Marianne was spared from the troublesome feelings of contempt and resentment,on this impertinent examination of their features,and on the puppyism of his manner in deciding on all the different horrors of the different toothpick-cases presented to his inspection,by remaining unconscious of it all;for she was as well able to collect her thoughts within herself,and be as ignorant of what was passing around her,in Mr Gray's shop,as in her own bedroom.
At last the affair was decided.The ivory,the gold,and the pearls,all received their appointment,and the gentleman having named the last day on which his existence could be continued without the possession of the toothpick-case,drew on his gloves with leisurely care,and bestowing another glance on the Miss Dashwoods,but such a one as seemed rather to demand than express admiration,walked off with a happy air of real conceit and affected indifference.
Elinor lost no time in bringing her business forward,and was on the point of concluding it,when another gentleman presented himself at her side.She turned her eyes towards his face,and found him with some surprise to be her brother.
Their affection and pleasure in meeting was just enough to make a very creditable appearance in Mr Gray's shop.John Dashwood was really far from being sorry to see his sisters again;it rather gave them satisfaction;and his inquiries after their mother were respectful and attentive.
Elinor found that he and Fanny had been in town two days.
‘I wished very much to call upon you yesterday,’said he,‘but it was impossible,for we were obliged to take Harry to see the wild beasts at Exeter Exchange:and we spent the rest of the day with Mrs Ferrars.Harry was vastly pleased.This morning I had fully intended to call on you,if I could possibly find a spare half-hour,but one has always so much to do on first coming to town!I am come here to bespeak Fanny a seal.But tomorrow I think I shall certainly be able to call in Berkeley Street,and be introduced to your friend Mrs Jennings.I understand she is a woman of very good fortune.And the Middletons too,you must introduce me to them.As my mother-in-law's relations,I shall be happy to show them every respect.They are excellent neighbours to you in the country,I understand.’
‘Excellent indeed.Their attention to our comfort,their friendliness in every particular,is more than I can express.’
‘I am extremely glad to hear it,upon my word;extremely glad indeed.But so it ought to be;they are people of large fortune,they are related to you,and every civility and accommodation that can serve to make your situation pleasant,might be reasonably expected.And so you are most comfortably settled in your little cottage,and want for nothing.Edward brought us a most charming account of the place;the most complete thing of its kind,he said,that ever was,and you all seemed to enjoy it beyond anything.It was a great satisfaction to us to hear it,I assure you.’
Elinor did feel a little ashamed of her brother;and was not sorry to be spared the necessity of answering him,by the arrival of Mrs Jennings's servant,who came to tell her that his mistress waited for them at the door.
Mr Dashwood attended them down stairs,was introduced to Mrs Jennings at the door of her carriage,and repeating his hope of being able to call on them the next day,took leave.
His visit was duly paid.He came with a pretence at an apology from their sister-in-law,for not coming too;‘but she was so much engaged with her mother,that really she had no leisure for going anywhere.’Mrs Jennings,however,assured him directly,that she should not stand upon ceremony,for they were all cousins,or something like it,and she should certainly wait on Mrs John Dashwood very soon,and bring her sisters to see her.His manners to them,though calm,were perfectly kind;to Mrs Jennings,most attentively civil;and on Colonel Brandon's coming in soon after himself,he eyed him with a curiosity which seemed to say,that he only wanted to know him to be rich to be equally civil to him.
After staying with them half an hour,he asked Elinor to walk with him to Conduit Street,and introduce him to Sir John and Lady Middleton.The weather was remarkably fine,and she readily consented.As soon as they were out of the house,his inquiries began.
‘Who is Colonel Brandon?Is he a man of fortune?’
‘Yes;he has a very good property in Dorsetshire.’
‘I am glad of it.He seems a most gentlemanlike man,and I think,Elinor,I may congratulate you on the prospect of a very respectable establishment in life.’
‘Me,brother-what do you mean?’
‘He likes you.I observed him narrowly,and am convinced of it.What is the amount of his fortune?’
‘I believe about two thousand a-year.’
‘Two thousand a-year;’and then working himself up to a pitch of enthusiastic generosity,he added:
‘Elinor,I wish with all my heart it were twice as much for your sake.’
‘Indeed I believe you,’replied Elinor,‘but I am very sure that Colonel Brandon has not the smallest wish of marrying me.’