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"I was afraid you would think I was taking a great liberty with you," said she, "in telling you all this I have not known you long to be sure, personally at least, but I have known you and all your fareat while; and as soon as I saw you, I felt almost as if you was an old acquaintance Besides in the present case, I really thought so such particular inquiries about Edward's mother; and I am so unfortunate, that I have not a creature whose advice I can ask Anne is the only person that knows of it, and she has no judgood, for I a ue, as you ht in the world t'other day, when Edward's name was mentioned by Sir John, lest she should out with it all You can't think how ether I only wonder that I am alive after what I have suffered for Edward's sake these last four years Every thing in such suspense and uncertainty; and seeing him so seldom--we can hardly meet above twice a-year I am sure I wonder my heart is not quite broke"

Here she took out her handkerchief; but Elinor did not feel very co her eyes, "I think whether it would not be better for us both to break off the matter entirely" As she said this, she looked directly at her coh for it-- I cannot bear the thoughts ofhi would do And on my own account too--so dear as he is to me--I don't think I could be equal to it What would you advise me to do in such a case, Miss Dashwood? What would you do yourself?"

"Pardon ive you no advice under such circument must direct you"

"To be sure," continued Lucy, after a few minutes silence on both sides, "his mother must provide for him sometime or other; but poor Edward is so cast down by it! Did you not think him dreadful low-spirited when he was at Barton? He was so o to you, that I was afraid you would think him quite ill"