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 In this dilemma it had occurred to Elinor to have recourse to the stranger; but the stranger desired to be excused: Mrs. Maple seemed now to be softened in her favour; and it would be both imprudent and improper to risk provoking fresh irritation, by coming forward in an enterprize that was a known subject of dissention.

Elinor, when she had formed a wish, never listened to an objection. "What an old fashioned style you prose in!" she cried; "who could believe you came so lately from France? But example has no more force without sympathy, than precept has without opinion! However, I'll get you a licence from Aunt Maple in a minute."

She went down stairs, and, returning almost immediately, cried, "Aunt Maple is quite contented. I told her I was going to send for Mr. Creek, a horrible little pettifogging wretch, who lives in this neighbourhood, and whom she particularly detests, to be our prompter;