Chapter 3

by Jane Austen

　　Mrs. Dashwood remained at Norland several months;not from any disinclination to move when the sight of everywell known spot ceased to raise the violent emotion which itproduced for a while; for when her spirits began to revive,and her mind became capable of some other exertion than thatof heightening its affliction by melancholy remembrances,she was impatient to be gone, and indefatigable in her inquiriesfor a suitable dwelling in the neighbourhood of Norland;for to remove far from that beloved spot was impossible.But she could hear of no situation that at once answeredher notions of comfort and ease, and suited the prudenceof her eldest daughter, whose steadier judgment rejectedseveral houses as too large for their income, which hermother would have approved.Mrs. Dashwood had been informed by her husband of thesolemn promise on the part of his son in their favour,which gave comfort to his last earthly reflections.She doubted the sincerity of this assurance no more than hehad doubted it himself, and she thought of it for her daughters'sake with satisfaction, though as for herself she waspersuaded that a much smaller provision than 7000L wouldsupport her in affluence. For their brother's sake, too,for the sake of his own heart, she rejoiced; and shereproached herself for being unjust to his merit before,in believing him incapable of generosity. His attentivebehaviour to herself and his sisters convinced her thattheir welfare was dear to him, and, for a long time,she firmly relied on the liberality of his intentions.The contempt which she had, very early in their acquaintance,felt for her daughter-in-law, was very much increasedby the farther knowledge of her character, which halfa year's residence in her family afforded; and perhapsin spite of every consideration of politeness or maternalaffection on the side of the former, the two ladies mighthave found it impossible to have lived together so long,had not a particular circumstance occurred to givestill greater eligibility, according to the opinionsof Mrs. Dashwood, to her daughters' continuance at Norland.This circumstance was a growing attachment betweenher eldest girl and the brother of Mrs. John Dashwood,a gentleman-like and pleasing young man, who was introducedto their acquaintance soon after his sister's establishmentat Norland, and who had since spent the greatest partof his time there.Some mothers might have encouraged the intimacy frommotives of interest, for Edward Ferrars was the eldest sonof a man who had died very rich; and some might have repressedit from motives of prudence, for, except a trifling sum,the whole of his fortune depended on the will of his mother.But Mrs. Dashwood was alike uninfluenced by either consideration.It was enough for her that he appeared to be amiable,that he loved her daughter, and that Elinor returnedthe partiality. It was contrary to every doctrine ofher's that difference of fortune should keep any coupleasunder who were attracted by resemblance of disposition;and that Elinor's merit should not be acknowledgedby every one who knew her, was to her comprehension impossible.Edward Ferrars was not recommended to their goodopinion by any peculiar graces of person or address.He was not handsome, and his manners required intimacyto make them pleasing. He was too diffident to do justiceto himself; but when his natural shyness was overcome,his behaviour gave every indication of an open,affectionate heart. His understanding was good,and his education had given it solid improvement.But he was neither fitted by abilities nor dispositionto answer the wishes of his mother and sister, who longedto see him distinguished--as--they hardly knew what.They wanted him to make a fine figure in the world in somemanner or other. His mother wished to interest him inpolitical concerns, to get him into parliament, or to seehim connected with some of the great men of the day.Mrs. John Dashwood wished it likewise; but in the mean while,till one of these superior blessings could be attained, it wouldhave quieted her ambition to see him driving a barouche.But Edward had no turn for great men or barouches.All his wishes centered in domestic comfort and the quietof private life. Fortunately he had a younger brotherwho was more promising.Edward had been staying several weeks in the housebefore he engaged much of Mrs. Dashwood's attention;for she was, at that time, in such affliction as renderedher careless of surrounding objects. She saw only that hewas quiet and unobtrusive, and she liked him for it.He did not disturb the wretchedness of her mind byill-timed conversation. She was first called to observeand approve him farther, by a reflection which Elinorchanced one day to make on the difference between himand his sister. It was a contrast which recommended himmost forcibly to her mother."It is enough," said she; "to say that he is unlikeFanny is enough. It implies everything amiable.I love him already.""I think you will like him," said Elinor, "when youknow more of him.""Like him!" replied her mother with a smile."I feel no sentiment of approbation inferior to love.""You may esteem him.""I have never yet known what it was to separateesteem and love."Mrs. Dashwood now took pains to get acquainted with him.Her manners were attaching, and soon banished his reserve.She speedily comprehended all his merits; the persuasionof his regard for Elinor perhaps assisted her penetration;but she really felt assured of his worth: and even thatquietness of manner, which militated against all herestablished ideas of what a young man's address ought to be,was no longer uninteresting when she knew his heart to bewarm and his temper affectionate.No sooner did she perceive any symptom of lovein his behaviour to Elinor, than she considered theirserious attachment as certain, and looked forwardto their marriage as rapidly approaching."In a few months, my dear Marianne." said she,"Elinor will, in all probability be settled for life.We shall miss her; but she will be happy.""Oh! Mamma, how shall we do without her?""My love, it will be scarcely a separation.We shall live within a few miles of each other, and shallmeet every day of our lives. You will gain a brother,a real, affectionate brother. I have the highest opinionin the world of Edward's heart. But you look grave,Marianne; do you disapprove your sister's choice?""Perhaps," said Marianne, "I may consider itwith some surprise. Edward is very amiable, and I lovehim tenderly. But yet--he is not the kind of youngman--there is something wanting--his figure is not striking;it has none of that grace which I should expectin the man who could seriously attach my sister.His eyes want all that spirit, that fire, which at onceannounce virtue and intelligence. And besides all this,I am afraid, Mamma, he has no real taste. Music seemsscarcely to attract him, and though he admires Elinor'sdrawings very much, it is not the admiration of a personwho can understand their worth. It is evident, in spite ofhis frequent attention to her while she draws, that in facthe knows nothing of the matter. He admires as a lover,not as a connoisseur. To satisfy me, those charactersmust be united. I could not be happy with a man whosetaste did not in every point coincide with my own.He must enter into all my feelings; the same books,the same music must charm us both. Oh! mama, how spiritless,how tame was Edward's manner in reading to us last night!I felt for my sister most severely. Yet she bore itwith so much composure, she seemed scarcely to notice it.I could hardly keep my seat. To hear those beautiful lineswhich have frequently almost driven me wild, pronouncedwith such impenetrable calmness, such dreadful indifference!"--"He would certainly have done more justice tosimple and elegant prose. I thought so at the time;but you would give him Cowper.""Nay, Mamma, if he is not to be animated by Cowper!--but we must allow for difference of taste. Elinor hasnot my feelings, and therefore she may overlook it, andbe happy with him. But it would have broke my heart,had I loved him, to hear him read with so little sensibility.Mama, the more I know of the world, the more am I convincedthat I shall never see a man whom I can really love.I require so much! He must have all Edward's virtues,and his person and manners must ornament his goodnesswith every possible charm.""Remember, my love, that you are not seventeen.It is yet too early in life to despair of such a happiness.Why should you be less fortunate than your mother? Inone circumstance only, my Marianne, may your destiny bedifferent from her's!"