look from Margaret, was unable to
+make any reply, and Margaret interposed sweetly to allow her mother
+time to recover her gravity.
+
+“Where do you suggest our travelling, sir? What have you done yourself
+that you can recommend?”
+
+Then it appeared that he was no traveller himself. He had often wished
+to travel, and had always been prevented, sometimes by inclement
+weather, sometimes by engagements in town, once by an exceedingly bad
+cold, but he was an advocate for travel in general, and believed every
+one was the better for it.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood mentioned the theatre, and Mr. Atherton hastened to
+inform her that Drury Lane was in the course of rebuilding, that Edmund
+Kean was the finest actor of the day, that Mrs. Siddons was growing
+old, that Lady Macbeth was undoubtedly her finest part, and that the
+theatre generally had undergone a change for the better in the past few
+years.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood hardly knew what to do with so much information. She
+was attempting some reply when Margaret gently interposed with some
+remark about the new publications, and in a moment he was off again,
+talking of Scott, of Campbell, of Lord Byron, and of Southey without
+intermission and without any real perception, till the ladies seized
+the opportunity of a moment’s hesitation to rise from the table and
+leave him to his wine.
+
+Mr. Atherton soon followed them. Mrs. Dashwood had taken the precaution
+to have by her some volumes of poetry, and on his appearance
+immediately begged him to read aloud. He selected “The Lady of the
+Lake,” and the evening was passed in tolerable comfort listening to his
+rhythmic rendering of the adventures of James Fitz-James.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+The next morning found the Barton Cottage guest as eagerly determined
+on gallantry as ever. He appeared at the breakfast table full of
+admiration and discourse, and allowed no opportunity to slip of showing
+himself to be at once an ardent observer of beauty and an able critic
+in every department of life. He worked hard at the display and it was
+by no fault of negligence that he was unsuccessful in impressing the
+ladies.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was not without surprise. His admiration of Margaret
+was too determined to be altogether genuine and it was matter for
+wonder that he should be so anxious to secure her good opinion on any
+other grounds than those of real preference. Her fortune was small in
+fact, and there was nothing in their way of living to suggest that it
+was considerable. Mrs. Dashwood therefore acquitted him of mercenary
+designs, but felt at a loss as to what motive should be attributed to
+him. Possibly the whole thing was mere vanity and display.
+
+She had arrived at this conclusion by the time breakfast was finished,
+and spoke her intention of walking out after she had given her orders
+for the day. Mr. Atherton begged to be allowed to accompany her,
+and the permission was reluctantly given, but was immediately made
+valueless by the timely entry of Sir John. Never had she been so glad
+to see his ruddy face and to hear his hearty voice! He was surprised
+himself at the warmth of his reception. Though he had not perceived
+anything amiss on former occasions, he must be conscious of the extreme
+pleasure with which he was greeted now. The pleasure was not however
+unalloyed. He came to suggest that he might have the satisfaction of
+taking Mr. Atherton round the village and making him known to his
+parishioners. So far all was to the good, and the attention to Mr.
+Atherton greatly appreciated by all present; but the happy effect was
+spoiled by what followed.
+
+“If Miss Margaret will forgive me for taking her beau away from her for
+a morning. Never mind, Miss Margaret, you shall have his company this
+afternoon, and be able to show him off too, and turn Miss Nancy green
+with envy, for I am charged by Lady Middleton to beg that you will do
+us the honour of dining with us today; you and Mr. Atherton and Mrs.
+Dashwood too, if she will be so good.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was not in the habit of accepting casual invitations
+to the Park, but on this occasion she thought it best to do so. The
+evil of allowing Margaret and Mr. Atherton to appear there without her
+seemed greater than that of herself enduring the tediousness of the
+engagement. She therefore accepted with her usual grace, and Sir John
+and Mr. Atherton went off together, leaving the ladies entirely without
+regret at their departure.
+
+“Can this possibly be endured?” was the question in both their minds.
+“Is there no way to avoid the continued infliction of the young man’s
+presence?”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was a fortunate woman in that a circumstance which to
+some people would be a grief often presented itself to her happy
+temperament in some other light. Mrs. Thomas greeted her mistress
+with a very long face. Her husband was far from well, was, in fact,
+quite unfit for his duties and, with this gentleman in the house, Mrs.
+Thomas really did not see how things could be as they should. It was
+very much against her husband’s wishes to fail his mistress at such a
+time, but it was hoped that she would understand. Mrs. Dashwood cut
+short the apologies. Of course Thomas must take the necessary rest.
+All could well be arranged. They were dining at the Park that day,
+and she had no doubt that Sir John and Lady Middleton would relieve
+the Cottage of their guest. It would be quite simple for Mr. Atherton
+to be transferred to the Park. Meanwhile they would send word to the
+apothecary to ask him to visit the Cottage and recommend treatment.
+Mrs. Thomas did not think this necessary, and the interview closed
+with mutual esteem--Mrs. Thomas admiring Mrs. Dashwood as a kind and
+considerate mistress, and Mrs. Dashwood full of appreciation for the
+worthy pair who would be the means of ridding her of her uncongenial
+guest.
+
+Margaret was soon acquainted with this desirable prospect, and
+expressed all the elation expected by her mother. She really felt
+satisfaction and relief, but a considerable portion of her mind was
+unaffected by this. She was experiencing some depression of spirits.
+The return home had been eagerly anticipated. She did not greatly
+enjoy the visits to her sisters’ houses. She was there of little
+importance to anyone, and her mother, her chief companion, was,
+naturally, absorbed in the delight of playing with her grandchildren
+and advising their mothers. Delaford was no very pleasurable abode
+for Margaret; and now, when she was come home, what did she find? Sir
+John and Mrs. Jennings with their curiosity and jocularity. Lady
+Middleton, true, was not yet encountered, but what hope was there that
+she would be less cold, less conventional than was her wont? Miss Nancy
+Steele? Uneducated! Inquisitive! What improvement could be looked for
+there? Mr. Atherton, who might have brought some interest into their
+surroundings, was more tedious, more utterly uninteresting than any of
+the others. He had not even the charm of familiarity.
+
+Her mother was her only comfort and, even there, so much brightness and
+eagerness were sometimes hard to appreciate. She _would_ like so many
+people, was so determined to think well of every one, so universally
+affectionate and credulous. Her dislike of Mr. Atherton was a relief,
+but even that would only last a few days. Once he was out of the house,
+and need only be listened to on occasions, he would take his place as
+one of “our kind neighbours who must be treated with attention.”
+
+Margaret felt that her spirits required some change, and she decided to
+take a walk which had been a favourite one with Marianne and herself
+ever since their first coming to Barton Cottage. She would climb the
+High-church down, and there, meeting the fresh wind, she would escape
+from the discontent and weariness of spirit of which she was ashamed.
+Her mother made no objection, and she started on her solitary ramble.
+There was now no Elinor at hand to suggest that every one should take
+exercise together in the same direction at the same time. Mrs. Dashwood
+and Margaret were able to do as they wished without comment. This was
+something to cause rejoicing and, as Margaret mounted the hill in the
+spring sunshine, her spirits rose also.
+
+The slope she ascended led directly from their garden gate, and she
+recalled, as she hastened up it, that day some four years ago, when she
+and Marianne were caught in a sudden storm on the summit, and raced
+each other down the hill. Marianne caught her foot, and sprained her
+ankle. Willoughby had appeared--“Marianne’s preserver.” She remembered
+with a smile that it was she who had given him the name. Willoughby had
+appeared, and had carried her sister to the house, and the next few
+weeks had been all romance and excitement, until the dreadful time had
+come when Marianne had wept all day, and her mother and Elinor went
+about with grave sad faces, and no one ever thought of telling her
+what it was all about. Then her sisters had gone to London and she and
+her mother had spent happy months together, all too soon ended with
+Marianne home ill and Elinor more severe than ever. After all there was
+nothing to excuse so much unhappiness, for Elinor had married Edward
+Ferrars, and they seemed to like each other very well, and not to mind
+being rather quiet and dull; and Marianne had married Colonel Brandon,
+although she always said he was too old to think of marrying, and
+Marianne was not only happy, but rapturously so; and she did not seem
+to think the Colonel dull at all, and would certainly have minded very
+much if he had been so.
+
+All of which passed through Margaret’s mind as she climbed, and
+convinced her that she missed Marianne very greatly, and that it was
+her absence which was the chief cause of her own discontent.
+
+A sharp gust of wind met her on the summit, and, to her consternation,
+the light scarf which she held round her shoulders was lifted from her
+grasp and blew away across the down. She hurried after it, hoping that
+it might catch on some tuft of grass, or stone, or hawthorn tree, and
+over the next rise she encountered it again.
+
+It was in the hands of a young man of pleasing appearance, who had
+evidently caught it on the wind, and was looking at it with great
+interest. She paused on seeing him, and he, at the same moment
+perceiving her, hurried towards her with a smiling face to return her
+property. His manner was so open and unaffected, his pleasure in being
+of use so evident, his eye so bright, his person so agreeable, in
+fact, his whole bearing so truly amiable that she felt some regret that
+it seemed right to do no more than accept the scarf, proffer her thanks
+and turn away to descend the hill.
+
+This was not at all what he approved, however, and he asked at once if
+she had not intended to walk on the down in the direction from whence
+he came. Margaret admitted that this was so, and was proceeding on
+her walk when she found to her surprise that he intended to walk with
+her. Perhaps she was wrong to allow it, but it was not easy to object
+without incivility, and he walked by her side with such easy grace and
+without the appearance of thinking that he was behaving in any way
+out of the ordinary. It was pleasant and it was very unexpected, and
+Margaret was in a mood to appreciate either.
+
+They walked for some three-quarters of an hour, conversing on general
+topics when the high wind made it possible. She parted from him where
+they had met without having learnt his name or told him her own.
+
+As she returned to the Cottage she decided to say nothing of this
+encounter. “It is of no moment,” she thought. “We shall never meet
+again. My mother might think me indiscreet. She might even speak of
+it. They might come to the knowledge of it at the Park.”
+
+With that dreadful thought her mind was finally made up. She would not
+speak of the agreeable stranger to anyone at all.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+Dining at the Park was an event which possessed neither interest nor
+novelty. Margaret did not anticipate any pleasure beyond the minor ones
+of excellent food and elegant surroundings. Her mind was, however, so
+pleasantly occupied with the event of the morning that she dressed for
+the engagement with a happy smile and, on joining her mother and Mr.
+Atherton in the hall, and preparing to set out for their walk to the
+Park, she looked so pretty that Mrs. Dashwood gazed at her with the
+tenderest affection and Mr. Atherton with an admiration which for once
+was genuine.
+
+As they crossed the grounds of the Park, Mrs. Dashwood’s replies were
+absent-minded and Margaret said nothing at all. Mr. Atherton had to
+supply all the conversation himself, a feat which was to him no feat at
+all, for he barely stopped talking all the way, and yet arrived untired
+and with fresh stores of information to be expended at the dining-table
+of Barton Park. Here, however, he was unable to have things as he
+liked. Sir John Middleton was fond of talking himself. Mrs. Jennings
+had no notion of being silent, and Miss Nancy Steele seldom paused
+except for breath. It was a thoroughly noisy party, and for the most
+part a happy one. Lady Middleton was pleased with her appearance, and
+that of her dining-table, and only Mrs. Dashwood and her daughter fell
+short of enjoyment.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was at her best only in her own house. She did not care
+for dinner engagements or desultory conversation, and the glare, heat
+and noise at Barton Park were irksome to her. Margaret was as usual the
+subject of much jesting, but shared this honour with Miss Steele, who
+soon succeeded in inducing the main stream of the wit to flow in her
+direction.
+
+Mr. Atherton was placed between them, with the usual allusion to roses
+and thorns, and it was supposed that Miss Steele and Margaret would
+enter into competition to secure his notice. Miss Steele’s victory was
+almost too easy.
+
+“Take care, cousin, the Doctor shall hear of this,” called Sir John
+from the head of the table. “Don’t imagine you are safe. I have his
+address I think. Dr. Davis, Dash Street, Plymouth, isn’t it? We’ll soon
+let him know how you behave.”
+
+“What does it matter to me what the Doctor hears?” called Miss Nancy in
+delighted protest. “He’d better mind his own business I say, and so I
+should say if he were here, right to his face.”
+
+“We’ll get him here, cousin. That’s what we’ll do, and see if you don’t
+call another tune.”
+
+“A fine thing it would be if I couldn’t speak to anyone but him. I
+wonder what he would have thought of me yesterday, for there was a very
+fine young man in the coach with me, and he was most excessively polite
+with the baggage, and asked me if I would have the window up, and did
+I like a corner seat. Most attentive, he was! And he got down, not
+half a mile from Barton Park, and I heard him tell the guard he was a
+stranger, and he asked for some direction, but there was an old woman
+coughing in the road and I could not hear any more.”
+
+Sir John’s attention was attracted. He did not always pay Miss Steele
+the compliment of listening to her, but a man in the neighbourhood
+with whom he was unacquainted, a stranger, was a matter of interest to
+him. He wondered who could have a guest without his having previous
+knowledge of it.
+
+Mrs. Jennings surmised. “Was it, perhaps, Mr. Willoughby coming to
+visit Mrs. Smith?”
+
+Miss Nancy was positive. “La, now! Should I call Mr. Willoughby a
+stranger after all that’s come and gone? Why, I should be ashamed to
+mention him in the present company.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood, on hearing her daughter’s disappointment thus delicately
+referred to, engaged Lady Middleton in a more animated conversation
+than that lady often experienced. Margaret, however, heard good Mrs.
+Jennings say:
+
+“Sh! Sh! We don’t speak of that now. Miss Marianne would not like it
+remembered! If this was not Mr. Willoughby, who in the world can it
+have been?”
+
+“His name was Pennington,” said Miss Nancy.
+
+“Ha! Ha! cousin, so you’ve exchanged names and addresses I see. The
+poor, poor Doctor! I wouldn’t give a button for his chance now.”
+
+“No, Sir John, there you are wrong. I hope I know my dignity better
+than to be asking a strange young man for his address. I just peeped at
+the label on his luggage when he got down at a change, and the name was
+Pennington, as large as life.”
+
+“Pennington? I don’t know a Pennington,” considered Sir John. “But I
+tell you what, cousin! We will find out and invite him to the ball next
+week, and we will get the Doctor too, and, with Mr. Atherton here, we
+will be able to find out who _is_ your beau after all. Only tell ’em
+from me that if they want to cut each other’s throats they must do it
+outside on the lawn there. Her ladyship will not have bloodshed in the
+drawing-room.”
+
+Her ladyship caught only the last word, but it suggested to her a
+mode of release from a conversation which had become wearisome. She
+immediately got the ladies moving away from the dining-room, where they
+left Sir John and Mr. Atherton to discuss their wine and politics, with
+the usual parting admonition that they should be speedy.
+
+In the drawing-room the party divided into two groups. Lady Middleton
+and her mother listened with sympathy to the account Mrs. Dashwood gave
+of Thomas’s health and very ready was the offer of hospitality for Mr.
+Atherton at the Park to relieve the household at the Cottage of their
+guest. Mrs. Dashwood again had reason to feel that, however tedious
+their society might be, they were indeed the kindest of neighbours.
+
+Margaret meanwhile was the recipient of Miss Nancy’s confidences so
+heart-rendingly curtailed at the dining-table, and it was not long
+before she became privately convinced that her acquaintance of the
+morning and Miss Nancy’s beau were one and the same. How far he
+deserved the latter appellation she was still uncertain. Possibly he
+did not deserve it at all; but the thought was unpleasant, and she
+was grateful to Lady Middleton for suggesting that she should try the
+instrument, which had not been touched for many weeks. She remained
+there till it was time for tea.
+
+The gentlemen appeared in the drawing-room, and Mr. Atherton received
+the kindest invitation from Lady Middleton, seconded with prodigious
+warmth by Sir John, to take up his quarters at the Park until his own
+house should be ready for him.
+
+Mr. Atherton did not demur. It was not beyond his power to convey
+suitable thanks to Sir John and Lady Middleton, the right regrets
+to Mrs. Dashwood, the assurance of undying admiration to Margaret,
+and the suggestion of increasing attention to Miss Steele all in the
+same sentence and almost in the same breath. The circumstance was
+undoubtedly of value to him. His consequence would be increased by
+his association with Barton Park and, though anxious for some reasons
+to improve his position with Margaret, opportunities must offer, even
+when separated from her by half a mile. The society at the Park was
+very congenial to him. The same obtuseness of feeling, conventionality
+of expression and denseness in understanding, which were his, also
+distinguished the inmates of the Park.
+
+At Barton Cottage he had not been perfectly at ease. He had not, he
+must confess to himself, found Mrs. Dashwood so gracious and charming
+as he had been led to expect, and the lady whom he held himself
+destined to install at the parsonage was less able in conversation
+and not so easily entertained as he had hoped. She had yawned twice
+during his reading of “The Lady of the Lake,” and was at all times
+disconcertingly silent. Not that he was disconcerted by her silence.
+Not in the least! But he must admit to himself that the agreeable
+circle at the Park had been a great relief.
+
+Margaret heard the invitation given and accepted with calm
+satisfaction, and the evening ended with a quiet stroll back across
+the Park grounds with her mother, followed by Sir John’s man, who was
+to pack Mr. Atherton’s personal belongings and take them to the Park,
+where he himself remained.
+
+It was a welcome change, and Mrs. Dashwood’s tender solicitude for
+Thomas when she got home was deepened by the feeling that she and
+Margaret had reason to feel very much obliged to him indeed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+The next day was so delightfully fine that Margaret professed herself
+unable to stay in the house, and begged her mother’s indulgence for
+taking another long walk. Mrs. Dashwood agreed at once. She supposed
+that Margaret shared her apprehension that Mr. Atherton would appear
+during the course of the morning to sit with them, and sympathized
+with her daughter in desiring to escape. For herself she must bear the
+infliction, but believed that Margaret’s absence would make it a short
+one. She purposely made no inquiry as to Margaret’s direction and would
+inform Mr. Atherton only that her daughter was walking.
+
+She expected a slight annoyance, but it was a much greater one that
+arrived. The post brought a letter from Mr. John Dashwood. It was as
+follows:
+
+                                          NORLAND PARK,
+                                                  SUSSEX.
+                                              _April 15th, 1813._
+
+  MY DEAR MADAM,
+
+  You will no doubt feel some surprise on receiving a letter from
+  me, but have no fear, we are all well, and Fanny desires her best
+  respects.
+
+  You will have with you at this time the new incumbent of the living
+  of Barton, Mr. Atherton, and I trust his manners and address are
+  as pleasing to you as they were to ourselves. A very fine young
+  man indeed, and it is a satisfaction to feel that he owes his
+  preferment, though indirectly, to our interest. No doubt a certain
+  happy possibility will have occurred to you, madam, and rest assured
+  it has not been absent from our thoughts. Mr. Atherton comes to you
+  prepared to admire your daughter, and at Fanny’s express wishes I
+  offer my assistance in securing the settlement of my sister. I told
+  Mr. Atherton plainly that, in the event of his marrying my sister, I
+  was prepared to increase her fortune by one half. I did not inform
+  him of the amount of her fortune, and it may be that he has formed a
+  hope that it is larger than the one thousand pounds left to her by
+  my honoured uncle. However, in the event of this happy occurrence
+  you may rely on my holding to my share of the bargain, and I will
+  increase her fortune by five hundred pounds.
+
+  Margaret is a special favourite of my dear wife’s, and it is at
+  her instigation that I make this offer. She is most anxious to see
+  all our sisters comfortably settled. As she wisely points out,
+  they will then be independent, and we do not wish our dear Harry
+  to be responsible for the support of his aunts, much loved as they
+  undoubtedly would be. One point I must endeavour to make clear. This
+  offer has only been made in the event of my sister becoming Mrs.
+  Atherton. Should she fail to receive his addresses, should they not
+  be made, or even should they be refused, she must be content with the
+  same fortune as her sisters, bequeathed to them by my good uncle.
+  Fanny is particularly anxious that this should be made clear to
+  Margaret. As she wisely and affectionately says, “We must not allow
+  our sister to become the prey of any fortune-hunter.”
+
+  Little Harry desires his love to his grandmother, and believe me,
+  dear madam, to be
+
+                                  Your affectionate son,
+                                               JOHN DASHWOOD.
+
+To say that this letter angered Mrs. Dashwood is to fall far short
+of the truth. Her gentleness and kindness of manner concealed a
+nature more ardent than the generality. Her feelings on reading John
+Dashwood’s letter were indescribable. Indignation and disgust filled
+her mind to the exclusion of all else for some time, till, taking up
+the letter to reread some phrase of which the insolence was not really
+lessened by unconsciousness of offence, her eyes fell on the statement
+that Margaret was a special favourite with her sister-in-law. The
+opposite feelings entertained for Fanny by Margaret struck her sense of
+the ludicrous, and she read over the whole letter with her appreciation
+of its absurdity happily awakened.
+
+It is possible to be angry alone, but a joke must be shared. Mrs.
+Dashwood’s sense of what was proper forbade any mention of the letter
+to Margaret. Marianne would be angered but not amused. Elinor’s
+more delicately balanced mind would perceive the ridiculous while
+reprobating all that was objectionable. To Elinor she would write,
+enclosing the letter, and expressing herself with all the warmth of
+which she was capable. Elinor was a perfectly safe confidante. Her
+discretion was absolutely to be relied on, and to Elinor she could
+allow herself that freedom of speech which only excited Marianne and
+seemed sometimes to alienate Margaret.
+
+She wrote also to John Dashwood, thanking him for his letter and
+remarking that she had no expectation of the kind to which he alluded.
+She added merely love to little Harry, and omitted all mention of
+Fanny. A “curiously cold letter” this was considered at Norland Park,
+but, as Fanny added for her own satisfaction: “Some people are unable
+to express themselves in letters. It is a mark of good breeding to be
+able to do so, but, unfortunately, every one does not possess the gift.”
+
+John remarked with admiration that his Fanny would always make excuses
+for every one, and that he dared say his mother-in-law meant very well
+and felt more gratitude than she expressed.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood enclosed a copy of her reply to Norland Park in her
+letter to Elinor, and felt that she had washed her hands of the affair.
+
+Fortunately for Mr. Atherton, he did not call on her that morning. He
+considered it to be his duty to his parishioners to pay a visit to
+every humble dwelling, and this would occupy the whole morning. He sent
+this message by Sir John, who added:
+
+“However, he hopes to be allowed to wait on you to-morrow morning, so
+Miss Margaret need not think him faithless just yet.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood replied that her daughter would be most unlikely to think
+anything about the matter, but Sir John only looked wise, and murmured
+something about “young ladies,” which Mrs. Dashwood did not wish to
+understand.
+
+An awkward silence was broken by Sir John. He had made inquiries about
+Miss Nancy’s other beau, and found that there was some one of the name
+of Pennington staying at the farm near the Abbeyland--Grice’s farm.
+
+“He is some relation of Mrs. Grice, and comes of very low people. It
+seems he is in the navy, but the navy admits all degrees nowadays. I
+am afraid Miss Nancy will be disappointed. Lady Middleton will not
+have him invited to the Park, though for my own part, if a man is a
+well-looking man and a good sportsman, it does not matter to me who his
+grandfather was. However, her ladyship’s views are different, and we
+all have to do as our wives say we must.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was only interested in this in so far as she imagined
+that, while Sir John ran on about Miss Nancy’s beau, it was
+impossible for him to touch on anything relating to the state of
+her own daughter’s affections. She therefore welcomed the change of
+conversation, and they agreed very comfortably over the evils of chance
+acquaintanceships and the deplorable mixture of classes which obtained
+in the navy.
+
+Margaret’s walk had been taken in the same direction as that of the
+previous day. She did not resolve to go in that direction. Her feet
+carried her thither. She had formed no opinion as to what or whom
+she would find when she reached the summit of High-church down, but
+it was not surprise that caught her breath, and not displeasure that
+brought her to a standstill when she came in sight of her companion of
+yestermorning, and was greeted by him with all the warmth and civility
+which would have been justified only by long acquaintance.
+
+Somehow, justification seemed unnecessary. He was there, and she was
+with him. The wind was not so boisterous this morning; and, as they
+walked side by side, she could hear all that he told her. He had been
+in many parts of the world--much in the Mediterranean and in the East
+Indies. He had been at Trafalgar when a lieutenant in the “Orion.” He
+had seen Lord Nelson and Admiral Collingwood. He hoped to be employed
+again shortly. In the meanwhile he had come to see an old cousin of his
+mother’s, who lived in this neighbourhood, and who had been his nurse.
+Her name was Mrs. Grice. Did she know Mrs. Grice? Margaret assented.
+He had more to tell her of his journeys and of his home-comings. How
+different was this flow of talk to that which she had endured from the
+new vicar! So quiet, so easy was his manner, so modest and impersonal
+his account of his adventures, the interest so real and sustained!
+
+He asked no questions, but Margaret found that she was telling him
+something of her own life and more of her own thoughts than she had
+ever told. The hour that they passed in each other’s company seemed
+short. They parted, and Margaret returned home.
+
+This time she was resolved that her mother should know of the meeting.
+It was all a chance occurrence, and of no real importance, but she felt
+it right to tell her mother the little there was to tell.
+
+She opened the door, and found Sir John sitting with Mrs. Dashwood.
+He rose to greet her; and, casting about in his mind for a suitable
+witticism, he hit on the very thing to make her reconsider her
+resolution.
+
+“I have sad news for Miss Nancy when I get back to the Park. Her new
+beau is only a common fellow after all, a relation of the Grice who has
+the farm near the Abbeyland. No good at all! She will have to set her
+cap at Atherton, Miss Margaret, so you must keep on the look out to be
+ahead of her.”
+
+Never had Margaret’s sweet smile of composure been harder to maintain.
+Sir John’s jokes had always been distasteful. To-day they were
+something more. Her mother intervened.
+
+“You look tired, my love. You have walked too far. Sir John will excuse
+you, if you will go and rest.”
+
+Sir John, however, excused himself, and went off with his sad news
+for Miss Nancy, after securing Margaret’s promise to join in a ball
+at the Park next Monday when the moon would be at its full, and it
+would be possible to collect the young people from all parts of the
+neighbourhood.
+
+“Sir John is a kind neighbour,” Mrs. Dashwood remarked absently.
+
+Had she omitted to make that statement, it is possible that Margaret
+would have told her of the morning’s meeting. With Sir John’s kindness
+the subject of commendation it seemed all at once impossible. What
+could her mother say beyond giving her the conventional warnings and
+the obvious gentle reproof? Margaret decided that the whole thing
+was too unimportant to be spoken of. She did not intend to walk in
+the direction of High-church down again and, even if she did, it was
+improbable that her acquaintance would do the same. She did not allude
+to the matter, but listened with apparent interest to her mother’s
+account of Thomas’s progress and Sir John’s visit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+Margaret held to her resolution not to walk on High-church down next
+morning. She found it increasingly hard to do so, and became conscious
+of deeper dejection of spirits with every hour of sunshine that passed.
+
+Mr. Atherton came and talked of the family at the Park, and of most
+of the families in the village. If interest in other people’s affairs
+makes a good parish priest, there was no doubt that he would be an
+excellent one, but it was more and more clear that the even more
+desirable qualities of disinterested goodness and refined tastes
+were deficient. Margaret found it almost impossible to sit still for
+weariness.
+
+The next day was Sunday, and Mr. Atherton “in the pulpit” was eagerly
+anticipated by the congregation. Enough to say that he surpassed all
+expectations, his own and other people’s. He was more eloquent than he
+had thought possible himself; more learned than the simple parishioners
+had wished; more noisy than Sir John in his slumbrous moments liked;
+longer than Lady Middleton approved, and even more silly than Mrs.
+Dashwood and her daughter expected.
+
+Sunday afternoon was spent by Margaret in pacing the shrubbery, and
+sitting with her mother when she was too weary to continue her exercise.
+
+Monday evening, so eagerly anticipated by other young ladies of Sir
+John’s acquaintance, was looked forward to by Margaret with quiet
+distaste. She entered the ballroom without the smallest hope of
+enjoyment. This is frequently exactly the state of mind which leads to
+the keenest pleasure; and, if the evening did not afford quite that to
+Margaret, it was at least amusing and interesting beyond her hopes.
+
+She was necessarily engaged to Mr. Atherton for the first two dances
+and, as she performed her task with all the grace of mind and motion
+she could summon to her aid, she became aware of an entry which made
+some stir in the company.
+
+“Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby” were announced, and again she beheld the
+man who had once been so familiarly known and so dearly loved by her
+sister and mother. “Our dear Willoughby!” How often she had heard him
+so spoken of! He looked older, graver, but handsome, well-dressed as
+ever, and again his presence and manner put that of other men somewhat
+in the shade. Amazing man! Wherein lay his charm? She knew him to be
+faithless, mercenary, careless of other’s good, but when he approached
+her at the end of the first two dances and inquired for her mother and
+sisters, his deference of bearing, his earnestness and his wish to
+please overcame at once her remembrance of the distress he had caused.
+He asked her to dance, and she complied.
+
+He spoke of Marianne, calling her by her name. Was she happy? As
+beautiful as ever? Did her son resemble her? Was she ever with her
+mother at Barton? His questions came fast, as if they had been long in
+his mind.
+
+She answered with what discretion she could, but discretion was swept
+on one side by his eager inquiries. She knew it to be wrong. He was a
+married man--had slighted her sister for his present wife. What right
+had he to such feelings? What could he mean by so expressing them? He
+did not, as a fact, mean anything. He was desirous of having news of
+Marianne, and careless as ever of appearances.
+
+Margaret could not approve, but she found his continued infatuation for
+her sister in some way engaging. They had met on High-church down. It
+was but right that young men who frequented the down should be deeply
+in love. Margaret blushed at her thought, but continued to think it.
+Light, music and graceful motion do induce these thoughts. Perhaps
+balls were invented for that very purpose.
+
+The rest of the evening was less interesting. Mr. Atherton claimed
+another two dances, and a very young Mr. Carey secured another two. Mr.
+Willoughby applied to her for the last two, but she was tired, tired of
+him and tired of herself. She pleaded fatigue and sat down till Thomas,
+now fully recovered, arrived with a lantern, which the bright moonlight
+made unnecessary.
+
+She was glad to be again in her mother’s parlour and to drink some
+soup by the fire, which the chill of April evenings still made
+comfortable. Her mother’s surprise and displeasure on hearing that she
+had danced with Mr. Willoughby were soon charmed away by her account
+of his conversation. He had no right to take such liberties, but Mrs.
+Dashwood was sorry for him. It was but natural that he should still
+love Marianne--though it was very wrong. It was pleasing that he
+should so desire to hear of her--but she could not excuse the affront
+to his wife. Mrs. Willoughby was not at all pretty and looked very
+ill-tempered, Margaret said, but that was no excuse for neglect. All
+the same Mrs. Dashwood felt excuses, if she would not make them, and
+the end of it all was that he was much to be pitied, and that Marianne
+was much happier as Mrs. Brandon than she ever could have been as Mrs.
+Willoughby.
+
+Margaret wondered privately if this were so.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+On Tuesday morning, after the exertion and excitement of the ball,
+Margaret’s need for fresh air and quiet exercise was excessive. She
+could not remain within doors, and, once out, she must get to the
+uplands. She could not be kept for ever from her favourite walk, she
+argued. In all probability her acquaintance had left the neighbourhood.
+
+At first, when she gained the heights, she thought this must indeed
+be the case, for she could not see him anywhere. He was lying on the
+grass not far away. He rose at once and came towards her with reproach
+in his eyes. Where had she been? He had come here each morning during
+her absence. She found herself under the necessity of excusing herself
+for not having joined a stranger on his morning walk. Her excuses were
+accepted, or at least listened to, and they were off again across the
+downs. Delightful companionship! Delightful converse! Hot rooms and
+silly jests seemed far away in this place of open sky and distant
+prospects.
+
+It was a happy morning and ended, as before, with the parting where
+they had first met. No promise was made of coming again, but Margaret
+felt that was understood and, though wondering at herself as she ran
+down the slope, she knew that she did not mean to fail him.
+
+Now was the time when Mrs. Dashwood must be informed. It would not be
+right to keep her longer in ignorance. Margaret resolved to tell her
+mother, and perhaps she could arrange that they should meet. He would
+come to the Cottage. She was full of virtuous resolves, the performance
+of which she must, however, postpone, for as she opened the parlour
+door she heard the high-pitched laughter of Mrs. Palmer, and saw that
+she and her husband were sitting with Mrs. Dashwood.
+
+Mrs. Palmer was Mrs. Jennings’s younger daughter, and consequently Lady
+Middleton’s sister. Except that both had been admired as beauties,
+there was no resemblance between the sisters. Lady Middleton seldom
+spoke more than was necessary, and Mrs. Palmer never stopped talking
+and laughing when in company. She had been married very young, and,
+if her husband seemed a little tired of his wife’s conversation and
+laughter, it was no more than other people felt with less cause. She
+had her mother’s great gift of good humour, and was really very pretty.
+On the whole, Margaret preferred her to her chilly sister and was
+usually not averse to her company. To-day she did not want anyone, and
+it was an effort to retain her composure.
+
+“My dear Miss Margaret! How glad I am we have not missed you! It would
+have been shocking, and Mr. Palmer would have been so concerned, and so
+should I. Wouldn’t you, my love? Wouldn’t you have felt it detestable
+if we had not seen Miss Margaret?”
+
+Mr. Palmer turned over his newspaper.
+
+“He is so droll. He always pretends he does not hear me, but he hears
+very well, I know, and he would have been shockingly disappointed if
+you were not come in. You will wonder why we are come to Barton, though
+indeed we should have been long since. I have asked and asked Mr.
+Palmer to bring me, but he would not--always some excuse--until the
+day before yesterday he comes into my room, and he says, ‘Charlotte,
+will you come with me to see your mother?’ ‘La, my love,’ says I,
+‘you do not mean it.’ And then it all came out. There is a Commander
+Pennington, an old friend of his, staying here. They were at school
+together, and he is bent on seeing him again. I knew it was not my
+mother he wanted to see, for they quarrel whenever they meet, though
+I believe they like each other very well all the same. Well, we only
+arrived this morning, and we are to go on to London to-morrow, so
+there is no time to lose. Mr. Palmer has been to see this Commander,
+but he was out walking. However, we have left a note asking him to
+dine up at the Park. Will you not come too, my dear? Mr. Palmer will
+be so delighted if you are one of the party, for you are a prodigious
+favourite of his. My love, do help me to persuade Miss Margaret to dine
+at the Park this afternoon.”
+
+“I cannot persuade her if she has not been asked, can I?” was the only
+encouragement Mr. Palmer gave.
+
+“La, my love, you know Sir John would ask her at once, and my sister
+would not mind whether she came or not. You leave all that to me,” with
+a burst of merriment.
+
+Margaret excused herself from accepting this second-hand invitation on
+the score that she had been at the Park the day before and, though Mrs.
+Palmer laughed excessively at such a reason, she was obliged to accept
+it.
+
+“Have you heard anything of the Commander?” asked Mrs. Palmer.
+
+Margaret admitted that she had heard that he was staying in the
+neighbourhood, and Mrs. Dashwood added that she believed he had
+travelled with Miss Nancy Steele.
+
+“La, yes, indeed! We have heard all about that,” Mrs. Palmer agreed
+contemptuously, laughing at the recollection.
+
+Mr. Palmer laid aside his paper and got up to take leave. His wife was
+obliged to do as he did, and at last they were gone.
+
+Margaret went to her room to think the situation out. Soon they must
+meet at the Park. If it were known that they had met before, who
+could tell what would be said? More than she could bear to listen
+to! Her mother ought to know of their acquaintance--of that she was
+convinced--but it would be easier to tell her later, when Commander
+Pennington was known to her, and when his quiet deference should have
+assured her that he had taken no liberty beyond what was natural and
+right.
+
+Margaret decided, though with an uneasy conscience, to postpone talking
+to her mother for the present. This was made easier by Mrs. Dashwood
+retiring to her chamber with a headache, and she herself passed the
+evening with no company but the firelight and her own thoughts. Happy
+thoughts and restless thoughts, that ranged from the open down to the
+dining-room where they were all collected at the Park! Would he hear
+that she had been invited and had refused to give him the meeting?
+Would this anger him, or would he, as she thought, understand? In any
+case, she could hardly have accepted so careless an invitation. She
+did not want to meet him there, under the fire of comment, but it was
+inevitable in the next few days. She longed for the happy insensibility
+of Marianne and Willoughby, who had never seemed to notice what anyone
+said, but only what they said to each other. She recollected herself.
+She was going too fast. She had met the Commander only three times.
+Marianne and Willoughby had been constantly in each other’s society.
+She must not, would not, imagine so much when so little had occurred.
+
+She took up a book and endeavoured to read. She opened the instrument
+and played, until she remembered her mother suffering in the room
+above. She returned to her seat by the fire and became again a prey to
+restless thoughts.
+
+Tea came in, and she took a cup to her mother. As she descended the
+staircase there was a knock at the door and, there being no time to
+return to the parlour, she waited where she was while Thomas opened the
+door.
+
+“Mrs. Dashwood is unwell, sir. She cannot receive visitors. Miss
+Margaret, sir? Step in, sir, and I will inquire.”
+
+Margaret came down the stairs, greeted the Commander and led him into
+the parlour.
+
+He had come, he said, to say good-bye. A post had arrived for him,
+and he had got employment. He was to be in the “Wren,” a sloop of war
+cruising in the Baltic, convoying, for the next six months. He had
+been dining at the Park, and was walking back to the farm. He could
+not resist coming. He would not intrude, but must leave early on the
+morrow, so took this opportunity----
+
+He kept his eyes on her face anxiously, but Margaret’s habit of
+composure concealed her feelings, and he could not know what she
+suffered.
+
+Thomas had told Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs. Thomas thought it her duty to
+inform her mistress that a strange gentleman had called to see Miss
+Margaret. Maternal feelings would no doubt have got Mrs. Dashwood off
+her bed even if curiosity had failed to do so. She occupied only a few
+minutes in arranging her dress, and came down to find her daughter and
+a strange man standing by the fire together. He was holding her hand,
+and it seemed not unlikely that more might follow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+
+Mrs. Dashwood’s astonishment was very great. It was impossible to doubt
+what she saw, and equally impossible to account for it. Margaret had
+hardly been away from her during the seventeen years of her life, and
+how she could possibly be on terms of intimacy with this unknown man
+was a question to which there seemed to be no answer.
+
+Margaret’s feeling on her mother’s appearance was relief. She was
+very young, and unprepared for any great decision. For the moment
+she had forgotten the amazement her mother must feel, and presented
+Commander Pennington to Mrs. Dashwood with scarcely less than her usual
+composure. Mrs. Dashwood could only conceal her feelings under a manner
+as austere as she was capable of assuming.
+
+There was a pause, but Commander Pennington had the sailor’s quickness
+of perception and simplicity in dealing with a situation.
+
+“I have had the happiness of meeting your daughter on the downs,
+madam, on one or two occasions.”
+
+The word “happiness” seemed to have more than its formal sense as he
+used it, but the phrase was conventional and Mrs. Dashwood could not
+object to its use. He continued:
+
+“I have received orders to join my ship immediately and I leave here
+to-morrow. I called this evening to say good-bye.”
+
+He finished with an air of having entirely explained his visit at eight
+o’clock in the evening at a house where he was a stranger. Nothing, it
+appeared, could be more reasonable and proper than that he should be
+there, and be found by her mother holding Margaret’s hand.
+
+He sketched out for them his probable employment in the Baltic,
+convoying merchantmen past the Danish coast to the Island of Rügen. He
+hoped to be on shore again in about six months, when he would have the
+happiness of seeing them again.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood found herself included in his cheerful friendliness, and
+it was not in her nature to do less than smile, and murmur something
+which he could take as acquiescence. Margaret meanwhile sat silent. She
+was happy, in a quiet glow of content. His going seemed remote and he
+was giving her more and more the belief that she would be his object
+in coming again. He sat with them for half an hour, conversing with
+Mrs. Dashwood, whose manner by degrees softened, until at parting she
+gave him her hand and wished him well. To Margaret he turned as he went
+out, and, taking her hand, he pressed it and said in a half-audible
+tone:
+
+“I will come back. You will wait, will you not?” He was gone.
+
+Margaret knew that her mother had a right to an explanation, but to
+give it seemed beyond her powers. Her mind was agitated, and she longed
+for solitude and silence. Mrs. Dashwood did not return to her room,
+but took up her needlework. She did not say anything, but her whole
+attitude was an unspoken question.
+
+Margaret began with hesitation:
+
+“I do not know him at all well. We just met once or twice on the downs.
+It was strange of him to call.”
+
+What could the tenderest of mothers say to that? Mrs. Dashwood felt her
+sympathy checked and resorted to quiet reproach.
+
+“But, my Margaret, I do not understand how you came to make his
+acquaintance. I fear I have allowed you too much freedom. Why have you
+not told me of your meetings with this man?”
+
+“I do not think that there was anything worth telling about them. I am
+sorry he disturbed you when you had a headache.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was angered. Her daughter had concealed from her what was
+undoubtedly of moment, and now parried her questions with something
+like insincerity. She sat with a grave face, employing herself with
+her needlework, and Margaret sat beside her engaged only with her
+thoughts. She wanted her mother’s sympathy, but felt unable to ask for
+it. All these explanations that were, she supposed, necessary, all
+this surprise and blame must come first, and all she wanted was to
+understand and be understood. “Wait!” What could she wait for but one
+thing only? What could that be but the offer of his hand? He had better
+have left it unsaid. It was at once too much and too little. Not enough
+to give her confidence and too much for her peace of mind.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood’s thoughts were sadder because more experienced. She
+was a woman whose ardent nature led her to depths as well as heights,
+and she was now reflecting with gravity on her own failures in life.
+She had failed with Elinor. All through Elinor’s anxieties about
+Edward and his engagement to Lucy Steele, she had not known of her
+daughter’s trouble. She had been impatient with her, thought her cold
+and unfeeling, and sympathized with Marianne, who said what she had
+only thought. Elinor loved her, she knew, in spite of all, but that
+was to Elinor’s credit, not to her own. Then with Marianne, how she
+had encouraged her in her attachment to the faithless Willoughby! How
+ill-judged she had been in allowing him such frequent opportunities!
+All the sorrow of Marianne’s disappointment she laid at her own door.
+It was her fault entirely. True, Marianne adored her mother, and was
+the most devoted of daughters when they were together, but that was all
+due to Marianne’s loving nature. She herself deserved only reprobation.
+Now her Margaret concealed from her, almost lied to her, rather than
+be troubled with her sympathy, and she herself was uncertain whether
+to sympathize or to blame were the better course. Either might be as
+mistaken as anything she had ever done. Mrs. Dashwood’s tears began to
+flow, and instant relief was the result. She glanced aside at Margaret
+and something in her attitude suggested that she too wept.
+
+When two ladies who have an affection for one another weep at the same
+time and for the same cause, and the cause is none other than their
+fear of being unkind to one another, a reconcilement is not far away.
+A very few moments passed before there were a few gentle embraces,
+more tears, and Mrs. Dashwood and her daughter were once more in each
+other’s confidence.
+
+Margaret kept nothing back--as she had said, there was very little
+to make known, and Mrs. Dashwood put all reproach resolutely behind
+her, and was tenderly sympathetic. For that evening all was peace and
+happiness for both of them, and Margaret went to sleep that night with
+the thought of her mother’s affection mingling with the words:
+
+“I will come back. You will wait, will you not?”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+
+Margaret’s first feeling on awaking next morning was relief that her
+mother now knew all. There had been very little to know or to conceal,
+but it was a comfort to feel that the reason for her reticence--the
+apprehension of being talked over at Barton Park--was understood. Mrs.
+Dashwood was quite ready to seem satisfied by this explanation, though
+she felt herself at liberty to think what more she chose.
+
+Margaret, by her confidence and by her tears, had ensured herself
+against any further reproach from Mrs. Dashwood. She was not, however,
+ensured against discomfort from other causes. No sooner was breakfast
+over than Sir John’s loud voice, Mrs. Jennings’s cheerful talking, and
+Mrs. Palmer’s hearty laughter were heard in the hall. Mrs. Jennings
+could not resist coming to see how Miss Margaret looked after parting
+with her new beau.
+
+“The Commander is a very fine young man, my dear, though he has such
+low connections and no fortune to speak of. A good riddance, I say,
+Mrs. Dashwood! He would not do for Miss Margaret at all, but I will
+not deny that he is agreeable. Mr. Palmer and he were at it hammer and
+tongs with their politics and their this and their that. I never heard
+Mr. Palmer say so much before.”
+
+Margaret’s only reply was a smile, harder to assume than when young Mr.
+Carey or Mr. Atherton was the beau referred to. She could not conceive
+how so much was known, but would not make a single inquiry. It could
+not be long before something intelligible was uttered when so much was
+being said by three people all at once.
+
+It was Mrs. Palmer who enlightened her.
+
+“My mother is always for making a joke, but you know we did think it
+strange when Commander Pennington described you, and asked where you
+lived. There was something about a scarf to be returned, I think. I did
+not understand it all. It seems your scarf blew away and he caught it.
+I hope you have it safe again.”
+
+“Yes,” replied Margaret, “it was returned to me.”
+
+“Oh,” cried Mrs. Jennings, “but that was only the beginning of your
+acquaintance. And now he is gone, and that had better be the end, Miss
+Margaret. We cannot have you taken all over the world, when there are
+several near at hand who would like to keep you here.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood endeavoured to lead the conversation away from Margaret
+by inquiring as to the intimacy between Mr. Palmer and Commander
+Pennington. Mrs. Palmer was delighted to be the chief talker, and
+related how they had been at the Royal Naval Academy at Portsmouth
+together, but that Mr. Palmer had succeeded to the property. So it
+had ended in his not going into the navy after all, and very glad she
+was of it, as to have a husband at sea would be a shocking thing. She
+laughed merrily at the thought, and was still more amused at the idea
+that with the war still going on there would have been danger of her
+becoming a widow.
+
+“But of course I should never have married him at all in that case,
+so I should not have minded it in the least, except that of course I
+should not have liked to be an old maid.”
+
+Mrs. Palmer, having been thus providentially spared from early
+widowhood and perpetual spinsterhood by the circumstance of Mr. Palmer
+not having entered the navy, was naturally against that profession. She
+had much to say of its evils, and recounted with hearty laughter the
+hardships that she knew to be the lot of a naval officer’s wife.
+
+She was on her way to London. Mr. Palmer would call for her almost
+immediately. The House was sitting, and he had his duties as a member.
+She called specially to know if Mrs. Dashwood had any message for
+her son and his wife, as she would be very happy to convey it. Mrs.
+Dashwood was firm that she had no such message to send. She had written
+to them a day or two ago, and had nothing to add to what she had then
+written.
+
+Sir John and Mrs. Jennings were warm in giving the usual invitation to
+dinner. It was urgent in this case, as the loss of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer
+would leave them disconsolate, a party of five, when only yesterday
+they had sat down eight to dinner. Mrs. Dashwood could not be so cruel
+as to refuse.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was, however, deaf to all calls of humanity, and would
+have excused her daughter also, but Margaret, seeing clearly that
+any reluctance on her part to go into society would be construed as
+“wearing the willow,” accepted with seeming satisfaction, and Sir John
+and Mrs. Jennings returned to the Park easy in their minds that Mr.
+Atherton’s chances were as good as ever.
+
+Mrs. Palmer remained to chatter for half an hour till her chaise
+arrived, to give Margaret repeated invitations to join her in London,
+all of which were steadily declined, and to recount over and over again
+the sayings and doings of her son, only four years old, but already
+famed for his wit and beauty.
+
+Mr. Palmer came. Margaret would have liked to hear something of his
+friendships at the Royal Naval Academy, but he had very little to
+say beyond grumbling at the weather and the roads. Mrs. Dashwood
+congratulated him on having effected a meeting with his friend, and he
+replied that it had been very agreeable. He further volunteered that
+he wished there were more like Pennington, but that was all; and the
+couple soon drove off, Mrs. Palmer laughing and waving till she was out
+of sight.
+
+Margaret hardened her mind as she dressed for her dinner engagement
+that afternoon. She would not pay any attention to their jokes, and
+she would not understand their questions. She was prepared for much
+discomfort which she would bear with a smiling face. In the event it
+was not so bad. As before, Miss Nancy Steele had much to say, and had
+no idea that Commander Pennington was to be interested in anyone but
+herself. The Commander and the Doctor took up about the same space in
+her mind and Mr. Atherton had all the rest. Margaret found that she
+had no need for defence against jocularity, as all the wit was to be
+expended elsewhere. Mr. Atherton sat next her and was attentive, but
+his gallantry took the form of praising her music, and this gave her
+an excuse to pass most of the time after dinner at the instrument. It
+was a fine one and to play on it gave her real pleasure.
+
+As Lady Middleton, who was fond of cards, was able to get up a rubber,
+and Sir John had been out all the morning and was glad to get some
+sleep, the party may be said to have been productive of more enjoyment
+than is usual at such gatherings. There was no one who had not some
+degree of happiness, and even Miss Nancy Steele, who had Mrs. Jennings
+for a partner, and would have preferred Mr. Atherton, was consoled by
+winning three shillings, which would just pay for the new pink ribbons
+she wished to purchase in time for her next meeting with the Doctor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+
+The next few weeks passed without any particular incident to vary their
+monotony. The summer was a fine one, much of the time was spent out of
+doors, and, though Margaret might wish for a walking companion, nothing
+at all was said about it.
+
+The parsonage was now ready for Mr. Atherton, and he went there from
+the Park early in July. Hardly a day had passed without his calling
+at the Cottage, and Mrs. Dashwood had come to regard his visits as
+inevitable and therefore no subject for complaint. He talked too much
+and had very little sense, but he was an amiable man, and she had come
+to that time of life when for an acquaintance to be amiable is held to
+be a recommendation. She felt, or imagined she felt, that she liked
+people to be dull rather than disagreeable, and uninteresting rather
+than bad-tempered, and, though it is no doubt regrettable that these
+opinions are so often held by people of forty years of age and upwards,
+there may be something to be said for their point of view.
+
+As Margaret had foreseen, Mr. Atherton was now considered to be
+entitled to Mrs. Dashwood’s patient attention, and Margaret herself,
+whatever she might feel of weariness, treated him with steady
+gentleness. That she did not believe herself to be thereby giving him
+what is called encouragement was due to her being without the suspicion
+of his desiring anything in particular.
+
+The day came, however, when his wishes were to be made known to her.
+He arrived one morning with a special request to make. It was that
+the ladies should lay aside their occupations to walk with him to the
+parsonage and explore the house and gardens.
+
+“There is much still to be done to both, and I feel the touch of a
+lady’s hand is needed to make the house all that it should be. It
+is to me a little bleak and bare, and, though I have plans for its
+improvement, I want to have your sanction, your agreement in what I
+propose. Your taste and discernment are needed both within and without.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood professed herself very happy to put her taste and
+discernment, such as they were, at Mr. Atherton’s service. Margaret,
+as usual, said nothing, but it did appear that her silent consent was
+needed for the proposed improvements. Their work was laid aside, their
+walking dresses put on, and they were ready to accompany the young
+man. Before they left the house he turned to survey the parlour, and
+said with enthusiasm:
+
+“If I could but achieve this look of home, this air of peaceful
+industry, in my own house, how happy should I be!”
+
+This admiration for Barton Cottage must have been increased by his
+daily visits, for it could not be forgotten that his first comments had
+been mingled with dispraise. There was something forced about so much
+admiration, and to Mrs. Dashwood’s mind there had been more sincerity
+at first, if less good manners.
+
+He continued in this strain of laborious gallantry as they walked to
+the parsonage. Mrs. Dashwood became uneasy. She feared to look at
+Margaret lest she should be unable to continue to listen with suitable
+gravity, and it was a relief when they turned in at the garden gate and
+had something definite to attend to.
+
+The garden was very well laid out, with a hen-run and a shrubbery, and
+apple trees and a rubbish heap, all most convenient. No detail escaped
+observation, and the garden alone occupied the best part of an hour.
+They were then led indoors. Fruit and cake were ready on the sideboard
+in the dining-room, and the rest and refreshment were indeed welcome.
+The ladies were tired out. Such continual admiration had been demanded
+of them that they would have been thankful to see something that
+merited disapproval. But no such relief was to be theirs. The standard
+of excellence of the house was even higher than that of the garden, and
+everything must come under their notice. Margaret began to wonder if
+even the mousetraps in the back larder would escape comment. The brass
+toasting-fork and the fire-screens, the foot-stools and the wool-work
+mats had all received their due, and Mrs. Dashwood lingered behind in
+the linen-room to examine some fine table-cloths which attracted her.
+
+Margaret was taken on to the study, and walked up to the book-shelves,
+in the contents of which she felt real interest. To her astonishment
+she found herself ardently addressed by her host, her hand taken in
+both of his, and an urgently-worded proposal of marriage laid before
+her. In a speech of great length, which must have cost him some pains
+to compose and memorize, he was asking her to become the mistress of
+the house in which they were standing.
+
+He argued that their tastes were similar, their ideas in unison, and
+their prospect of happiness very great. She would be settled near her
+mother, for whom he had an abiding deference. Her indoor pursuits and
+her outdoor pastimes would be equally considered, and she would find
+that in her own domain she would be paramount. His arguments were
+excellent, and he evidently knew his oration by heart, for he never
+faltered in its delivery or allowed her to interpose any objection. He
+paused at length and waited for her reply.
+
+She gently declined his offer and begged to be allowed to rejoin
+her mother. He was not only disappointed, he was surprised, and was
+preparing to repeat some of his representations when Mrs. Dashwood
+came into the room, and further protest was impossible. They almost
+immediately took leave, and to their relief Mr. Atherton only
+accompanied them as far as the garden gate.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was quickly told of the offer. Margaret was regretful at
+giving pain, but surprised at the necessity. She had not thought him
+attached to her for the reason that she did not think him sufficiently
+indifferent to wealth and position to wish for a wife with so small a
+fortune. She did not believe him to have any real regard for her. She
+had therefore paid little attention to his show of admiration, and none
+at all to the hints thrown out by Mrs. Jennings. However, the offer had
+been made, and had been declined, and it remained to be seen whether
+Mr. Atherton’s desire for sympathy would be stronger than his pride;
+whether he would let his disappointment be known at the Park, or
+whether he would keep it to himself.
+
+Perhaps the distress was not so great as to require condolences.
+Perhaps his vanity preferred secrecy to pity. Perhaps some other cause
+was at work, but to Margaret’s relief it became evident that nothing
+had been said at the Park, and in many ways it appeared certain that
+Mr. Atherton had accepted her decision as final.
+
+Often when we think we are safe, calamity is near at hand. Not many
+days had passed before Mrs. Dashwood and Margaret, returning from
+their walk, found John Dashwood awaiting them. He was standing by the
+window, and they could see the annoyance on his face as they turned in
+at the gate. He was staying at the parsonage, he replied, in answer to
+Mrs. Dashwood’s ready offer of hospitality. He had merely called in to
+inquire. He did not immediately say what was to be the extent of his
+inquiries, but it was clear from his expression that something more
+than their health was involved.
+
+It soon became evident to Margaret that nothing more would be said of
+his mission so long as she remained in the room. Mr. Dashwood replied
+to all questions and remarks in monosyllables, and occupied the
+intervals by looking at her with patent displeasure. She therefore
+excused herself on the plea of changing her walking dress, and left
+her mother to listen to whatever it was that John had to impart.
+
+He did not begin at once. Possibly the subject was harder to open
+than he had expected. It was evident that he was angry, and uncertain
+whether he were rightly so.
+
+“I hope you are pleased with the work done at the parsonage, and that
+you find Mr. Atherton is satisfied,” said Mrs. Dashwood in the course
+of her polite inquiries.
+
+Mr. Dashwood replied that it was the dissatisfaction felt by Mr.
+Atherton, and imparted to himself and Fanny by letter, that had brought
+him hither.
+
+“My sister is young,” he went on, with an air of making every allowance
+possible. “She cannot be expected to foresee the future. It therefore
+behoves us to help her in her decision. It cannot, I think, be your
+wish that she should decline Mr. Atherton’s addresses. She is unlikely,
+living as she does in retirement, to have such an offer made to her
+again. Perhaps she is not aware--Mr. Atherton is not of a boastful
+disposition, and it is probable that she is not aware--that he has a
+private income in addition to the living and that his expectations are
+very good. There are several unmarried aunts in good circumstances,
+and an uncle, also unmarried, who is even wealthy. Margaret would,
+in all probability, become a rich woman in time. Meanwhile with her
+small fortune, augmented as Fanny and I suggest, they would be very
+passably comfortable. Their income would be more than half that of
+my sister, Elinor, although she married Fanny’s own brother. Yes,
+decidedly Margaret would be in a better position in some ways! Her
+expectations would be better, and she would be marrying with the good
+wishes and approval of all concerned, which, as you recollect, my dear
+madam, was not unhappily the case of Elinor and poor Edward Ferrars.
+They were honoured by your approval, I am aware, but the grief felt by
+his excellent and affectionate mother was very distressing. But enough
+of that! What is done cannot be undone! In Margaret’s case no such
+objection would arise. I think it possible that in good time she might
+be as rich as Marianne, or even more so, if she succeeded in becoming
+a favourite with Mr. Atherton’s relations. I feel sure that all this
+has not been laid before her. Possibly you yourself are not aware of
+it. I blame myself for not having made the matter clearer in a letter
+which I had the honour of writing to you on the subject. But it is not
+too late! I have secured from Mr. Atherton the promise that, if he is
+assured that his proposals will be accepted, he will renew them. This
+he has definitely agreed to, and his only stipulation is that he should
+be informed of the alteration in my sister’s mind at once, or at least
+during the ensuing week. After that time he will consider himself at
+liberty to pay his addresses in another quarter. So, madam, there is no
+time to be lost if we are to secure this admirable settlement for my
+sister, and I beg you to use your influence on our behalf.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood had made no attempt to reply. No opportunity to do so
+had been given her, but now he paused. She reminded him that he had
+said that this marriage would have the approval of all concerned. She
+could not agree. It would not have her own approval. She considered Mr.
+Atherton a very agreeable good sort of man, but not one likely to make
+her daughter happy. Margaret’s inability to accept his proposals had
+her approval. The marriage could only take place against her wishes.
+
+This seemed to her to be as strong a statement as was required. John
+Dashwood, however, did not think so. She had no wealth to enforce her
+arguments. She made no threat of cutting Margaret out of her will,
+and even had she done so it would be a matter of minor importance
+to a young lady favoured by the prospect of such a settlement in
+life. Obedience to maternal authority could not be expected when so
+little was to be gained by it. He therefore renewed his arguments,
+reinforcing them by the information that the elder Mrs. Ferrars
+had heard of Margaret’s prospects and highly approved, and even
+contemplated sending a wedding present, and that Fanny had written to
+Lady Middleton begging her kind offices in the matter.
+
+The knowledge that Lady Middleton would certainly take no notice of
+such a request was Mrs. Dashwood’s only consolation. John and his
+wife were capable of angering her more deeply than any others of
+her acquaintance. She resented the difference in their thoughts and
+feelings the more on account of their relationship to her daughters,
+and she sometimes felt that she would be thankful indeed could she
+be sure of never seeing or hearing of them again; and that even an
+open quarrel would be welcome if it could bring about so complete a
+misunderstanding as must end their intimacy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+
+John Dashwood’s visit to the parsonage was not yet over. He was still
+making daily demands on the civility and patience of the inmates
+of Barton Cottage, when such welcome guests arrived as must lessen
+the disagreeables of his visits. Their circle was enlarged, their
+conversation improved, and their tempers relieved by the arrival of
+Elinor and Edward Ferrars. It was a joyful meeting. The influence of
+Elinor’s calm and balanced mind was just what her mother required,
+wearied and irritated as she had been for the last few days.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood did not intend to confide her deeper anxieties to Elinor,
+but it was not long before she had done so, and Elinor was put in
+possession of all that Mrs. Dashwood knew of Margaret’s intimacy with
+Commander Pennington.
+
+Elinor much disapproved of all she heard. Margaret clearly had been
+very indiscreet and, she feared, rather sly in concealment. She looked
+grave, and gave no encouragement to be happy to her mother, who had
+therefore to supply all arguments for cheerfulness herself, and did
+so to good purpose, representing that Margaret knew him so slightly it
+was impossible that she should be much affected, and, at the same time,
+he was so agreeable a man that a marriage between them would be highly
+satisfactory; that six months at least must pass before they met again,
+which was time enough for them either to change their minds or to make
+them up, whichever process were desirable; that he had no doubt enough
+money to marry on, but that Elinor herself must know that money was not
+an essential for happiness. In fact, she argued all ways at once, and
+the only circumstance that seemed certain and fixed was that Margaret
+was to be happy and that all was for the best.
+
+Elinor listened, glad that her mother should be able to console
+herself, but privately deeply concerned at what she considered to be
+unwise. She determined to bring the subject up with her sister, and to
+let it be known how much she feared an unhappy ending to the affair.
+
+In the meantime she was able to give all the sympathy that was desired
+over the annoyance of her brother’s interference. Mr. Atherton seemed
+to her a very poor figure of a parish priest. She had always before her
+the idea of Edward, so generous and devoted in his work, so refined
+in mind, unworldly and of such genuine goodness that the type of
+clergyman of which Mr. Atherton seemed to be an example was altogether
+disgusting to her. She warmly supported her sister and mother in their
+dislike of him, and John Dashwood, who could get nothing but calm
+disagreement and denials from Mrs. Dashwood, was even more daunted to
+find that Elinor was no more open to reason than his mother-in-law.
+
+He had no wish to offend anyone, and presently gave up his self-imposed
+task of getting Margaret a husband with the warning that he was by no
+means prepared to endow her choice or that of her mother, as he would
+have endowed his own. Mrs. Dashwood seemed hardly to regard this loss
+of five hundred pounds. Indeed, the only way to be sure that she had
+fully understood the matter was to repeat his ultimatum more than once.
+He returned to Norland Park unsuccessful in his errand, but at least,
+as he told Fanny, he had carried out his father’s last injunctions to
+take care of his sisters and, as the event had turned out, might regard
+himself as richer by five hundred pounds.
+
+Elinor made an early opportunity to get Margaret alone, with the
+intention of taxing her with her indiscretion and undue reticence.
+She began by inviting Margaret to walk with her on High-church down.
+There was something unexpected about this to Margaret, just enough to
+put her slightly on the defensive. Elinor’s choice of a walk was more
+often along a road and with some definite good object in view. To-day,
+however, though the excellent intention was not lacking, she chose the
+heights. It was a deliberate choice. She wished to recall to Margaret’s
+thoughts Marianne’s folly and its melancholy conclusion. She had not
+reckoned with other visions, other ideas which filled Margaret’s mind
+almost to the exclusion of all else.
+
+Elinor began by reminding her sister of the day of Willoughby’s
+appearance. Margaret was much surprised at such a subject being
+introduced. She had been considered as a child by her two sisters,
+and had met with such severe rebuffs from Elinor on this subject that
+the idea of discussing the love affairs of one sister with the other
+was altogether distasteful to her. She listened politely to Elinor’s
+account of the surprise felt by her mother and herself when Willoughby
+came into the house with Marianne in his arms. Elinor said that she
+herself had almost immediately felt the deepest uneasiness. Marianne
+had been so powerfully attracted, the young man was so easily attached;
+in fact, the whole thing was too light, too casual to be lasting.
+Elinor, it seemed, had always known this, and had tried to warn
+Marianne and her mother, but they had disregarded her. If such a case
+were again to come under her notice she would be able to give the same
+warnings with a deeper urgency. She could now almost say that she knew
+how unlikely such a situation was to bring about domestic happiness
+such as she herself enjoyed.
+
+Margaret listened, agreed, deplored the lack of caution shown by
+Marianne and the instability of Willoughby, when called upon to do so;
+agreed again as to the dangers of such intimacies; agreed further that
+they should be discouraged. Elinor could find no loophole, nothing on
+which to fasten an inquiry. Nothing but agreement! If Margaret had ever
+had any idea of confiding in her sister this manner of approach would
+have decided her against it. She had absolutely nothing to say on the
+subject.
+
+Elinor bore this in silence for some time, and then, remembering how
+much trouble might have been spared them if Marianne had been induced
+to make some statement, she tried again, this time with rather more
+success.
+
+“Mamma tells me, Margaret, that you have lately made the acquaintance
+of a certain Commander Pennington.”
+
+Margaret’s colour was brighter as she agreed again.
+
+“Mamma is anxious about it. She does not think the acquaintance a wise
+one. She does not think he has much stability of character.”
+
+Elinor was more justified in making this statement than seemed
+likely. Mrs. Dashwood had said much on all sides of the matter in her
+perturbation, and it was true that she had expressed some such fear.
+It was one among many fears; but to Margaret it seemed more. To her
+it appeared as the considered opinion of her mother on him whom she
+immediately felt to be her lover. She waited a moment, and then replied
+quietly that she considered it impossible for either her mother or
+herself to form an opinion of Commander Pennington’s character. The
+acquaintance was a slight one, and might never be renewed.
+
+Elinor felt it impossible to continue the conversation; but she had
+said enough--more than enough--to make up Margaret’s mind. She was now
+definitely determined that she would marry Commander Pennington if he
+asked her, and as definitely certain that she very much wished he would
+so do.
+
+Margaret owed this self-knowledge to her sister’s interference, and
+felt that she would have had more peace of mind without it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+Sir John Middleton was so fond of parties that not many days were ever
+allowed to elapse without his forming some plan to bring young people
+together. His activities were very well thought of in general, and
+it was perhaps only the family at Barton Cottage, who were perforce
+included in all his schemes, who wished him less hospitable and
+enterprising.
+
+The occasion of Elinor and Edward Ferrars staying at Barton Cottage
+must receive some special mark of attention from the Park. They dined
+there as a matter of course, and they drank tea there on the next day,
+but these entertainments, though they seemed to be sufficient to the
+Ferrars, were to Sir John the merest foreshadowing of the delights
+he had in store for them. There was to be a picnic, a ball, and if
+possible theatricals, and all were set on foot with eagerness.
+
+The picnic was the most easily arranged. They would all walk or drive
+next Monday to the Priory and eat a cold collation there among the
+ruins. The Careys and the Whitakers were to be invited, and they would
+all be together and better able to plan for future happiness.
+
+Monday came, and was not more unsuitable for picnicking than July days
+usually are. The air was mild, the rain only slight and intermittent,
+and the ground not particularly wet. It was a pleasant day for walking,
+and the party from Barton decided to walk as the ruins were little more
+than a mile distant. The Careys had farther to come and would drive
+or ride. Only the youngers of this family were to be expected. Sir
+Francis and Lady Carey were disinclined to leave their home occupations
+whenever Sir John Middleton wanted a little company, but the young
+people would arrive in satisfactory numbers, Walter Carey, who would be
+the next baronet, his two elder sisters, and his two younger sisters in
+charge of their governess. The Whitakers, a middle-aged couple with a
+son and a daughter, had accepted and would certainly drive.
+
+The Barton party was the largest. Sir John and Lady Middleton and their
+children, Mrs. Jennings and Miss Steele, reinforced by Mr. Atherton
+and the four from Barton Cottage would have made a very respectable
+picnic-party without the distant neighbours who had been asked to join
+them, but Sir John delighted in numbers, and considered any gathering
+that consisted of less than twenty persons as lamentably small.
+
+The party were to meet at noon, enjoy the cold viands that Lady
+Middleton provided, explore the ruins, and discuss the theatricals.
+Anyone who had any ideas on the subject was to produce them, and
+between them all something good would be decided.
+
+Lady Middleton was to drive with the children and baskets, and Mr.
+Atherton was active in getting them seated in the carriage and
+the baskets handed in. Several small jokes passed between him and
+Annamaria, and William wished him to drive with them. Amidst much that
+was affected in him, his liking for children seemed as genuine as
+their affection for him, and Lady Middleton smiled on him with extreme
+graciousness. She had felt hitherto not the slightest inconvenience
+from the continued intimacy with the new incumbent, and now began to
+think him a positive acquisition. He watched the carriage start to
+overtake the main body, already on their way. Sir John escorted Mrs.
+Dashwood and Elinor. Margaret had the society of Mrs. Jennings and
+Miss Steele, which suited her very well, as they did all the necessary
+talking. Mr. Atherton found that Edward Ferrars had remained behind to
+walk with him.
+
+It was natural that they should fall into some talk, some comparison
+of their parishes. Barton seemed to have the advantage in some ways.
+It was smaller. There was less visiting to be done among the poorer
+parishioners. The income was slightly larger, but it was annoying to
+find that the parsonage at Delaford did seem to be superior in size,
+and in extent of grounds, and that, though the Barton vicarage had been
+altered and improved, it did not appear that it was in any way equal.
+Mr. Atherton expressed some surprise at hearing of so fine a house,
+but added that he supposed Mrs. Edward Ferrars’s fortune must be an
+assistance to her husband in maintaining such a style of living.
+
+Edward was puzzled. Elinor’s fortune was no more than the thousand
+pounds inherited from her grand-uncle, and he was at a loss to
+understand why it should be supposed to be considerable. He hesitated,
+remarked coldly that the Miss Dashwoods had not been wealthy, and began
+to talk of the best breeds of cattle. Mr. Atherton became more or less
+silent, that is, he replied when Edward asked questions, but originated
+nothing himself. He was thinking, and the sum of his thoughts was
+that the late rebuff might be all for the best. He did not feel much
+affection for Margaret if she were without fortune. He liked her very
+well, and admired her more than any other lady of his acquaintance,
+but he now felt quite satisfied with the turn affairs had taken. During
+that walk to the Priory, while discussing short-horns with Mr. Ferrars,
+he finally withdrew his pretensions to Margaret’s hand.
+
+Meanwhile, Margaret, unaware of her loss, walked beside Mrs. Jennings
+and heard the flow of joking and laughter which she kept up with Miss
+Steele, and thought of something quite different.
+
+The Careys had arrived at the Priory before them, but nothing could be
+done about unpacking the baskets till the Whitakers should be there.
+The time must be spent in exploring the ruins, and strolling about
+in twos and threes. Margaret was easily induced by Walter Carey to
+climb the remains of an old tower, and from thence to obtain a fine
+view of the country. It was a delightful exercise with just enough of
+effort and danger to make it entertaining, and to make his steadying
+hand acceptable. She enjoyed the small adventure, and found Walter
+an agreeable companion. He was just returned home from Oxford, was
+well-read and sufficiently talkative, and added the advantage of an
+agreeable person to those of an easy manner and an intelligent mind.
+They returned to the main party well pleased with themselves and with
+each other.
+
+The party were now collected. Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker and Mrs. Jennings
+seemed to find great pleasure in meeting, and were settled with Mrs.
+Dashwood on a bank sheltered from the breeze by a corner of ancient
+wall. Lady Middleton overlooked the unpacking of the baskets, which was
+being done by Elinor and Isabella Carey, while Penelope Carey and Mary
+Whitaker carried round the trays of cakes and glasses. Sir John was
+joking with Miss Steele, and cutting up veal pies, and Henry Whitaker
+handed plates.
+
+Mr. Atherton had arranged the children round a fallen stone as table
+with the Careys’ governess at one end, and himself at the other, and
+had piled the table with the good things. This looked the most cheerful
+corner, but Margaret was not invited to join them. Walter found a
+seat for her under an arch, and Edward strolled up to tell her that
+he supposed she knew that she looked very picturesque, like a saint
+in a window, or something of that sort. She was used to his brotherly
+teasing, and made some suitable replies at about the level of the wit
+that is usual at these gatherings, when no one says anything that they,
+or any others consider worth a second thought.
+
+It was all very agreeable, and the rain held off surprisingly. Every
+one declared that they ate twice as much in the open air as they did
+at home, and wondered why they did not come here more often; and got
+rather sleepy, and then rather restless--and at last it must be time to
+go home.
+
+“But this will never do,” cried Sir John. “We have decided nothing
+about the play.”
+
+“How charming it would be if we could have it here!” exclaimed Isabella
+Carey. “What a background that fine Norman arch would be! Surely there
+is some play that would suit these surroundings?”
+
+“Hamlet” and “Macbeth” were suggested, but Sir John wanted something
+with more in it to amuse.
+
+“How about ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ or that laughable play of Mr.
+Sheridan’s, ‘The Rivals’ I think it’s called, or ‘The School of
+Rivals,’ or something of the sort?”
+
+These, however, were ruled out. Walter Carey was firm that a ruined
+church was not the right setting for them.
+
+“Well, then, much better have it in the Park grounds!” said Sir John.
+“There is a nice open space not too far from the house, with trees and
+a flight of steps that would make a scene to suit anything.”
+
+A few drops of rain began to fall and Lady Middleton, in fear for her
+children catching cold, hurriedly suggested that all should return to
+the Park, look at the place Sir John described, and talk over all the
+details under cover. Wraps were hastily found, and the party set off
+with utmost expedition for the Park.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+Walking or driving, it was not long before the whole party reached the
+Park. The first half-hour was occupied in strolling about the grounds
+between two showers to make up their minds where the theatre should be.
+
+Several admirable spots were discovered, but no decision could be
+reached until every one came together again in the large drawing-room.
+Acting out of doors seemed a very imprudent scheme to some of the
+elders, but there was a strong body of optimists who held to the idea;
+and, as they were warmly supported by Sir John, a pastoral play it was
+to be.
+
+“We had a pastoral play at Oxford last term, in Worcester Gardens,”
+said Walter Carey. “We played ‘Comus.’”
+
+“‘Comus’?” called out Sir John. “What’s ‘Comus’?”
+
+“‘Comus’ is a masque,” replied Walter.
+
+“The very thing,” proclaimed Sir John. “There will be some fun about
+that! We will play ‘Comus.’ How many parts are there?”
+
+Walter Carey was very willing for it to be “Comus.” He thought he could
+play the leading rôle better than the man who had the part at Oxford,
+and at least would like the opportunity to try. Sir John’s expectation
+of something funny might be inconvenient, but something to please him
+could no doubt be managed in the rout.
+
+No one had anything to urge against “Comus,” and for the same reason
+could say nothing in its favour. Excepting Walter, Margaret and Henry
+Whitaker, no one knew anything about it. However, Sir John’s enthusiasm
+for the unknown carried the company along with him, and “Comus” was
+unanimously chosen for the play.
+
+The next thing was to decide the parts, and for this a copy of the play
+was desirable. It was feared by Sir John that Walter would have the
+only copy in the neighbourhood.
+
+“Not at all, sir,” replied Walter. “Surely there is a Milton in your
+library.”
+
+“Milton!” said Sir John, his enthusiasm rather dashed. “I did not know
+it was by Milton. I thought he only wrote long poems about the Garden
+of Eden?”
+
+“Not at all, sir,” again replied Walter. “He wrote some plays and
+political pamphlets as well--quite a secular writer in his way.”
+
+This reassured Sir John, and Margaret, who had made more use of the
+Park library than anyone else had ever done, offered to fetch the
+volume of Milton containing “Comus,” and returned with a book no more
+dusty than might be expected considering it had been undisturbed for we
+know not how many years.
+
+“You had better take the part you did before, Walter; it will save you
+the trouble of learning a new one,” said Sir John.
+
+Walter blushed and hesitated, and then admitted that he had been the
+Lady at Oxford and would prefer some other part.
+
+“Mr. Carey had better be Comus,” said Margaret. “It is by far the
+longest part, and he must already be familiar with the whole play, so
+could learn it easily.”
+
+Walter was grateful for this suggestion, and every one else was willing
+that he should have a long part to learn.
+
+“Excellent,” said Sir John. “And you had better be stage-manager too,
+and put us all in the way of it. For, except for charades, I have never
+done anything of the sort. Just give me a part in which I can make some
+noise and get a few laughs out of the audience, and you can divide all
+the long speeches between you.”
+
+It was necessary to get the opinions of the rest of the party before
+going further. Miss Steele liked acting excessively, but never could
+remember her words. Lady Middleton stipulated only that there should be
+parts for William and dear little Annamaria, and of course for John, as
+they would be inconsolable if they were not included. Henry Whitaker
+looked urgent, hoping he would not be left out, but said nothing, and
+the young ladies all thought one of the others should be the heroine.
+Edward Ferrars was applied to, but said he did not think acting suited
+to the dignity of the cloth, and Mr. Atherton replied that he would
+like to be employed as prompter. Elinor Ferrars said decisively that
+she wished to be one of the audience.
+
+Walter found himself expected to allot parts to five ladies, five
+children counting his own little sisters, Sir John, Henry and himself,
+and to give pleasure to all of them in doing so. It was an anxious
+half-hour for the young man, but he came through it with creditable
+success, though his opening words were not auspicious. He had to
+announce that there were only two parts for the ladies, the Lady and
+Sabrina. He began by suggesting that Margaret should be the Lady.
+Miss Steele bridled, but the two Miss Careys and Miss Whitaker united
+in acclaiming this choice, though Isabella Carey’s face lengthened
+and Miss Whitaker appeared surprised. Margaret, however, would not
+consent. If Mr. Walter Carey was to be Comus, it would be best that one
+of his sisters should be the Lady. They would have many opportunities
+for rehearsal, and both parts were so long that much study together
+would be necessary. Margaret thought that Isabella should be the Lady.
+She had a singing voice, and the song was of importance. It was clear
+that no one else could be so suitable for the part. Miss Carey was well
+content to have it so, and her modest objections were soon talked down,
+the more easily as she really thought herself well suited to the part.
+
+There were now four young ladies, and the part of Sabrina among them.
+Walter’s hesitation was excusable, but again Margaret came to his help.
+
+“I have been thinking,” she said, “that the parts of the Brothers could
+very well be taken by ladies. Some long mantle worn thrown over the
+shoulder would make a handsome appearance, and be a suitable dress,
+and they were both represented as very young. The line, ‘As smooth as
+Hebe’s their unrazor’d lips,’ seems to fit very well.”
+
+There was general laughter and a brightening of eyes and renewed hope
+among the ladies, though poor Henry Whitaker looked as though his
+last chance were gone. Walter quickly decided that his younger sister
+and Miss Whitaker, who were both taller than Margaret, should be the
+Brothers, unless Miss Steele----?
+
+But Miss Steele was horrified at the idea. She to take a man’s part
+indeed! Not for the world would she be so bold! No, Sabrina would do
+very well for her!
+
+There was a silence. Walter was again in a dilemma. This time it was
+Henry who gave help.
+
+“Sabrina has got to sing. I know, because we did ‘Comus’ at school last
+half. Can you sing, Miss Steele?”
+
+Miss Steele could not, but suggested that some one might sing behind
+the scenes for her. There was again silence, interrupted by a cough
+from Sir John, which reminded Walter that a part had to be found for
+him.
+
+“What would you like, Sir John? Will you be Comus?” he asked with an
+heroic effort. “Or would you like to lead the rout? I think Henry must
+be the attendant Spirit. It is a long part, and he knows the play.”
+
+Henry’s anxious look changed to one of bashful happiness. Sir John had
+an easy method of coming to a decision.
+
+“Which has most to say--Comus or the rout fellow?” he asked.
+
+“Well, actually Comus has a considerable number of lines to say--some
+hundred--but of course we shall have to cut the whole thing down
+somewhat. Still, Comus has undoubtedly got a good deal to say. The
+leader of the rout has--well, he must make as much noise as possible
+and dance about. It is a very active part.”
+
+“I never could learn poetry. I will lead the rout,” Sir John decided
+to the general satisfaction, and he added a grace to his decision
+by asking Miss Nancy to lead the rout with him, as she did not like
+learning poetry either, and was so fond of dancing.
+
+Miss Steele reddened and hesitated, but Miss Carey’s suggestion that
+the members of the rout should all be very gaily clad, in contrast to
+the rest of the company, who must be in white or sad colouring, decided
+the point. Miss Steele would be a prominent figure in the rout, and the
+part of Sabrina was left for Margaret, who could sing and did not mind
+wearing plain white.
+
+The children, three Middletons and two Careys, were to be inferior
+members of the rout, and all was now happily arranged except the music.
+At first it was thought that the music must come from within doors, but
+Penelope Carey luckily remembered that her sisters’ governess could
+play the harp reasonably well, and was a very good sort of girl. It was
+decided that she should be established behind some shrub and contribute
+all the music necessary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+
+The next days were productive of constant bustle and amusement
+for the actors, even if others of the party felt only boredom and
+inconvenience. Elinor was against the whole scheme. It was taking up
+time which could have been more rationally employed. The performance
+was sure to be inferior, and the weather would probably be bad. The
+gentlemen were all too busy to fish with Edward, and she herself was
+pressed into service to help with the arrangement of the dresses. They
+had come to Barton hoping for some rest and refreshment, and found
+themselves in all this turmoil. It was true that there was no one at
+liberty to entertain Edward Ferrars, and it was fortunate that he was
+much more fond of his own society than that of any other creature
+with the exception of his wife, and possibly of his brother-in-law,
+Colonel Brandon, so did not feel this to be an evil. His stay at Barton
+must necessarily be short. He had only arranged for his duty to be
+taken for one Sunday, and he must return to his parish. Elinor was
+to stay on. This had not been part of the original plan, but there
+were several reasons for the decision. Young Master Ferrars was safely
+established at the mansion-house at Delaford under the care of Marianne
+and the nurse who attended to Master Brandon. Edward himself wished
+his wife to have the pleasure of a longer stay with her mother. Elinor
+was convinced that she could be of use at Barton in discouraging in
+Mrs. Dashwood any inclination to take a romantic view of Commander
+Pennington’s advances. She was not without hope of exercising a wise
+influence on Margaret. Edward was very much against her attempting
+any such thing, and gave it as his opinion that no good came of
+interference; but Elinor would not allow that wise suggestion could be
+classed as interference, and she reminded Edward that he himself had
+experienced the folly and misery of a premature love affair. All of
+which was moderately convincing to Edward, and entirely so to Elinor
+herself. She would stay on till the early days of September, for Sir
+John Middleton was then to join Colonel Brandon at Delaford for some
+shooting, and would take her in his carriage all the way. Margaret was
+glad that her mother had her sister’s company while she herself was so
+much engaged with the theatricals, and did not connect her prolonged
+visit with any of her own hopes or desires.
+
+In addition to the pleasure of having Elinor with her, Mrs. Dashwood
+was very well amused by the theatricals. Margaret brought her so
+entertaining a description of all that went on that to the pleasure of
+listening to a lively recital was added the happiness of hoping that
+the impression made by Commander Pennington on Margaret’s mind was fast
+fading away. She looked so happy and cheerful that it was reasonable to
+suppose her heart-free. It was not in Mrs. Dashwood’s nature to fear
+when it was possible to hope.
+
+Margaret was, in fact, enjoying the theatricals excessively. It was
+essential to her happiness at present to have every moment of the day
+occupied. Thinking did not suit her at all. Too soon thinking gave
+way to longing, and longing to unreasonable fears. She was better
+employed in learning her lines, practising her song, making her dress
+and helping the other members of the party to do the same. She had
+not a long part herself, and for this reason she was in constant
+demand to hear others recite theirs. The offer to hear hers in return
+could always be made, with small risk of acceptance. Walter Carey in
+particular found no one so kind and inspiring.
+
+Sir John and Miss Steele had no concern but their dresses, which were
+to be as gay and fantastic as possible, and the five children had to
+be fitted with masks and taught some sort of order in their disorderly
+rout, that they might not hurt themselves or each other.
+
+Walter was a careless stage-manager, inclined to think that everything
+would settle itself, and that the chief parts were all that concerned
+him. But, if the play was to be anything but an absurdity, these minor
+matters must receive attention, and there was no one so suited for the
+task or so willing to be employed as Margaret. In everything she was
+ably assisted by the Careys’ governess, Miss Fairfield, who had her
+own little charges well in hand, and through them was able to exercise
+some sort of control over the little Middletons, who were constantly
+surprising themselves by doing what they were told.
+
+Lady Middleton was concerned as to who should and who should not be
+asked to view the performance--the task of selection being made no
+easier by Sir John inviting every one he met--and also as to what
+should be the nature of the refreshment to be provided. She could not
+be satisfied with anything short of complete elegance, and, on asking
+Walter Carey how this had been managed at Oxford, was disgusted to hear
+that he thought there had been something handed round. Perhaps some
+beer or cider. He was not sure!
+
+Mrs. Jennings thought it all rather tedious. She could not find that
+there was a word of love in the play from beginning to end. It was
+all long speeches and brothers going about after their sister. Such
+foolishness! The speeches had been severely cut down, they said, but
+they were still a great deal too long to her mind, and not what anyone
+would say. Very different from Mr. Sheridan’s plays, where you could
+think it was yourself talking half the time! She thought they would all
+have enjoyed a few balls and picnics much more than all this solemn
+saying of poetry over to each other in corners. She had given her old
+red satin to Nancy Steele to make a good appearance in the rout, but
+beyond that she could not find anything to do to help, and she thought
+they had best get on without her. She would sit by Mrs. Ferrars in the
+audience and quiz them all with her and Mrs. Dashwood.
+
+Perhaps the children were more completely happy than anyone. Their
+part was just to make a noise and wear queer dresses, and, if children
+cannot be pleased with that, they are very strange children indeed,
+and, though Lady Middleton might believe hers to be exceptional, they
+proved themselves in this to be very like the little Careys.
+
+As to the rest of the company, the Lady and Comus were thoroughly
+pleased with their own parts, though often despondent about the
+others. The Brothers were sometimes assailed by doubts. Did they, in
+fact, look as much like two young men as they hoped? Henry Whitaker
+found his part of attendant Spirit very hard stuff to learn, Sir John
+occasionally had a hankering after the part of Comus, who had some very
+good things to say, and Miss Nancy Steele was not always sure that
+even wearing red satin made a member of the rout one of the principal
+figures in the play.
+
+Margaret’s task was to encourage all these, to keep some control over
+the rout, to advise the Careys’ governess as to the music, and to be
+sure that Mr. Atherton had his prompter’s copy correctly marked with
+cuts and pauses.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+The rehearsals were the perquisite of Sir John. It was at the Park that
+they were held. His drawing-room it was that was daily filled with
+guests; his servants that were daily called upon to provide casual
+meals; and his box-rooms and cupboards that were ransacked for stage
+properties. A very happy state of things for Sir John, who could never
+be too much in company, but less agreeable to his lady, who liked her
+household arrangements to move smoothly, and not to progress in jerks
+and runs.
+
+Sir Francis and Lady Carey began to feel that their young people were
+accepting hospitality for which no return was being made. Though not
+fond of company themselves, this situation was not agreeable to them.
+They decided that some effort must be made, and the result of their
+consultation was that Walter Carey rode over to Barton on Sunday
+afternoon, commissioned by his mother to invite the party to Newton
+for the following day. There was to be a rehearsal in the morning; the
+whole party was to dine, and after tea more neighbours were to come in
+for a ball. It was to be a day of festivity, and Walter Carey looked as
+if he expected to enjoy it.
+
+Elinor was at first inclined to excuse herself and to declare herself
+unable to leave her mother, but Walter immediately included Mrs.
+Dashwood in the invitation, and, though she laughingly declined on her
+own behalf, she was determined that Elinor should be of the party. It
+was just such a gathering as a young woman should enjoy, and Elinor
+could not be excused from enjoying it. She had been to many such
+parties at her mother’s instigation, and been exceedingly weary at
+them, and was really reluctant, but Walter’s smile carried the day and
+she consented to be made happy, so far as being continually in company
+for a space of twelve hours could make her so.
+
+Walter rode off to secure other guests, brimful of pleasure himself
+and leaving a very fair amount behind him. The project would be an
+agreeable change to Margaret. Sir Francis and Lady Carey were superior
+in sense and taste to the Middletons, and, even had they been without
+these claims to her interest, they had at least the quality of being
+less well known. Every one must feel that a party was the pleasanter
+for Walter’s presence, and it was four years since she had been to
+Newton Hall. They were to be called for early by the Barton Park
+carriage.
+
+The morning was fine, and they started for the drive of four miles
+in excellent spirits. Mr. Atherton joined them, and the barouche was
+full; Sir John driving with the manservant beside him, and Elinor,
+Miss Steele and Margaret sharing Mr. Atherton’s attentions between
+them. Lady Middleton had thought the day too long for the children, and
+stayed at home herself to be with them.
+
+The drive through deep Devonshire lanes was a very pretty one, and all
+were delighted with the charm of the journey, and even more delighted
+to have it over, to judge by the pleasure expressed when they came
+in sight of the house, a fine Tudor mansion, with walled gardens,
+fish-ponds and wild shrubbery, all very much like many other country
+gentlemen’s seats, but not the less deserving of admiration on that
+account.
+
+Walter Carey met them with enthusiasm, and Sir Francis with cordiality.
+It was to be the last before the dress-rehearsal, and Sir Francis was
+to be admitted as audience and critic, and, if Lady Carey could find
+time from her preparations for the evening, it was hoped that her
+opinion would be obtained too, though privately this was not considered
+to be of equal importance.
+
+That the rout would only consist of four in place of seven noisy
+people was to be deplored, but much was said on the wisdom of avoiding
+excitement for children, and much was thought on the comfort of the
+young Middletons being absent from the party. It was hoped aloud that
+the four would be unruly and noisy enough for seven when the proper
+time came, but remembered in silence that the Middleton children had no
+idea of any time being unsuitable for noise and disturbance.
+
+Mr. Atherton greeted his friends, the Carey children, with affection,
+and was dragged off at once to see the fish-ponds, Miss Fairfield going
+also to see that the little girls did not presume on his good nature.
+
+The rest of the party were conducted indoors for rest and refreshment.
+Lady Carey, though not so anxious for elegance as Lady Middleton, kept
+an uncommonly good table, and the repast that awaited them of fruit,
+cakes and excellent home-made ginger wine was enjoyed without any demur
+as to the earliness of the hour. Mary and Henry Whitaker arrived on
+horseback, with their evening clothes packed in the saddle-bags, and
+everybody was ready for the rehearsal.
+
+Sir Francis was accommodated with an armchair in the middle of the
+lawn, as sole audience, and the rest of the party went behind the
+bushes in order to make their entrances as much a surprise to Sir
+Francis as was possible. Elinor had offered her services to Lady Carey,
+and was within doors with her, helping in some of the preparations for
+the evening, which could not but be a strain on the best ordered house
+and the best trained servants.
+
+The attendant Spirit had said some of his curtailed speeches,
+rather bashful at being the first to speak, and feeling sharply the
+incongruity of his riding-boots, when Sir Francis rose from his chair
+with a shout of welcome.
+
+“Willoughby! On my life! What brings you here?”
+
+Willoughby was coming across the lawn with his usual easy manner of
+being sure of a welcome wherever he might appear.
+
+“I heard you had something of this sort going on, Sir Francis, and you
+know my passion for acting. We are staying at Allenham, so I came over
+to see if I could be of any use.”
+
+The rout were being held in leash by Sir John, and Walter was looking
+round the bushes to see what the interruption was about, and Margaret,
+from her bush, peeped too. Walter, of course, knew nothing except that
+this tiresome fellow was interrupting the rehearsal, but Margaret was
+highly entertained. The meeting between Willoughby and Elinor employed
+her thoughts to the exclusion of all else. Just what degree of cold
+dignity would Elinor assume? This was an audacity of which few but
+Willoughby would be capable, but it formed a situation that had at
+least the merit of being worthy of observation.
+
+Willoughby was given a chair, and his presence no doubt added zest to
+the acting. Walter was determined to make a good show before this older
+man, who was yet of his own generation. The Lady was more graceful,
+the Brothers more dashing, and the rout, if possible, more noisy than
+heretofore. Miss Steele especially surpassed herself in the spirit and
+vigour of her dancing, and Sir John was much gratified by Willoughby’s
+incessant laughter.
+
+When all was over Sir John came to shake hands and be congratulated.
+
+“Funny piece, isn’t it? That bit where we all come tumbling in ought to
+amuse our audience. I like to see a man laugh as you do. Shows a good
+heart!”
+
+“I have been vastly entertained, Sir John,” replied Willoughby with
+a bow, and then, as Walter came up, he turned his compliments with a
+finer edge, congratulating the younger man on the fine speaking of the
+lines which the whole company achieved.
+
+“Miss Margaret’s song is delicious. A most melodious voice, like her
+sister’s but not so full and sweet. Mrs. Brandon had the voice of an
+angel, unequalled in tone and expression.”
+
+He spoke with great feeling, sighed heavily, and looked downcast.
+
+This had the desired effect, for as they walked to the house Walter
+Carey said in an undertone to Margaret:
+
+“I suppose he was in love with your sister, Mrs. Brandon. I pity him.
+It must have been bad to him to see her married. I wonder why she would
+not have him?”
+
+Margaret made no reply, but thought with amusement how Willoughby had
+improved his position with those few words. He would now be regarded
+as the unsuccessful lover of Marianne, who would appear to have turned
+from the young admirer and married the rich, middle-aged suitor.
+Willoughby was to be pitied, but not to be blamed, Marianne to be
+wondered at, but not to be pitied. Perhaps both gained something by
+this re-arrangement of the facts.
+
+They had now reached the house, and Margaret hoped to be in time to
+witness the meeting between Elinor and Willoughby. She was not to be
+disappointed. Lady Carey and Elinor were still upstairs when the rest
+of the party assembled in the drawing-room before dinner. Lady Carey
+appeared, greeted Willoughby as the last-come guest, and then made her
+stout, comfortable way to Sir John Middleton, who was to tell her how
+everything had gone at the rehearsal and all about the ducks and geese
+at Barton Park, and the prospects of a good fruit harvest--for Lady
+Carey was a real country dame, and a much better pair to Sir John than
+his more elegant lady-wife, at least in Margaret’s opinion. But then
+Sir Francis Carey, a fine scholarly gentleman, would have found Lady
+Middleton very fatiguing, so the re-arrangement of these pairs was
+abandoned by Margaret, and she continued to watch the door for Elinor.
+
+She came. At sight of Willoughby her complexion changed. He came
+forward eagerly smiling, and with outstretched hand. She bowed
+decisively, managed to ignore the hand, and turned to Isabella Carey
+with some question about the rehearsal. Willoughby hesitated. Margaret
+saw him falter, but imagined him to be taking courage. With resolution
+he joined the group, and himself entered into conversation with Miss
+Carey, including Elinor in his remarks with courtesy and friendliness.
+He held her there with his attentions, would not allow her to escape
+him, and for a few minutes it appeared to all who cared to take note
+of it that Mr. Willoughby and Mrs. Ferrars were on terms of the
+friendliest acquaintance.
+
+Elinor was determined to get away, and move away she did, but not till
+his purpose was accomplished, and Margaret was left in admiration
+of his ready wit and charming effrontery. She saw that her sister’s
+resentment was great. It was but natural that Elinor, who knew so
+much of the suffering Willoughby had caused to Marianne, should feel
+strongly in condemnation of this easy assumption of friendliness.
+
+Margaret felt that she herself judged the case more correctly. She felt
+she knew more of his real feeling, his real regret, and she could not
+be blind to the fact that the line he was taking was really the one to
+do most honour to Marianne’s situation. If it pleased him to pose as
+the unfortunate admirer it was an indulgence which need not be denied
+him except in the interest of strict veracity, for, while it might
+seem that he gained somewhat in the eyes of the world in being thought
+unlucky rather than faithless, Marianne gained more in being supposed
+fickle rather than unfortunate. For it is well known that while to be
+crossed in love is highly honourable to a gentleman, in a lady it is
+correspondingly disgraceful; and while a change of heart is much to be
+deplored in a masculine lover, for a female to hesitate between two,
+and finally make her choice, enhances not only her own value but that
+of both her admirers; so that Colonel Brandon might be supposed to be a
+gainer by Willoughby’s affectation of love-lornity; and would doubtless
+be much gratified by the circumstances if it could be supposed that he
+would think anything at all about it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+The party for dinner was to have consisted of fifteen persons,
+including the little girls and their governess. Lady Carey, who
+combined strict views on the bringing up of children with the greatest
+latitude and kindness in carrying them out, had arranged that the
+school-room party should sit at a side-table, but partake of all the
+good things provided for their betters. Willoughby’s arrival threw the
+numbers out and, in order to avoid the evil of sitting down thirteen at
+the larger table, it was necessary that some one else should be placed
+at the inferior one, and Lady Carey had decided that it should be Henry
+Whitaker, who was still at Westminster, and therefore grouped in her
+mind with the children.
+
+The choice could not have fallen on anyone who would feel the indignity
+more. He stood beside his chair, red and glowering, unwilling to take
+the place one moment before it was necessary. The disgrace was happily
+averted. The two little girls clamorously begged that Mr. Atherton
+might be sent to their table and, as he added his entreaties, Lady
+Carey yielded to their wishes. Margaret breathed again for Henry, and
+as he took the place intended for Mr. Atherton between their hostess
+and herself she was able to begin the process of soothing his ruffled
+feelings by the sweetness of her welcoming smile.
+
+It was not to be expected that Henry could have much to say to Lady
+Carey. The affront was too recent, and his resentment too just. It
+was not until the first course had been removed and the corner dishes
+placed for the second that he could have replied without constraint
+even to her inquiries for his mother. Margaret’s attention, as he told
+her of the great doings at Westminster at the Grease, and the wild
+scenes in Great School that always ensued, had done him a world of
+good, and, though it might be that Lady Carey would never be entirely
+forgiven, he found he could now speak to her in an ordinary tone and
+believe her to be a very good sort of woman in her way.
+
+Walter Carey, who sat on Margaret’s other side, was far from being
+pleased to find her attention turned from him, but, in addition to
+his habitual good-nature, he had the assistance of knowing himself
+to be the superior of Henry in so many particulars that he felt he
+could afford to him the indulgence of Margaret’s kindness. He himself
+was obliged to turn to Mary Whitaker, a plain girl, but, he found,
+very agreeable. So often it may be noticed by those whose powers of
+observation are not blurred by partiality that the absence of other
+attractions is accompanied by a wish to please, and some knowledge of
+how to do it, so that those who are so justly scorned for their lack of
+beauty, by their fairer sisters, achieve a high degree of popularity
+with the other sex.
+
+Mary Whitaker was generally liked and always content with such notice
+as fell to her share. She felt no resentment when Walter took the
+opportunity of the dishes being changed to engage Margaret’s attention,
+even though she herself was cut short in the middle of a sentence, and,
+finding Mrs. Ferrars at liberty, was pleased to find herself kindly
+addressed and offered some advice and help in the arrangement of her
+dress as Second Brother.
+
+Sir Francis had enjoyed his talk with Elinor. Her cultivated mind and
+elegant beauty exactly suited his taste, and he eyed Miss Steele, who
+sat on his left, with a sidelong glance that spoke his fear that he
+was now to be less happily entertained. Miss Steele was in very poor
+spirits. She was sat down next to Sir Francis, who had not so much
+as looked at her, and on the other side was Penelope Carey, who had
+no eyes for anyone but Mr. Willoughby, and who seemed a stupid sort
+of girl even if she had tried to make herself agreeable. When Sir
+Francis had learnt that Miss Steele had lived at Plymouth all her life,
+and that her younger sister was well married, but that she herself
+could not make up her mind, he found himself at a loss for a topic
+of conversation, and, on being applied to by Elinor for information
+as to the origin of Comus, he gladly devoted himself to the task of
+enlightening the minds of Mary Whitaker and Mrs. Ferrars on the subject
+of the influence of the Elizabethans on literature of a later date.
+
+Willoughby had been exerting his powers of conversation between
+Isabella and Penelope Carey, who had often wished to know more of him
+in the days when Marianne had absorbed his attention, and by the end
+of dinner they were both quite convinced that whatever the trouble had
+been, whatever it was that had broken the engagement, it must have
+been the fault of Mrs. Brandon, and not of the charming gentleman who
+entertained them. They wondered that his wife were not more seen with
+him. They feared he was neglected by her, and remembered all they had
+heard of her ill-temper and sickliness.
+
+Isabella’s attention was claimed from time to time by Sir John, who
+must have some young lady to tease about her dearest affections, and
+who spent a very agreeable hour dividing his attentions between Lady
+Carey, who was a very knowledgable woman indeed, and Isabella, who was
+a very handsome one.
+
+The party at the smaller table was as noisy as any. Mr. Atherton had
+claimed that Miss Fairfield was to have a holiday and he would be
+deputy governess, with the lady as his eldest and show pupil, and the
+little girls had been delighted to have their knuckles rapped and their
+elbows poked in, and to be told how to hold their forks all wrong, and
+which side of their mouths they should use for drinking.
+
+The laughter became so uproarious that Sir Francis’s eyebrows went up
+into his grey hair, and Lady Carey had to administer some more serious
+admonitions. Margaret thought with surprise of how wearisome this man
+could be, and made the well-worn discovery that if people are to be
+agreeable they need but be natural. Mr. Atherton’s good-nature was
+superior to his intelligence, and he could make himself liked where he
+did not much wish to impress.
+
+Dinner was over at last, and the ladies were to spend the hours before
+tea in rest and chat in the drawing-room, admiring each other’s work,
+for which they cared nothing, playing each other’s songs, which they
+did very indifferently, and preventing each other from indulging in the
+quiet doze which would have been so welcome to most after the tiring
+morning and excellent dinner. Lady Carey alone was fortunate in having
+matters requiring her attention, and which, declining all assistance,
+she executed in great comfort with her eyes closed on the couch in her
+bed-chamber.
+
+The party in the drawing-room finally strolled out on to the lawn,
+where they were joined by the gentlemen, who had been watching a
+desultory game of billiards between Walter and Willoughby. Henry felt
+that the insult of the dining-room had been almost wiped out when Sir
+Francis had invited him to join the party in the billiard-room.
+
+The children were taken off to the school-room by their governess.
+Their share of amusement was over for the day, as they were not to
+appear at the ball. If they felt downcast at being excluded from the
+fun, they could console themselves by thinking that, in a few years
+time, they would be as pretty as Miss Dashwood, and talk as fast as
+Miss Steele, and wear clothes as fine as their sisters.
+
+Miss Fairfield had no such consolation. For a young woman of
+twenty-three to be in the school-room while a ball is in progress in
+the drawing-room is no happy fate; and the time to which the children
+looked forward would only be to her the occasion of a removal to
+another house, where she might be treated with less consideration, and
+at a time when she could not but be losing the attractions of face
+and figure which seemed so wasted now. She actually was as pretty as
+Margaret, and could have found as many things to say as Miss Steele,
+and have looked fully as well in fine clothes as the two Miss Careys.
+Her lot, however, was a different one, and she took the cover from her
+harp in order to practise the music of the other girls’ songs, with the
+wish at least to be contented in that she had a share, though a small
+one, in the performance which was the centre of every one’s thoughts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+Elinor seated herself on a bench under a tree with Mary Whitaker, who
+was seeking her society with the enthusiasm of the very young for an
+elder whose notice is coveted. Elinor enjoyed the admiration, and could
+gratify her sense of right by leading the conversation on lines likely
+to be helpful in the development of Mary’s mind. It was not in Elinor’s
+nature to enjoy anything fully unless she could perceive in it some
+vestige of a duty; here duty and pleasure were combined.
+
+The rest of the party were pacing up and down the avenue behind them
+in twos and threes, and scraps of their conversation were wafted to
+Elinor’s ears and mingled with Mary’s artless admiration in her mind.
+
+“A capital fellow, Willoughby! He has got a dull little wife with a
+fortune. I suppose one makes up for the other, but in my opinion he was
+better off without either. When you marry, Miss Isabella, take care you
+get a fine young man, and a little fortune too, and ask me over to
+dance at your wedding. An old fellow like me----”
+
+Sir John’s voice grew fainter, and Elinor’s attention was recalled by
+the eager questioning of Mary as to the relative merits of Gainsborough
+and Sir Thomas Lawrence’s portraits, a subject on which Elinor’s
+opinion must be conclusive, as she drew very pretty pencil sketches
+herself and had been to London. Another pair was approaching.
+
+“There’s a table up School with all sorts of fellow’s names cut on
+it--deep too. I mean to cut mine before I leave if I get a chance. I
+found my grandfather’s name, and two of my uncles’. Did you cut your
+name anywhere at Canterbury, Mr. Atherton----?”
+
+“That’s Harry,” said Mary. “He is always talking about Westminster. I
+do think it is rather hard that he should go to London twice a year
+and I, who am older, have never been there. Do not you think so, Mrs.
+Ferrars? He says I should not like to be at Westminster at all, but I
+think it must be better than to be always in the country. Do not you
+think so, Mrs. Ferrars?”
+
+Miss Steele’s voice could now be heard from far away, and her
+complaints made Elinor smile, and Mary redden with vexation on her
+behalf.
+
+“My sister, Lucy, married Mr. Robert Ferrars, so Mrs. Ferrars and me
+are almost sisters; but then she is so cold and distant I do not like
+to claim it, and indeed I am not sure that Lucy would wish it, for the
+family thought it a very bad match for Mr. Edward, and they all look
+down on his wife, so of course Lucy does too, as she is one of them.
+Mrs. Ferrars, his mother, cannot forgive Mr. Edward for making the
+marriage; for all that she is so fond of Lucy, so it’s not that she
+is unkind and proud. But then Lucy has a way with her and I am sure
+will take any trouble to get herself liked, and it’s that makes the
+difference, Miss Penelope, you may be sure; for I always will say Lucy
+is very nice when she isn’t being cross, and I miss her very much, for
+she always knew what suited me better than I do myself. Sisters are----”
+
+Neither Elinor nor Mary wished to hear more, and were satisfied that
+the misdeeds of sisters should be lamented out of ear-shot. Mary’s
+questions began again, and Elinor was delighting in talking of her
+favourite painters when she stopped in surprise on hearing the voices
+of the next party.
+
+Willoughby, Margaret and Walter Carey were approaching. She could hear
+Willoughby’s pleasant tones recounting some theatrical experience of
+his own, Walter’s eager voice questioning him, submitting to his
+judgment, consulting him, and Margaret’s low laughter and interested
+comments. Every one making much of Willoughby, reinstating him,
+admiring him! Elinor remembered that she herself had not repulsed him
+on the night of Marianne’s illness; but then he had been anxious,
+distraught, miserable. Common humanity demanded that she should bear
+with him! Now, when he was at ease, self-satisfied, arrogant, it was
+not to be endured that Margaret should help him in maintaining this
+good opinion of himself.
+
+The conversation had begun at the other end of the avenue by Willoughby
+taking Walter’s arm as he strolled with Margaret under the trees.
+
+“I hear you have had a friend of mine in the neighbourhood--a naval
+officer--Commander Pennington. Did you see him, Carey?”
+
+Walter denied all knowledge of Commander Pennington, and Margaret did
+not claim any.
+
+“He was at Grice’s farm for about a week, and I was at Allenham all the
+while, which makes it all the more annoying. However, I hear he left
+word with Mrs. Grice that he would be back in October at the latest; so
+I shall contrive to be here then, if I can get Mrs. Smith to think she
+cannot do without me.”
+
+“How do you know him?” asked Walter, to Margaret’s relief. She feared
+she might put the question herself if Walter failed in curiosity.
+
+“I met him in London playing cards at my club first, and sometimes
+since, and once at Lord Courtland’s private theatre. We were not
+acting, either of us. Merely members of the audience, and prodigiously
+bored at that. They did ‘Five Hours at Brighton,’ and it would not have
+surprised me to hear that it was ten times as long. Pennington and I
+got into a quiet corner where we could sit down and talk of something
+else. Before all things private theatricals should not be too long!
+Your choice of a play is a capital one, Carey. Indeed you are much to
+be congratulated on play and players.”
+
+From thence the conversation had drifted on to the point when Elinor
+could hear them talking and laughing, and for the moment forgot
+Mary Whitaker and her thirst for improvement in her anger against
+Willoughby, and his desire for reconcilement.
+
+Fortunately a move indoors for tea broke up the various parties, and
+after tea no time could be wasted in talking when there was all the
+business of dressing for the ball to be attended to. Mary and Henry
+Whitaker were to stay the night, and their rooms were available as
+dressing-rooms for the rest of the party, the ladies running in
+and out of Mary’s room and that of the Miss Careys for ribbons and
+hair-pins, shoe-ties and perfume; while the gentlemen brushed and
+combed, talked and laughed in Henry’s room as much as in Walter’s, and
+made him very happy in playing host to all these grown-up males to the
+extent at least of lending them his brushes and having their coats laid
+on his bed.
+
+Downstairs there was consternation. The musicians had not arrived.
+There was to be a fiddle and a cornet, and neither was come. Lady
+Carey’s desperation was pitiable. Her round, happy face was ill-suited
+to such looks of woe, and Sir Francis, meeting her on the stairs, was
+disturbed out of his usual detachment. He was made acquainted with
+the cause of her distress, and, with that spark of genius in mundane
+affairs which is sometimes shown by those who spend their lives aloof
+from them, he suggested that Miss Fairfield could play very nicely and
+no doubt knew some pretty dance music.
+
+Lady Carey’s relief was in proportion to her former despair. She
+hurried along to the school-room door with the speed of one of her own
+children, and there found Miss Fairfield practising her harp all alone.
+A few minutes sufficed to make known to her the trouble she was called
+upon to allay, and being, as Miss Penelope had said, a very good
+sort of girl, she was ready to put on her prettiest gown and take her
+subordinate but all-important part in the enjoyment of the evening.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+The ball was to begin and end early. The dancers came from distances of
+from three to four miles, and the journey home, though in moonlight,
+must be regarded. There were to be eight or ten couples. Five more
+ladies were expected and three more gentlemen. It was feared that Sir
+Francis would not dance, so unless the ladies could be persuaded to
+be so good as to stand up together there would only be a set of eight
+couples.
+
+Willoughby, in pursuance of his method of daring all, applied to Elinor
+for the honour of her hand for the first two dances. He fully deserved
+the reply he received, that Mary Whitaker was to be her partner.
+Mary, who had not heard of this arrangement before, was fortunately
+disengaged and, as she had no hope of being asked at first by Walter
+Carey, was quite ready to be one of the ladies who were applauded for
+their good-nature.
+
+Willoughby next made application to Margaret, who accepted. Neither
+Walter nor Henry had been quick enough, and were obliged to content
+themselves with her promise for later in the evening.
+
+Willoughby did not again approach Mrs. Ferrars. He was satisfied at
+opening the ball with the sought-after Miss Margaret Dashwood, and
+after that devoted himself for the rest of the evening to the Miss
+Careys and the more attractive of their friends.
+
+Margaret found much to enjoy in the first two dances. Willoughby was an
+accomplished dancer, and she was spared all the anxiety and shame which
+an indifferent partner can inflict, and which she had to endure with
+Walter Carey, who, though anxious to excel, was too fond of talking to
+attend to the dancing, and too fond of dancing to attend to the music.
+It was a lamentable performance, and Margaret looked forward with dread
+to the next two dances, which had been claimed by Henry Whitaker.
+
+It might be argued that, if we could go through life dreading enough
+things, we should never have a moment of real distress, so uniformly is
+it the case that things dreaded turn out better than could be hoped.
+Henry was a capital dancer, attending to his business with a steady
+gravity, and not to be turned from the right path by any mistakes that
+others, who should have known better, might make.
+
+There was now a pause in the evening’s gaiety, and a general move to
+the dining-room where supper was laid. Margaret found herself placed
+at table by Mr. Atherton, who having remarked on the excellence of
+the floor, the decorations and the supper, went on to comment on the
+excellence of the music.
+
+“Miss Fairfield is a very fine performer. Do you not think it
+remarkable, Miss Margaret, that she does not tire of playing all these
+country-dances?”
+
+“Perhaps she is tired,” said Margaret. “It seems hard that she should
+play for us to dance. I might play the next after supper I think;
+but that would be useless unless she got a partner, and with so many
+ladies---- What do you say, Mr. Atherton, will you engage her to dance
+with you if I offer to play?”
+
+Mr. Atherton agreed at once.
+
+“That is very good of you,” she said. “When we are again in the
+drawing-room I will ask her to let me take her place at the instrument,
+and do you be on the watch, and come up at once when you see her
+prepared to dance. She must not know that we have spoken of it.”
+
+Mr. Atherton professed himself very happy, and the plan so neatly
+arranged was carried out to perfection. Miss Fairfield danced as
+well as she played, and Mr. Atherton beamed with good-nature and
+satisfaction with his lady and himself.
+
+Margaret’s last partner was an unexpected one. Sir Francis had been
+watching the dancers from the doorway with an air of amused toleration.
+He now approached her, professing himself able to get through Sir
+Roger de Coverley if carefully instructed, and offered himself for her
+tuition. She felt that it was to Elinor that the compliment was due,
+and was astounded at its being made to herself. She found him more _au
+fait_ with the dance than he had professed. His bows were more courtly,
+his style of dancing more deliberate than was customary, but he made no
+mistakes and required no reminding. Walter Carey, who was dancing with
+Mary Whitaker, eyed his father from time to time with an affectionate
+smile, but Margaret was unable to determine whether he was amused or
+pleased with the elder man’s activity.
+
+Elinor had danced only with Mary, Sir John and Mr. Atherton. She had
+sat down after supper, holding a desultory conversation with Lady
+Carey, who was sick to death of all of them, and longing for the first
+carriage to be announced. Elinor herself was too tired to talk, and
+they sat together, thankful for each other’s intermittent silence.
+
+Sir John’s manservant at length brought the carriage to the door, and
+the hour of release had struck. Mr. Atherton was to stay the night
+with the vicar of Newton, and be driven over to Barton by the Careys
+in time for the dress-rehearsal on Wednesday. This had the result of
+leaving an inside seat in the carriage for Sir John, which proved to
+be an advantage for Elinor also. Hardly had they turned out of the
+drive gates before Sir John was asleep, and though Miss Steele would
+have chattered all the way home if she had been allowed, Elinor forbade
+all talking lest Sir John’s slumbers should be disturbed. Whether
+solicitude for him were her only object, or whether she would have
+liked quiet herself, she was only partially successful, but Miss Steele
+did not talk above half the time, and hardly ever spoke or laughed
+really loud.
+
+When Elinor and Margaret were put down at the gate of Barton Cottage
+and walked up the little path to the door, it seemed to both that they
+had been away something more like a week than a day. Their mother was
+awaiting them with inquiries as to their enjoyment and offers of soup
+or hot wine and water. The questions must be put aside until they
+themselves knew whether they had enjoyed the day. For the moment they
+only knew that they were exceedingly tired; but the hot wine was a
+welcome suggestion. Margaret was sufficiently restored by it to give
+her mother some account of the amusements of the day, but Elinor did
+not find that she would be able to do justice to her vexation with
+Margaret for her encouragement of Willoughby until she had had the
+further refreshment of a night’s sleep.
+
+No one, not even Lady Carey nor any of her household, was more glad
+than Elinor of the quiet comfort of her pillows. The dance music ceased
+at last to plague her brain, and she forgot her vexation and weariness
+in dreams of home and of young Master Ferrars.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+
+“I was very much surprised yesterday, mamma,” began Mrs. Ferrars,
+when she and her mother met next morning at the breakfast table. “Mr.
+Willoughby was at Newton, and seemed to wish to renew our acquaintance.
+He has strange ideas of decorum. I was vexed that Margaret danced with
+him. In my opinion we should have nothing to say to him.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood immediately asked to be made acquainted with all that had
+happened. Elinor’s account was not too partial either to Willoughby or
+Margaret, but it was as accurate as a statement of the sort usually
+is, when a good deal more is felt than can be wisely expressed. Mrs.
+Dashwood’s opinion was that there could be no help for it. They must
+admit Mr. Willoughby to their acquaintance or be for ever plagued by
+meeting him and being under the necessity of ignoring him. Both were
+evils, but Mrs. Dashwood had no difficulty in deciding on the least.
+They would meet him as an acquaintance. No doubt it would be as well to
+discourage Margaret from dancing or talking with him, and if possible
+they would give him the idea that he was but tolerated as being
+unworthy of serious resentment.
+
+“After all,” she said, “he has done no harm to anyone but himself.”
+
+Elinor could not avoid a smile. Her recollections of Marianne’s agony
+of mind, and her mother’s misery at the time, were at variance with
+the present statement, but she could only envy and try to emulate such
+happy forgetfulness. In fact, Mrs. Dashwood was rather looking forward
+to meeting Mr. Willoughby again. There was something attractive in
+the thought that he was still attached to her daughter; it gave her
+an interest in him which she had never expected to feel again, and,
+though she could not think it right, she found it lessened rather than
+increased her blame of him. There could be no doubt that he would be
+present at the theatricals on Thursday.
+
+The dress-rehearsal was to be on Wednesday afternoon, and all were glad
+of a day’s interval for rest and ordinary occupations. All Tuesday
+Margaret felt an increasing desire to lie down, but encouraged herself
+to her usual activities, walked with Elinor, talked with her mother,
+and succeeded in concealing the fact of her weariness and malaise. The
+afternoon of Wednesday was damp and cold. The dress-rehearsal was
+achieved, as they so often are, in a series of pauses and rushes. Some
+people were not ready for their cues, and others came on too soon. The
+dresses needed alteration and the stage readjustment. It was over at
+last, and Margaret arrived home with wet feet and an aching head.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood at once recommended bed, and her advice was thankfully
+accepted. It was soon clear to Elinor, and later to her mother, that
+Margaret was quite unfit to take her part on the morrow, and word to
+that effect was hastily sent to the Park.
+
+Thomas was the messenger of woe. The Careys were all staying the night
+at the Park, and it was to Walter as stage-manager that the note was
+addressed, and by him read aloud to Sir John and Mr. Atherton in the
+library.
+
+It was the misfortune to the play that chiefly affected Sir John, but
+Walter had a deeper concern in Margaret’s illness. He was very young,
+but it has not been discovered that youth is any bar to falling in
+love, though it is often found to be an obstacle to marriage. He was
+for giving the play up altogether, and at once; or possibly postponing
+it, he added, when Sir John’s crestfallen look suggested the amendment.
+
+Mr. Atherton offered a suggestion of greater efficacy in removing the
+gloom from Sir John’s good-natured face.
+
+“Miss Fairfield knows the song,” he said, “and has been present at
+every rehearsal. She would do the part very well or I am no judge of an
+actor.”
+
+All was well for Sir John. No thought of the suffering Margaret could
+be allowed to cloud his happiness. He carried the note into the
+drawing-room with an expression which bore no relation to his opening
+words.
+
+“Here’s bad news,” he began. “Miss Margaret ill in bed; but we do
+not need to give up our play, for Miss Fairfield can take the part.
+That is, if she will be so good,” looking round the room for her.
+“She can do it just as well, Atherton says, and she is just about
+Miss Margaret’s size, so can wear the dress. I suppose she is in the
+school-room with the children. Let us go and tell her she is to be
+Sabrina.”
+
+Lady Middleton, however, insisted that she should first understand the
+matter, and then in a more formal manner advise Miss Fairfield of the
+happiness in store for her. She went herself, and having told Miss
+Fairfield of the misfortune begged her to be so kind as to assist them
+in their difficulty. For all the cold formality of her manner, the
+impression received was not different in essentials from that which
+Sir John would have given if he had had his way, and gone to tell her
+she “was to be Sabrina.” Miss Fairfield, however, though well aware
+that she could not refuse, had not for that reason any wish to do so.
+She had not the least disinclination to oblige, and would much enjoy
+taking the part, and wearing the dress, and very soon was happily
+planning the arrangement of her “amber dropping hair.”
+
+Walter was soon on his way to the Cottage to inquire for Margaret, and
+to tell them how the difficulty was to be met. He found Mrs. Ferrars
+alone, as Mrs. Dashwood was in attendance on Margaret. He was very
+unhappy, and said so. Elinor remembered the visit of another anxious
+young man when Marianne was ill, and compared the two to the advantage
+of the one before her. Willoughby, ashamed and maddened by the sense
+of his unworthy conduct, dependent on his wife, and disgraced in many
+quarters. Walter, young, ardent, with only boyhood behind him, and
+happy prospects before, well liked, and the only son of a rich baronet.
+He made no attempt to hide his concern for Margaret, and the message
+with which he was charged, that Miss Fairfield would take the part,
+was only valuable to him as a possible alleviation to her mind. She
+must not trouble about the play. She must not trouble about anything.
+It would all be well arranged. All she had to do was to get well as
+quickly as was possible.
+
+Elinor promised him that her sister should have every attention from
+her mother and herself, and at last he went away with something less of
+anxiety in his mind.
+
+Margaret was feeling very ill. She had been exerting herself beyond her
+strength for some weeks, constantly keeping her mind at work to prevent
+herself from thinking, and her body active to induce sleep at night.
+The long and exciting day on Monday had brought on a feverish attack,
+which was increased by the wet and discomfort of the rehearsal at the
+Park. Her voice had gone, her head ached, and she could not rest,
+although in bed. She had a wretched night of fitful dreams and fancies,
+but was better in the morning, and ready to urge her mother and Elinor
+to go to the Park in the afternoon to see the play.
+
+Elinor had seen so much of it that she resolutely declined, but Mrs.
+Dashwood, with her lighter spirit, was not unwilling. She declared at
+first affectionately that she could not leave her Margaret when she
+was ill, but her Margaret protested that she very much wished to hear
+about the play, and that no one would give so good an account of it
+as her mother, and that she would do very well with Elinor at home.
+She charged her mother with many special points on which she was to be
+observant--to look out for the eccentricities of Miss Steele’s dress,
+which Margaret had not attempted to restrain, to notice if the Brothers
+handled their swords well, if the children in the rout kept their
+stockings up, and whether the attendant Spirit forgot his words.
+
+The morning passed quietly. The apothecary came and went, having
+ordered that she was on no account to leave her bed till all symptoms
+of fever had subsided. Margaret was not unwilling to rest her tired
+body. Her brain was still too feverish to think for long coherently,
+and she spent the day dozing and waking, tired and ill, but not unhappy.
+
+A basket of fruit and flowers was brought from the Park by Walter
+with a particular hope embalmed in a formal little note from Lady
+Middleton that Miss Margaret went on well, and that Mrs. Dashwood and
+Mrs. Ferrars would be able to leave their patient in the afternoon and
+honour them at the Park.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood would only consent to leave her daughter for the hour or
+so to be occupied by the play. The day was fine and she would walk
+up to the Park and walk back, without being included in those lesser
+festivities of reception and refreshment which had inevitably gathered
+round the performance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+Willoughby had no difficulty in obtaining from Mrs. Grice the
+whereabouts of his “friend,” Richard Pennington. Consequently, when the
+letter-bag was opened on board the “Wren,” among other correspondence
+the following letter engaged the attention of the Commander:
+
+                                           ALLENHAM COURT,
+                                                  _August 5th, 1813_.
+
+  DEAR PENNINGTON,
+
+  Imagine my chagrin on hearing you had been in my neighbourhood in
+  April. My wife and I were staying at Allenham at the very time you
+  were at Grice’s farm. A most annoying circumstance that I did not
+  know you were there! I am here again, this time alone, for which I
+  am duly grateful. Mrs. Smith has been unwell and wished to see me. I
+  hear that you expect to be in England in October. Do, my dear friend,
+  like a good fellow, come to me at Combe Magna. To be eternally shut
+  up with one woman is more than any reasonable man can stand, and,
+  although I get what society I can, none is more desired than yours.
+  I cannot come here again unless I am summoned by the all-powerful
+  Mrs. Smith. You know how she can keep me on a string. I have
+  therefore no certainty of seeing you unless you will be compassionate.
+
+  Here nothing is thought of but a play in Sir John Middleton’s garden.
+  Do you remember how we quizzed “Five Hundred Hours at Brighton”? This
+  is just such another. Comus booming and mouthing, the Lady piping and
+  squealing, and two girls standing about with their hands on their
+  hips and calling each other “Brother.” And then the rout. Ye gods!
+  The rout! Sir John in purple, a middle-aged spinster in red, and
+  about ten children in home-made masks. True it was “unruly,” and so
+  far in accordance with the author’s intentions. The only relief was
+  Sabrina, a very pretty young person indeed with plenty of fair hair
+  and a good singing voice. The part was taken by her at the last,
+  as Miss Margaret Dashwood was taken very ill the day before. Young
+  Walter Carey believes her to be dying, and is frantic with grief and
+  anxiety. A touching spectacle! If she dies he will have to begin
+  all over again with some one else, as he is the only son and the
+  baronetcy must be carried on. Margaret is a sweet girl, though not
+  the equal of her sister, Mrs. Brandon, but the gods defend me from
+  the eldest sister, Mrs. Ferrars! How she came to be married no one
+  knows! Was anyone ever better cut out to be an acid spinster? She
+  blesses the home of the Reverend Edward Ferrars, who can hardly speak
+  above a whisper and does not know one end of a gun from the other.
+  The mother is an amiable woman enough.
+
+  Do, my dear Pennington, take pity on me and come and spend a week
+  with me in the autumn, shooting my covers. I shall depend on your
+  giving me your society. Till then I shall be prodigiously bored.
+
+                                          Your most attached
+                                                JOHN WILLOUGHBY.
+
+Such was the account of the doings at Barton that travelled out to
+the Baltic, and was taken on board the “Wren.” In the same letter-bag
+came out the orders from the Admiralty recalling the sloop of war.
+The “Wren” was to proceed to Portsmouth, where the crew would be
+discharged. Richard Pennington’s gravity of demeanour was the
+subject of comment among the men. They would be glad to get on shore
+themselves, and see their homes and wives again, but the Commander
+looked as if the order for recall was bad news.
+
+The theatricals met with more general approval than would be supposed
+from Willoughby’s account: but as with him, so with all, it was Miss
+Fairfield’s performance that was most admired. A very pretty girl and a
+stranger (for who had noticed the Careys’ governess?) was bound to be
+an object of interest in a neighbourhood where strangers were rare and
+beauty not common.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood had made a point of speaking to her at once, and thanking
+her for her kindness in taking her daughter’s place, and, when she
+left to return to Margaret, others followed, asking Lady Middleton for
+the introduction, or introducing themselves, until an admiring cluster
+gathered round the place on the lawn where Sabrina stood in her filmy
+draperies. All of which was more gratifying to Miss Fairfield than to
+the other young ladies, who had all done their best, and had learned
+very much longer parts. But rewards are most unequally distributed
+in this world, and there could be no question that, whoever deserved
+recognition, it was chiefly to the attendant Spirit, whose boy’s voice
+had happened to be delightful in the summoning song, and to “Sabrina
+fair” herself, who had taken no great pains with her part, that it was
+given.
+
+There was to be an informal ball at the Park in the evening. Sir
+Francis and Lady Carey took their little girls home, but kindly left
+Miss Fairfield to enjoy the dancing. However humdrum a life she might
+look forward to on the morrow, the afternoon and evening of this day
+were all that could be desired.
+
+Mrs. Jennings had planned to walk down to the Cottage early in the
+morning after the play to inquire for Miss Margaret and to tell her all
+about it, but Margaret’s indisposition increased, and a week had passed
+before she could sit up in her room and take any interest in affairs
+outside it.
+
+Elinor and her mother nursed her with the greatest affection and
+concern. Every day a messenger came from the Park bringing fruit,
+flowers and inquiries, and every day Walter Carey rode over from Newton
+for the same purpose. Elinor, though she did not always remember to
+give Margaret messages from Mrs. Jennings and Sir John, never failed
+to inform her of Walter’s visits, and it was not long before Margaret
+became aware that her sister had formed plans and hopes for her, which
+were to terminate in her becoming the future Lady Carey of Newton Hall.
+
+She was gradually becoming stronger, but was not considered well
+enough to read, or to bear anyone reading aloud to her. Her mind was
+consequently unoccupied, and all the hopes and fears and longings she
+had hardly kept at bay now overwhelmed her.
+
+Compared with Walter, of whom so much was known, how little she knew of
+this man who occupied her thoughts. She had seen him only four times,
+and hardly as many hours had been spent in his society. He came of
+“low people,” said Sir John. Walter was the only son of a baronet. His
+profession was precarious and arduous. Walter’s position was one of
+ease, and would be one of wealth. “The hardships of a naval officer’s
+wife,” said Mrs. Palmer. The beauty and comfort of Newton Hall again
+came to her mind. “No stability of character,” Elinor had said; but
+what did she or Mamma or anyone else know about that? “I will come
+back. You will wait,” he had said--and with that she saw again his
+grave face, and, try as she might, she could not displace it with
+Walter’s good-humoured smile. She must see him again before she could
+decide. If he disappointed her--were not what she remembered--she might
+turn to Walter; but, at the thought, she felt again the old hope and
+fear and longing with which her thoughts began. Over and over again,
+round and round with the persistence of a feverish brain, and the
+monotony of a tired one, until she imagined she would be glad if she
+could think that she need never see either of these men again as long
+as she lived.
+
+A week had passed in restless questionings and decisions. She was
+sitting in her room and hoping that the long-deferred call from Mrs.
+Jennings would be deferred still longer when she heard that lady’s
+voice in the hall. Her mother was out walking, and her sister was in
+charge. Mrs. Jennings had endeared herself to Elinor in past days, and
+was always sure of more indulgence from her than from others of the
+family, and Margaret had little doubt that the visitor would be brought
+upstairs before long.
+
+Soon she could hear snatches of their conversation as they ascended the
+staircase.
+
+“You could have knocked me down with a feather, Mrs. Ferrars. Indeed,
+I can hardly believe it yet. Lady Middleton, too, is surprised beyond
+measure. What your sister will say I do not know! It is the sort of
+thing that could not have been foreseen, nor prevented, or we would all
+have acted very differently. She should never have had your sister’s
+part at all in my opinion.”
+
+The door opened, and Mrs. Jennings came in, a look of such extreme
+melancholy on her round, rosy face as made it exceedingly difficult
+for Margaret to avoid laughing at so incongruous an expression. It
+was evident, however, that something real, or at least real to her
+visitor, was causing the trouble, and Margaret quickly assumed a look
+of sympathy as she held out her hand.
+
+It was taken in both of Mrs. Jennings, and almost in tears she cried:
+
+“Oh, my poor dear! Do not you be sorry for me, my love! Be sorry for
+yourself! I can hardly bear to tell you, after all the teasings and
+jokings I have done, but your beau is to marry some one else, and how
+he can choose so beneath him when he might have had you is more than I
+can understand.”
+
+Margaret’s look of bewilderment brought her sister to her help.
+
+“Mrs. Jennings has come to tell us of Mr. Atherton’s engagement,”
+Elinor said quickly. “A source of congratulations to us all, dear Mrs.
+Jennings, believe me. The vicarage needs a mistress and Miss Fairfield
+will be a most agreeable neighbour to my mother and sister when she
+becomes Mrs. Atherton.”
+
+The relief sent the blood to Margaret’s cheeks and the smile to her
+lips. Mrs. Jennings could not now imagine her to be otherwise than
+pleasantly affected by the news, and, as soon as this was understood
+and believed, the story could be unfolded with all the enjoyment proper
+to the recital.
+
+“It seems he first noticed her at the picnic, so I say it is another
+marriage to the credit of Barton Park, for you must have seen, my
+dears, that Sir John is for ever planning to bring young people
+together, and let them have a chance to make it up between themselves.
+Well, then, it all began at the picnic, and then it went on at the
+rehearsals. There they were behind the same bush all the time, every
+rehearsal, and she so sweet and willing, and ready to do every one’s
+bidding. Then off you all went to Newton, and it seems he passed some
+of the day with her and the children, and you may be sure it was her he
+was thinking of and not the children. I hope they may have some little
+ones of their own, for I am sure they both know how to manage them,
+which is more than my daughter Middleton does--but it’s early days to
+think of that. Then, in the evening he schemed to get a dance with her
+when she was playing for the ball. He says you helped him there and
+indeed he is very grateful to all who have brought them together. And
+over head and ears in love he is--I will say that for him--and it is
+to his credit too, for she hasn’t a penny piece, but he goes on about
+her as if she had a hundred thousand pounds. All the time I thought him
+wanting to marry you; I never thought him such a pretty-behaved fellow
+as he is, though my daughter Middleton liked him more before this
+happened she says. However, that’s neither here nor there, for Miss
+Fairfield likes him enough for ten, and that’s all that matters to him.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+
+Mr. Atherton’s engagement was the chief topic of conversation on the
+ensuing days. All Margaret’s visitors must have something to say about
+it. It appeared that he had been very liberal in his confidences and
+every one could report something he had told them of the state of his
+mind either before or after his acceptance.
+
+The power of love in determining the actions of humanity was once more
+demonstrated. Mr. Atherton could not quite succeed in attaching himself
+to Margaret, and altogether failed to win her affections, even though
+he had the inducement of a promised fortune. Now he was not only very
+much in love himself, but had obtained from the lady that gratitude
+and pleasure in his addresses which would certainly develop into a
+satisfactory degree of conjugal affection, all without any money in the
+question at all.
+
+Mr. Atherton, though perhaps a little unreserved in his raptures, was a
+very much more respectable figure in the eyes of the ladies at Barton
+Cottage than he had been before. Miss Fairfield was an agreeable girl.
+His affection for her was readily understood, and if hers for him were
+increased by the prospect of a comfortable home and an affectionate
+companion in place of a dull school-room and other people’s children,
+it was not the less comprehensible for that. It was expected that she
+would prove a valuable neighbour.
+
+Walter Carey’s attentions did not diminish as Margaret grew stronger,
+and Elinor’s encouragement of his visits became an anxiety. Elinor had
+interpreted Margaret’s moment of agitation over Mrs. Jennings’s news,
+“Your beau is to marry some one else,” as having reference to Walter,
+and in giving him every facility to see her sister believed herself to
+be doing a double service. That is, she wished to believe it, but was
+not always able to think of Margaret as being happy in the visits.
+
+Margaret had an intense longing to escape from it all. The days of
+confinement to her room after a summer spent in the valley of Barton
+had given her a feeling of being hemmed in on all sides, and Elinor,
+and even her mother, increased this sensation by their affectionate
+solicitude. She longed greatly for change of scene and society, so much
+so that she took the first step to gaining her desire by confessing
+to her mother how much she would like to go away. She would even be
+willing for them to pay a short visit to her brother at Norland Park
+rather than remain without change.
+
+“We can get back before the autumn, mamma. I should not wish to stay
+long, but we have the month of September before us, and it is a
+pleasant month at Norland or anywhere.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was not prepared to take her daughter to Norland Park.
+The discussions with John Dashwood relating to Margaret’s marriage had
+given her no desire for his company, and the subsequent engagement
+of Mr. Atherton could not but be the occasion for reproaches, either
+expressed or felt, which would be neither pleasant nor profitable.
+Margaret, having no idea of her brother’s plans for her happiness,
+could not be aware how deeply he would resent Miss Fairfield’s.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood would not hear of their going to Norland Park, but the
+idea that Margaret needed some change took root in her mind, and she
+suggested to Elinor that her sister should return to Delaford with her,
+and pass some time with Marianne. Elinor was very unwilling for such an
+arrangement to be made.
+
+“Consider, mamma,” she said, “how much Margaret might be sacrificing
+when indulging this whim. Do you not think it would be an admirable
+thing if she became engaged to Walter Carey? It would be a marriage in
+every way desirable, and I cannot think it unlikely.”
+
+“My Elinor, do not let us become affected by the Park, and imagine
+every young man who is reasonably attentive to be a possible suitor,”
+replied Mrs. Dashwood. “Margaret is very young. It is probable that she
+has not yet seen the man she is to marry. I cannot allow my plans to be
+ruled by any such consideration.”
+
+Elinor could not restrain a smile. Her mother’s variableness was
+no doubt one of her attractions, but it was impossible for a more
+sober-minded daughter to forget so easily how her mother had furthered
+her own meetings with Edward at a time when she herself would have
+greatly preferred not to see him, and that Colonel Brandon undoubtedly
+owed his present happiness to his mother-in-law’s warm-hearted
+assistance. Marianne had always been quick to follow her mother’s
+mood, and at this point would have repudiated all idea of arranging
+Margaret’s future, but Elinor’s steadiness of purpose did not falter.
+
+“I am convinced,” she went on, “that the marriage is expected, and
+would be welcomed by the Careys. Isabella has said as much to me on
+more than one occasion, and therefore I do not see why it should not
+be expected and desired by ourselves. There can be no indelicacy in
+wishing Walter Carey well. He makes no secret of his attachment, and I
+very much wish that Margaret would be equally unreserved. I sometimes
+fear she still thinks of Commander Pennington, and consider how
+advantageous it would be for this to be settled before he returns--if
+he ever does return.”
+
+“I imagine her mind is not made up, therefore she can have nothing
+to confide,” said Mrs. Dashwood. “You would not wish to hurry her
+decision; and, indeed,” recollecting herself, “I have no knowledge that
+a decision is to be made. Young men do have their fancies, and it is
+quite unnecessary to take them seriously.”
+
+“It is just for that reason that I feel Margaret should stay at
+home. If she leaves Walter may become attracted by some one else. It
+is a very desirable marriage, and, though I would not wish to take
+any action in order to bring it about, I do not see that we need do
+anything to discourage it. If Margaret goes to Delaford it will seem to
+Walter that she desires to put an end to everything.”
+
+“I cannot take so serious a view of a change of air for an invalid,”
+Mrs. Dashwood said with impatience. “Walter would be a very
+unreasonable young man indeed, and an exasperating husband, if he did
+not consider Margaret’s health to be a more important consideration
+than his own pleasure in seeing her. I have no idea of his being of so
+exacting a nature.”
+
+Elinor found herself no longer able to keep pace with her mother’s
+change of front, but perceiving that, for whatever reason, the visit
+to Delaford was considered desirable, she gave up the discussion and
+limited herself to writing to Edward to make a suggestion which would
+ensure Margaret’s absence from home being short.
+
+Her plan was that Margaret should travel with Sir John alone; that she
+herself should remain with her mother; and that, as it would become
+necessary for Edward to fetch his wife later in the month, he could
+at the same time bring Margaret back to Barton. The advantages of
+this would be that her mother would not be left alone and that the
+time of her sister’s return would be fixed by her own and Edward’s
+wishes. By remaining at Barton she would be able to take some care of
+Walter’s feelings. She had been very much pleased with the young man,
+and her interest was awakened for his happiness almost more than for
+her sister’s good, and, though smiling as she thought of her mother
+comparing her with Mrs. Jennings and Sir John, she did not feel ashamed
+of her wise ordering of other people’s affairs.
+
+Margaret learnt with great pleasure of the scheme so arranged. On an
+early day in September she was to leave Barton unaccompanied either by
+her mother or Elinor, with no companion but Sir John, whose wit would
+soon be lulled to rest by the motion of the carriage. He would sleep,
+and she would look out of the window and see other fields and other
+houses, and a different breed of cattle.
+
+At the end of the journey there would be Marianne, beautiful and
+affectionate, and not too familiar; the mansion-house with its spacious
+rooms and comfortable corners, and the grounds surrounding it with
+trees and lawns. There she hoped to escape from her thoughts into wider
+interests. Colonel Brandon had always something to say worth hearing.
+Marianne had the newest books and music, and Edward Ferrars at the
+parsonage was always friendly. No one would think very much about her,
+or give her any hints or advice.
+
+Sir John agreed to the scheme, after complaining that he would have
+only one young lady to amuse him instead of two. Edward, though
+reluctant to be without his wife for a further period, was willing
+to do as she desired. Mrs. Dashwood was glad to have Elinor’s visit
+prolonged. Marianne wrote many affectionate messages on Edward’s
+second sheet, and Walter Carey, though not consulted beforehand, was
+not more than reasonably disappointed on hearing that Margaret was
+to visit her sister in Dorset until her health should be completely
+restored.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+
+The journey could easily be accomplished in a single day, but Sir John
+favoured an early start, and was at the door in his chaise before
+Margaret had finished breakfast. The morning was fair and, the parting
+over, Margaret settled herself to enjoyment. She was soon relieved
+of all necessity of attending to Sir John by the regular sound of
+his slumbers, and the remainder of the journey, with short halts for
+refreshment and change of horses, was spent by her in the delight
+of the scenery. She, who had become so greatly wearied by ordinary
+home-life with power of movement and change of occupation, was rested
+beyond measure by sitting still in a cramped space and listening to the
+snoring of her solitary companion. So great is the power of change of
+scene on a restless heart.
+
+She arrived at Delaford feeling fresher than when she had set out. As
+for Sir John, when he had completed the series of jerks and groans with
+which he roused himself at the stopping of the carriage, he was ready
+to assert to Colonel Brandon that they had made a capital journey,
+were great companions, and that he himself had enjoyed every minute of
+it, though he knew Miss Margaret must have regretted that she had not
+one of her beaux with her in place of an old fellow like himself.
+
+Sir John might talk about beaux here, but there was no one to heed him,
+and he was soon engaged in a rational conversation with Colonel Brandon
+while the sisters chatted in affectionate intimacy.
+
+They were a party of five for dinner, as Edward Ferrars walked up from
+the parsonage to join them and to look in at the nursery. Marianne’s
+beauty, Colonel Brandon’s sense, Edward’s affection, and Sir John’s
+comparative quietness combined to soothe and comfort Margaret’s
+spirits, while the spacious dining-room and well laid-out garden, into
+which she strolled with her arm in her sister’s after dinner, helped to
+induce the sense of air and space, mentally and bodily, which was so
+exactly what she had desired. They sat under the trees while Marianne
+talked of the children, of her greenhouse, of the neighbours and of her
+husband. Margaret indulged her in sympathetic attention, and an hour
+passed till the cool of the evening suggested their returning indoors.
+
+They were joined by the gentlemen in the drawing-room for tea. While
+sitting in the half-circle round the wood fire, which had been lit as a
+special grace for the travellers, Edward said suddenly:
+
+“I am reminded, I do not know why, unless it is by the pleasant blaze
+of that fire, and the company of Marianne and Margaret, but I am
+reminded of a conversation we held long ago at Barton Cottage. Margaret
+then remarked how delightful it would be if some one gave us each a
+large fortune and we all went to work to find some way of using it. Do
+you remember, Marianne? I recollect that your mother said she would be
+puzzled how to spend it herself if her children were all to be rich
+without her help. Do you, Marianne, feel that you have no longer any
+wishes for yourself, but only for that fine boy upstairs?”
+
+“Indeed, no, Edward! There are many things I should like to do. I would
+still like, as you suggested then, to endow young painters and writers;
+to buy books and pictures and music; to have my house often filled with
+needy artists, and in every way to assist and encourage them.”
+
+Colonel Brandon was applied to, but would only say that, if he had a
+fortune given to him, no doubt Marianne would have the spending of it.
+He would have to make one stipulation, that he was allowed a library or
+a study, or some sort of snuggery to himself, and that no artist or
+musical or literary genius should have to be admitted.
+
+“You would be a very poor host if you made such restrictions,” said
+Marianne rebukingly.
+
+“I should be a very poor man if I could not have any place to myself.
+We could make it a shabby sort of hole with a north aspect and only one
+good seat by the fire, so that the geniuses would like the other parts
+of my house better, but one place of my own I must have.”
+
+Marianne allowed him this indulgence with an affectionate smile, and
+Edward was asked to declare his wishes.
+
+“I do not think I have any pronounced desires. I should find it very
+difficult to change my mode of life to correspond with wealth. I
+believe I must do as Colonel Brandon does, and leave the spending of it
+to my wife. What do you say, Margaret? It was you who first wanted a
+fortune.”
+
+“I should travel,” said Margaret.
+
+“By gad, that’s the thing,” said Sir John. “All my life I have wanted
+to go shooting in Scotland. Fine sport there, I believe! But, what with
+the expense of the journey and not having anyone to go with me, it
+has always been impossible. But there is nothing I should like more!
+Nothing on my life!”
+
+“I do not see why we should wait for some one to give us a large
+fortune apiece before you have your desire, Sir John,” said Colonel
+Brandon. “I have a friend who has frequently asked me to go and shoot
+over the moors, and, though the journey would take some days, if you
+are not averse to travelling I should particularly enjoy it. Marianne
+will have Margaret here for companion, and we would not be away above a
+month.”
+
+Marianne’s countenance showed that the conversation had taken a turn
+which did not please her; but the offer had been made and Sir John was
+accepting it with readiness. It was immediately arranged that when Sir
+John had recovered from the short journey and had a few days’ shooting
+round the Delaford Hangers, he should accompany his host on the longer
+expedition, and not return to Delaford till early in October. His
+home-going to Barton must be still more remote, but Margaret was not
+relying on his chaise to convey her, and was therefore indifferent to
+his plans.
+
+Marianne was very unwilling to face so long a separation from her
+husband. She was always easily moved to joy or sorrow and had only
+just got accustomed to the ecstasy of her sister’s arrival, after a
+separation of four months, before she was called upon to face the grief
+of her husband’s departure on a visit of pleasure for the space of a
+few weeks.
+
+In the meantime the days passed happily. Marianne’s nursery was
+well-ordered, and the two little cousins spent only a reasonable time
+with their elders, and were taught to behave themselves on these
+occasions. Sir John remarked with wonder that he should never have
+known there were children in the house, for nobody had to search for
+something they had taken, or mop up something they had spilt, or mend
+something they had torn. Her ladyship told him that their children were
+specially high-spirited, and he supposed that was the reason for their
+making such a commotion.
+
+The evenings were spent at the instrument. Marianne could not bear
+to hear Edward read aloud, as she declared he lacked spirit in the
+performance, and she was too impatient to read well herself, but
+Margaret was very well pleased to listen again to her sister’s songs,
+and to take her place at the pianoforte when she was allowed.
+
+The few days passed, and Colonel Brandon and Sir John started on their
+journey leaving a sensation of blankness behind them which would only
+be filled by prevailing on Edward to spend the day at the mansion-house.
+
+He came. Played with his child. Talked of the news-sheet, and told them
+how far the travellers would be on their way, but it was clear that he
+was out of spirits, and it was not long before Marianne taxed him with
+this, and demanded to know the cause.
+
+“I will not say that I am in low spirits,” he replied, “but rather
+that I am perturbed. A man does not know how to deal with domestic
+situations, and I feel I am threatened--that is, I expect--I mean my
+mother has written to say that she intends paying me a few days’ visit.
+She is coming with Robert. Lucy is to remain in London, which is a
+relief, but my mother and Robert will be with me from Monday to Friday
+next week. I am, of course, glad to receive my mother, but I could wish
+that Elinor were at home to help in her entertainment.”
+
+“Oh, my dear Edward,” cried Marianne. “Be thankful that Elinor is not
+at home! It would be worse--ten times worse if she were. Remember, Mrs.
+Ferrars is your mother. She has no doubt some affection for you, but
+think how she dislikes Elinor, and think, only think, of her manners to
+her. You could not have brought me better news. I rejoice to think that
+my sister is spared this visit.”
+
+Edward could not but look rather foolish at this fervent condemnation
+of his mother’s manners, but being a peaceable man, and having an
+affectionate regard for Marianne, he made no objection, contenting
+himself with the thought that it was not unlikely that in the course
+of the visit he must listen to even stronger reprobation from his
+mother of Marianne or other of his new connections. He would allow both
+criticisms and would agree with neither.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+
+Affectionate mother though she was, Mrs. Dashwood rejoiced in
+Margaret’s departure. She had looked so thin, so weary, and so low
+in spirits since her illness that the sight of her was a continual
+distress to her mother, who knew not what to do to help her.
+
+Elinor’s visit had coincided with a loss of confidence with Margaret
+of which no explanation had occurred to her mother. She did not know
+that she had been quoted to Margaret as reprobating instability in her
+friend and that so unjust and unnecessary a condemnation had been with
+reason resented. Mrs. Dashwood not only did not know that this remark
+had been repeated, she did not know that it had been made. She did,
+however, realize that Elinor and Margaret had no great affection for
+each other, beyond that proper to the tie of relationship. They were
+sisters, but they were not friends, and Mrs. Dashwood was conscious
+that she preferred their society one at a time. Marianne and Margaret
+had much more in common, and would be happy together, and when her
+Elinor had gone her Margaret would come back and all would be as
+before, if not more delightful than ever. Mrs. Dashwood was usually
+able to look forward to perfect bliss.
+
+Sir John’s departure had begun the break-up of the party at the Park.
+Mrs. Jennings returned to London, taking Miss Steele with her, and Lady
+Middleton and the children were to follow her thither in a few days.
+The frequent visiting and invitations from the Park now ceased. Mr.
+Atherton did not intend neglect, but he was so much engaged in going
+to Newton Hall that he came to the Cottage not more than thrice in the
+week. Mary Whitaker was, however, a constant visitor, and could be
+depended on to bring news of the outer world.
+
+Mr. Willoughby’s reappearance in the neighbourhood after four years of
+absence had been the subject of some comment. It was known that at one
+time he had enjoyed the favour of old Mrs. Smith of Allenham Court,
+that he had paid yearly visits to her, and that she had been heard
+to speak of him as her heir. Then the time came when the servants at
+Allenham had reported to their acquaintances in Barton village that
+the old lady had taken a dislike to Mr. John, and for several years
+he had not come near the place. Last spring he was there again, and
+Mrs. Willoughby with him, and Mrs. Smith seemed fully as fond of him
+as ever before, though she had not taken to the lady. Mr. John had a
+way with him that pleased the old mistress, and when she was taken
+ill later in the summer it was “John! John! John!” she must have, and
+no one else would do. He had come, and she had rallied and got about
+again, and before he went away Mr. John had promised he would come if
+ever she wanted him, no matter where he was. Little did he think he
+would only see her again in her coffin! But so it was! Mrs. Smith’s
+own maid had gone into her bedroom as she always did to draw the
+blinds, and it gave her a turn to see how white the mistress looked
+there on the pillow, and she did but touch her hand, and it was cold
+as death--and well it might be cold, for the old lady was dead, and
+though they sent for the apothecary he could do nothing but send for
+her lawyer, and he it was that had sent for Mr. John. Such was the tale
+known to the village, and brought to Mrs. Dashwood by Mary Whitaker,
+who had it from Mrs. Brent at the shop.
+
+It was possible therefore that in the future the Willoughbys would be
+the near neighbours of the ladies at Barton Cottage unless Allenham
+Court were sold or let, which, as Elinor pointed out, was at least
+possible. Mrs. Dashwood rejoiced in her forethought in again admitting
+Mr. Willoughby to their acquaintance, for nothing could be more
+uncomfortable than to be constantly avoiding him. Elinor could not but
+think that the Willoughbys would have been less likely to settle at
+Allenham Court if her mother and Margaret had been unforgiving.
+
+At present all was surmise, for the intelligence received had its
+source in the servants’ hall at the Court, and trickled through various
+channels before reaching the Cottage.
+
+The funeral was not long past before a more trustworthy informant
+arrived to give them fuller particulars. Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor were
+sitting together in the parlour when “Mr. Willoughby” was announced,
+and he followed Thomas into the room with his old impetuosity.
+
+He took Mrs. Dashwood’s hand--she could not withhold it--and pressed it
+in his. He bowed to Elinor, who made a slight movement of greeting, but
+it was to Mrs. Dashwood that he addressed himself. He came to tell her,
+what she already knew, that he was the new owner of Allenham. He spoke
+of his shame at having forfeited her friendship, his desire for its
+renewal, his intention of spending some months every year at Allenham,
+and his fear lest this should be displeasing to her, though it appeared
+so desirable to himself. He hoped she would visit his wife, but feared
+he was asking too much. He ceased--and Mrs. Dashwood could make her
+reply. It was such as might be expected by those who knew her. She saw
+no reason why they should not be neighbours. She would have pleasure in
+making Mrs. Willoughby’s acquaintance. There was nothing in the past to
+be regretted. All had turned out for the best.
+
+“No, no, madam! That I cannot allow. Best for Marianne, no doubt! It
+could not be well for her to depend for her happiness on such a one as
+myself. But for me? No, no! I protest, my regrets must be lifelong, and
+not the less for being deserved.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood could not but smile at such disarming humility and,
+with the comfortable adage that bygones should be bygones, changed
+the conversation by an inquiry as to the details of Mrs. Smith’s last
+illness. It was hoped that she did not suffer. He replied suitably,
+and with the appearance of feeling; and, taking the hint that no
+further reference to the past was desired, he began to discuss the
+neighbourhood, the improvements he intended, the tenants of the various
+farms, and spoke of Grice’s farm as one that was in good order and
+occupied by valuable tenants.
+
+“I happened to go there in July for a friend’s address, and had a look
+round the place and a chat with Mrs. Grice. My friend was staying
+there last April, but, unfortunately, though I was then at Allenham, I
+did not know of his being so near until he was gone. I heard he was in
+the Baltic, but had to get the name of the sloop he is commanding. Did
+you happen to hear of him? Pennington is his name.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood remarked that he had dined at the Park.
+
+“Yes, that is how I heard of his visit. I was amazingly disappointed,
+for I should like of all things to see him again. These naval officers
+are for ever slipping through one’s fingers.”
+
+“How did you make his acquaintance?” asked Elinor. She had not spoken
+before this, and Willoughby started slightly, but turned to her, all
+attention.
+
+“I met him fairly often at his club playing cards,” he replied. “I
+preferred to have him as a partner rather than as an opponent, so you
+can guess the degree of his proficiency. He is well known at the club,
+and generally liked. I am only one of his admirers.”
+
+Elinor was satisfied with this reply. It confirmed her opinion that
+Commander Pennington was all he ought not to be, and she felt a slight
+relenting towards Willoughby for having furnished this information. Her
+mother saw with amusement how the conversation affected her, but did
+not pursue it.
+
+Willoughby inquired for Margaret, and learnt that she was quite
+recovered, was at Delaford with Mrs. Brandon, and was not expected home
+for some weeks. He thought the air of Delaford--and the society--likely
+to be of great benefit, and mentioned the theatricals with just enough
+of wit and sense and not too much of either; spoke of Mr. Atherton’s
+approaching marriage, and commended his choice; alluded to his regret
+that Margaret had been unable to take the part of Sabrina, admired her
+voice, compared it, again with a sigh, to Mrs. Brandon’s. Mrs. Dashwood
+was about to weary of his conversation when he got up to take leave,
+expressing his sincere gratitude for the graciousness of his reception.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+
+Elinor represented to her mother that the account Willoughby gave of
+his friend should be communicated to Margaret, but Mrs. Dashwood would
+not hear of it.
+
+“I will not have Margaret troubled in the matter. We know nothing of
+his feeling, or of hers, and I am disinclined to exert any influence.
+Certainly it appears that he may be something of a fashionable gambler,
+but we have only the word of one man, and he not very trustworthy, and
+it is most probable that Commander Pennington’s character in no wise
+concerns us. I cannot have Margaret’s mind disturbed and her recovery
+retarded by any disquieting statements which cannot be proved, and
+which would probably only serve to remind her of an incident which is
+best forgotten.”
+
+Elinor’s judgment was thus overruled and no letter was sent to Margaret
+describing Willoughby’s visit. However, she felt herself at liberty to
+write freely to Marianne. They had always been deeply attached, and
+were completely in each other’s confidence. It was but natural that
+her letter should be without reserve. She crossed it at the end with
+the words, “Do not speak of all this to Margaret,” but as Marianne did
+not notice this addition till she had read and reread the letter, and
+discussed its contents with Margaret, the instruction might as well
+have been omitted.
+
+                                          BARTON COTTAGE,
+                                              _September 14th, 1813_.
+
+  MY DEAREST MARIANNE,
+
+  You will be surprised to hear of the visitor who called yesterday,
+  and I have some fear that you will also be displeased. It was John
+  Willoughby. Margaret may have told you that he has been in the
+  neighbourhood this summer, as she herself has seen more of him than
+  we have. I was at first unwilling to acknowledge his acquaintance,
+  but my mother wished that we should keep up the outward appearance of
+  civility, and Margaret has danced with him on two occasions. We were
+  not, however, prepared for his calling at Barton Cottage.
+
+  Mrs. Smith has lately died, and he and Mrs. Willoughby will live at
+  Allenham for some months in the year, and he came to beg my mother
+  to notice his wife. She agreed. You know her goodness of heart,
+  but I cannot but fear you will not approve so much complaisance.
+  Do not, however, be alarmed, my dearest sister, we will not allow
+  you to be annoyed by meeting them. It will not be difficult to time
+  your visits to Barton so that they shall not coincide with the
+  Willoughbys’ residence at Allenham. One further communication I must
+  tell you which troubles me for Margaret. You will know from her that
+  she has lately made the acquaintance of a Commander Pennington in
+  circumstances which I cannot but think were neither to the credit
+  of his manners nor of her discretion. However, the acquaintance was
+  made, and led to his calling on my mother and some promise of his
+  seeing them again on his return to England. I regret to say that
+  Willoughby claims this man as his friend, plays cards with him at
+  his club, and describes him as a proficient gamester, well known in
+  London clubs as such. I hope, however, that his idea has already been
+  effectually dispelled from her mind by the advances of Walter Carey,
+  who begged to have news of her yesterday, and sends her his best
+  regards. The former incident, as our mother says, is best forgotten,
+  and I dare say it has already passed from Margaret’s mind.
+
+  I hope little Edward is good and gives you no trouble that can be
+  avoided.
+
+  Forgive me, my dearest sister, for vexing you with all this
+  concerning the past, but the annoyance must be known to you now or
+  later.
+
+  I look forward to being with you again; but enjoy our mother’s
+  society in the extreme.
+
+                                       Yours affectionately,
+                                                   ELINOR FERRARS.
+
+Marianne was very much surprised on getting this letter, as none of the
+confidences which Elinor supposed to have passed between Margaret and
+herself had taken place.
+
+She carried it at once to her sister, and laughingly taxed her with
+concealment.
+
+“To think that you have seen Willoughby and danced with him, and told
+me nothing of it. I insist on hearing all about him at once. He was
+quite a beau of mine, as Miss Steele would say. It is amazing to look
+back and see how differently I felt in those days, and how little
+I then thought of the man who is now so dear to me. But tell me of
+Willoughby, Margaret. I must hear all about him. Did he ask for me?”
+
+Margaret told her of the stream of questions and outspoken admiration
+which had formed the main part of his conversation, and Marianne was
+greatly entertained.
+
+“Of course you were right, Margaret, to listen to him and be agreeable.
+Why should poor Willoughby be shunned? It is all so long ago, and not
+of any moment now. But now tell me of this Commander Pennington, his
+friend.”
+
+Margaret felt instant agitation, but she asked as quietly as she could:
+
+“What do you know of him?”
+
+“Nay, rather what do you know? Our prudent Elinor says you made his
+acquaintance in circumstances that reflect no credit on his manners or
+on your discretion, and that our mother declares the incident is best
+forgotten. Come, Margaret, I must know! Consider how dull a life I
+lead--my husband away and no one to amuse me but Edward and yourself.
+Do not deny me the pleasure of a little romance.”
+
+Margaret turned away. She was unable to speak. She could not recount
+the incidents lightly. She would not willingly make much of them.
+Marianne, perceiving her distress, took her gently by the hand and said:
+
+“Is it possible that this is more serious than my mother and Elinor
+believe? Will you not confide in me, Margaret? I will not advise you or
+blame you for indiscretion. I have been too indiscreet myself to wish
+to influence you, but you are sure of my sympathy and of my affection.”
+
+Margaret’s reserve was broken down. She told her sister of the meeting
+on the downs, of her dread of discussion, of the second meeting, and
+the third, and lastly, of the visit to the Cottage. She did not dwell
+on these, but her memory was so exact, her account so clear, that it
+was evident to Marianne that her sister had been deeply affected. She
+led the conversation to Walter Carey, and his message, and saw in her
+sister’s face that the topic was distasteful. She returned to Commander
+Pennington, and spoke of his being a friend of Willoughby’s.
+
+“I rather think that our dear Elinor, in the goodness of her heart
+towards me, is ready to think ill of any friend of Willoughby’s, but,
+indeed, I do not think it such a serious charge. Willoughby had many
+friends of all degrees of intimacy. They all play cards at the clubs,
+but I do not know that there need be any wrong-doing about that. I do
+not consider it is proved that your friend should be called a gamester.
+As to your meeting and talking on the downs, it seems to me of all
+things most natural. Were you to turn your back on him after the
+service he had done you? I sympathize with you, too, on the question of
+secrecy. Willoughby and I were less careful, and we suffered much from
+Sir John and dear old Mrs. Jennings, whom I have long forgiven for the
+miserable moments she gave me.”
+
+Margaret found the relief of this full confidence and understanding to
+be very great. She had not spoken to her mother on the subject since
+learning from Elinor that her mother’s opinion of Commander Pennington
+was unfavourable, and she was young enough to need the relief of
+speaking her thoughts. Marianne was delighted. Her joy in romance was
+her strength as well as her weakness, and she was made very happy by
+hearing of this which might prove to be a genuine case of love at first
+sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+
+The elder Mrs. Ferrars was connected with the Dashwoods in two ways.
+John Dashwood had married her daughter, Fanny, and her elder son,
+Edward, was the husband of Elinor. In spite of these intermarriages the
+two families were very far from being intimate. Mrs. Dashwood had never
+been in company with Mrs. Ferrars, Marianne only once, and that four
+years ago.
+
+Mrs. Ferrars was a woman whose only claim to eminence was her lack
+of amiability. True, she was also wealthy, but a number of people
+were wealthier, while for sheer ill-nature, unrelieved by any more
+important vice, Mrs. Ferrars attained distinction. Even when obliged
+to say or do something that would ordinarily give pleasure she could
+contrive to say or do it in a disagreeable manner. Her visit to Edward
+was purposely ill-timed. She disliked his wife rather more than she
+disliked most of her acquaintances, and to come when Elinor was away,
+and the household not at its best, was a sure way of humiliating her
+in several ways at once. By coming when her son was alone she made it
+clear that she did not wish to see his wife. By finding the domestic
+arrangements inadequate, the inefficiency of Elinor as a housekeeper
+was demonstrated; and in upsetting the servants, by introducing two of
+her own to wait on her, she could feel assured that Elinor’s return
+home would be rendered less agreeable by the complaints of her maids.
+
+Edward himself could feel no pleasure in the thought of his mother’s
+visit. She despised him for his profession, for his wife, for his
+lack of fashion, and for his love of rational pursuits. In order to
+enforce her disapproval she brought Robert, the younger brother, whom
+she professed to admire for being the opposite of her elder son. Mrs.
+Ferrars travelled in state in her own carriage with her man and maid
+following in a hired chaise. They were to arrive in time for dinner on
+Monday and stay till the following Friday.
+
+Edward implored Marianne to come and do the honours of his
+dinner-table, but she would not consent to break in on the family
+party, only promising that she and Margaret would walk down to drink
+tea with them later. They arrived at the parsonage at a time when
+Edward had come to the end of his conversation and was sitting in
+awkward silence, while Robert whistled and examined the pictures, and
+Mrs. Ferrars was fully occupied in looking displeased.
+
+The entrance of two pretty young women could not but be interesting to
+Robert, who stared at them until he was introduced, bowed, and then
+stared again.
+
+Mrs. Ferrars remarked disparagingly that Margaret was very like Elinor.
+Robert, with the intention of being agreeable, remarked that his mother
+was wrong. Miss Margaret was better-looking than Elinor. Mrs. Ferrars
+maintained that she was right in thinking them very much alike--they
+were both pale and small--and Edward was called upon to decide on the
+relative beauty, or lack of beauty, of his wife and her sister.
+
+Marianne had learnt something in her contact with the world of
+fashion. She knew that some forms of insolence were best met by a
+like incivility. She therefore called on Edward to decide whether the
+absent Fanny were most like her mother, Mrs. Ferrars, or her brother,
+Mr. Robert, and would have continued the discussion in detail, with
+comments on the shapes of noses and the expression of eyes, if Edward
+had not stopped it by some obvious remark about the impossibility of
+deciding on likenesses as every one saw them differently.
+
+Mrs. Ferrars eyed her opponent with some degree of liking. This
+was much better than Elinor’s quiet respect, Fanny’s affectionate
+admiration, or even than Lucy’s servile adulation. It was seldom that
+she met with a young woman who might very well be rude to her, if
+sufficiently annoyed. Margaret need only be ignored, but it could be
+expected that there would be pleasure in contradicting Marianne, and
+even in being contradicted by her.
+
+The next subject of conversation was the surprisingly early hour
+at which Edward dined. She had been unable to eat a dinner at
+four o’clock, and she could not take supper. Travelling was very
+uncomfortable if it entailed such irregular meals. Here again Marianne
+was ready for her. The time that Elinor and Edward had fixed for their
+dinner hour was exactly that chosen by the King and the Royal Family,
+having been recommended to the King by the Royal physician as being the
+best hour to ensure perfect health. Again Edward stopped Marianne’s
+flow of talk by remarking that it was impossible to decide on the best
+time for dinner as every one preferred a different one, but his mother
+had but to say what time she liked and it should be arranged. This,
+however, did not please Mrs. Ferrars, for it robbed her of a ground of
+complaint. She remarked that she could not think of making any such
+suggestion, and then considered a few moments before making her next
+attack.
+
+Marianne employed the interval by telling Edward some of the clever
+things small Edward had been saying, all of which were noticed by the
+grandmother with only one remark:
+
+“All children talk in that way if they are too much indulged.”
+
+Mrs. Ferrars now asked for Marianne’s agreement on a point in question
+between herself and Edward. She was dissatisfied to find that Edward
+was unwilling to leave the parish for the space of a week or two in
+order to accompany her to Scotland. She evidently did not particularly
+desire his society, but she did not like to have to go alone. Edward,
+though ready enough to yield on unimportant matters, was now firm. He
+would not consider absenting himself from Sunday duty. As Robert had
+engagements in town there was no help for it. Their mother must go to
+Scotland alone. Marianne expressed pity for the lonely traveller, but
+agreed with Edward that he could not leave his work to make one of his
+mother’s retinue.
+
+“It is unfortunate, madam, that you did not come here a little earlier.
+My husband and his friend are but just gone to Scotland and would have
+been happy to escort you,” said Marianne with more of politeness than
+truth.
+
+Mrs. Ferrars made no reply, with the design of showing Marianne that
+the happiness would not have been shared.
+
+“They have gone to stay with Lord G---- to shoot on the moors,”
+Marianne added.
+
+This intelligence roused Mrs. Ferrars, whose acquaintance did not
+include so many titles as to render her indifferent to them. Mrs.
+Brandon, though Elinor’s sister, appeared to know some people of
+importance. She was also rich and handsome, and these advantages began
+to have some effect on Mrs. Ferrars.
+
+“And why did you not go with them?” she asked.
+
+“I had my sister with me and the care of the two children,” replied
+Marianne.
+
+Mrs. Ferrars darted a vicious look at Margaret, as though to say that
+she did not matter, and continued:
+
+“Elinor should return. She has been away quite long enough. If she came
+back you could join your husband. Edward, if you will go and fetch
+Elinor home I will take Mrs. Brandon to Scotland. We will start on
+Friday.”
+
+Marianne resolutely declined, but Mrs. Ferrars only looked at her with
+renewed distaste, and said:
+
+“You should be with your husband. Young women should be with their
+husbands. Elinor should not be so long from Edward, and you should come
+to Scotland with me.”
+
+Edward was roused to saying that Elinor might not wish to come home
+yet, and that Margaret must be considered.
+
+Robert was all for solving this problem by taking Miss Margaret back
+to London with him to visit Lucy, and Mrs. Ferrars dealt with it by
+remarking that there would be room in the carriage for Miss Margaret if
+she did not mind sitting backward.
+
+Marianne again declared that she had not the power to accept Mrs.
+Ferrars’s kind offer of conveying her to her husband, and soon
+afterwards took leave, being sped on her way by a look of resentment
+from the little lady’s eye and a final: “You should be with your
+husband.” While Margaret was dismissed with a nod and the information
+that she was certainly very like her sister Elinor.
+
+Marianne was not so entirely opposed to the scheme of joining her
+husband in Scotland as she had pretended. The difficulties were not
+great, and she had only dwelt on them with the intention of being
+contradictory. She felt--Marianne was incapable of scheming--but she
+felt, without putting it into words, that to decline Mrs. Ferrars’s
+proposal would only make her more determined that it should be
+accepted. It would certainly be renewed on every occasion that they
+met, with added venom and reproach.
+
+As the sisters returned to the mansion-house Marianne put before
+Margaret the advantage of the scheme, beginning with the charm of being
+again with her husband and ending with that of being in a position to
+tease Mrs. Ferrars through a journey of several days.
+
+“I delight in vexing her. She has not been opposed as she should, and
+it must be of use to her to have something to be cross about and some
+one who deserves her displeasure. She would be just as cross anyway,
+and for less reason. I consider that, while amusing myself, I do her a
+real service.”
+
+“I question if it would be good for either of you for so long a time
+as the journey to Scotland would occupy, or in so small a space as her
+coach.”
+
+“No, I should be obliged to rest sometimes, or the enjoyment of
+quarrelling would lessen. But consider, Margaret, would you not greatly
+like to see Scotland? You have never been far from home, and you said
+but a few days ago how much you wished to travel. This method of
+travelling would be comfortable and respectable. We could not go in a
+public conveyance, but we may be sure that, however disagreeable Mrs.
+Ferrars may wish to be, there will be nothing about her arrangements to
+displease us. Do let us see if it can be managed. Edward could start
+for Barton to-morrow, and Elinor and he would be back on Friday. Nanny
+can be trusted to care for the children for the one day that we shall
+all be away. If you consent I will write to Mamma, and Edward can take
+it to-morrow.”
+
+Margaret saw that her sister was attracted by the idea, and would
+not oppose her. Edward could be relied on to do as he was asked, for
+there could be no question of their journeyings interfering with his
+Sunday work. He would certainly rejoice in the prospect of missing the
+remainder of his mother’s visit, and getting his wife home. Margaret
+was willing to leave the decision to Marianne. There was no fear that
+their stay in Scotland would be a long one, for as soon as she was with
+her husband Marianne would certainly begin to long for her child, and
+the scheme of joining Colonel Brandon would be more likely to shorten
+than to lengthen his absence from home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+
+Elinor was surprised on Tuesday afternoon, while sitting at work with
+her mother, to hear familiar footsteps coming up the path. It was
+Edward, bringing news of the intended visit to Scotland, of Margaret’s
+improved health, of the well-doing of their child, and lastly, though
+this was not explicitly stated, of his mother’s continued ill-temper.
+Elinor was happy to have him with her, and Mrs. Dashwood scarcely less
+so. She was delighted with the scheme for taking Margaret to Scotland,
+delighted to have news of her grandchildren, and, though regretting
+Elinor’s nearer departure, delighted to think of her daughter having
+the pleasure of her husband’s society.
+
+The dinner-hour was never more pleasantly spent, Mrs. Dashwood
+expressing in every look and word that affection for her sons-in-law
+which so greatly enhanced the happiness of their wives.
+
+Dinner being over, Edward wished to walk down to the village, where
+he had left his chaise and horses, see to the comfort of the latter,
+and call at the parsonage for a word with Mr. Atherton. Mrs. Dashwood
+agreed to accompany him, and they walked away together.
+
+Elinor was still standing at the gate after seeing them on their
+way when she became aware of some one approaching from the opposite
+direction. It was a stranger to her; an agreeable-looking man. He
+walked fast, and was soon near. Though she had still no idea of his
+being acquainted with her, from his stopping and bowing she saw that
+he, at least, claimed some knowledge of her.
+
+“My name is Pennington,” he said, “I am acquainted with Mrs. Dashwood
+and her daughter. Is it to Mrs. Ferrars that I speak?”
+
+This last was a conjecture founded on Willoughby’s description of
+Elinor, which her expression at the moment almost justified.
+
+“Yes, I am Mrs. Ferrars. My mother is out walking. Can I give her a
+message from you when she returns?”
+
+She did not ask him to come in, and he did not appear to wish it. He
+only looked at her steadily and asked:
+
+“Is Margaret well?”
+
+She replied in a simple affirmative.
+
+“Is she at home?”
+
+“My sister is at Delaford with Mrs. Brandon,” then, as his face showed
+a determination which she construed correctly, she added: “Unless she
+has already started for a tour in Scotland.”
+
+“You do not know for certain?” he asked.
+
+Elinor replied that she believed they had not started yet. She was
+angry with herself for telling him so much, but his questions and his
+look were so direct that she must be sincere.
+
+He thanked her courteously, said he would write to Mrs. Dashwood,
+and walked off as he had come, leaving her with some regrets for her
+lack of cordiality. Her regrets would have been increased, though the
+grounds changed, if she had been able to see round the corner of the
+lane. For as he walked along with head bent in thought, he was hailed
+by whom but Willoughby!
+
+Richard Pennington was decidedly the less interested of the two, but he
+nodded pleasantly, shook hands, and asked:
+
+“What brings you here?”
+
+“Nay, I might rather ask that,” said Willoughby. “I thought you were to
+be in the Baltic for another month at least.”
+
+“We were recalled on the very day I got your letter. We were paid off
+yesterday.”
+
+“Well, then! Again I ask you what brings you here? Here is a man just
+come ashore, and with money in his pocket, and he spends his time in a
+Devonshire village. What’s the attraction? I know Mrs. Grice was once
+your nurse, but you can surely do without her for a few months at a
+time?”
+
+Richard Pennington’s reply was that he was leaving Barton at once.
+Willoughby immediately asked if he was going to London, and if so
+offered a seat in his curricle.
+
+“I may go to London eventually, but at present I am on my way to a
+place called Delaford. Have you any knowledge of its whereabouts?”
+
+“Delaford? I have never been there, but I have a friend, an old friend,
+who lives at the mansion. I will drive you thither on my way to London,
+and perhaps call on my friend. No! best not, but I will certainly take
+you there. I suppose you have business to transact. Do you know the
+Brandons?”
+
+Pennington replied that he did not. He did not feel for Willoughby the
+degree of confidence and friendship which was professed for himself,
+and though willing to take a seat in the curricle and to talk on
+affairs in the Baltic or other less important matters, he had no idea
+of discussing his errand to Delaford with anyone.
+
+“I must write a letter and pack my bag, and will then be at your
+service,” he said, “if, as I understand, you wish to start this
+evening. Otherwise I will see if I can hire a chaise.”
+
+“You are in a hurry! However, I am willing to start in an hour’s time
+if it pleases you. There is moonlight, and we shall be well on our way
+before dark. We can sleep at Honiton and reach Delaford in the morning.”
+
+Richard Pennington returned to the farm, wrote a short note to Mrs.
+Dashwood, and was gone before the farm-lad, to whom he gave it for
+delivery, had put it into Thomas’s hand at the door of Barton Cottage.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood and Edward returned from their walk, chatting of trivial
+matters. They were met by Elinor with so disturbed and anxious a
+countenance that her mother took instant alarm.
+
+“Have you bad news? Has a post come while we were away, or a messenger?”
+
+Elinor reassured her. Nothing untoward had happened. There had been a
+visitor, and she had been uncertain how to act, but hoped she had done
+right.
+
+“Tell me, Elinor, what is it? I insist on knowing the worst.”
+
+“Pray, mamma, do not be disturbed. The visitor was Commander
+Pennington. He asked for you, and I told him you were not within, and
+he asked for Margaret, and I fear I did wrong--but I told him where
+Margaret is.”
+
+“I do not see why that should be wrong,” said Mrs. Dashwood. “I
+suppose he will come and see me again. Did he say where he was staying?
+He did not expect to be in England again so soon, when he left us last
+April.”
+
+She spoke in a light, cheerful tone. She had always considered that
+Elinor thought too much both of Richard Pennington’s admiration of
+Margaret and of his possible shortcomings. Elinor’s kindness and
+goodness of heart must always be valued, but her mother did sometimes
+wish she would be less serious.
+
+“Who is this Commander Pennington?” asked Edward. “Is it that admirer
+of Margaret’s? By the way, I wonder if by any chance he is Richard
+Pennington. If so, I knew him some six or seven years ago, long before
+I became a country parson. He spent some of his leave with a friend of
+mine, an excellent fellow. I wish I had seen him.”
+
+Poor Elinor! Her discretion had been too great, and she regretted it as
+she had never expected to regret the exercise of her favourite virtue.
+Her mother appeared to think her discretion as unimportant as anything
+else in the matter. The subject was swept aside, and Edward was led to
+give an entertaining account of Mrs. Ferrars at Delaford Parsonage,
+and the various grounds of complaint over Elinor’s arrangements,
+which amused both ladies excessively. Elinor, secure in Edward’s
+satisfaction, cared for no other criticism, and Mrs. Dashwood shed
+tears of laughter at the account Edward gave of Mrs. Ferrars’s servants
+compelled to associate with the parsonage maids, who knew nothing of
+London ways.
+
+Edward’s bag must now be unpacked, and Elinor went with him to see him
+do it, and arrange his handkerchiefs and brushes as he liked. They
+had not been together for some weeks, and it was natural that some
+half-hour should be occupied in what need not have taken many minutes.
+While they were absent a note was handed to Mrs. Dashwood, which she
+read with astonishment:
+
+  DEAR MADAM,
+
+  I called this evening in the hope of seeing your daughter, Margaret.
+  If I had been so fortunate as to find you at home I should have told
+  you of my errand, which was to ask your daughter to become my wife. I
+  hear that she is starting for Scotland almost immediately. There is
+  therefore no time to be lost if I am to see her before she goes. When
+  this is in your hands I shall be on my way to Delaford.
+
+                                    Believe me, dear madam,
+                                                 Yours obediently,
+                                                   RICHARD PENNINGTON.
+
+Mrs. Dashwood read and reread the letter. She had to decide at once.
+Should she, or should she not, speak of it to Elinor? She decided that
+she would not do so; shut it in her desk, and stood by the window
+looking out at the rising moon. She would not answer the letter. He did
+not ask for her consent--it was not her consent that he wanted--but as
+she remained there looking out into the garden, and thinking of her
+Margaret at Delaford, she gave him her consent, and wished him well
+with all her heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+
+Mrs. Ferrars, as Marianne expected, repeated her request that the
+sisters should accompany her to Scotland. She was none the less
+surprised at having her offer accepted.
+
+The contest between the elder and the younger lady was still carried
+on, but the ground of difference was changed. It was not now whether
+Marianne should or should not join her husband in Scotland, but whether
+she was doing so to please herself or out of kindness to Mrs. Ferrars,
+who always assumed the one reason and Marianne the other.
+
+It was Wednesday morning. Edward had left on Tuesday, was giving his
+horses two days’ rest, and would return on Friday, bringing Elinor back
+to take charge of the children and soothe her disturbed household. Mrs.
+Ferrars, Marianne and Margaret were to start early on Friday, with man
+and maid in the chaise behind, and intended to reach Bath in time for
+the Sunday. The journey was to be continued at a similarly leisurely
+pace and Margaret looked forward with great interest to the coming week.
+
+This morning Marianne found it necessary to go to the village to
+give some orders, and had added that she proposed to look in on Mrs.
+Ferrars to give her something vexatious to think about. As soon as
+she was gone, Margaret took some work and went to sit in an old yew
+arbour which stood on a mound against the high wall that surrounded the
+garden. Thence she could see Marianne walking along the lane towards
+the village, the morning coach passing on the turnpike road, then a
+cart, and later a gentleman’s carriage.
+
+It was a cheerful place in which to spend an hour or two in the open
+air without the fatigue of walking or the necessity for change of
+dress. She had been settled there for about half an hour when she
+noticed a curricle coming along the road at a rapid pace. It stopped,
+and a man got out, and spoke to his companion, who then drove forward
+more slowly. Margaret had nothing very particular to do, and at first
+she watched this figure with idle interest, but it was not long before
+she became aware that he had turned into the lane, not long before she
+knew who it was, and not long before he was standing below her on the
+other side of the wall, and looking up.
+
+“May I come up there, Margaret?” he asked.
+
+“Yes, if you can,” she replied, “but there is a way round by the great
+gate.”
+
+The gallant Commander was not the man to go round by any great gate
+when a more direct way was before him. The wall was of rough stone,
+and some of the stones projected. He was soon near the top, but then
+experienced some difficulty.
+
+“Shall I give you a hand?” she asked.
+
+“Yes, if you will,” said he.
+
+He did not, however, give up the hand when he was beside her in
+the gazebo. They sat down together, and though Margaret might ask
+questions about the journey it was difficult to keep up a purely formal
+conversation when he held her hand. So it was not long before she was
+silent, and he began to speak, and told her of his errand. It was to
+ask her a simple question, and, when she heard the question, she was in
+no doubt as to the answer.
+
+When Marianne returned from her latest discussion with Mrs. Ferrars
+she heard that which put all quarrels out of her head. It was a joyful
+day for Marianne. She was not the less in love with romance because
+she was also in love with the Colonel, and by the time she had heard
+all they would tell her she was, outwardly at least, by far the most
+enthusiastic of the three. They quitted her soon to indulge in the
+endless discussions, the long silences, the renewed converse, which
+are so familiar to all who have been in love. Marianne was left to the
+enjoyment of her own thoughts and the formation of further plans.
+
+It was not until dinner was over and Marianne had exercised her right
+as hostess to secure their company in the drawing-room that she
+produced her scheme.
+
+“Richard,” she asked, “how soon do you wish to be married?”
+
+“As soon as is possible,” he replied promptly.
+
+“I will not ask Margaret. She would only give me some evasive reply,
+but I will ask her another question. Do you want to have every one at
+Barton asking you questions and then inventing the answers and saying
+you said this or that, and noticing when you blush, and teasing you and
+vexing you in every imaginable way?”
+
+“I do not think I mind very much. I am used to that sort of thing, and
+now----”
+
+“That is the wrong answer, Margaret,” said Richard. “You should have
+replied as I did, in the way your sister expected. You should have said
+simply ‘No.’”
+
+“Her answer was perfectly satisfactory to me, thank you, Richard. She
+ended it with ‘and now.’ That means, does it not, Margaret, that being
+to marry Richard makes everything right. Correct me if I am wrong. I do
+not wish to attribute to you anything you do not willingly admit.”
+
+Margaret willingly admitted as she was asked, and Marianne expressed
+herself satisfied.
+
+“Richard wishes to get married as soon as possible, and Margaret admits
+that nothing else matters. Now for my third question, which is for both
+of you. Do you wish to please me greatly?”
+
+This was immediately agreed to by both.
+
+“Well, then, do, do come to Scotland with us, Richard, and be married
+there. It is the most entrancing scheme. I have been thinking of it
+half the morning. Margaret and I will travel with Mrs. Ferrars, and
+you will follow in a hired chaise. At all the stops there you will
+be, and I will present you to Mrs. Ferrars as a mere acquaintance. We
+shall spend Sunday in Bath, and I will take care that she is kept out
+of the way, but she is bound to see you, and to find out that you are
+following us, and she will be so delightfully angry at your continued
+appearances, and abuse you so much, and I shall enjoy myself beyond
+measure.”
+
+Margaret protested that their marriage was being pressed into service
+to keep up the contest with Mrs. Ferrars, but Marianne would not have
+it so. She had other and better reasons to urge.
+
+“Do think how deplorably unromantic our marriages have been. Mamma, to
+begin with, marrying Papa, years and years older than herself, and a
+widower of all things. Then Elinor, with dear good Edward, who is the
+most prosaic creature in the world, and as to myself, though I would
+not have anything different, no one can possibly think my marriage in
+the least romantic. Now you two have the most amazing opportunity.
+Nothing could exceed the delightful romance of your situation. To make
+it perfect you must elope.”
+
+“Mamma----” began Margaret.
+
+“Mamma will be delighted,” went on Marianne. “She said at my wedding
+that she hoped she would never have to undergo so much of fuss and
+ceremony again. She even said she hoped you would elope when your turn
+came, though I do not suppose she quite meant that. However, there can
+be no harm in taking her at her word.”
+
+“That is not what I meant,” said Margaret. “I did not think she would
+particularly desire wedding festivities, but I think she should know
+what is happening, that her consent----”
+
+“I wrote to her before I came away,” said Richard.
+
+This was unexpected.
+
+“Do you mean she knows?” asked Margaret.
+
+“She knows what I wanted.”
+
+“And she did not object? She consented,” declared Marianne. “There can
+be no question of it. If she had wished to prevent it she would have
+done so.”
+
+“She did not have very much time,” said Richard.
+
+“Oh, Mamma always says if she does not wish anything. Besides, she
+would never oppose us in anything that was of real importance. I am
+sure Mamma would be on my side. She would love to vex Mrs. Ferrars.”
+
+“There is one thing I do not like,” said Richard. “How about the
+Colonel? This is his house. I do not want to elope from it without his
+consent.”
+
+“Oh!” said Marianne. “That is another point. You would never, never
+guess it to look at him, but my husband was once all ready prepared to
+elope himself, only all was discovered.”
+
+“With you?” asked Richard, puzzled.
+
+“No, not with me, with another lady, long, long ago. It is a great
+secret; but it will be impossible for him to make any objection to
+elopements from his house. Also, I really do not see what else is to
+be done. You would not wish Margaret to go to Scotland, and leave you
+here?”
+
+Richard agreed that he would not.
+
+“Of course she could stay on at the parsonage with Elinor.”
+
+Margaret thought not.
+
+“Well, then, there is nothing for it but for you to come to Scotland
+with us, and when there it would be a pity not to get married. For if
+you do you can go straight back together to Mamma, and you will see at
+once if you have vexed her. But I think it will amuse and please her of
+all things.”
+
+It did really seem to be a plan of some convenience. Marianne assumed
+it to be settled. Richard found it very much to his liking, and
+Margaret only stipulated that they should write without delay to her
+mother.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+
+The elopement took place, with the unconscious Mrs. Ferrars and the
+deeply interested Mrs. Brandon as chaperones. It was, of course, a very
+romantic affair.
+
+The journey through England was as delightful as such a journey must
+be. It was leisurely, and if Mrs. Dashwood had wished to stop them
+she could very easily have done so. Thirty-six hours were spent in
+Bath, and at each stopping-place they arrived in time for dinner and
+did not proceed till the next day. Commander Pennington had no idea
+of keeping out of sight, and Mrs. Ferrars’s anger steadily grew,
+while her curiosity was not aroused. When they reached the Border the
+wedding ceremony was short and to the point. Marianne returned to the
+carriage without her sister, and stated that she would not accompany
+them farther as she was now married. The effect of this news on Mrs.
+Ferrars was all that Marianne had desired. It was even greater than she
+had expected, and she was not at all sorry to part from her when they
+came to the meeting-place at which Colonel Brandon had been charged to
+appear.
+
+He was there, somewhat bewildered at his wife’s unlooked-for decision
+to follow him, and not less so when he heard a part of the romantic
+adventure which had just been achieved.
+
+If Marianne supposed that an elopement would give people less to talk
+about than an ordinary wedding she was mistaken, but if, after hearing
+what Colonel Brandon had to say to her, she was afraid that she had
+hurried her young sister into an imprudent marriage, she was again
+mistaken, for the marriage proved a very happy one. It was founded,
+not on long friendship, careful choice, the wishes of true friends,
+similarity of tastes or equality of fortune, not in fact on any of
+those circumstances which bring about successful unions, but on that
+which happens to some few fortunate mortals and is called “Love at
+first sight.”
+
+Mrs. Dashwood was easily placated. She had never been very angry,
+though she would have counselled delay if she had been given the
+opportunity to offer advice. Nothing was left for her to do but to be
+kind and welcoming, and nothing was so easy. Richard Pennington was
+soon as well-beloved as her other sons-in-law, and not far behind them
+in the affection he returned.
+
+The life of a naval officer’s wife, though not so full of hardships as
+Mrs. Palmer had predicted, was not easy. It was long before Commander
+Pennington attained post-rank. He was employed on a guardship off Malta
+for some years, and Margaret had her wish of travelling, but not in
+circumstances of great wealth.
+
+When William IV came to the throne he took care of the navy, and a
+great many officers who had fancied themselves forgotten got a pleasant
+surprise. Richard was among them, and became Captain Pennington. He got
+no further promotion, but was contented with this step in rank. They
+had but one son, and their income was sufficient for their needs.
+
+If Margaret had less of some things than her sisters she had more of
+others. Marianne was right in saying that Margaret’s marriage was
+romantic for she had that kind of happiness which is not deserved
+because no one can deserve it, and Richard Pennington shared that
+happiness because he made it.
+
+But happiness _should_ result from well-doing. It must be as
+distressing to the reader as it is to the writer to notice that if
+Commander Pennington’s manners had been better he would have allowed
+Margaret to go home without attempting to make her acquaintance on
+High-church down; and if she had had more discretion she would have
+withdrawn after a proper acknowledgment of his politeness, returned
+home, and no doubt become Lady Carey in due course. _She_ might have
+been almost as happy in that case, and would certainly have been richer
+and more comfortable, but there is no doubt that _Richard’s_ happiness
+resulted from his lapse in manners, and Margaret’s inattention to
+decorum.
+
+
+THE END
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber’s note
+
+
+Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice.
+
+Spelling was retained as in the original except for the following
+changes:
+
+Page 72: “She was in her”               “She was on her”
+Page 81: “with patient displeasure”     “with patent displeasure”
+Page 155: “had noticed the Carey’s”     “had noticed the Careys’”
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77271 ***
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+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77271 ***</div>
+
+
+<h1>MARGARET DASHWOOD<br>
+or
+INTERFERENCE</h1>
+
+<p class="ph4">by</p>
+
+<p class="ph2">Mrs. FRANCIS BROWN</p>
+
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp70" id="i_titlepage-illo" style="max-width: 18.75em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_titlepage-illo.jpg" alt="">
+</figure>
+
+
+<p class="ph2">London<br>
+John Lane The Bodley Head Limited</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="ph4"><i>First published in 1929</i></p>
+
+
+<p class="ph4"><i>Made and Printed in Great Britain by<br>
+Tonbridge Printers, Peach Hall Works, Tonbridge</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<blockquote>
+<p>“Fortunately for Sir John and Mrs. Jennings,
+when Marianne was taken from them, Margaret
+had reached an age highly suitable for dancing,
+and not very ineligible for being supposed to have
+a lover.”</p>
+
+<p class="author">
+  “<i>Sense and Sensibility.</i>”
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="ph3"><span class="smcap">To</span></p>
+
+<p class="ph3"><span class="smcap">My Daughter Helen</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="ph3">MARGARET DASHWOOD</p>
+
+<p class="ph3"><i>or</i></p>
+
+<p class="ph3">INTERFERENCE</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="MARGARET_DASHWOOD">
+    MARGARET DASHWOOD
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="r5">
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">
+    CHAPTER I
+  </h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Margaret Dashwood was an observer
+of life. Her temper was calm, her manner
+gentle, and she was able to listen to the accounts
+other people gave of their activities without the
+appearance of fatigue. The circumstances of her
+life up to the age of seventeen had combined to
+increase in her these qualities, so valuable to her
+acquaintance, so agreeable to herself, and so baffling
+to those desiring a nearer intimacy. She was the
+youngest of three daughters, not so accomplished
+and self-reliant as Elinor, not so handsome and
+impulsive as Marianne, and less attractive
+than either, if to be immediately noticed is to be
+attractive.</p>
+
+<p>Their mother was a widow, whose income,
+though possibly equal to her expenditure, was
+consistently below her wishes, and the three Miss
+Dashwoods were obliged to suit their requirements
+to their mother’s purse rather than to her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Dashwood had lived for ten years
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</span>with his uncle, the owner of a large estate in Sussex
+to which Mr. Dashwood was the heir. The property
+was inherited, but enjoyed for only a twelvemonth,
+and Mrs. Dashwood became a widow with a small
+income.</p>
+
+<p>The idea of wealth takes root quickly in the
+mind, and Mrs. Dashwood was not easily convinced
+that she was now unable to afford indulgences for
+her daughters. Her own tastes were simple, or
+became so after her change of situation; and, in
+order that Elinor and Marianne might be suitably
+attired and escorted, her own pin-money was
+severely taxed. Margaret, as the youngest daughter
+and not yet grown up, had a more personal experience
+of the family economies than her sisters,
+and she learned more of the meaning of the
+word “poor” than either of them was ever to
+know.</p>
+
+<p>Six months after her husband’s death Mrs. Dashwood
+removed, with her daughters, from Norland
+Park, in the county of Sussex, to Barton Cottage,
+near Exeter. Margaret was only thirteen at the
+time of this removal and, though deeply mourning
+the loss of her father, with whom she had been
+a special favourite, her feelings on leaving her home
+were tinged quite as much with excitement as with
+regret. She had found, however, that, if she
+wished to be left in peace to her own reflections,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span>it was wise to agree with outward fervour with
+Marianne, whose sensibilities were of such a nature
+as to brook no opposition, least of all from a younger
+sister.</p>
+
+<p>In Marianne’s company Margaret expressed
+undying sorrow at parting from the woods of
+Norland—but she ran away if her father’s name
+occurred. With her mother she said little of
+regrets, but something of the joy of living in a
+cottage, and possibly keeping pigs and poultry;
+and with Elinor her subjects of conversation were
+still more limited for, as a rule, to her eldest sister
+she said nothing at all. She was quite willing to
+admire Elinor for her wisdom and elegance, but
+was not very fond of her society, and did not
+covet her notice, which usually took the form of
+gentle reproof or a slightly satirical approval.
+Margaret did not feel that she merited either.
+Most of her time was spent with Marianne, who
+would read aloud to her and rhapsodize with great
+spirit, if no older listener was to be secured. With
+her mother she was always happy, for Mrs. Dashwood
+restrained her grief when with her child,
+though she was in the habit of indulging it more
+freely with her elder daughters.</p>
+
+<p>The new owner of Norland, John Dashwood,
+the son of Mr. Dashwood by a former wife, early
+took up his residence accompanied by his wife and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span>little son, now the heir to the property. Margaret
+soon contrived to dismiss her brother and his wife
+from her thoughts as “very disagreeable.” When
+obliged to be in company with them she merely
+thought of something else, and in this way escaped
+much that tried her mother and sisters almost
+beyond bearing. Her little nephew, Harry, she
+loved dearly, and amused him untiringly, and in
+this way gained approval and some degree of
+liking from Mrs. John Dashwood. Margaret was
+as unaware of this honour as she would have been
+indifferent had she known of it.</p>
+
+<p>In one respect Elinor became the subject of
+special interest and reflection to Margaret during
+the months that followed their father’s death and
+before their removal was decided. Mrs. John
+Dashwood’s brother, Edward Ferrars, had come
+to pay a short visit to his sister, and remained to
+pay a long one. Wherever Margaret went in the
+garden or shrubbery she found Edward and Elinor
+there before her, pacing the walks in earnest talk
+or sitting on a garden-seat while Elinor drew and
+Edward read aloud to her. It was Margaret’s
+first experience of the kind, and she found it
+exceedingly interesting, so much so that on more
+than one occasion she felt inclined to call her
+mother’s attention to it, but the habit of silence
+prevailed and, later, her thoughts were distracted
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span>by her mother’s announcement of the pending
+removal.</p>
+
+<p>The day came for their departure, and Marianne’s
+tears flowed freely in the carriage as they drove
+away from Norland. Mrs. Dashwood did not
+restrain her grief, and even the self-contained
+Elinor was moved. Margaret, however, held her
+perfectly dry handkerchief up to her face and
+peeped over it at the countryside and villages.
+By and by she was able to put away the appearance
+of sorrow, and on the second day could enjoy the
+journey without pretence. Elinor was determinedly
+full of interest and admiration, Mrs. Dashwood
+responded quickly to this happier mood, and even
+Marianne brightened as the beauties of Devonshire
+came in sight. Barton Cottage itself was pronounced
+bearable, and its situation was found to
+be perfection.</p>
+
+<p>Here Margaret was to live and grow up from
+thirteen to seventeen—when our story opens—and
+much was she to observe in those four years.</p>
+
+<p>She was to see how lovers advance and retire,
+set to corners, and set to partners not only in the
+ballroom. She was to find from Sir John Middleton
+and his wife, their near neighbours, that kindness
+could be inconvenient and that children could be
+troublesome; from Colonel Brandon that a brother-in-law
+could be old enough to be her father; from
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span>Edward Ferrars that a brother-in-law could be
+sober enough to be her grandfather; from Mrs.
+Jennings, Lady Middleton’s mother, that sweethearts
+were a good joke; from Miss Steele that
+beaux were vastly entertaining; and from her own
+sisters that lovers caused more grief and pain than
+she would have supposed possible.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">
+    CHAPTER II
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>On an April day in 1813 Margaret Dashwood
+and her mother were driven up to the door
+of Barton Cottage. They left many interests
+behind them at Delaford. Elinor Ferrars at the
+parsonage, and Marianne Brandon at the mansion-house,
+the husband of each, who seemed to Mrs.
+Dashwood as dear as her own sons would have
+been if she had had any, and two attractive grandchildren,
+one in each household, made up the
+number to six dear ones left behind. It would
+not have been unlike Mrs. Dashwood’s warm-hearted
+nature to have entered her own home
+in dejection of spirits; but this was not the case.
+She hurried in, full of interest and happiness, and
+Margaret followed with the book and purse left
+in the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>“Has Mr. Atherton arrived?” Mrs. Dashwood
+asked the waiting maid. “Not yet; that is well.
+Have you his room prepared? Miss Margaret and
+I have had some refreshment on the road. Tell
+Mrs. Thomas to keep back dinner till Mr. Atherton
+arrives. He will be here before three o’clock I am
+convinced.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood greeted the other servants, who
+were assembled to meet her, with the sweetness
+of address to which they were accustomed, and
+joyfully turned to the parlour, whither Margaret had
+preceded her.</p>
+
+<p>“What a lovely fire!” she said. “And a wonderful
+basket of flowers from Sir John. What a
+kind neighbour he is! To-morrow, my love, you
+and I must walk up to the Park.”</p>
+
+<p>“And the next day Sir John and Mrs. Jennings
+will come to us,” went on Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>“And the day after Lady Middleton and little
+William,” continued Mrs. Dashwood.</p>
+
+<p>“And after that we go there again,” finished
+Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>“You do not intend any objection, my Margaret,
+surely? They are kind neighbours, and must be
+treated with attention.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret replied that she felt no objection that
+she could urge.</p>
+
+<p>“On the whole I prefer visiting them to receiving
+their calls. We have the pleasure of the walk,
+and can end the visit when we choose, and though
+doubtless we interrupt their occupations sadly, it
+is better than being interrupted ourselves.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood had done less than justice to
+Sir John Middleton’s neighbourliness of spirit.
+The flowers were no more than the herald of his
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span>goodwill. She was still re-arranging her dress in
+her bed-chamber when she saw from her window
+Sir John and Mrs. Jennings crossing the lawn,
+and heard them tapping on the window to announce
+their arrival to Margaret. Mrs. Dashwood entered
+the sitting-room in time to catch Sir John’s inquiry
+as to how many beaux Miss Margaret had left
+disconsolate behind her at Delaford, and to hear
+Mrs. Jennings’s hearty rejoinder on Margaret’s
+behalf, “Miss Margaret has only to waggle her
+little finger to have them all after her, but she will
+not take the trouble.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s composure remained undisturbed, and
+she turned a smiling face to each in turn without
+exerting herself to make any other reply.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood’s entrance stopped the flow of
+gallantry by diverting the attention of the two
+visitors to herself.</p>
+
+<p>“And how is dear Mrs. Ferrars? And Mrs.
+Brandon too? As beautiful as ever, I will be
+bound, and the children will be old enough to
+fight each other now. My daughter Middleton is
+desirous of hearing all about them. She has an
+idea that Miss Marianne’s boy—I should say Mrs.
+Brandon’s—is taller than William was at his age
+and cannot rest till the matter is decided, and,
+for my part, I hope, ma’am, that my grandson
+has the advantage of yours, or we shall never hear
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span>the last of it from the child’s mother. Is it not
+so, Sir John? Lady Middleton is determined to
+have her boy the taller.”</p>
+
+<p>“For my part, I do not care which has it,
+ma’am,” replied Sir John, “but I hope William
+will be the better sportsman when they are both
+full grown, and that is all there is to say about
+it.”</p>
+
+<p>“You will find us all poor company after the
+party at Delaford, Miss Margaret,” went on Mrs.
+Jennings. “There is not a young man within
+ten miles, but we have one treat in store for you.
+Who do you think is coming to the Park this
+afternoon?”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret was unable to make any conjecture.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then, what do you think of Miss Nancy
+Steele?”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s smile gave very little indication of
+her thoughts, which were briefly that the addition
+of Miss Steele to the party at Barton would neither
+lessen its dullness nor add to its happiness. One
+merit in the arrival she could perceive: Miss
+Steele’s beaux would prove a subject of conversation
+more accessible than her own, as Miss Steele
+would herself gladly supply all the material required
+for Mrs. Jennings’s and Sir John’s wit, and would
+join with enthusiasm in the laughter raised.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John’s next care was to secure the promise
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span>of a speedy visit from the ladies, and was for
+urging them to return with Mrs. Jennings and
+himself at once to dine at the Park, and thus
+secure the earliest possible meeting with Miss Steele.
+To this Mrs. Dashwood would not consent, and
+pleaded fatigue and the necessity of seeing her
+household, in vain. Sir John would not give way
+unless confronted with some better excuse than
+what he surmised was mere disinclination. He
+pressed his point so urgently that Mrs. Dashwood
+thought it best to admit that it was not in their
+power to accept his invitation. They were expecting
+the arrival of Mr. Atherton that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>“Ha ha! Miss Margaret,” ejaculated Mrs. Jennings.
+“I was sure there was some beau in the
+question. Don’t tell me but that Mr. Atherton is
+young and handsome.”</p>
+
+<p>Sir John unwillingly admitted the prior claim
+of a visitor in the house, and bowed himself out,
+but with the assurance that he would wait on
+Mr. Atherton at the earliest possible opportunity
+on the morrow.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton was a stranger to both households,
+if the term may rightly be used when letters have
+been exchanged. Both Mrs. Dashwood and Sir
+John had reached this stage of intimacy with the
+expected guest, as Mr. Atherton was the new vicar
+of Barton and had been presented to the living
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span>by Sir John, but owed his introduction to the
+neighbourhood to a member of the Dashwood
+family.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. John Dashwood of Norland Park and Lady
+Middleton were in the habit of meeting yearly
+in London. There was a certain lack of heart,
+and excess of formality on both sides, which
+endeared them to each other, and so far as either
+was capable of friendship they were friends. Therefore
+when the living of Barton fell vacant it was
+not long before Lady Middleton had confided to
+Fanny Dashwood her hopes and fears in the
+matter. Sir John’s judgment was not to be trusted,
+and the new incumbent might be far from presentable
+if the choice were left entirely to her husband’s
+discretion.</p>
+
+<p>“My dear Lady Middleton, there can be no
+occasion for you to see anything of the man,”
+Mrs. Dashwood declared. “My own brother, it
+is true, is in orders, but it is by no means the rule
+for the profession to be adopted by people of birth
+or consequence. Take my advice, and have very
+little to do with the parsonage. You would not
+like to see your darling William and Annamaria
+intimate with the parsonage children?”</p>
+
+<p>“It is different in your case, Mrs. Dashwood,”
+replied her ladyship. “Sir John is so fond of
+society and entertainment that I am convinced
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span>he will have the new vicar constantly to the Park.
+Poor old Mr. Tillis was bed-ridden, so could not
+visit, but I am sure things will be different now,
+and consequently it is of the greatest importance
+that he should be of good appearance and gentlemanly
+bearing.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. John Dashwood sympathized with her
+friend on her husband’s regrettable lavishness of
+hospitality, a fault of which her own spouse was
+altogether free, though she sometimes suspected
+him of over generosity in other directions. Nothing
+was too much for him to do, no trouble too much
+for him to undertake on behalf of his father’s widow
+and her daughters.</p>
+
+<p>“I am telling Lady Middleton, my love,” she
+went on as her husband entered the room, “how
+your father’s death left the care of his second
+family on your shoulders. Two of them have, as
+you know, ma’am, made most creditable marriages,
+entirely due to their brother’s untiring efforts on
+their behalf, and now there is poor little Margaret,
+by far the most affectionate of the three, but we
+can hear of nothing for her.”</p>
+
+<p>As Lady Middleton was tolerably well acquainted
+with the facts she might have been surprised by
+this account of the courtship and marriage of the
+two elder Miss Dashwoods, but the truth is that
+she heard none of it. Her attention had been
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span>caught by an annoying tear in her best India
+muslin; and, when she had disengaged her thoughts
+from this disaster, they had flown back to the
+possible inconvenience of an unsuitable appointment
+to the living of Barton.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps Mr. Dashwood could help us,” she
+said, and related to him her perplexities and fears.
+He was all attention and sympathy. Such a
+danger must at all costs be averted, and he begged
+for a few moments’ quiet while he considered the
+matter from every point of view.</p>
+
+<p>This was readily agreed to, and ten minutes
+complete silence granted him. The time was
+pleasantly spent by the two ladies in discussing
+the merits of a fine darn as compared with a new
+breadth, Mrs. Dashwood arguing economy and
+Lady Middleton fearful that no darn could be
+finely enough executed to please her. Meanwhile
+Mr. Dashwood paced the room with his hands
+behind him in anxious thought. When he reseated
+himself in his chair, and brought the points of his
+fingers together, his attitude and expression were
+those of quiet satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>“Your ladyship,” he began, “I think I may
+congratulate myself on having solved your problem
+and our own at one and the same time.
+Two birds with one stone in fact, though I
+flatter myself that this idea of mine is more—or
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span>rather I should say less—in fact there is no killing
+in the question; quite the contrary. I happen
+to number among my acquaintance a certain
+Mr. Atherton, a very fine young man indeed—quite
+a presentable figure. He has moderate
+means, but wishes to improve his position, and
+considers taking Orders. The offer of the living
+of Barton should settle the matter. I am inclined
+to think that your ladyship and Sir John would
+find him acceptable. Other developments, my
+dear Fanny, we may hope will follow.”</p>
+
+<p>Lady Middleton neither knew nor cared what
+the other developments might be. Her carriage
+was announced at that moment, and she departed
+to acquaint Sir John with Mr. Dashwood’s
+suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>Once more John Dashwood’s generous plans
+seemed successful. To confer benefits at the
+expense of his acquaintance was ever before him,
+as his duty to society. Sir John seemed only too
+glad to be spared trouble and responsibility.
+Mr. Atherton was in due course made known to
+Lady Middleton; and, though Sir John could not
+spare time while in town to meet the young man
+himself, he was satisfied if Lady Middleton was
+pleased. He wrote a friendly letter offering the
+living. Mr. Atherton wrote a politely grateful
+one accepting it, and plans for the improvement
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span>of the vicarage were immediately put in hand.
+Improvements are seldom rapidly accomplished,
+and these took so long that Mr. Atherton had
+taken Orders, and was prepared to enter on his
+new duties before the house was ready for him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. John Dashwood, however, would not submit
+to a postponement of the happiness he proposed
+for his sister and her mother, and for Sir John
+and Lady Middleton, and for Mr. Atherton himself.
+He generously provided for the comfort of the
+latter by writing to implore his mother-in-law to
+despatch an invitation to the new vicar to enable
+him to begin his duties from Barton Cottage.</p>
+
+<p>With unfailing courtesy and hospitality she
+readily agreed. The invitation was sent, and
+accepted, and Mr. Atherton was momentarily
+expected.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">
+    CHAPTER III
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood’s attempt to exclude
+Mr. Atherton’s name from her conversation
+with Sir John was not caused by any wish on
+her part to keep the intended visit a secret. She
+was well aware that nothing of the sort was possible,
+but she would have been better pleased if Sir John
+and Mrs. Jennings had accepted her first excuses.
+Though accustomed to their raillery on the subject
+of courtship she never became reconciled to it,
+and had a habit of avoiding all mention of young
+men when in their society. She had therefore
+desired to postpone for herself and Margaret the
+witticisms which she knew to be inevitable as
+soon as Mr. Atherton’s arrival should be known.</p>
+
+<p>Marianne had once remarked that, though the
+rent of Barton Cottage was said to be low, they
+had it on very hard terms, as they were under
+the necessity of dining at the Park whenever
+anyone stayed with either family. Mrs. Dashwood
+had long ago decided that she did not choose to
+accept such frequent invitations; but in her own
+case she felt that she paid over and over again
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span>for the advantages of her pretty house in the
+annoyance she experienced in having her daughter’s
+affections and prospects made the subject of
+continual joking and surmise on the part of Sir
+John and Mrs. Jennings. The real regard which
+the family at Barton Cottage entertained for
+Mrs. Jennings’s kindness of heart did not lessen
+their disapproval for the freedom of her manners;
+and Sir John, in the course of the four or five years
+of their acquaintance, had developed no such
+admirable qualities as to make his tedious vulgarity
+endurable. Mrs. Dashwood was too truly amiable
+to speak either of or to her neighbours in any
+censorious fashion, but she often marvelled at the
+calmness with which Margaret received their sallies,
+and wondered if her youngest daughter could be
+lacking in some of the fine sensibility which so
+distinguished Marianne, and the delicacy of feeling
+which was Elinor’s greatest charm.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret had long ago made up her mind to
+present a calm front to Sir John’s attacks and his
+mother-in-law’s jocularity. She had a painful
+remembrance of the day when she had hinted
+before Sir John at the secret of Edward Ferrar’s
+attachment to Elinor. She had suffered in consequence.
+Elinor had felt the indignity of this public
+discussion of her private affairs, and Margaret
+had incurred her resentment. This had been no
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span>light matter in Barton Cottage. Miss Dashwood
+had a manner of expressing herself which, though
+perfectly gentle, was none the less reproving, and
+neither her mother nor her sisters could face the
+possibility of Elinor’s displeasure with equanimity.
+Margaret came to dread Sir John’s jokes, his
+drinking to her sister’s best affections, his allusions
+to the letter F, his sly inquiries, fully as much as
+Elinor could herself; and, while Miss Dashwood
+could feel that these annoyances were entirely
+undeserved, to Margaret’s distress was added a
+sense of guilt, which only increased as time went
+on and she became more fully aware of her mistake.</p>
+
+<p>When her sisters married, and she herself became
+the object of the raillery at Barton Park, she
+made up her mind that smiling calm would prove
+the best defence; that she would show nothing,
+and if possible feel nothing, of vexation, and that
+no one, not even her mother, should have reason
+to suppose her affected by any remark on the
+subject of love and marriage.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret and her mother occupied themselves
+in silence for some time after their visitors had
+taken their leave. Mrs. Dashwood had spent some
+months with her married daughters in the quiet
+elegance of their homes, where beaux and courtship
+were not the subject of attention. She felt
+her serenity threatened by the recent incursion,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span>but Margaret, as she sat engaged with some needlework,
+looked so unconscious of any disturbance
+that Mrs. Dashwood’s spirits returned to their
+usual level.</p>
+
+<p>“I look forward eagerly to the arrival of our
+guest,” she said. “He will bring us some news
+of your brother and his wife.”</p>
+
+<p>“We may hear how little Henry says his piece,
+and what schemes for economy my brother has
+in his mind,” replied Margaret, “but I do not
+expect news.”</p>
+
+<p>Though Mrs. Dashwood’s contempt for John and
+Fanny could hardly be a secret to anyone but
+herself, she was always ready to champion the
+absent; and she now remarked with approval that
+Fanny was indeed a devoted mother, and that
+John’s caution in expenditure might be of great
+service to little Henry.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s reply was that she considered Mrs.
+John Dashwood an admiring rather than a devoted
+mother, and that she did not think her brother
+was really consistent in his economies, which were
+prompted more by meanness than by caution.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood admitted that she preferred wise
+expenditure, and the conversation was not
+continued.</p>
+
+<p>A slight shower was followed by sunshine so
+brilliant as to draw Mrs. Dashwood to the window
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span>in admiration. She was just in time to see a
+curricle draw up and a very fine-looking young man
+descend.</p>
+
+<p>“This must be our guest,” she cried, and noted
+with approval his air of fashion and the becoming
+cut of his many-caped driving coat.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later and he was bowing to the ladies
+in the parlour, and expressing his felicitation in
+being admitted to their quiet home circle. He
+had, he said, spent the night at Exeter, and been
+so overcome by the beauty of the Cathedral and
+the charm of the surroundings that he had been in
+no great hurry to continue his journey. However,
+here he was at last and, had he known that so much
+beauty and so much charm awaited him, he would
+have been up betimes in order to make his stay
+the longer.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood replied that they were themselves
+but just returned home, and rang the bell
+for Thomas to show her guest to his apartment.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton’s conversation could be checked,
+but could not be diverted. He had come prepared
+to admire Margaret, and admire her he would.
+He was in the habit of recounting his experiences,
+and recount them he would. The dinner-table
+served as an appropriate opportunity for both.
+Mrs. Dashwood and her daughter must perforce
+listen, and no interruption beyond the offering of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span>a dish by Thomas, or some gentle direction to the
+servant on the part of Mrs. Dashwood, was possible.
+He was sure of his audience and of their attention,
+and took all else for granted.</p>
+
+<p>After a careful description of his journey he
+allowed himself to return to more personal topics.</p>
+
+<p>“I have had the pleasure of meeting your son
+and his charming wife, madam. They were so
+good as to ask me to dine with them and, after
+dinner, I had the felicity of beholding a portrait
+of yourself and your two lovely daughters, the
+work, so I understand, of your eldest and most
+highly gifted daughter. I was therefore in some
+degree prepared—I may say I expected almost a
+disappointment, but such is far from being the
+case.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood thought it best to misunderstand,
+and said with a pleasant smile that Barton
+was a pretty, agreeable place and the neighbourhood
+a good one. She could answer for it that
+Mr. Atherton would find it no disappointment,
+but possibly beyond his expectations. Mr. Atherton
+would not allow his compliments to be so
+misinterpreted. His gallantry must not be wasted
+on the village of Barton when it was intended to
+bring the smile of pleasure to Miss Margaret’s
+bright eyes. He said as much, and received no
+reply from either lady. However, he was satisfied
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span>that his meaning had been made clear to them,
+and was for the present content to leave the subject
+of Margaret’s beauty and to display the perfection
+of his taste in some other particulars.</p>
+
+<p>“You have a very pretty dining-parlour, madam,
+and a charming prospect, but that mulberry tree
+is too near. Take my advice, madam, and have
+it cut down. You would then secure a beautiful
+open view across the valley.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was so good as to give her
+reasons for sparing the tree. They were that the
+tree was an old one and supplied some shelter
+from prevailing winds, and that she and her daughter
+were partial to the fruit. Mr. Atherton considered
+these excuses should weigh but lightly against the
+improved health which might be expected from
+the removal of the tree. Trees too near a house
+were unhealthy. Small rooms were also to be
+deplored. Did Mrs. Dashwood not consider this
+dining-parlour too small for comfort?</p>
+
+<p>“Our party is a small one,” replied Mrs. Dashwood.
+“It is large enough for my daughter and
+myself, and it is seldom that we have any company.”</p>
+
+<p>“Still, a spacious room is much to be desired.
+I would never willingly dine in a room less than
+twenty feet long. Twenty feet or perhaps twenty-two.
+The feeling of being cramped for space is,
+I think, intolerable. I should recommend your
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span>throwing this room and the adjoining one together.
+You would then have a very handsome room, one
+of which you could be justly proud.”</p>
+
+<p>“But I should have only one parlour,” Mrs.
+Dashwood protested, “and there is a passage
+between this and the sitting-room.”</p>
+
+<p>“All the better! You could include the passage,
+and have a noble room indeed. A sitting-room
+could very easily be built on the lawn there. True,
+you must then cut down the mulberry tree, but
+that would be all to the good. They are untidy
+trees, and the wood is, I believe, capital fuel.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret suggested that these improvements
+would be expensive.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I assure you, the cost would be trifling,”
+was his reply. “My father’s own brother enlarged
+his house in some such way, and the cost was
+really nothing, a mere song, and the improvement
+beyond all words. His room was majestic. No
+other description would suffice. Truly majestic!”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood declared that she and Margaret
+lived so quiet a life that a cosy room was all they
+desired.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton considered this point, but would
+not concede it. It gave him, however, a fresh
+impetus. He now perceived another subject on
+which his advice might be of value.</p>
+
+<p>“But, madam,” he protested, “is it well, do
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span>you think, to lead so quiet a life? You should
+travel. Nothing so enlarges the mind and refreshes
+the intellect as travel. Let me urge you to take
+Miss Margaret travelling.”</p>
+
+<p>“We are but just returned from a visit,” said
+Mrs. Dashwood, still smiling, “and I think we
+are ready for a little quiet. The garden is a
+pleasure, and my daughter has her instrument.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing to the purpose,” asserted Mr. Atherton
+solemnly. “The enjoyment of music, the pleasures
+of scenery, the delights of conversation are all
+enhanced by travel, and nothing can take the
+place of travel as a means of improving the mind.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood, having intercepted a look from
+Margaret, was unable to make any reply, and
+Margaret interposed sweetly to allow her mother
+time to recover her gravity.</p>
+
+<p>“Where do you suggest our travelling, sir?
+What have you done yourself that you can
+recommend?”</p>
+
+<p>Then it appeared that he was no traveller himself.
+He had often wished to travel, and had
+always been prevented, sometimes by inclement
+weather, sometimes by engagements in town, once
+by an exceedingly bad cold, but he was an advocate
+for travel in general, and believed every one was
+the better for it.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood mentioned the theatre, and Mr.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span>Atherton hastened to inform her that Drury Lane
+was in the course of rebuilding, that Edmund
+Kean was the finest actor of the day, that Mrs.
+Siddons was growing old, that Lady Macbeth was
+undoubtedly her finest part, and that the theatre
+generally had undergone a change for the better
+in the past few years.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood hardly knew what to do with so
+much information. She was attempting some
+reply when Margaret gently interposed with some
+remark about the new publications, and in a
+moment he was off again, talking of Scott, of
+Campbell, of Lord Byron, and of Southey without
+intermission and without any real perception, till
+the ladies seized the opportunity of a moment’s
+hesitation to rise from the table and leave him to
+his wine.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton soon followed them. Mrs. Dashwood
+had taken the precaution to have by her
+some volumes of poetry, and on his appearance
+immediately begged him to read aloud. He
+selected “The Lady of the Lake,” and the evening
+was passed in tolerable comfort listening to his
+rhythmic rendering of the adventures of James
+Fitz-James.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">
+    CHAPTER IV
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The next morning found the Barton Cottage
+guest as eagerly determined on gallantry as
+ever. He appeared at the breakfast table full of
+admiration and discourse, and allowed no opportunity
+to slip of showing himself to be at once
+an ardent observer of beauty and an able critic
+in every department of life. He worked hard at
+the display and it was by no fault of negligence
+that he was unsuccessful in impressing the
+ladies.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was not without surprise. His
+admiration of Margaret was too determined to be
+altogether genuine and it was matter for wonder
+that he should be so anxious to secure her good
+opinion on any other grounds than those of real
+preference. Her fortune was small in fact, and
+there was nothing in their way of living to suggest
+that it was considerable. Mrs. Dashwood therefore
+acquitted him of mercenary designs, but felt
+at a loss as to what motive should be attributed
+to him. Possibly the whole thing was mere vanity
+and display.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span></p>
+
+<p>She had arrived at this conclusion by the time
+breakfast was finished, and spoke her intention of
+walking out after she had given her orders for the
+day. Mr. Atherton begged to be allowed to accompany
+her, and the permission was reluctantly given,
+but was immediately made valueless by the timely
+entry of Sir John. Never had she been so glad
+to see his ruddy face and to hear his hearty voice!
+He was surprised himself at the warmth of his
+reception. Though he had not perceived anything
+amiss on former occasions, he must be conscious
+of the extreme pleasure with which he was greeted
+now. The pleasure was not however unalloyed.
+He came to suggest that he might have the satisfaction
+of taking Mr. Atherton round the village
+and making him known to his parishioners. So
+far all was to the good, and the attention to Mr.
+Atherton greatly appreciated by all present; but
+the happy effect was spoiled by what followed.</p>
+
+<p>“If Miss Margaret will forgive me for taking
+her beau away from her for a morning. Never
+mind, Miss Margaret, you shall have his company
+this afternoon, and be able to show him off too,
+and turn Miss Nancy green with envy, for I am
+charged by Lady Middleton to beg that you will
+do us the honour of dining with us today; you
+and Mr. Atherton and Mrs. Dashwood too, if she
+will be so good.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was not in the habit of accepting
+casual invitations to the Park, but on this occasion
+she thought it best to do so. The evil of allowing
+Margaret and Mr. Atherton to appear there
+without her seemed greater than that of herself
+enduring the tediousness of the engagement. She
+therefore accepted with her usual grace, and
+Sir John and Mr. Atherton went off together,
+leaving the ladies entirely without regret at their
+departure.</p>
+
+<p>“Can this possibly be endured?” was the
+question in both their minds. “Is there no way
+to avoid the continued infliction of the young man’s
+presence?”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was a fortunate woman in that
+a circumstance which to some people would be
+a grief often presented itself to her happy temperament
+in some other light. Mrs. Thomas greeted
+her mistress with a very long face. Her husband
+was far from well, was, in fact, quite unfit for his
+duties and, with this gentleman in the house,
+Mrs. Thomas really did not see how things could
+be as they should. It was very much against her
+husband’s wishes to fail his mistress at such a
+time, but it was hoped that she would understand.
+Mrs. Dashwood cut short the apologies. Of course
+Thomas must take the necessary rest. All could
+well be arranged. They were dining at the Park
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span>that day, and she had no doubt that Sir John
+and Lady Middleton would relieve the Cottage
+of their guest. It would be quite simple for Mr.
+Atherton to be transferred to the Park. Meanwhile
+they would send word to the apothecary
+to ask him to visit the Cottage and recommend
+treatment. Mrs. Thomas did not think this necessary,
+and the interview closed with mutual esteem—Mrs.
+Thomas admiring Mrs. Dashwood as a kind
+and considerate mistress, and Mrs. Dashwood full
+of appreciation for the worthy pair who would
+be the means of ridding her of her uncongenial
+guest.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret was soon acquainted with this desirable
+prospect, and expressed all the elation expected
+by her mother. She really felt satisfaction and
+relief, but a considerable portion of her mind was
+unaffected by this. She was experiencing some
+depression of spirits. The return home had been
+eagerly anticipated. She did not greatly enjoy
+the visits to her sisters’ houses. She was there
+of little importance to anyone, and her mother,
+her chief companion, was, naturally, absorbed in
+the delight of playing with her grandchildren
+and advising their mothers. Delaford was no very
+pleasurable abode for Margaret; and now, when
+she was come home, what did she find? Sir John
+and Mrs. Jennings with their curiosity and jocularity.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span>Lady Middleton, true, was not yet encountered,
+but what hope was there that she would
+be less cold, less conventional than was her wont?
+Miss Nancy Steele? Uneducated! Inquisitive!
+What improvement could be looked for there?
+Mr. Atherton, who might have brought some
+interest into their surroundings, was more tedious,
+more utterly uninteresting than any of the others.
+He had not even the charm of familiarity.</p>
+
+<p>Her mother was her only comfort and, even
+there, so much brightness and eagerness were
+sometimes hard to appreciate. She <i>would</i> like
+so many people, was so determined to think well
+of every one, so universally affectionate and
+credulous. Her dislike of Mr. Atherton was a
+relief, but even that would only last a few days.
+Once he was out of the house, and need only be
+listened to on occasions, he would take his place
+as one of “our kind neighbours who must be
+treated with attention.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret felt that her spirits required some
+change, and she decided to take a walk which
+had been a favourite one with Marianne and
+herself ever since their first coming to Barton
+Cottage. She would climb the High-church down,
+and there, meeting the fresh wind, she would
+escape from the discontent and weariness of spirit
+of which she was ashamed. Her mother made no
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span>objection, and she started on her solitary ramble.
+There was now no Elinor at hand to suggest that
+every one should take exercise together in the
+same direction at the same time. Mrs. Dashwood
+and Margaret were able to do as they wished
+without comment. This was something to cause
+rejoicing and, as Margaret mounted the hill in
+the spring sunshine, her spirits rose also.</p>
+
+<p>The slope she ascended led directly from their
+garden gate, and she recalled, as she hastened up
+it, that day some four years ago, when she and
+Marianne were caught in a sudden storm on the
+summit, and raced each other down the hill.
+Marianne caught her foot, and sprained her ankle.
+Willoughby had appeared—“Marianne’s preserver.”
+She remembered with a smile that it
+was she who had given him the name. Willoughby
+had appeared, and had carried her sister to the
+house, and the next few weeks had been all romance
+and excitement, until the dreadful time had come
+when Marianne had wept all day, and her mother
+and Elinor went about with grave sad faces, and
+no one ever thought of telling her what it was all
+about. Then her sisters had gone to London and
+she and her mother had spent happy months
+together, all too soon ended with Marianne home
+ill and Elinor more severe than ever. After all
+there was nothing to excuse so much unhappiness,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span>for Elinor had married Edward Ferrars, and they
+seemed to like each other very well, and not to
+mind being rather quiet and dull; and Marianne
+had married Colonel Brandon, although she always
+said he was too old to think of marrying, and
+Marianne was not only happy, but rapturously so;
+and she did not seem to think the Colonel dull at
+all, and would certainly have minded very much if
+he had been so.</p>
+
+<p>All of which passed through Margaret’s mind
+as she climbed, and convinced her that she
+missed Marianne very greatly, and that it was her
+absence which was the chief cause of her own discontent.</p>
+
+<p>A sharp gust of wind met her on the summit,
+and, to her consternation, the light scarf which
+she held round her shoulders was lifted from her
+grasp and blew away across the down. She hurried
+after it, hoping that it might catch on some tuft
+of grass, or stone, or hawthorn tree, and over the
+next rise she encountered it again.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the hands of a young man of pleasing
+appearance, who had evidently caught it on the
+wind, and was looking at it with great interest.
+She paused on seeing him, and he, at the same
+moment perceiving her, hurried towards her with
+a smiling face to return her property. His manner
+was so open and unaffected, his pleasure in being
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span>of use so evident, his eye so bright, his person
+so agreeable, in fact, his whole bearing so
+truly amiable that she felt some regret that it
+seemed right to do no more than accept the scarf,
+proffer her thanks and turn away to descend the
+hill.</p>
+
+<p>This was not at all what he approved, however,
+and he asked at once if she had not intended to
+walk on the down in the direction from whence
+he came. Margaret admitted that this was so,
+and was proceeding on her walk when she found
+to her surprise that he intended to walk with her.
+Perhaps she was wrong to allow it, but it was not
+easy to object without incivility, and he walked
+by her side with such easy grace and without
+the appearance of thinking that he was behaving
+in any way out of the ordinary. It was pleasant
+and it was very unexpected, and Margaret was in
+a mood to appreciate either.</p>
+
+<p>They walked for some three-quarters of an hour,
+conversing on general topics when the high wind
+made it possible. She parted from him where they
+had met without having learnt his name or told
+him her own.</p>
+
+<p>As she returned to the Cottage she decided to
+say nothing of this encounter. “It is of no
+moment,” she thought. “We shall never meet
+again. My mother might think me indiscreet.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span>She might even speak of it. They might come to
+the knowledge of it at the Park.”</p>
+
+<p>With that dreadful thought her mind was finally
+made up. She would not speak of the agreeable
+stranger to anyone at all.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">
+    CHAPTER V
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Dining at the Park was an event which
+possessed neither interest nor novelty. Margaret
+did not anticipate any pleasure beyond the
+minor ones of excellent food and elegant surroundings.
+Her mind was, however, so pleasantly
+occupied with the event of the morning that she
+dressed for the engagement with a happy smile
+and, on joining her mother and Mr. Atherton in
+the hall, and preparing to set out for their walk
+to the Park, she looked so pretty that Mrs. Dashwood
+gazed at her with the tenderest affection and
+Mr. Atherton with an admiration which for once
+was genuine.</p>
+
+<p>As they crossed the grounds of the Park, Mrs.
+Dashwood’s replies were absent-minded and Margaret
+said nothing at all. Mr. Atherton had to
+supply all the conversation himself, a feat which
+was to him no feat at all, for he barely stopped
+talking all the way, and yet arrived untired and
+with fresh stores of information to be expended
+at the dining-table of Barton Park. Here, however,
+he was unable to have things as he liked.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span>Sir John Middleton was fond of talking himself.
+Mrs. Jennings had no notion of being silent, and
+Miss Nancy Steele seldom paused except for
+breath. It was a thoroughly noisy party, and for
+the most part a happy one. Lady Middleton was
+pleased with her appearance, and that of her
+dining-table, and only Mrs. Dashwood and her
+daughter fell short of enjoyment.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was at her best only in her own
+house. She did not care for dinner engagements
+or desultory conversation, and the glare, heat and
+noise at Barton Park were irksome to her. Margaret
+was as usual the subject of much jesting,
+but shared this honour with Miss Steele, who
+soon succeeded in inducing the main stream of
+the wit to flow in her direction.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton was placed between them, with
+the usual allusion to roses and thorns, and it was
+supposed that Miss Steele and Margaret would
+enter into competition to secure his notice. Miss
+Steele’s victory was almost too easy.</p>
+
+<p>“Take care, cousin, the Doctor shall hear of
+this,” called Sir John from the head of the table.
+“Don’t imagine you are safe. I have his address
+I think. Dr. Davis, Dash Street, Plymouth, isn’t
+it? We’ll soon let him know how you behave.”</p>
+
+<p>“What does it matter to me what the Doctor
+hears?” called Miss Nancy in delighted protest.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span>“He’d better mind his own business I say, and
+so I should say if he were here, right to his
+face.”</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll get him here, cousin. That’s what we’ll
+do, and see if you don’t call another tune.”</p>
+
+<p>“A fine thing it would be if I couldn’t speak
+to anyone but him. I wonder what he would
+have thought of me yesterday, for there was a
+very fine young man in the coach with me, and
+he was most excessively polite with the baggage,
+and asked me if I would have the window up,
+and did I like a corner seat. Most attentive, he
+was! And he got down, not half a mile from Barton
+Park, and I heard him tell the guard he was a
+stranger, and he asked for some direction, but
+there was an old woman coughing in the road and
+I could not hear any more.”</p>
+
+<p>Sir John’s attention was attracted. He did not
+always pay Miss Steele the compliment of listening
+to her, but a man in the neighbourhood with whom
+he was unacquainted, a stranger, was a matter
+of interest to him. He wondered who could have
+a guest without his having previous knowledge
+of it.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Jennings surmised. “Was it, perhaps, Mr.
+Willoughby coming to visit Mrs. Smith?”</p>
+
+<p>Miss Nancy was positive. “La, now! Should
+I call Mr. Willoughby a stranger after all that’s
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span>come and gone? Why, I should be ashamed to
+mention him in the present company.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood, on hearing her daughter’s disappointment
+thus delicately referred to, engaged
+Lady Middleton in a more animated conversation
+than that lady often experienced. Margaret, however,
+heard good Mrs. Jennings say:</p>
+
+<p>“Sh! Sh! We don’t speak of that now. Miss
+Marianne would not like it remembered! If this
+was not Mr. Willoughby, who in the world can it
+have been?”</p>
+
+<p>“His name was Pennington,” said Miss Nancy.</p>
+
+<p>“Ha! Ha! cousin, so you’ve exchanged names
+and addresses I see. The poor, poor Doctor!
+I wouldn’t give a button for his chance now.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, Sir John, there you are wrong. I hope I
+know my dignity better than to be asking a strange
+young man for his address. I just peeped at the
+label on his luggage when he got down at a change,
+and the name was Pennington, as large as life.”</p>
+
+<p>“Pennington? I don’t know a Pennington,”
+considered Sir John. “But I tell you what,
+cousin! We will find out and invite him to the
+ball next week, and we will get the Doctor too, and,
+with Mr. Atherton here, we will be able to find out
+who <i>is</i> your beau after all. Only tell ’em from
+me that if they want to cut each other’s throats
+they must do it outside on the lawn there. Her
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span>ladyship will not have bloodshed in the drawing-room.”</p>
+
+<p>Her ladyship caught only the last word, but it
+suggested to her a mode of release from a conversation
+which had become wearisome. She immediately
+got the ladies moving away from the dining-room,
+where they left Sir John and Mr. Atherton
+to discuss their wine and politics, with the usual
+parting admonition that they should be speedy.</p>
+
+<p>In the drawing-room the party divided into two
+groups. Lady Middleton and her mother listened
+with sympathy to the account Mrs. Dashwood
+gave of Thomas’s health and very ready was the
+offer of hospitality for Mr. Atherton at the Park
+to relieve the household at the Cottage of their
+guest. Mrs. Dashwood again had reason to feel
+that, however tedious their society might be, they
+were indeed the kindest of neighbours.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret meanwhile was the recipient of Miss
+Nancy’s confidences so heart-rendingly curtailed
+at the dining-table, and it was not long before
+she became privately convinced that her acquaintance
+of the morning and Miss Nancy’s beau were
+one and the same. How far he deserved the latter
+appellation she was still uncertain. Possibly he
+did not deserve it at all; but the thought was
+unpleasant, and she was grateful to Lady Middleton
+for suggesting that she should try the instrument,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span>which had not been touched for many weeks.
+She remained there till it was time for tea.</p>
+
+<p>The gentlemen appeared in the drawing-room,
+and Mr. Atherton received the kindest invitation
+from Lady Middleton, seconded with prodigious
+warmth by Sir John, to take up his quarters at
+the Park until his own house should be ready for
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton did not demur. It was not beyond
+his power to convey suitable thanks to Sir John
+and Lady Middleton, the right regrets to Mrs.
+Dashwood, the assurance of undying admiration
+to Margaret, and the suggestion of increasing
+attention to Miss Steele all in the same sentence
+and almost in the same breath. The circumstance
+was undoubtedly of value to him. His consequence
+would be increased by his association with Barton
+Park and, though anxious for some reasons to
+improve his position with Margaret, opportunities
+must offer, even when separated from her by half
+a mile. The society at the Park was very congenial
+to him. The same obtuseness of feeling,
+conventionality of expression and denseness in
+understanding, which were his, also distinguished
+the inmates of the Park.</p>
+
+<p>At Barton Cottage he had not been perfectly
+at ease. He had not, he must confess to himself,
+found Mrs. Dashwood so gracious and charming
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span>as he had been led to expect, and the lady whom
+he held himself destined to install at the parsonage
+was less able in conversation and not so easily
+entertained as he had hoped. She had yawned
+twice during his reading of “The Lady of the
+Lake,” and was at all times disconcertingly silent.
+Not that he was disconcerted by her silence. Not
+in the least! But he must admit to himself that
+the agreeable circle at the Park had been a great
+relief.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret heard the invitation given and accepted
+with calm satisfaction, and the evening ended
+with a quiet stroll back across the Park grounds
+with her mother, followed by Sir John’s man,
+who was to pack Mr. Atherton’s personal belongings
+and take them to the Park, where he himself
+remained.</p>
+
+<p>It was a welcome change, and Mrs. Dashwood’s
+tender solicitude for Thomas when she got home
+was deepened by the feeling that she and Margaret
+had reason to feel very much obliged to him
+indeed.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">
+    CHAPTER VI
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The next day was so delightfully fine that
+Margaret professed herself unable to stay in
+the house, and begged her mother’s indulgence
+for taking another long walk. Mrs. Dashwood
+agreed at once. She supposed that Margaret
+shared her apprehension that Mr. Atherton would
+appear during the course of the morning to sit
+with them, and sympathized with her daughter
+in desiring to escape. For herself she must bear
+the infliction, but believed that Margaret’s absence
+would make it a short one. She purposely made no
+inquiry as to Margaret’s direction and would inform
+Mr. Atherton only that her daughter was walking.</p>
+
+<p>She expected a slight annoyance, but it was a
+much greater one that arrived. The post brought a
+letter from Mr. John Dashwood. It was as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="author3">
+  <span class="smcap">Norland Park,</span></p>
+<p class="author2">
+  <span class="smcap">Sussex.</span></p>
+<p class="author">
+  <i>April 15th, 1813.</i></p>
+  <p>
+  <span class="smcap">My Dear Madam</span>,
+</p>
+
+<p>You will no doubt feel some surprise
+on receiving a letter from me, but have no
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span>fear, we are all well, and Fanny desires her best
+respects.</p>
+
+<p>You will have with you at this time the new
+incumbent of the living of Barton, Mr. Atherton,
+and I trust his manners and address are as pleasing
+to you as they were to ourselves. A very fine
+young man indeed, and it is a satisfaction to feel
+that he owes his preferment, though indirectly,
+to our interest. No doubt a certain happy possibility
+will have occurred to you, madam, and rest
+assured it has not been absent from our thoughts.
+Mr. Atherton comes to you prepared to admire
+your daughter, and at Fanny’s express wishes I
+offer my assistance in securing the settlement of
+my sister. I told Mr. Atherton plainly that, in
+the event of his marrying my sister, I was prepared
+to increase her fortune by one half. I did not
+inform him of the amount of her fortune, and
+it may be that he has formed a hope that it is larger
+than the one thousand pounds left to her by my
+honoured uncle. However, in the event of this
+happy occurrence you may rely on my holding
+to my share of the bargain, and I will increase her
+fortune by five hundred pounds.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret is a special favourite of my dear wife’s,
+and it is at her instigation that I make this offer.
+She is most anxious to see all our sisters comfortably
+settled. As she wisely points out, they
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span>will then be independent, and we do not wish
+our dear Harry to be responsible for the support
+of his aunts, much loved as they undoubtedly
+would be. One point I must endeavour to make
+clear. This offer has only been made in the event
+of my sister becoming Mrs. Atherton. Should she
+fail to receive his addresses, should they not be
+made, or even should they be refused, she must
+be content with the same fortune as her sisters,
+bequeathed to them by my good uncle. Fanny
+is particularly anxious that this should be made
+clear to Margaret. As she wisely and affectionately
+says, “We must not allow our sister to become
+the prey of any fortune-hunter.”</p>
+
+<p>Little Harry desires his love to his grandmother,
+and believe me, dear madam, to be</p>
+
+<p class="author2">
+  Your affectionate son,</p>
+<p class="author">
+  <span class="smcap">John Dashwood</span>.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>To say that this letter angered Mrs. Dashwood
+is to fall far short of the truth. Her gentleness
+and kindness of manner concealed a nature more
+ardent than the generality. Her feelings on reading
+John Dashwood’s letter were indescribable. Indignation
+and disgust filled her mind to the exclusion
+of all else for some time, till, taking up the letter
+to reread some phrase of which the insolence was
+not really lessened by unconsciousness of offence,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span>her eyes fell on the statement that Margaret was
+a special favourite with her sister-in-law. The
+opposite feelings entertained for Fanny by Margaret
+struck her sense of the ludicrous, and she read over
+the whole letter with her appreciation of its
+absurdity happily awakened.</p>
+
+<p>It is possible to be angry alone, but a joke must
+be shared. Mrs. Dashwood’s sense of what was
+proper forbade any mention of the letter to
+Margaret. Marianne would be angered but not
+amused. Elinor’s more delicately balanced mind
+would perceive the ridiculous while reprobating
+all that was objectionable. To Elinor she would
+write, enclosing the letter, and expressing herself
+with all the warmth of which she was capable.
+Elinor was a perfectly safe confidante. Her discretion
+was absolutely to be relied on, and to
+Elinor she could allow herself that freedom of
+speech which only excited Marianne and seemed
+sometimes to alienate Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>She wrote also to John Dashwood, thanking
+him for his letter and remarking that she had
+no expectation of the kind to which he alluded.
+She added merely love to little Harry, and omitted
+all mention of Fanny. A “curiously cold letter”
+this was considered at Norland Park, but, as
+Fanny added for her own satisfaction: “Some
+people are unable to express themselves in letters. It
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span>is a mark of good breeding to be able to do so, but,
+unfortunately, every one does not possess the gift.”</p>
+
+<p>John remarked with admiration that his Fanny
+would always make excuses for every one, and
+that he dared say his mother-in-law meant very
+well and felt more gratitude than she expressed.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood enclosed a copy of her reply
+to Norland Park in her letter to Elinor, and felt
+that she had washed her hands of the affair.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately for Mr. Atherton, he did not call on
+her that morning. He considered it to be his duty
+to his parishioners to pay a visit to every humble
+dwelling, and this would occupy the whole morning.
+He sent this message by Sir John, who
+added:</p>
+
+<p>“However, he hopes to be allowed to wait on
+you to-morrow morning, so Miss Margaret need not
+think him faithless just yet.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood replied that her daughter would
+be most unlikely to think anything about the
+matter, but Sir John only looked wise, and murmured
+something about “young ladies,” which
+Mrs. Dashwood did not wish to understand.</p>
+
+<p>An awkward silence was broken by Sir John.
+He had made inquiries about Miss Nancy’s other
+beau, and found that there was some one of the
+name of Pennington staying at the farm near the
+Abbeyland—Grice’s farm.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span></p>
+
+<p>“He is some relation of Mrs. Grice, and comes
+of very low people. It seems he is in the navy,
+but the navy admits all degrees nowadays. I am
+afraid Miss Nancy will be disappointed. Lady
+Middleton will not have him invited to the Park,
+though for my own part, if a man is a well-looking
+man and a good sportsman, it does not matter
+to me who his grandfather was. However, her
+ladyship’s views are different, and we all have to
+do as our wives say we must.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was only interested in this in
+so far as she imagined that, while Sir John ran
+on about Miss Nancy’s beau, it was impossible for
+him to touch on anything relating to the state
+of her own daughter’s affections. She therefore
+welcomed the change of conversation, and they
+agreed very comfortably over the evils of chance
+acquaintanceships and the deplorable mixture of
+classes which obtained in the navy.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s walk had been taken in the same
+direction as that of the previous day. She did
+not resolve to go in that direction. Her feet
+carried her thither. She had formed no opinion
+as to what or whom she would find when she
+reached the summit of High-church down, but it
+was not surprise that caught her breath, and not
+displeasure that brought her to a standstill when
+she came in sight of her companion of yestermorning,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span>and was greeted by him with all the
+warmth and civility which would have been
+justified only by long acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow, justification seemed unnecessary. He
+was there, and she was with him. The wind was
+not so boisterous this morning; and, as they
+walked side by side, she could hear all that he told
+her. He had been in many parts of the world—much
+in the Mediterranean and in the East Indies.
+He had been at Trafalgar when a lieutenant in
+the “Orion.” He had seen Lord Nelson and
+Admiral Collingwood. He hoped to be employed
+again shortly. In the meanwhile he had come
+to see an old cousin of his mother’s, who lived in
+this neighbourhood, and who had been his nurse.
+Her name was Mrs. Grice. Did she know Mrs.
+Grice? Margaret assented. He had more to tell
+her of his journeys and of his home-comings. How
+different was this flow of talk to that which she had
+endured from the new vicar! So quiet, so easy was
+his manner, so modest and impersonal his account of
+his adventures, the interest so real and sustained!</p>
+
+<p>He asked no questions, but Margaret found
+that she was telling him something of her own
+life and more of her own thoughts than she had
+ever told. The hour that they passed in each
+other’s company seemed short. They parted, and
+Margaret returned home.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span></p>
+
+<p>This time she was resolved that her mother
+should know of the meeting. It was all a chance
+occurrence, and of no real importance, but she
+felt it right to tell her mother the little there was
+to tell.</p>
+
+<p>She opened the door, and found Sir John sitting
+with Mrs. Dashwood. He rose to greet her; and,
+casting about in his mind for a suitable witticism,
+he hit on the very thing to make her reconsider her
+resolution.</p>
+
+<p>“I have sad news for Miss Nancy when I get
+back to the Park. Her new beau is only a common
+fellow after all, a relation of the Grice who has
+the farm near the Abbeyland. No good at all!
+She will have to set her cap at Atherton, Miss
+Margaret, so you must keep on the look out to be
+ahead of her.”</p>
+
+<p>Never had Margaret’s sweet smile of composure
+been harder to maintain. Sir John’s jokes had
+always been distasteful. To-day they were something
+more. Her mother intervened.</p>
+
+<p>“You look tired, my love. You have walked
+too far. Sir John will excuse you, if you will go
+and rest.”</p>
+
+<p>Sir John, however, excused himself, and went
+off with his sad news for Miss Nancy, after securing
+Margaret’s promise to join in a ball at the Park
+next Monday when the moon would be at its full,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span>and it would be possible to collect the young people
+from all parts of the neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>“Sir John is a kind neighbour,” Mrs. Dashwood
+remarked absently.</p>
+
+<p>Had she omitted to make that statement, it is
+possible that Margaret would have told her of the
+morning’s meeting. With Sir John’s kindness the
+subject of commendation it seemed all at once
+impossible. What could her mother say beyond
+giving her the conventional warnings and the
+obvious gentle reproof? Margaret decided that
+the whole thing was too unimportant to be spoken
+of. She did not intend to walk in the direction
+of High-church down again and, even if she did,
+it was improbable that her acquaintance would do
+the same. She did not allude to the matter, but
+listened with apparent interest to her mother’s
+account of Thomas’s progress and Sir John’s visit.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">
+    CHAPTER VII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Margaret held to her resolution not to
+walk on High-church down next morning.
+She found it increasingly hard to do so, and became
+conscious of deeper dejection of spirits with
+every hour of sunshine that passed.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton came and talked of the family at
+the Park, and of most of the families in the village.
+If interest in other people’s affairs makes a good
+parish priest, there was no doubt that he would
+be an excellent one, but it was more and more
+clear that the even more desirable qualities of
+disinterested goodness and refined tastes were
+deficient. Margaret found it almost impossible to
+sit still for weariness.</p>
+
+<p>The next day was Sunday, and Mr. Atherton
+“in the pulpit” was eagerly anticipated by the
+congregation. Enough to say that he surpassed
+all expectations, his own and other people’s. He
+was more eloquent than he had thought possible
+himself; more learned than the simple parishioners
+had wished; more noisy than Sir John in his
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span>slumbrous moments liked; longer than Lady
+Middleton approved, and even more silly than
+Mrs. Dashwood and her daughter expected.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday afternoon was spent by Margaret
+in pacing the shrubbery, and sitting with her
+mother when she was too weary to continue her
+exercise.</p>
+
+<p>Monday evening, so eagerly anticipated by other
+young ladies of Sir John’s acquaintance, was
+looked forward to by Margaret with quiet distaste.
+She entered the ballroom without the
+smallest hope of enjoyment. This is frequently
+exactly the state of mind which leads to the
+keenest pleasure; and, if the evening did not
+afford quite that to Margaret, it was at least
+amusing and interesting beyond her hopes.</p>
+
+<p>She was necessarily engaged to Mr. Atherton
+for the first two dances and, as she performed her
+task with all the grace of mind and motion she
+could summon to her aid, she became aware of an
+entry which made some stir in the company.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby” were announced,
+and again she beheld the man who had once been
+so familiarly known and so dearly loved by her
+sister and mother. “Our dear Willoughby!”
+How often she had heard him so spoken of! He
+looked older, graver, but handsome, well-dressed
+as ever, and again his presence and manner put
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span>that of other men somewhat in the shade. Amazing
+man! Wherein lay his charm? She knew him
+to be faithless, mercenary, careless of other’s
+good, but when he approached her at the end
+of the first two dances and inquired for her
+mother and sisters, his deference of bearing, his
+earnestness and his wish to please overcame
+at once her remembrance of the distress he
+had caused. He asked her to dance, and she
+complied.</p>
+
+<p>He spoke of Marianne, calling her by her name.
+Was she happy? As beautiful as ever? Did her
+son resemble her? Was she ever with her mother
+at Barton? His questions came fast, as if they
+had been long in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>She answered with what discretion she could,
+but discretion was swept on one side by his eager
+inquiries. She knew it to be wrong. He was a
+married man—had slighted her sister for his
+present wife. What right had he to such feelings?
+What could he mean by so expressing them? He
+did not, as a fact, mean anything. He was desirous
+of having news of Marianne, and careless
+as ever of appearances.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret could not approve, but she found his
+continued infatuation for her sister in some way
+engaging. They had met on High-church down.
+It was but right that young men who frequented
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span>the down should be deeply in love. Margaret
+blushed at her thought, but continued to think
+it. Light, music and graceful motion do induce
+these thoughts. Perhaps balls were invented for
+that very purpose.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the evening was less interesting.
+Mr. Atherton claimed another two dances, and a
+very young Mr. Carey secured another two. Mr.
+Willoughby applied to her for the last two, but
+she was tired, tired of him and tired of herself.
+She pleaded fatigue and sat down till Thomas,
+now fully recovered, arrived with a lantern, which
+the bright moonlight made unnecessary.</p>
+
+<p>She was glad to be again in her mother’s parlour
+and to drink some soup by the fire, which the chill
+of April evenings still made comfortable. Her
+mother’s surprise and displeasure on hearing that
+she had danced with Mr. Willoughby were soon
+charmed away by her account of his conversation.
+He had no right to take such liberties, but Mrs.
+Dashwood was sorry for him. It was but natural
+that he should still love Marianne—though it was
+very wrong. It was pleasing that he should so
+desire to hear of her—but she could not excuse
+the affront to his wife. Mrs. Willoughby was not
+at all pretty and looked very ill-tempered, Margaret
+said, but that was no excuse for neglect.
+All the same Mrs. Dashwood felt excuses, if she
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span>would not make them, and the end of it all was
+that he was much to be pitied, and that Marianne
+was much happier as Mrs. Brandon than she ever
+could have been as Mrs. Willoughby.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret wondered privately if this were so.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">
+    CHAPTER VIII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>On Tuesday morning, after the exertion and
+excitement of the ball, Margaret’s need for
+fresh air and quiet exercise was excessive. She
+could not remain within doors, and, once out, she
+must get to the uplands. She could not be kept
+for ever from her favourite walk, she argued. In
+all probability her acquaintance had left the
+neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>At first, when she gained the heights, she thought
+this must indeed be the case, for she could not
+see him anywhere. He was lying on the grass
+not far away. He rose at once and came towards
+her with reproach in his eyes. Where had she
+been? He had come here each morning during
+her absence. She found herself under the necessity
+of excusing herself for not having joined a stranger
+on his morning walk. Her excuses were accepted,
+or at least listened to, and they were off again
+across the downs. Delightful companionship!
+Delightful converse! Hot rooms and silly jests
+seemed far away in this place of open sky and
+distant prospects.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span></p>
+
+<p>It was a happy morning and ended, as before,
+with the parting where they had first met. No
+promise was made of coming again, but Margaret
+felt that was understood and, though wondering
+at herself as she ran down the slope, she knew that
+she did not mean to fail him.</p>
+
+<p>Now was the time when Mrs. Dashwood must
+be informed. It would not be right to keep her
+longer in ignorance. Margaret resolved to tell her
+mother, and perhaps she could arrange that they
+should meet. He would come to the Cottage.
+She was full of virtuous resolves, the performance
+of which she must, however, postpone, for as she
+opened the parlour door she heard the high-pitched
+laughter of Mrs. Palmer, and saw that she
+and her husband were sitting with Mrs. Dashwood.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Palmer was Mrs. Jennings’s younger
+daughter, and consequently Lady Middleton’s
+sister. Except that both had been admired as
+beauties, there was no resemblance between the
+sisters. Lady Middleton seldom spoke more than
+was necessary, and Mrs. Palmer never stopped
+talking and laughing when in company. She had
+been married very young, and, if her husband
+seemed a little tired of his wife’s conversation and
+laughter, it was no more than other people felt
+with less cause. She had her mother’s great gift
+of good humour, and was really very pretty. On
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span>the whole, Margaret preferred her to her chilly
+sister and was usually not averse to her company.
+To-day she did not want anyone, and it was an
+effort to retain her composure.</p>
+
+<p>“My dear Miss Margaret! How glad I am we
+have not missed you! It would have been shocking,
+and Mr. Palmer would have been so concerned,
+and so should I. Wouldn’t you, my love?
+Wouldn’t you have felt it detestable if we had not
+seen Miss Margaret?”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Palmer turned over his newspaper.</p>
+
+<p>“He is so droll. He always pretends he does
+not hear me, but he hears very well, I know, and
+he would have been shockingly disappointed if
+you were not come in. You will wonder why we
+are come to Barton, though indeed we should have
+been long since. I have asked and asked Mr.
+Palmer to bring me, but he would not—always
+some excuse—until the day before yesterday he
+comes into my room, and he says, ‘Charlotte,
+will you come with me to see your mother?’
+‘La, my love,’ says I, ‘you do not mean it.’ And
+then it all came out. There is a Commander
+Pennington, an old friend of his, staying here.
+They were at school together, and he is bent on
+seeing him again. I knew it was not my mother
+he wanted to see, for they quarrel whenever they
+meet, though I believe they like each other very
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span>well all the same. Well, we only arrived this
+morning, and we are to go on to London to-morrow,
+so there is no time to lose. Mr. Palmer
+has been to see this Commander, but he was out
+walking. However, we have left a note asking
+him to dine up at the Park. Will you not come
+too, my dear? Mr. Palmer will be so delighted
+if you are one of the party, for you are a prodigious
+favourite of his. My love, do help me to persuade
+Miss Margaret to dine at the Park this afternoon.”</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot persuade her if she has not been
+asked, can I?” was the only encouragement Mr.
+Palmer gave.</p>
+
+<p>“La, my love, you know Sir John would ask
+her at once, and my sister would not mind whether
+she came or not. You leave all that to me,” with
+a burst of merriment.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret excused herself from accepting this
+second-hand invitation on the score that she had
+been at the Park the day before and, though
+Mrs. Palmer laughed excessively at such a reason,
+she was obliged to accept it.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you heard anything of the Commander?”
+asked Mrs. Palmer.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret admitted that she had heard that he
+was staying in the neighbourhood, and Mrs. Dashwood
+added that she believed he had travelled
+with Miss Nancy Steele.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span></p>
+
+<p>“La, yes, indeed! We have heard all about
+that,” Mrs. Palmer agreed contemptuously, laughing
+at the recollection.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Palmer laid aside his paper and got up to
+take leave. His wife was obliged to do as he did,
+and at last they were gone.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret went to her room to think the situation
+out. Soon they must meet at the Park. If it were
+known that they had met before, who could tell
+what would be said? More than she could bear
+to listen to! Her mother ought to know of their
+acquaintance—of that she was convinced—but it
+would be easier to tell her later, when Commander
+Pennington was known to her, and when his quiet
+deference should have assured her that he had
+taken no liberty beyond what was natural and
+right.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret decided, though with an uneasy conscience,
+to postpone talking to her mother for the
+present. This was made easier by Mrs. Dashwood
+retiring to her chamber with a headache, and she
+herself passed the evening with no company but
+the firelight and her own thoughts. Happy
+thoughts and restless thoughts, that ranged from
+the open down to the dining-room where they
+were all collected at the Park! Would he hear
+that she had been invited and had refused to
+give him the meeting? Would this anger him,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span>or would he, as she thought, understand? In any
+case, she could hardly have accepted so careless
+an invitation. She did not want to meet him
+there, under the fire of comment, but it was inevitable
+in the next few days. She longed for the
+happy insensibility of Marianne and Willoughby,
+who had never seemed to notice what anyone said,
+but only what they said to each other. She recollected
+herself. She was going too fast. She had
+met the Commander only three times. Marianne
+and Willoughby had been constantly in each
+other’s society. She must not, would not, imagine
+so much when so little had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>She took up a book and endeavoured to read.
+She opened the instrument and played, until she
+remembered her mother suffering in the room
+above. She returned to her seat by the fire and
+became again a prey to restless thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Tea came in, and she took a cup to her mother.
+As she descended the staircase there was a knock
+at the door and, there being no time to return to
+the parlour, she waited where she was while Thomas
+opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Dashwood is unwell, sir. She cannot
+receive visitors. Miss Margaret, sir? Step in,
+sir, and I will inquire.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret came down the stairs, greeted the
+Commander and led him into the parlour.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span></p>
+
+<p>He had come, he said, to say good-bye. A post
+had arrived for him, and he had got employment.
+He was to be in the “Wren,” a sloop of war
+cruising in the Baltic, convoying, for the next six
+months. He had been dining at the Park, and
+was walking back to the farm. He could not
+resist coming. He would not intrude, but must
+leave early on the morrow, so took this opportunity——</p>
+
+<p>He kept his eyes on her face anxiously, but
+Margaret’s habit of composure concealed her
+feelings, and he could not know what she suffered.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas had told Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs. Thomas
+thought it her duty to inform her mistress that a
+strange gentleman had called to see Miss Margaret.
+Maternal feelings would no doubt have got Mrs.
+Dashwood off her bed even if curiosity had failed
+to do so. She occupied only a few minutes in
+arranging her dress, and came down to find her
+daughter and a strange man standing by the fire
+together. He was holding her hand, and it seemed
+not unlikely that more might follow.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">
+    CHAPTER IX
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood’s astonishment was very
+great. It was impossible to doubt what
+she saw, and equally impossible to account for
+it. Margaret had hardly been away from her
+during the seventeen years of her life, and how
+she could possibly be on terms of intimacy with
+this unknown man was a question to which there
+seemed to be no answer.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s feeling on her mother’s appearance
+was relief. She was very young, and unprepared
+for any great decision. For the moment she had
+forgotten the amazement her mother must feel,
+and presented Commander Pennington to Mrs.
+Dashwood with scarcely less than her usual composure.
+Mrs. Dashwood could only conceal her
+feelings under a manner as austere as she was
+capable of assuming.</p>
+
+<p>There was a pause, but Commander Pennington
+had the sailor’s quickness of perception and simplicity
+in dealing with a situation.</p>
+
+<p>“I have had the happiness of meeting your
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span>daughter on the downs, madam, on one or two
+occasions.”</p>
+
+<p>The word “happiness” seemed to have more
+than its formal sense as he used it, but the phrase
+was conventional and Mrs. Dashwood could not
+object to its use. He continued:</p>
+
+<p>“I have received orders to join my ship immediately
+and I leave here to-morrow. I called this
+evening to say good-bye.”</p>
+
+<p>He finished with an air of having entirely
+explained his visit at eight o’clock in the evening
+at a house where he was a stranger. Nothing, it
+appeared, could be more reasonable and proper
+than that he should be there, and be found by her
+mother holding Margaret’s hand.</p>
+
+<p>He sketched out for them his probable employment
+in the Baltic, convoying merchantmen past
+the Danish coast to the Island of Rügen. He
+hoped to be on shore again in about six months,
+when he would have the happiness of seeing them
+again.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood found herself included in his
+cheerful friendliness, and it was not in her nature
+to do less than smile, and murmur something
+which he could take as acquiescence. Margaret
+meanwhile sat silent. She was happy, in a quiet
+glow of content. His going seemed remote and
+he was giving her more and more the belief that
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span>she would be his object in coming again. He sat
+with them for half an hour, conversing with Mrs.
+Dashwood, whose manner by degrees softened,
+until at parting she gave him her hand and wished
+him well. To Margaret he turned as he went out,
+and, taking her hand, he pressed it and said in a
+half-audible tone:</p>
+
+<p>“I will come back. You will wait, will you
+not?” He was gone.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret knew that her mother had a right to
+an explanation, but to give it seemed beyond her
+powers. Her mind was agitated, and she longed
+for solitude and silence. Mrs. Dashwood did not
+return to her room, but took up her needlework.
+She did not say anything, but her whole attitude
+was an unspoken question.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret began with hesitation:</p>
+
+<p>“I do not know him at all well. We just met
+once or twice on the downs. It was strange of him
+to call.”</p>
+
+<p>What could the tenderest of mothers say to
+that? Mrs. Dashwood felt her sympathy checked
+and resorted to quiet reproach.</p>
+
+<p>“But, my Margaret, I do not understand how
+you came to make his acquaintance. I fear I
+have allowed you too much freedom. Why have
+you not told me of your meetings with this man?”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not think that there was anything worth
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span>telling about them. I am sorry he disturbed you
+when you had a headache.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was angered. Her daughter had
+concealed from her what was undoubtedly of
+moment, and now parried her questions with something
+like insincerity. She sat with a grave face,
+employing herself with her needlework, and Margaret
+sat beside her engaged only with her thoughts.
+She wanted her mother’s sympathy, but felt unable
+to ask for it. All these explanations that were,
+she supposed, necessary, all this surprise and blame
+must come first, and all she wanted was to understand
+and be understood. “Wait!” What could
+she wait for but one thing only? What could that
+be but the offer of his hand? He had better have
+left it unsaid. It was at once too much and too
+little. Not enough to give her confidence and too
+much for her peace of mind.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood’s thoughts were sadder because
+more experienced. She was a woman whose ardent
+nature led her to depths as well as heights, and she
+was now reflecting with gravity on her own failures
+in life. She had failed with Elinor. All through
+Elinor’s anxieties about Edward and his engagement
+to Lucy Steele, she had not known of her daughter’s
+trouble. She had been impatient with her, thought
+her cold and unfeeling, and sympathized with
+Marianne, who said what she had only thought.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span>Elinor loved her, she knew, in spite of all, but that
+was to Elinor’s credit, not to her own. Then with
+Marianne, how she had encouraged her in her
+attachment to the faithless Willoughby! How
+ill-judged she had been in allowing him such
+frequent opportunities! All the sorrow of Marianne’s
+disappointment she laid at her own door. It was
+her fault entirely. True, Marianne adored her
+mother, and was the most devoted of daughters
+when they were together, but that was all due to
+Marianne’s loving nature. She herself deserved
+only reprobation. Now her Margaret concealed
+from her, almost lied to her, rather than be troubled
+with her sympathy, and she herself was uncertain
+whether to sympathize or to blame were the better
+course. Either might be as mistaken as anything
+she had ever done. Mrs. Dashwood’s tears began
+to flow, and instant relief was the result. She
+glanced aside at Margaret and something in her
+attitude suggested that she too wept.</p>
+
+<p>When two ladies who have an affection for one
+another weep at the same time and for the same
+cause, and the cause is none other than their fear
+of being unkind to one another, a reconcilement
+is not far away. A very few moments passed
+before there were a few gentle embraces, more
+tears, and Mrs. Dashwood and her daughter were
+once more in each other’s confidence.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span></p>
+
+<p>Margaret kept nothing back—as she had said,
+there was very little to make known, and Mrs.
+Dashwood put all reproach resolutely behind her,
+and was tenderly sympathetic. For that evening
+all was peace and happiness for both of them,
+and Margaret went to sleep that night with the
+thought of her mother’s affection mingling with the
+words:</p>
+
+<p>“I will come back. You will wait, will you
+not?”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">
+    CHAPTER X
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Margaret’s first feeling on awaking next
+morning was relief that her mother now
+knew all. There had been very little to know
+or to conceal, but it was a comfort to feel that
+the reason for her reticence—the apprehension
+of being talked over at Barton Park—was understood.
+Mrs. Dashwood was quite ready to seem
+satisfied by this explanation, though she felt herself
+at liberty to think what more she chose.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret, by her confidence and by her tears,
+had ensured herself against any further reproach
+from Mrs. Dashwood. She was not, however,
+ensured against discomfort from other causes.
+No sooner was breakfast over than Sir John’s
+loud voice, Mrs. Jennings’s cheerful talking, and
+Mrs. Palmer’s hearty laughter were heard in the
+hall. Mrs. Jennings could not resist coming to
+see how Miss Margaret looked after parting with
+her new beau.</p>
+
+<p>“The Commander is a very fine young man,
+my dear, though he has such low connections and
+no fortune to speak of. A good riddance, I say,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span>Mrs. Dashwood! He would not do for Miss Margaret
+at all, but I will not deny that he is agreeable.
+Mr. Palmer and he were at it hammer and tongs
+with their politics and their this and their that.
+I never heard Mr. Palmer say so much before.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s only reply was a smile, harder to
+assume than when young Mr. Carey or Mr. Atherton
+was the beau referred to. She could not conceive
+how so much was known, but would not make a
+single inquiry. It could not be long before something
+intelligible was uttered when so much was
+being said by three people all at once.</p>
+
+<p>It was Mrs. Palmer who enlightened her.</p>
+
+<p>“My mother is always for making a joke, but
+you know we did think it strange when Commander
+Pennington described you, and asked where you
+lived. There was something about a scarf to be
+returned, I think. I did not understand it all.
+It seems your scarf blew away and he caught it.
+I hope you have it safe again.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” replied Margaret, “it was returned to
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh,” cried Mrs. Jennings, “but that was
+only the beginning of your acquaintance. And
+now he is gone, and that had better be the end,
+Miss Margaret. We cannot have you taken all
+over the world, when there are several near at
+hand who would like to keep you here.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood endeavoured to lead the conversation
+away from Margaret by inquiring as to the
+intimacy between Mr. Palmer and Commander
+Pennington. Mrs. Palmer was delighted to be the
+chief talker, and related how they had been at
+the Royal Naval Academy at Portsmouth together,
+but that Mr. Palmer had succeeded to the property.
+So it had ended in his not going into the navy
+after all, and very glad she was of it, as to have a
+husband at sea would be a shocking thing. She
+laughed merrily at the thought, and was still more
+amused at the idea that with the war still going
+on there would have been danger of her becoming
+a widow.</p>
+
+<p>“But of course I should never have married
+him at all in that case, so I should not have minded
+it in the least, except that of course I should not
+have liked to be an old maid.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Palmer, having been thus providentially
+spared from early widowhood and perpetual spinsterhood
+by the circumstance of Mr. Palmer not
+having entered the navy, was naturally against
+that profession. She had much to say of its
+evils, and recounted with hearty laughter the
+hardships that she knew to be the lot of a naval
+officer’s wife.</p>
+
+<p>She was on her way to London. Mr. Palmer
+would call for her almost immediately. The House
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span>was sitting, and he had his duties as a member.
+She called specially to know if Mrs. Dashwood
+had any message for her son and his wife, as she
+would be very happy to convey it. Mrs. Dashwood
+was firm that she had no such message to send.
+She had written to them a day or two ago, and
+had nothing to add to what she had then written.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John and Mrs. Jennings were warm in giving
+the usual invitation to dinner. It was urgent
+in this case, as the loss of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer
+would leave them disconsolate, a party of five,
+when only yesterday they had sat down eight
+to dinner. Mrs. Dashwood could not be so cruel
+as to refuse.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was, however, deaf to all calls
+of humanity, and would have excused her daughter
+also, but Margaret, seeing clearly that any reluctance
+on her part to go into society would be
+construed as “wearing the willow,” accepted with
+seeming satisfaction, and Sir John and Mrs. Jennings
+returned to the Park easy in their minds
+that Mr. Atherton’s chances were as good as
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Palmer remained to chatter for half an hour
+till her chaise arrived, to give Margaret repeated
+invitations to join her in London, all of which
+were steadily declined, and to recount over and
+over again the sayings and doings of her son,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span>only four years old, but already famed for his wit
+and beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Palmer came. Margaret would have liked
+to hear something of his friendships at the Royal
+Naval Academy, but he had very little to say
+beyond grumbling at the weather and the roads.
+Mrs. Dashwood congratulated him on having
+effected a meeting with his friend, and he replied
+that it had been very agreeable. He further
+volunteered that he wished there were more like
+Pennington, but that was all; and the couple
+soon drove off, Mrs. Palmer laughing and waving
+till she was out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret hardened her mind as she dressed for
+her dinner engagement that afternoon. She would
+not pay any attention to their jokes, and she
+would not understand their questions. She was
+prepared for much discomfort which she would
+bear with a smiling face. In the event it was not
+so bad. As before, Miss Nancy Steele had much
+to say, and had no idea that Commander Pennington
+was to be interested in anyone but herself.
+The Commander and the Doctor took up about
+the same space in her mind and Mr. Atherton
+had all the rest. Margaret found that she had
+no need for defence against jocularity, as all the
+wit was to be expended elsewhere. Mr. Atherton
+sat next her and was attentive, but his gallantry
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span>took the form of praising her music, and this
+gave her an excuse to pass most of the time after
+dinner at the instrument. It was a fine one and
+to play on it gave her real pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>As Lady Middleton, who was fond of cards,
+was able to get up a rubber, and Sir John had been
+out all the morning and was glad to get some
+sleep, the party may be said to have been productive
+of more enjoyment than is usual at such
+gatherings. There was no one who had not some
+degree of happiness, and even Miss Nancy Steele,
+who had Mrs. Jennings for a partner, and would
+have preferred Mr. Atherton, was consoled by
+winning three shillings, which would just pay for
+the new pink ribbons she wished to purchase
+in time for her next meeting with the Doctor.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">
+    CHAPTER XI
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The next few weeks passed without any particular
+incident to vary their monotony. The
+summer was a fine one, much of the time was
+spent out of doors, and, though Margaret might
+wish for a walking companion, nothing at all was
+said about it.</p>
+
+<p>The parsonage was now ready for Mr. Atherton,
+and he went there from the Park early in July.
+Hardly a day had passed without his calling at
+the Cottage, and Mrs. Dashwood had come to
+regard his visits as inevitable and therefore no
+subject for complaint. He talked too much and
+had very little sense, but he was an amiable man,
+and she had come to that time of life when for an
+acquaintance to be amiable is held to be a recommendation.
+She felt, or imagined she felt, that
+she liked people to be dull rather than disagreeable,
+and uninteresting rather than bad-tempered, and,
+though it is no doubt regrettable that these opinions
+are so often held by people of forty years of age
+and upwards, there may be something to be said
+for their point of view.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span></p>
+
+<p>As Margaret had foreseen, Mr. Atherton was
+now considered to be entitled to Mrs. Dashwood’s
+patient attention, and Margaret herself, whatever
+she might feel of weariness, treated him with
+steady gentleness. That she did not believe herself
+to be thereby giving him what is called encouragement
+was due to her being without the
+suspicion of his desiring anything in particular.</p>
+
+<p>The day came, however, when his wishes were
+to be made known to her. He arrived one morning
+with a special request to make. It was that the
+ladies should lay aside their occupations to walk
+with him to the parsonage and explore the house
+and gardens.</p>
+
+<p>“There is much still to be done to both, and
+I feel the touch of a lady’s hand is needed to make
+the house all that it should be. It is to me a little
+bleak and bare, and, though I have plans for
+its improvement, I want to have your sanction,
+your agreement in what I propose. Your
+taste and discernment are needed both within and
+without.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood professed herself very happy to
+put her taste and discernment, such as they were,
+at Mr. Atherton’s service. Margaret, as usual, said
+nothing, but it did appear that her silent consent
+was needed for the proposed improvements. Their
+work was laid aside, their walking dresses put on,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span>and they were ready to accompany the young man.
+Before they left the house he turned to survey the
+parlour, and said with enthusiasm:</p>
+
+<p>“If I could but achieve this look of home, this
+air of peaceful industry, in my own house, how
+happy should I be!”</p>
+
+<p>This admiration for Barton Cottage must have
+been increased by his daily visits, for it could not
+be forgotten that his first comments had been
+mingled with dispraise. There was something
+forced about so much admiration, and to Mrs.
+Dashwood’s mind there had been more sincerity
+at first, if less good manners.</p>
+
+<p>He continued in this strain of laborious gallantry
+as they walked to the parsonage. Mrs. Dashwood
+became uneasy. She feared to look at Margaret
+lest she should be unable to continue to listen
+with suitable gravity, and it was a relief when they
+turned in at the garden gate and had something
+definite to attend to.</p>
+
+<p>The garden was very well laid out, with a hen-run
+and a shrubbery, and apple trees and a rubbish
+heap, all most convenient. No detail escaped
+observation, and the garden alone occupied the
+best part of an hour. They were then led indoors.
+Fruit and cake were ready on the sideboard in the
+dining-room, and the rest and refreshment were
+indeed welcome. The ladies were tired out. Such
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span>continual admiration had been demanded of them
+that they would have been thankful to see something
+that merited disapproval. But no such
+relief was to be theirs. The standard of excellence
+of the house was even higher than that of the
+garden, and everything must come under their
+notice. Margaret began to wonder if even the
+mousetraps in the back larder would escape comment.
+The brass toasting-fork and the fire-screens,
+the foot-stools and the wool-work mats had all
+received their due, and Mrs. Dashwood lingered
+behind in the linen-room to examine some fine
+table-cloths which attracted her.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret was taken on to the study, and walked
+up to the book-shelves, in the contents of which
+she felt real interest. To her astonishment she
+found herself ardently addressed by her host, her
+hand taken in both of his, and an urgently-worded
+proposal of marriage laid before her. In a speech
+of great length, which must have cost him some
+pains to compose and memorize, he was asking her
+to become the mistress of the house in which they
+were standing.</p>
+
+<p>He argued that their tastes were similar, their
+ideas in unison, and their prospect of happiness
+very great. She would be settled near her mother,
+for whom he had an abiding deference. Her indoor
+pursuits and her outdoor pastimes would be equally
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span>considered, and she would find that in her own
+domain she would be paramount. His arguments
+were excellent, and he evidently knew his oration
+by heart, for he never faltered in its delivery or
+allowed her to interpose any objection. He paused
+at length and waited for her reply.</p>
+
+<p>She gently declined his offer and begged to be
+allowed to rejoin her mother. He was not only
+disappointed, he was surprised, and was preparing
+to repeat some of his representations when Mrs.
+Dashwood came into the room, and further protest
+was impossible. They almost immediately took
+leave, and to their relief Mr. Atherton only accompanied
+them as far as the garden gate.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was quickly told of the offer.
+Margaret was regretful at giving pain, but surprised
+at the necessity. She had not thought him attached
+to her for the reason that she did not think him
+sufficiently indifferent to wealth and position to
+wish for a wife with so small a fortune. She did
+not believe him to have any real regard for her.
+She had therefore paid little attention to his show
+of admiration, and none at all to the hints thrown
+out by Mrs. Jennings. However, the offer had
+been made, and had been declined, and it remained
+to be seen whether Mr. Atherton’s desire for
+sympathy would be stronger than his pride;
+whether he would let his disappointment be known
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span>at the Park, or whether he would keep it to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the distress was not so great as to
+require condolences. Perhaps his vanity preferred
+secrecy to pity. Perhaps some other cause was
+at work, but to Margaret’s relief it became evident
+that nothing had been said at the Park, and in
+many ways it appeared certain that Mr. Atherton
+had accepted her decision as final.</p>
+
+<p>Often when we think we are safe, calamity is
+near at hand. Not many days had passed before
+Mrs. Dashwood and Margaret, returning from their
+walk, found John Dashwood awaiting them. He
+was standing by the window, and they could see
+the annoyance on his face as they turned in at the
+gate. He was staying at the parsonage, he replied,
+in answer to Mrs. Dashwood’s ready offer of
+hospitality. He had merely called in to inquire.
+He did not immediately say what was to be the
+extent of his inquiries, but it was clear from his
+expression that something more than their health
+was involved.</p>
+
+<p>It soon became evident to Margaret that nothing
+more would be said of his mission so long as she
+remained in the room. Mr. Dashwood replied to
+all questions and remarks in monosyllables, and
+occupied the intervals by looking at her with
+patent displeasure. She therefore excused herself
+on the plea of changing her walking dress, and left
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</span>her mother to listen to whatever it was that John
+had to impart.</p>
+
+<p>He did not begin at once. Possibly the subject
+was harder to open than he had expected. It was
+evident that he was angry, and uncertain whether
+he were rightly so.</p>
+
+<p>“I hope you are pleased with the work done at
+the parsonage, and that you find Mr. Atherton is
+satisfied,” said Mrs. Dashwood in the course of
+her polite inquiries.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dashwood replied that it was the dissatisfaction
+felt by Mr. Atherton, and imparted to himself
+and Fanny by letter, that had brought him hither.</p>
+
+<p>“My sister is young,” he went on, with an air
+of making every allowance possible. “She cannot
+be expected to foresee the future. It therefore
+behoves us to help her in her decision. It cannot,
+I think, be your wish that she should decline Mr.
+Atherton’s addresses. She is unlikely, living as she
+does in retirement, to have such an offer made to
+her again. Perhaps she is not aware—Mr. Atherton
+is not of a boastful disposition, and it is probable
+that she is not aware—that he has a private income
+in addition to the living and that his expectations
+are very good. There are several unmarried aunts
+in good circumstances, and an uncle, also unmarried,
+who is even wealthy. Margaret would,
+in all probability, become a rich woman in time.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span>Meanwhile with her small fortune, augmented as
+Fanny and I suggest, they would be very passably
+comfortable. Their income would be more than
+half that of my sister, Elinor, although she married
+Fanny’s own brother. Yes, decidedly Margaret
+would be in a better position in some ways! Her
+expectations would be better, and she would be
+marrying with the good wishes and approval of
+all concerned, which, as you recollect, my dear
+madam, was not unhappily the case of Elinor and
+poor Edward Ferrars. They were honoured by
+your approval, I am aware, but the grief felt by
+his excellent and affectionate mother was very
+distressing. But enough of that! What is done
+cannot be undone! In Margaret’s case no such
+objection would arise. I think it possible that in
+good time she might be as rich as Marianne, or
+even more so, if she succeeded in becoming a
+favourite with Mr. Atherton’s relations. I feel
+sure that all this has not been laid before her.
+Possibly you yourself are not aware of it. I blame
+myself for not having made the matter clearer in
+a letter which I had the honour of writing to you
+on the subject. But it is not too late! I have
+secured from Mr. Atherton the promise that, if
+he is assured that his proposals will be accepted,
+he will renew them. This he has definitely agreed
+to, and his only stipulation is that he should be
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</span>informed of the alteration in my sister’s mind at
+once, or at least during the ensuing week. After
+that time he will consider himself at liberty to
+pay his addresses in another quarter. So, madam,
+there is no time to be lost if we are to secure this
+admirable settlement for my sister, and I beg you
+to use your influence on our behalf.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood had made no attempt to reply.
+No opportunity to do so had been given her, but
+now he paused. She reminded him that he had
+said that this marriage would have the approval
+of all concerned. She could not agree. It would
+not have her own approval. She considered Mr.
+Atherton a very agreeable good sort of man, but
+not one likely to make her daughter happy. Margaret’s
+inability to accept his proposals had her
+approval. The marriage could only take place
+against her wishes.</p>
+
+<p>This seemed to her to be as strong a statement
+as was required. John Dashwood, however, did
+not think so. She had no wealth to enforce her
+arguments. She made no threat of cutting Margaret
+out of her will, and even had she done so
+it would be a matter of minor importance to a
+young lady favoured by the prospect of such a
+settlement in life. Obedience to maternal authority
+could not be expected when so little was to be
+gained by it. He therefore renewed his arguments,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span>reinforcing them by the information that the elder
+Mrs. Ferrars had heard of Margaret’s prospects
+and highly approved, and even contemplated sending
+a wedding present, and that Fanny had written
+to Lady Middleton begging her kind offices in the
+matter.</p>
+
+<p>The knowledge that Lady Middleton would
+certainly take no notice of such a request was
+Mrs. Dashwood’s only consolation. John and his
+wife were capable of angering her more deeply
+than any others of her acquaintance. She resented
+the difference in their thoughts and feelings the
+more on account of their relationship to her
+daughters, and she sometimes felt that she would
+be thankful indeed could she be sure of never seeing
+or hearing of them again; and that even an open
+quarrel would be welcome if it could bring about
+so complete a misunderstanding as must end their
+intimacy.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">
+    CHAPTER XII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>John Dashwood’s visit to the parsonage
+was not yet over. He was still making daily
+demands on the civility and patience of the inmates
+of Barton Cottage, when such welcome guests
+arrived as must lessen the disagreeables of his
+visits. Their circle was enlarged, their conversation
+improved, and their tempers relieved by the
+arrival of Elinor and Edward Ferrars. It was a
+joyful meeting. The influence of Elinor’s calm
+and balanced mind was just what her mother
+required, wearied and irritated as she had been for
+the last few days.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood did not intend to confide her
+deeper anxieties to Elinor, but it was not long
+before she had done so, and Elinor was put in
+possession of all that Mrs. Dashwood knew of
+Margaret’s intimacy with Commander Pennington.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor much disapproved of all she heard.
+Margaret clearly had been very indiscreet and,
+she feared, rather sly in concealment. She looked
+grave, and gave no encouragement to be happy
+to her mother, who had therefore to supply
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span>all arguments for cheerfulness herself, and did so
+to good purpose, representing that Margaret knew
+him so slightly it was impossible that she should
+be much affected, and, at the same time, he was
+so agreeable a man that a marriage between them
+would be highly satisfactory; that six months
+at least must pass before they met again, which
+was time enough for them either to change their
+minds or to make them up, whichever process
+were desirable; that he had no doubt enough
+money to marry on, but that Elinor herself must
+know that money was not an essential for happiness.
+In fact, she argued all ways at once, and
+the only circumstance that seemed certain and
+fixed was that Margaret was to be happy and that
+all was for the best.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor listened, glad that her mother should be
+able to console herself, but privately deeply concerned
+at what she considered to be unwise. She
+determined to bring the subject up with her sister,
+and to let it be known how much she feared an
+unhappy ending to the affair.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime she was able to give all the
+sympathy that was desired over the annoyance
+of her brother’s interference. Mr. Atherton seemed
+to her a very poor figure of a parish priest. She
+had always before her the idea of Edward, so
+generous and devoted in his work, so refined in
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span>mind, unworldly and of such genuine goodness
+that the type of clergyman of which Mr. Atherton
+seemed to be an example was altogether disgusting
+to her. She warmly supported her sister and
+mother in their dislike of him, and John Dashwood,
+who could get nothing but calm disagreement
+and denials from Mrs. Dashwood, was even
+more daunted to find that Elinor was no more open
+to reason than his mother-in-law.</p>
+
+<p>He had no wish to offend anyone, and presently
+gave up his self-imposed task of getting Margaret
+a husband with the warning that he was by no
+means prepared to endow her choice or that of
+her mother, as he would have endowed his own.
+Mrs. Dashwood seemed hardly to regard this loss
+of five hundred pounds. Indeed, the only way
+to be sure that she had fully understood the matter
+was to repeat his ultimatum more than once.
+He returned to Norland Park unsuccessful in his
+errand, but at least, as he told Fanny, he had
+carried out his father’s last injunctions to take
+care of his sisters and, as the event had turned
+out, might regard himself as richer by five hundred
+pounds.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor made an early opportunity to get Margaret
+alone, with the intention of taxing her with her
+indiscretion and undue reticence. She began by
+inviting Margaret to walk with her on High-church
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span>down. There was something unexpected about
+this to Margaret, just enough to put her slightly
+on the defensive. Elinor’s choice of a walk was
+more often along a road and with some definite
+good object in view. To-day, however, though the
+excellent intention was not lacking, she chose
+the heights. It was a deliberate choice. She
+wished to recall to Margaret’s thoughts Marianne’s
+folly and its melancholy conclusion. She had not
+reckoned with other visions, other ideas which
+filled Margaret’s mind almost to the exclusion of
+all else.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor began by reminding her sister of the day
+of Willoughby’s appearance. Margaret was much
+surprised at such a subject being introduced. She
+had been considered as a child by her two sisters,
+and had met with such severe rebuffs from Elinor
+on this subject that the idea of discussing the love
+affairs of one sister with the other was altogether
+distasteful to her. She listened politely to Elinor’s
+account of the surprise felt by her mother and
+herself when Willoughby came into the house with
+Marianne in his arms. Elinor said that she herself
+had almost immediately felt the deepest uneasiness.
+Marianne had been so powerfully attracted, the
+young man was so easily attached; in fact, the
+whole thing was too light, too casual to be lasting.
+Elinor, it seemed, had always known this, and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span>had tried to warn Marianne and her mother,
+but they had disregarded her. If such a case
+were again to come under her notice she would
+be able to give the same warnings with a deeper
+urgency. She could now almost say that she
+knew how unlikely such a situation was to bring
+about domestic happiness such as she herself
+enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret listened, agreed, deplored the lack of
+caution shown by Marianne and the instability
+of Willoughby, when called upon to do so; agreed
+again as to the dangers of such intimacies; agreed
+further that they should be discouraged. Elinor
+could find no loophole, nothing on which to fasten
+an inquiry. Nothing but agreement! If Margaret
+had ever had any idea of confiding in her sister
+this manner of approach would have decided her
+against it. She had absolutely nothing to say on
+the subject.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor bore this in silence for some time, and
+then, remembering how much trouble might have
+been spared them if Marianne had been induced
+to make some statement, she tried again, this
+time with rather more success.</p>
+
+<p>“Mamma tells me, Margaret, that you have lately
+made the acquaintance of a certain Commander
+Pennington.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s colour was brighter as she agreed again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Mamma is anxious about it. She does not
+think the acquaintance a wise one. She does
+not think he has much stability of character.”</p>
+
+<p>Elinor was more justified in making this statement
+than seemed likely. Mrs. Dashwood had
+said much on all sides of the matter in her perturbation,
+and it was true that she had expressed
+some such fear. It was one among many fears;
+but to Margaret it seemed more. To her it appeared
+as the considered opinion of her mother on him
+whom she immediately felt to be her lover. She
+waited a moment, and then replied quietly that
+she considered it impossible for either her mother
+or herself to form an opinion of Commander
+Pennington’s character. The acquaintance was
+a slight one, and might never be renewed.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor felt it impossible to continue the conversation;
+but she had said enough—more than
+enough—to make up Margaret’s mind. She was
+now definitely determined that she would marry
+Commander Pennington if he asked her, and as
+definitely certain that she very much wished he
+would so do.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret owed this self-knowledge to her sister’s
+interference, and felt that she would have had
+more peace of mind without it.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">
+    CHAPTER XIII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Sir John Middleton was so fond of parties
+that not many days were ever allowed to
+elapse without his forming some plan to bring
+young people together. His activities were very
+well thought of in general, and it was perhaps
+only the family at Barton Cottage, who were
+perforce included in all his schemes, who wished
+him less hospitable and enterprising.</p>
+
+<p>The occasion of Elinor and Edward Ferrars
+staying at Barton Cottage must receive some
+special mark of attention from the Park. They
+dined there as a matter of course, and they drank
+tea there on the next day, but these entertainments,
+though they seemed to be sufficient to the
+Ferrars, were to Sir John the merest foreshadowing
+of the delights he had in store for them. There
+was to be a picnic, a ball, and if possible theatricals,
+and all were set on foot with eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>The picnic was the most easily arranged. They
+would all walk or drive next Monday to the Priory
+and eat a cold collation there among the ruins.
+The Careys and the Whitakers were to be invited,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span>and they would all be together and better able to
+plan for future happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Monday came, and was not more unsuitable for
+picnicking than July days usually are. The air
+was mild, the rain only slight and intermittent,
+and the ground not particularly wet. It was a
+pleasant day for walking, and the party from
+Barton decided to walk as the ruins were little
+more than a mile distant. The Careys had farther
+to come and would drive or ride. Only the youngers
+of this family were to be expected. Sir Francis
+and Lady Carey were disinclined to leave their
+home occupations whenever Sir John Middleton
+wanted a little company, but the young people
+would arrive in satisfactory numbers, Walter
+Carey, who would be the next baronet, his two
+elder sisters, and his two younger sisters in charge
+of their governess. The Whitakers, a middle-aged
+couple with a son and a daughter, had accepted
+and would certainly drive.</p>
+
+<p>The Barton party was the largest. Sir John
+and Lady Middleton and their children, Mrs.
+Jennings and Miss Steele, reinforced by Mr. Atherton
+and the four from Barton Cottage would
+have made a very respectable picnic-party without
+the distant neighbours who had been
+asked to join them, but Sir John delighted in
+numbers, and considered any gathering that consisted
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span>of less than twenty persons as lamentably
+small.</p>
+
+<p>The party were to meet at noon, enjoy the cold
+viands that Lady Middleton provided, explore the
+ruins, and discuss the theatricals. Anyone who
+had any ideas on the subject was to produce them,
+and between them all something good would be
+decided.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Middleton was to drive with the children
+and baskets, and Mr. Atherton was active in getting
+them seated in the carriage and the baskets handed
+in. Several small jokes passed between him and
+Annamaria, and William wished him to drive with
+them. Amidst much that was affected in him,
+his liking for children seemed as genuine as their
+affection for him, and Lady Middleton smiled on
+him with extreme graciousness. She had felt
+hitherto not the slightest inconvenience from the
+continued intimacy with the new incumbent, and
+now began to think him a positive acquisition.
+He watched the carriage start to overtake the main
+body, already on their way. Sir John escorted
+Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor. Margaret had the
+society of Mrs. Jennings and Miss Steele, which
+suited her very well, as they did all the necessary
+talking. Mr. Atherton found that Edward Ferrars
+had remained behind to walk with him.</p>
+
+<p>It was natural that they should fall into some
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</span>talk, some comparison of their parishes. Barton
+seemed to have the advantage in some ways. It
+was smaller. There was less visiting to be done
+among the poorer parishioners. The income was
+slightly larger, but it was annoying to find that
+the parsonage at Delaford did seem to be superior
+in size, and in extent of grounds, and that, though
+the Barton vicarage had been altered and improved,
+it did not appear that it was in any way equal.
+Mr. Atherton expressed some surprise at hearing
+of so fine a house, but added that he supposed
+Mrs. Edward Ferrars’s fortune must be an assistance
+to her husband in maintaining such a style of
+living.</p>
+
+<p>Edward was puzzled. Elinor’s fortune was no
+more than the thousand pounds inherited from
+her grand-uncle, and he was at a loss to understand
+why it should be supposed to be considerable.
+He hesitated, remarked coldly that the Miss Dashwoods
+had not been wealthy, and began to talk
+of the best breeds of cattle. Mr. Atherton became
+more or less silent, that is, he replied when Edward
+asked questions, but originated nothing himself.
+He was thinking, and the sum of his thoughts
+was that the late rebuff might be all for the best.
+He did not feel much affection for Margaret if
+she were without fortune. He liked her very
+well, and admired her more than any other lady
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</span>of his acquaintance, but he now felt quite satisfied
+with the turn affairs had taken. During that
+walk to the Priory, while discussing short-horns
+with Mr. Ferrars, he finally withdrew his pretensions
+to Margaret’s hand.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Margaret, unaware of her loss,
+walked beside Mrs. Jennings and heard the flow
+of joking and laughter which she kept up with
+Miss Steele, and thought of something quite
+different.</p>
+
+<p>The Careys had arrived at the Priory before
+them, but nothing could be done about unpacking
+the baskets till the Whitakers should be there.
+The time must be spent in exploring the ruins,
+and strolling about in twos and threes. Margaret
+was easily induced by Walter Carey to climb the
+remains of an old tower, and from thence to obtain
+a fine view of the country. It was a delightful
+exercise with just enough of effort and danger
+to make it entertaining, and to make his steadying
+hand acceptable. She enjoyed the small adventure,
+and found Walter an agreeable companion.
+He was just returned home from Oxford, was well-read
+and sufficiently talkative, and added the
+advantage of an agreeable person to those of an
+easy manner and an intelligent mind. They
+returned to the main party well pleased with themselves
+and with each other.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</span></p>
+
+<p>The party were now collected. Mr. and Mrs.
+Whitaker and Mrs. Jennings seemed to find great
+pleasure in meeting, and were settled with Mrs.
+Dashwood on a bank sheltered from the breeze
+by a corner of ancient wall. Lady Middleton
+overlooked the unpacking of the baskets, which
+was being done by Elinor and Isabella Carey,
+while Penelope Carey and Mary Whitaker carried
+round the trays of cakes and glasses. Sir John
+was joking with Miss Steele, and cutting up veal
+pies, and Henry Whitaker handed plates.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton had arranged the children round
+a fallen stone as table with the Careys’ governess
+at one end, and himself at the other, and had
+piled the table with the good things. This looked
+the most cheerful corner, but Margaret was not
+invited to join them. Walter found a seat for her
+under an arch, and Edward strolled up to tell
+her that he supposed she knew that she looked
+very picturesque, like a saint in a window, or
+something of that sort. She was used to his
+brotherly teasing, and made some suitable replies
+at about the level of the wit that is usual at
+these gatherings, when no one says anything
+that they, or any others consider worth a second
+thought.</p>
+
+<p>It was all very agreeable, and the rain held off
+surprisingly. Every one declared that they ate
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</span>twice as much in the open air as they did at home,
+and wondered why they did not come here more
+often; and got rather sleepy, and then rather
+restless—and at last it must be time to go home.</p>
+
+<p>“But this will never do,” cried Sir John. “We
+have decided nothing about the play.”</p>
+
+<p>“How charming it would be if we could have
+it here!” exclaimed Isabella Carey. “What a
+background that fine Norman arch would be!
+Surely there is some play that would suit these
+surroundings?”</p>
+
+<p>“Hamlet” and “Macbeth” were suggested, but
+Sir John wanted something with more in it to
+amuse.</p>
+
+<p>“How about ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ or
+that laughable play of Mr. Sheridan’s, ‘The Rivals’
+I think it’s called, or ‘The School of Rivals,’ or
+something of the sort?”</p>
+
+<p>These, however, were ruled out. Walter Carey
+was firm that a ruined church was not the right
+setting for them.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then, much better have it in the Park
+grounds!” said Sir John. “There is a nice open
+space not too far from the house, with trees and a
+flight of steps that would make a scene to suit
+anything.”</p>
+
+<p>A few drops of rain began to fall and Lady
+Middleton, in fear for her children catching cold,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</span>hurriedly suggested that all should return to the
+Park, look at the place Sir John described, and
+talk over all the details under cover. Wraps were
+hastily found, and the party set off with utmost
+expedition for the Park.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">
+    CHAPTER XIV
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Walking or driving, it was not long before
+the whole party reached the Park. The
+first half-hour was occupied in strolling about the
+grounds between two showers to make up their
+minds where the theatre should be.</p>
+
+<p>Several admirable spots were discovered, but
+no decision could be reached until every one came
+together again in the large drawing-room. Acting
+out of doors seemed a very imprudent scheme to
+some of the elders, but there was a strong body of
+optimists who held to the idea; and, as they were
+warmly supported by Sir John, a pastoral play it
+was to be.</p>
+
+<p>“We had a pastoral play at Oxford last term, in
+Worcester Gardens,” said Walter Carey. “We
+played ‘Comus.’”</p>
+
+<p>“‘Comus’?” called out Sir John. “What’s
+‘Comus’?”</p>
+
+<p>“‘Comus’ is a masque,” replied Walter.</p>
+
+<p>“The very thing,” proclaimed Sir John. “There
+will be some fun about that! We will play ‘Comus.’
+How many parts are there?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</span></p>
+
+<p>Walter Carey was very willing for it to be
+“Comus.” He thought he could play the leading
+rôle better than the man who had the part
+at Oxford, and at least would like the opportunity
+to try. Sir John’s expectation of something
+funny might be inconvenient, but something
+to please him could no doubt be managed in the
+rout.</p>
+
+<p>No one had anything to urge against “Comus,”
+and for the same reason could say nothing in
+its favour. Excepting Walter, Margaret and
+Henry Whitaker, no one knew anything about
+it. However, Sir John’s enthusiasm for the unknown
+carried the company along with him, and
+“Comus” was unanimously chosen for the play.</p>
+
+<p>The next thing was to decide the parts, and for
+this a copy of the play was desirable. It was
+feared by Sir John that Walter would have the
+only copy in the neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>“Not at all, sir,” replied Walter. “Surely there
+is a Milton in your library.”</p>
+
+<p>“Milton!” said Sir John, his enthusiasm rather
+dashed. “I did not know it was by Milton. I
+thought he only wrote long poems about the Garden
+of Eden?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not at all, sir,” again replied Walter. “He
+wrote some plays and political pamphlets as well—quite
+a secular writer in his way.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</span></p>
+
+<p>This reassured Sir John, and Margaret, who had
+made more use of the Park library than anyone
+else had ever done, offered to fetch the volume
+of Milton containing “Comus,” and returned with
+a book no more dusty than might be expected
+considering it had been undisturbed for we know
+not how many years.</p>
+
+<p>“You had better take the part you did before,
+Walter; it will save you the trouble of learning a
+new one,” said Sir John.</p>
+
+<p>Walter blushed and hesitated, and then admitted
+that he had been the Lady at Oxford and would
+prefer some other part.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Carey had better be Comus,” said Margaret.
+“It is by far the longest part, and he must
+already be familiar with the whole play, so could
+learn it easily.”</p>
+
+<p>Walter was grateful for this suggestion, and
+every one else was willing that he should have a
+long part to learn.</p>
+
+<p>“Excellent,” said Sir John. “And you had
+better be stage-manager too, and put us all in the
+way of it. For, except for charades, I have never
+done anything of the sort. Just give me a part
+in which I can make some noise and get a few
+laughs out of the audience, and you can divide all
+the long speeches between you.”</p>
+
+<p>It was necessary to get the opinions of the rest
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</span>of the party before going further. Miss Steele
+liked acting excessively, but never could remember
+her words. Lady Middleton stipulated only that
+there should be parts for William and dear little
+Annamaria, and of course for John, as they
+would be inconsolable if they were not included.
+Henry Whitaker looked urgent, hoping he would
+not be left out, but said nothing, and the young
+ladies all thought one of the others should be the
+heroine. Edward Ferrars was applied to, but said
+he did not think acting suited to the dignity of
+the cloth, and Mr. Atherton replied that he would
+like to be employed as prompter. Elinor Ferrars
+said decisively that she wished to be one of the
+audience.</p>
+
+<p>Walter found himself expected to allot parts
+to five ladies, five children counting his own little
+sisters, Sir John, Henry and himself, and to give
+pleasure to all of them in doing so. It was an
+anxious half-hour for the young man, but he came
+through it with creditable success, though his
+opening words were not auspicious. He had to
+announce that there were only two parts for the
+ladies, the Lady and Sabrina. He began by
+suggesting that Margaret should be the Lady.
+Miss Steele bridled, but the two Miss Careys and
+Miss Whitaker united in acclaiming this choice,
+though Isabella Carey’s face lengthened and Miss
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</span>Whitaker appeared surprised. Margaret, however,
+would not consent. If Mr. Walter Carey was
+to be Comus, it would be best that one of his
+sisters should be the Lady. They would have
+many opportunities for rehearsal, and both parts
+were so long that much study together would be
+necessary. Margaret thought that Isabella should
+be the Lady. She had a singing voice, and the
+song was of importance. It was clear that no
+one else could be so suitable for the part. Miss
+Carey was well content to have it so, and her
+modest objections were soon talked down, the more
+easily as she really thought herself well suited to
+the part.</p>
+
+<p>There were now four young ladies, and the
+part of Sabrina among them. Walter’s hesitation
+was excusable, but again Margaret came to his
+help.</p>
+
+<p>“I have been thinking,” she said, “that the
+parts of the Brothers could very well be taken by
+ladies. Some long mantle worn thrown over the
+shoulder would make a handsome appearance,
+and be a suitable dress, and they were both
+represented as very young. The line, ‘As smooth
+as Hebe’s their unrazor’d lips,’ seems to fit very
+well.”</p>
+
+<p>There was general laughter and a brightening of
+eyes and renewed hope among the ladies, though
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</span>poor Henry Whitaker looked as though his last
+chance were gone. Walter quickly decided that
+his younger sister and Miss Whitaker, who were
+both taller than Margaret, should be the Brothers,
+unless Miss Steele——?</p>
+
+<p>But Miss Steele was horrified at the idea. She
+to take a man’s part indeed! Not for the world
+would she be so bold! No, Sabrina would do very
+well for her!</p>
+
+<p>There was a silence. Walter was again in a
+dilemma. This time it was Henry who gave
+help.</p>
+
+<p>“Sabrina has got to sing. I know, because we
+did ‘Comus’ at school last half. Can you sing,
+Miss Steele?”</p>
+
+<p>Miss Steele could not, but suggested that some
+one might sing behind the scenes for her. There
+was again silence, interrupted by a cough from
+Sir John, which reminded Walter that a part had
+to be found for him.</p>
+
+<p>“What would you like, Sir John? Will you be
+Comus?” he asked with an heroic effort. “Or
+would you like to lead the rout? I think Henry
+must be the attendant Spirit. It is a long part,
+and he knows the play.”</p>
+
+<p>Henry’s anxious look changed to one of bashful
+happiness. Sir John had an easy method of coming
+to a decision.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Which has most to say—Comus or the rout
+fellow?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, actually Comus has a considerable
+number of lines to say—some hundred—but of
+course we shall have to cut the whole thing down
+somewhat. Still, Comus has undoubtedly got a
+good deal to say. The leader of the rout has—well,
+he must make as much noise as possible and
+dance about. It is a very active part.”</p>
+
+<p>“I never could learn poetry. I will lead the
+rout,” Sir John decided to the general satisfaction,
+and he added a grace to his decision by asking Miss
+Nancy to lead the rout with him, as she did not
+like learning poetry either, and was so fond of
+dancing.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Steele reddened and hesitated, but Miss
+Carey’s suggestion that the members of the rout
+should all be very gaily clad, in contrast to the
+rest of the company, who must be in white or
+sad colouring, decided the point. Miss Steele
+would be a prominent figure in the rout, and the
+part of Sabrina was left for Margaret, who could
+sing and did not mind wearing plain white.</p>
+
+<p>The children, three Middletons and two Careys,
+were to be inferior members of the rout, and all
+was now happily arranged except the music. At
+first it was thought that the music must come from
+within doors, but Penelope Carey luckily remembered
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</span>that her sisters’ governess could play the
+harp reasonably well, and was a very good sort of
+girl. It was decided that she should be established
+behind some shrub and contribute all the music
+necessary.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">
+    CHAPTER XV
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The next days were productive of constant
+bustle and amusement for the actors, even
+if others of the party felt only boredom and inconvenience.
+Elinor was against the whole scheme.
+It was taking up time which could have been more
+rationally employed. The performance was sure
+to be inferior, and the weather would probably be
+bad. The gentlemen were all too busy to fish with
+Edward, and she herself was pressed into service
+to help with the arrangement of the dresses. They
+had come to Barton hoping for some rest and
+refreshment, and found themselves in all this
+turmoil. It was true that there was no one at
+liberty to entertain Edward Ferrars, and it was
+fortunate that he was much more fond of his own
+society than that of any other creature with the
+exception of his wife, and possibly of his brother-in-law,
+Colonel Brandon, so did not feel this to
+be an evil. His stay at Barton must necessarily
+be short. He had only arranged for his duty to
+be taken for one Sunday, and he must return to
+his parish. Elinor was to stay on. This had not
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</span>been part of the original plan, but there were
+several reasons for the decision. Young Master
+Ferrars was safely established at the mansion-house
+at Delaford under the care of Marianne and
+the nurse who attended to Master Brandon.
+Edward himself wished his wife to have the
+pleasure of a longer stay with her mother. Elinor
+was convinced that she could be of use at Barton
+in discouraging in Mrs. Dashwood any inclination
+to take a romantic view of Commander Pennington’s
+advances. She was not without hope of
+exercising a wise influence on Margaret. Edward
+was very much against her attempting any such
+thing, and gave it as his opinion that no good
+came of interference; but Elinor would not allow
+that wise suggestion could be classed as interference,
+and she reminded Edward that he himself
+had experienced the folly and misery of a
+premature love affair. All of which was moderately
+convincing to Edward, and entirely so to
+Elinor herself. She would stay on till the early
+days of September, for Sir John Middleton was
+then to join Colonel Brandon at Delaford for some
+shooting, and would take her in his carriage all
+the way. Margaret was glad that her mother had
+her sister’s company while she herself was so much engaged
+with the theatricals, and did not connect her
+prolonged visit with any of her own hopes or desires.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</span></p>
+
+<p>In addition to the pleasure of having Elinor with
+her, Mrs. Dashwood was very well amused by the
+theatricals. Margaret brought her so entertaining
+a description of all that went on that to the pleasure
+of listening to a lively recital was added the happiness
+of hoping that the impression made by Commander
+Pennington on Margaret’s mind was fast
+fading away. She looked so happy and cheerful
+that it was reasonable to suppose her heart-free.
+It was not in Mrs. Dashwood’s nature to fear when
+it was possible to hope.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret was, in fact, enjoying the theatricals
+excessively. It was essential to her happiness at
+present to have every moment of the day occupied.
+Thinking did not suit her at all. Too soon
+thinking gave way to longing, and longing to
+unreasonable fears. She was better employed in
+learning her lines, practising her song, making
+her dress and helping the other members of the
+party to do the same. She had not a long part
+herself, and for this reason she was in constant
+demand to hear others recite theirs. The
+offer to hear hers in return could always be
+made, with small risk of acceptance. Walter
+Carey in particular found no one so kind and
+inspiring.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John and Miss Steele had no concern but their
+dresses, which were to be as gay and fantastic as
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</span>possible, and the five children had to be fitted
+with masks and taught some sort of order in their
+disorderly rout, that they might not hurt themselves
+or each other.</p>
+
+<p>Walter was a careless stage-manager, inclined
+to think that everything would settle itself, and
+that the chief parts were all that concerned him.
+But, if the play was to be anything but an absurdity,
+these minor matters must receive attention,
+and there was no one so suited for the task
+or so willing to be employed as Margaret. In
+everything she was ably assisted by the Careys’
+governess, Miss Fairfield, who had her own little
+charges well in hand, and through them was able
+to exercise some sort of control over the little
+Middletons, who were constantly surprising themselves
+by doing what they were told.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Middleton was concerned as to who should
+and who should not be asked to view the performance—the
+task of selection being made no easier
+by Sir John inviting every one he met—and also
+as to what should be the nature of the refreshment
+to be provided. She could not be satisfied with
+anything short of complete elegance, and, on
+asking Walter Carey how this had been managed
+at Oxford, was disgusted to hear that he thought
+there had been something handed round. Perhaps
+some beer or cider. He was not sure!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Jennings thought it all rather tedious.
+She could not find that there was a word of love
+in the play from beginning to end. It was all
+long speeches and brothers going about after their
+sister. Such foolishness! The speeches had been
+severely cut down, they said, but they were still
+a great deal too long to her mind, and not what
+anyone would say. Very different from Mr.
+Sheridan’s plays, where you could think it was
+yourself talking half the time! She thought they
+would all have enjoyed a few balls and picnics
+much more than all this solemn saying of poetry
+over to each other in corners. She had given her
+old red satin to Nancy Steele to make a good
+appearance in the rout, but beyond that she could
+not find anything to do to help, and she thought
+they had best get on without her. She would sit
+by Mrs. Ferrars in the audience and quiz them all
+with her and Mrs. Dashwood.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the children were more completely
+happy than anyone. Their part was just to make
+a noise and wear queer dresses, and, if children
+cannot be pleased with that, they are very strange
+children indeed, and, though Lady Middleton
+might believe hers to be exceptional, they proved
+themselves in this to be very like the little Careys.</p>
+
+<p>As to the rest of the company, the Lady and
+Comus were thoroughly pleased with their own
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</span>parts, though often despondent about the others.
+The Brothers were sometimes assailed by doubts.
+Did they, in fact, look as much like two young
+men as they hoped? Henry Whitaker found his
+part of attendant Spirit very hard stuff to learn,
+Sir John occasionally had a hankering after the
+part of Comus, who had some very good things
+to say, and Miss Nancy Steele was not always
+sure that even wearing red satin made a member
+of the rout one of the principal figures in the play.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s task was to encourage all these, to
+keep some control over the rout, to advise the
+Careys’ governess as to the music, and to be sure
+that Mr. Atherton had his prompter’s copy correctly
+marked with cuts and pauses.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">
+    CHAPTER XVI
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The rehearsals were the perquisite of Sir
+John. It was at the Park that they were
+held. His drawing-room it was that was daily
+filled with guests; his servants that were daily
+called upon to provide casual meals; and his
+box-rooms and cupboards that were ransacked
+for stage properties. A very happy state of things
+for Sir John, who could never be too much in
+company, but less agreeable to his lady, who liked
+her household arrangements to move smoothly, and
+not to progress in jerks and runs.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Francis and Lady Carey began to feel that
+their young people were accepting hospitality for
+which no return was being made. Though not
+fond of company themselves, this situation was
+not agreeable to them. They decided that some
+effort must be made, and the result of their consultation
+was that Walter Carey rode over to
+Barton on Sunday afternoon, commissioned by his
+mother to invite the party to Newton for the
+following day. There was to be a rehearsal in
+the morning; the whole party was to dine, and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</span>after tea more neighbours were to come in for a
+ball. It was to be a day of festivity, and Walter
+Carey looked as if he expected to enjoy it.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor was at first inclined to excuse herself
+and to declare herself unable to leave her mother,
+but Walter immediately included Mrs. Dashwood
+in the invitation, and, though she laughingly
+declined on her own behalf, she was determined
+that Elinor should be of the party. It was just
+such a gathering as a young woman should enjoy,
+and Elinor could not be excused from enjoying
+it. She had been to many such parties at her
+mother’s instigation, and been exceedingly weary
+at them, and was really reluctant, but Walter’s
+smile carried the day and she consented to be
+made happy, so far as being continually in company
+for a space of twelve hours could make
+her so.</p>
+
+<p>Walter rode off to secure other guests, brimful
+of pleasure himself and leaving a very fair amount
+behind him. The project would be an agreeable
+change to Margaret. Sir Francis and Lady Carey
+were superior in sense and taste to the Middletons,
+and, even had they been without these claims to
+her interest, they had at least the quality of being
+less well known. Every one must feel that a party
+was the pleasanter for Walter’s presence, and it
+was four years since she had been to Newton
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</span>Hall. They were to be called for early by the
+Barton Park carriage.</p>
+
+<p>The morning was fine, and they started for the
+drive of four miles in excellent spirits. Mr.
+Atherton joined them, and the barouche was full;
+Sir John driving with the manservant beside him,
+and Elinor, Miss Steele and Margaret sharing
+Mr. Atherton’s attentions between them. Lady
+Middleton had thought the day too long for the
+children, and stayed at home herself to be with
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The drive through deep Devonshire lanes was
+a very pretty one, and all were delighted with the
+charm of the journey, and even more delighted
+to have it over, to judge by the pleasure expressed
+when they came in sight of the house, a fine Tudor
+mansion, with walled gardens, fish-ponds and wild
+shrubbery, all very much like many other country
+gentlemen’s seats, but not the less deserving of
+admiration on that account.</p>
+
+<p>Walter Carey met them with enthusiasm, and
+Sir Francis with cordiality. It was to be the last
+before the dress-rehearsal, and Sir Francis was to
+be admitted as audience and critic, and, if Lady
+Carey could find time from her preparations for
+the evening, it was hoped that her opinion would
+be obtained too, though privately this was not
+considered to be of equal importance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</span></p>
+
+<p>That the rout would only consist of four in place
+of seven noisy people was to be deplored, but
+much was said on the wisdom of avoiding excitement
+for children, and much was thought on the
+comfort of the young Middletons being absent
+from the party. It was hoped aloud that the four
+would be unruly and noisy enough for seven when
+the proper time came, but remembered in silence
+that the Middleton children had no idea of any
+time being unsuitable for noise and disturbance.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton greeted his friends, the Carey
+children, with affection, and was dragged off at
+once to see the fish-ponds, Miss Fairfield going also
+to see that the little girls did not presume on his
+good nature.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the party were conducted indoors
+for rest and refreshment. Lady Carey, though
+not so anxious for elegance as Lady Middleton,
+kept an uncommonly good table, and the repast
+that awaited them of fruit, cakes and excellent
+home-made ginger wine was enjoyed without any
+demur as to the earliness of the hour. Mary and
+Henry Whitaker arrived on horseback, with their
+evening clothes packed in the saddle-bags, and
+everybody was ready for the rehearsal.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Francis was accommodated with an armchair
+in the middle of the lawn, as sole audience,
+and the rest of the party went behind the bushes
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</span>in order to make their entrances as much a surprise
+to Sir Francis as was possible. Elinor had offered
+her services to Lady Carey, and was within doors
+with her, helping in some of the preparations for
+the evening, which could not but be a strain on
+the best ordered house and the best trained
+servants.</p>
+
+<p>The attendant Spirit had said some of his curtailed
+speeches, rather bashful at being the first
+to speak, and feeling sharply the incongruity of
+his riding-boots, when Sir Francis rose from his
+chair with a shout of welcome.</p>
+
+<p>“Willoughby! On my life! What brings you
+here?”</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby was coming across the lawn with
+his usual easy manner of being sure of a welcome
+wherever he might appear.</p>
+
+<p>“I heard you had something of this sort going
+on, Sir Francis, and you know my passion for
+acting. We are staying at Allenham, so I came
+over to see if I could be of any use.”</p>
+
+<p>The rout were being held in leash by Sir John,
+and Walter was looking round the bushes to see
+what the interruption was about, and Margaret,
+from her bush, peeped too. Walter, of course,
+knew nothing except that this tiresome fellow
+was interrupting the rehearsal, but Margaret was
+highly entertained. The meeting between
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</span>Willoughby and Elinor employed her thoughts
+to the exclusion of all else. Just what degree
+of cold dignity would Elinor assume? This was
+an audacity of which few but Willoughby would
+be capable, but it formed a situation that had
+at least the merit of being worthy of observation.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby was given a chair, and his presence
+no doubt added zest to the acting. Walter was
+determined to make a good show before this older
+man, who was yet of his own generation. The
+Lady was more graceful, the Brothers more dashing,
+and the rout, if possible, more noisy than heretofore.
+Miss Steele especially surpassed herself
+in the spirit and vigour of her dancing, and Sir
+John was much gratified by Willoughby’s incessant
+laughter.</p>
+
+<p>When all was over Sir John came to shake
+hands and be congratulated.</p>
+
+<p>“Funny piece, isn’t it? That bit where we all
+come tumbling in ought to amuse our audience.
+I like to see a man laugh as you do. Shows a good
+heart!”</p>
+
+<p>“I have been vastly entertained, Sir John,”
+replied Willoughby with a bow, and then, as
+Walter came up, he turned his compliments with
+a finer edge, congratulating the younger man on
+the fine speaking of the lines which the whole
+company achieved.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Miss Margaret’s song is delicious. A most
+melodious voice, like her sister’s but not so full
+and sweet. Mrs. Brandon had the voice of an
+angel, unequalled in tone and expression.”</p>
+
+<p>He spoke with great feeling, sighed heavily, and
+looked downcast.</p>
+
+<p>This had the desired effect, for as they walked
+to the house Walter Carey said in an undertone to
+Margaret:</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose he was in love with your sister,
+Mrs. Brandon. I pity him. It must have been
+bad to him to see her married. I wonder why she
+would not have him?”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret made no reply, but thought with
+amusement how Willoughby had improved his
+position with those few words. He would now
+be regarded as the unsuccessful lover of Marianne,
+who would appear to have turned from the young
+admirer and married the rich, middle-aged suitor.
+Willoughby was to be pitied, but not to be blamed,
+Marianne to be wondered at, but not to be pitied.
+Perhaps both gained something by this re-arrangement
+of the facts.</p>
+
+<p>They had now reached the house, and Margaret
+hoped to be in time to witness the meeting between
+Elinor and Willoughby. She was not to be disappointed.
+Lady Carey and Elinor were still
+upstairs when the rest of the party assembled
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</span>in the drawing-room before dinner. Lady Carey
+appeared, greeted Willoughby as the last-come
+guest, and then made her stout, comfortable way
+to Sir John Middleton, who was to tell her how
+everything had gone at the rehearsal and all about
+the ducks and geese at Barton Park, and the
+prospects of a good fruit harvest—for Lady Carey
+was a real country dame, and a much better pair
+to Sir John than his more elegant lady-wife, at
+least in Margaret’s opinion. But then Sir Francis
+Carey, a fine scholarly gentleman, would have
+found Lady Middleton very fatiguing, so the
+re-arrangement of these pairs was abandoned by
+Margaret, and she continued to watch the door for
+Elinor.</p>
+
+<p>She came. At sight of Willoughby her complexion
+changed. He came forward eagerly smiling,
+and with outstretched hand. She bowed decisively,
+managed to ignore the hand, and turned to Isabella
+Carey with some question about the rehearsal.
+Willoughby hesitated. Margaret saw him falter,
+but imagined him to be taking courage. With
+resolution he joined the group, and himself entered
+into conversation with Miss Carey, including Elinor
+in his remarks with courtesy and friendliness.
+He held her there with his attentions, would not
+allow her to escape him, and for a few minutes
+it appeared to all who cared to take note of it
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</span>that Mr. Willoughby and Mrs. Ferrars were on
+terms of the friendliest acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor was determined to get away, and move
+away she did, but not till his purpose was accomplished,
+and Margaret was left in admiration of
+his ready wit and charming effrontery. She saw
+that her sister’s resentment was great. It was
+but natural that Elinor, who knew so much of
+the suffering Willoughby had caused to Marianne,
+should feel strongly in condemnation of this easy
+assumption of friendliness.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret felt that she herself judged the case
+more correctly. She felt she knew more of his
+real feeling, his real regret, and she could not be
+blind to the fact that the line he was taking was
+really the one to do most honour to Marianne’s
+situation. If it pleased him to pose as the unfortunate
+admirer it was an indulgence which need
+not be denied him except in the interest of strict
+veracity, for, while it might seem that he gained
+somewhat in the eyes of the world in being thought
+unlucky rather than faithless, Marianne gained
+more in being supposed fickle rather than unfortunate.
+For it is well known that while to be crossed
+in love is highly honourable to a gentleman, in
+a lady it is correspondingly disgraceful; and
+while a change of heart is much to be deplored
+in a masculine lover, for a female to hesitate
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</span>between two, and finally make her choice, enhances
+not only her own value but that of both her
+admirers; so that Colonel Brandon might be
+supposed to be a gainer by Willoughby’s affectation
+of love-lornity; and would doubtless be
+much gratified by the circumstances if it could
+be supposed that he would think anything at all
+about it.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">
+    CHAPTER XVII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The party for dinner was to have consisted
+of fifteen persons, including the little girls and
+their governess. Lady Carey, who combined strict
+views on the bringing up of children with the
+greatest latitude and kindness in carrying them
+out, had arranged that the school-room party
+should sit at a side-table, but partake of all the
+good things provided for their betters. Willoughby’s
+arrival threw the numbers out and, in order
+to avoid the evil of sitting down thirteen at the
+larger table, it was necessary that some one else
+should be placed at the inferior one, and Lady
+Carey had decided that it should be Henry Whitaker,
+who was still at Westminster, and therefore
+grouped in her mind with the children.</p>
+
+<p>The choice could not have fallen on anyone who
+would feel the indignity more. He stood beside
+his chair, red and glowering, unwilling to take
+the place one moment before it was necessary.
+The disgrace was happily averted. The two little
+girls clamorously begged that Mr. Atherton might
+be sent to their table and, as he added his entreaties,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</span>Lady Carey yielded to their wishes.
+Margaret breathed again for Henry, and as he
+took the place intended for Mr. Atherton between
+their hostess and herself she was able to begin
+the process of soothing his ruffled feelings by the
+sweetness of her welcoming smile.</p>
+
+<p>It was not to be expected that Henry could
+have much to say to Lady Carey. The affront
+was too recent, and his resentment too just. It
+was not until the first course had been removed
+and the corner dishes placed for the second that
+he could have replied without constraint even to
+her inquiries for his mother. Margaret’s attention,
+as he told her of the great doings at Westminster
+at the Grease, and the wild scenes in Great School
+that always ensued, had done him a world of good,
+and, though it might be that Lady Carey would
+never be entirely forgiven, he found he could now
+speak to her in an ordinary tone and believe her
+to be a very good sort of woman in her way.</p>
+
+<p>Walter Carey, who sat on Margaret’s other side,
+was far from being pleased to find her attention
+turned from him, but, in addition to his habitual
+good-nature, he had the assistance of knowing
+himself to be the superior of Henry in so many
+particulars that he felt he could afford to him the
+indulgence of Margaret’s kindness. He himself
+was obliged to turn to Mary Whitaker, a plain
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</span>girl, but, he found, very agreeable. So often it
+may be noticed by those whose powers of observation
+are not blurred by partiality that the absence
+of other attractions is accompanied by a wish to
+please, and some knowledge of how to do it, so
+that those who are so justly scorned for their lack
+of beauty, by their fairer sisters, achieve a high
+degree of popularity with the other sex.</p>
+
+<p>Mary Whitaker was generally liked and always
+content with such notice as fell to her share. She
+felt no resentment when Walter took the opportunity
+of the dishes being changed to engage
+Margaret’s attention, even though she herself was
+cut short in the middle of a sentence, and, finding
+Mrs. Ferrars at liberty, was pleased to find herself
+kindly addressed and offered some advice and help
+in the arrangement of her dress as Second Brother.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Francis had enjoyed his talk with Elinor.
+Her cultivated mind and elegant beauty exactly
+suited his taste, and he eyed Miss Steele, who
+sat on his left, with a sidelong glance that spoke
+his fear that he was now to be less happily entertained.
+Miss Steele was in very poor spirits. She
+was sat down next to Sir Francis, who had not
+so much as looked at her, and on the other side
+was Penelope Carey, who had no eyes for anyone
+but Mr. Willoughby, and who seemed a stupid
+sort of girl even if she had tried to make herself
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</span>agreeable. When Sir Francis had learnt that
+Miss Steele had lived at Plymouth all her life, and
+that her younger sister was well married, but that
+she herself could not make up her mind, he found
+himself at a loss for a topic of conversation, and,
+on being applied to by Elinor for information as
+to the origin of Comus, he gladly devoted himself
+to the task of enlightening the minds of Mary
+Whitaker and Mrs. Ferrars on the subject of the
+influence of the Elizabethans on literature of a
+later date.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby had been exerting his powers of
+conversation between Isabella and Penelope Carey,
+who had often wished to know more of him in
+the days when Marianne had absorbed his attention,
+and by the end of dinner they were both
+quite convinced that whatever the trouble had
+been, whatever it was that had broken the engagement,
+it must have been the fault of Mrs. Brandon,
+and not of the charming gentleman who entertained
+them. They wondered that his wife were
+not more seen with him. They feared he was
+neglected by her, and remembered all they had
+heard of her ill-temper and sickliness.</p>
+
+<p>Isabella’s attention was claimed from time to
+time by Sir John, who must have some young lady
+to tease about her dearest affections, and who
+spent a very agreeable hour dividing his attentions
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</span>between Lady Carey, who was a very knowledgable
+woman indeed, and Isabella, who was a very
+handsome one.</p>
+
+<p>The party at the smaller table was as noisy as
+any. Mr. Atherton had claimed that Miss Fairfield
+was to have a holiday and he would be
+deputy governess, with the lady as his eldest and
+show pupil, and the little girls had been delighted
+to have their knuckles rapped and their elbows
+poked in, and to be told how to hold their forks
+all wrong, and which side of their mouths they
+should use for drinking.</p>
+
+<p>The laughter became so uproarious that Sir
+Francis’s eyebrows went up into his grey hair, and
+Lady Carey had to administer some more serious
+admonitions. Margaret thought with surprise of
+how wearisome this man could be, and made the
+well-worn discovery that if people are to be agreeable
+they need but be natural. Mr. Atherton’s
+good-nature was superior to his intelligence, and
+he could make himself liked where he did not much
+wish to impress.</p>
+
+<p>Dinner was over at last, and the ladies were to
+spend the hours before tea in rest and chat in the
+drawing-room, admiring each other’s work, for
+which they cared nothing, playing each other’s
+songs, which they did very indifferently, and
+preventing each other from indulging in the quiet
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</span>doze which would have been so welcome to most
+after the tiring morning and excellent dinner.
+Lady Carey alone was fortunate in having matters
+requiring her attention, and which, declining all
+assistance, she executed in great comfort with her
+eyes closed on the couch in her bed-chamber.</p>
+
+<p>The party in the drawing-room finally strolled
+out on to the lawn, where they were joined by the
+gentlemen, who had been watching a desultory
+game of billiards between Walter and Willoughby.
+Henry felt that the insult of the dining-room had
+been almost wiped out when Sir Francis had
+invited him to join the party in the billiard-room.</p>
+
+<p>The children were taken off to the school-room
+by their governess. Their share of amusement
+was over for the day, as they were not to appear
+at the ball. If they felt downcast at being excluded
+from the fun, they could console themselves by
+thinking that, in a few years time, they would be
+as pretty as Miss Dashwood, and talk as fast as
+Miss Steele, and wear clothes as fine as their sisters.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Fairfield had no such consolation. For a
+young woman of twenty-three to be in the school-room
+while a ball is in progress in the drawing-room
+is no happy fate; and the time to which the
+children looked forward would only be to her the
+occasion of a removal to another house, where she
+might be treated with less consideration, and at a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</span>time when she could not but be losing the attractions
+of face and figure which seemed so wasted
+now. She actually was as pretty as Margaret, and
+could have found as many things to say as Miss
+Steele, and have looked fully as well in fine clothes
+as the two Miss Careys. Her lot, however, was a
+different one, and she took the cover from her
+harp in order to practise the music of the other
+girls’ songs, with the wish at least to be contented
+in that she had a share, though a small one, in the
+performance which was the centre of every one’s
+thoughts.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">
+    CHAPTER XVIII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Elinor seated herself on a bench under a
+tree with Mary Whitaker, who was seeking
+her society with the enthusiasm of the very young
+for an elder whose notice is coveted. Elinor
+enjoyed the admiration, and could gratify her
+sense of right by leading the conversation on lines
+likely to be helpful in the development of Mary’s
+mind. It was not in Elinor’s nature to enjoy
+anything fully unless she could perceive in it some
+vestige of a duty; here duty and pleasure were
+combined.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the party were pacing up and down
+the avenue behind them in twos and threes, and
+scraps of their conversation were wafted to Elinor’s
+ears and mingled with Mary’s artless admiration
+in her mind.</p>
+
+<p>“A capital fellow, Willoughby! He has got a
+dull little wife with a fortune. I suppose one
+makes up for the other, but in my opinion he
+was better off without either. When you marry,
+Miss Isabella, take care you get a fine young
+man, and a little fortune too, and ask me over
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</span>to dance at your wedding. An old fellow like
+me——”</p>
+
+<p>Sir John’s voice grew fainter, and Elinor’s
+attention was recalled by the eager questioning of
+Mary as to the relative merits of Gainsborough
+and Sir Thomas Lawrence’s portraits, a subject
+on which Elinor’s opinion must be conclusive,
+as she drew very pretty pencil sketches herself
+and had been to London. Another pair was
+approaching.</p>
+
+<p>“There’s a table up School with all sorts of
+fellow’s names cut on it—deep too. I mean to
+cut mine before I leave if I get a chance. I found
+my grandfather’s name, and two of my uncles’.
+Did you cut your name anywhere at Canterbury,
+Mr. Atherton——?”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s Harry,” said Mary. “He is always
+talking about Westminster. I do think it is rather
+hard that he should go to London twice a year
+and I, who am older, have never been there. Do
+not you think so, Mrs. Ferrars? He says I should
+not like to be at Westminster at all, but I think
+it must be better than to be always in the country.
+Do not you think so, Mrs. Ferrars?”</p>
+
+<p>Miss Steele’s voice could now be heard from far
+away, and her complaints made Elinor smile, and
+Mary redden with vexation on her behalf.</p>
+
+<p>“My sister, Lucy, married Mr. Robert Ferrars,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</span>so Mrs. Ferrars and me are almost sisters; but
+then she is so cold and distant I do not like to
+claim it, and indeed I am not sure that Lucy
+would wish it, for the family thought it a very
+bad match for Mr. Edward, and they all look
+down on his wife, so of course Lucy does too, as
+she is one of them. Mrs. Ferrars, his mother,
+cannot forgive Mr. Edward for making the marriage;
+for all that she is so fond of Lucy, so it’s
+not that she is unkind and proud. But then
+Lucy has a way with her and I am sure will take
+any trouble to get herself liked, and it’s that makes
+the difference, Miss Penelope, you may be sure;
+for I always will say Lucy is very nice when she
+isn’t being cross, and I miss her very much, for
+she always knew what suited me better than I
+do myself. Sisters are——”</p>
+
+<p>Neither Elinor nor Mary wished to hear more,
+and were satisfied that the misdeeds of sisters
+should be lamented out of ear-shot. Mary’s
+questions began again, and Elinor was delighting
+in talking of her favourite painters when she
+stopped in surprise on hearing the voices of the
+next party.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby, Margaret and Walter Carey were
+approaching. She could hear Willoughby’s pleasant
+tones recounting some theatrical experience of his
+own, Walter’s eager voice questioning him, submitting
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</span>to his judgment, consulting him, and
+Margaret’s low laughter and interested comments.
+Every one making much of Willoughby, reinstating
+him, admiring him! Elinor remembered that she
+herself had not repulsed him on the night of
+Marianne’s illness; but then he had been anxious,
+distraught, miserable. Common humanity demanded
+that she should bear with him! Now,
+when he was at ease, self-satisfied, arrogant, it
+was not to be endured that Margaret should
+help him in maintaining this good opinion of
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation had begun at the other end
+of the avenue by Willoughby taking Walter’s
+arm as he strolled with Margaret under the
+trees.</p>
+
+<p>“I hear you have had a friend of mine in the
+neighbourhood—a naval officer—Commander Pennington.
+Did you see him, Carey?”</p>
+
+<p>Walter denied all knowledge of Commander
+Pennington, and Margaret did not claim any.</p>
+
+<p>“He was at Grice’s farm for about a week, and
+I was at Allenham all the while, which makes it
+all the more annoying. However, I hear he left
+word with Mrs. Grice that he would be back in
+October at the latest; so I shall contrive to be
+here then, if I can get Mrs. Smith to think she
+cannot do without me.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</span></p>
+
+<p>“How do you know him?” asked Walter, to
+Margaret’s relief. She feared she might put the
+question herself if Walter failed in curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>“I met him in London playing cards at my
+club first, and sometimes since, and once at Lord
+Courtland’s private theatre. We were not acting,
+either of us. Merely members of the audience,
+and prodigiously bored at that. They did ‘Five
+Hours at Brighton,’ and it would not have surprised
+me to hear that it was ten times as long. Pennington
+and I got into a quiet corner where we could
+sit down and talk of something else. Before all
+things private theatricals should not be too long!
+Your choice of a play is a capital one, Carey.
+Indeed you are much to be congratulated on play
+and players.”</p>
+
+<p>From thence the conversation had drifted on
+to the point when Elinor could hear them talking
+and laughing, and for the moment forgot Mary
+Whitaker and her thirst for improvement in her
+anger against Willoughby, and his desire for
+reconcilement.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately a move indoors for tea broke up the
+various parties, and after tea no time could be
+wasted in talking when there was all the business
+of dressing for the ball to be attended to. Mary
+and Henry Whitaker were to stay the night, and
+their rooms were available as dressing-rooms for
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</span>the rest of the party, the ladies running in and
+out of Mary’s room and that of the Miss Careys
+for ribbons and hair-pins, shoe-ties and perfume;
+while the gentlemen brushed and combed, talked
+and laughed in Henry’s room as much as in Walter’s,
+and made him very happy in playing host to all
+these grown-up males to the extent at least of
+lending them his brushes and having their coats
+laid on his bed.</p>
+
+<p>Downstairs there was consternation. The musicians
+had not arrived. There was to be a fiddle
+and a cornet, and neither was come. Lady Carey’s
+desperation was pitiable. Her round, happy face
+was ill-suited to such looks of woe, and Sir Francis,
+meeting her on the stairs, was disturbed out of
+his usual detachment. He was made acquainted
+with the cause of her distress, and, with that
+spark of genius in mundane affairs which is sometimes
+shown by those who spend their lives aloof
+from them, he suggested that Miss Fairfield could
+play very nicely and no doubt knew some pretty
+dance music.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Carey’s relief was in proportion to her
+former despair. She hurried along to the school-room
+door with the speed of one of her own
+children, and there found Miss Fairfield practising
+her harp all alone. A few minutes sufficed to
+make known to her the trouble she was called
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</span>upon to allay, and being, as Miss Penelope had
+said, a very good sort of girl, she was ready to
+put on her prettiest gown and take her subordinate
+but all-important part in the enjoyment of the
+evening.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">
+    CHAPTER XIX
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The ball was to begin and end early. The
+dancers came from distances of from three
+to four miles, and the journey home, though in
+moonlight, must be regarded. There were to be
+eight or ten couples. Five more ladies were expected
+and three more gentlemen. It was feared that
+Sir Francis would not dance, so unless the ladies
+could be persuaded to be so good as to stand up
+together there would only be a set of eight couples.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby, in pursuance of his method of
+daring all, applied to Elinor for the honour of
+her hand for the first two dances. He fully deserved
+the reply he received, that Mary Whitaker was
+to be her partner. Mary, who had not heard of
+this arrangement before, was fortunately disengaged
+and, as she had no hope of being asked at
+first by Walter Carey, was quite ready to be one of
+the ladies who were applauded for their good-nature.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby next made application to Margaret,
+who accepted. Neither Walter nor Henry had
+been quick enough, and were obliged to content
+themselves with her promise for later in the evening.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</span></p>
+
+<p>Willoughby did not again approach Mrs. Ferrars.
+He was satisfied at opening the ball with the
+sought-after Miss Margaret Dashwood, and after
+that devoted himself for the rest of the evening
+to the Miss Careys and the more attractive of their
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret found much to enjoy in the first two
+dances. Willoughby was an accomplished dancer,
+and she was spared all the anxiety and shame
+which an indifferent partner can inflict, and which
+she had to endure with Walter Carey, who, though
+anxious to excel, was too fond of talking to attend
+to the dancing, and too fond of dancing to attend
+to the music. It was a lamentable performance,
+and Margaret looked forward with dread to the
+next two dances, which had been claimed by Henry
+Whitaker.</p>
+
+<p>It might be argued that, if we could go through
+life dreading enough things, we should never have
+a moment of real distress, so uniformly is it the
+case that things dreaded turn out better than could
+be hoped. Henry was a capital dancer, attending
+to his business with a steady gravity, and not to
+be turned from the right path by any mistakes
+that others, who should have known better, might
+make.</p>
+
+<p>There was now a pause in the evening’s gaiety,
+and a general move to the dining-room where
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</span>supper was laid. Margaret found herself placed
+at table by Mr. Atherton, who having remarked
+on the excellence of the floor, the decorations and
+the supper, went on to comment on the excellence
+of the music.</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Fairfield is a very fine performer. Do
+you not think it remarkable, Miss Margaret, that
+she does not tire of playing all these country-dances?”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps she is tired,” said Margaret. “It
+seems hard that she should play for us to dance.
+I might play the next after supper I think; but
+that would be useless unless she got a partner,
+and with so many ladies—— What do you say,
+Mr. Atherton, will you engage her to dance with
+you if I offer to play?”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton agreed at once.</p>
+
+<p>“That is very good of you,” she said. “When
+we are again in the drawing-room I will ask her
+to let me take her place at the instrument, and do
+you be on the watch, and come up at once when
+you see her prepared to dance. She must not
+know that we have spoken of it.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton professed himself very happy, and
+the plan so neatly arranged was carried out to
+perfection. Miss Fairfield danced as well as she
+played, and Mr. Atherton beamed with good-nature
+and satisfaction with his lady and himself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</span></p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s last partner was an unexpected one.
+Sir Francis had been watching the dancers from
+the doorway with an air of amused toleration.
+He now approached her, professing himself able
+to get through Sir Roger de Coverley if carefully
+instructed, and offered himself for her tuition.
+She felt that it was to Elinor that the compliment
+was due, and was astounded at its being made
+to herself. She found him more <i>au fait</i> with the
+dance than he had professed. His bows were
+more courtly, his style of dancing more deliberate
+than was customary, but he made no mistakes
+and required no reminding. Walter Carey, who
+was dancing with Mary Whitaker, eyed his father
+from time to time with an affectionate smile, but
+Margaret was unable to determine whether he was
+amused or pleased with the elder man’s activity.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor had danced only with Mary, Sir John and
+Mr. Atherton. She had sat down after supper,
+holding a desultory conversation with Lady Carey,
+who was sick to death of all of them, and longing
+for the first carriage to be announced. Elinor
+herself was too tired to talk, and they sat together,
+thankful for each other’s intermittent silence.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John’s manservant at length brought the
+carriage to the door, and the hour of release had
+struck. Mr. Atherton was to stay the night with
+the vicar of Newton, and be driven over to Barton
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</span>by the Careys in time for the dress-rehearsal on
+Wednesday. This had the result of leaving an
+inside seat in the carriage for Sir John, which
+proved to be an advantage for Elinor also. Hardly
+had they turned out of the drive gates before
+Sir John was asleep, and though Miss Steele would
+have chattered all the way home if she had been
+allowed, Elinor forbade all talking lest Sir John’s
+slumbers should be disturbed. Whether solicitude
+for him were her only object, or whether she would
+have liked quiet herself, she was only partially
+successful, but Miss Steele did not talk above half
+the time, and hardly ever spoke or laughed really
+loud.</p>
+
+<p>When Elinor and Margaret were put down at
+the gate of Barton Cottage and walked up the
+little path to the door, it seemed to both that they
+had been away something more like a week than
+a day. Their mother was awaiting them with
+inquiries as to their enjoyment and offers of soup
+or hot wine and water. The questions must be
+put aside until they themselves knew whether
+they had enjoyed the day. For the moment they
+only knew that they were exceedingly tired; but
+the hot wine was a welcome suggestion. Margaret
+was sufficiently restored by it to give her mother
+some account of the amusements of the day,
+but Elinor did not find that she would be able
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</span>to do justice to her vexation with Margaret for
+her encouragement of Willoughby until she had
+had the further refreshment of a night’s sleep.</p>
+
+<p>No one, not even Lady Carey nor any of her
+household, was more glad than Elinor of the quiet
+comfort of her pillows. The dance music ceased
+at last to plague her brain, and she forgot her
+vexation and weariness in dreams of home and of
+young Master Ferrars.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">
+    CHAPTER XX
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>“I was very much surprised yesterday, mamma,”
+began Mrs. Ferrars, when she and her mother
+met next morning at the breakfast table. “Mr.
+Willoughby was at Newton, and seemed to wish
+to renew our acquaintance. He has strange ideas
+of decorum. I was vexed that Margaret danced
+with him. In my opinion we should have nothing
+to say to him.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood immediately asked to be made
+acquainted with all that had happened. Elinor’s
+account was not too partial either to Willoughby
+or Margaret, but it was as accurate as a statement
+of the sort usually is, when a good deal more is
+felt than can be wisely expressed. Mrs. Dashwood’s
+opinion was that there could be no help
+for it. They must admit Mr. Willoughby to their
+acquaintance or be for ever plagued by meeting
+him and being under the necessity of ignoring
+him. Both were evils, but Mrs. Dashwood had no
+difficulty in deciding on the least. They would
+meet him as an acquaintance. No doubt it would
+be as well to discourage Margaret from dancing
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</span>or talking with him, and if possible they would
+give him the idea that he was but tolerated as
+being unworthy of serious resentment.</p>
+
+<p>“After all,” she said, “he has done no harm to
+anyone but himself.”</p>
+
+<p>Elinor could not avoid a smile. Her recollections
+of Marianne’s agony of mind, and her mother’s
+misery at the time, were at variance with the
+present statement, but she could only envy and
+try to emulate such happy forgetfulness. In fact,
+Mrs. Dashwood was rather looking forward to
+meeting Mr. Willoughby again. There was something
+attractive in the thought that he was
+still attached to her daughter; it gave her an
+interest in him which she had never expected
+to feel again, and, though she could not think
+it right, she found it lessened rather than increased
+her blame of him. There could be no
+doubt that he would be present at the theatricals
+on Thursday.</p>
+
+<p>The dress-rehearsal was to be on Wednesday
+afternoon, and all were glad of a day’s interval for
+rest and ordinary occupations. All Tuesday Margaret
+felt an increasing desire to lie down, but
+encouraged herself to her usual activities, walked
+with Elinor, talked with her mother, and succeeded
+in concealing the fact of her weariness and malaise.
+The afternoon of Wednesday was damp and cold.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</span>The dress-rehearsal was achieved, as they so often
+are, in a series of pauses and rushes. Some people
+were not ready for their cues, and others came on
+too soon. The dresses needed alteration and the
+stage readjustment. It was over at last, and
+Margaret arrived home with wet feet and an aching
+head.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood at once recommended bed, and
+her advice was thankfully accepted. It was soon
+clear to Elinor, and later to her mother, that
+Margaret was quite unfit to take her part on the
+morrow, and word to that effect was hastily sent
+to the Park.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas was the messenger of woe. The Careys
+were all staying the night at the Park, and it was
+to Walter as stage-manager that the note was
+addressed, and by him read aloud to Sir John and
+Mr. Atherton in the library.</p>
+
+<p>It was the misfortune to the play that chiefly
+affected Sir John, but Walter had a deeper concern
+in Margaret’s illness. He was very young, but it
+has not been discovered that youth is any bar
+to falling in love, though it is often found to be
+an obstacle to marriage. He was for giving the
+play up altogether, and at once; or possibly postponing
+it, he added, when Sir John’s crestfallen
+look suggested the amendment.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton offered a suggestion of greater
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</span>efficacy in removing the gloom from Sir John’s
+good-natured face.</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Fairfield knows the song,” he said, “and
+has been present at every rehearsal. She would
+do the part very well or I am no judge of an
+actor.”</p>
+
+<p>All was well for Sir John. No thought of the
+suffering Margaret could be allowed to cloud his
+happiness. He carried the note into the drawing-room
+with an expression which bore no relation to
+his opening words.</p>
+
+<p>“Here’s bad news,” he began. “Miss Margaret
+ill in bed; but we do not need to give up our play,
+for Miss Fairfield can take the part. That is, if
+she will be so good,” looking round the room for
+her. “She can do it just as well, Atherton says,
+and she is just about Miss Margaret’s size, so can
+wear the dress. I suppose she is in the school-room
+with the children. Let us go and tell her
+she is to be Sabrina.”</p>
+
+<p>Lady Middleton, however, insisted that she
+should first understand the matter, and then in
+a more formal manner advise Miss Fairfield of the
+happiness in store for her. She went herself, and
+having told Miss Fairfield of the misfortune begged
+her to be so kind as to assist them in their difficulty.
+For all the cold formality of her manner, the
+impression received was not different in essentials
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</span>from that which Sir John would have given if
+he had had his way, and gone to tell her she
+“was to be Sabrina.” Miss Fairfield, however,
+though well aware that she could not refuse,
+had not for that reason any wish to do so.
+She had not the least disinclination to oblige,
+and would much enjoy taking the part, and
+wearing the dress, and very soon was happily
+planning the arrangement of her “amber dropping
+hair.”</p>
+
+<p>Walter was soon on his way to the Cottage to
+inquire for Margaret, and to tell them how the
+difficulty was to be met. He found Mrs. Ferrars
+alone, as Mrs. Dashwood was in attendance on
+Margaret. He was very unhappy, and said so.
+Elinor remembered the visit of another anxious
+young man when Marianne was ill, and compared
+the two to the advantage of the one before her.
+Willoughby, ashamed and maddened by the sense
+of his unworthy conduct, dependent on his wife,
+and disgraced in many quarters. Walter, young,
+ardent, with only boyhood behind him, and happy
+prospects before, well liked, and the only son of
+a rich baronet. He made no attempt to hide
+his concern for Margaret, and the message with
+which he was charged, that Miss Fairfield would
+take the part, was only valuable to him as a possible
+alleviation to her mind. She must not trouble
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</span>about the play. She must not trouble about
+anything. It would all be well arranged. All
+she had to do was to get well as quickly as was
+possible.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor promised him that her sister should have
+every attention from her mother and herself, and
+at last he went away with something less of anxiety
+in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret was feeling very ill. She had been
+exerting herself beyond her strength for some weeks,
+constantly keeping her mind at work to prevent
+herself from thinking, and her body active to induce
+sleep at night. The long and exciting day on
+Monday had brought on a feverish attack, which
+was increased by the wet and discomfort of the
+rehearsal at the Park. Her voice had gone, her
+head ached, and she could not rest, although
+in bed. She had a wretched night of fitful
+dreams and fancies, but was better in the
+morning, and ready to urge her mother and
+Elinor to go to the Park in the afternoon to
+see the play.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor had seen so much of it that she resolutely
+declined, but Mrs. Dashwood, with her lighter
+spirit, was not unwilling. She declared at first
+affectionately that she could not leave her Margaret
+when she was ill, but her Margaret protested
+that she very much wished to hear about the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</span>play, and that no one would give so good an
+account of it as her mother, and that she
+would do very well with Elinor at home. She
+charged her mother with many special points
+on which she was to be observant—to look out
+for the eccentricities of Miss Steele’s dress, which
+Margaret had not attempted to restrain, to
+notice if the Brothers handled their swords well,
+if the children in the rout kept their stockings
+up, and whether the attendant Spirit forgot his
+words.</p>
+
+<p>The morning passed quietly. The apothecary
+came and went, having ordered that she was on
+no account to leave her bed till all symptoms of
+fever had subsided. Margaret was not unwilling
+to rest her tired body. Her brain was still too
+feverish to think for long coherently, and she spent
+the day dozing and waking, tired and ill, but not
+unhappy.</p>
+
+<p>A basket of fruit and flowers was brought from
+the Park by Walter with a particular hope
+embalmed in a formal little note from Lady Middleton
+that Miss Margaret went on well, and that
+Mrs. Dashwood and Mrs. Ferrars would be able
+to leave their patient in the afternoon and honour
+them at the Park.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood would only consent to leave her
+daughter for the hour or so to be occupied by the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</span>play. The day was fine and she would walk up
+to the Park and walk back, without being included
+in those lesser festivities of reception and refreshment
+which had inevitably gathered round the
+performance.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI">
+    CHAPTER XXI
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Willoughby had no difficulty in obtaining
+from Mrs. Grice the whereabouts of his
+“friend,” Richard Pennington. Consequently,
+when the letter-bag was opened on board the
+“Wren,” among other correspondence the following
+letter engaged the attention of the Commander:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="author2">
+  <span class="smcap">Allenham Court</span>,</p>
+<p class="author">
+  <i>August 5th, 1813</i>.</p>
+  <p>
+  <span class="smcap">Dear Pennington</span>,
+</p>
+
+<p>Imagine my chagrin on hearing you had
+been in my neighbourhood in April. My wife
+and I were staying at Allenham at the very time
+you were at Grice’s farm. A most annoying
+circumstance that I did not know you were there!
+I am here again, this time alone, for which I am
+duly grateful. Mrs. Smith has been unwell and
+wished to see me. I hear that you expect to be
+in England in October. Do, my dear friend, like
+a good fellow, come to me at Combe Magna. To
+be eternally shut up with one woman is more
+than any reasonable man can stand, and, although
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</span>I get what society I can, none is more desired than
+yours. I cannot come here again unless I am
+summoned by the all-powerful Mrs. Smith. You
+know how she can keep me on a string. I have
+therefore no certainty of seeing you unless you will
+be compassionate.</p>
+
+<p>Here nothing is thought of but a play in Sir John
+Middleton’s garden. Do you remember how we
+quizzed “Five Hundred Hours at Brighton”? This
+is just such another. Comus booming and mouthing,
+the Lady piping and squealing, and two girls
+standing about with their hands on their hips and
+calling each other “Brother.” And then the rout.
+Ye gods! The rout! Sir John in purple, a middle-aged
+spinster in red, and about ten children in
+home-made masks. True it was “unruly,” and so
+far in accordance with the author’s intentions.
+The only relief was Sabrina, a very pretty young
+person indeed with plenty of fair hair and a good
+singing voice. The part was taken by her at the
+last, as Miss Margaret Dashwood was taken very
+ill the day before. Young Walter Carey believes
+her to be dying, and is frantic with grief and
+anxiety. A touching spectacle! If she dies he
+will have to begin all over again with some one
+else, as he is the only son and the baronetcy must
+be carried on. Margaret is a sweet girl, though
+not the equal of her sister, Mrs. Brandon, but the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</span>gods defend me from the eldest sister, Mrs. Ferrars!
+How she came to be married no one knows!
+Was anyone ever better cut out to be an acid
+spinster? She blesses the home of the Reverend
+Edward Ferrars, who can hardly speak above
+a whisper and does not know one end of a gun
+from the other. The mother is an amiable woman
+enough.</p>
+
+<p>Do, my dear Pennington, take pity on me and
+come and spend a week with me in the autumn,
+shooting my covers. I shall depend on your giving
+me your society. Till then I shall be prodigiously
+bored.</p>
+
+<p class="author2">
+  Your most attached</p>
+<p class="author">
+  <span class="smcap">John Willoughby</span>.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Such was the account of the doings at Barton
+that travelled out to the Baltic, and was taken
+on board the “Wren.” In the same letter-bag
+came out the orders from the Admiralty recalling
+the sloop of war. The “Wren” was to proceed
+to Portsmouth, where the crew would be discharged.
+Richard Pennington’s gravity of demeanour was
+the subject of comment among the men. They
+would be glad to get on shore themselves, and
+see their homes and wives again, but the Commander
+looked as if the order for recall was bad
+news.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</span></p>
+
+<p>The theatricals met with more general approval
+than would be supposed from Willoughby’s account:
+but as with him, so with all, it was Miss Fairfield’s
+performance that was most admired. A very
+pretty girl and a stranger (for who had noticed the
+Careys’ governess?) was bound to be an object
+of interest in a neighbourhood where strangers were
+rare and beauty not common.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood had made a point of speaking
+to her at once, and thanking her for her kindness
+in taking her daughter’s place, and, when she left
+to return to Margaret, others followed, asking
+Lady Middleton for the introduction, or introducing
+themselves, until an admiring cluster gathered round
+the place on the lawn where Sabrina stood in her
+filmy draperies. All of which was more gratifying
+to Miss Fairfield than to the other young ladies,
+who had all done their best, and had learned very
+much longer parts. But rewards are most
+unequally distributed in this world, and there
+could be no question that, whoever deserved recognition,
+it was chiefly to the attendant Spirit, whose
+boy’s voice had happened to be delightful in the
+summoning song, and to “Sabrina fair” herself,
+who had taken no great pains with her part, that
+it was given.</p>
+
+<p>There was to be an informal ball at the Park
+in the evening. Sir Francis and Lady Carey
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</span>took their little girls home, but kindly left Miss
+Fairfield to enjoy the dancing. However humdrum
+a life she might look forward to on the morrow,
+the afternoon and evening of this day were all that
+could be desired.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Jennings had planned to walk down to the
+Cottage early in the morning after the play to
+inquire for Miss Margaret and to tell her all
+about it, but Margaret’s indisposition increased,
+and a week had passed before she could sit
+up in her room and take any interest in affairs
+outside it.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor and her mother nursed her with the
+greatest affection and concern. Every day a
+messenger came from the Park bringing fruit,
+flowers and inquiries, and every day Walter Carey
+rode over from Newton for the same purpose.
+Elinor, though she did not always remember to
+give Margaret messages from Mrs. Jennings and
+Sir John, never failed to inform her of Walter’s
+visits, and it was not long before Margaret
+became aware that her sister had formed plans
+and hopes for her, which were to terminate in
+her becoming the future Lady Carey of Newton
+Hall.</p>
+
+<p>She was gradually becoming stronger, but was
+not considered well enough to read, or to bear
+anyone reading aloud to her. Her mind was consequently
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</span>unoccupied, and all the hopes and fears
+and longings she had hardly kept at bay now
+overwhelmed her.</p>
+
+<p>Compared with Walter, of whom so much was
+known, how little she knew of this man who occupied
+her thoughts. She had seen him only four
+times, and hardly as many hours had been spent
+in his society. He came of “low people,” said
+Sir John. Walter was the only son of a baronet.
+His profession was precarious and arduous.
+Walter’s position was one of ease, and would be
+one of wealth. “The hardships of a naval officer’s
+wife,” said Mrs. Palmer. The beauty and comfort
+of Newton Hall again came to her mind. “No
+stability of character,” Elinor had said; but what
+did she or Mamma or anyone else know about
+that? “I will come back. You will wait,” he
+had said—and with that she saw again his grave
+face, and, try as she might, she could not displace
+it with Walter’s good-humoured smile. She must
+see him again before she could decide. If he disappointed
+her—were not what she remembered—she
+might turn to Walter; but, at the thought,
+she felt again the old hope and fear and longing
+with which her thoughts began. Over and over
+again, round and round with the persistence of a
+feverish brain, and the monotony of a tired one,
+until she imagined she would be glad if she could
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</span>think that she need never see either of these men
+again as long as she lived.</p>
+
+<p>A week had passed in restless questionings and
+decisions. She was sitting in her room and hoping
+that the long-deferred call from Mrs. Jennings
+would be deferred still longer when she heard that
+lady’s voice in the hall. Her mother was out
+walking, and her sister was in charge. Mrs.
+Jennings had endeared herself to Elinor in past
+days, and was always sure of more indulgence
+from her than from others of the family, and
+Margaret had little doubt that the visitor would
+be brought upstairs before long.</p>
+
+<p>Soon she could hear snatches of their conversation
+as they ascended the staircase.</p>
+
+<p>“You could have knocked me down with a
+feather, Mrs. Ferrars. Indeed, I can hardly believe
+it yet. Lady Middleton, too, is surprised beyond
+measure. What your sister will say I do not
+know! It is the sort of thing that could not have
+been foreseen, nor prevented, or we would all have
+acted very differently. She should never have had
+your sister’s part at all in my opinion.”</p>
+
+<p>The door opened, and Mrs. Jennings came in,
+a look of such extreme melancholy on her round,
+rosy face as made it exceedingly difficult for
+Margaret to avoid laughing at so incongruous an
+expression. It was evident, however, that something
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</span>real, or at least real to her visitor, was causing
+the trouble, and Margaret quickly assumed a look
+of sympathy as she held out her hand.</p>
+
+<p>It was taken in both of Mrs. Jennings, and
+almost in tears she cried:</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, my poor dear! Do not you be sorry for
+me, my love! Be sorry for yourself! I can hardly
+bear to tell you, after all the teasings and jokings
+I have done, but your beau is to marry some one
+else, and how he can choose so beneath him when
+he might have had you is more than I can understand.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s look of bewilderment brought her
+sister to her help.</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Jennings has come to tell us of Mr.
+Atherton’s engagement,” Elinor said quickly. “A
+source of congratulations to us all, dear Mrs.
+Jennings, believe me. The vicarage needs a
+mistress and Miss Fairfield will be a most agreeable
+neighbour to my mother and sister when she
+becomes Mrs. Atherton.”</p>
+
+<p>The relief sent the blood to Margaret’s cheeks
+and the smile to her lips. Mrs. Jennings could
+not now imagine her to be otherwise than pleasantly
+affected by the news, and, as soon as this was
+understood and believed, the story could be
+unfolded with all the enjoyment proper to the
+recital.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</span></p>
+
+<p>“It seems he first noticed her at the picnic,
+so I say it is another marriage to the credit of
+Barton Park, for you must have seen, my dears,
+that Sir John is for ever planning to bring young
+people together, and let them have a chance to
+make it up between themselves. Well, then, it
+all began at the picnic, and then it went on at the
+rehearsals. There they were behind the same
+bush all the time, every rehearsal, and she so
+sweet and willing, and ready to do every one’s
+bidding. Then off you all went to Newton, and
+it seems he passed some of the day with her and
+the children, and you may be sure it was her he
+was thinking of and not the children. I hope
+they may have some little ones of their own,
+for I am sure they both know how to manage
+them, which is more than my daughter Middleton
+does—but it’s early days to think of that. Then,
+in the evening he schemed to get a dance with
+her when she was playing for the ball. He says
+you helped him there and indeed he is very grateful
+to all who have brought them together. And over
+head and ears in love he is—I will say that for
+him—and it is to his credit too, for she hasn’t a
+penny piece, but he goes on about her as if she
+had a hundred thousand pounds. All the time
+I thought him wanting to marry you; I never
+thought him such a pretty-behaved fellow as he is,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</span>though my daughter Middleton liked him more
+before this happened she says. However, that’s
+neither here nor there, for Miss Fairfield likes
+him enough for ten, and that’s all that matters to
+him.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII">
+    CHAPTER XXII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton’s engagement was the chief
+topic of conversation on the ensuing days.
+All Margaret’s visitors must have something to
+say about it. It appeared that he had been very
+liberal in his confidences and every one could report
+something he had told them of the state of his
+mind either before or after his acceptance.</p>
+
+<p>The power of love in determining the actions
+of humanity was once more demonstrated. Mr.
+Atherton could not quite succeed in attaching
+himself to Margaret, and altogether failed to win
+her affections, even though he had the inducement
+of a promised fortune. Now he was not only
+very much in love himself, but had obtained from
+the lady that gratitude and pleasure in his addresses
+which would certainly develop into a satisfactory
+degree of conjugal affection, all without any money
+in the question at all.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Atherton, though perhaps a little unreserved
+in his raptures, was a very much more
+respectable figure in the eyes of the ladies at
+Barton Cottage than he had been before. Miss
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</span>Fairfield was an agreeable girl. His affection for
+her was readily understood, and if hers for him
+were increased by the prospect of a comfortable
+home and an affectionate companion in place of a
+dull school-room and other people’s children, it
+was not the less comprehensible for that. It
+was expected that she would prove a valuable
+neighbour.</p>
+
+<p>Walter Carey’s attentions did not diminish as
+Margaret grew stronger, and Elinor’s encouragement
+of his visits became an anxiety. Elinor had
+interpreted Margaret’s moment of agitation over
+Mrs. Jennings’s news, “Your beau is to marry
+some one else,” as having reference to Walter,
+and in giving him every facility to see her sister
+believed herself to be doing a double service.
+That is, she wished to believe it, but was not always
+able to think of Margaret as being happy in the
+visits.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret had an intense longing to escape from
+it all. The days of confinement to her room after
+a summer spent in the valley of Barton had given
+her a feeling of being hemmed in on all sides,
+and Elinor, and even her mother, increased this
+sensation by their affectionate solicitude. She
+longed greatly for change of scene and society,
+so much so that she took the first step to gaining
+her desire by confessing to her mother how much
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</span>she would like to go away. She would even be
+willing for them to pay a short visit to her brother
+at Norland Park rather than remain without
+change.</p>
+
+<p>“We can get back before the autumn, mamma.
+I should not wish to stay long, but we have the
+month of September before us, and it is a pleasant
+month at Norland or anywhere.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was not prepared to take her
+daughter to Norland Park. The discussions with
+John Dashwood relating to Margaret’s marriage
+had given her no desire for his company, and the
+subsequent engagement of Mr. Atherton could not
+but be the occasion for reproaches, either expressed
+or felt, which would be neither pleasant nor profitable.
+Margaret, having no idea of her brother’s
+plans for her happiness, could not be aware how
+deeply he would resent Miss Fairfield’s.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood would not hear of their going
+to Norland Park, but the idea that Margaret
+needed some change took root in her mind, and
+she suggested to Elinor that her sister should
+return to Delaford with her, and pass some time
+with Marianne. Elinor was very unwilling for such
+an arrangement to be made.</p>
+
+<p>“Consider, mamma,” she said, “how much
+Margaret might be sacrificing when indulging this
+whim. Do you not think it would be an admirable
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</span>thing if she became engaged to Walter Carey?
+It would be a marriage in every way desirable,
+and I cannot think it unlikely.”</p>
+
+<p>“My Elinor, do not let us become affected by
+the Park, and imagine every young man who is
+reasonably attentive to be a possible suitor,”
+replied Mrs. Dashwood. “Margaret is very young.
+It is probable that she has not yet seen the man
+she is to marry. I cannot allow my plans to be
+ruled by any such consideration.”</p>
+
+<p>Elinor could not restrain a smile. Her mother’s
+variableness was no doubt one of her attractions,
+but it was impossible for a more sober-minded
+daughter to forget so easily how her mother had
+furthered her own meetings with Edward at a
+time when she herself would have greatly preferred
+not to see him, and that Colonel Brandon undoubtedly
+owed his present happiness to his mother-in-law’s
+warm-hearted assistance. Marianne had
+always been quick to follow her mother’s mood,
+and at this point would have repudiated all idea
+of arranging Margaret’s future, but Elinor’s steadiness
+of purpose did not falter.</p>
+
+<p>“I am convinced,” she went on, “that the
+marriage is expected, and would be welcomed by
+the Careys. Isabella has said as much to me on
+more than one occasion, and therefore I do not
+see why it should not be expected and desired
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</span>by ourselves. There can be no indelicacy in
+wishing Walter Carey well. He makes no secret
+of his attachment, and I very much wish that
+Margaret would be equally unreserved. I sometimes
+fear she still thinks of Commander Pennington,
+and consider how advantageous it would be for
+this to be settled before he returns—if he ever does
+return.”</p>
+
+<p>“I imagine her mind is not made up, therefore
+she can have nothing to confide,” said Mrs. Dashwood.
+“You would not wish to hurry her decision;
+and, indeed,” recollecting herself, “I have
+no knowledge that a decision is to be made. Young
+men do have their fancies, and it is quite unnecessary
+to take them seriously.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is just for that reason that I feel Margaret
+should stay at home. If she leaves Walter may
+become attracted by some one else. It is a very
+desirable marriage, and, though I would not wish
+to take any action in order to bring it about, I
+do not see that we need do anything to discourage
+it. If Margaret goes to Delaford it will seem to
+Walter that she desires to put an end to everything.”</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot take so serious a view of a change
+of air for an invalid,” Mrs. Dashwood said with
+impatience. “Walter would be a very unreasonable
+young man indeed, and an exasperating
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</span>husband, if he did not consider Margaret’s health
+to be a more important consideration than his own
+pleasure in seeing her. I have no idea of his being
+of so exacting a nature.”</p>
+
+<p>Elinor found herself no longer able to keep pace
+with her mother’s change of front, but perceiving
+that, for whatever reason, the visit to Delaford
+was considered desirable, she gave up the discussion
+and limited herself to writing to Edward to
+make a suggestion which would ensure Margaret’s
+absence from home being short.</p>
+
+<p>Her plan was that Margaret should travel with
+Sir John alone; that she herself should remain
+with her mother; and that, as it would become
+necessary for Edward to fetch his wife later in
+the month, he could at the same time bring Margaret
+back to Barton. The advantages of this would
+be that her mother would not be left alone and
+that the time of her sister’s return would be fixed
+by her own and Edward’s wishes. By remaining
+at Barton she would be able to take some care
+of Walter’s feelings. She had been very much
+pleased with the young man, and her interest was
+awakened for his happiness almost more than for
+her sister’s good, and, though smiling as she
+thought of her mother comparing her with Mrs.
+Jennings and Sir John, she did not feel ashamed
+of her wise ordering of other people’s affairs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</span></p>
+
+<p>Margaret learnt with great pleasure of the
+scheme so arranged. On an early day in September
+she was to leave Barton unaccompanied either by
+her mother or Elinor, with no companion but
+Sir John, whose wit would soon be lulled to rest
+by the motion of the carriage. He would sleep,
+and she would look out of the window and see other
+fields and other houses, and a different breed of
+cattle.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the journey there would be Marianne,
+beautiful and affectionate, and not too familiar;
+the mansion-house with its spacious rooms and
+comfortable corners, and the grounds surrounding
+it with trees and lawns. There she hoped to
+escape from her thoughts into wider interests.
+Colonel Brandon had always something to say
+worth hearing. Marianne had the newest books
+and music, and Edward Ferrars at the parsonage
+was always friendly. No one would think very
+much about her, or give her any hints or
+advice.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John agreed to the scheme, after complaining
+that he would have only one young lady to amuse
+him instead of two. Edward, though reluctant
+to be without his wife for a further period, was
+willing to do as she desired. Mrs. Dashwood was
+glad to have Elinor’s visit prolonged. Marianne
+wrote many affectionate messages on Edward’s
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</span>second sheet, and Walter Carey, though not consulted
+beforehand, was not more than reasonably
+disappointed on hearing that Margaret was to
+visit her sister in Dorset until her health should be
+completely restored.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">
+    CHAPTER XXIII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The journey could easily be accomplished in
+a single day, but Sir John favoured an early
+start, and was at the door in his chaise before
+Margaret had finished breakfast. The morning
+was fair and, the parting over, Margaret settled
+herself to enjoyment. She was soon relieved of
+all necessity of attending to Sir John by the regular
+sound of his slumbers, and the remainder of the
+journey, with short halts for refreshment and
+change of horses, was spent by her in the delight
+of the scenery. She, who had become so greatly
+wearied by ordinary home-life with power of movement
+and change of occupation, was rested beyond
+measure by sitting still in a cramped space and
+listening to the snoring of her solitary companion.
+So great is the power of change of scene on a restless
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>She arrived at Delaford feeling fresher than
+when she had set out. As for Sir John, when he
+had completed the series of jerks and groans with
+which he roused himself at the stopping of the
+carriage, he was ready to assert to Colonel Brandon
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</span>that they had made a capital journey, were great
+companions, and that he himself had enjoyed
+every minute of it, though he knew Miss Margaret
+must have regretted that she had not one of
+her beaux with her in place of an old fellow like
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John might talk about beaux here, but
+there was no one to heed him, and he was soon
+engaged in a rational conversation with Colonel
+Brandon while the sisters chatted in affectionate
+intimacy.</p>
+
+<p>They were a party of five for dinner, as Edward
+Ferrars walked up from the parsonage to join them
+and to look in at the nursery. Marianne’s beauty,
+Colonel Brandon’s sense, Edward’s affection, and
+Sir John’s comparative quietness combined to soothe
+and comfort Margaret’s spirits, while the spacious
+dining-room and well laid-out garden, into which
+she strolled with her arm in her sister’s after
+dinner, helped to induce the sense of air and
+space, mentally and bodily, which was so exactly
+what she had desired. They sat under the trees
+while Marianne talked of the children, of her
+greenhouse, of the neighbours and of her husband.
+Margaret indulged her in sympathetic attention,
+and an hour passed till the cool of the evening
+suggested their returning indoors.</p>
+
+<p>They were joined by the gentlemen in the drawing-room
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</span>for tea. While sitting in the half-circle
+round the wood fire, which had been lit as a
+special grace for the travellers, Edward said
+suddenly:</p>
+
+<p>“I am reminded, I do not know why, unless it
+is by the pleasant blaze of that fire, and the company
+of Marianne and Margaret, but I am reminded
+of a conversation we held long ago at Barton
+Cottage. Margaret then remarked how delightful
+it would be if some one gave us each a large fortune
+and we all went to work to find some way of using
+it. Do you remember, Marianne? I recollect that
+your mother said she would be puzzled how to
+spend it herself if her children were all to be rich
+without her help. Do you, Marianne, feel that
+you have no longer any wishes for yourself, but
+only for that fine boy upstairs?”</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed, no, Edward! There are many things
+I should like to do. I would still like, as you
+suggested then, to endow young painters and
+writers; to buy books and pictures and music;
+to have my house often filled with needy artists,
+and in every way to assist and encourage them.”</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Brandon was applied to, but would
+only say that, if he had a fortune given to him,
+no doubt Marianne would have the spending of it.
+He would have to make one stipulation, that he was
+allowed a library or a study, or some sort of snuggery
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</span>to himself, and that no artist or musical or
+literary genius should have to be admitted.</p>
+
+<p>“You would be a very poor host if you made
+such restrictions,” said Marianne rebukingly.</p>
+
+<p>“I should be a very poor man if I could not have
+any place to myself. We could make it a shabby
+sort of hole with a north aspect and only one good
+seat by the fire, so that the geniuses would like
+the other parts of my house better, but one place
+of my own I must have.”</p>
+
+<p>Marianne allowed him this indulgence with an
+affectionate smile, and Edward was asked to declare
+his wishes.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not think I have any pronounced desires.
+I should find it very difficult to change my mode
+of life to correspond with wealth. I believe I
+must do as Colonel Brandon does, and leave the
+spending of it to my wife. What do you say,
+Margaret? It was you who first wanted a fortune.”</p>
+
+<p>“I should travel,” said Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>“By gad, that’s the thing,” said Sir John.
+“All my life I have wanted to go shooting in
+Scotland. Fine sport there, I believe! But, what
+with the expense of the journey and not having
+anyone to go with me, it has always been impossible.
+But there is nothing I should like more! Nothing
+on my life!”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not see why we should wait for some one
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</span>to give us a large fortune apiece before you have
+your desire, Sir John,” said Colonel Brandon. “I
+have a friend who has frequently asked me to go
+and shoot over the moors, and, though the journey
+would take some days, if you are not averse to
+travelling I should particularly enjoy it. Marianne
+will have Margaret here for companion, and we
+would not be away above a month.”</p>
+
+<p>Marianne’s countenance showed that the conversation
+had taken a turn which did not please
+her; but the offer had been made and Sir John
+was accepting it with readiness. It was immediately
+arranged that when Sir John had recovered
+from the short journey and had a few days’ shooting
+round the Delaford Hangers, he should accompany
+his host on the longer expedition, and not return
+to Delaford till early in October. His home-going
+to Barton must be still more remote, but Margaret
+was not relying on his chaise to convey her, and was
+therefore indifferent to his plans.</p>
+
+<p>Marianne was very unwilling to face so long a
+separation from her husband. She was always
+easily moved to joy or sorrow and had only just
+got accustomed to the ecstasy of her sister’s arrival,
+after a separation of four months, before she was
+called upon to face the grief of her husband’s
+departure on a visit of pleasure for the space of a
+few weeks.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</span></p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the days passed happily.
+Marianne’s nursery was well-ordered, and the two
+little cousins spent only a reasonable time with
+their elders, and were taught to behave themselves
+on these occasions. Sir John remarked with
+wonder that he should never have known there
+were children in the house, for nobody had to
+search for something they had taken, or mop up
+something they had spilt, or mend something they
+had torn. Her ladyship told him that their children
+were specially high-spirited, and he supposed that
+was the reason for their making such a commotion.</p>
+
+<p>The evenings were spent at the instrument.
+Marianne could not bear to hear Edward read
+aloud, as she declared he lacked spirit in the
+performance, and she was too impatient to read
+well herself, but Margaret was very well pleased
+to listen again to her sister’s songs, and to take
+her place at the pianoforte when she was allowed.</p>
+
+<p>The few days passed, and Colonel Brandon and
+Sir John started on their journey leaving a sensation
+of blankness behind them which would only
+be filled by prevailing on Edward to spend the day
+at the mansion-house.</p>
+
+<p>He came. Played with his child. Talked of
+the news-sheet, and told them how far the travellers
+would be on their way, but it was clear that he
+was out of spirits, and it was not long before
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</span>Marianne taxed him with this, and demanded to
+know the cause.</p>
+
+<p>“I will not say that I am in low spirits,” he
+replied, “but rather that I am perturbed. A
+man does not know how to deal with domestic
+situations, and I feel I am threatened—that is, I
+expect—I mean my mother has written to say
+that she intends paying me a few days’ visit.
+She is coming with Robert. Lucy is to remain
+in London, which is a relief, but my mother and
+Robert will be with me from Monday to Friday
+next week. I am, of course, glad to receive my
+mother, but I could wish that Elinor were at home
+to help in her entertainment.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, my dear Edward,” cried Marianne. “Be
+thankful that Elinor is not at home! It would be
+worse—ten times worse if she were. Remember,
+Mrs. Ferrars is your mother. She has no doubt
+some affection for you, but think how she dislikes
+Elinor, and think, only think, of her manners to
+her. You could not have brought me better news.
+I rejoice to think that my sister is spared this
+visit.”</p>
+
+<p>Edward could not but look rather foolish at
+this fervent condemnation of his mother’s manners,
+but being a peaceable man, and having an affectionate
+regard for Marianne, he made no objection,
+contenting himself with the thought that it was
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</span>not unlikely that in the course of the visit he must
+listen to even stronger reprobation from his mother
+of Marianne or other of his new connections.
+He would allow both criticisms and would agree
+with neither.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">
+    CHAPTER XXIV
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Affectionate mother though she was,
+Mrs. Dashwood rejoiced in Margaret’s departure.
+She had looked so thin, so weary, and so
+low in spirits since her illness that the sight of her
+was a continual distress to her mother, who knew
+not what to do to help her.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor’s visit had coincided with a loss of confidence
+with Margaret of which no explanation had
+occurred to her mother. She did not know that
+she had been quoted to Margaret as reprobating
+instability in her friend and that so unjust and
+unnecessary a condemnation had been with reason
+resented. Mrs. Dashwood not only did not know
+that this remark had been repeated, she did not
+know that it had been made. She did, however,
+realize that Elinor and Margaret had no great
+affection for each other, beyond that proper to
+the tie of relationship. They were sisters, but
+they were not friends, and Mrs. Dashwood was
+conscious that she preferred their society one at
+a time. Marianne and Margaret had much more
+in common, and would be happy together, and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</span>when her Elinor had gone her Margaret would
+come back and all would be as before, if not more
+delightful than ever. Mrs. Dashwood was usually
+able to look forward to perfect bliss.</p>
+
+<p>Sir John’s departure had begun the break-up
+of the party at the Park. Mrs. Jennings returned
+to London, taking Miss Steele with her, and Lady
+Middleton and the children were to follow her
+thither in a few days. The frequent visiting and
+invitations from the Park now ceased. Mr. Atherton
+did not intend neglect, but he was so much
+engaged in going to Newton Hall that he came
+to the Cottage not more than thrice in the week.
+Mary Whitaker was, however, a constant visitor,
+and could be depended on to bring news of the
+outer world.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Willoughby’s reappearance in the neighbourhood
+after four years of absence had been the
+subject of some comment. It was known that
+at one time he had enjoyed the favour of old
+Mrs. Smith of Allenham Court, that he had paid
+yearly visits to her, and that she had been heard
+to speak of him as her heir. Then the time came
+when the servants at Allenham had reported to
+their acquaintances in Barton village that the old
+lady had taken a dislike to Mr. John, and for
+several years he had not come near the place.
+Last spring he was there again, and Mrs. Willoughby
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</span>with him, and Mrs. Smith seemed fully as fond
+of him as ever before, though she had not taken
+to the lady. Mr. John had a way with him that
+pleased the old mistress, and when she was taken
+ill later in the summer it was “John! John!
+John!” she must have, and no one else would do.
+He had come, and she had rallied and got about
+again, and before he went away Mr. John had
+promised he would come if ever she wanted him,
+no matter where he was. Little did he think he
+would only see her again in her coffin! But so
+it was! Mrs. Smith’s own maid had gone into her
+bedroom as she always did to draw the blinds,
+and it gave her a turn to see how white the mistress
+looked there on the pillow, and she did but touch
+her hand, and it was cold as death—and well it
+might be cold, for the old lady was dead, and
+though they sent for the apothecary he could do
+nothing but send for her lawyer, and he it was
+that had sent for Mr. John. Such was the tale
+known to the village, and brought to Mrs. Dashwood
+by Mary Whitaker, who had it from Mrs.
+Brent at the shop.</p>
+
+<p>It was possible therefore that in the future the
+Willoughbys would be the near neighbours of the
+ladies at Barton Cottage unless Allenham Court
+were sold or let, which, as Elinor pointed out,
+was at least possible. Mrs. Dashwood rejoiced
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</span>in her forethought in again admitting Mr.
+Willoughby to their acquaintance, for nothing
+could be more uncomfortable than to be constantly
+avoiding him. Elinor could not but think that
+the Willoughbys would have been less likely to
+settle at Allenham Court if her mother and Margaret
+had been unforgiving.</p>
+
+<p>At present all was surmise, for the intelligence
+received had its source in the servants’ hall at the
+Court, and trickled through various channels before
+reaching the Cottage.</p>
+
+<p>The funeral was not long past before a more
+trustworthy informant arrived to give them fuller
+particulars. Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor were sitting
+together in the parlour when “Mr. Willoughby”
+was announced, and he followed Thomas into the
+room with his old impetuosity.</p>
+
+<p>He took Mrs. Dashwood’s hand—she could not
+withhold it—and pressed it in his. He bowed to
+Elinor, who made a slight movement of greeting,
+but it was to Mrs. Dashwood that he addressed
+himself. He came to tell her, what she already
+knew, that he was the new owner of Allenham.
+He spoke of his shame at having forfeited her
+friendship, his desire for its renewal, his intention
+of spending some months every year at Allenham,
+and his fear lest this should be displeasing to her,
+though it appeared so desirable to himself. He
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</span>hoped she would visit his wife, but feared he was
+asking too much. He ceased—and Mrs. Dashwood
+could make her reply. It was such as might be
+expected by those who knew her. She saw no
+reason why they should not be neighbours. She
+would have pleasure in making Mrs. Willoughby’s
+acquaintance. There was nothing in the past to
+be regretted. All had turned out for the best.</p>
+
+<p>“No, no, madam! That I cannot allow. Best
+for Marianne, no doubt! It could not be well for
+her to depend for her happiness on such a one as
+myself. But for me? No, no! I protest, my
+regrets must be lifelong, and not the less for being
+deserved.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood could not but smile at such
+disarming humility and, with the comfortable adage
+that bygones should be bygones, changed the conversation
+by an inquiry as to the details of Mrs.
+Smith’s last illness. It was hoped that she did
+not suffer. He replied suitably, and with the
+appearance of feeling; and, taking the hint that
+no further reference to the past was desired, he
+began to discuss the neighbourhood, the improvements
+he intended, the tenants of the various
+farms, and spoke of Grice’s farm as one that was
+in good order and occupied by valuable tenants.</p>
+
+<p>“I happened to go there in July for a friend’s
+address, and had a look round the place and a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</span>chat with Mrs. Grice. My friend was staying there
+last April, but, unfortunately, though I was then
+at Allenham, I did not know of his being so near
+until he was gone. I heard he was in the Baltic,
+but had to get the name of the sloop he is commanding.
+Did you happen to hear of him?
+Pennington is his name.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood remarked that he had dined at
+the Park.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is how I heard of his visit. I was
+amazingly disappointed, for I should like of all
+things to see him again. These naval officers are
+for ever slipping through one’s fingers.”</p>
+
+<p>“How did you make his acquaintance?” asked
+Elinor. She had not spoken before this, and
+Willoughby started slightly, but turned to her, all
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>“I met him fairly often at his club playing
+cards,” he replied. “I preferred to have him
+as a partner rather than as an opponent, so you
+can guess the degree of his proficiency. He is
+well known at the club, and generally liked. I am
+only one of his admirers.”</p>
+
+<p>Elinor was satisfied with this reply. It confirmed
+her opinion that Commander Pennington
+was all he ought not to be, and she felt a slight
+relenting towards Willoughby for having furnished
+this information. Her mother saw with amusement
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</span>how the conversation affected her, but did not
+pursue it.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby inquired for Margaret, and learnt
+that she was quite recovered, was at Delaford
+with Mrs. Brandon, and was not expected home
+for some weeks. He thought the air of Delaford—and
+the society—likely to be of great benefit,
+and mentioned the theatricals with just enough
+of wit and sense and not too much of either;
+spoke of Mr. Atherton’s approaching marriage,
+and commended his choice; alluded to his regret
+that Margaret had been unable to take the part
+of Sabrina, admired her voice, compared it, again
+with a sigh, to Mrs. Brandon’s. Mrs. Dashwood
+was about to weary of his conversation when he
+got up to take leave, expressing his sincere gratitude
+for the graciousness of his reception.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXV">
+    CHAPTER XXV
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Elinor represented to her mother that the
+account Willoughby gave of his friend should
+be communicated to Margaret, but Mrs. Dashwood
+would not hear of it.</p>
+
+<p>“I will not have Margaret troubled in the
+matter. We know nothing of his feeling, or of
+hers, and I am disinclined to exert any influence.
+Certainly it appears that he may be something
+of a fashionable gambler, but we have only the
+word of one man, and he not very trustworthy,
+and it is most probable that Commander Pennington’s
+character in no wise concerns us. I
+cannot have Margaret’s mind disturbed and her
+recovery retarded by any disquieting statements
+which cannot be proved, and which would probably
+only serve to remind her of an incident which is best
+forgotten.”</p>
+
+<p>Elinor’s judgment was thus overruled and no
+letter was sent to Margaret describing Willoughby’s
+visit. However, she felt herself at liberty to write
+freely to Marianne. They had always been deeply
+attached, and were completely in each other’s
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</span>confidence. It was but natural that her letter
+should be without reserve. She crossed it at the
+end with the words, “Do not speak of all this to
+Margaret,” but as Marianne did not notice this
+addition till she had read and reread the letter,
+and discussed its contents with Margaret, the
+instruction might as well have been omitted.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="author2">
+  <span class="smcap">Barton Cottage</span>,</p>
+<p class="author">
+  <i>September 14th, 1813</i>.</p>
+  <p>
+  <span class="smcap">My Dearest Marianne</span>,
+</p>
+
+<p>You will be surprised to hear of the visitor
+who called yesterday, and I have some fear that
+you will also be displeased. It was John
+Willoughby. Margaret may have told you that
+he has been in the neighbourhood this summer,
+as she herself has seen more of him than we have.
+I was at first unwilling to acknowledge his acquaintance,
+but my mother wished that we should keep
+up the outward appearance of civility, and Margaret
+has danced with him on two occasions. We were
+not, however, prepared for his calling at Barton
+Cottage.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Smith has lately died, and he and Mrs.
+Willoughby will live at Allenham for some months
+in the year, and he came to beg my mother to
+notice his wife. She agreed. You know her
+goodness of heart, but I cannot but fear you will
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</span>not approve so much complaisance. Do not,
+however, be alarmed, my dearest sister, we will
+not allow you to be annoyed by meeting them.
+It will not be difficult to time your visits to Barton
+so that they shall not coincide with the Willoughbys’
+residence at Allenham. One further communication
+I must tell you which troubles me for
+Margaret. You will know from her that she has
+lately made the acquaintance of a Commander
+Pennington in circumstances which I cannot but
+think were neither to the credit of his manners
+nor of her discretion. However, the acquaintance
+was made, and led to his calling on my mother
+and some promise of his seeing them again on his
+return to England. I regret to say that Willoughby
+claims this man as his friend, plays cards with him
+at his club, and describes him as a proficient
+gamester, well known in London clubs as such.
+I hope, however, that his idea has already been
+effectually dispelled from her mind by the advances
+of Walter Carey, who begged to have news of her
+yesterday, and sends her his best regards. The
+former incident, as our mother says, is best forgotten,
+and I dare say it has already passed from
+Margaret’s mind.</p>
+
+<p>I hope little Edward is good and gives you no
+trouble that can be avoided.</p>
+
+<p>Forgive me, my dearest sister, for vexing you
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</span>with all this concerning the past, but the annoyance
+must be known to you now or later.</p>
+
+<p>I look forward to being with you again; but
+enjoy our mother’s society in the extreme.</p>
+
+<p class="author2">
+  Yours affectionately,</p>
+<p class="author">
+  <span class="smcap">Elinor Ferrars</span>.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Marianne was very much surprised on getting
+this letter, as none of the confidences which Elinor
+supposed to have passed between Margaret and
+herself had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>She carried it at once to her sister, and laughingly
+taxed her with concealment.</p>
+
+<p>“To think that you have seen Willoughby and
+danced with him, and told me nothing of it. I
+insist on hearing all about him at once. He was
+quite a beau of mine, as Miss Steele would say.
+It is amazing to look back and see how differently
+I felt in those days, and how little I then thought
+of the man who is now so dear to me. But tell
+me of Willoughby, Margaret. I must hear all about
+him. Did he ask for me?”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret told her of the stream of questions and
+outspoken admiration which had formed the main
+part of his conversation, and Marianne was greatly
+entertained.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course you were right, Margaret, to listen
+to him and be agreeable. Why should poor
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</span>Willoughby be shunned? It is all so long ago,
+and not of any moment now. But now tell me of
+this Commander Pennington, his friend.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret felt instant agitation, but she asked as
+quietly as she could:</p>
+
+<p>“What do you know of him?”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, rather what do you know? Our prudent
+Elinor says you made his acquaintance in circumstances
+that reflect no credit on his manners or
+on your discretion, and that our mother declares
+the incident is best forgotten. Come, Margaret,
+I must know! Consider how dull a life I lead—my
+husband away and no one to amuse me but
+Edward and yourself. Do not deny me the
+pleasure of a little romance.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret turned away. She was unable to
+speak. She could not recount the incidents lightly.
+She would not willingly make much of them.
+Marianne, perceiving her distress, took her gently
+by the hand and said:</p>
+
+<p>“Is it possible that this is more serious than
+my mother and Elinor believe? Will you not
+confide in me, Margaret? I will not advise you
+or blame you for indiscretion. I have been too
+indiscreet myself to wish to influence you, but
+you are sure of my sympathy and of my affection.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret’s reserve was broken down. She told
+her sister of the meeting on the downs, of her dread
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</span>of discussion, of the second meeting, and the third,
+and lastly, of the visit to the Cottage. She did
+not dwell on these, but her memory was so exact,
+her account so clear, that it was evident to Marianne
+that her sister had been deeply affected. She led
+the conversation to Walter Carey, and his message,
+and saw in her sister’s face that the topic was
+distasteful. She returned to Commander Pennington,
+and spoke of his being a friend of
+Willoughby’s.</p>
+
+<p>“I rather think that our dear Elinor, in the
+goodness of her heart towards me, is ready to
+think ill of any friend of Willoughby’s, but, indeed,
+I do not think it such a serious charge. Willoughby
+had many friends of all degrees of intimacy. They
+all play cards at the clubs, but I do not know that
+there need be any wrong-doing about that. I do
+not consider it is proved that your friend should
+be called a gamester. As to your meeting and
+talking on the downs, it seems to me of all things
+most natural. Were you to turn your back on
+him after the service he had done you? I sympathize
+with you, too, on the question of secrecy.
+Willoughby and I were less careful, and we suffered
+much from Sir John and dear old Mrs. Jennings,
+whom I have long forgiven for the miserable
+moments she gave me.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret found the relief of this full confidence
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</span>and understanding to be very great. She had not
+spoken to her mother on the subject since learning
+from Elinor that her mother’s opinion of Commander
+Pennington was unfavourable, and she was
+young enough to need the relief of speaking her
+thoughts. Marianne was delighted. Her joy in
+romance was her strength as well as her weakness,
+and she was made very happy by hearing of this
+which might prove to be a genuine case of love at
+first sight.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">
+    CHAPTER XXVI
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The elder Mrs. Ferrars was connected with
+the Dashwoods in two ways. John Dashwood
+had married her daughter, Fanny, and her
+elder son, Edward, was the husband of Elinor.
+In spite of these intermarriages the two families
+were very far from being intimate. Mrs. Dashwood
+had never been in company with Mrs. Ferrars,
+Marianne only once, and that four years ago.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferrars was a woman whose only claim to
+eminence was her lack of amiability. True, she
+was also wealthy, but a number of people were
+wealthier, while for sheer ill-nature, unrelieved by
+any more important vice, Mrs. Ferrars attained
+distinction. Even when obliged to say or do something
+that would ordinarily give pleasure she could
+contrive to say or do it in a disagreeable manner.
+Her visit to Edward was purposely ill-timed. She
+disliked his wife rather more than she disliked
+most of her acquaintances, and to come when Elinor
+was away, and the household not at its best, was
+a sure way of humiliating her in several ways at
+once. By coming when her son was alone she
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</span>made it clear that she did not wish to see his wife.
+By finding the domestic arrangements inadequate,
+the inefficiency of Elinor as a housekeeper was
+demonstrated; and in upsetting the servants, by
+introducing two of her own to wait on her, she could
+feel assured that Elinor’s return home would be rendered
+less agreeable by the complaints of her maids.</p>
+
+<p>Edward himself could feel no pleasure in the
+thought of his mother’s visit. She despised him
+for his profession, for his wife, for his lack of
+fashion, and for his love of rational pursuits.
+In order to enforce her disapproval she brought
+Robert, the younger brother, whom she professed
+to admire for being the opposite of her elder son.
+Mrs. Ferrars travelled in state in her own carriage
+with her man and maid following in a hired chaise.
+They were to arrive in time for dinner on Monday
+and stay till the following Friday.</p>
+
+<p>Edward implored Marianne to come and do the
+honours of his dinner-table, but she would not
+consent to break in on the family party, only
+promising that she and Margaret would walk down
+to drink tea with them later. They arrived at
+the parsonage at a time when Edward had come
+to the end of his conversation and was sitting in
+awkward silence, while Robert whistled and
+examined the pictures, and Mrs. Ferrars was fully
+occupied in looking displeased.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</span></p>
+
+<p>The entrance of two pretty young women could
+not but be interesting to Robert, who stared at
+them until he was introduced, bowed, and then
+stared again.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferrars remarked disparagingly that Margaret
+was very like Elinor. Robert, with the
+intention of being agreeable, remarked that his
+mother was wrong. Miss Margaret was better-looking
+than Elinor. Mrs. Ferrars maintained
+that she was right in thinking them very much
+alike—they were both pale and small—and Edward
+was called upon to decide on the relative beauty,
+or lack of beauty, of his wife and her sister.</p>
+
+<p>Marianne had learnt something in her contact
+with the world of fashion. She knew that some
+forms of insolence were best met by a like incivility.
+She therefore called on Edward to decide whether
+the absent Fanny were most like her mother,
+Mrs. Ferrars, or her brother, Mr. Robert, and would
+have continued the discussion in detail, with comments
+on the shapes of noses and the expression of
+eyes, if Edward had not stopped it by some obvious
+remark about the impossibility of deciding on
+likenesses as every one saw them differently.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferrars eyed her opponent with some
+degree of liking. This was much better than
+Elinor’s quiet respect, Fanny’s affectionate admiration,
+or even than Lucy’s servile adulation. It
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</span>was seldom that she met with a young woman
+who might very well be rude to her, if sufficiently
+annoyed. Margaret need only be ignored, but it
+could be expected that there would be pleasure in
+contradicting Marianne, and even in being contradicted
+by her.</p>
+
+<p>The next subject of conversation was the surprisingly
+early hour at which Edward dined. She
+had been unable to eat a dinner at four o’clock,
+and she could not take supper. Travelling was
+very uncomfortable if it entailed such irregular
+meals. Here again Marianne was ready for her.
+The time that Elinor and Edward had fixed for
+their dinner hour was exactly that chosen by the
+King and the Royal Family, having been recommended
+to the King by the Royal physician as
+being the best hour to ensure perfect health.
+Again Edward stopped Marianne’s flow of talk
+by remarking that it was impossible to decide
+on the best time for dinner as every one preferred
+a different one, but his mother had but to say
+what time she liked and it should be arranged.
+This, however, did not please Mrs. Ferrars, for it
+robbed her of a ground of complaint. She remarked
+that she could not think of making any such
+suggestion, and then considered a few moments
+before making her next attack.</p>
+
+<p>Marianne employed the interval by telling
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</span>Edward some of the clever things small Edward
+had been saying, all of which were noticed by the
+grandmother with only one remark:</p>
+
+<p>“All children talk in that way if they are too
+much indulged.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferrars now asked for Marianne’s agreement
+on a point in question between herself and Edward.
+She was dissatisfied to find that Edward was
+unwilling to leave the parish for the space of a
+week or two in order to accompany her to Scotland.
+She evidently did not particularly desire his society,
+but she did not like to have to go alone. Edward,
+though ready enough to yield on unimportant
+matters, was now firm. He would not consider
+absenting himself from Sunday duty. As Robert
+had engagements in town there was no help for
+it. Their mother must go to Scotland alone.
+Marianne expressed pity for the lonely traveller,
+but agreed with Edward that he could not leave
+his work to make one of his mother’s retinue.</p>
+
+<p>“It is unfortunate, madam, that you did not
+come here a little earlier. My husband and his
+friend are but just gone to Scotland and would
+have been happy to escort you,” said Marianne
+with more of politeness than truth.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferrars made no reply, with the design of
+showing Marianne that the happiness would not
+have been shared.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</span></p>
+
+<p>“They have gone to stay with Lord G—— to
+shoot on the moors,” Marianne added.</p>
+
+<p>This intelligence roused Mrs. Ferrars, whose
+acquaintance did not include so many titles as
+to render her indifferent to them. Mrs. Brandon,
+though Elinor’s sister, appeared to know some
+people of importance. She was also rich and
+handsome, and these advantages began to have
+some effect on Mrs. Ferrars.</p>
+
+<p>“And why did you not go with them?” she
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>“I had my sister with me and the care of the two
+children,” replied Marianne.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferrars darted a vicious look at Margaret,
+as though to say that she did not matter, and
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>“Elinor should return. She has been away
+quite long enough. If she came back you could
+join your husband. Edward, if you will go and
+fetch Elinor home I will take Mrs. Brandon to
+Scotland. We will start on Friday.”</p>
+
+<p>Marianne resolutely declined, but Mrs. Ferrars
+only looked at her with renewed distaste, and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>“You should be with your husband. Young
+women should be with their husbands. Elinor
+should not be so long from Edward, and you should
+come to Scotland with me.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</span></p>
+
+<p>Edward was roused to saying that Elinor might
+not wish to come home yet, and that Margaret must
+be considered.</p>
+
+<p>Robert was all for solving this problem by taking
+Miss Margaret back to London with him to visit
+Lucy, and Mrs. Ferrars dealt with it by remarking
+that there would be room in the carriage for Miss
+Margaret if she did not mind sitting backward.</p>
+
+<p>Marianne again declared that she had not the
+power to accept Mrs. Ferrars’s kind offer of conveying
+her to her husband, and soon afterwards
+took leave, being sped on her way by a look of
+resentment from the little lady’s eye and a final:
+“You should be with your husband.” While
+Margaret was dismissed with a nod and the information
+that she was certainly very like her sister
+Elinor.</p>
+
+<p>Marianne was not so entirely opposed to the
+scheme of joining her husband in Scotland as she
+had pretended. The difficulties were not great,
+and she had only dwelt on them with the intention
+of being contradictory. She felt—Marianne was
+incapable of scheming—but she felt, without putting
+it into words, that to decline Mrs. Ferrars’s proposal
+would only make her more determined that it
+should be accepted. It would certainly be renewed
+on every occasion that they met, with added venom
+and reproach.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</span></p>
+
+<p>As the sisters returned to the mansion-house
+Marianne put before Margaret the advantage of
+the scheme, beginning with the charm of being
+again with her husband and ending with that of
+being in a position to tease Mrs. Ferrars through a
+journey of several days.</p>
+
+<p>“I delight in vexing her. She has not been
+opposed as she should, and it must be of use to
+her to have something to be cross about and some
+one who deserves her displeasure. She would be
+just as cross anyway, and for less reason. I
+consider that, while amusing myself, I do her a real
+service.”</p>
+
+<p>“I question if it would be good for either of
+you for so long a time as the journey to Scotland
+would occupy, or in so small a space as her coach.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I should be obliged to rest sometimes,
+or the enjoyment of quarrelling would lessen.
+But consider, Margaret, would you not greatly
+like to see Scotland? You have never been far
+from home, and you said but a few days ago how
+much you wished to travel. This method of
+travelling would be comfortable and respectable.
+We could not go in a public conveyance, but we
+may be sure that, however disagreeable Mrs.
+Ferrars may wish to be, there will be nothing
+about her arrangements to displease us. Do let
+us see if it can be managed. Edward could start
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</span>for Barton to-morrow, and Elinor and he would
+be back on Friday. Nanny can be trusted to
+care for the children for the one day that we shall
+all be away. If you consent I will write to Mamma,
+and Edward can take it to-morrow.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret saw that her sister was attracted by
+the idea, and would not oppose her. Edward
+could be relied on to do as he was asked, for there
+could be no question of their journeyings interfering
+with his Sunday work. He would certainly
+rejoice in the prospect of missing the remainder
+of his mother’s visit, and getting his wife home.
+Margaret was willing to leave the decision to
+Marianne. There was no fear that their stay in
+Scotland would be a long one, for as soon as she
+was with her husband Marianne would certainly
+begin to long for her child, and the scheme of
+joining Colonel Brandon would be more likely
+to shorten than to lengthen his absence from
+home.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">
+    CHAPTER XXVII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Elinor was surprised on Tuesday afternoon,
+while sitting at work with her mother, to
+hear familiar footsteps coming up the path. It
+was Edward, bringing news of the intended visit
+to Scotland, of Margaret’s improved health, of
+the well-doing of their child, and lastly, though this
+was not explicitly stated, of his mother’s continued
+ill-temper. Elinor was happy to have him with
+her, and Mrs. Dashwood scarcely less so. She was
+delighted with the scheme for taking Margaret to
+Scotland, delighted to have news of her grandchildren,
+and, though regretting Elinor’s nearer
+departure, delighted to think of her daughter
+having the pleasure of her husband’s society.</p>
+
+<p>The dinner-hour was never more pleasantly
+spent, Mrs. Dashwood expressing in every look
+and word that affection for her sons-in-law which
+so greatly enhanced the happiness of their wives.</p>
+
+<p>Dinner being over, Edward wished to walk down
+to the village, where he had left his chaise and
+horses, see to the comfort of the latter, and call
+at the parsonage for a word with Mr. Atherton.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</span>Mrs. Dashwood agreed to accompany him, and
+they walked away together.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor was still standing at the gate after seeing
+them on their way when she became aware of
+some one approaching from the opposite direction.
+It was a stranger to her; an agreeable-looking
+man. He walked fast, and was soon near. Though
+she had still no idea of his being acquainted
+with her, from his stopping and bowing she
+saw that he, at least, claimed some knowledge
+of her.</p>
+
+<p>“My name is Pennington,” he said, “I am
+acquainted with Mrs. Dashwood and her daughter.
+Is it to Mrs. Ferrars that I speak?”</p>
+
+<p>This last was a conjecture founded on
+Willoughby’s description of Elinor, which her
+expression at the moment almost justified.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I am Mrs. Ferrars. My mother is out
+walking. Can I give her a message from you when
+she returns?”</p>
+
+<p>She did not ask him to come in, and he did not
+appear to wish it. He only looked at her steadily
+and asked:</p>
+
+<p>“Is Margaret well?”</p>
+
+<p>She replied in a simple affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>“Is she at home?”</p>
+
+<p>“My sister is at Delaford with Mrs. Brandon,”
+then, as his face showed a determination which
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</span>she construed correctly, she added: “Unless she
+has already started for a tour in Scotland.”</p>
+
+<p>“You do not know for certain?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Elinor replied that she believed they had not
+started yet. She was angry with herself for telling
+him so much, but his questions and his look were
+so direct that she must be sincere.</p>
+
+<p>He thanked her courteously, said he would write
+to Mrs. Dashwood, and walked off as he had come,
+leaving her with some regrets for her lack of
+cordiality. Her regrets would have been increased,
+though the grounds changed, if she had been able
+to see round the corner of the lane. For as he
+walked along with head bent in thought, he was
+hailed by whom but Willoughby!</p>
+
+<p>Richard Pennington was decidedly the less
+interested of the two, but he nodded pleasantly,
+shook hands, and asked:</p>
+
+<p>“What brings you here?”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, I might rather ask that,” said Willoughby.
+“I thought you were to be in the Baltic for another
+month at least.”</p>
+
+<p>“We were recalled on the very day I got your
+letter. We were paid off yesterday.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then! Again I ask you what brings
+you here? Here is a man just come ashore, and
+with money in his pocket, and he spends his time
+in a Devonshire village. What’s the attraction?
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</span>I know Mrs. Grice was once your nurse, but you
+can surely do without her for a few months at a
+time?”</p>
+
+<p>Richard Pennington’s reply was that he was
+leaving Barton at once. Willoughby immediately
+asked if he was going to London, and if so offered
+a seat in his curricle.</p>
+
+<p>“I may go to London eventually, but at present
+I am on my way to a place called Delaford. Have
+you any knowledge of its whereabouts?”</p>
+
+<p>“Delaford? I have never been there, but I
+have a friend, an old friend, who lives at the
+mansion. I will drive you thither on my way
+to London, and perhaps call on my friend. No!
+best not, but I will certainly take you there. I
+suppose you have business to transact. Do you
+know the Brandons?”</p>
+
+<p>Pennington replied that he did not. He did
+not feel for Willoughby the degree of confidence
+and friendship which was professed for himself,
+and though willing to take a seat in the curricle
+and to talk on affairs in the Baltic or other less
+important matters, he had no idea of discussing
+his errand to Delaford with anyone.</p>
+
+<p>“I must write a letter and pack my bag, and
+will then be at your service,” he said, “if, as I
+understand, you wish to start this evening. Otherwise
+I will see if I can hire a chaise.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</span></p>
+
+<p>“You are in a hurry! However, I am willing
+to start in an hour’s time if it pleases you. There
+is moonlight, and we shall be well on our way
+before dark. We can sleep at Honiton and reach
+Delaford in the morning.”</p>
+
+<p>Richard Pennington returned to the farm, wrote
+a short note to Mrs. Dashwood, and was gone
+before the farm-lad, to whom he gave it for delivery,
+had put it into Thomas’s hand at the door of Barton
+Cottage.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood and Edward returned from their
+walk, chatting of trivial matters. They were met
+by Elinor with so disturbed and anxious a countenance
+that her mother took instant alarm.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you bad news? Has a post come while
+we were away, or a messenger?”</p>
+
+<p>Elinor reassured her. Nothing untoward had
+happened. There had been a visitor, and she
+had been uncertain how to act, but hoped she had
+done right.</p>
+
+<p>“Tell me, Elinor, what is it? I insist on knowing
+the worst.”</p>
+
+<p>“Pray, mamma, do not be disturbed. The
+visitor was Commander Pennington. He asked
+for you, and I told him you were not within, and
+he asked for Margaret, and I fear I did wrong—but
+I told him where Margaret is.”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not see why that should be wrong,” said
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</span>Mrs. Dashwood. “I suppose he will come and
+see me again. Did he say where he was staying?
+He did not expect to be in England again so soon,
+when he left us last April.”</p>
+
+<p>She spoke in a light, cheerful tone. She had
+always considered that Elinor thought too much
+both of Richard Pennington’s admiration of Margaret
+and of his possible shortcomings. Elinor’s
+kindness and goodness of heart must always be
+valued, but her mother did sometimes wish she
+would be less serious.</p>
+
+<p>“Who is this Commander Pennington?” asked
+Edward. “Is it that admirer of Margaret’s? By
+the way, I wonder if by any chance he is Richard
+Pennington. If so, I knew him some six or seven
+years ago, long before I became a country parson.
+He spent some of his leave with a friend of mine,
+an excellent fellow. I wish I had seen him.”</p>
+
+<p>Poor Elinor! Her discretion had been too great,
+and she regretted it as she had never expected to
+regret the exercise of her favourite virtue. Her
+mother appeared to think her discretion as unimportant
+as anything else in the matter. The
+subject was swept aside, and Edward was led to
+give an entertaining account of Mrs. Ferrars at
+Delaford Parsonage, and the various grounds of
+complaint over Elinor’s arrangements, which
+amused both ladies excessively. Elinor, secure
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</span>in Edward’s satisfaction, cared for no other criticism,
+and Mrs. Dashwood shed tears of laughter
+at the account Edward gave of Mrs. Ferrars’s
+servants compelled to associate with the parsonage
+maids, who knew nothing of London ways.</p>
+
+<p>Edward’s bag must now be unpacked, and Elinor
+went with him to see him do it, and arrange his
+handkerchiefs and brushes as he liked. They had
+not been together for some weeks, and it was
+natural that some half-hour should be occupied
+in what need not have taken many minutes. While
+they were absent a note was handed to Mrs. Dashwood,
+which she read with astonishment:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+  <span class="smcap">Dear Madam</span>,
+</p>
+
+<p>I called this evening in the hope of seeing
+your daughter, Margaret. If I had been so fortunate
+as to find you at home I should have told
+you of my errand, which was to ask your daughter
+to become my wife. I hear that she is starting
+for Scotland almost immediately. There is therefore
+no time to be lost if I am to see her before
+she goes. When this is in your hands I shall be
+on my way to Delaford.</p>
+
+<p class="author3">
+  Believe me, dear madam,</p>
+<p class="author2">
+  Yours obediently,</p>
+<p class="author">
+  <span class="smcap">Richard Pennington</span>.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood read and reread the letter.
+She had to decide at once. Should she, or should
+she not, speak of it to Elinor? She decided that
+she would not do so; shut it in her desk, and
+stood by the window looking out at the rising
+moon. She would not answer the letter. He
+did not ask for her consent—it was not her consent
+that he wanted—but as she remained there
+looking out into the garden, and thinking of
+her Margaret at Delaford, she gave him her consent,
+and wished him well with all her heart.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">
+    CHAPTER XXVIII
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Ferrars, as Marianne expected,
+repeated her request that the sisters should
+accompany her to Scotland. She was none the
+less surprised at having her offer accepted.</p>
+
+<p>The contest between the elder and the younger
+lady was still carried on, but the ground of difference
+was changed. It was not now whether Marianne
+should or should not join her husband in Scotland,
+but whether she was doing so to please herself
+or out of kindness to Mrs. Ferrars, who always
+assumed the one reason and Marianne the other.</p>
+
+<p>It was Wednesday morning. Edward had left
+on Tuesday, was giving his horses two days’ rest,
+and would return on Friday, bringing Elinor back
+to take charge of the children and soothe her
+disturbed household. Mrs. Ferrars, Marianne and
+Margaret were to start early on Friday, with man
+and maid in the chaise behind, and intended to
+reach Bath in time for the Sunday. The journey
+was to be continued at a similarly leisurely pace
+and Margaret looked forward with great interest to
+the coming week.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</span></p>
+
+<p>This morning Marianne found it necessary to
+go to the village to give some orders, and had
+added that she proposed to look in on Mrs. Ferrars
+to give her something vexatious to think about.
+As soon as she was gone, Margaret took some
+work and went to sit in an old yew arbour which
+stood on a mound against the high wall that
+surrounded the garden. Thence she could see
+Marianne walking along the lane towards the
+village, the morning coach passing on the turnpike
+road, then a cart, and later a gentleman’s carriage.</p>
+
+<p>It was a cheerful place in which to spend an
+hour or two in the open air without the fatigue of
+walking or the necessity for change of dress. She
+had been settled there for about half an hour
+when she noticed a curricle coming along the road
+at a rapid pace. It stopped, and a man got out,
+and spoke to his companion, who then drove
+forward more slowly. Margaret had nothing very
+particular to do, and at first she watched this
+figure with idle interest, but it was not long before
+she became aware that he had turned into the
+lane, not long before she knew who it was, and
+not long before he was standing below her on
+the other side of the wall, and looking up.</p>
+
+<p>“May I come up there, Margaret?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, if you can,” she replied, “but there is a
+way round by the great gate.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</span></p>
+
+<p>The gallant Commander was not the man to
+go round by any great gate when a more direct
+way was before him. The wall was of rough
+stone, and some of the stones projected. He
+was soon near the top, but then experienced some
+difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>“Shall I give you a hand?” she asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, if you will,” said he.</p>
+
+<p>He did not, however, give up the hand when
+he was beside her in the gazebo. They sat down
+together, and though Margaret might ask questions
+about the journey it was difficult to keep up
+a purely formal conversation when he held her
+hand. So it was not long before she was silent,
+and he began to speak, and told her of his errand.
+It was to ask her a simple question, and, when
+she heard the question, she was in no doubt as to
+the answer.</p>
+
+<p>When Marianne returned from her latest discussion
+with Mrs. Ferrars she heard that which
+put all quarrels out of her head. It was a joyful
+day for Marianne. She was not the less in love
+with romance because she was also in love with
+the Colonel, and by the time she had heard all
+they would tell her she was, outwardly at least,
+by far the most enthusiastic of the three. They
+quitted her soon to indulge in the endless discussions,
+the long silences, the renewed converse,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</span>which are so familiar to all who have been in love.
+Marianne was left to the enjoyment of her own
+thoughts and the formation of further plans.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until dinner was over and Marianne
+had exercised her right as hostess to secure their
+company in the drawing-room that she produced
+her scheme.</p>
+
+<p>“Richard,” she asked, “how soon do you wish
+to be married?”</p>
+
+<p>“As soon as is possible,” he replied promptly.</p>
+
+<p>“I will not ask Margaret. She would only give
+me some evasive reply, but I will ask her another
+question. Do you want to have every one at
+Barton asking you questions and then inventing
+the answers and saying you said this or that, and
+noticing when you blush, and teasing you and
+vexing you in every imaginable way?”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not think I mind very much. I am used
+to that sort of thing, and now——”</p>
+
+<p>“That is the wrong answer, Margaret,” said
+Richard. “You should have replied as I did,
+in the way your sister expected. You should have
+said simply ‘No.’”</p>
+
+<p>“Her answer was perfectly satisfactory to me,
+thank you, Richard. She ended it with ‘and
+now.’ That means, does it not, Margaret, that
+being to marry Richard makes everything right.
+Correct me if I am wrong. I do not wish to
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</span>attribute to you anything you do not willingly
+admit.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret willingly admitted as she was asked,
+and Marianne expressed herself satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>“Richard wishes to get married as soon as
+possible, and Margaret admits that nothing else
+matters. Now for my third question, which is
+for both of you. Do you wish to please me
+greatly?”</p>
+
+<p>This was immediately agreed to by both.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then, do, do come to Scotland with us,
+Richard, and be married there. It is the most
+entrancing scheme. I have been thinking of it
+half the morning. Margaret and I will travel with
+Mrs. Ferrars, and you will follow in a hired chaise.
+At all the stops there you will be, and I will present
+you to Mrs. Ferrars as a mere acquaintance. We
+shall spend Sunday in Bath, and I will take care
+that she is kept out of the way, but she is bound
+to see you, and to find out that you are following
+us, and she will be so delightfully angry at your
+continued appearances, and abuse you so much,
+and I shall enjoy myself beyond measure.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret protested that their marriage was
+being pressed into service to keep up the contest
+with Mrs. Ferrars, but Marianne would not have
+it so. She had other and better reasons to urge.</p>
+
+<p>“Do think how deplorably unromantic our
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</span>marriages have been. Mamma, to begin with,
+marrying Papa, years and years older than herself,
+and a widower of all things. Then Elinor, with
+dear good Edward, who is the most prosaic creature
+in the world, and as to myself, though I would not
+have anything different, no one can possibly think
+my marriage in the least romantic. Now you two
+have the most amazing opportunity. Nothing
+could exceed the delightful romance of your situation.
+To make it perfect you must elope.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mamma——” began Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>“Mamma will be delighted,” went on Marianne.
+“She said at my wedding that she hoped she
+would never have to undergo so much of fuss and
+ceremony again. She even said she hoped you
+would elope when your turn came, though I do
+not suppose she quite meant that. However,
+there can be no harm in taking her at her word.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is not what I meant,” said Margaret.
+“I did not think she would particularly desire
+wedding festivities, but I think she should know
+what is happening, that her consent——”</p>
+
+<p>“I wrote to her before I came away,” said
+Richard.</p>
+
+<p>This was unexpected.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean she knows?” asked Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>“She knows what I wanted.”</p>
+
+<p>“And she did not object? She consented,”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</span>declared Marianne. “There can be no question
+of it. If she had wished to prevent it she would
+have done so.”</p>
+
+<p>“She did not have very much time,” said
+Richard.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, Mamma always says if she does not wish
+anything. Besides, she would never oppose us
+in anything that was of real importance. I am
+sure Mamma would be on my side. She would
+love to vex Mrs. Ferrars.”</p>
+
+<p>“There is one thing I do not like,” said Richard.
+“How about the Colonel? This is his house. I
+do not want to elope from it without his consent.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh!” said Marianne. “That is another point.
+You would never, never guess it to look at him,
+but my husband was once all ready prepared to
+elope himself, only all was discovered.”</p>
+
+<p>“With you?” asked Richard, puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>“No, not with me, with another lady, long,
+long ago. It is a great secret; but it will be
+impossible for him to make any objection to elopements
+from his house. Also, I really do not see
+what else is to be done. You would not wish
+Margaret to go to Scotland, and leave you here?”</p>
+
+<p>Richard agreed that he would not.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course she could stay on at the parsonage
+with Elinor.”</p>
+
+<p>Margaret thought not.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Well, then, there is nothing for it but for you
+to come to Scotland with us, and when there it
+would be a pity not to get married. For if you
+do you can go straight back together to Mamma,
+and you will see at once if you have vexed her.
+But I think it will amuse and please her of all
+things.”</p>
+
+<p>It did really seem to be a plan of some convenience.
+Marianne assumed it to be settled.
+Richard found it very much to his liking, and
+Margaret only stipulated that they should write
+without delay to her mother.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">
+    CHAPTER XXIX
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The elopement took place, with the unconscious
+Mrs. Ferrars and the deeply interested
+Mrs. Brandon as chaperones. It was, of course, a
+very romantic affair.</p>
+
+<p>The journey through England was as delightful
+as such a journey must be. It was leisurely, and
+if Mrs. Dashwood had wished to stop them she
+could very easily have done so. Thirty-six hours
+were spent in Bath, and at each stopping-place
+they arrived in time for dinner and did not proceed
+till the next day. Commander Pennington had
+no idea of keeping out of sight, and Mrs. Ferrars’s
+anger steadily grew, while her curiosity was not
+aroused. When they reached the Border the
+wedding ceremony was short and to the point.
+Marianne returned to the carriage without her
+sister, and stated that she would not accompany
+them farther as she was now married. The effect
+of this news on Mrs. Ferrars was all that Marianne
+had desired. It was even greater than she had
+expected, and she was not at all sorry to part
+from her when they came to the meeting-place
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</span>at which Colonel Brandon had been charged to
+appear.</p>
+
+<p>He was there, somewhat bewildered at his wife’s
+unlooked-for decision to follow him, and not less
+so when he heard a part of the romantic adventure
+which had just been achieved.</p>
+
+<p>If Marianne supposed that an elopement would
+give people less to talk about than an ordinary
+wedding she was mistaken, but if, after hearing
+what Colonel Brandon had to say to her, she was
+afraid that she had hurried her young sister into
+an imprudent marriage, she was again mistaken,
+for the marriage proved a very happy one. It
+was founded, not on long friendship, careful choice,
+the wishes of true friends, similarity of tastes or
+equality of fortune, not in fact on any of those
+circumstances which bring about successful unions,
+but on that which happens to some few fortunate
+mortals and is called “Love at first sight.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dashwood was easily placated. She had
+never been very angry, though she would have
+counselled delay if she had been given the opportunity
+to offer advice. Nothing was left for her
+to do but to be kind and welcoming, and nothing
+was so easy. Richard Pennington was soon as
+well-beloved as her other sons-in-law, and not
+far behind them in the affection he returned.</p>
+
+<p>The life of a naval officer’s wife, though not so
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</span>full of hardships as Mrs. Palmer had predicted,
+was not easy. It was long before Commander
+Pennington attained post-rank. He was employed
+on a guardship off Malta for some years, and
+Margaret had her wish of travelling, but not in
+circumstances of great wealth.</p>
+
+<p>When William IV came to the throne he took
+care of the navy, and a great many officers who had
+fancied themselves forgotten got a pleasant surprise.
+Richard was among them, and became Captain
+Pennington. He got no further promotion, but
+was contented with this step in rank. They had
+but one son, and their income was sufficient for
+their needs.</p>
+
+<p>If Margaret had less of some things than her
+sisters she had more of others. Marianne was right
+in saying that Margaret’s marriage was romantic
+for she had that kind of happiness which is not
+deserved because no one can deserve it, and Richard
+Pennington shared that happiness because he made
+it.</p>
+
+<p>But happiness <i>should</i> result from well-doing.
+It must be as distressing to the reader as it is to
+the writer to notice that if Commander Pennington’s
+manners had been better he would have allowed
+Margaret to go home without attempting to make
+her acquaintance on High-church down; and if
+she had had more discretion she would have withdrawn
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</span>after a proper acknowledgment of his
+politeness, returned home, and no doubt become
+Lady Carey in due course. <i>She</i> might have been
+almost as happy in that case, and would certainly
+have been richer and more comfortable, but there
+is no doubt that <i>Richard’s</i> happiness resulted
+from his lapse in manners, and Margaret’s inattention
+to decorum.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ph4">THE END</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<div class="tnote">
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="Transcribers_note">
+    Transcriber’s note
+  </h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice.</p>
+
+<p>Spelling was retained as in the original except for the following
+changes:</p>
+
+<table class="autotable">
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Page <a href="#Page_72">72</a>: “She was in her”</td>
+<td></td>
+<td class="tdl">“She was on her”</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Page <a href="#Page_81">81</a>: “with patient displeasure”</td>
+<td></td>
+<td class="tdl">“with patent displeasure”</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Page <a href="#Page_155">155</a>: “had noticed the Carey’s”</td>
+<td></td>
+<td class="tdl">“had noticed the Careys’”</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77271 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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