feat_summary_path: finished_summaries/sparknotes/Sense and Sensibility/section_1_part_0.txt
feat_book_id: Sense and Sensibility.chapters 6-10
feat_summary_id: chapters 6-10
feat_summary: {"name": "Chapters 6-10", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210123003206/https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/sensibility/section2/", "summary": "In early September, Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret journey to Barton Cottage, their new home. They are welcomed by Sir John Middleton, who is their landlord and Mrs. Dashwood's cousin. Sir John is a friendly, generous man of about forty, but his wife, Lady Middleton, is more cold and reserved. The Middletons live with four children at Barton Park, just half a mile away from the Dashwoods' new cottage. Sir John and Lady Middleton invite the Dashwoods to their home for dinner. Two additional guests arrive at the party: Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton's mother and a merry busybody with rather vulgar tastes; and Colonel Brandon, Sir John's friend and a kind, quiet bachelor in his late thirties. After dinner, Marianne entertains the guests by playing on the pianoforte, and Colonel Brandon seems particularly taken by her performance. A few days later, Mrs. Jennings announces to the Dashwoods that she believes Colonel Brandon is quite in love with Marianne. Marianne tells her mother that the Colonel is far too old and infirm to fall in love, but Elinor immediately rushes to his defense. Elinor, however, argues that his complaint of slight rheumatism should render him ineligible for marriage. When Elinor leaves the room, Marianne remarks to her mother how strange it is that Edward has not yet come to visit them at Barton and that his farewell to Elinor was so calm and cordial. One morning, Marianne and Margaret set off to explore the hills near Barton, leaving their mother and elder sister reading and writing in the cottage. Suddenly, it begins pouring rain, and the girls have no choice but to run down the steep hill that leads back to the cottage. While running, Marianne falls and twists her ankle. Fortunately, a dashing gentleman comes along and carries Marianne home. When they reach Barton Cottage, he tells all the women that his name is Willoughby and that he hails from Allenham, about a mile and a half away. Willoughby promises to call on them the next day. Later, in answer to Marianne's persistent questions, Sir John informs the Dashwoods that Willoughby is an amiable gentleman and an excellent shot who is likely to inherit the fortune of an elderly female relative, whom he lives with at Allenham Court. The next day, when Willoughby visits, Marianne discovers that they share a love for music and dancing as well as all the same favorite authors. When Willoughby leaves, Elinor teases her sister that she and Willoughby have discussed every matter of consequence at their first meeting and will have little to say to each other the next time they meet. Nonetheless, Willoughby continues to visit Marianne every day. Mrs. Dashwood admires Willoughby, but Elinor fears that he sometimes displays little caution or good judgment. Elinor also becomes increasingly aware of Colonel Brandon's affections for Marianne. She is distressed when Willoughby remarks to the sisters that Colonel Brandon strikes him as rather boring and unremarkable, in spite of his good sense and irreproachable character. Clearly evident in these chapters are Austen's satiric voice and her keen understanding of human nature, particularly when she comments on the role of Lady Middleton's son as a conversation piece between the Dashwoods and the Middletons. She writes that: Conversation... , for Sir John was very chatty, and Lady Middleton had taken the wise precaution of bringing with her their eldest child, a fine little boy about six years old; by which means there was one subject always to be recurred to by the ladies in case of extremity, for they had to enquire his name and age, admire his beauty, and ask him questions which his mother answered for him... On every formal visit a child ought to be of the party, by way of provision for discourse. In the present case it took up ten minutes to determine whether the boy were most like his father or mother, and in what particular he resembled either, for of course every body differed, and every body was astonished at the opinion of the others. Here, Austen's use of the overarching, gnomic statements establishes a piercing irony. She writes that on every formal visit a child ought to be of the party, but knows, of course, that no one really cares which parent a child more closely resembles; Austen mocks all the ludicrous and rather irrelevant conversations devoted to this question. Austen explains that Sir John tried to invite other guests to his home to greet the Dashwoods, but it was moonlight so everyone was already engaged. During this busy social period, Sir John was unable to invite any guests beyond his mother-in-law and his good friend Brandon; this is another subtle way of telling the reader that this family is not the most interesting or agreeable company. Austen's opinion of her characters nearly always coincides with that of her heroine, Elinor Dashwood. Like the omniscient Austen, Elinor can appreciate the nobility of Colonel Brandon's gravity and reserve. Unlike Marianne, appearances do not dazzle the oldest sister: even though Willoughby at first seems like a considerate and kind gentleman, she immediately detects and becomes suspicious of his impulsivity and lack of prudence. In these chapters, as well as throughout the book, one can ascertain Austen's opinions of her characters by examining those of Elinor Dashwood. As Elinor comes to appreciate Colonel Brandon as a man of good sense, Willoughby is increasingly characterized by excessive sensibility. Brandon, like herself, is well-read and wise, whereas Willoughby is overly romantic and headstrong like Marianne. Ironically, both of these men are attracted to Marianne, though Willoughby has much more in common with her. Marianne's own preference for Willoughby, and its disastrous consequences, reveal the danger of excessive sensibility and the importance of looking beyond appearances when judging human character.", "analysis": ""}
text: 
  
  The first part of their journey was performed in too melancholy a
  disposition to be otherwise than tedious and unpleasant.  But as they
  drew towards the end of it, their interest in the appearance of a
  country which they were to inhabit overcame their dejection, and a view
  of Barton Valley as they entered it gave them cheerfulness.  It was a
  pleasant fertile spot, well wooded, and rich in pasture.  After winding
  along it for more than a mile, they reached their own house.  A small
  green court was the whole of its demesne in front; and a neat wicket
  gate admitted them into it.
  
  As a house, Barton Cottage, though small, was comfortable and compact;
  but as a cottage it was defective, for the building was regular, the
  roof was tiled, the window shutters were not painted green, nor were
  the walls covered with honeysuckles.  A narrow passage led directly
  through the house into the garden behind.  On each side of the entrance
  was a sitting room, about sixteen feet square; and beyond them were the
  offices and the stairs.  Four bed-rooms and two garrets formed the rest
  of the house.  It had not been built many years and was in good repair.
  In comparison of Norland, it was poor and small indeed!--but the tears
  which recollection called forth as they entered the house were soon
  dried away.  They were cheered by the joy of the servants on their
  arrival, and each for the sake of the others resolved to appear happy.
  It was very early in September; the season was fine, and from first
  seeing the place under the advantage of good weather, they received an
  impression in its favour which was of material service in recommending
  it to their lasting approbation.
  
  The situation of the house was good.  High hills rose immediately
  behind, and at no great distance on each side; some of which were open
  downs, the others cultivated and woody.  The village of Barton was
  chiefly on one of these hills, and formed a pleasant view from the
  cottage windows.  The prospect in front was more extensive; it
  commanded the whole of the valley, and reached into the country beyond.
  The hills which surrounded the cottage terminated the valley in that
  direction; under another name, and in another course, it branched out
  again between two of the steepest of them.
  
  With the size and furniture of the house Mrs. Dashwood was upon the
  whole well satisfied; for though her former style of life rendered many
  additions to the latter indispensable, yet to add and improve was a
  delight to her; and she had at this time ready money enough to supply
  all that was wanted of greater elegance to the apartments.  "As for the
  house itself, to be sure," said she, "it is too small for our family,
  but we will make ourselves tolerably comfortable for the present, as it
  is too late in the year for improvements.  Perhaps in the spring, if I
  have plenty of money, as I dare say I shall, we may think about
  building.  These parlors are both too small for such parties of our
  friends as I hope to see often collected here; and I have some thoughts
  of throwing the passage into one of them with perhaps a part of the
  other, and so leave the remainder of that other for an entrance; this,
  with a new drawing room which may be easily added, and a bed-chamber
  and garret above, will make it a very snug little cottage.  I could
  wish the stairs were handsome.  But one must not expect every thing;
  though I suppose it would be no difficult matter to widen them.  I
  shall see how much I am before-hand with the world in the spring, and
  we will plan our improvements accordingly."
  
  In the mean time, till all these alterations could be made from the
  savings of an income of five hundred a-year by a woman who never saved
  in her life, they were wise enough to be contented with the house as it
  was; and each of them was busy in arranging their particular concerns,
  and endeavoring, by placing around them books and other possessions, to
  form themselves a home.  Marianne's pianoforte was unpacked and
  properly disposed of; and Elinor's drawings were affixed to the walls
  of their sitting room.
  
  In such employments as these they were interrupted soon after breakfast
  the next day by the entrance of their landlord, who called to welcome
  them to Barton, and to offer them every accommodation from his own
  house and garden in which theirs might at present be deficient.  Sir
  John Middleton was a good looking man about forty.  He had formerly
  visited at Stanhill, but it was too long for his young cousins to
  remember him.  His countenance was thoroughly good-humoured; and his
  manners were as friendly as the style of his letter.  Their arrival
  seemed to afford him real satisfaction, and their comfort to be an
  object of real solicitude to him.  He said much of his earnest desire
  of their living in the most sociable terms with his family, and pressed
  them so cordially to dine at Barton Park every day till they were
  better settled at home, that, though his entreaties were carried to a
  point of perseverance beyond civility, they could not give offence.
  His kindness was not confined to words; for within an hour after he
  left them, a large basket full of garden stuff and fruit arrived from
  the park, which was followed before the end of the day by a present of
  game.  He insisted, moreover, on conveying all their letters to and
  from the post for them, and would not be denied the satisfaction of
  sending them his newspaper every day.
  
  Lady Middleton had sent a very civil message by him, denoting her
  intention of waiting on Mrs. Dashwood as soon as she could be assured
  that her visit would be no inconvenience; and as this message was
  answered by an invitation equally polite, her ladyship was introduced
  to them the next day.
  
  They were, of course, very anxious to see a person on whom so much of
  their comfort at Barton must depend; and the elegance of her appearance
  was favourable to their wishes.  Lady Middleton was not more than six
  or seven and twenty; her face was handsome, her figure tall and
  striking, and her address graceful.  Her manners had all the elegance
  which her husband's wanted.  But they would have been improved by some
  share of his frankness and warmth; and her visit was long enough to
  detract something from their first admiration, by shewing that, though
  perfectly well-bred, she was reserved, cold, and had nothing to say for
  herself beyond the most common-place inquiry or remark.
  
  Conversation however was not wanted, for Sir John was very chatty, and
  Lady Middleton had taken the wise precaution of bringing with her their
  eldest child, a fine little boy about six years old, by which means
  there was one subject always to be recurred to by the ladies in case of
  extremity, for they had to enquire his name and age, admire his beauty,
  and ask him questions which his mother answered for him, while he hung
  about her and held down his head, to the great surprise of her
  ladyship, who wondered at his being so shy before company, as he could
  make noise enough at home.  On every formal visit a child ought to be
  of the party, by way of provision for discourse.  In the present case
  it took up ten minutes to determine whether the boy were most like his
  father or mother, and in what particular he resembled either, for of
  course every body differed, and every body was astonished at the
  opinion of the others.
  
  An opportunity was soon to be given to the Dashwoods of debating on the
  rest of the children, as Sir John would not leave the house without
  securing their promise of dining at the park the next day.
  
  
  
  
  Barton Park was about half a mile from the cottage.  The ladies had
  passed near it in their way along the valley, but it was screened from
  their view at home by the projection of a hill.  The house was large
  and handsome; and the Middletons lived in a style of equal hospitality
  and elegance.  The former was for Sir John's gratification, the latter
  for that of his lady.  They were scarcely ever without some friends
  staying with them in the house, and they kept more company of every
  kind than any other family in the neighbourhood.  It was necessary to
  the happiness of both; for however dissimilar in temper and outward
  behaviour, they strongly resembled each other in that total want of
  talent and taste which confined their employments, unconnected with
  such as society produced, within a very narrow compass.  Sir John was a
  sportsman, Lady Middleton a mother.  He hunted and shot, and she
  humoured her children; and these were their only resources.  Lady
  Middleton had the advantage of being able to spoil her children all the
  year round, while Sir John's independent employments were in existence
  only half the time.  Continual engagements at home and abroad, however,
  supplied all the deficiencies of nature and education; supported the
  good spirits of Sir John, and gave exercise to the good breeding of his
  wife.
  
  Lady Middleton piqued herself upon the elegance of her table, and of
  all her domestic arrangements; and from this kind of vanity was her
  greatest enjoyment in any of their parties.  But Sir John's
  satisfaction in society was much more real; he delighted in collecting
  about him more young people than his house would hold, and the noisier
  they were the better was he pleased.  He was a blessing to all the
  juvenile part of the neighbourhood, for in summer he was for ever
  forming parties to eat cold ham and chicken out of doors, and in winter
  his private balls were numerous enough for any young lady who was not
  suffering under the unsatiable appetite of fifteen.
  
  The arrival of a new family in the country was always a matter of joy
  to him, and in every point of view he was charmed with the inhabitants
  he had now procured for his cottage at Barton.  The Miss Dashwoods were
  young, pretty, and unaffected.  It was enough to secure his good
  opinion; for to be unaffected was all that a pretty girl could want to
  make her mind as captivating as her person.  The friendliness of his
  disposition made him happy in accommodating those, whose situation
  might be considered, in comparison with the past, as unfortunate.  In
  showing kindness to his cousins therefore he had the real satisfaction
  of a good heart; and in settling a family of females only in his
  cottage, he had all the satisfaction of a sportsman; for a sportsman,
  though he esteems only those of his sex who are sportsmen likewise, is
  not often desirous of encouraging their taste by admitting them to a
  residence within his own manor.
  
  Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters were met at the door of the house by
  Sir John, who welcomed them to Barton Park with unaffected sincerity;
  and as he attended them to the drawing room repeated to the young
  ladies the concern which the same subject had drawn from him the day
  before, at being unable to get any smart young men to meet them.  They
  would see, he said, only one gentleman there besides himself; a
  particular friend who was staying at the park, but who was neither very
  young nor very gay.  He hoped they would all excuse the smallness of
  the party, and could assure them it should never happen so again.  He
  had been to several families that morning in hopes of procuring some
  addition to their number, but it was moonlight and every body was full
  of engagements.  Luckily Lady Middleton's mother had arrived at Barton
  within the last hour, and as she was a very cheerful agreeable woman,
  he hoped the young ladies would not find it so very dull as they might
  imagine.  The young ladies, as well as their mother, were perfectly
  satisfied with having two entire strangers of the party, and wished for
  no more.
  
  Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton's mother, was a good-humoured, merry,
  fat, elderly woman, who talked a great deal, seemed very happy, and
  rather vulgar.  She was full of jokes and laughter, and before dinner
  was over had said many witty things on the subject of lovers and
  husbands; hoped they had not left their hearts behind them in Sussex,
  and pretended to see them blush whether they did or not.  Marianne was
  vexed at it for her sister's sake, and turned her eyes towards Elinor
  to see how she bore these attacks, with an earnestness which gave
  Elinor far more pain than could arise from such common-place raillery
  as Mrs. Jennings's.
  
  Colonel Brandon, the friend of Sir John, seemed no more adapted by
  resemblance of manner to be his friend, than Lady Middleton was to be
  his wife, or Mrs. Jennings to be Lady Middleton's mother.  He was
  silent and grave.  His appearance however was not unpleasing, in spite
  of his being in the opinion of Marianne and Margaret an absolute old
  bachelor, for he was on the wrong side of five and thirty; but though
  his face was not handsome, his countenance was sensible, and his
  address was particularly gentlemanlike.
  
  There was nothing in any of the party which could recommend them as
  companions to the Dashwoods; but the cold insipidity of Lady Middleton
  was so particularly repulsive, that in comparison of it the gravity of
  Colonel Brandon, and even the boisterous mirth of Sir John and his
  mother-in-law was interesting.  Lady Middleton seemed to be roused to
  enjoyment only by the entrance of her four noisy children after dinner,
  who pulled her about, tore her clothes, and put an end to every kind of
  discourse except what related to themselves.
  
  In the evening, as Marianne was discovered to be musical, she was
  invited to play.  The instrument was unlocked, every body prepared to
  be charmed, and Marianne, who sang very well, at their request went
  through the chief of the songs which Lady Middleton had brought into
  the family on her marriage, and which perhaps had lain ever since in
  the same position on the pianoforte, for her ladyship had celebrated
  that event by giving up music, although by her mother's account, she
  had played extremely well, and by her own was very fond of it.
  
  Marianne's performance was highly applauded.  Sir John was loud in his
  admiration at the end of every song, and as loud in his conversation
  with the others while every song lasted.  Lady Middleton frequently
  called him to order, wondered how any one's attention could be diverted
  from music for a moment, and asked Marianne to sing a particular song
  which Marianne had just finished.  Colonel Brandon alone, of all the
  party, heard her without being in raptures.  He paid her only the
  compliment of attention; and she felt a respect for him on the
  occasion, which the others had reasonably forfeited by their shameless
  want of taste.  His pleasure in music, though it amounted not to that
  ecstatic delight which alone could sympathize with her own, was
  estimable when contrasted against the horrible insensibility of the
  others; and she was reasonable enough to allow that a man of five and
  thirty might well have outlived all acuteness of feeling and every
  exquisite power of enjoyment.  She was perfectly disposed to make every
  allowance for the colonel's advanced state of life which humanity
  required.
  
  
  
  
  Mrs. Jennings was a widow with an ample jointure.  She had only two
  daughters, both of whom she had lived to see respectably married, and
  she had now therefore nothing to do but to marry all the rest of the
  world.  In the promotion of this object she was zealously active, as
  far as her ability reached; and missed no opportunity of projecting
  weddings among all the young people of her acquaintance.  She was
  remarkably quick in the discovery of attachments, and had enjoyed the
  advantage of raising the blushes and the vanity of many a young lady by
  insinuations of her power over such a young man; and this kind of
  discernment enabled her soon after her arrival at Barton decisively to
  pronounce that Colonel Brandon was very much in love with Marianne
  Dashwood.  She rather suspected it to be so, on the very first evening
  of their being together, from his listening so attentively while she
  sang to them; and when the visit was returned by the Middletons' dining
  at the cottage, the fact was ascertained by his listening to her again.
  It must be so.  She was perfectly convinced of it.  It would be an
  excellent match, for HE was rich, and SHE was handsome.  Mrs. Jennings
  had been anxious to see Colonel Brandon well married, ever since her
  connection with Sir John first brought him to her knowledge; and she
  was always anxious to get a good husband for every pretty girl.
  
  The immediate advantage to herself was by no means inconsiderable, for
  it supplied her with endless jokes against them both.  At the park she
  laughed at the colonel, and in the cottage at Marianne.  To the former
  her raillery was probably, as far as it regarded only himself,
  perfectly indifferent; but to the latter it was at first
  incomprehensible; and when its object was understood, she hardly knew
  whether most to laugh at its absurdity, or censure its impertinence,
  for she considered it as an unfeeling reflection on the colonel's
  advanced years, and on his forlorn condition as an old bachelor.
  
  Mrs. Dashwood, who could not think a man five years younger than
  herself, so exceedingly ancient as he appeared to the youthful fancy of
  her daughter, ventured to clear Mrs. Jennings from the probability of
  wishing to throw ridicule on his age.
  
  "But at least, Mama, you cannot deny the absurdity of the accusation,
  though you may not think it intentionally ill-natured.  Colonel Brandon
  is certainly younger than Mrs. Jennings, but he is old enough to be MY
  father; and if he were ever animated enough to be in love, must have
  long outlived every sensation of the kind.  It is too ridiculous!  When
  is a man to be safe from such wit, if age and infirmity will not
  protect him?"
  
  "Infirmity!" said Elinor, "do you call Colonel Brandon infirm?  I can
  easily suppose that his age may appear much greater to you than to my
  mother; but you can hardly deceive yourself as to his having the use of
  his limbs!"
  
  "Did not you hear him complain of the rheumatism?  and is not that the
  commonest infirmity of declining life?"
  
  "My dearest child," said her mother, laughing, "at this rate you must
  be in continual terror of MY decay; and it must seem to you a miracle
  that my life has been extended to the advanced age of forty."
  
  "Mama, you are not doing me justice.  I know very well that Colonel
  Brandon is not old enough to make his friends yet apprehensive of
  losing him in the course of nature.  He may live twenty years longer.
  But thirty-five has nothing to do with matrimony."
  
  "Perhaps," said Elinor, "thirty-five and seventeen had better not have
  any thing to do with matrimony together.  But if there should by any
  chance happen to be a woman who is single at seven and twenty, I should
  not think Colonel Brandon's being thirty-five any objection to his
  marrying HER."
  
  "A woman of seven and twenty," said Marianne, after pausing a moment,
  "can never hope to feel or inspire affection again, and if her home be
  uncomfortable, or her fortune small, I can suppose that she might bring
  herself to submit to the offices of a nurse, for the sake of the
  provision and security of a wife.  In his marrying such a woman
  therefore there would be nothing unsuitable.  It would be a compact of
  convenience, and the world would be satisfied.  In my eyes it would be
  no marriage at all, but that would be nothing.  To me it would seem
  only a commercial exchange, in which each wished to be benefited at the
  expense of the other."
  
  "It would be impossible, I know," replied Elinor, "to convince you that
  a woman of seven and twenty could feel for a man of thirty-five
  anything near enough to love, to make him a desirable companion to her.
  But I must object to your dooming Colonel Brandon and his wife to the
  constant confinement of a sick chamber, merely because he chanced to
  complain yesterday (a very cold damp day) of a slight rheumatic feel in
  one of his shoulders."
  
  "But he talked of flannel waistcoats," said Marianne; "and with me a
  flannel waistcoat is invariably connected with aches, cramps,
  rheumatisms, and every species of ailment that can afflict the old and
  the feeble."
  
  "Had he been only in a violent fever, you would not have despised him
  half so much.  Confess, Marianne, is not there something interesting to
  you in the flushed cheek, hollow eye, and quick pulse of a fever?"
  
  Soon after this, upon Elinor's leaving the room, "Mama," said
  Marianne, "I have an alarm on the subject of illness which I cannot
  conceal from you.  I am sure Edward Ferrars is not well.  We have now
  been here almost a fortnight, and yet he does not come.  Nothing but
  real indisposition could occasion this extraordinary delay.  What else
  can detain him at Norland?"
  
  "Had you any idea of his coming so soon?" said Mrs. Dashwood.  "I had
  none.  On the contrary, if I have felt any anxiety at all on the
  subject, it has been in recollecting that he sometimes showed a want of
  pleasure and readiness in accepting my invitation, when I talked of his
  coming to Barton.  Does Elinor expect him already?"
  
  "I have never mentioned it to her, but of course she must."
  
  "I rather think you are mistaken, for when I was talking to her
  yesterday of getting a new grate for the spare bedchamber, she observed
  that there was no immediate hurry for it, as it was not likely that the
  room would be wanted for some time."
  
  "How strange this is! what can be the meaning of it!  But the whole of
  their behaviour to each other has been unaccountable! How cold, how
  composed were their last adieus! How languid their conversation the
  last evening of their being together! In Edward's farewell there was no
  distinction between Elinor and me: it was the good wishes of an
  affectionate brother to both.  Twice did I leave them purposely
  together in the course of the last morning, and each time did he most
  unaccountably follow me out of the room.  And Elinor, in quitting
  Norland and Edward, cried not as I did.  Even now her self-command is
  invariable.  When is she dejected or melancholy? When does she try to
  avoid society, or appear restless and dissatisfied in it?"
  
  
  
  
  The Dashwoods were now settled at Barton with tolerable comfort to
  themselves.  The house and the garden, with all the objects surrounding
  them, were now become familiar, and the ordinary pursuits which had
  given to Norland half its charms were engaged in again with far greater
  enjoyment than Norland had been able to afford, since the loss of their
  father.  Sir John Middleton, who called on them every day for the first
  fortnight, and who was not in the habit of seeing much occupation at
  home, could not conceal his amazement on finding them always employed.
  
  Their visitors, except those from Barton Park, were not many; for, in
  spite of Sir John's urgent entreaties that they would mix more in the
  neighbourhood, and repeated assurances of his carriage being always at
  their service, the independence of Mrs. Dashwood's spirit overcame the
  wish of society for her children; and she was resolute in declining to
  visit any family beyond the distance of a walk.  There were but few who
  could be so classed; and it was not all of them that were attainable.
  About a mile and a half from the cottage, along the narrow winding
  valley of Allenham, which issued from that of Barton, as formerly
  described, the girls had, in one of their earliest walks, discovered an
  ancient respectable looking mansion which, by reminding them a little
  of Norland, interested their imagination and made them wish to be
  better acquainted with it.  But they learnt, on enquiry, that its
  possessor, an elderly lady of very good character, was unfortunately
  too infirm to mix with the world, and never stirred from home.
  
  The whole country about them abounded in beautiful walks.  The high
  downs which invited them from almost every window of the cottage to
  seek the exquisite enjoyment of air on their summits, were a happy
  alternative when the dirt of the valleys beneath shut up their superior
  beauties; and towards one of these hills did Marianne and Margaret one
  memorable morning direct their steps, attracted by the partial sunshine
  of a showery sky, and unable longer to bear the confinement which the
  settled rain of the two preceding days had occasioned.  The weather was
  not tempting enough to draw the two others from their pencil and their
  book, in spite of Marianne's declaration that the day would be
  lastingly fair, and that every threatening cloud would be drawn off
  from their hills; and the two girls set off together.
  
  They gaily ascended the downs, rejoicing in their own penetration at
  every glimpse of blue sky; and when they caught in their faces the
  animating gales of a high south-westerly wind, they pitied the fears
  which had prevented their mother and Elinor from sharing such
  delightful sensations.
  
  "Is there a felicity in the world," said Marianne, "superior to
  this?--Margaret, we will walk here at least two hours."
  
  Margaret agreed, and they pursued their way against the wind, resisting
  it with laughing delight for about twenty minutes longer, when suddenly
  the clouds united over their heads, and a driving rain set full in
  their face.-- Chagrined and surprised, they were obliged, though
  unwillingly, to turn back, for no shelter was nearer than their own
  house.  One consolation however remained for them, to which the
  exigence of the moment gave more than usual propriety; it was that of
  running with all possible speed down the steep side of the hill which
  led immediately to their garden gate.
  
  They set off.  Marianne had at first the advantage, but a false step
  brought her suddenly to the ground; and Margaret, unable to stop
  herself to assist her, was involuntarily hurried along, and reached the
  bottom in safety.
  
  A gentleman carrying a gun, with two pointers playing round him, was
  passing up the hill and within a few yards of Marianne, when her
  accident happened.  He put down his gun and ran to her assistance.  She
  had raised herself from the ground, but her foot had been twisted in
  her fall, and she was scarcely able to stand.  The gentleman offered
  his services; and perceiving that her modesty declined what her
  situation rendered necessary, took her up in his arms without farther
  delay, and carried her down the hill.  Then passing through the garden,
  the gate of which had been left open by Margaret, he bore her directly
  into the house, whither Margaret was just arrived, and quitted not his
  hold till he had seated her in a chair in the parlour.
  
  Elinor and her mother rose up in amazement at their entrance, and while
  the eyes of both were fixed on him with an evident wonder and a secret
  admiration which equally sprung from his appearance, he apologized for
  his intrusion by relating its cause, in a manner so frank and so
  graceful that his person, which was uncommonly handsome, received
  additional charms from his voice and expression.  Had he been even old,
  ugly, and vulgar, the gratitude and kindness of Mrs. Dashwood would
  have been secured by any act of attention to her child; but the
  influence of youth, beauty, and elegance, gave an interest to the
  action which came home to her feelings.
  
  She thanked him again and again; and, with a sweetness of address which
  always attended her, invited him to be seated.  But this he declined,
  as he was dirty and wet.  Mrs. Dashwood then begged to know to whom she
  was obliged.  His name, he replied, was Willoughby, and his present
  home was at Allenham, from whence he hoped she would allow him the
  honour of calling tomorrow to enquire after Miss Dashwood.  The honour
  was readily granted, and he then departed, to make himself still more
  interesting, in the midst of a heavy rain.
  
  His manly beauty and more than common gracefulness were instantly the
  theme of general admiration, and the laugh which his gallantry raised
  against Marianne received particular spirit from his exterior
  attractions.-- Marianne herself had seen less of his Mama the
  rest, for the confusion which crimsoned over her face, on his lifting
  her up, had robbed her of the power of regarding him after their
  entering the house.  But she had seen enough of him to join in all the
  admiration of the others, and with an energy which always adorned her
  praise.  His person and air were equal to what her fancy had ever drawn
  for the hero of a favourite story; and in his carrying her into the
  house with so little previous formality, there was a rapidity of
  thought which particularly recommended the action to her.  Every
  circumstance belonging to him was interesting.  His name was good, his
  residence was in their favourite village, and she soon found out that
  of all manly dresses a shooting-jacket was the most becoming.  Her
  imagination was busy, her reflections were pleasant, and the pain of a
  sprained ankle was disregarded.
  
  Sir John called on them as soon as the next interval of fair weather
  that morning allowed him to get out of doors; and Marianne's accident
  being related to him, he was eagerly asked whether he knew any
  gentleman of the name of Willoughby at Allenham.
  
  "Willoughby!" cried Sir John; "what, is HE in the country? That is good
  news however; I will ride over tomorrow, and ask him to dinner on
  Thursday."
  
  "You know him then," said Mrs. Dashwood.
  
  "Know him! to be sure I do.  Why, he is down here every year."
  
  "And what sort of a young man is he?"
  
  "As good a kind of fellow as ever lived, I assure you.  A very decent
  shot, and there is not a bolder rider in England."
  
  "And is that all you can say for him?" cried Marianne, indignantly.
  "But what are his manners on more intimate acquaintance? What his
  pursuits, his talents, and genius?"
  
  Sir John was rather puzzled.
  
  "Upon my soul," said he, "I do not know much about him as to all THAT.
  But he is a pleasant, good humoured fellow, and has got the nicest
  little black bitch of a pointer I ever saw.  Was she out with him
  today?"
  
  But Marianne could no more satisfy him as to the colour of Mr.
  Willoughby's pointer, than he could describe to her the shades of his
  mind.
  
  "But who is he?" said Elinor.  "Where does he come from?  Has he a
  house at Allenham?"
  
  On this point Sir John could give more certain intelligence; and he
  told them that Mr. Willoughby had no property of his own in the
  country; that he resided there only while he was visiting the old lady
  at Allenham Court, to whom he was related, and whose possessions he was
  to inherit; adding, "Yes, yes, he is very well worth catching I can
  tell you, Miss Dashwood; he has a pretty little estate of his own in
  Somersetshire besides; and if I were you, I would not give him up to my
  younger sister, in spite of all this tumbling down hills.  Miss
  Marianne must not expect to have all the men to herself.  Brandon will
  be jealous, if she does not take care."
  
  "I do not believe," said Mrs. Dashwood, with a good humoured smile,
  "that Mr. Willoughby will be incommoded by the attempts of either of MY
  daughters towards what you call CATCHING him.  It is not an employment
  to which they have been brought up.  Men are very safe with us, let
  them be ever so rich.  I am glad to find, however, from what you say,
  that he is a respectable young man, and one whose acquaintance will not
  be ineligible."
  
  "He is as good a sort of fellow, I believe, as ever lived," repeated
  Sir John.  "I remember last Christmas at a little hop at the park, he
  danced from eight o'clock till four, without once sitting down."
  
  "Did he indeed?" cried Marianne with sparkling eyes, "and with
  elegance, with spirit?"
  
  "Yes; and he was up again at eight to ride to covert."
  
  "That is what I like; that is what a young man ought to be.  Whatever
  be his pursuits, his eagerness in them should know no moderation, and
  leave him no sense of fatigue."
  
  "Aye, aye, I see how it will be," said Sir John, "I see how it will be.
  You will be setting your cap at him now, and never think of poor
  Brandon."
  
  "That is an expression, Sir John," said Marianne, warmly, "which I
  particularly dislike.  I abhor every common-place phrase by which wit
  is intended; and 'setting one's cap at a man,' or 'making a conquest,'
  are the most odious of all.  Their tendency is gross and illiberal; and
  if their construction could ever be deemed clever, time has long ago
  destroyed all its ingenuity."
  
  Sir John did not much understand this reproof; but he laughed as
  heartily as if he did, and then replied,
  
  "Ay, you will make conquests enough, I dare say, one way or other.
  Poor Brandon! he is quite smitten already, and he is very well worth
  setting your cap at, I can tell you, in spite of all this tumbling
  about and spraining of ankles."
  
  
  
  
  Marianne's preserver, as Margaret, with more elegance than precision,
  styled Willoughby, called at the cottage early the next morning to make
  his personal enquiries.  He was received by Mrs. Dashwood with more
  than politeness; with a kindness which Sir John's account of him and
  her own gratitude prompted; and every thing that passed during the
  visit tended to assure him of the sense, elegance, mutual affection,
  and domestic comfort of the family to whom accident had now introduced
  him.  Of their personal charms he had not required a second interview
  to be convinced.
  
  Miss Dashwood had a delicate complexion, regular features, and a
  remarkably pretty figure.  Marianne was still handsomer.  Her form,
  though not so correct as her sister's, in having the advantage of
  height, was more striking; and her face was so lovely, that when in the
  common cant of praise, she was called a beautiful girl, truth was less
  violently outraged than usually happens.  Her skin was very brown, but,
  from its transparency, her complexion was uncommonly brilliant; her
  features were all good; her smile was sweet and attractive; and in her
  eyes, which were very dark, there was a life, a spirit, an eagerness,
  which could hardily be seen without delight.  From Willoughby their
  expression was at first held back, by the embarrassment which the
  remembrance of his assistance created.  But when this passed away, when
  her spirits became collected, when she saw that to the perfect
  good-breeding of the gentleman, he united frankness and vivacity, and
  above all, when she heard him declare, that of music and dancing he was
  passionately fond, she gave him such a look of approbation as secured
  the largest share of his discourse to herself for the rest of his stay.
  
  It was only necessary to mention any favourite amusement to engage her
  to talk.  She could not be silent when such points were introduced, and
  she had neither shyness nor reserve in their discussion.  They speedily
  discovered that their enjoyment of dancing and music was mutual, and
  that it arose from a general conformity of judgment in all that related
  to either.  Encouraged by this to a further examination of his
  opinions, she proceeded to question him on the subject of books; her
  favourite authors were brought forward and dwelt upon with so rapturous
  a delight, that any young man of five and twenty must have been
  insensible indeed, not to become an immediate convert to the excellence
  of such works, however disregarded before.  Their taste was strikingly
  alike.  The same books, the same passages were idolized by each--or if
  any difference appeared, any objection arose, it lasted no longer than
  till the force of her arguments and the brightness of her eyes could be
  displayed.  He acquiesced in all her decisions, caught all her
  enthusiasm; and long before his visit concluded, they conversed with
  the familiarity of a long-established acquaintance.
  
  "Well, Marianne," said Elinor, as soon as he had left them, "for ONE
  morning I think you have done pretty well.  You have already
  ascertained Mr. Willoughby's opinion in almost every matter of
  importance.  You know what he thinks of Cowper and Scott; you are
  certain of his estimating their beauties as he ought, and you have
  received every assurance of his admiring Pope no more than is proper.
  But how is your acquaintance to be long supported, under such
  extraordinary despatch of every subject for discourse?  You will soon
  have exhausted each favourite topic.  Another meeting will suffice to
  explain his sentiments on picturesque beauty, and second marriages, and
  then you can have nothing farther to ask."--
  
  "Elinor," cried Marianne, "is this fair? is this just? are my ideas so
  scanty?  But I see what you mean.  I have been too much at my ease, too
  happy, too frank.  I have erred against every common-place notion of
  decorum; I have been open and sincere where I ought to have been
  reserved, spiritless, dull, and deceitful--had I talked only of the
  weather and the roads, and had I spoken only once in ten minutes, this
  reproach would have been spared."
  
  "My love," said her mother, "you must not be offended with Elinor--she
  was only in jest.  I should scold her myself, if she were capable of
  wishing to check the delight of your conversation with our new
  friend."-- Marianne was softened in a moment.
  
  Willoughby, on his side, gave every proof of his pleasure in their
  acquaintance, which an evident wish of improving it could offer.  He
  came to them every day.  To enquire after Marianne was at first his
  excuse; but the encouragement of his reception, to which every day gave
  greater kindness, made such an excuse unnecessary before it had ceased
  to be possible, by Marianne's perfect recovery.  She was confined for
  some days to the house; but never had any confinement been less
  irksome.  Willoughby was a young man of good abilities, quick
  imagination, lively spirits, and open, affectionate manners.  He was
  exactly formed to engage Marianne's heart, for with all this, he joined
  not only a captivating person, but a natural ardour of mind which was
  now roused and increased by the example of her own, and which
  recommended him to her affection beyond every thing else.
  
  His society became gradually her most exquisite enjoyment.  They read,
  they talked, they sang together; his musical talents were considerable;
  and he read with all the sensibility and spirit which Edward had
  unfortunately wanted.
  
  In Mrs. Dashwood's estimation he was as faultless as in Marianne's; and
  Elinor saw nothing to censure in him but a propensity, in which he
  strongly resembled and peculiarly delighted her sister, of saying too
  much what he thought on every occasion, without attention to persons or
  circumstances.  In hastily forming and giving his opinion of other
  people, in sacrificing general politeness to the enjoyment of undivided
  attention where his heart was engaged, and in slighting too easily the
  forms of worldly propriety, he displayed a want of caution which Elinor
  could not approve, in spite of all that he and Marianne could say in
  its support.
  
  Marianne began now to perceive that the desperation which had seized
  her at sixteen and a half, of ever seeing a man who could satisfy her
  ideas of perfection, had been rash and unjustifiable.  Willoughby was
  all that her fancy had delineated in that unhappy hour and in every
  brighter period, as capable of attaching her; and his behaviour
  declared his wishes to be in that respect as earnest, as his abilities
  were strong.
  
  Her mother too, in whose mind not one speculative thought of their
  marriage had been raised, by his prospect of riches, was led before the
  end of a week to hope and expect it; and secretly to congratulate
  herself on having gained two such sons-in-law as Edward and Willoughby.
  
  Colonel Brandon's partiality for Marianne, which had so early been
  discovered by his friends, now first became perceptible to Elinor, when
  it ceased to be noticed by them.  Their attention and wit were drawn
  off to his more fortunate rival; and the raillery which the other had
  incurred before any partiality arose, was removed when his feelings
  began really to call for the ridicule so justly annexed to sensibility.
  Elinor was obliged, though unwillingly, to believe that the sentiments
  which Mrs. Jennings had assigned him for her own satisfaction, were now
  actually excited by her sister; and that however a general resemblance
  of disposition between the parties might forward the affection of Mr.
  Willoughby, an equally striking opposition of character was no
  hindrance to the regard of Colonel Brandon.  She saw it with concern;
  for what could a silent man of five and thirty hope, when opposed to a
  very lively one of five and twenty? and as she could not even wish him
  successful, she heartily wished him indifferent.  She liked him--in
  spite of his gravity and reserve, she beheld in him an object of
  interest.  His manners, though serious, were mild; and his reserve
  appeared rather the result of some oppression of spirits than of any
  natural gloominess of temper.  Sir John had dropped hints of past
  injuries and disappointments, which justified her belief of his being
  an unfortunate man, and she regarded him with respect and compassion.
  
  Perhaps she pitied and esteemed him the more because he was slighted by
  Willoughby and Marianne, who, prejudiced against him for being neither
  lively nor young, seemed resolved to undervalue his merits.
  
  "Brandon is just the kind of man," said Willoughby one day, when they
  were talking of him together, "whom every body speaks well of, and
  nobody cares about; whom all are delighted to see, and nobody remembers
  to talk to."
  
  "That is exactly what I think of him," cried Marianne.
  
  "Do not boast of it, however," said Elinor, "for it is injustice in
  both of you.  He is highly esteemed by all the family at the park, and
  I never see him myself without taking pains to converse with him."
  
  "That he is patronised by YOU," replied Willoughby, "is certainly in
  his favour; but as for the esteem of the others, it is a reproach in
  itself.  Who would submit to the indignity of being approved by such a
  woman as Lady Middleton and Mrs. Jennings, that could command the
  indifference of any body else?"
  
  "But perhaps the abuse of such people as yourself and Marianne will
  make amends for the regard of Lady Middleton and her mother.  If their
  praise is censure, your censure may be praise, for they are not more
  undiscerning, than you are prejudiced and unjust."
  
  "In defence of your protege you can even be saucy."
  
  "My protege, as you call him, is a sensible man; and sense will always
  have attractions for me.  Yes, Marianne, even in a man between thirty
  and forty.  He has seen a great deal of the world; has been abroad, has
  read, and has a thinking mind.  I have found him capable of giving me
  much information on various subjects; and he has always answered my
  inquiries with readiness of good-breeding and good nature."
  
  "That is to say," cried Marianne contemptuously, "he has told you, that
  in the East Indies the climate is hot, and the mosquitoes are
  troublesome."
  
  "He WOULD have told me so, I doubt not, had I made any such inquiries,
  but they happened to be points on which I had been previously informed."
  
  "Perhaps," said Willoughby, "his observations may have extended to the
  existence of nabobs, gold mohrs, and palanquins."
  
  "I may venture to say that HIS observations have stretched much further
  than your candour.  But why should you dislike him?"
  
  "I do not dislike him.  I consider him, on the contrary, as a very
  respectable man, who has every body's good word, and nobody's notice;
  who, has more money than he can spend, more time than he knows how to
  employ, and two new coats every year."
  
  "Add to which," cried Marianne, "that he has neither genius, taste, nor
  spirit.  That his understanding has no brilliancy, his feelings no
  ardour, and his voice no expression."
  
  "You decide on his imperfections so much in the mass," replied Elinor,
  "and so much on the strength of your own imagination, that the
  commendation I am able to give of him is comparatively cold and
  insipid.  I can only pronounce him to be a sensible man, well-bred,
  well-informed, of gentle address, and, I believe, possessing an amiable
  heart."
  
  "Miss Dashwood," cried Willoughby, "you are now using me unkindly.  You
  are endeavouring to disarm me by reason, and to convince me against my
  will.  But it will not do.  You shall find me as stubborn as you can be
  artful.  I have three unanswerable reasons for disliking Colonel
  Brandon; he threatened me with rain when I wanted it to be fine; he has
  found fault with the hanging of my curricle, and I cannot persuade him
  to buy my brown mare.  If it will be any satisfaction to you, however,
  to be told, that I believe his character to be in other respects
  irreproachable, I am ready to confess it.  And in return for an
  acknowledgment, which must give me some pain, you cannot deny me the
  privilege of disliking him as much as ever."
  
  
  
feat_summary_name: Chapters 6-10
target: In early September, Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret journey to Barton Cottage, their new home. They are welcomed by Sir John Middleton, who is their landlord and Mrs. Dashwood's cousin. Sir John is a friendly, generous man of about forty, but his wife, Lady Middleton, is more cold and reserved. The Middletons live with four children at Barton Park, just half a mile away from the Dashwoods' new cottage. Sir John and Lady Middleton invite the Dashwoods to their home for dinner. Two additional guests arrive at the party: Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton's mother and a merry busybody with rather vulgar tastes; and Colonel Brandon, Sir John's friend and a kind, quiet bachelor in his late thirties. After dinner, Marianne entertains the guests by playing on the pianoforte, and Colonel Brandon seems particularly taken by her performance. A few days later, Mrs. Jennings announces to the Dashwoods that she believes Colonel Brandon is quite in love with Marianne. Marianne tells her mother that the Colonel is far too old and infirm to fall in love, but Elinor immediately rushes to his defense. Elinor, however, argues that his complaint of slight rheumatism should render him ineligible for marriage. When Elinor leaves the room, Marianne remarks to her mother how strange it is that Edward has not yet come to visit them at Barton and that his farewell to Elinor was so calm and cordial. One morning, Marianne and Margaret set off to explore the hills near Barton, leaving their mother and elder sister reading and writing in the cottage. Suddenly, it begins pouring rain, and the girls have no choice but to run down the steep hill that leads back to the cottage. While running, Marianne falls and twists her ankle. Fortunately, a dashing gentleman comes along and carries Marianne home. When they reach Barton Cottage, he tells all the women that his name is Willoughby and that he hails from Allenham, about a mile and a half away. Willoughby promises to call on them the next day. Later, in answer to Marianne's persistent questions, Sir John informs the Dashwoods that Willoughby is an amiable gentleman and an excellent shot who is likely to inherit the fortune of an elderly female relative, whom he lives with at Allenham Court. The next day, when Willoughby visits, Marianne discovers that they share a love for music and dancing as well as all the same favorite authors. When Willoughby leaves, Elinor teases her sister that she and Willoughby have discussed every matter of consequence at their first meeting and will have little to say to each other the next time they meet. Nonetheless, Willoughby continues to visit Marianne every day. Mrs. Dashwood admires Willoughby, but Elinor fears that he sometimes displays little caution or good judgment. Elinor also becomes increasingly aware of Colonel Brandon's affections for Marianne. She is distressed when Willoughby remarks to the sisters that Colonel Brandon strikes him as rather boring and unremarkable, in spite of his good sense and irreproachable character. Clearly evident in these chapters are Austen's satiric voice and her keen understanding of human nature, particularly when she comments on the role of Lady Middleton's son as a conversation piece between the Dashwoods and the Middletons. She writes that: Conversation... , for Sir John was very chatty, and Lady Middleton had taken the wise precaution of bringing with her their eldest child, a fine little boy about six years old; by which means there was one subject always to be recurred to by the ladies in case of extremity, for they had to enquire his name and age, admire his beauty, and ask him questions which his mother answered for him... On every formal visit a child ought to be of the party, by way of provision for discourse. In the present case it took up ten minutes to determine whether the boy were most like his father or mother, and in what particular he resembled either, for of course every body differed, and every body was astonished at the opinion of the others. Here, Austen's use of the overarching, gnomic statements establishes a piercing irony. She writes that on every formal visit a child ought to be of the party, but knows, of course, that no one really cares which parent a child more closely resembles; Austen mocks all the ludicrous and rather irrelevant conversations devoted to this question. Austen explains that Sir John tried to invite other guests to his home to greet the Dashwoods, but it was moonlight so everyone was already engaged. During this busy social period, Sir John was unable to invite any guests beyond his mother-in-law and his good friend Brandon; this is another subtle way of telling the reader that this family is not the most interesting or agreeable company. Austen's opinion of her characters nearly always coincides with that of her heroine, Elinor Dashwood. Like the omniscient Austen, Elinor can appreciate the nobility of Colonel Brandon's gravity and reserve. Unlike Marianne, appearances do not dazzle the oldest sister: even though Willoughby at first seems like a considerate and kind gentleman, she immediately detects and becomes suspicious of his impulsivity and lack of prudence. In these chapters, as well as throughout the book, one can ascertain Austen's opinions of her characters by examining those of Elinor Dashwood. As Elinor comes to appreciate Colonel Brandon as a man of good sense, Willoughby is increasingly characterized by excessive sensibility. Brandon, like herself, is well-read and wise, whereas Willoughby is overly romantic and headstrong like Marianne. Ironically, both of these men are attracted to Marianne, though Willoughby has much more in common with her. Marianne's own preference for Willoughby, and its disastrous consequences, reveal the danger of excessive sensibility and the importance of looking beyond appearances when judging human character.