CHAPTER XI.

Little head Mrs. Dashwood or her daughter's imagined, when they first came into Devonshire,

that so many engagements 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 home in a broad, which Sir John

had been previously forming, 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 meeting of the kind, Willoughby 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 him opportunity of witnessing the excellencies

of Marianne, of marking his animated admiration of her, and of receiving in her behavior to

himself the most pointed assurance of her affection.

Eleanor could not be surprised at their attachment, she only wished that it were less openly shown,

and once or twice did venture to suggest the propriety of some self-command to Marianne.

But Marianne, aboard all concealment, where no real disgrace could attend unreserve, and

to aim at the restraint of sentiments which were not in themselves, allaudible, appeared

to her not merely an unnecessary effort, but a disgraceful subjection of reason to common

place and mistaken notions.

Willoughby thought the same, and their behavior at all times was an illustration of their opinions.

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