Hourly Soothing Storytelling 8 -Sense And Sensibility

Chapters 35, 36, 37, and 38. This is an extended sleep track with the soothing voice of Stephanie Poppins. This is an authentic English Voice.
The first seven chapters of Sense and Sensibility run back-to-back for over an hour.

In Georgian-era England, the wealthy Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and three daughters destitute. The ladies move to a modest cottage where the two older daughters vie for the attention of various suitors in search of true love.

All rights reserved. This audio file is protected with an invisible watermark. Individual use only. Copyright Neworld Books.

Written by S D HUDSON
Performed by Stephanie Poppins
Music by Jean-Miles Carter
Published by Neworld Books

Transcript

Chapter 35 Eleanor's curiosity to see Mrs Ferrer's was satisfied. She had seen enough of her pride, Her meanness and her determined prejudice against herself, To comprehend all the difficulties that must have perplexed the engagement and retarded the marriage of Edward and herself, Had he been otherwise free. She wondered that Lucy's vanity should so very much blind her as to make the attention which seemed only paid her, Because she was not Eleanor, Appear a compliment to herself, Or to allow her to derive encouragement from a preference only given her because her real situation was unknown. But that it was so had not been declared by Lucy's eyes at the time. But was declared over everything again the next morning more openly. For at her particular desire, Lady Middleton set her down in Barclay Street on the chance of seeing Eleanor alone. The chance proved a lucky one for a message from Mrs Palmer soon after she arrived. Carried Mrs Jennings away. My dear friend. Cried Lucy as soon as they were by themselves. I come to you to talk of my happiness. Could anything be so flattering as Mrs. Ferrer's way of treating me yesterday? You know how I dreaded the thoughts of seeing her. But the very moment I was introduced there was such a laughability in her behaviour, As really she seemed to say she had quite took a fancy to me. She was certainly very civil to you. Staple, Did you see nothing but Tony's civility? I sure of are still more. No pride, No hauteur, And your sister just the same, All sweetness and affability. Undoubtedly, If they had known of your engagement, Said Eleanor, Nothing could be more flattering than their treatment of you, But as that was not the case, I guess you would say so. Replied Lucy quickly. But there was no reason in the world why Mrs. Ferrars should seem to like me if she did not, And her liking me is everything. Mrs. Ferris is a charming woman. And so is your sister. To this Eleanor had no answer to make and did not attempt any. Are you ill, Miss Dashwood? You seem low. I was never in better health. I am glad of it with all my heart. I should be so sorry to have you ill, You that have been the greatest comfort to me in the world. Eleanor tried to make a civil answer, Though doubting her own success. But it seemed to satisfy Lucy, For she directly replied, Indeed, I'm perfectly convinced of your regard for me, And next to Edward's love, It's the greatest comfort I have. Poor Edward. But now, There is one good thing. We shall be able to meet, And meet pretty often, For Lady Middleton's delighted with Mrs. Dashwood, So we shall be a good deal in Harley Street, I dare say. And Edward spends half his time with his sister. Besides, Lady Middleton and Mrs Ferris will visit now. And Mrs Ferris and your sister were both so good to say more than once they should always be glad to see me. I'm sure if ever you tell your sister what I think of her, You cannot speak too high. But Eleanor would not give her any encouragement to hope that she should tell her sister. Lucy continued. I am sure I should have seen it in the moment if Mrs Ferris had took a dislike to me. For where she does dislike, I know it's most violent. Eleanor was prevented from making any reply to this civil triumph by the doors being thrown open and Edward immediately walking in. It was a very awkward moment, And the countenance of each showed it was so. Edward seemed to have as great an inclination to walk out of the room again as to advance further into it. The ladies recovered themselves first. It was not Lucy's business to put herself forward and the appearance of secrecy must still be kept up. She could therefore only look her tenderness, And after slightly addressing him. . . Said no more. But Eleanor had more to do, And so anxious was she, For his sake and her own, To do it well. That she forced herself to welcome him with a look and manner that were most easy. She would not allow the presence of Lucy, Nor the consciousness of some injustice towards herself, To deter her from saying she was happy to see him. Her manners gave some reassurance to Edward, And he had courage enough to sit down. But his embarrassment still exceeded that of the ladies. Lucy, With a demure and settled air, Seemed determined to make no contribution to the comfort of the others, And would not say a word. And almost everything that was said proceeded from Eleanor, Who was obliged to volunteer all the information about her mother's health. They're coming to town, Etc. Which Edward ought to have inquired about, But never did. Her exertions did not stop here, For she soon afterwards felt herself so heroically disposed as to determine, Under pretence of fetching Marianne, To leave the others by themselves. And she really did it, And that in the handsomest manner. For she loitered away several minutes on the landing place before she went to her sister. When that was once done, However, It was time for the raptures of Edward to cease. For Marianne's joy hurried her into the drawing room immediately. Her pleasure in seeing him was like every other of her feelings, Strong in itself and strongly spoken. Dear Edward. . . She cried. This is a moment of great happiness. This would almost make amends for everything. It would try to return her kindness as it deserved. But before such witnesses he dared not say half what he really felt. Marianne was looking with a most speaking tenderness, Sometimes at Edwards and sometimes at Eleanor. Regretting only their delight in each other should be checked by Lucy's unwelcome presence. Edward was the first to speak and it was to notice Marianne's altered looks and express his fear of her not finding London agreeing with her. Oh, Don't think of me, She replied with spirited earnestness. Don't think of my health. Eleanor as well, You see. That must be enough for us both. This remark was not calculated to make Edward or Eleanor more easy, Nor to conciliate the goodwill of Lucy. Do you like London? Said Edward, Willing to say anything that might introduce another subject. Not at all. I expected much pleasure in it, But I found none. The sight of you, Edward, Is the only comfort it has afforded. Marianne paused. No one spoke. I think Eleanor. She presently added, We must employ Edward to take care of us in our returns to Barton. Poor Edward muttered something, But what it was nobody knew, Not even himself. But Marianne who saw his agitation and could easily trace it to whatever cause best pleased herself. Was perfectly satisfied and soon talked of something else. We spent such a day, Edward, In Harley Street yesterday. So dull, So wretchedly dull, But I have much to say to you on that head which cannot be said now. But why were you not there? Why did you not come? I was engaged elsewhere. Gauged. What was that when such friends were to be met? Perhaps Miss Marianne? Cried Lucy, Eager to take some revenge on her. You think young men never stand upon engagements if they have no mind to keep them? Eleanor was very angry, But Marianne seemed entirely insensible of the sting, For she calmly replied. Not so, Indeed. For seriously speaking, I'm very sure that conscience only kept Edward from Harley Street. And I really believe he has the most delicate conscience in the world. He is the most fearful of giving pain, Of wounding expectation, And the most incapable of being selfish of anybody I ever saw. The nature of her commendation, In the present case however, Happened to be particularly ill-suited to the feelings of the two-thirds of her auditors, And was so very un-exhilarating to Edward, That he very soon got up to go away. Going so soon? Said Marianne. My dear Edward, This must not be! And drawing him in a little aside, She whispered her persuasion. That Lucy could not stay much longer. But even this encouragement failed, For he would go. And Lucy soon afterwards went away. Bring her here so often? Said Marianne on her leaving them. Could she not see we wanted her gone? How teasing to Edward. Why so? Said Eleanor. We were all his friends and Lucy has been the longest known to him of any. Marianne looked at her steadily and said, You know, Eleanor, This is a kind of talking which I cannot bear. If you only hope to have your assertion contradicted, You ought to recollect that I'm the last person in the world to do it. I cannot descend to be tricked out of assurances that are not really wanted. She then left the room and Eleanor dared not follow her to say more. But bound as she was by her promise of secrecy to Lucy. She could give no information that would convince Marianne. And painful as the consequences of her still continuing in error might be. She was obliged to submit to it. Chapter 36 Within a few days after this meeting, The newspapers announced to the world the Lady of Thomas Palmer Esquire. Was safely delivered of sun and air. This event, Highly important to Mrs. Jennings' happiness, Produced temporary alteration in the disposal of her time. For as she wished to be as much as possible with Sean. She went thither every morning as soon as she was dressed. And did not return till late in the evening. And the Miss Dashwoods, At the particular request of the Middletons, Spent the whole of the day in Conduit Street. Though nothing could be more polite than Lady Middleton's behaviour to Eleanor and Marianne, She really did not like them at all. Because they neither flattered herself nor her children, She could not believe them good-natured. And because they were fond of reading, She fancied them satirical. Their presence was a restraint both on her and on Lucy. It shaped the idleness of one and the business of the other. Lady Middleton was ashamed of doing nothing before them, And the flattery which Lucy was proud to think of and administer at other times, She feared they would despise her for offering. Miss Steel was the least discomposed of the three by their presence, And it was in their power to reconcile her to it entirely. Would either of them only have given her a full and minute account of the whole affair between Marianne and Mr. Willoughby? She would have thought herself amply rewarded for the sacrifice of the best place by the fire after dinner. But this consolation was not granted for those she often threw out expressions of pity for her sister to Eleanor. No effect was produced but a look of indifference from the former, Or disgust in the latter. All these jealousies and discontents, However, Were so totally unexpected by Mrs Jennings, She thought it a delightful thing for the girls to be together. She joined them sometimes at Sir John's, And sometimes at her own house. But wherever it was, She always came in excellent spirits, Full of delight and importance, Attributing Charlotte's well-doing to her own care, And ready to give so exact, So minute a detail of her situation, As only Miss Steele had curiosity enough to desire. I come now to the relation of a misfortune which about this time befell Mrs John Dashworth. It so happened that while her two sisters with Mrs Jennings were first calling on her in Harley Street, Another of her acquaintances dropped in. This last-arrived lady, On hearing the name of the Miss Dashwoods, And understanding them to be Mr Dashwood's sisters, Immediately concluded them to be staying in Harley Street, And this misconstruction produced within a day or two afterwards, Cards of invitations for them, As well as for their brother and sister, To a small musical party at her house. Mrs John Dashwood was not only exceedingly obliged to commit to the great inconvenience of sending her carriage for the Miss Dashwoods, But what was still worse, Must be subject to the unpleasantness of appearing to treat them with attention. Marianne had now been brought up by degrees so much into the habit of going out every day that it was to become a matter in difference to her whether she went or not. And she prepared quietly and mechanically for every evening's engagement. Though without expecting the smallest amusement from any. To her dress and appearance she was grown so perfectly indifferent as not to bestow half the consideration upon it during the whole of her toilette. Which he'd received from Miss Steele in the first five minutes of their being together, When it was finished. She saw everything and asked everything. It was never easy till she knew the price of every part of Marianne's dress. And was not without hopes of finding out, Before they parted, How much her washing cost per week and how much she had every year to spend upon herself. The importance of the kind of scrutinies, Moreover, Was generally concluded with a compliment. Which was considered by Marianne as the greatest impertinence of all. With such encouragement as this, She was dismissed on the present occasion to her brother's carriage, Which they were ready to enter five minutes after it stopped at the door. The party, Like other musical parties, Comprehended a great many people who had real taste for the performance, And a great many more who had none at all. As Eleanor was neither musical nor affecting to be so. She made no scruple of turning away her eyes from the grand piano forte. And would fix them at pleasure on any other object in the room. In one of these excursive glances she perceived among a group of young men the very he who had given them a lecture on toothpick cases at Grey's. She perceived him soon afterwards looking at herself. And speaking familiarly to her brother. And had just determined to find out his name. When they both came towards her and Mr Dashwood introduced him as Mr Robert Ferrars. He addressed her with easy civility and twisted his head into a bow, Which assured her as plainly as words could have done. He was exactly the Coxcomb had heard him described to be by Lucy. While she wondered at the difference of the two men, She did not find the emptiness and conceit of the one put her at all out of charity with the modesty and worth of the other. While they were different, Robert explained to her himself for talking of his brother and lamenting the extreme goshery which he really believed kept him from mixing in proper society. He candidly and generously attributed it, Much less to any natural deficiency than to the misfortune of a private education. While he himself, Merely from the advantage of a public school, Was as well fitted to mix in the world as any other man. Upon my soul. He added, I believe it's nothing more and so often I tell my mother when she's grieving about it. My dear madam, I always say to her, If you had only sent him to Westminster as well as myself, Instead of sending him to Mr Pratt's, All this would have been prevented. Eleanor would not oppose the opinion, For whatever might be her general estimation of the advantage of a public school, She could not think of Edward's abode in Mr Pratt's family with any satisfaction. You reside in Devonshire, I think. Was his next observation. In a cottage near Doolish? Ellen has set him right as to its situation and it seemed rather surprising to him that anybody could live in Devonshire without living near Dawlish. For my own part, " said he. I am excessively fond of a cottage. There is always so much comfort, So much elegance. And I protest if I had any money to spare, I should buy a little land and build one myself, Within a short distance of London. Where I might drive myself down at any time and collect a few friends about me and be happy. Some people imagine there can be no accommodations, No space in a cottage. But this is all a mistake. I was last month at my friend Elliot's near Dartford. Lady Elliot wished to give a dance. But how can it be done? " said she. There's not a room in this cottage that will hold ten people, And where can the supper be? I immediately saw there could be no difficulty in it, So I said, My dear Lady Elliot, Do not be uneasy. The dining parlor will admit 18, Couple with ease. Card tables may be placed in the drawing room, The library may be open for tea and other refreshments. And let the supper be set out in the saloon. So that in fact you see if people do but know how to set about it, Every comfort may as well be enjoyed in a cottage as in the most spacious dwelling. Eleanor agreed to it all, For she did not think This man deserved the compliment of rational opposition. As John Dashwood had no more pleasure in music than his elder sister, His mind was equally at liberty to fix on anything else. And a thought struck him during the evening which he communicated to his wife for her at probation when they got home. Consideration of Miss Dennington's mistake in supposing his sister's their guests had suggested the propriety of their being really invited to become such. Fanny was startled at the proposal. I do not see how it can be done. Said she, Without affronting Lady Milton. You know I'm always ready to pay them any attention in my power. But they are Lady Middleton's visitors. How can I ask them away from her? Her husband did not see the force of her objection. They had already spent a week in this manner in Conduit Street. And Lady Middleton could not be displeased that they're giving the same number of days to such near relations. Fanny paused a moment and then, With fresh vigor, Said, My love, I would ask them there with all my heart if it was in my power, But I had just settled within myself to ask the Miss Steeles to spend a few days. They are very well behaved, Good kind of girls, And I think the attention is due to them, As their uncle did so very well by Edward. " I'm sure you will like them. Indeed you do like them, You know, Very much already. And so does my mother. And there's such favourites with Harry. Mr Dashwood was convinced. He thought of inviting the Mistyles immediately, And his conscience was pacified by the resolution of inviting his sisters and Navi. At the same time slyly suspecting that another year would make the invitation needless by bringing Eleanor to town as Colonel Brandon's wife. And Marianne is their visitor. Fanny, Rejoicing in her escape and proud of the ready wit that had procured it, Wrote the next morning to Lucy to request her company and her sister's. This was enough to make Lucy very happy. Such an opportunity of being with Edward and his family. Was above all things the most material to her interest, And such an invitation the most gratifying to her feelings. When the note was shown to Eleanor, It gave her some share in the expectations for Lucy. For such a mark of uncommon kindness, Seem to declare that the goodwill towards her arose from something more than merely malice against herself. And might be brought by time and address to do everything that Lucy wished. Her flattery had already subdued the price of Lady Middleton and made an entry into the close heart of Mrs John Dashwood. And these were effects that laid open the probability of greater. The misdeals removed to Harley Street, And all that reached Eleanor of their influence, There strengthened her expectation of the event. Sir John, Who called on them more than once, Brought home such accounts of the favour they were in, It was universally striking. Mrs Dashwood had never been so much pleased with any young women in her life as she was with them. She called Lucy by her Christian name. And did not know in fact. Whether she would ever be able to part with him. Chapter 37 Mrs. Palmer was so well at the end of a fortnight that her mother felt it no longer necessary to give up the whole of her time to her and returned from that period to her own home. About a third or fourth morning after their being thus resettled in Barkley Street. Mrs. Jennings, On returning from her ordinary visit to Mrs. Palmer, Entered the drawing room where Eleanor was sitting by herself. With an air of such hurrying importance, Has prepared her to hear something wonderful. And giving her time only to form that idea, Lord, My dear Miss Dashwood, Have you heard the news? No mum, What is it? Something so strange. When I got to Mr. Palmer's, I found Charlotte quite in a fuss about the child. She was sure it was very ill. It cried and fretted and was all over pimples. So I looked at it directly and said, Lord my dear, Says I, It's nothing in the world but red gum. But Charlotte, She would not be satisfied. So Mr Donovan was sent for. He stepped over directly, And as soon as ever he saw the child, He said just as we did, And then Charlotte was easy. And so, Just as he was going away again, It came into my head to ask him if there was any news. So upon that he smirked and simpered and looked grave, And at last he said in a whisper, For fear any unpleasant report should reach the young ladies under your care as their sister's in disposition. I think it advisable to say I believe there's no great reason for alarm. Hope Mrs Dashwood will do very well. What? Espanol Our Stellina. That is exactly what I said, My dear, " said Mrs. Jennings. So then it all came out. Mr. Edward Ferrars, The very young man I used to joke with you about. Mr Edward Ferrars, It seems, Has been engaged above this 12 month to my cousin Lucy. There's no great wonder in their liking one another, But that matter should be brought so forward between them and nobody suspect it. That is strange. Well, And so this was kept a great secret for fear of Mrs Ferrer's and neither she nor your brother or sister suspected a word of the matter till this very morning when poor Nancy popped it all out. Lord, Think she to herself, They're so fond of Lucy to be sure they'll make no difficulty about it. And so away she went to your sister who was sitting all alone at her carpet work, Little suspecting what was to come. For she'd been saying to your brother only five minutes before that she thought to make a match between Edward and some lord's daughter or other. I forget who. She fell into violent hysterics immediately with such screams as reach your brother's ears as he was sitting in his own dressing room downstairs. So up he flew directly and a terrible scene took place. For Lucy was come to them by that time little dreaming was going on. Poor soul I pity her and I must say I think she was used very hardly for your sister stole it any fury and soon drove her into a fainting phase. Nancy she fell upon her knees and cried bitterly and your brother he walked about the room and said he didn't know what to do Mrs Dashwood declared they should not stay a minute longer in the house, And your brother was forced to go down upon his knees too, To persuade her to let them stay till they packed their clothes. What a taking poor Mr Edward will be when he hears of it. To have his love used so scornfully, For they say he's monstrous fond of her as well he may. I should not wonder if he was to be in the greatest of a passion. Mr Donovan thinks just the same. He and I had a great deal of talk about it, And the best of all is that he has gone back again to Harley Street, That he may be within call where Mrs. Ferris is told of it. I have no notion of people making such a to-do about money and greatness. There's no reason on earth why Mr. Edward and Lucy should not marry, For I'm sure Mrs. Ferris may afford to do very well by her son. And though Lucy has next to nothing herself, She knows better than anybody how to make the most of everything. And I dare say if Mrs Ferris would only allow him 500 a year! She would make as good an appearance with it as anybody else would with eight. Here Mrs Jennings ceased, And as Eleanor had had enough time to collect her thoughts, She was able to give such an answer and make such observations as the subject might naturally be supposed to produce. Happy to find she was not suspected of any extraordinary interest in it. That Mrs Jennings had ceased to imagine her at all attached to Edward. Felt very well able to speak of the affair without embarrassment. She could hardly determine what her own expectation of its event really was. Though she earnestly tried to drive away the notion of it being possible to end otherwise at last than in the marriage of Edward and Lucy. As Mrs Jennings could talk on no other subject, Eleanor soon saw the necessity of preparing Marianne for its discussion. No time was to be lost in undeceiving her, In making her acquainted with the real truth. Eleanor's office was a painful one. She was going to remove what she really believed to be her sister's chief consolation. To give such particulars of Edward as she feared would ruin him forever in her good opinion. And to make Marianne, By resemblance in their situations, Feel all her own disappointment over again. She was very far from wishing to dwell on her own feelings or to represent herself as suffering much. Any otherwise than the self-command she'd practiced since her first knowledge of Edward's engagement. Might suggest a hint of what was practicable to Marianne. Her narration was clear and simple. It was not accompanied by violent agitation or impetuous grief. That belong to the hearer. For Marianne listened with horror and cried excessively. Edward seemed like a second Willoughby to her. And acknowledging as Eleanor did that she had loved him most sincerely, Could she feel less than herself? As for Lucy Steele, She considered her so totally unamiable, So absolutely incapable of attaching a sensible man, That she could not be persuaded at first to believe any form of affection of Edward for her. She would not even admit to it having been natural, And Eleanor left her to be convinced it was so. By only that which could convince her. A better knowledge of mankind. Her first communication had reached no further than to state the fact of the engagement and the length of time it had existed. Marianne's feelings had then broken in and put an end to all regularity of detail. The first question on her side, Which led to further particulars, Was How long has this been known to you, Helena? I have known it these four months. When Lucy first came to Barton Park last November, She told me in confidence of her engagement. At these words, Marianne's eyes expressed the astonishment which her lips could not utter. After a pause of wonder, She exclaimed. While attending me in all my misery, Has this been on your heart? And I've reproached you for being happy. It was not fit that you should then know how much I was the reverse. For months! " cried Marianne again, So calm, So cheerful. How have you been supported? By feeling that I was doing my duty. My promise to Lucy obliged me to be secret. I owed it to my family and friends, Not to create in them a solicitude about me, Which it could not be in my power to satisfy. Marianne seemed much stronger. Four months, And yet you loved him. Yes. But I did not love only him. And while the comfort of others was dear to me, I was glad to spare them from knowing how much I felt. I have many things to support me. I'm not conscious of having provoked the disappointment by any imprudence of my own. And I borne it as much as possible without spreading it further. I acquit Edward of all essential misconduct and I wish him very happy. Lucy does not want cents. And that is the foundation on which everything good may be built. And after all, Marianne. After all that is bewitching in the idea of a single and constant attachment and all that can be said of one's happiness depending entirely on any particular person. It is not meant to be. It is not fit. It is not possible that it should be so. Edward will marry Lucy. He will marry a woman superior in person and understanding to half her sex. And time and habit will teach him to forget he ever thought another superior to her. If such is your way of thinking. Said Marianne, The loss of what is most valued is so easily to be made up by something else. Your resolution, Your self-command, Are perhaps a little less to be wondered at. I do not suppose I've ever felt much. Said Eleanor. For four months, Marianne, I have had all this hanging on my mind, Knowing it would make you and my mother most unhappy whenever it were explained to you, Yet unable to prepare you for it in the least. It was told me. It was in a manner forced on me by the very person herself, Whose prior engagement ruined all my prospects, And told me as I thought. With trial. This person's suspicions, Therefore, I have had to oppose by endeavouring to appear indifferent, Where I have been most deeply interested. I have known myself to be divided from Edward forever, Without hearing one circumstance that could make me less desire the connection. I have had to contend against the unkindness of his sister and the insolence of his mother, And have suffered the punishment of an attachment without enjoying its advantages. If you can think me capable of ever feeling, Surely you must suppose I have suffered now. If I had not been bound to silence, Perhaps nothing could have kept me entirely. Not even what I owe to my dearest friends, From openly showing. That I was very unhappy. Marianne was quite subdued. O. L. She cried, You have made me hate myself forever. How barbarous have I been to you who have borne with me in all my misery. In such a frame of mind as she was now in, Eleanor had no difficulty in obtaining from her whatever promise she required. And at her request, Marianne engaged never to speak of the affair to anyone with the least appearance of bitterness. To meet Lucy without portraying the smallest increase of dislike to her. And even to see Edward himself. If chance should bring them together without any diminution of her usual cordiality. She performed her promise of being discreet to admiration. She attended to all that Mrs Jennings had to say upon the subject. With an unchanging complexion. She listened to her praise of Lucy with only moving from one chair to another. And when Mrs. Jennings talked of Edward's affection. . . It cost her only a spasm in her throat. Such advances towards heroism in her sister made Eleanor feel equal to anything herself. The next morning brought a further trial of it in a visit from their brother. Came with the most serious aspect to talk over the dreadful affair and bring the news of his wife. You've heard, I suppose. Said he with great solemnity as soon as he was seated, Of the very shocking discovery that took place under our roof yesterday. They all looked their assent. It seemed too awful a moment for speech. Your sister. He continued, Has suffered dreadfully. Poor Fanny, She was in hysterics all yesterday. But I would not alarm you too much. Donovan says there's nothing materially to be apprehended. Her constitution is a good one. She says she'll never think well of anybody again and one cannot wonder at it for being so deceived. It was quite out of the benevolence of her heart she'd asked these women to her house. Merely because she thought they deserved some attention, Were harmless, Well-behaved girls and would be pleasant companions. And now to be so rewarded. I wish with all my heart. Said my wife in her affectionate way, That we'd ask your sisters instead of them. Here he stopped to be thanked. Here, He stopped to be thanked. Which being done, He went on. What poor Mrs Ferris suffered when first Fanny broke it to her is not to be described. While she with the truest affection had been planning a most eligible connection for him, Was it to be supposed he could be all the time secretly engaged to another person? She was quite in agony. We consulted together, However, As to what should be done, And at last she determined to send for Edward. He came. But I'm sorry to relate what ensued. All that Mrs Ferris could say to make him put an end to the engagement assisted too, As you might well suppose. By my arguments and fannies entreaties. Was of no avail. Duty, Affection, Everything was disregarded. I never thought Edward so stubborn, So unfeeling. His mother explained to him her liberal designs in case of him marrying Miss Morton. She told him she would settle on him the Norfolk estate, Which clear of land tax brings in a good thousand a year, And in opposition to this, If he still persisted in this low connection, That his own £2, 000 should be his all, And that she would never see him again, And if he were to enter into any profession with a view for better support, He would do all in her power to prevent his advancing in it. He, Marianne, Clapped her hands together and cried, Gracious God, Can this be possible? Well, You may wonder, Marianne. Replied her brother, Had the obstinacy which could resist such arguments as these. Marianne was going to a talk. But she remembered her promises and forbore. All this, However. . . Their brother continued. Was urged in vain. Edward said very little, But what he did say was in the most determined manner. Nothing should prevail on him to give up his engagement. Then, Cried Mrs Jennings with blunt sincerity, He acted like an honest man. If he had done otherwise, I should have thought him a rascal. I have some little concern in the business as well as for yourself. For Lucy Steele is my cousin and I believe there's not a better kind of girl in the world. Or one who more deserves a good husband. This, John Dashwood was greatly astonished. But his nature was calm and he never wished to offend anybody. Especially anybody of good fortune. Therefore replied I would by no means speak disrespectfully of any relation of yours, Madam. Miss Lucy Steele is, I dare say, A very deserving young woman. But in the present case you know the connection must be impossible. And to have entered into a secret engagement with a young man under her uncle's care. The son of a woman especially of such very large fortune as Mrs Ferrer's. Is perhaps altogether a little extraordinary. We all wish her extremely happy, And Mrs Ferrer's conduct through the whole has been such as every conscientious good mother, In like circumstances, Would adopt. Edward has drawn his own lot and I fear it will be a bad one. Well, Sir? Said Mrs Jennings. And how did it end? I'm sorry to say, Ma'am, In a most unhappy rupture. Edward is dismissed forever from his mother's notice. He left her house yesterday. But where he's gone I do not know, For we, Of course, Can make no inquiry. Poor young man, And what is to become of him? What indeed? It's a melancholy consideration. Born to the prospect of such affluence, The interest of £2, 000, How can a man live on it? I cannot picture to myself a more wretched condition. We must all feel for him, And the more so, Because it is totally out of our power to assist him. Oh young man, Cried Mrs Jennings, I'm sure he should be very welcome to bed and board at my house, And so I would tell him if I could see him. It's not fit that he should be living about his own charge now at lodgings and taverns. If he would only have done as well by himself. Said John Dashwood, As all his friends were disposed to do by him. He might now have been in his proper situation and would have wanted for nothing. And there is one thing more preparing against him which must be worse than all. His mother has determined with a very natural kind of spirit. To settle that estate upon Robert immediately, Which might have been Edwards, On proper conditions. Said Mrs Jennings. That is her revenge. But I don't think mine would be to make one son independent because another had played me. Can anything be more galling to the spirit of a man, Continued John, Than to see his younger brother in possession of an estate which might have been his own, Poor Edward. I feel for him sincerely. A few minutes more spent in the same kind of effusion concluded his visit. And he went away, Leaving the three ladies unanimous in their sentiments on the present occasion, As far at least. As it regarded Mrs Ferrer's conduct. The Dashwoods and Edwards. Chapter 38 Mrs Jennings was very warm in her praise of Edward's conduct, But only Eleanor and Marianne understood its true merit. They only knew how little he had had to tempt him to be disobedient and how small was the consolation, Beyond the consciousness of doing right, That could remain to him in the loss of friends and fortune. It was not a subject on which either of them was fond of dwelling when alone. Eleanor avoided it upon principle, As tending to fix still more upon her thoughts, By the too warm, Too positive assurances of Marianne, That belief of Edward's continued affection for herself which you rather wish to do away. And Marianne's courage soon failed her in trying to converse upon a subject which always left her more dissatisfied with herself than ever. By the comparison it necessarily produced between Eleanor's conduct and her own. Nothing new was heard by them for a day or two afterwards of affairs in Harley Street or Bartlett's buildings. But though so much of the matter was known to them already, That Mrs Jennings might have had enough to do in spreading that knowledge further, Without seeking after more, She had resolved from the first to pay a visit of inquiry to her cousins as soon as she could. And nothing but the hindrance of more visitors than usual had prevented her going to them within that time. The third day, Succeeding their knowledge of the particulars, Was so fine a Sunday as to draw many more to Kensington Gardens. Mrs Jennings and Eleanor were off the number, But Marianne, Who knew the Willoughbys were again in town, Chose rather to stay at home than venture into so public a place. An intimate acquaintance of Mrs. Jennings joined them soon after they entered the gardens, And Eleanor was not sorry that by her continuing with them and engaging all Mrs. Jennings' conversation, She was herself left to quiet reflection. She saw nothing of the Willoughbys, Nothing of Edward, And for some time, Nothing of anybody who could by any chance be interesting to her. But at last she found herself accosted by Miss Steel. Who, Though looking rather shy, Expressed great satisfaction in meeting them. And on receiving encouragement from the particular kindness of Mrs Jennings left her own party for a short time to join theirs. Mrs Jennings immediately whispered to Eleanor. Get it all out of her, My dear. She will tell you anything if you ask. You see i cannot leave mrs clark I'm so glad to meet you. Said Miss Steel, For I wanted to see you of all things in the world. And then lowering her voice. I suppose Mrs Jennings has heard all about it. Is she angry? Not at all, I believe, With you. Sit down on it. Oh, That is a good thing. And Lady Middleton? Is she angry? I cannot suppose it possible that she should be. I am monstrous glad of it. Set me still. Good gracious, I never saw Lucy in such a rage in all my life! She vowed at first she'd never trim me up a new bonnet or do anything else for me again as long as she lived. But now she's quite come to and we're as good friends as ever. Look, She made me this bow to my hat and put in the feather last night. There now, You are going to laugh at me too! But why should I not wear pink ribbons? Miss Steele had wandered away to a subject on which Eleanor had nothing to say, And therefore soon judged it expedient to find her way back to the first. Well, But Miss Dashwood still continued triumphantly. People may say what they choose about Mr Ferris declaring he wouldn't have Lucy, For it's no such a thing, I can tell you. Whatever Lucy might think about it herself, It was no business to other people to set it down for certain. I never heard anything of the kind hinted at before, I assure you. Sit down and up. Oh did not you? But it was said, I know very well, And by more than one. For Miss Godby has told Miss Sparks nobody in their senses could expect Mr Ferrars to give up a woman like Miss Morton with £30, 000 to her fortune. For Lucy Steel had nothing at all. I do believe in my heart Lucy gave it all up for lost till we came away from your brothers on Wednesday. Then we saw nothing of him, Not at all, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. But this morning he came out just as we came home from church. Then it will came out. How he'd been sent for, And been taught to by his mother and all of them, And how he declared before them all he loved nobody but Lucy, And nobody but Lucy would he have. How he had been so worried about what passed, That as soon as he'd went away from his mother's house, He'd rode into the country somewhere or another, And he'd stayed about to the North Thursday and Friday on purpose to get the better of it. After thinking it all over again, He said, It seemed to him as if, Now he had no fortune, It would be quite unkind to keep her on to the engagement because it must be for her loss, For he had nothing but two thousand pounds and no hope of anything else. He could not bear to think about doing no better, So he begged. If she had the least mind for it to put an end to the matter directly and leave him to shift for himself. I will take my oath he never dropped a syllable of being tired of her or of wishing to marry Miss Morton or anything like it. But to be sure, Lucy would not give ear to such kind of talking, So she told him directly she had not the least mind in the world to be off, For she could not live with him upon a trifle. And how little so ever he might have, She should be very glad to have it all. So then he was monstrous happy and talked on some time about what they should do. And they agreed he should take orders directly and they must wait to be married till he got to living. Just then I could not hear any more for my cousin called from below to tell me Miss Richardson must come in her coach and would take us all to Kensington Gardens. I was forced to go into the room and interrupt them to ask if Lucy would like to go. But she did not care to leave Edward. I do not understand what you mean by interrupting them. Said Eleanor. You were all in the same room together, Were you not? Now, Indeed, No task. Miss Dashwood, Do you think people make love when anybody else is by? No, They were shut up in the drawing room together and all I heard was only by listening at the door. How? Cried Eleanor. Have you been repeating to me what you only learnt yourself by listening at the door? How could you behave so unfairly by your sister? Oh there's nothing in that. I only stood at the door and heard what I could, And I'm sure Lucy would have done just the same by me. Ellen had tried to think of something else to talk about, But Miss Steele could not be kept beyond a couple of minutes from what was uppermost in her mind. Edward talks of going to Oxford soon. To achieve. But now he's lodging at Pao Mau. He's got some business at Oxford, He said, So he must go there for a time. And after that, As soon as he can light upon a bishop, He will be ordained. I wonder what curiosity he'll get. Good questions. Giggling as she spoke. I'd lay my life I know for what my cousins will say when they hear of it. They'll tell me I should write to the doctor to get Edward the curacy of his new living. No, They will. But I'm sure I would not do such a thing for all the world. Said Eleanor. It is a comfort to be prepared against the worst. You have got your answer ready. Miss Steel was going to reply on the same subject, But the approach of her own party made another more necessary. Here come the Richardsons. I had a vast deal more to say to you, But I must not stay away any longer. Sorry Miss Marianne was not here. Remember me kindly to her. Ah, If you have not got your spotted muslin on, I wonder you were not afraid of it being torn? Such was her part in concern, For after this she had only time to pay her farewell compliments to Mrs Jennings before her company was claimed by Mrs Richardson. And Eleanor was left in possession of knowledge which might feed her powers of reflection sometime. Edward's marriage with Lucy was as firmly determined on. And the time of its taking place remained as absolutely certain as she had concluded it would be. Everything depended exactly after her expectation on his getting that preferment. Of which there seemed not the smallest chance. As soon as they returned to the carriage, Mrs Jennings was eager for information. But has Eleanor wished to spread as little as possible intelligence that had in the first place been so unfairly obtained? She confined herself to the brief repetition of such simple particulars as she felt assured that Lucy would choose to have known. The continuance of their engagement in the means that were to be taken for promoting its end were all her communication. And this produced for Mrs Jennings the following natural remark. Wait for his having a living. They will wait a twelve month, And finding no good comes of it, Will settle down upon a curacy of fifty pounds a year. Then they will have a child every year. Lord help them, How poor they will be. I must see what I can give them towards furnishing their house. The next morning brought Eleanor a letter by the two penny post from Lucy herself. It read as follows. Bartlett's Buildings, March. I hope my dear Miss Dashwood will excuse the liberty I take of writing to her. But I know your friendship for me will make you pleased to hear of such a good account of myself and my dear Edward after all the troubles we've been through. We have had great trials and great persecutions. But however, At the same time, Gracefully acknowledge many friends, Yourself not the least amongst them. Whose great kindness I shall always thankfully remember. As will Edward too, Whom I have told of it. I am sure you will be glad to hear as likewise dear Mrs. Jennings. I spent two happy hours with him yesterday afternoon. He would not hear of our parting, Though earnestly did I, As I thought my duty required, Urge him to it for prudence sake, And would have parted forever on the spot would he consent to it. But he said he should never be. Our prospects are not very bright, To be sure, But we must wait and hope for the best. He will be ordained shortly, And should it ever be your power to recommend him to anybody that has a living to bestow, I'm very sure you'll not forget us, And dear Mrs. Jennings too. I trust she will speak a good word for us to Sir John. I hope Mrs Jennings won't think it too much trouble to give us a call should she come away any morning. Now my paper reminds me to conclude. And begging to be most gratefully and respectfully remembered to her and to Sir John and Lady Middleton and their dear children. When you chance to see them. And love to Miss Marianne. I am, Etc. , Etc. As soon as Eleanor finished it, She performed what she concluded to be its writer's real design, By placing it in the hands of Mrs Jennings, Who read it aloud with many comments of satisfaction and praise. Very well indeed. How prettily she writes. Ay, That was quite proper to let him be off, If he would. Was just like Lucy. Poor soul, I wish I could get him a living with all my heart. She calls me dear Mrs Jennings, You see. Yes yes i will go to and see her sure enough Thank you, My dear, For showing it to me. It is as pretty a letter as ever I saw. And does Lucy's head and heart great credit?