CHAPTER IX.

The dash-woods were now settled at Barton with tolerable comfort to themselves.

The house in the garden, with all the objects surrounding them, were now become familiar,

and the ordinary 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 Middleton, who called on them every day for the first fortnight, and who was

not in the habit of seeing much occupation at home, could not conceal his amazement on

finding them always employed.

Their visitors, except those from Barton Park, were not many.

For in spite of Sir John's urgent entreaties that they would mix more in the neighborhood,

and repeated assurances of his carriage being always at their service, the independence

of Mrs. Dashwood's spirit overcame the wish of society for her children, and she was

resolute in declining 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 Alenham, which

issued from that of Barton, has formally described, the girls had in one of their earliest walks,

discovered an ancient, respectable-looking mansion, which, by reminding them a little of

Norland, interested their imagination, and made them wish to be better acquainted with

it.

But they learned, on inquiry, that its possessor, an elderly lady, a very good character,

was unfortunately too infirm to mix with the world, and never stirred from home.

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