JohnDashwoodwasgreatlyastonished;buthisnaturewascalm，notopentoprovocation，andheneverwishedtooffendanybody，especiallyanybodyofgoodfortune。
Hethereforereplied，withoutanyresentment，“Iwouldbynomeansspeakdisrespectfullyofanyrelationofyours，madam。MissLucySteeleis，Idaresay，averydeservingyoungwoman，butinthepresentcaseyouknow，theconnectionmustbeimpossible。
Andtohaveenteredintoasecretengagementwithayoungmanunderheruncle’scare，thesonofawomanespeciallyofsuchverylargefortuneasMrs。Ferrars，isperhaps，altogetheralittleextraordinary。Inshort，Idonotmeantoreflectuponthebehaviourofanypersonwhomyouhavearegardfor，Mrs。Jennings。Weallwishherextremelyhappy;andMrs。Ferrars’sconductthroughoutthewhole，hasbeensuchaseveryconscientious，goodmother，inlikecircumstances，wouldadopt。Ithasbeendignifiedandliberal。Edwardhasdrawnhisownlot，andIfearitwillbeabadone。”
Mariannesighedouthersimilarapprehension;
andElinor’sheartwrungforthefeelingsofEdward，whilebravinghismother’sthreats，forawomanwhocouldnotrewardhim。
“Well，sir，“saidMrs。Jennings，“andhowdiditend？”
“Iamsorrytosay，ma’am，inamostunhappyrupture：——
Edwardisdismissedforeverfromhismother’snotice。
Heleftherhouseyesterday，butwhereheisgone，orwhetherheisstillintown，Idonotknow;forWEofcoursecanmakenoinquiry。”
“Pooryoungman！——andwhatistobecomeofhim？”
“What，indeed，ma’am！，Itisamelancholyconsideration。
Borntotheprospectofsuchaffluence！，Icannotconceiveasituationmoredeplorable。Theinterestoftwothousandpounds——howcanamanliveonit？——andwhentothatisaddedtherecollection，thathemight，butforhisownfolly，withinthreemonthshavebeeninthereceiptoftwothousand，fivehundreda-year(forMissMortonhasthirtythousandpounds，)Icannotpicturetomyselfamorewretchedcondition。Wemustallfeelforhim;
andthemoreso，becauseitistotallyoutofourpowertoassisthim。”
“Pooryoungman！”criedMrs。Jennings，“Iamsureheshouldbeverywelcometobedandboardatmyhouse;
andsoIwouldtellhimifIcouldseehim。Itisnotfitthatheshouldbelivingaboutathisownchargenow，atlodgingsandtaverns。”
Elinor’sheartthankedherforsuchkindnesstowardsEdward，thoughshecouldnotforbearsmilingattheformofit。
“Ifhewouldonlyhavedoneaswellbyhimself，“
saidJohnDashwood，“asallhisfriendsweredisposedtodobyhim，hemightnowhavebeeninhispropersituation，andwouldhavewantedfornothing。Butasitis，itmustbeoutofanybody’spowertoassisthim。Andthereisonethingmorepreparingagainsthim，whichmustbeworsethanall——hismotherhasdetermined，withaverynaturalkindofspirit，tosettleTHATestateuponRobertimmediately，whichmighthavebeenEdward’s，onproperconditions。
Ileftherthismorningwithherlawyer，talkingoverthebusiness。”
“Well！”saidMrs。Jennings，“thatisHERrevenge。
Everybodyhasawayoftheirown。ButIdon’tthinkminewouldbe，tomakeonesonindependent，becauseanotherhadplaguedme。”
Mariannegotupandwalkedabouttheroom。
“Cananythingbemoregallingtothespiritofaman，“
continuedJohn，“thantoseehisyoungerbrotherinpossessionofanestatewhichmighthavebeenhisown？
PoorEdward！，Ifeelforhimsincerely。”
Afewminutesmorespentinthesamekindofeffusion，concludedhisvisit;andwithrepeatedassurancestohissistersthathereallybelievedtherewasnomaterialdangerinFanny’sindisposition，andthattheyneednotthereforebeveryuneasyaboutit，hewentaway;
leavingthethreeladiesunanimousintheirsentimentsonthepresentoccasion，asfaratleastasitregardedMrs。Ferrars’sconduct，theDashwoods’，andEdward’s。
Marianne’sindignationburstforthassoonashequittedtheroom;andashervehemencemadereserveimpossibleinElinor，andunnecessaryinMrs。Jennings，theyalljoinedinaveryspiritedcritiqueupontheparty。
chapter38
CHAPTER38
Mrs。JenningswasverywarminherpraiseofEdward’sconduct，butonlyElinorandMarianneunderstooditstruemerit。THEYonlyknewhowlittlehehadhadtotempthimtobedisobedient，andhowsmallwastheconsolation，beyondtheconsciousnessofdoingright，thatcouldremaintohiminthelossoffriendsandfortune。
Elinorgloriedinhisintegrity;andMarianneforgaveallhisoffencesincompassionforhispunishment。Butthoughconfidencebetweenthemwas，bythispublicdiscovery，restoredtoitsproperstate，itwasnotasubjectonwhicheitherofthemwerefondofdwellingwhenalone。
Elinoravoidedituponprinciple，astendingtofixstillmoreuponherthoughts，bythetoowarm，toopositiveassurancesofMarianne，thatbeliefofEdward’scontinuedaffectionforherselfwhichsheratherwishedtodoaway;
andMarianne’scouragesoonfailedher，intryingtoconverseuponatopicwhichalwayslefthermoredissatisfiedwithherselfthanever，bythecomparisonitnecessarilyproducedbetweenElinor’sconductandherown。
Shefeltalltheforceofthatcomparison;
butnotashersisterhadhoped，tourgehertoexertionnow;
shefeltitwithallthepainofcontinualself-reproach，regrettedmostbitterlythatshehadneverexertedherselfbefore;butitbroughtonlythetortureofpenitence，withoutthehopeofamendment。Hermindwassomuchweakenedthatshestillfanciedpresentexertionimpossible，andthereforeitonlydispiritedhermore。
Nothingnewwasheardbythem，foradayortwoafterwards，ofaffairsinHarleyStreet，orBartlett’sBuildings。
Butthoughsomuchofthematterwasknowntothemalready，thatMrs。Jenningsmighthavehadenoughtodoinspreadingthatknowledgefarther，withoutseekingaftermore，shehadresolvedfromthefirsttopayavisitofcomfortandinquirytohercousinsassoonasshecould;
andnothingbutthehindranceofmorevisitorsthanusual，hadpreventedhergoingtothemwithinthattime。
Thethirddaysucceedingtheirknowledgeoftheparticulars，wassofine，sobeautifulaSundayastodrawmanytoKensingtonGardens，thoughitwasonlythesecondweekinMarch。Mrs。JenningsandElinorwereofthenumber;
butMarianne，whoknewthattheWilloughbyswereagainintown，andhadaconstantdreadofmeetingthem，choserathertostayathome，thanventureintosopublicaplace。
AnintimateacquaintanceofMrs。JenningsjoinedthemsoonaftertheyenteredtheGardens，andElinorwasnotsorrythatbyhercontinuingwiththem，andengagingallMrs。Jennings’sconversation，shewasherselflefttoquietreflection。ShesawnothingoftheWilloughbys，nothingofEdward，andforsometimenothingofanybodywhocouldbyanychancewhethergraveorgay，beinterestingtoher。Butatlastshefoundherselfwithsomesurprise，accostedbyMissSteele，who，thoughlookingrathershy，expressedgreatsatisfactioninmeetingthem，andonreceivingencouragementfromtheparticularkindnessofMrs。Jennings，leftherownpartyforashorttime，tojointheir’s。
Mrs。JenningsimmediatelywhisperedtoElinor，“Getitalloutofher，mydear。Shewilltellyouanythingifyouask。YouseeIcannotleaveMrs。Clarke。”
Itwaslucky，however，forMrs。Jennings’scuriosityandElinor’stoo，thatshewouldtellanythingWITHOUT
beingasked;fornothingwouldotherwisehavebeenlearnt。
“Iamsogladtomeetyou;“saidMissSteele，takingherfamiliarlybythearm——“forIwantedtoseeyouofallthingsintheworld。”，Andthenloweringhervoice，“IsupposeMrs。Jenningshasheardallaboutit。
Issheangry？”
“Notatall，Ibelieve，withyou。”
“Thatisagoodthing。AndLadyMiddleton，isSHEangry？”
“Icannotsupposeitpossiblethatsheshould。”
“Iammonstrousgladofit。Goodgracious！
Ihavehadsuchatimeofit！，IneversawLucyinsucharageinmylife。Shevowedatfirstshewouldnevertrimmeupanewbonnet，nordoanythingelseformeagain，solongasshelived;butnowsheisquitecometo，andweareasgoodfriendsasever。Look，shemademethisbowtomyhat，andputinthefeatherlastnight。
Therenow，YOUaregoingtolaughatmetoo。ButwhyshouldnotIwearpinkribbons？，IdonotcareifitIS
theDoctor’sfavouritecolour。Iamsure，formypart，IshouldneverhaveknownheDIDlikeitbetterthananyothercolour，ifhehadnothappenedtosayso。
Mycousinshavebeensoplaguingme！，IdeclaresometimesIdonotknowwhichwaytolookbeforethem。”
ShehadwanderedawaytoasubjectonwhichElinorhadnothingtosay，andthereforesoonjudgeditexpedienttofindherwaybackagaintothefirst。
“Well，butMissDashwood，“speakingtriumphantly，“peoplemaysaywhattheychuseaboutMr。Ferrars’sdeclaringhewouldnothaveLucy，foritisnosuchthingIcantellyou;anditisquiteashameforsuchill-naturedreportstobespreadabroad。WhateverLucymightthinkaboutitherself，youknow，itwasnobusinessofotherpeopletosetitdownforcertain。”
“Ineverheardanythingofthekindhintedatbefore，Iassureyou，“saidElinor。
“Oh，didnotyou？，ButitWASsaid，I
know，verywell，andbymorethanone;forMissGodbytoldMissSparks，thatnobodyintheirsensescouldexpectMr。FerrarstogiveupawomanlikeMissMorton，withthirtythousandpoundstoherfortune，forLucySteelethathadnothingatall;andIhaditfromMissSparksmyself。
Andbesidesthat，mycousinRichardsaidhimself，thatwhenitcametothepointhewasafraidMr。Ferrarswouldbeoff;andwhenEdwarddidnotcomenearusforthreedays，Icouldnottellwhattothinkmyself;
andIbelieveinmyheartLucygaveitupallforlost;
forwecameawayfromyourbrother’sWednesday，andwesawnothingofhimnotallThursday，Friday，andSaturday，anddidnotknowwhatwasbecomeofhim。
OnceLucythoughttowritetohim，butthenherspiritsroseagainstthat。Howeverthismorninghecamejustaswecamehomefromchurch;andthenitallcameout，howhehadbeensentforWednesdaytoHarleyStreet，andbeentalkedtobyhismotherandallofthem，andhowhehaddeclaredbeforethemallthathelovednobodybutLucy，andnobodybutLucywouldhehave。
Andhowhehadbeensoworriedbywhatpassed，thatassoonashehadwentawayfromhismother’shouse，hehadgotuponhishorse，andridintothecountry，somewhereorother;andhowhehadstayedaboutataninnallThursdayandFriday，onpurposetogetthebetterofit。Andafterthinkingitalloverandoveragain，hesaid，itseemedtohimasif，nowhehadnofortune，andnonothingatall，itwouldbequiteunkindtokeepherontotheengagement，becauseitmustbeforherloss，forhehadnothingbuttwothousandpounds，andnohopeofanythingelse;andifhewastogointoorders，ashehadsomethoughts，hecouldgetnothingbutacuracy，andhowwastheytoliveuponthat？——Hecouldnotbeartothinkofherdoingnobetter，andsohebegged，ifshehadtheleastmindforit，toputanendtothematterdirectly，andleavehimshiftforhimself。
Iheardhimsayallthisasplainascouldpossiblybe。
AnditwasentirelyforHERsake，anduponHERaccount，thathesaidawordaboutbeingoff，andnotuponhisown。
Iwilltakemyoathheneverdroptasyllableofbeingtiredofher，orofwishingtomarryMissMorton，oranythinglikeit。But，tobesure，Lucywouldnotgiveeartosuchkindoftalking;soshetoldhimdirectly(withagreatdealaboutsweetandlove，youknow，andallthat——Oh，la！onecan’trepeatsuchkindofthingsyouknow)——shetoldhimdirectly，shehadnottheleastmindintheworldtobeoff，forshecouldlivewithhimuponatrifle，andhowlittlesoeverhemighthave，sheshouldbeverygladtohaveitall，youknow，orsomethingofthekind。Sothenhewasmonstroushappy，andtalkedonsometimeaboutwhattheyshoulddo，andtheyagreedheshouldtakeordersdirectly，andtheymustwaittobemarriedtillhegotaliving。
AndjustthenIcouldnothearanymore，formycousincalledfrombelowtotellmeMrs。Richardsonwascomeinhercoach，andwouldtakeoneofustoKensingtonGardens;
soIwasforcedtogointotheroomandinterruptthem，toaskLucyifshewouldliketogo，butshedidnotcaretoleaveEdward;soIjustrunupstairsandputonapairofsilkstockingsandcameoffwiththeRichardsons。”
“Idonotunderstandwhatyoumeanbyinterruptingthem，“
saidElinor;“youwereallinthesameroomtogether，werenotyou？”
“No，indeed，notus。La！MissDashwood，doyouthinkpeoplemakelovewhenanybodyelseisby？，Oh，forshame！——Tobesureyoumustknowbetterthanthat。
(Laughingaffectedly。)——No，no;theywereshutupinthedrawing-roomtogether，andallIheardwasonlybylisteningatthedoor。”
“How！”criedElinor;“haveyoubeenrepeatingtomewhatyouonlylearntyourselfbylisteningatthedoor？
IamsorryIdidnotknowitbefore;forIcertainlywouldnothavesufferedyoutogivemeparticularsofaconversationwhichyououghtnottohaveknownyourself。
Howcouldyoubehavesounfairlybyyoursister？”
“Oh，la！thereisnothinginTHAT。I
onlystoodatthedoor，andheardwhatIcould。AndIamsureLucywouldhavedonejustthesamebyme;forayearortwoback，whenMarthaSharpeandIhadsomanysecretstogether，shenevermadeanybonesofhidinginacloset，orbehindachimney-board，onpurposetohearwhatwesaid。”
Elinortriedtotalkofsomethingelse;butMissSteelecouldnotbekeptbeyondacoupleofminutes，fromwhatwasuppermostinhermind。
“EdwardtalksofgoingtoOxfordsoon，“saidshe;
“butnowheislodgingatNo——，PallMall。Whatanill-naturedwomanhismontheris，an’tshe？Andyourbrotherandsisterwerenotverykind！However，Ishan’tsayanythingagainstthemtoYOU;andtobesuretheydidsendushomeintheirownchariot，whichwasmorethanIlookedfor。Andformypart，Iwasallinafrightforfearyoursistershouldaskusforthehuswifesshehadgaveusadayortwobefore;but，however，nothingwassaidaboutthem，andItookcaretokeepmineoutofsight。EdwardhavegotsomebusinessatOxford，hesays;sohemustgothereforatime;andafterTHAT，assoonashecanlightuponaBishop，hewillbeordained。
Iwonderwhatcuracyhewillget！——Goodgracious！
(gigglingasshespoke)I’dlaymylifeIknowwhatmycousinswillsay，whentheyhearofit。TheywilltellmeIshouldwritetotheDoctor，togetEdwardthecuracyofhisnewliving。Iknowtheywill;butIamsureIwouldnotdosuchathingforalltheworld——
’La！’Ishallsaydirectly，’Iwonderhowyoucouldthinkofsuchathing？，IwritetotheDoctor，indeed！’“
“Well，“saidElinor，“itisacomforttobepreparedagainsttheworst。Youhavegotyouranswerready。”
MissSteelewasgoingtoreplyonthesamesubject，buttheapproachofherownpartymadeanothermorenecessary。
“Oh，la！herecometheRichardsons。I
hadavastdealmoretosaytoyou，butImustnotstayawayfromthemnotanylonger。Iassureyoutheyareverygenteelpeople。
Hemakesamonstrousdealofmoney，andtheykeeptheirowncoach。IhavenottimetospeaktoMrs。Jenningsaboutitmyself，butpraytellherIamquitehappytohearsheisnotinangeragainstus，andLadyMiddletonthesame;
andifanythingshouldhappentotakeyouandyoursisteraway，andMrs。Jenningsshouldwantcompany，Iamsureweshouldbeverygladtocomeandstaywithherforaslongatimeasshelikes。IsupposeLadyMiddletonwon’taskusanymorethisbout。Good-by;IamsorryMissMariannewasnothere。Remembermekindlytoher。
La！ifyouhavenotgotyourspottedmuslinon！——Iwonderyouwasnotafraidofitsbeingtorn。”
Suchwasherpartingconcern;forafterthis，shehadtimeonlytopayherfarewellcomplimentstoMrs。Jennings，beforehercompanywasclaimedbyMrs。Richardson;
andElinorwasleftinpossessionofknowledgewhichmightfeedherpowersofreflectionsometime，thoughshehadlearntverylittlemorethanwhathadbeenalreadyforeseenandforeplannedinherownmind。Edward’smarriagewithLucywasasfirmlydeterminedon，andthetimeofitstakingplaceremainedasabsolutelyuncertain，asshehadconcludeditwouldbe;——everythingdepended，exactlyafterherexpectation，onhisgettingthatpreferment，ofwhich，atpresent，thereseemednotthesmallestchance。
Assoonastheyreturnedtothecarriage，Mrs。Jenningswaseagerforinformation;butasElinorwishedtospreadaslittleaspossibleintelligencethathadinthefirstplacebeensounfairlyobtained，sheconfinedherselftothebriefrepetitionofsuchsimpleparticulars，asshefeltassuredthatLucy，forthesakeofherownconsequence，wouldchoosetohaveknown。Thecontinuanceoftheirengagement，andthemeansthatwereabletobetakenforpromotingitsend，wasallhercommunication;andthisproducedfromMrs。Jenningsthefollowingnaturalremark。
“Waitforhishavingaliving！——ay，weallknowhowTHATwillend：——theywillwaitatwelvemonth，andfindingnogoodcomesofit，willsetdownuponacuracyoffiftypoundsa-year，withtheinterestofhistwothousandpounds，andwhatlittlematterMr。SteeleandMr。Prattcangiveher——Thentheywillhaveachildeveryyear！andLordhelp’em！howpoortheywillbe！——ImustseewhatIcangivethemtowardsfurnishingtheirhouse。
Twomaidsandtwomen，indeed！——asItalkedoft’otherday——No，no，theymustgetastoutgirlofallworks——
Betty’ssisterwouldneverdoforthemNOW。”
ThenextmorningbroughtElinoraletterbythetwo-pennypostfromLucyherself。Itwasasfollows：
“Bartlett’sBuilding，March。
“IhopemydearMissDashwoodwillexcusethelibertyItakeofwritingtoher;butIknowyourfriendshipformewillmakeyoupleasedtohearsuchagoodaccountofmyselfandmydearEdward，afterallthetroubleswehavewentthroughlately，thereforewillmakenomoreapologies，butproceedtosaythat，thankGod！thoughwehavesuffereddreadfully，wearebothquitewellnow，andashappyaswemustalwaysbeinoneanother’slove。
Wehavehadgreattrials，andgreatpersecutions，buthowever，atthesametime，gratefullyacknowledgemanyfriends，yourselfnottheleastamongthem，whosegreatkindnessIshallalwaysthankfullyremember，aswillEdwardtoo，whoIhavetoldofit。Iamsureyouwillbegladtohear，aslikewisedearMrs。Jennings，Ispenttwohappyhourswithhimyesterdayafternoon，hewouldnothearofourparting，thoughearnestlydidI，asIthoughtmydutyrequired，urgehimtoitforprudencesake，andwouldhavepartedforeveronthespot，wouldheconsenttoit;buthesaiditshouldneverbe，hedidnotregardhismother’sanger，whilehecouldhavemyaffections;ourprospectsarenotverybright，tobesure，butwemustwait，andhopeforthebest;hewillbeordainedshortly;andshoulditeverbeinyourpowertorecommendhimtoanybodythathasalivingtobestow，amverysureyouwillnotforgetus，anddearMrs。Jenningstoo，trustshewillspeakagoodwordforustoSirJohn，orMr。Palmer，oranyfriendthatmaybeabletoassistus——PoorAnnewasmuchtoblameforwhatshedid，butshediditforthebest，soI
saynothing;hopeMrs。Jenningswon’tthinkittoomuchtroubletogiveusacall，shouldshecomethiswayanymorning，’twouldbeagreatkindness，andmycousinswouldbeproudtoknowher——Mypaperremindsmetoconclude;andbeggingtobemostgratefullyandrespectfullyrememberedtoher，andtoSirJohn，andLadyMiddleton，andthedearchildren，whenyouchancetoseethem，andlovetoMissMarianne，“Iam，&c。”
AssoonasElinorhadfinishedit，sheperformedwhatsheconcludedtobeitswriter’srealdesign，byplacingitinthehandsofMrs。Jennings，whoreaditaloudwithmanycommentsofsatisfactionandpraise。
“Verywellindeed！——howprettilyshewrites！——aye，thatwasquitepropertolethimbeoffifhewould。
ThatwasjustlikeLucy——Poorsoul！IwishICOULDgethimaliving，withallmyheart——ShecallsmedearMrs。Jennings，yousee。Sheisagood-heartedgirlaseverlived——Verywelluponmyword。Thatsentenceisveryprettilyturned。Yes，yes，Iwillgoandseeher，sureenough。Howattentivesheis，tothinkofeverybody！——Thankyou，mydear，forshewingitme。ItisasprettyaletteraseverIsaw，anddoesLucy’sheadandheartgreatcredit。”
chapter39
CHAPTER39
TheMissDashwoodshadnowbeenrathermorethantwomonthsintown，andMarianne’simpatiencetobegoneincreasedeveryday。Shesighedfortheair，theliberty，thequietofthecountry;andfanciedthatifanyplacecouldgiveherease，Bartonmustdoit。Elinorwashardlylessanxiousthanherselffortheirremoval，andonlysomuchlessbentonitsbeingeffectedimmediately，asthatshewasconsciousofthedifficultiesofsolongajourney，whichMariannecouldnotbebroughttoacknowledge。
Shebegan，however，seriouslytoturnherthoughtstowardsitsaccomplishment，andhadalreadymentionedtheirwishestotheirkindhostess，whoresistedthemwithalltheeloquenceofhergood-will，whenaplanwassuggested，which，thoughdetainingthemfromhomeyetafewweekslonger，appearedtoElinoraltogethermuchmoreeligiblethananyother。ThePalmersweretoremovetoClevelandabouttheendofMarch，fortheEasterholidays;
andMrs。Jennings，withbothherfriends，receivedaverywarminvitationfromCharlottetogowiththem。Thiswouldnot，initself，havebeensufficientforthedelicacyofMissDashwood;——butitwasinforcedwithsomuchrealpolitenessbyMr。Palmerhimself，as，joinedtotheverygreatamendmentofhismannerstowardsthemsincehersisterhadbeenknowntobeunhappy，inducedhertoacceptitwithpleasure。
WhenshetoldMariannewhatshehaddone，however，herfirstreplywasnotveryauspicious。
“Cleveland！”——shecried，withgreatagitation。
“No，IcannotgotoCleveland。”——
“Youforget，“saidElinorgently，“thatitssituationisnot……thatitisnotintheneighbourhoodof……”
“ButitisinSomersetshire——IcannotgointoSomersetshire——There，whereIlookedforwardtogoing……No，Elinor，youcannotexpectmetogothere。”
Elinorwouldnotargueupontheproprietyofovercomingsuchfeelings;——sheonlyendeavouredtocounteractthembyworkingonothers;——representedit，therefore，asameasurewhichwouldfixthetimeofherreturningtothatdearmother，whomshesomuchwishedtosee，inamoreeligible，morecomfortablemanner，thananyotherplancoulddo，andperhapswithoutanygreaterdelay。FromCleveland，whichwaswithinafewmilesofBristol，thedistancetoBartonwasnotbeyondoneday，thoughalongday’sjourney;
andtheirmother’sservantmighteasilycometheretoattendthemdown;andastherecouldbenooccasionoftheirstayingaboveaweekatCleveland，theymightnowbeathomeinlittlemorethanthreeweeks’time。AsMarianne’saffectionforhermotherwassincere，itmusttriumphwithlittledifficulty，overtheimaginaryevilsshehadstarted。
Mrs。Jenningswassofarfrombeingwearyofherguest，thatshepressedthemveryearnestlytoreturnwithheragainfromCleveland。Elinorwasgratefulfortheattention，butitcouldnotalterherdesign;andtheirmother’sconcurrencebeingreadilygained，everythingrelativetotheirreturnwasarrangedasfarasitcouldbe;——
andMariannefoundsomereliefindrawingupastatementofthehoursthatwereyettodivideherfromBarton。
“Ah！Colonel，IdonotknowwhatyouandI
shalldowithouttheMissDashwoods;“——wasMrs。Jennings’saddresstohimwhenhefirstcalledonher，aftertheirleavingherwassettled——“fortheyarequiteresolvedupongoinghomefromthePalmers;——andhowforlornweshallbe，whenIcomeback！——Lord！weshallsitandgapeatoneanotherasdullastwocats。”
PerhapsMrs。Jenningswasinhopes，bythisvigoroussketchoftheirfutureennui，toprovokehimtomakethatoffer，whichmightgivehimselfanescapefromit;——
andifso，shehadsoonafterwardsgoodreasontothinkherobjectgained;for，onElinor’smovingtothewindowtotakemoreexpeditiouslythedimensionsofaprint，whichshewasgoingtocopyforherfriend，hefollowedhertoitwithalookofparticularmeaning，andconversedwithherthereforseveralminutes。Theeffectofhisdiscourseontheladytoo，couldnotescapeherobservation，forthoughshewastoohonorabletolisten，andhadevenchangedherseat，onpurposethatshemightNOThear，tooneclosebythepianoforteonwhichMariannewasplaying，shecouldnotkeepherselffromseeingthatElinorchangedcolour，attendedwithagitation，andwastoointentonwhathesaidtopursueheremployment——
Stillfartherinconfirmationofherhopes，intheintervalofMarianne’sturningfromonelessontoanother，somewordsoftheColonel’sinevitablyreachedherear，inwhichheseemedtobeapologisingforthebadnessofhishouse。Thissetthematterbeyondadoubt。
Shewondered，indeed，athisthinkingitnecessarytodoso;butsupposedittobetheproperetiquette。
WhatElinorsaidinreplyshecouldnotdistinguish，butjudgedfromthemotionofherlips，thatshedidnotthinkTHATanymaterialobjection;——andMrs。Jenningscommendedherinherheartforbeingsohonest。
Theythentalkedonforafewminuteslongerwithouthercatchingasyllable，whenanotherluckystopinMarianne’sperformancebroughtherthesewordsintheColonel’scalmvoice，——
“Iamafraiditcannottakeplaceverysoon。”
Astonishedandshockedatsounlover-likeaspeech，shewasalmostreadytocryout，“Lord！whatshouldhinderit？”——butcheckingherdesire，confinedherselftothissilentejaculation。
“Thisisverystrange！——sureheneednotwaittobeolder。”
ThisdelayontheColonel’sside，however，didnotseemtooffendormortifyhisfaircompanionintheleast，forontheirbreakinguptheconferencesoonafterwards，andmovingdifferentways，Mrs。JenningsveryplainlyheardElinorsay，andwithavoicewhichshewedhertofeelwhatshesaid，“Ishallalwaysthinkmyselfverymuchobligedtoyou。”
Mrs。Jenningswasdelightedwithhergratitude，andonlywonderedthatafterhearingsuchasentence，theColonelshouldbeabletotakeleaveofthem，asheimmediatelydid，withtheutmostsang-froid，andgoawaywithoutmakingheranyreply！——Shehadnotthoughtheroldfriendcouldhavemadesoindifferentasuitor。
Whathadreallypassedbetweenthemwastothiseffect。
“Ihaveheard，“saidhe，withgreatcompassion，“oftheinjusticeyourfriendMr。Ferrarshassufferedfromhisfamily;forifIunderstandthematterright，hehasbeenentirelycastoffbythemforperseveringinhisengagementwithaverydeservingyoungwoman——
HaveIbeenrightlyinformed？——Isitso？——“
Elinortoldhimthatitwas。
“Thecruelty，theimpoliticcruelty，“——hereplied，withgreatfeeling，——“ofdividing，orattemptingtodivide，twoyoungpeoplelongattachedtoeachother，isterrible——
Mrs。Ferrarsdoesnotknowwhatshemaybedoing——whatshemaydrivehersonto。IhaveseenMr。FerrarstwoorthreetimesinHarleyStreet，andammuchpleasedwithhim。Heisnotayoungmanwithwhomonecanbeintimatelyacquaintedinashorttime，butIhaveseenenoughofhimtowishhimwellforhisownsake，andasafriendofyours，Iwishitstillmore。
Iunderstandthatheintendstotakeorders。WillyoubesogoodastotellhimthatthelivingofDelaford，nowjustvacant，asIaminformedbythisday’spost，ishis，ifhethinkitworthhisacceptance——butTHAT，perhaps，sounfortunatelycircumstancedasheisnow，itmaybe，nonsensetoappeartodoubt;Ionlywishitweremore，valuable——Itisarectory，butasmallone;
thelateincumbent，Ibelieve，didnotmakemorethan200Lperannum，andthoughitiscertainlycapableofimprovement，Ifear，nottosuchanamountastoaffordhimaverycomfortableincome。Suchasitis，however，mypleasureinpresentinghimtoit，willbeverygreat。Prayassurehimofit。”
Elinor’sastonishmentatthiscommissioncouldhardlyhavebeengreater，hadtheColonelbeenreallymakingheranofferofhishand。Thepreferment，whichonlytwodaysbeforeshehadconsideredashopelessforEdward，wasalreadyprovidedtoenablehimtomarry;——
andSHE，ofallpeopleintheworld，wasfixedontobestowit！——HeremotionwassuchasMrs。Jenningshadattributedtoaverydifferentcause;——butwhateverminorfeelingslesspure，lesspleasing，mighthaveashareinthatemotion，heresteemforthegeneralbenevolence，andhergratitudefortheparticularfriendship，whichtogetherpromptedColonelBrandontothisact，werestronglyfelt，andwarmlyexpressed。Shethankedhimforitwithallherheart，spokeofEdward’sprinciplesanddispositionwiththatpraisewhichsheknewthemtodeserve;
andpromisedtoundertakethecommissionwithpleasure，ifitwerereallyhiswishtoputoffsoagreeableanofficetoanother。Butatthesametime，shecouldnothelpthinkingthatnoonecouldsowellperformitashimself。
Itwasanofficeinshort，fromwhich，unwillingtogiveEdwardthepainofreceivinganobligationfromHER，shewouldhavebeenverygladtobesparedherself;——
butColonelBrandon，onmotivesofequaldelicacy，decliningitlikewise，stillseemedsodesirousofitsbeinggiventhroughhermeans，thatshewouldnotonanyaccountmakefartheropposition。Edward，shebelieved，wasstillintown，andfortunatelyshehadheardhisaddressfromMissSteele。
Shecouldundertakethereforetoinformhimofit，inthecourseoftheday。Afterthishadbeensettled，ColonelBrandonbegantotalkofhisownadvantageinsecuringsorespectableandagreeableaneighbour，andTHENitwasthathementionedwithregret，thatthehousewassmallandindifferent;——anevilwhichElinor，asMrs。Jenningshadsupposedhertodo，madeverylightof，atleastasfarasregardeditssize。
“Thesmallnessofthehouse，“saidshe，“Icannotimagineanyinconveniencetothem，foritwillbeinproportiontotheirfamilyandincome。”
BywhichtheColonelwassurprisedtofindthatSHE
wasconsideringMr。Ferrars’smarriageasthecertainconsequenceofthepresentation;forhedidnotsupposeitpossiblethatDelafordlivingcouldsupplysuchanincome，asanybodyinhisstyleoflifewouldventuretosettleon——
andhesaidso。
“ThislittlerectoryCANdonomorethanmakeMr。Ferrarscomfortableasabachelor;itcannotenablehimtomarry。
Iamsorrytosaythatmypatronageendswiththis;
andmyinterestishardlymoreextensive。If，however，byanunforeseenchanceitshouldbeinmypowertoservehimfarther，ImustthinkverydifferentlyofhimfromwhatInowdo，ifIamnotasreadytobeusefultohimthenasIsincerelywishIcouldbeatpresent。
WhatIamnowdoingindeed，seemsnothingatall，sinceitcanadvancehimsolittletowardswhatmustbehisprincipal，hisonlyobjectofhappiness。
Hismarriagemuststillbeadistantgood;——atleast，Iamafraiditcannottakeplaceverysoon——“
Suchwasthesentencewhich，whenmisunderstood，sojustlyoffendedthedelicatefeelingsofMrs。Jennings;
butafterthisnarrationofwhatreallypassedbetweenColonelBrandonandElinor，whiletheystoodatthewindow，thegratitudeexpressedbythelatterontheirparting，mayperhapsappearingeneral，notlessreasonablyexcited，norlessproperlywordedthanifithadarisenfromanofferofmarriage。
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CHAPTER40
“Well，MissDashwood，“saidMrs。Jennings，sagaciouslysmiling，assoonasthegentlemanhadwithdrawn，“IdonotaskyouwhattheColonelhasbeensayingtoyou;
forthough，uponmyhonour，ITRIEDtokeepoutofhearing，Icouldnothelpcatchingenoughtounderstandhisbusiness。
AndIassureyouIneverwasbetterpleasedinmylife，andIwishyoujoyofitwithallmyheart。”
“Thankyou，ma’am，“saidElinor。”Itisamatterofgreatjoytome;andIfeelthegoodnessofColonelBrandonmostsensibly。Therearenotmanymenwhowouldactashehasdone。Fewpeoplewhohavesocompassionateaheart！，Ineverwasmoreastonishedinmylife。”
“Lord！mydear，youareverymodest。
Ian’ttheleastastonishedatitintheworld，forIhaveoftenthoughtoflate，therewasnothingmorelikelytohappen。”
“YoujudgedfromyourknowledgeoftheColonel’sgeneralbenevolence;butatleastyoucouldnotforeseethattheopportunitywouldsoverysoonoccur。”
“Opportunity！”repeatedMrs。Jennings——“Oh！
astothat，whenamanhasoncemadeuphismindtosuchathing，somehoworotherhewillsoonfindanopportunity。
Well，mydear，Iwishyoujoyofitagainandagain;
andifevertherewasahappycoupleintheworld，IthinkIshallsoonknowwheretolookforthem。”
“YoumeantogotoDelafordafterthemIsuppose，“
saidElinor，withafaintsmile。
“Aye，mydear，thatIdo，indeed。Andastothehousebeingabadone，IdonotknowwhattheColonelwouldbeat，foritisasgoodaoneaseverIsaw。”
“Hespokeofitsbeingoutofrepair。”
“Well，andwhosefaultisthat？whydon’therepairit？——
whoshoulddoitbuthimself？”
Theywereinterruptedbytheservant’scomingintoannouncethecarriagebeingatthedoor;andMrs。Jenningsimmediatelypreparingtogo，said，——
“Well，mydear，ImustbegonebeforeIhavehadhalfmytalkout。But，however，wemayhaveitalloverintheevening;forweshallbequitealone。Idonotaskyoutogowithme，forIdaresayyourmindistoofullofthemattertocareforcompany;andbesides，youmustlongtotellyoursisterallaboutit。”
Mariannehadlefttheroombeforetheconversationbegan。
“Certainly，ma’am，IshalltellMarianneofit;
butIshallnotmentionitatpresenttoanybodyelse。”
“Oh！verywell，“saidMrs。Jenningsratherdisappointed。
“ThenyouwouldnothavemetellittoLucy，forIthinkofgoingasfarasHolbornto-day。”
“No，ma’am，notevenLucyifyouplease。
Oneday’sdelaywillnotbeverymaterial;andtillI
havewrittentoMr。Ferrars，Ithinkitoughtnottobementionedtoanybodyelse。IshalldoTHATdirectly。
Itisofimportancethatnotimeshouldbelostwithhim，forhewillofcoursehavemuchtodorelativetohisordination。”
ThisspeechatfirstpuzzledMrs。Jenningsexceedingly。
WhyMr。Ferrarswastohavebeenwrittentoaboutitinsuchahurry，shecouldnotimmediatelycomprehend。
Afewmoments’reflection，however，producedaveryhappyidea，andsheexclaimed;——
“Oh，ho！——Iunderstandyou。Mr。Ferrarsistobetheman。Well，somuchthebetterforhim。Ay，tobesure，hemustbeordainedinreadiness;andIamverygladtofindthingsaresoforwardbetweenyou。But，mydear，isnotthisratheroutofcharacter？，ShouldnottheColonelwritehimself？——sure，heistheproperperson。”
ElinordidnotquiteunderstandthebeginningofMrs。Jennings’sspeech，neitherdidshethinkitworthinquiringinto;andthereforeonlyrepliedtoitsconclusion。
“ColonelBrandonissodelicateaman，thatheratherwishedanyonetoannouncehisintentionstoMr。Ferrarsthanhimself。”
“AndsoYOUareforcedtodoit。WellTHATisanoddkindofdelicacy！，However，Iwillnotdisturbyou(seeingherpreparingtowrite。)，Youknowyourownconcernsbest。
Sogoodby，mydear。IhavenotheardofanythingtopleasemesowellsinceCharlottewasbroughttobed。”
Andawayshewent;butreturningagaininamoment，“IhavejustbeenthinkingofBetty’ssister，mydear。
Ishouldbeverygladtogethersogoodamistress。
Butwhethershewoulddoforalady’smaid，IamsureI
can’ttell。Sheisanexcellenthousemaid，andworksverywellatherneedle。However，youwillthinkofallthatatyourleisure。”
“Certainly，ma’am，“repliedElinor，nothearingmuchofwhatshesaid，andmoreanxioustobealone，thantobemistressofthesubject。
Howsheshouldbegin——howsheshouldexpressherselfinhernotetoEdward，wasnowallherconcern。
Theparticularcircumstancesbetweenthemmadeadifficultyofthatwhichtoanyotherpersonwouldhavebeentheeasiestthingintheworld;butsheequallyfearedtosaytoomuchortoolittle，andsatdeliberatingoverherpaper，withthepeninherband，tillbrokeninonbytheentranceofEdwardhimself。
HehadmetMrs。Jenningsatthedoorinherwaytothecarriage，ashecametoleavehisfarewellcard;andshe，afterapologisingfornotreturningherself，hadobligedhimtoenter，bysayingthatMissDashwoodwasabove，andwantedtospeakwithhimonveryparticularbusiness。
Elinorhadjustbeencongratulatingherself，inthemidstofherperplexity，thathoweverdifficultitmightbetoexpressherselfproperlybyletter，itwasatleastpreferabletogivingtheinformationbywordofmouth，whenhervisitorentered，toforceheruponthisgreatestexertionofall。Herastonishmentandconfusionwereverygreatonhissosuddenappearance。Shehadnotseenhimbeforesincehisengagementbecamepublic，andthereforenotsincehisknowinghertobeacquaintedwithit;which，withtheconsciousnessofwhatshehadbeenthinkingof，andwhatshehadtotellhim，madeherfeelparticularlyuncomfortableforsomeminutes。
Hetoowasmuchdistressed;andtheysatdowntogetherinamostpromisingstateofembarrassment——Whetherhehadaskedherpardonforhisintrusiononfirstcomingintotheroom，hecouldnotrecollect;butdeterminingtobeonthesafeside，hemadehisapologyinformassoonashecouldsayanything，aftertakingachair。
“Mrs。Jenningstoldme，“saidhe，“thatyouwishedtospeakwithme，atleastIunderstoodherso——orI
certainlyshouldnothaveintrudedonyouinsuchamanner;
thoughatthesametime，IshouldhavebeenextremelysorrytoleaveLondonwithoutseeingyouandyoursister;
especiallyasitwillmostlikelybesometime——itisnotprobablethatIshouldsoonhavethepleasureofmeetingyouagain。IgotoOxfordtomorrow。”
“Youwouldnothavegone，however，“saidElinor，recoveringherself，anddeterminedtogetoverwhatshesomuchdreadedassoonaspossible，“withoutreceivingourgoodwishes，evenifwehadnotbeenabletogivetheminperson。Mrs。Jenningswasquiterightinwhatshesaid。
Ihavesomethingofconsequencetoinformyouof，whichIwasonthepointofcommunicatingbypaper。
Iamchargedwithamostagreeableoffice(breathingratherfasterthanusualasshespoke。)，ColonelBrandon，whowashereonlytenminutesago，hasdesiredmetosay，thatunderstandingyoumeantotakeorders，hehasgreatpleasureinofferingyouthelivingofDelafordnowjustvacant，andonlywishesitweremorevaluable。
Allowmetocongratulateyouonhavingsorespectableandwell-judgingafriend，andtojoininhiswishthattheliving——itisabouttwohundreda-year——weremuchmoreconsiderable，andsuchasmightbetterenableyouto——asmightbemorethanatemporaryaccommodationtoyourself——such，inshort，asmightestablishallyourviewsofhappiness。”
WhatEdwardfelt，ashecouldnotsayithimself，itcannotbeexpectedthatanyoneelseshouldsayforhim。
HeLOOKEDalltheastonishmentwhichsuchunexpected，suchunthought-ofinformationcouldnotfailofexciting;
buthesaidonlythesetwowords，“ColonelBrandon！”
“Yes，“continuedElinor，gatheringmoreresolution，assomeoftheworstwasover，“ColonelBrandonmeansitasatestimonyofhisconcernforwhathaslatelypassed——forthecruelsituationinwhichtheunjustifiableconductofyourfamilyhasplacedyou——aconcernwhichIamsureMarianne，myself，andallyourfriends，mustshare;andlikewiseasaproofofhishighesteemforyourgeneralcharacter，andhisparticularapprobationofyourbehaviouronthepresentoccasion。”
“ColonelBrandongiveMEaliving！——Canitbepossible？”
“Theunkindnessofyourownrelationshasmadeyouastonishedtofindfriendshipanywhere。”
“No，“repliedbe，withsuddenconsciousness，“nottofinditinYOU;forIcannotbeignorantthattoyou，toyourgoodness，Ioweitall——Ifeelit——IwouldexpressitifIcould——but，asyouwellknow，Iamnoorator。”
“Youareverymuchmistaken。Idoassureyouthatyouoweitentirely，atleastalmostentirely，toyourownmerit，andColonelBrandon’sdiscernmentofit。Ihavehadnohandinit。Ididnotevenknow，tillIunderstoodhisdesign，thatthelivingwasvacant;
norhaditeveroccurredtomethathemighthavehadsuchalivinginhisgift。Asafriendofmine，ofmyfamily，hemay，perhaps——indeedIknowheHAS，stillgreaterpleasureinbestowingit;but，uponmyword，youowenothingtomysolicitation。”
Truthobligedhertoacknowledgesomesmallshareintheaction，butshewasatthesametimesounwillingtoappearasthebenefactressofEdward，thatsheacknowledgeditwithhesitation;whichprobablycontributedtofixthatsuspicioninhismindwhichhadrecentlyenteredit。
Forashorttimehesatdeepinthought，afterElinorhadceasedtospeak;——atlast，andasifitwereratheraneffort，hesaid，“ColonelBrandonseemsamanofgreatworthandrespectability。Ihavealwaysheardhimspokenofassuch，andyourbrotherIknowesteemshimhighly。
Heisundoubtedlyasensibleman，andinhismannersperfectlythegentleman。”
“Indeed，“repliedElinor，“Ibelievethatyouwillfindhim，onfartheracquaintance，allthatyouhaveheardhimtobe，andasyouwillbesuchverynearneighbours(forIunderstandtheparsonageisalmostclosetothemansion-house，)
itisparticularlyimportantthatheSHOULDbeallthis。”
Edwardmadenoanswer;butwhenshehadturnedawayherhead，gaveheralooksoserious，soearnest，souncheerful，asseemedtosay，thathemighthereafterwishthedistancebetweentheparsonageandthemansion-housemuchgreater。
“ColonelBrandon，Ithink，lodgesinSt。JamesStreet，“
saidhe，soonafterwards，risingfromhischair。
Elinortoldhimthenumberofthehouse。
“Imusthurryawaythen，togivehimthosethankswhichyouwillnotallowmetogiveYOU;toassurehimthathehasmademeavery——anexceedinglyhappyman。”
Elinordidnotoffertodetainhim;andtheyparted，withaveryearnestassuranceonHERsideofherunceasinggoodwishesforhishappinessineverychangeofsituationthatmightbefallhim;onHIS，withratheranattempttoreturnthesamegoodwill，thanthepowerofexpressingit。
“WhenIseehimagain，“saidElinortoherself，asthedoorshuthimout，“IshallseehimthehusbandofLucy。”
Andwiththispleasinganticipation，shesatdowntoreconsiderthepast，recallthewordsandendeavourtocomprehendallthefeelingsofEdward;and，ofcourse，toreflectonherownwithdiscontent。
WhenMrs。Jenningscamehome，thoughshereturnedfromseeingpeoplewhomshehadneverseenbefore，andofwhomthereforeshemusthaveagreatdealtosay，hermindwassomuchmoreoccupiedbytheimportantsecretinherpossession，thanbyanythingelse，thatsherevertedtoitagainassoonasElinorappeared。
“Well，mydear，“shecried，“Isentyouuptotheyoungman。DidnotIdoright？——AndIsupposeyouhadnogreatdifficulty——Youdidnotfindhimveryunwillingtoacceptyourproposal？”
“No，ma’am;THATwasnotverylikely。”
“Well，andhowsoonwillhebeready？——Foritseemsalltodependuponthat。”
“Really，“saidElinor，“Iknowsolittleofthesekindofforms，thatIcanhardlyevenconjectureastothetime，orthepreparationnecessary;butIsupposetwoorthreemonthswillcompletehisordination。”
“Twoorthreemonths！”criedMrs。Jennings;
“Lord！mydear，howcalmlyyoutalkofit;andcantheColonelwaittwoorthreemonths！Lordblessme！——IamsureitwouldputME
quiteoutofpatience！——AndthoughonewouldbeverygladtodoakindnessbypoorMr。Ferrars，Idothinkitisnotworthwhiletowaittwoorthreemonthsforhim。
Suresomebodyelsemightbefoundthatwoulddoaswell;
somebodythatisinordersalready。”
“Mydearma’am，“saidElinor，“whatcanyoubethinkingof？——
Why，ColonelBrandon’sonlyobjectistobeofusetoMr。Ferrars。”
“Lordblessyou，mydear！——SureyoudonotmeantopersuademethattheColonelonlymarriesyouforthesakeofgivingtenguineastoMr。Ferrars！”
Thedeceptioncouldnotcontinueafterthis;
andanexplanationimmediatelytookplace，bywhichbothgainedconsiderableamusementforthemoment，withoutanymateriallossofhappinesstoeither，forMrs。Jenningsonlyexchangedoneformofdelightforanother，andstillwithoutforfeitingherexpectationofthefirst。
“Aye，aye，theparsonageisbutasmallone，“
saidshe，afterthefirstebullitionofsurpriseandsatisfactionwasover，“andverylikelyMAYbeoutofrepair;buttohearamanapologising，asIthought，forahousethattomyknowledgehasfivesittingroomsontheground-floor，andI
thinkthehousekeepertoldmecouldmakeupfifteenbeds！——
andtoyoutoo，thathadbeenusedtoliveinBartoncottage！——Itseemsquiteridiculous。But，mydear，wemusttouchuptheColoneltodosomethingtotheparsonage，andmakeitcomfortableforthem，beforeLucygoestoit。”
“ButColonelBrandondoesnotseemtohaveanyideaoftheliving’sbeingenoughtoallowthemtomarry。”
“TheColonelisaninny，mydear;becausehehastwothousanda-yearhimself，hethinksthatnobodyelsecanmarryonless。Takemywordforit，that，ifIamalive，IshallbepayingavisitatDelafordParsonagebeforeMichaelmas;
andIamsureIsha’ntgoifLucyan’tthere。”
Elinorwasquiteofheropinion，astotheprobabilityoftheirnotwaitingforanythingmore。
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CHAPTER41
Edward，havingcarriedhisthankstoColonelBrandon，proceededwithhishappinesstoLucy;andsuchwastheexcessofitbythetimehereachedBartlett’sBuildings，thatshewasabletoassureMrs。Jennings，whocalledonheragainthenextdaywithhercongratulations，thatshehadneverseenhiminsuchspiritsbeforeinherlife。
Herownhappiness，andherownspirits，wereatleastverycertain;andshejoinedMrs。JenningsmostheartilyinherexpectationoftheirbeingallcomfortablytogetherinDelafordParsonagebeforeMichaelmas。
Sofarwasshe，atthesametime，fromanybackwardnesstogiveElinorthatcreditwhichEdwardWOULDgiveher，thatshespokeofherfriendshipforthembothwiththemostgratefulwarmth，wasreadytoownalltheirobligationtoher，andopenlydeclaredthatnoexertionfortheirgoodonMissDashwood’spart，eitherpresentorfuture，wouldeversurpriseher，forshebelievedhercapableofdoinganythingintheworldforthoseshereallyvalued。
AsforColonelBrandon，shewasnotonlyreadytoworshiphimasasaint，butwasmoreovertrulyanxiousthatheshouldbetreatedasoneinallworldlyconcerns;
anxiousthathistithesshouldberaisedtotheutmost;
andscarcelyresolvedtoavailherself，atDelaford，asfarasshepossiblycould，ofhisservants，hiscarriage，hiscows，andhispoultry。
ItwasnowaboveaweeksinceJohnDashwoodhadcalledinBerkeleyStreet，andassincethattimenonoticehadbeentakenbythemofhiswife’sindisposition，beyondoneverbalenquiry，Elinorbegantofeelitnecessarytopayheravisit——Thiswasanobligation，however，whichnotonlyopposedherowninclination，butwhichhadnottheassistanceofanyencouragementfromhercompanions。Marianne，notcontentedwithabsolutelyrefusingtogoherself，wasveryurgenttopreventhersister’sgoingatall;andMrs。Jennings，thoughhercarriagewasalwaysatElinor’sservice，soverymuchdislikedMrs。JohnDashwood，thatnotevenhercuriositytoseehowshelookedafterthelatediscovery，norherstrongdesiretoaffrontherbytakingEdward’spart，couldovercomeherunwillingnesstobeinhercompanyagain。
Theconsequencewas，thatElinorsetoutbyherselftopayavisit，forwhichnoonecouldreallyhavelessinclination，andtoruntheriskofatete-a-tetewithawoman，whomneitheroftheothershadsomuchreasontodislike。
Mrs。Dashwoodwasdenied;butbeforethecarriagecouldturnfromthehouse，herhusbandaccidentallycameout。
HeexpressedgreatpleasureinmeetingElinor，toldherthathehadbeenjustgoingtocallinBerkeleyStreet，and，assuringherthatFannywouldbeverygladtoseeher，invitedhertocomein。
Theywalkedupstairsintothedrawing-room——Nobodywasthere。
“Fannyisinherownroom，Isuppose，“saidhe：——“I
willgotoherpresently，forIamsureshewillnothavetheleastobjectionintheworldtoseeingYOU——
Veryfarfromit，indeed。NOWespeciallytherecannotbe——buthowever，youandMariannewerealwaysgreatfavourites——WhywouldnotMariannecome？”——
Elinormadewhatexcuseshecouldforher。
“Iamnotsorrytoseeyoualone，“hereplied，“forIhaveagooddealtosaytoyou。ThislivingofColonelBrandon’s——canitbetrue？——hashereallygivenittoEdward？——Iheardityesterdaybychance，andwascomingtoyouonpurposetoenquirefartheraboutit。”
“Itisperfectlytrue——ColonelBrandonhasgiventhelivingofDelafordtoEdward。”
“Really！——Well，thisisveryastonishing！——norelationship！——noconnectionbetweenthem！——andnowthatlivingsfetchsuchaprice！——whatwasthevalueofthis？”
“Abouttwohundredayear。”
“Verywell——andforthenextpresentationtoalivingofthatvalue——supposingthelateincumbenttohavebeenoldandsickly，andlikelytovacateitsoon——hemighthavegotIdaresay——fourteenhundredpounds。
Andhowcamehenottohavesettledthatmatterbeforethisperson’sdeath？——NOWindeeditwouldbetoolatetosellit，butamanofColonelBrandon’ssense！——Iwonderheshouldbesoimprovidentinapointofsuchcommon，suchnatural，concern！——Well，Iamconvincedthatthereisavastdealofinconsistencyinalmosteveryhumancharacter。Isuppose，however——onrecollection——thatthecasemayprobablybeTHIS。
EdwardisonlytoholdthelivingtillthepersontowhomtheColonelhasreallysoldthepresentation，isoldenoughtotakeit——Aye，aye，thatisthefact，dependuponit。”
Elinorcontradictedit，however，verypositively;
andbyrelatingthatshehadherselfbeenemployedinconveyingtheofferfromColonelBrandontoEdward，and，therefore，mustunderstandthetermsonwhichitwasgiven，obligedhimtosubmittoherauthority。
“Itistrulyastonishing！”——hecried，afterhearingwhatshesaid——“whatcouldbetheColonel’smotive？”
“Averysimpleone——tobeofusetoMr。Ferrars。”
“Well，well;whateverColonelBrandonmaybe，Edwardisaveryluckyman——YouwillnotmentionthemattertoFanny，however，forthoughIhavebrokeittoher，andshebearsitvastlywell，——shewillnotliketohearitmuchtalkedof。”
Elinorhadsomedifficultyheretorefrainfromobserving，thatshethoughtFannymighthavebornewithcomposure，anacquisitionofwealthtoherbrother，bywhichneithershenorherchildcouldbepossiblyimpoverished。
“Mrs。Ferrars，“addedhe，loweringhisvoicetothetonebecomingsoimportantasubject，“knowsnothingaboutitatpresent，andIbelieveitwillbebesttokeepitentirelyconcealedfromheraslongasmaybe——
Whenthemarriagetakesplace，Ifearshemusthearofitall。”
“Butwhyshouldsuchprecautionbeused？——ThoughitisnottobesupposedthatMrs。Ferrarscanhavethesmallestsatisfactioninknowingthathersonhasmoneyenoughtoliveupon，——forTHATmustbequiteoutofthequestion;yetwhy，uponherlatebehaviour，isshesupposedtofeelatall？——Shehasdonewithherson，shecasthimoffforever，andhasmadeallthoseoverwhomshehadanyinfluence，casthimofflikewise。
Surely，afterdoingso，shecannotbeimaginedliabletoanyimpressionofsorroworofjoyonhisaccount——
shecannotbeinterestedinanythingthatbefallshim——
Shewouldnotbesoweakastothrowawaythecomfortofachild，andyetretaintheanxietyofaparent！”
“Ah！Elinor，“saidJohn，“yourreasoningisverygood，butitisfoundedonignoranceofhumannature。
WhenEdward’sunhappymatchtakesplace，dependuponithismotherwillfeelasmuchasifshehadneverdiscardedhim;
and，thereforeeverycircumstancethatmayacceleratethatdreadfulevent，mustbeconcealedfromherasmuchaspossible。
Mrs。FerrarscanneverforgetthatEdwardisherson。”
“Yousurpriseme;IshouldthinkitmustnearlyhaveescapedhermemorybyTHIStime。”
“Youwrongherexceedingly。Mrs。Ferrarsisoneofthemostaffectionatemothersintheworld。”
Elinorwassilent。
“WethinkNOW，“——saidMr。Dashwood，afterashortpause，“ofROBERT’SmarryingMissMorton。”
Elinor，smilingatthegraveanddecisiveimportanceofherbrother’stone，calmlyreplied，“Thelady，Isuppose，hasnochoiceintheaffair。”
“Choice！——howdoyoumean？”
“IonlymeanthatIsuppose，fromyourmannerofspeaking，itmustbethesametoMissMortonwhethershemarryEdwardorRobert。”
“Certainly，therecanbenodifference;forRobertwillnowtoallintentsandpurposesbeconsideredastheeldestson;——andastoanythingelse，theyarebothveryagreeableyoungmen：Idonotknowthatoneissuperiortotheother。”
Elinorsaidnomore，andJohnwasalsoforashorttimesilent——Hisreflectionsendedthus。
“OfONEthing，mydearsister，“kindlytakingherhand，andspeakinginanawfulwhisper，——“Imayassureyou;——
andIWILLdoit，becauseIknowitmustgratifyyou。
Ihavegoodreasontothink——indeedIhaveitfromthebestauthority，orIshouldnotrepeatit，forotherwiseitwouldbeverywrongtosayanythingaboutit——butIhaveitfromtheverybestauthority——notthatIeverpreciselyheardMrs。Ferrarssayitherself——butherdaughterDID，andIhaveitfromher——Thatinshort，whateverobjectionstheremightbeagainstacertain——acertainconnection——youunderstandme——itwouldhavebeenfarpreferabletoher，itwouldnothavegivenherhalfthevexationthatTHISdoes。IwasexceedinglypleasedtohearthatMrs。Ferrarsconsidereditinthatlight——
averygratifyingcircumstanceyouknowtousall。
’Itwouldhavebeenbeyondcomparison，’shesaid，’theleastevilofthetwo，andshewouldbegladtocompoundNOW
fornothingworse。’Buthowever，allthatisquiteoutofthequestion——nottobethoughtoformentioned——
astoanyattachmentyouknow——itnevercouldbe——allthatisgoneby。ButIthoughtIwouldjusttellyouofthis，becauseIknewhowmuchitmustpleaseyou。
Notthatyouhaveanyreasontoregret，mydearElinor。Thereisnodoubtofyourdoingexceedinglywell——quiteaswell，orbetter，perhaps，allthingsconsidered。HasColonelBrandonbeenwithyoulately？”
Elinorhadheardenough，ifnottogratifyhervanity，andraiseherself-importance，toagitatehernervesandfillhermind;——andshewasthereforegladtobesparedfromthenecessityofsayingmuchinreplyherself，andfromthedangerofhearinganythingmorefromherbrother，bytheentranceofMr。RobertFerrars。
Afterafewmoments’chat，JohnDashwood，recollectingthatFannywasyetuninformedofhersister’sbeingthere，quittedtheroominquestofher;andElinorwaslefttoimproveheracquaintancewithRobert，who，bythegayunconcern，thehappyself-complacencyofhismannerwhileenjoyingsounfairadivisionofhismother’sloveandliberality，totheprejudiceofhisbanishedbrother，earnedonlybyhisowndissipatedcourseoflife，andthatbrother’sintegrity，wasconfirminghermostunfavourableopinionofhisheadandheart。
Theyhadscarcelybeentwominutesbythemselves，beforehebegantospeakofEdward;forhe，too，hadheardoftheliving，andwasveryinquisitiveonthesubject。
Elinorrepeatedtheparticularsofit，asshehadgiventhemtoJohn;andtheireffectonRobert，thoughverydifferent，wasnotlessstrikingthanithadbeenonHIM。Helaughedmostimmoderately。TheideaofEdward’sbeingaclergyman，andlivinginasmallparsonage-house，divertedhimbeyondmeasure;——andwhentothatwasaddedthefancifulimageryofEdwardreadingprayersinawhitesurplice，andpublishingthebannsofmarriagebetweenJohnSmithandMaryBrown，hecouldconceivenothingmoreridiculous。
Elinor，whileshewaitedinsilenceandimmovablegravity，theconclusionofsuchfolly，couldnotrestrainhereyesfrombeingfixedonhimwithalookthatspokeallthecontemptitexcited。Itwasalook，however，verywellbestowed，foritrelievedherownfeelings，andgavenointelligencetohim。Hewasrecalledfromwittowisdom，notbyanyreproofofher’s，butbyhisownsensibility。
“Wemaytreatitasajoke，“saidhe，atlast，recoveringfromtheaffectedlaughwhichhadconsiderablylengthenedoutthegenuinegaietyofthemoment——“but，uponmysoul，itisamostseriousbusiness。PoorEdward！
heisruinedforever。Iamextremelysorryforit——
forIknowhimtobeaverygood-heartedcreature;aswell-meaningafellowperhaps，asanyintheworld。
Youmustnotjudgeofhim，MissDashwood，fromYOUR
slightacquaintance——PoorEdward！——Hismannersarecertainlynotthehappiestinnature——Butwearenotallborn，youknow，withthesamepowers，——thesameaddress——
Poorfellow！——toseehiminacircleofstrangers！——
tobesureitwaspitiableenough！——butuponmysoul，Ibelievehehasasgoodaheartasanyinthekingdom;
andIdeclareandprotesttoyouIneverwassoshockedinmylife，aswhenitallburstforth。Icouldnotbelieveit——
Mymotherwasthefirstpersonwhotoldmeofit;
andI，feelingmyselfcalledontoactwithresolution，immediatelysaidtoher，’Mydearmadam，Idonotknowwhatyoumayintendtodoontheoccasion，butasformyself，Imustsay，thatifEdwarddoesmarrythisyoungwoman，Ineverwillseehimagain。’ThatwaswhatIsaidimmediately——
Iwasmostuncommonlyshocked，indeed！——PoorEdward！——hehasdoneforhimselfcompletely——shuthimselfoutforeverfromalldecentsociety！——but，asIdirectlysaidtomymother，Iamnotintheleastsurprisedatit;fromhisstyleofeducation，itwasalwaystobeexpected。Mypoormotherwashalffrantic。”
“Haveyoueverseenthelady？”
“Yes;once，whileshewasstayinginthishouse，Ihappenedtodropinfortenminutes;andIsawquiteenoughofher。Themerestawkwardcountrygirl，withoutstyle，orelegance，andalmostwithoutbeauty——
Irememberherperfectly。JustthekindofgirlI
shouldsupposelikelytocaptivatepoorEdward。
Iofferedimmediately，assoonasmymotherrelatedtheaffairtome，totalktohimmyself，anddissuadehimfromthematch;butitwastoolateTHEN，Ifound，todoanything，forunluckily，Iwasnotinthewayatfirst，andknewnothingofittillafterthebreachhadtakenplace，whenitwasnotforme，youknow，tointerfere。ButhadIbeeninformedofitafewhoursearlier——Ithinkitismostprobable——thatsomethingmighthavebeenhiton。IcertainlyshouldhaverepresentedittoEdwardinaverystronglight。’Mydearfellow，’
Ishouldhavesaid，’considerwhatyouaredoing。
Youaremakingamostdisgracefulconnection，andsuchaoneasyourfamilyareunanimousindisapproving。’Icannothelpthinking，inshort，thatmeansmighthavebeenfound。
Butnowitisalltoolate。Hemustbestarved，youknow;——
thatiscertain;absolutelystarved。”
Hehadjustsettledthispointwithgreatcomposure，whentheentranceofMrs。JohnDashwoodputanendtothesubject。
ButthoughSHEneverspokeofitoutofherownfamily，Elinorcouldseeitsinfluenceonhermind，inthesomethinglikeconfusionofcountenancewithwhichsheentered，andanattemptatcordialityinherbehaviourtoherself。
SheevenproceededsofarastobeconcernedtofindthatElinorandhersisterweresosoontoleavetown，asshehadhopedtoseemoreofthem;——anexertioninwhichherhusband，whoattendedherintotheroom，andhungenamouredoverheraccents，seemedtodistinguisheverythingthatwasmostaffectionateandgraceful。
chapter42
CHAPTER42
OneothershortcallinHarleyStreet，inwhichElinorreceivedherbrother’scongratulationsontheirtravellingsofartowardsBartonwithoutanyexpense，andonColonelBrandon’sbeingtofollowthemtoClevelandinadayortwo，completedtheintercourseofthebrotherandsistersintown;——andafaintinvitationfromFanny，tocometoNorlandwheneveritshouldhappentobeintheirway，whichofallthingswasthemostunlikelytooccur，withamorewarm，thoughlesspublic，assurance，fromJohntoElinor，ofthepromptitudewithwhichheshouldcometoseeheratDelaford，wasallthatforetoldanymeetinginthecountry。
ItamusedhertoobservethatallherfriendsseemeddeterminedtosendhertoDelaford;——aplace，inwhich，ofallothers，shewouldnowleastchusetovisit，orwishtoreside;fornotonlywasitconsideredasherfuturehomebyherbrotherandMrs。Jennings，butevenLucy，whentheyparted，gaveherapressinginvitationtovisitherthere。
VeryearlyinApril，andtolerablyearlyintheday，thetwopartiesfromHanoverSquareandBerkeleyStreetsetoutfromtheirrespectivehomes，tomeet，byappointment，ontheroad。FortheconvenienceofCharlotteandherchild，theyweretobemorethantwodaysontheirjourney，andMr。Palmer，travellingmoreexpeditiouslywithColonelBrandon，wastojointhematClevelandsoonaftertheirarrival。
Marianne，fewashadbeenherhoursofcomfortinLondon，andeagerasshehadlongbeentoquitit，couldnot，whenitcametothepoint，bidadieutothehouseinwhichshehadforthelasttimeenjoyedthosehopes，andthatconfidence，inWilloughby，whichwerenowextinguishedforever，withoutgreatpain。
NorcouldsheleavetheplaceinwhichWilloughbyremained，busyinnewengagements，andnewschemes，inwhichSHE
couldhavenoshare，withoutsheddingmanytears。
Elinor’ssatisfaction，atthemomentofremoval，wasmorepositive。Shehadnosuchobjectforherlingeringthoughtstofixon，sheleftnocreaturebehind，fromwhomitwouldgiveheramoment’sregrettobedividedforever，shewaspleasedtobefreeherselffromthepersecutionofLucy’sfriendship，shewasgratefulforbringinghersisterawayunseenbyWilloughbysincehismarriage，andshelookedforwardwithhopetowhatafewmonthsoftranquilityatBartonmightdotowardsrestoringMarianne’speaceofmind，andconfirmingherown。
Theirjourneywassafelyperformed。Theseconddaybroughtthemintothecherished，ortheprohibited，countyofSomerset，forassuchwasitdweltonbyturnsinMarianne’simagination;andintheforenoonofthethirdtheydroveuptoCleveland。
Clevelandwasaspacious，modern-builthouse，situatedonaslopinglawn。Ithadnopark，butthepleasure-groundsweretolerablyextensive;andlikeeveryotherplaceofthesamedegreeofimportance，ithaditsopenshrubbery，andcloserwoodwalk，aroadofsmoothgravelwindingroundaplantation，ledtothefront，thelawnwasdottedoverwithtimber，thehouseitselfwasundertheguardianshipofthefir，themountain-ash，andtheacacia，andathickscreenofthemaltogether，interspersedwithtallLombardypoplars，shutouttheoffices。
MarianneenteredthehousewithaheartswellingwithemotionfromtheconsciousnessofbeingonlyeightymilesfromBarton，andnotthirtyfromCombeMagna;
andbeforeshehadbeenfiveminuteswithinitswalls，whiletheotherswerebusilyhelpingCharlottetoshowherchildtothehousekeeper，shequitteditagain，stealingawaythroughthewindingshrubberies，nowjustbeginningtobeinbeauty，togainadistanteminence;
where，fromitsGreciantemple，hereye，wanderingoverawidetractofcountrytothesouth-east，couldfondlyrestonthefarthestridgeofhillsinthehorizon，andfancythatfromtheirsummitsCombeMagnamightbeseen。
Insuchmomentsofprecious，invaluablemisery，sherejoicedintearsofagonytobeatCleveland;
andasshereturnedbyadifferentcircuittothehouse，feelingallthehappyprivilegeofcountryliberty，ofwanderingfromplacetoplaceinfreeandluxurioussolitude，sheresolvedtospendalmosteveryhourofeverydaywhilesheremainedwiththePalmers，intheindulgenceofsuchsolitaryrambles。
Shereturnedjustintimetojointheothersastheyquittedthehouse，onanexcursionthroughitsmoreimmediatepremises;andtherestofthemorningwaseasilywhiledaway，inloungingroundthekitchengarden，examiningthebloomuponitswalls，andlisteningtothegardener’slamentationsuponblights，indawdlingthroughthegreen-house，wherethelossofherfavouriteplants，unwarilyexposed，andnippedbythelingeringfrost，raisedthelaughterofCharlotte，——andinvisitingherpoultry-yard，where，inthedisappointedhopesofherdairy-maid，byhensforsakingtheirnests，orbeingstolenbyafox，orintherapiddecreaseofapromisingyoungbrood，shefoundfreshsourcesofmerriment。
Themorningwasfineanddry，andMarianne，inherplanofemploymentabroad，hadnotcalculatedforanychangeofweatherduringtheirstayatCleveland。
Withgreatsurprisetherefore，didshefindherselfpreventedbyasettledrainfromgoingoutagainafterdinner。
ShehaddependedonatwilightwalktotheGreciantemple，andperhapsalloverthegrounds，andaneveningmerelycoldordampwouldnothavedeterredherfromit;
butaheavyandsettledrainevenSHEcouldnotfancydryorpleasantweatherforwalking。
Theirpartywassmall，andthehourspassedquietlyaway。
Mrs。Palmerhadherchild，andMrs。Jenningshercarpet-work;
theytalkedofthefriendstheyhadleftbehind，arrangedLadyMiddleton’sengagements，andwonderedwhetherMr。PalmerandColonelBrandonwouldgetfartherthanReadingthatnight。Elinor，howeverlittleconcernedinit，joinedintheirdiscourse;andMarianne，whohadtheknackoffindingherwayineveryhousetothelibrary，howeveritmightbeavoidedbythefamilyingeneral，soonprocuredherselfabook。
NothingwaswantingonMrs。Palmer’ssidethatconstantandfriendlygoodhumourcoulddo，tomakethemfeelthemselveswelcome。Theopennessandheartinessofhermannermorethanatonedforthatwantofrecollectionandelegancewhichmadeheroftendeficientintheformsofpoliteness;herkindness，recommendedbysoprettyaface，wasengaging;herfolly，thoughevidentwasnotdisgusting，becauseitwasnotconceited;
andElinorcouldhaveforgiveneverythingbutherlaugh。
Thetwogentlemenarrivedthenextdaytoaverylatedinner，affordingapleasantenlargementoftheparty，andaverywelcomevarietytotheirconversation，whichalongmorningofthesamecontinuedrainhadreducedverylow。
ElinorhadseensolittleofMr。Palmer，andinthatlittlehadseensomuchvarietyinhisaddresstohersisterandherself，thatsheknewnotwhattoexpecttofindhiminhisownfamily。Shefoundhim，however，perfectlythegentlemaninhisbehaviourtoallhisvisitors，andonlyoccasionallyrudetohiswifeandhermother;
shefoundhimverycapableofbeingapleasantcompanion，andonlypreventedfrombeingsoalways，bytoogreatanaptitudetofancyhimselfasmuchsuperiortopeopleingeneral，ashemustfeelhimselftobetoMrs。JenningsandCharlotte。Fortherestofhischaracterandhabits，theyweremarked，asfarasElinorcouldperceive，withnotraitsatallunusualinhissexandtimeoflife。
Hewasniceinhiseating，uncertaininhishours;
fondofhischild，thoughaffectingtoslightit;
andidledawaythemorningsatbilliards，whichoughttohavebeendevotedtobusiness。Shelikedhim，however，uponthewhole，muchbetterthanshehadexpected，andinherheartwasnotsorrythatshecouldlikehimnomore;——
notsorrytobedrivenbytheobservationofhisEpicurism，hisselfishness，andhisconceit，torestwithcomplacencyontheremembranceofEdward’sgeneroustemper，simpletaste，anddiffidentfeelings。
OfEdward，oratleastofsomeofhisconcerns，shenowreceivedintelligencefromColonelBrandon，whohadbeenintoDorsetshirelately;andwho，treatingheratonceasthedisinterestedfriendofMr。Ferrars，andthekindofconfidantofhimself，talkedtoheragreatdealoftheparsonageatDelaford，describeditsdeficiencies，andtoldherwhathemeanttodohimselftowardsremovingthem——Hisbehaviourtoherinthis，aswellasineveryotherparticular，hisopenpleasureinmeetingherafteranabsenceofonlytendays，hisreadinesstoconversewithher，andhisdeferenceforheropinion，mightverywelljustifyMrs。Jennings’spersuasionofhisattachment，andwouldhavebeenenough，perhaps，hadnotElinorstill，asfromthefirst，believedMariannehisrealfavourite，tomakehersuspectitherself。Butasitwas，suchanotionhadscarcelyeverenteredherhead，exceptbyMrs。Jennings’ssuggestion;andshecouldnothelpbelievingherselfthenicestobserverofthetwo;——shewatchedhiseyes，whileMrs。Jenningsthoughtonlyofhisbehaviour;——andwhilehislooksofanxioussolicitudeonMarianne’sfeeling，inherheadandthroat，thebeginningofaheavycold，becauseunexpressedbywords，entirelyescapedthelatterlady’sobservation;——SHEcoulddiscoverinthemthequickfeelings，andneedlessalarmofalover。
Twodelighfultwilightwalksonthethirdandfourtheveningsofherbeingthere，notmerelyonthedrygraveloftheshrubbery，butalloverthegrounds，andespeciallyinthemostdistantpartsofthem，wheretherewassomethingmoreofwildnessthanintherest，wherethetreesweretheoldest，andthegrasswasthelongestandwettest，had——assistedbythestillgreaterimprudenceofsittinginherwetshoesandstockings——givenMarianneacoldsoviolentas，thoughforadayortwotrifledwithordenied，wouldforceitselfbyincreasingailmentsontheconcernofeverybody，andthenoticeofherself。
Prescriptionspouredinfromallquarters，andasusual，werealldeclined。Thoughheavyandfeverish，withapaininherlimbs，andacough，andasorethroat，agoodnight’srestwastocureherentirely;anditwaswithdifficultythatElinorprevailedonher，whenshewenttobed，totryoneortwoofthesimplestoftheremedies。
