 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 before, would have been a
sufficient objection to outweigh every possible advantage belonging to the
place, was now its first recommendation. To quit the neighbourhood of Norland
was no longer an evil; it was an object of desire; it was a blessing, in
comparison of the misery of continuing her daughter-in-law's guest: and to
remove for ever from that beloved place would be less painful than to inhabit or
visit it while such a woman was its mistress. She instantly wrote Sir John
Middleton her acknowledgment of his kindness, and her acceptance of his
proposal; and then hastened to shew both letters to her daughters, that she
might be secure of their approbation before her answer were sent.
    Elinor had always thought it would be more prudent for them to settle at
some distance from Norland than immediately amongst their present acquaintance.
On that head, therefore, it was not for her to oppose her mother'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, though it was not a plan which
brought any charm to her fancy, though it was a removal from the vicinity of
Norland beyond her wishes, she made no attempt to dissuade her mother from
sending her letter of acquiescence.
 

                                   Chapter V

No sooner was her answer dispatched, than Mrs. Dashwood indulged herself in the
pleasure of announcing to her son-in-law and his wife that she was provided with
an house, and should incommode them no longer than till every thing were ready
for her inhabiting it. They heard her with surprise. Mrs. John Dashwood said
nothing; but her husband civilly hoped that she would not be settled far from
Norland. She had great satisfaction in replying that she was going into
Devonshire. - Edward turned hastily towards her, on hearing this, and, in a
voice of surprise and concern, which required no explanation to her, repeated,
»Devonshire! Are you, indeed, going there? So far from hence! And to what part
of it?« She explained the situation. It was within four miles northward
