Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/83

 library is too well known to me to be resorted to for anything beyond mere amusement; but there are many works well worth reading at the Park, and there are others of more modern production, which I know I can borrow of Colonel Brandon. By reading only six hours a day I shall gain in the course of a twelvemonth a great deal of instruction, which I now feel myself to want.'"

In the same gently satirical tone we are told how Mrs. Dashwood receives the information of Colonel Brandon's attachment for Marianne, when—perhaps rather too soon—he ventures to tell her of it, and to entreat her to countenance and further it. He is well aware that Marianne has never cared for him, but he hopes with time and perseverance to succeed in his suit, and Mrs. Dashwood, who has never, until then, contemplated him as a lover for Marianne, relates to Elinor what has passed.

"'At last we are alone. My Elinor, you do not yet know all my happiness. Colonel Brandon loves Marianne; he has told me so himself.'

"Her daughter, feeling by turns both pleased and pained, surprised and not surprised, was all silent attention.

"'You are never like me, dear Elinor, or I should wonder at your composure now. Had I sat down to wish for any possible good to my family I should have fixed on Colonel Brandon's marrying one of you as the object most desirable, and I believe Marianne will be the most happy with him of the two.'

"Elinor was half inclined to ask her reason for thinking so, because, satisfied that none founded on an impartial consideration of their age, characters, or feelings could be given