
being unjust to his merit before, in believing him incapable of generosity. His
attentive behaviour to herself and his sisters convinced her that their 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 increased by the farther knowledge of her
character, which half a year's residence in her family afforded; and perhaps in
spite of every consideration of politeness or maternal affection on the side of
the former, the two ladies might have found it impossible to have lived together
so long, had not a particular circumstance occurred to give still greater
eligibility, according to the opinions of Mrs. Dashwood, to her daughters'
continuance at Norland.
    This circumstance was a growing attachment between her eldest girl and the
brother of Mrs. John Dashwood, a gentlemanlike and pleasing young man, who was
introduced to their acquaintance soon after his sister's establishment at
Norland, and who had since spent the greatest part of his time there.
    Some mothers might have encouraged the intimacy from motives of interest,
for Edward Ferrars was the eldest son of a man who had died very rich; and some
might have repressed it 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 returned the
partiality. It was contrary to every doctrine of her's that difference of
fortune should keep any couple asunder who were attracted by resemblance of
disposition; and that Elinor's merit should not be acknowledged by every one who
knew her, was to her comprehension impossible.
    Edward Ferrars was not recommended to their good opinion by any peculiar
graces of person or address. He was not handsome, and his manners required
intimacy to make them pleasing. He was too diffident to do justice to 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
disposition to answer the wishes of his mother and sister, who longed to see him
distinguished - as - they hardly knew what. They wanted him to make a fine
figure in the world in some manner or other. His mother wished to interest him
in political concerns, to get him into parliament, or
