 been since spent by us together, you would
degrade to the condition of a common entrance, and every body would be eager to
pass through the room which has hitherto contained within itself, more real
accommodation and comfort than any other apartment of the handsomest dimensions
in the world could possibly afford.«
    Mrs. Dashwood again assured him that no alteration of the kind should be
attempted.
    »You are a good woman,« he warmly replied. »Your promise makes me easy.
Extend it a little farther, and it will make me happy. Tell me that not only
your house will remain the same, but that I shall ever find you and yours as
unchanged as your dwelling; and that you will always consider me with the
kindness which has made every thing belonging to you so dear to me.«
    The promise was readily given, and Willoughby's behaviour during the whole
of the evening declared at once his affection and happiness.
    »Shall we see you to-morrow to dinner?« said Mrs. Dashwood when he was
leaving them. »I do not ask you to come in the morning, for we must walk to the
park, to call on Lady Middleton.«
    He engaged to be with them by four o'clock.
 

                                   Chapter XV

Mrs. Dashwood's visit to Lady Middleton took place the next day, and two of her
daughters went with her; but Marianne excused herself from being of the party
under some trifling pretext of employment; and her mother, who concluded that a
promise had been made by Willoughby the night before of calling on her while
they were absent, was perfectly satisfied with her remaining at home.
    On their return from the park they found Willoughby's curricle and servant
in waiting at the cottage, and Mrs. Dashwood was convinced that her conjecture
had been just. So far it was all as she had foreseen; but on entering the house
she beheld what no foresight had taught her to expect. They were no sooner in
the passage than Marianne came hastily out of the parlour apparently in violent
affliction, with her handkerchief at her eyes; and without noticing them ran up
stairs. Surprised and alarmed they proceeded directly into the room she had just
quitted, where they found only Willoughby, who was leaning against the
mantle-piece with his back towards them. He turned round on their coming in, and
his countenance shewed that he strongly partook of the emotion which overpowered
Marianne.
    »Is any thing the matter with her?« cried Mrs. Dashwood as she entered - »is
she ill?«
    »I hope not,«
