to claim Elinor's compassion on being unable to see
Edward, though he had arrived in town with Mr. and
Mrs. Dashwood. He dared not come to Bartlett's
Buildings for fear of detection, and though their mutual
impatience to meet, was not to be told, they could do
nothing at present but write.

Edward assured them himself of his being in town,
within a very short time, by twice calling in Berkeley-
street. Twice was his card found on the table, when
they returned from their morning's engagements. Elinor
was pleased that he had called; and still more pleased
that she had missed him.

The Dashwoods were so prodigiously delighted with
the Middletons, that though not much in the habit of
giving any thing, they determined to give them--
a dinner; and soon after their acquaintance began,
invited them to dine in Harley-street, where they had
taken a very good house for three months. Their sisters
and Mrs. Jennings were invited likewise, and John
Dashwood was careful to secure Colonel Brandon, who,
always glad to be where the Miss Dashwoods were,
received his eager civilities with some surprise, but much
more pleasure. They were to meet Mrs. Ferrars; but
Elinor could not learn whether her sons were to be of
the party. The expectation of seeing her, however, was
enough to make her interested in the engagement; for
though she could now meet Edward's mother without
that strong anxiety which had once promised to attend
such an introduction, though she could now see her with
perfect indifference as to her opinion of herself, her
desire of being in company with Mrs. Ferrars, her
curiosity to know what she was like, was as lively
as ever.

The interest with which she thus anticipated the
party, was soon afterwards increased, more powerfully
than pleasantly, by her hearing that the Miss Steeles
were also to be at it.

So well had they recommended themselves to Lady

-230-