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Little had Mrs Dashwood or her daughters iagements would arise to occupy their time as shortly presented themselves, or that they should have such frequent invitations and such constant visitors as to leave them little leisure for serious employment Yet such was the case When Marianne was recovered, the schemes of amusement at ho, were put into execution The private balls at the park then began; and parties on the water were made and accomplished as often as a showery October would allow In every hby was included; and the ease and familiarity which naturally attended these parties were exactly calculated to give increasing intimacy to his acquaintance with the Dashwoods, to afford hi the excellencies of Marianne, of , in her behaviour to himself, the most pointed assurance of her affection
Elinor could not be surprised at their attachment She only wished that it were less openly shewn; and once or twice did venture to suggest the propriety of some self-command to Marianne But Marianne abhorred all concealrace could attend unreserve; and to aim at the restraint of sentiments which were not in themselves illaudable, appeared to her not raceful subjection of reason to coht the same; and their behaviour at all times, was an illustration of their opinions
When he was present she had no eyes for any one else Every thing he did, was right Every thing he said, was clever If their evenings at the park were concluded with cards, he cheated hiood hand If dancing forht, they were partners for half the tied to separate for a couple of dances, were careful to stand together and scarcely spoke a word to any body else Such conduct hed at; but ridicule could not shame, and seemed hardly to provoke thes with a war this excessive display of the affection in a young and ardent mind
This was the season of happiness to Marianne Her heart was devoted to Willoughby, and the fond attachht with her froht it possible before, by the charms which his society bestowed on her present home