Page:Austen - Sense and Sensibility, vol. III, 1811.djvu/288

 and that she wishes for nothing so much as to be on good terms with her children.”

This paragraph was of some importance to the prospects and conduct of Edward. It determined him to attempt a reconciliation, though not exactly in the manner pointed out by their brother and sister.

“A letter of proper submission!” repeated he; “would they have me beg my mother’s pardon for Robert’s ingratitude to her, and breach of honour to me?—I can make no submission—I am grown neither humble nor penitent by what has passed.—I am grown very happy, but that would not interest.—I know of no submission that is proper for me to make.”

“You may certainly ask to be forgiven,” said Elinor, “because you have offended;—and I should think you