Sense and Sensibility / Чувство и чувствительность. Уровень 3

Dashwood,” added he, “do you really want to spoil this house? You want to rob it of its simplicity by imaginary improvement! This dear parlour in which our acquaintance first began, and in which so many happy hours have been since spent by us together!”

Mrs. Dashwood assured him that no alteration of the kind would be attempted.

“You are a good woman,” he warmly replied. “Your promise makes me easy.”

“Shall we see you tomorrow 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 visit Lady Middleton.

”

He promised to come 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. Marianne remained at home.

On their return from the park they found Willoughby’s curricle. When they entered the passage, Marianne came hastily out of the parlour, with her handkerchief at her eyes; and ran upstairs.

Surprised and alarmed they proceeded directly into the room, where they found only Willoughby, who was leaning against the mantelpiece.

“Is anything the matter with her?” cried Mrs. Dashwood as she entered, “is she ill?”

“I hope not,” he replied, trying to look cheerful; and with a forced smile presently added, “It is I who may be ill – for I am now suffering under a very heavy disappointment!”

“Disappointment?”

“Yes. Mrs. Smith has sent me on business to London.

I have just received my dispatches, and taken my farewell of Allenham. I am here now to take my farewell of you.”

“To London! – and are you going this morning?”

“Almost this moment.”

“This is very unfortunate. But Mrs. Smith’s business will not detain you from us long I hope.”

He coloured as he replied,

“You are very kind, but I have no idea of returning into Devonshire immediately. My visits to Mrs. Smith are never repeated within the year.

”

“And is Mrs. Smith your only friend? Is Allenham the only house in the neighbourhood to which you will be welcome? Oh Willoughby, do you wait for an invitation here?”

He only replied,

“You are too good.”

Mrs. Dashwood looked at Elinor with surprise. Elinor felt equal amazement. For a few moments everyone was silent. Mrs. Dashwood first spoke,

“I have only to add, my dear Willoughby, that at Barton cottage you will always be welcome.