Sense and Sensibility

aid Marianne, "that Edward sho

no means deficient in natural taste, though he has not had opportunities of improving it. Had he ever been in the way of learning, I think he would have drawn very well. He distrusts his own jud

n him by the drawings of other people, was very far from that rapturous delight, which, in her opinion, could alone be called tast

taste. Indeed, I think I may say that you cannot, for your behaviour to him is perfec

feelings of her sister on any account, and yet to say what

so many opportunities of estimating the minuter propensities of his mind, his inclinations and tastes, as you have; but

iends could not be dissatisfied with such commendation as that.

ed to find her sist

than myself. He and I have been at times thrown a good deal together, while you have been wholly engrossed on the most affectionate principle by my mother. I have seen a great deal of him, have studied his sentiments and heard his opinion on subjects of literature and taste; and, upon the whole, I venture to pronounce that his mind is well-informed, enjoyment of books exceedingly great, his imagination lively, his observation just and correct, and h

ow. When you tell me to love him as a brother, I shall no mo

ed the regard to be mutual; but she required greater certainty of it to make Marianne's conviction of their attachment agreeable to her. She knew that what Marianne and her mot

"that I think very highly of him-tha

burst forth wi

than cold-hearted! Ashamed of being otherwise. Use tho

m by no means assured of his regard for me. There are moments when the extent of it seems doubtful; and till his sentiments are fully known, you cannot wonder at my wishing to avoid any encouragement of my own partiality, by believing or calling it more than it is. In my heart I feel little-scarcely any doubt of his preference. But there are other points to be considered besides his inclinat

much the imagination of her mother a

lose you so soon, and Edward will have greater opportunity of improving that natural taste for your favourite pursuit which must be so indispensab

to produce that dejection of mind which frequently attended him. A more reasonable cause might be found in the dependent situation which forbade the indulgence of his affection. She knew that his mother neither behaved to him so as to make his home comfortable at present, nor to give him any assurance that he might form a home for himself, without strictly attending to her views for his aggrand

ing to her so expressively of her brother's great expectations, of Mrs. Ferrars's resolution that both her sons should marry well, and of the danger attending any young woman who attempted to DRAW HIM IN; that Mrs. Dashwood could neither pretend to be unconscious,

ith her daughters to Barton Park, the place of his own residence, from whence she might judge, herself, whether Barton Cottage, for the houses were in the same parish, could, by any alteration, be made comfortable to her. He seemed really anxious to accommodate them and the whole of his letter was written in so friendly a style as could not fail of giving pleasure to his cousin; more especially at a moment when she was suffering under the cold and unfeeling behaviour of her nearer connections. She needed no time for deliberation or inquiry. Her resolution was formed as she read. The situation of Barton, in a county so far distant from Sussex as Devonshire, which, but a few hours bef

r's intention of removing into Devonshire. The house, too, as described by Sir John, was on so simple a scale, and the rent so uncommonly moderate, as to leave her no right of objection on either point; and, therefore