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 Middl

lining 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, d

or 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.

and when they caught in their faces the animating gales of a high south-westerly wind, they piti

d Marianne, "superior to this?-Margaret

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 t

t her suddenly to the ground; and Margaret, unable to stop herself to assi

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

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,

ood 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

er 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

llowed him to get out of doors; and Marianne's accident being related to him, he wa

country? That is good news however; I will ride

then," said

e I do. Why, he is d

rt of a youn

, I assure you. A very decent shot, and

ndignantly. "But what are his manners on more intimate a

was rathe

But he is a pleasant, good humoured fellow, and has got the nicest li

he colour of Mr. Willoughby's pointer, than he

. "Where does he come from?

rt, 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; a

hters 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 eve

d Sir John. "I remember last Christmas at a little hop at the park,

nne with sparkling eyes, "an

p again at eight t

be. Whatever be his pursuits, his eagerness in them shou

"I see how it will be. You will be setting your

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 reproof; but he laughed as heart

n! he is quite smitten already, and he is very well worth setting your cap at,