. She merely observed that he was perfectly good humoured and
friendly.
    »And what a charming little family they have! I never saw such fine children
in my life. - I declare I quite doat upon them already, and indeed I am always
distractedly fond of children.«
    »I should guess so,« said Elinor with a smile, »from what I have witnessed
this morning.«
    »I have a notion,« said Lucy, »you think the little Middletons rather too
much indulged; perhaps they may be the outside of enough; but it is so natural
in Lady Middleton; and for my part, I love to see children full of life and
spirits; I cannot bear them if they are tame and quiet.«
    »I confess,« replied Elinor, »that while I am at Barton Park, I never think
of tame and quiet children with any abhorrence.«
    A short pause succeeded this speech, which was first broken by Miss Steele,
who seemed very much disposed for conversation, and who now said rather
abruptly, »And how do you like Devonshire, Miss Dashwood? I suppose you were
very sorry to leave Sussex.«
    In some surprise at the familiarity of this question, or at least of the
manner in which it was spoken, Elinor replied that she was.
    »Norland is a prodigious beautiful place, is not it?« added Miss Steele.
    »We have heard Sir John admire it excessively,« said Lucy, who seemed to
think some apology necessary for the freedom of her sister.
    »I think every one must admire it,« replied Elinor, »who ever saw the place;
though it is not to be supposed that any one can estimate its beauties as we
do.«
    »And had you a great many smart beaux there? I suppose you have not so many
in this part of the world; for my part, I think they are a vast addition
always.«
    »But why should you think,« said Lucy, looking ashamed of her sister, »that
there are not as many genteel young men in Devonshire as Sussex?«
    »Nay, my dear, I'm sure I don't pretend to say that there an't. I'm sure
there's a vast many smart beaux in Exeter; but you know, how could I tell what
smart beaux there might be about Norland; and I was only afraid the Miss
Dashwoods might find it dull at Barton, if they had not so many as they used to
have. But perhaps you young ladies may not care
