CHAPTER XX

As the mist Ashwoods entered the drawing room of the park the next day, at one door, Mrs.

Palmer came running in at the other, looking as good-humored and married as before.

She took them all most affectionately by the hand, and expressed great delight in seeing

them again.

"'I am so glad to see you,' said she, seating herself between Eleanor and Mary Ann.

For it is so bad a day I was afraid you might not come, which would be a shocking thing,

as we go away again tomorrow.

We must go, for the Westons come to us next week, you know.

It was quite a sudden thing, our coming at all, and I knew nothing of it, till the carriage

was coming to the door, and then Mr. Palmer asked me if I would go with him to Barton.

He is so drool, he never tells me anything.

"'I am so sorry we cannot stay longer.

However, we shall meet again in town very soon, I hope.'

They were obliged to put an end to such an expectation.

"'Not go to town,' cried Mrs. Palmer, with a laugh.

"'I shall be quite disappointed if you do not.

I could get the nicest house in the world for you, next door to ours, in Hanover Square.

You must come indeed.

I am sure I shall be very happy to shaperown you at any time till I am confined.

If Mrs. Dashwood should not like to go into public.'

They thanked her, but were obliged to resist all her entreaties.

...