Sense and Sensibility / Чувство и чувствительность. Уровень 3

I will not press you to return here immediately, because you only can judge.”

“My engagements at present,” replied Willoughby, confusedly, “are of such a nature – that – I dare not flatter myself – ”

He stopped. Mrs. Dashwood was too much astonished to speak, and another pause succeeded. This was broken by Willoughby, who said with a faint smile,

“It is folly to linger in this manner. I will not torment myself any longer by remaining among friends whose society it is impossible for me now to enjoy.

”

He then hastily left the room. He stepped into his carriage, and in a minute it was out of sight.

Elinor’s uneasiness was equal to her mother’s. She thought of what had just passed with anxiety and distrust. Willoughby’s behaviour, his embarrassment, and, above all, his unwillingness to accept her mother’s invitation, greatly disturbed her. Maybe some unfortunate quarrel had taken place between him and her sister. But Marianne loved him much, and a quarrel seemed almost impossible.

In about half an hour her mother returned, her eyes were red.

“Our dear Willoughby is now some miles from Barton, Elinor,” said she, as she sat down to work.

“It is all very strange. So suddenly! Last night he was with us so happy, so cheerful, so affectionate. And now… Something very important happened. He did not speak, he did not behave like himself. You saw the difference as well as I. What can it be? Can they quarrel? Why didn’t he accept your invitation?”

“Elinor, I have explained everything to myself in the most satisfactory way.

I am persuaded that Mrs. Smith suspects his regard for Marianne, disapproves of it. Perhaps because she has other views for him, This is what happened. He is aware that she disapproves the connection, he dares not therefore at present confess to her his engagement with Marianne, and he feels himself obliged to absent himself from Devonshire for a while. And now, Elinor, what have you to say?”

“Nothing, for you have anticipated my answer.

”

“Oh, Elinor, how incomprehensible are your feelings! Do you suspect him of anything?”

“I can hardly tell. But suspicion of something unpleasant is the inevitable consequence of his behaviour. Willoughby can undoubtedly have very sufficient reasons for his conduct, and I hope that he has.”

“Do not blame him, however.”

“It may be proper to conceal their engagement (if they are engaged) from Mrs.