She would not even admit it to have been natural;
and Elinor left her to be convinced that it was so,
by that which only could convince her, a better knowledge
of mankind.
Her first communication had reached no farther than
to state the fact of the engagement, and the length of time
it had existed.--Marianne's feelings had then broken in,
and put an end to all regularity of detail; and for some
time all that could be done was to soothe her distress,
lessen her alarms, and combat her resentment. The first
question on her side, which led to farther particulars,
was,
"How long has this been known to you, Elinor? has
he written to you?"
"I have known it these four months. When Lucy
first came to Barton Park last November, she told me
in confidence of her engagement."
At these words, Marianne's eyes expressed the astonishment
which her lips could not utter. After a pause of wonder,
she exclaimed--
"Four months!--Have you known of this four months?"
Elinor confirmed it.
"What!--while attending me in all my misery, has this
been on your heart?--And I have reproached you for being
happy!"--
"It was not fit that you should then know how much
I was the reverse!"
"Four months!"--cried Marianne again.
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