This circumstance was a growing attachment between

her eldest girl and the brother of Mrs. John Dashwood,

a gentleman-like 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 to see

him connected with some of the great men of the day.

Mrs. John Dashwood wished it likewise; but in the mean while,

till one of these superior blessings could be attained, it would

have quieted her ambition to see him driving a barouche.

But Edward had no turn for great men or barouches.

All his wishes centered in domestic comfort and the quiet

of private life. Fortunately he had a younger brother

who was more promising.