 forbad 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 aggrandizement. With such a knowledge as this, it was impossible for Elinor
to feel easy on the subject. She was far from depending on that result of his
preference of her, which her mother and sister still considered as certain. Nay,
the longer they were together the more doubtful seemed the nature of his regard;
and sometimes, for a few painful minutes, she believed it to be no more than
friendship.
    But, whatever might really be its limits, it was enough, when perceived by
his sister, to make her uneasy; and at the same time, (which was still more
common,) to make her uncivil. She took the first opportunity of affronting her
mother-in-law on the occasion, talking 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, nor endeavour to be
calm. She gave her an answer which marked her contempt, and instantly left the
room, resolving that, whatever might be the inconvenience or expense of so
sudden a removal, her beloved Elinor should not be exposed another week to such
insinuations.
    In this state of her spirits, a letter was delivered to her from the post,
which contained a proposal particularly well timed. It was the offer of a small
house, on very easy terms, belonging to a relation of her own, a gentleman of
consequence and property in Devonshire. The letter was from this gentleman
himself, and written in the true spirit of friendly accommodation. He understood
that she was in need of a dwelling, and though the house he now offered her was
merely a cottage, he assured her that every thing should be done to it which she
might think necessary, if the situation pleased her. He earnestly pressed her,
after giving the particulars of the house and garden, to come with 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
